Rebirth of the Medical Maiden

Lin Wanqing sat in Zhao Xuan's hidden study at the General's Mansion, the Lin Clan Manual exuding an ancient aura in her hands. She took a deep breath, the freshly forged "Ban-Breaker Pill" glowing faintly purple in her palm. "If this book's as wild as Hua Tuo claims—medicine and martial arts combined—I've got to master it fast before Xue'er and Li Fugui snatch it," she muttered.

Swallowing the pill, a warm surge erupted within, purple light spilling from her pendant, syncing with the Manual's essence. She closed her eyes, channeling its method; drug power fused with her inner force, racing through meridians, unclogging key points. Her body felt light, strength doubling—like she could shatter a stone table. Eyes popping open, she whooped, "This is insane! I could punch out a bull!"

Zhao Xuan, hearing, pushed the door open, frowning. "Done?"

She leapt up, buzzing. "General, it's unreal—I feel like I could fly!"

He snorted, "Don't get cocky. Dark guards just reported—Li Fugui's here, after your book."

She froze, then smirked, lips curling. "Perfect timing—I just powered up. Let's test it!"

He blinked at her bravado, then growled, "No heroics—come on. Yard's set."

She clapped, trailing him, musing: Ice last night, shield today—tough shell, gooey core.

The mansion's front yard lay hushed under deep night, dark guards poised. Lin Wanqing and Zhao Xuan stood center—she in plain robes, radiating edge; he with sword drawn, icy as frost. Footsteps shattered the silence, rapid and close.

Li Fugui stormed in with black-clad men. His silk robe clashed with his fleshy sneer; greed flared as he spotted the Manual. "Lin Wanqing, hand it over—I'll spare you!"

She laughed, hands on hips. "Li Fugui, gutsy—crashing a general's turf? Didn't last night's flunky warn you I'm trouble?"

He grinned darkly. "A reject playing tough? Xue'er said it's all luck—tonight it's gone!"

She arched a brow. "Xue'er? Still scheming with you? Guess her face-flop wasn't enough!" Her hand flicked; the Wheel spun, purple flashing—poison darts glinted behind him. "General, darts—right rear!" she hissed.

Zhao Xuan's blade sang, slicing darts mid-flight. He lunged, sword weaving havoc, screams echoing as foes fell.

Lin Wanqing jumped in, channeling the Manual. Drug force melded with her qi; a palm strike unleashed invisible power, blasting two goons yards away, dazed. "This rocks!" she marveled. "Call it 'Drug Soul Palm'—trash like you're done!"

Li Fugui bolted. She sneered, "Not so fast!" Needles flew, power-laced, pinning his legs like meteors. He crashed, howling, rolling in pain.

Zhao Xuan loomed, sword at his throat. "Who's behind you?"

Li Fugui gasped, "Kill me—the court'll still get you! I'm just a pawn!"

Lin Wanqing stepped up, eyes narrow. "Court? Spill—who's pulling strings?"

He cackled. "Caught me? Xue'er's got more—none of you escape tonight!"

Her gut clenched; the Wheel pulsed, purple blazing—black smoke billowed from Lin Manor's direction, flames leaping. "Trouble!" she yelled. "Lin Manor's hit!"

Zhao Xuan scowled. "Xue'er torched it?"

She gritted, "Likely! Banned, desperate—she'd burn it to kill evidence. General, we've got to go!"

He nodded, tossing Li Fugui to guards. "Lock him tight—interrogate. I'm with you."

They raced off on horseback, Lin Wanqing's mind churning: That lunatic Xue'er—my brother's there! She won't win!

Lin Manor blazed, smoke choking the air, clansmen fleeing in chaos. Lin Wanqing and Zhao Xuan charged in, spotting Xue'er by the hall, torch in hand, face twisted. Black-clad remnants—Li Fugui's men—flanked her.

"Lin Wanqing!" Xue'er shrieked, teeth bared. "You ruined me—tonight you burn!"

Lin Wanqing sneered, "Xue'er, face still a mess and back for more? Torching home—real classy for a Lin!"

Xue'er screeched, "Shut it! You stole my betrothal, shamed me—I'll end you!" She waved; goons lunged, blades gleaming.

Zhao Xuan snorted, sword flashing—two dropped. "Wanqing, I've got the back—take her!"

She nodded, channeling the Manual. Drug Soul Palm flared, mist surging with drug force, engulfing Xue'er. She choked, welts sprouting again. "You… poisoned me again?"

Lin Wanqing smirked. "Drug Soul Palm—mad dogs like you need it! Dream smack wasn't enough—here's more!" She darted, palm striking Xue'er's chest. A scream; Xue'er hit the dirt, torch igniting her skirt.

"Help!" Xue'er rolled, flames licking, a charred mess.

Lin Wanqing watched coolly. "Nice burn—saves me effort."

Zhao Xuan dispatched the rest, stepping over. "Self-inflicted."

She nodded, then shivered—a chill hit. The Wheel flared—a masked gunman burst from the blaze, spear aimed at her heart!

"Watch out!" Zhao Xuan roared, lunging to shield her, sword clashing spear. Sparks flew; he grunted, a gash tearing his shoulder.

"General!" Her heart seized.

He gritted, forcing the foe back. "I'm fine—go!"

Fury flared in her eyes; Drug Soul Palm erupted, purple waves slamming the gunman. He screamed, hurled back, crashing into a wall, out cold.

She grabbed Zhao Xuan, frantic. "You're hurt—let me fix it!" Needles flew, sealing points, staunching blood. She fussed, "Why play tough? Say it hurts—I won't tease!"

His ears pinked; he mumbled, "You nag too much."

She grinned up. "Nagging's my perk—get used to it, General!"

He smirked faintly, warmth creeping in.

Flames died; clansmen doused the blaze. Old Master Lin stormed in, seeing Xue'er scorched and wild, bellowing, "Xue'er, you've lost it!"

She wailed, "Grandfather, she forced me!"

Lin Wanqing scoffed, "Forced you? To torch the house? To team with Li Fugui?"

Zhao Xuan stepped up, icy. "Old Master, Li Fugui's caught—Xue'er's guilty. Your call."

Old Master Lin sighed. "Wanqing, you've suffered. Xue'er—lock her tight!"

Xue'er's cries faded as guards dragged her off. Lin Wanqing exhaled, turning to Zhao Xuan. "General, you pulled us through."

He shrugged. "Your palm's no joke either."

She winked. "So I'll guard you next—deal?"

His ears flared; he muttered, "Up to you."

She giggled: Tough shell, soft heart—he's mine.

Hooves rumbled afar. Her Wheel spun—masked riders neared, murderous. "General, more trouble!" she hissed.

He drew his blade, sharp. "Good—bring it!"

(End of Chapter)