Hedonist Prodigy

Chapter 68: Spirit Vein Grass

Pei Yuanshan stayed at Jiang Feng’s residence for two days. During this time, Pei Ruoxi visited several times, each arrival marked by her noisy, impulsive demeanor. She would shoot Jiang Feng a few disdainful looks, pick unreasonable fights, and then leave in a huff without staying long.  

Jiang Feng naturally paid no attention to her. Over these two days, Pei Yuanshan’s injuries had improved significantly—his mobility was no longer an issue. As a skilled physician himself, with profound medical knowledge, Pei Yuanshan would have recovered fully even without the nourishing spiritual energy of Jiang Feng’s courtyard.  

Since Pei Yuanshan’s initial probing of Jiang Feng’s abilities, the two had engaged in several long conversations, developing a mutual admiration that bordered on regret for not having met sooner. They were well on their way to becoming close friends despite their age difference.  

Pei Yuanshan unreservedly praised Jiang Feng’s medical skills and, without holding back, taught him his most prized technique—the Rejuvenation Needle Method. In return, Jiang Feng shared his own medical insights, and the two exchanged knowledge freely.  

The Rejuvenation Needle Method was profound and intricate, divided into twin techniques—one orthodox, one unorthodox. Used in tandem, they could unblock the body’s meridians and stimulate vitality. When applied, the needles moved as gently as a spring breeze, causing no discomfort to the patient. Instead, the patient would feel a cooling sensation, as if bathed in rejuvenating warmth—living up to the technique’s name of restoring life with a single needle.  

According to Pei Yuanshan, mastering this method to its peak—where one could guide needles with Qi—could reverse death itself, reviving even a dying person like withered wood regaining life in spring. Despite studying it for decades, Pei Yuanshan admitted he had only grasped the basics. Yet even this rudimentary understanding had earned him the reputation of a divine physician.  

Jiang Feng only needed to hear the needle technique’s mnemonic verses to recognize its authenticity. The method appeared deceptively simple, but the timing, positioning, and manipulation of the needles were all meticulously precise. The slightest deviation could drastically reduce its efficacy. At its highest level, it could truly perform miracles.  

*****  

“Jiang Feng,” Pei Yuanshan suddenly remarked, “A while ago, President Hua personally sought me out. I noticed she suffered from a severe illness—her forehead had a deathly pallor, a sign of imminent demise. Yet, someone had already treated her with remarkable skill. At the time, I wondered who in Yanjing could be so capable. Now, I realize it must have been you.”  

Jiang Feng was surprised that President Hua had consulted Pei Yuanshan. “Since you recognized her condition, do you have a cure?”  

“A dying person, nearing their end, is beyond medicine’s reach,” Pei Yuanshan shook his head.  

Jiang Feng smiled bitterly. Though harsh, Pei Yuanshan’s words were not wrong. Using the Nine Yang Needles, Jiang Feng had forcibly extended President Hua’s life by two years, but once that time passed, she would inevitably perish.  

Unless he achieved a breakthrough by then, her fate was indeed sealed.  

After a pause, Jiang Feng asked, “What if someone from the Qihuang Sect intervened? Would she still be incurable?”  

“The Qihuang Sect?!” Pei Yuanshan’s expression darkened in shock. “How… how do you know of them?”  

“I heard about them recently. Is there something unusual about this sect?” Jiang Feng found Pei Yuanshan’s reaction odd.  

Pei Yuanshan sighed. “If you’ve heard of them, you likely know their nature. Though they claim to heal the world, they’ve long strayed from the righteous path. Their disciples are arrogant and unorthodox. If you ever encounter them, be extremely cautious. Even if they intervened, President Hua’s illness might still be untreatable.”  

“From your tone, it seems you know much about them?” Jiang Feng probed subtly.  

“Only rumors,” Pei Yuanshan murmured, then sighed again. “Remember what I told you before? In my youth, I clashed with someone—a disciple of the Qihuang Sect.”  

“So that’s it.” Jiang Feng frowned. If true, the situation was far more complicated than he thought. Worse, that person might have already reached the Mystic Realm, far beyond Jiang Feng’s current strength.  

No wonder Pei Yuanshan reacted so strongly. The Qihuang Sect was not only mysterious but also immensely powerful—though their exact whereabouts remained unknown.  

Before Jiang Feng could speak further, Pei Yuanshan raised a hand. “Just heed my warning. I can’t tell you more.”  

Jiang Feng nodded, though his thoughts were already racing. He had already killed that Mr. Shen, earning the Qihuang Sect’s enmity. Moreover, after capturing that strange bird, it was only a matter of time before they came for him.  

*****  

Not wanting to dwell on the past, Pei Yuanshan changed the subject. “Jiang Feng, these past two days, I’ve been studying your Nine Yang Needle Technique. The more I learn, the more profound it seems—yet I feel something’s missing. Why is that?”  

Jiang Feng set aside his thoughts. “You’re right. The Nine Yang Needles are only half of the complete method. The full technique is called the Nine Yin Nine Yang Needles, but the Nine Yin half has been lost to time. All I know is this partial version.”  

Back at the car accident scene, Jiang Feng had used the Nine Yang Needles to treat the elderly victims. The technique was fierce and unyielding, while the lost Nine Yin Needles were gentle and enduring. Together, they formed a perfect balance.  

He had stumbled upon this method in an ancient ruin, and it had been one of the key factors behind his reputation as a peerless physician in his past life.  

Yet, with his current strength, Jiang Feng couldn’t even unleash a tenth of its power. Even so, its effects were already astonishing.  

“I see…” Pei Yuanshan sighed regretfully. “Even half of this technique is miraculous. If the full set were recovered, its power would be unimaginable.”  

Jiang Feng smiled. “The Nine Yin Needles are lost. I doubt we’ll ever see them.”  

“Yet you’ve already obtained the Nine Yang Needles and this Hundred-Fruit Tree. You’re a man of great fortune, Jiang Feng. Your future is boundless—don’t dwell on this small regret.”  

“Thank you for your wisdom,” Jiang Feng replied.  

Pei Yuanshan chuckled. “No need for modesty. I’m hardly qualified to teach you. But everyone has their own destiny. Perhaps one day, you’ll even find the Spirit Vein Grass.”  

“Spirit Vein Grass?” Jiang Feng’s interest was piqued.  

“Indeed. The Hundred-Fruit Tree’s fruit can only reach its full potential when combined with this catalyst. Some say it can revive the dead and regrow flesh. Yet despite decades of searching, I’ve found no trace of it. Still, discovering the Hundred-Fruit Tree in my lifetime is already a blessing.”  

“What does it look like?” Jiang Feng asked eagerly.  

If Pei Yuanshan held both herbs in such high regard, their combined effects must be extraordinary.  

Pei Yuanshan’s eyes grew distant. “I’ve never seen it. I only know of it from an ancient text I once obtained, which described both the Hundred-Fruit Tree and Spirit Vein Grass. The latter is said to be jade-white, thread-like, with tangled roots, growing in extreme cold. It tastes sweet yet pungent—consuming too much can cause fatal dehydration from excessive sweating. Yet despite scouring mountains and rivers, I’ve never found it.”  

Jiang Feng frowned. “Then isn’t it a deadly poison?”  

Pei Yuanshan smiled. “The deadliest poisons are also the greatest cures. The balance of yin and yang, life and death—that is the essence of medicine.”  

Jiang Feng nodded thoughtfully, committing every word to memory. Even if the chances were slim, stumbling upon this herb would be a monumental opportunity.  

*****  

Before leaving, Pei Yuanshan added, “Jiang Feng, from our first meeting, I knew you were extraordinary. If you ever face trouble, don’t hesitate to seek me out. I consider you a kindred spirit—I’ll help however I can.”  

“You’re leaving?” Though reluctant, Jiang Feng retrieved the jade Buddha he had taken from Pei Ruoxi. “I’ve been so engrossed in our discussions that I forgot to return this. Please give it back to Ruoxi and apologize on my behalf.”  

Pei Yuanshan accepted it without ceremony. “I’d nearly forgotten. But you kept this for a reason, didn’t you? You sensed something unusual about it.”  

“Yes,” Jiang Feng admitted.  

“This was a gift from Master Liaowu of Chankong Temple. If you ever get the chance, visit that temple. You might find another stroke of fortune there.”  

With that final hint, Pei Yuanshan departed.  

“Chankong Temple… Master Liaowu…” Jiang Feng murmured. If the monk had gifted Pei Yuanshan a magical artifact, he must be an extraordinary figure.  

“It seems I must visit Chankong Temple when time allows,” Jiang Feng resolved silently.