Rebirth of the Medical Maiden

Lin Wanqing lingered outside the council hall, morning breeze tugging her hair. She gazed at the Spirit Heart Grass, its gold fading yet pulsing faintly. Last night's banquet stunt with Zhao Xuan had floored everyone; today's heir test crushed Xue'er. She smirked: Xue'er schemed her heart out, only to pave my way.

Zhao Xuan stood beside her, silver armor gleaming. He glanced over. "Where'd you pick up that medicine trick?"

She winked slyly. "Natural genius, General. Your swordplay's unmatched too—perfect match, huh?"

He choked on her quip, grunting, "Less chatter. Xue'er's not done—what's your plan?"

Her tone sharpened, stroking the grass. "General, Li Fugui sent men last night, and Xue'er spilled about the Lin Clan Manual. It's real—we've got to beat them to it."

He frowned. "How much does Old Master Lin know?"

She shook her head. "Unclear. He trusts me now, but not fully. I'll dig deeper."

He nodded. "I'll track Li Fugui; you probe the manor. Post-banquet, we meet."

She grinned. "Reliable as ever, General—thanks! See you tonight!"

His ears pinked; he huffed, "Don't babble—go."

She giggled, musing: Hard shell, soft core—cute after last night's save.

Morning churned through Lin Manor, banquet buzz lingering. Xue'er's lockdown was prime gossip; Lin Wanqing stayed low. She nabbed Xiao Cui, whispering, "Scope Old Master's study—any hidden spots or secret rooms."

Xiao Cui dashed off. Lin Wanqing locked the shed, diving into the Realm.

Eyes shut, clutching the Spirit Heart Grass, she willed it. A phantom furnace rose by the spring. Tossing the grass in, purple light flared, morphing into a misty figure—white-haired, sage-like Hua Tuo.

"You hold the Spirit Heart Grass—know the medical soul's secrets," he intoned. "The Lin Clan Manual, my legacy, hides in Lin Manor's secret chamber. Only the awakened can claim it—but beware the poison haze."

Her heart raced. "Master, how do I break it?"

He smiled faintly. "Blend Spirit Heart Grass with Purple Dawn Grass. Caution—danger lurks."

He faded. Lin Wanqing snapped awake: Purple Dawn Grass? Got it last night—time to brew!

She fetched it from the Realm, mixing with the Spirit Heart Grass in the furnace, crafting a pale purple elixir—Clear Haze Powder. Sniffing it, she nodded. "This'll do."

Evening lit the hall anew, banquet day two roaring. Old Master Lin presided, eyes flicking to Lin Wanqing, still wary. Xue'er, confined, sent a maid to lurk, her glare venomous.

Lin Wanqing, in simple garb, entered calmly. Zhao Xuan stood in shadow, hawk-eyed. She sidled up. "General, any luck?"

He murmured, "Li Fugui's men tried again this morning—I nabbed them. He confessed Xue'er messaged him last night—another move tonight."

She squinted. "She's relentless. General, I'll hit the study—you block her spies."

He nodded. "Done. Be careful."

Mid-feast, Old Master Lin rose. "Wanqing, you shone last night—another go tonight?"

Her gut tightened, but she smiled. "Grandfather, I'm no circus act."

He snorted. "Then heal. Bring Old Zhang."

A servant staggered in, face blackened, breath faint—deep poison. "He fell ill last night—cure him, or I doubt you."

Lin Wanqing grinned. "Sure." Needles flew, guided by last night's Realm lesson, piercing points. She fed him a pill; soon, black blood spewed, color returning.

"Fixed," she chirped, dusting hands. "Grandfather, good enough?"

The crowd gasped; Old Master Lin squinted. "Fine—some skill."

Zhao Xuan neared, whispering, "Deep cover, huh?"

She teased, "Partners hide together, General!"

He chuckled, mumbling, "With me here, no one dares."

Post-banquet, Lin Wanqing slipped out, darting to the study. Zhao Xuan casually stalled Xue'er's maid, feigning chit-chat.

Inside, shelves loomed, candlelight dim. She shut her eyes; the Wheel spun, purple flaring—black mist seeped from behind a shelf. Tapping the wall, it echoed hollow.

"Hidden!" She groped, finding a loose brick. Pressing it, the shelf slid, revealing a stone door.

Beyond, black fog reeked. "Poison haze?" She sprinkled Clear Haze Powder; it dissolved, unveiling a narrow tunnel.

Creeping in, she reached a stone chamber. A table held an ancient tome—Lin Clan Manual. Flipping it, she found medico-martial secrets—longevity, even life-defying.

"Got it!" she cheered, but a chill hit. The Wheel flashed—a cloaked figure lunged with a dagger!

She dodged, needles striking points. He crumpled, groaning. "Li Fugui's man?" she demanded.

He gritted, "You're done!"

She smirked, stomping him. "Done? Thanks for dropping by!" She grabbed the book, exiting.

Back in the hall, she found Zhao Xuan. "General, manual secured—Li Fugui's goon too."

His eyes hardened. "Good. I'll handle him. You okay?"

She beamed. "With you around, how could I not be?"

His ears pinked; he muttered, "Less talk—move!"

They strode off, her heart musing: He's a keeper.

(End of Chapter)