AST 1318 – Imperial Cuisine Hall, People Coming from Li Clan’s Main Branch, Li Husheng

Li Yan’s change was seen by everyone and the impact on them was tremendous. Right now, Li Yan was looking at Qing Shui happily. The increase in her abilities and the increment of her grandfather’s lifespan was considered a double blessing.

“Thank you!” She thanked Qing Shui happily.

“I should thank you as well. Thank you for believing in me.” Although Qing Shui didn’t say much, the others instinctively looked toward the young man called Ye`er. This made him feel even more hatred toward Qing Shui. It was as if he had suffered a double loss.

“Hmph!” The young man called Ye`er left after a cold snort.

No one stopped him, nor did they say anything.

“Sir, he’s called Li Ye and is a member of Li Clan’s main branch. Please don’t bother yourself with him.” Old Master Li stood up and said a little helplessly.

Qing Shui understood from these words. The side branch of Li Clan was incomparable to the main branch. They were under the wings of the main branch. Li Ye was a member of the main branch and the power of the main branch was undeniable. However, they were indebted to Qing Shui and had huge potential. Everyone present could sense that with his medical skills, there was no way Qing Shui would remain a n.o.body. Therefore, they felt a little at a loss and could only console Qing Shui.

In this world, the interests of the clan were held above others and they appeared to be united. Therefore, Old Master could not reprimand Li Ye. Of course, it would be a totally different issue if Old Master Li was a member of the main branch. However, the thing was he was actually a member of the side branch while Li Ye was a member of the main branch.

“Old Master, you’ve made it sound too serious. I’ve encountered many things over the years and this is nothing. Life is full of ups and downs. I’m still young and there’s still a very long way ahead of me,” Qing Shui shook his head and said nonchalantly.

Old Master Li looked at Qing Shui and nodded, feeling full of praise for him. There weren’t many youngsters who had such great abilities but yet could hold their temper. Geniuses were all arrogant and the last thing they could tolerate was to be doubted by others. In fact, those geniuses didn’t know that doing that would end up putting them at a disadvantage.

There were things than a man should do and things which a man shouldn’t do. Sometimes, brute courage was not something recommended and if one was unable to hold it in when they encounter something, they could end up in trouble. Although this was easy to say, it wasn’t easy to put into practice.

Qing Shui really didn’t think much of it. He just didn’t wish to create trouble for this side branch of the Li Clan. He didn’t care even for Li Clan’s main clan.

“Old Sir, let’s forget about the matter of taking in a disciple. I don’t have that kind of ability. In the future, we can frequently discuss issues on medical skills. What do you think?”

Earlier, the act of Soulsearch wanting to recognize Qing Shui as his Master had made Li Ye felt displeased. If it were to go through, what would he have to call Qing Shui? Therefore, he left directly, interrupting the issue.

The others knew of the Ghost Physician’s abilities. Therefore, when they heard that he had wanted to have Qing Shui be his Master, they were all so shocked that their jaws almost dropped off. How amazing must one’s medical abilities be for him to be able to become Ghost Physician’s teacher?

“We’ll do as you say. Right, please do come visit my Imperial Cuisine Hall. I’d like to get your guidance.” Soulsearch could tell that Qing Shui wasn’t a petty person. A powerful physician would definitely have a high level of attainment in medicinal cuisine.

“Let’s look into it together. I’m also very curious in this area. I’ll need you to provide me with some guidance as well.” Qing Shui had yet to use a lot of his Culinary Arts. He had only cooked for the people around him before and had yet to think of cooking for others. Therefore, he hadn’t studied much into his Culinary Arts.

Very quickly, Li Clan set up a feast for Qing Shui and Soulsearch. Since Qing Shui was still foreign to this place and had forged a connection with Li Clan and Soulsearch, he decided to start from here first.

Fate was something very amazing. Qing Shui had no choice but to believe in its existence. When one encountered something which couldn’t be explained, it was affinity. There were good and bad ones but they were all affinities. He neither believe in them not did he reject them.

Not many people attended the banquet and there were only the people who were from Old Master Li’s group. When the banquet ended, Old Master Li had tried to persuade Qing Shui to stay but it was only after Qing Shui had promised that he would return very soon did he then leave with Soulsearch to take a look at the Imperial Cuisine Hall.

In fact, Qing Shui wanted to have more exchanges with Soulsearch as well. Regardless if he was the Ghost Physician or if he had any other nicknames, Qing Shui knew that for him to be able to cultivate his medical skills to such a level, it meant that he was a man of principles. If it was a person with principles, Qing Shui didn’t mind even if he was someone bad.

They took a beast carriage and headed for the Imperial Cuisine Hall.

“Mister Qing, where are you from?”

“You can call me Qing Shui!” Qing Shui said politely.

“Then how about this, if Brother Qing doesn’t mind, you can address me as Elder Brother!”

“Then Elder Brother, I shan’t stand on ceremony.”

“Haha, alright. I’m too happy today.”

“This is the first time I’ve been to the Dancing Phoenix Continent and I’ve only arrived today.” Qing Shui didn’t try to hide this but he wouldn’t say much either.

Soulsearch was stunned and he smiled and said, “Then we really do have an affinity.”

“What’s the reason you’ve come to the Dancing Phoenix Continent? I don’t have any other intentions. I just want to see if I can be of any help to you,” Soulsearch said.

“Elder Brother, you’re too polite. Although this is the first time we’ve met, I can still sense that you’re sincere.”

“I’ve some things to handle but it can’t be rushed. Therefore, I may need to come often in the future. I might even need to stay here for a very long period of time,” Qing Shui smiled and said. He didn’t go into detail but just made his general intentions clear.

“Brother, there’s no need to stand on ceremony. You can treat the Imperial Cuisine Hall like your own place.”

While they chatted, they soon arrived.

After getting off the carriage, Qing Shui looked toward the street. More than half of the street was filled with food related shops. It was a very wide and prosperous street. Before he entered, he could already smell a strange fragrance from it.

Various fragrances were mixed together. It wasn’t a bad smell but was a strange kind of fragrance. There were many people on the streets and many people could be seen entering or leaving all sorts of “food buildings”.

Those people were mostly cultivators or merchants. Looking at the prosperous scene, Qing Shui was taken aback as well. In his previous life, it was said that food and l.u.s.t were a person’s instincts. It seemed that this was true. When one’s desire for food was satiated, one would develop a desire for l.u.s.t.

Eating was a kind of enjoyment. The more powerful and the richer one was, the more particular he would be. It was even the wish of many to be able to try out all the delicacies in the world. Furthermore, sometimes, eating could allow one to improve their cultivation level and extend their lifespans. Food was the most direct form of replenishment for humans and even one’s spiritual Qi could be replenished through food. Medicinal pills could be said to be the condensed form of food made from medicinal herbs…

After a quick look, Qing Shui then turned his gaze toward the Imperial Cuisine Hall. It appeared very exquisite and majestic. This feeling made Qing Shui’s eyes light up. It gave one a feeling of indescribable novelty.

The Imperial Cuisine Hall was only five stories tall but each story was very high. Therefore, it was even taller than other buildings which were over ten stories tall. It took up a large land area as well. Looking at it gave one a comfortable feeling.

There were many people entering and leaving the place.

“Brother, come, let’s go in. I’ll let you have a look at my abilities.” Soulsearch was especially happy at this moment. It was apparent that he held his Imperial Cuisine Hall in high regard and was very proud of it as well.

The moment they entered, Qing Shui could smell an intoxicating fragrance. There were also medicinal fragrances and many other indescribable fragrances. Qing Shui’s sense of smell was very powerful as well and he could differentiate a lot of the medicinal herbs. Of course, there were also many he wasn’t familiar with.

Qing Shui smiled and nodded and then headed up with the old man. There were many people dining on the first story. There were also people who requested takeaways as well. On the second story, there were a few people standing at the stairs.

Soulsearch and Qing Shui went up to the second story. Those people only stood there upright, respectfully and bowed slightly. Upon arriving at the second story, Qing Shui noticed that there were only half the number of people compared to the first story. Qing Shui could also sense that the smell here was better and the ages of the medicinal herbs were also older. The effects of the medicinal porridge and other cuisine were also stronger.

Soulsearch and Qing Shui walked very slowly and Soul Search spoke to Qing Shui as they walked. The second story onward weren’t open to public and one would require special means to be able to head up to the second story.

Qing Shui understood from hearing it. If it was in his previous life, this would be considered a members.h.i.+p system. Only when one fulfilled certain criteria at the first story, would they then be given members.h.i.+p and a token. One would only be able to gain access to the higher stories subject to the tokens which they held.

The things like medicinal cuisine and medicinal porridge here were all very expensive but there was no shortage of rich people. Moreover, the effects of the medicinal cuisine here were very good. For example, some of them could strengthen the body while others could cure one’s ailments.

The third and fourth stories were more targeted toward cultivators and primarily focused on increasing one’s cultivation level and a small amount of lifespan. There were even fewer people on these two stories but the quality of the medicinal cuisine here was even higher. The fifth story was basically not open to the public. It was a place for Soulsearch to provide medical treatment to patients.

On the way, Qing Shui did not bring anything out. This medicinal cuisine weren’t as good as what he had. In the past, he neither looked at nor cooked the things listed in his Culinary Arts. In the past, he did not hold them in high regard but on seeing the Imperial Cuisine Hall now, he knew that he could have underestimated Culinary Arts.

Qing Shui and Soulsearch hadn’t been at the fifth story for long when a man wearing the Imperial Cuisine Hall’s uniform walked up. He walked very quickly. The fifth story didn’t take up a large area. The higher the story, the smaller the s.p.a.ce. They were in a big living hall here and there were over ten rooms surrounding it. Right now, Qing Shui and Soulsearch were in the hall.

Those rooms weren’t intended for people to stay in. They were basically used to store books, medicinal herbs and other things. Of course, the most valuable ones might not be stored here but could be stored in interspatial silk sachets. As for whether they were holding onto the interspatial silk sachet with them, it was unknown.

The man who walked up wasn’t old. He looked slightly younger than Qing Shui.

“Old Master, Mister Li is here and wants to meet you.”

“Let him come in!” Soulsearch sighed and said.

The man quickly headed down.

“Qing Shui, the person who’s here is a direct descendant of the Li Clan’s main branch. He’s the senior to Li Ye. He has contracted a strange illness and I’ll tell you about it later.”

After Soulsearch said this, a man who appeared a little pale walked in.

“Old Physician!”

Soulsearch stood up, “Husheng, you’re here. Take a seat!”

When Li Husheng saw Qing Shui, he quickly asked, “This is?”

“Oh, I forgot to introduce you. He is also a physician but is much better than myself,” Soulsearch smiled and said.

“Oh? How may I address you?” Li Husheng seemed to not believe it but still smiled and asked. He felt that Soulsearch could just be being polite earlier.

When Qing Shui saw this pale-faced man who had lost a large part of the yang energy in his body, he smiled and said, “I’m Qing Shui. h.e.l.lo, Mister Li!”

“Oh, h.e.l.lo Mister Qing. I’m pleased to meet you. I’m called Li Husheng. In the future, I might have to trouble you.”

Li Husheng was very polite and refined. Although Li Clan was very powerful, it was impossible for everyone in the main branch to be as proud as Li Ye. Or it could be said that Li Ye was too brainless and arrogant, not taking others seriously just because of how great his clan was.

“You’re too polite!” Qing Shui smiled and answered.

Li Husheng smiled and nodded before turning to Soulsearch, “Old Physician, how’s my illness? Can it be cured?”

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AST 1319 – This Is Scorpiosnake Poison [1], The Great Yehuang Clan, Powerful Life and Death Needles

Li Husheng looked at Soulsearch and asked uneasily, his eyes filled with antic.i.p.ation.

“Mister Li, I’ll only be able to suppress it temporarily,” Soulsearch said a little helplessly.

A faint hint of disappointment appeared on Li Husheng’s face. He was clear about his own condition and had approached many physicians for help. However, out of all the physicians he had approached, only Soulsearch was able to temporarily suppress it. In the long term, there was still no cure. Therefore, Soulsearch told him to look for better alchemists and physicians to help him.

The yang energy in his body continued to decrease and now, even his adam’s apple was deteriorating and his lower body was shrinking. This was driving him crazy. If all of his yang energy were to dissipate, then he would lose his life as well. Soulsearch could only help him to control his condition for half a year. If he still couldn’t find someone who could treat him within this time, he would probably only be able to hang on for another half a year at most.

“Qing Shui, why don’t you take a look at Mister Li’s condition? He’s a good man,” Soulsearch smiled and said.

Hearing Soulsearch’s words, Qing Shui knew that the former was trying to tell him that this person was unlike Li Ye and was a person he could treat. Therefore, Qing Shui smiled and nodded.

Li Husheng felt a little dejected. It could be because Qing Shui was still young. However, he still looked toward Qing Shui and said, “What do you need me to do?”

“Let me take your pulse.”

Hearing Qing Shui’s words, Li Husheng reached out his hand. However, there was still disappointment in his eyes. Soulsearch was a master in taking pulses and seeing Qing Shui’s method, which seemed to be ordinary, he didn’t hold much hope.

Very soon, Qing Shui was stunned and he looked at Li Husheng.

“You’ve been poisoned?”

“Poison? That’s impossible!” Li Husheng looked at Qing Shui in doubt.

When Soulsearch heard what Qing Shui said, he was also taken aback. He then looked toward Qing Shui. Soulsearch felt that this was a strange illness where one’s yang energy would deteriorate. One could only be healthy when the yin and yang energies in their body were balanced.

If either was completely lost, one would lose their life.

Right now, Qing Shui was very agitated as well. It was because he had encountered the symptoms of a poison he was familiar with. He smiled and said, “This poison is very mysterious and is called the Scorpiosnake Poison. This poison is given through a woman. Mister Li, you should who it was by now.”

While Qing Shui was saying this, he was very surprised as well. To think that the Scorpiosnake Poison really existed. This poison wasn’t harmful to women but on the contrary, would make them appear more charming and beautiful. However, the man who had s.e.x with the woman would be poisoned. Of course, there was a time restriction to the Scorpiosnake Poison. For example, after the woman took it, she must have s.e.x with the man within a stipulated time period for the man to be poisoned.

“Then are you able to cure it?” Li Husheng seemed to have a hint of hope ignited in him and he looked toward Qing Shui.

“I can but it’s best for you to ask for the antidote. Otherwise, it’ll be very hard for your cultivation to improve in the future,” Qing Shui said calmly.

“Thank you. I’ll visit another day to express my thanks. I shan’t waste any time and shall take my leave for now.”

…

“Brother’s medical skills are really amazing,” Soulsearch said in admiration.

Qing Shui didn’t say much about this but just smiled and asked, “Elder Brother, is there a Yehuang Clan in the Yehuang Country?”

“Of course there is. The head of the Yehuang Country is a gigantic existence. It’s said that there are False G.o.d experts in their clan.” Soulsearch’s reply was very fast. This was no secret. The majority of the cultivators in the Dancing Phoenix Continent knew about this and it was said that every top notch clan in each country would have experts at the False G.o.d level. Therefore, Soulsearch spoke without any hesitation.

Although Qing Shui had guessed this answer, he was still stunned. Yehuang Guwu should be a member of the Yehuang Clan. However, with such a powerful clan, why did she insist on staying in the Western Oxhe Continent?

“Elder Brother, how does the Yehuang Clan compare to the Li Clan’s main branch?” Qing Shui smiled and asked.

“There’s nothing to compare. The difference is far too great. False G.o.d experts are far too terrifying and although Li Clan isn’t bad, they are still a far cry in comparison.” Soulsearch shook his head. Even he had only occasionally gone to a great existence like the Yehuang Clan and it was so that he could provide treatment for a member of their clan.

It was a pity that with his medical skills, he wasn’t able to cure the patient completely. Therefore, eventually, he wasn’t able to get into the top notch circle in the Yehuang Country. Compared to the world in Qing Shui’s previous life, the Yehuang Country was many times larger. Therefore, it was still very hard for one to become the best physician in the country.

“Elder Brother, do you know of the Demon Lord Palace?” Qing Shui had been wanting to ask this for a very long time.

“The Demon Lord Palace isn’t located on any continent but is at the intersection between the Dancing Phoenix Continent, Soaring Dragon Continent and the Haohan Continent. It could be said that it doesn’t belong to any continent,” Soulsearch said weirdly.

“Why is that so?” Qing Shui asked, puzzled.

“It’s said that the Demon Lord Palace couldn’t be accepted by orthodox sects. I’m not too sure why. Anyway, many people want to get rid of the Demon Lord Palace.” Soulsearch looked at Qing Shui. He seemed to not be very sure either.

He didn’t ask Qing Shui anything else. He knew that Qing Shui was very mysterious but in this area, even if they were on quite good terms, he didn’t ask. He knew that if Qing Shui wished to say, he would do so himself. Moreover, there were some things which might not be good for him to know about.

Qing Shui had wanted to go take a look at the Demon Lord Palace but he knew that now wasn’t the time. It was because he knew that if he wished to help her, he would at least have to reach the False G.o.d realm.

He knew that that woman wouldn’t be against everyone from the three continents. It should be some people from the Dancing Phoenix Continent or the Soaring Dragon Continent. It was because, when the world was so big, it was impossible for one to make an enemy out of the entire world.

It seemed a little impossible even if it was an entire continent. It could be a continent’s capital. A continent’s capital could at least represent a large part of a continent!

Since that was the case, Qing Shui decided not to think about it for now. If he really wanted to help her, he must first get stronger.

“Elder Brother, can I help you out as an a.s.sistant in the Imperial Cuisine Hall?” Qing Shui smiled and said to Soulsearch.

Soulsearch’s eyes lit up, “I’d be willing to give the entire Imperial Cuisine Hall to you.”

“There’s no need for that. I’ll also research in medicinal cuisine here and get to know some people. It’s because I need to get information about some things. If there aren’t many people and if they aren’t people with abilities, then it’ll be hard for me to get the information I need,” Qing Shui smiled and said.

“I’ll more than willing for Brother to stay. To tell you the truth, I haven’t gotten married in my entire life but there’s a lady who has been willing to stay with me. However, I still feel that I’m alone. With my job, I do have some friends but it’s all because of my medical skills. Although it’s also because of Brother’s medical skills. I have came across many powerful physicians in the past as well. You’re the only one I have such a strong sense of affinity with,” Soulsearch smiled and said.

Qing Shui was surprised that the old man was by himself. After all, something like this was very rare. A person like him should belong to a great clan.

“Elder Brother, pardon my insolence. Why didn’t you get married and have kids? You don’t like it?” Qing Shui looked at the old man.

“I’m the Ghost Physician and I’ve treated several hundreds of thousands of people before. However, it’s a pity that I’m not able to cure myself.” The old man appeared to be extremely bitter when he said this.

In Qing Shui’s previous life, there was a saying that for 30 years, the father venerates the son. 30 years later, the son venerates the father.

In this world, time was very long. It would basically take 300 years. If one didn’t attain any achievements within 300 years, things would be set in stone. Without any accidents, everyone would be able to reach a peak after 300 years and most people would basically not progress any further after 300 years of age.

Qing Shui grabbed Soulsearch’s wrist and took his pulse. He was stunned. Although the old man’s medical skills were very amazing, he had a Jueyang Meridian Pulse. It would bring no negative impact to one’s body but on the contrary, the person’s physical body would be very strong. However, the only thing was that he would not be able to impregnate a lady…

Soulsearch’s age wasn’t considered to be very old. He had a woman but no wife. It was because he knew that he couldn’t impregnate women and thus had never taken on a wife.

Due to this, he had grown much older. After giving it some thought, Qing Shui looked at Soulsearch, “I don’t have absolute confidence in your ailment but there’s slightly over 50% chance. Are you willing to try it out?”

Soulsearch was really not very old and had a long life before him. The lady who was by his side was also one he liked. And although she didn’t say anything, she had always wanted to bear a child for Soulsearch. She knew of Soulsearch’s situation but yet was still unwilling to leave him.

“Really?” Soulsearch looked at Qing Shui in surprise.

Soulsearch trusted a lot in Qing Shui’s medical skills.

“I can give it a try immediately. You’ll get to know in a while. I’ll first apply acupuncture on you. It’ll let you become younger.”

Nine Yang Const.i.tution Nurturing. When one’s vitality was more stabilized and stronger and when one’s cells became younger and more powerful, one would appear younger. He didn’t have confidence in the past but right now, he did.

Earlier, after seeing the Imperial Cuisine Hall, Qing Shui had decided on his future path. He decided to stay here. As for Soulsearch, Qing Shui could help him a lot. Soulsearch was even more than willing to give the Imperial Cuisine Hall to Qing Shui.

Soulsearch had a strong network and if he were to bring out the Imperial Cuisine Hall, there was nothing for him to fear. Furthermore, with his medical skills, it was hard for him to not become famous in the Yehuang Country.

Qing Shui took out a drop of Spring of Life and got Soulsearch to take it. When Soulsearch saw it, he was stunned. He clenched his teeth and took it. The old man’s Jueyang Meridian Pulse was like the Necrozoospermia condition in Qing Shui’s previous life. His life essence was practically dead and the Jueyang Meridian Pulse was basically incurable.

The Spring of Life had a large percentage of healing in it. Furthermore, the treatment from Qing Shui’s acupuncture would bring the chances up to over 80%. The Life and Death Needles were very powerful and this time around, the benefits that Soulsearch would gain were immeasurable.

Time pa.s.sed by and the Life and Death Needles suddenly spewed out a stream of gray aura. However, Qing Shui reached out his hand to the bottom and lit up the primordial flames, incinerating it. it was because it would be harmful to the people who were to take in such death Qi.

Qing Shui stimulated his Force of Rebirth and then to his surprise, a layer of dry and cracking old skin appeared on Soulsearch’s body and blood. In less than 7.5 minutes, they shattered.

The Life and Death Needles were truly amazing. He could sense that even though these needles couldn’t bring one back to life nor allow one’s flesh and bones to be regenerated, he felt that his mastery of the Life and Death Needles had gone through another tremendous improvement.

The Life and Death Needles were truly a divine artifact for physicians!

When the old man saw the fragmented skin and Qing Shui drawing back the needles, he did not care if he sounded desperate and asked, “Brother, how is it?”

“Elder Brother, you’re lucky. One year later, you’ll definitely be able to get a child.”

“Really?!”

“I’m not going to leave anyway. You’ll find out not long later.” Seeing that Soulsearch was very happy, Qing Shui felt happy as well. Helping others brings joy to oneself.

As if he had realized that he didn’t smell good, partially because he didn’t notice it in his state of joy, Soulsearch looked at his horrible state and quickly greeted Qing Shui and ran to wash up.

He didn’t realize that his vitality was stronger than before and his body seemed more upright now!

After he washed up and stood before a mirror, he was stunned. To think that he reverted to his middle-aged appearance. Although things like this happened often in this world, he still found it a little unbelievable when it happened to him.

–

–

Note: [1] Scorpiosnake Poison: The raws for Scorpiosnake could be translated as femme fatale.

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AST 1320 – Intelligent Woman, Qing Shui's Plan for Imperial Cuisine Hall

Soulsearch had only snapped back to reality after a good long while. He had also become more firm in his belief. By the time he came out, nearly an hour had already pa.s.sed. He didn't even know how he managed to muddle-headedly stay in the bathroom for so long.

When he came out and saw Qing Shui, he felt particularly grateful in his heart. His body was not only younger now, his strength had also increased along with his lifespan. Most importantly, Qing Shui had healed his body.

"Brother, I will save you the courteous words." Soulsearch saw the surprise on Qing Shui's face and his expression was very serious.

Although Qing Shui had expected Soulsearch to regain his youth, he looked too different now compared to when the skin of his face was peeling. The impact of seeing an old man turned into a mature middle-aged man was just extremely great.

This was the effect of the Life and Death Needles. Of course, this wasn't possible without his Nine Yang Acupuncture, Force of Rebirth and Spring of Life too.

"Brother, that's for the best. Although we are not brothers, our relations.h.i.+p is more than that of brothers." Qing Shui said with a smile.

Soulsearch possessed very powerful innate talent and even a brilliant skill such as the Meridians Knocking Soul Pulling. Qing Shui could teach him some acupuncture techniques and some medicinal cuisine or medicinal porridge since Qing Shui might even need his help in the Phoenix Dancing Continent.

As the saying goes: 'Just as a fence needs the support of three stakes, an able fellow needs the help of three other people.'

"We are family, forever. From now on, regardless of what happens or what changes, this will remain forever unchanged. Come home with me. I'm getting married and I need you, brother, as my Yue Lao [1]," Soulsearch said happily while he tugged Qing Shui.

Qing Shui was very happy too, as he followed Soulsearch downstairs. Even people who were familiar with Soulsearch were staring at Qing Shui and Soulsearch in surprise. They could still recognize him but he looked so much younger now and this suddenly caused the atmosphere to turn very odd.

Soulsearch was a famous doctor among this generation. There were also medicinal cuisines that nourished skin and could stop aging. Even so, the effects shouldn't be this extreme….

Soulsearch didn't expect himself to become a walking signboard for his business. His story spread like wildfire. Qing Shui was initially worried that something would go wrong but his worries very quickly dissipated.

The difference of being a physician compared to others was that no one would usually want to offend them. No one would ever think of injuring a physician unless that physician had sworn to not see a patient or sworn to never treat a person in any way. After all, no one could ever guarantee that they wouldn't get sick or be injured and no one could ever guarantee that their family would be safe from diseases or injuries. Therefore, physicians were revered no matter where they went.

When he thought about this, he laughed. A doctor didn't fear being reputed as not being reputed was exactly what they feared. Qing Shui was initially still wondering how to help Imperial Cuisine Hall to gain more exposure but it seemed like there was no longer any need to. Someone would be helping him to promote its name and then there was also another person who would do the same.

Li Husheng. Whether he could or couldn't obtain the antidote, he would still be grateful to Qing Shui. The Li Clan's head was also a local tyrant in this region, albeit not as superior as the Yehuang Clan. But the Li Clan was still a very powerful existence. It was even better to have the Li Clan help in building his reputation.

For now, Qing Shui had a rough idea what his next step was. He'd improve his strength while building his connections. It would be best if he could really rope in a group of powerful aristocrat clans. This was the only way he could establish himself on the three continents and be able to summon wind and rain with a wave of his hand.

Once again, he traveled along the wide streets with Soulsearch on the beast carriage. Qing Shui knew that this time, their destination was most likely Soulsearch's home!

The beast carriage had only stopped after nearly an hour. Qing Shui and Soulsearch got off and saw a small manor. Despite the size, it seemed to be quite lavish.

"Brother, this is my home. It's a very important place to me."

Soulsearch's words were very clear. This was his home, just like the Qing Residence to Qing Shui. Letting someone else know the location of your home, was an indication of a very close relations.h.i.+p that was almost akin to that of a close relative.

Qing Shui naturally could catch that and felt very grateful in his heart too. Making friends was all about opening up to each other. Much like how Qing Shui had entrusted Yu Ruyan to Tantai Xuan's care while both of them were looked after by Yehuang Guwu. Yu Sunu, Qing Sha and the rest were looked after by Headmaster Sui and company. The relations.h.i.+ps between them were definitely incomparable to that of normal friends.

Qing Shui smiled and nodded. "Brother, you will find happiness."

The moment both of them walked into the manor, a woman who was still attractive looking, despite her age, quickly came out. She had a tall and slender figure. Her silky hair was pinned into a bun and she had a slender neck. Her eyes were quite lovely on her graceful countenance.

This was a completely mature-looking woman. She only lacked a little in her temperament compared to Yehuang Guwu. Yet, she was still a woman that was hard to come by, slightly obsequious but not too much.

The woman was shocked when she saw both of them. She then stared at Soulsearch for a good long while before exclaiming in disbelief, "Brother Soulsearch, how come you are younger now?"

"Haha, Li Ji!" Soulsearch happily walked over to embrace the woman and spun her around a few times before he pulled her towards Qing Shui.

"Li Ji, let me introduce him to you. This is Qing Shui. He's like a real brother to me."

"Brother Qing!" Li Ji greeted Qing Shui with a smile.

"Sister-in-law, you look really great with brother right now," Qing Shui said with a smile.

"Alright, come, come, let's go in. Let us have a good drink today. Li Ji, brother is our Yue Lao today. From now on, you will be I, Soulsearch's wife. We shall hold the wedding banquet another day." Soulsearch pulled Li Ji by her hand and Qing Shui with his other hand and walked towards the living room.

Li Ji was taken aback as she stared at Soulsearch in disbelief. "Brother Soulsearch, are my ears playing tricks on me? You are taking me as your wife?"

"It was my fault that I let you down before. Brother has cured my ailment and made me understand how much of a fool I was in the past. I'm taking you as my wife no matter what." Soulsearch grasped Li Ji's hand tightly.

Li Ji looked at Soulsearch happily and then in surprise after she seemed to have processed his words earlier. "Are you cured for real?"

"Brother is an amazing physician who surpa.s.ses me by a hundredfold. He is the one who cured me and strengthened my vitality. I feel so much younger."

The love of beauty was not limited only to women. Even men wished for themselves to appear slightly more youthful and stronger. No one would like to be a senile old man, even if only in appearance.

"Brother, go ahead and have a nice chat with Brother Soulsearch first while I go prepare some dishes. I hope you don't mind sister-in-law's horrible culinary skills." Li Ji was ecstatic. She was in a great mood right now. This sudden surprise even made her slightly wonder if she was dreaming but she knew this was all real.

She adored Soulsearch. She loved this man but he just couldn't get the point last time. Although she liked children and couldn't have a child, the feelings between them were real. Her heart didn't ache for the fact that Soulsearch didn't marry her. In fact, whether he married her or not no longer mattered. She just couldn't bear to see Soulsearch coping with the ordeal all by himself.

Today, a great surprise had arrived. Not only was his ailment cured, he had also recovered from his psychological issues. Even if they couldn't have a child, she knew that she could still become a most intimate couple with Soulsearch, like true husband and wife.

"Sorry for troubling you, sister-in-law. Just a couple of simple dishes will do."

Watching as the woman left, Qing Shui and Soulsearch entered the big hall and took a seat. Soulsearch's mood had been at its peak today. The feeling of being up there was very wonderful because he felt very blessed.

"Brother, I would like to raise the bar for Imperial Cuisine Hall. What do you think?" Qing Shui said with a smile.

"Brother, I am thinking of giving the Imperial Cuisine Hall to you while I act as a supporting role." Soulsearch revealed seriously with a very certain tone of voice.

"Brother, are you still interested in gaining more knowledge in the art of healing?" Qing Shui knew that he wasn't going to settle down yet at one place. Besides, he didn't want to take advantage of others. Although he could expand Imperial Cuisine Hall and gain more from it, he wasn't used to doing something like this.

"Of course. I've been hoping for a breakthrough in the art of healing. Unfortunately, it's a feat that is too difficult to achieve and the chances are too slim."

"Let me a.s.sist you. I'll still need you to handle most of the matters in Imperial Cuisin Hall. Even if it has been expanded, your art of healing will also need to be more powerful." Qing Shui wasn't going to be modest at a time like this, considering the relations.h.i.+p between them.

"I'm still going to tell you the same thing I did just now – I will save you the courteous words. Brother, you have to be in charge of the Imperial Cuisine Hall. I've given it careful consideration, otherwise I'd be taking advantage of you. How about if I can be so bold as to request 10% of the profit?" Soulsearch knew that Qing Shui would definitely refuse if he were to gift the Imperial Cuisine Hall. But he also knew that with Qing Shui's help, even a 10% of future profit would be tenfold or even a hundredfold the entire current profit.

"Well if that's the case, then I shall stop being courteous. You and sister-in-law are getting 10% each. There'll be more people joining in the future, so we'll save the remaining profit for them. How about that?" Qing Shui said with a smile.

Soulsearch's eyes widened before he firmly refused. "Even that's unacceptable. 10%. Li Ji and I, together are 10%."

Qing Shui pondered for a moment then nodded. "Alright, let's stick to that for now. We'll expand it first, while you need to breakthrough in your current art of healing."

"Alright!"

At this time, Li Ji carried a tray of dishes in and was glad to see Qing Shui having a very pleasant chat with Soulsearch.

Li Ji had great culinary skills. Her food was as good as what was cooked by the head chefs in some restaurants. They were both appetizing and tasted great. There were nine dishes, four meat dishes and five vegetarian dishes. There was also a big bowl of soup…

"Brother Soulsearchl, let us drink a toast to our brother!" Li Ji was thinking about a lot of things when she was cooking just now. She was an extremely intelligent woman and had also faintly heard the conversation in the room. It wasn't like she was eavesdropping. She knew that Qing Shui and Soulsearch wouldn't hide anything from her anyway.

Soulsearch stood up with Li Ji with wine in their hands. Qing Shui hurriedly stood up. "Family doesn't treat each other like strangers. I'll make an exception this time, do not be this courteous in the future. Consider this as a toast for me playing the Yue Lao role for you both. I wish for brother and sister-in-law to have a happy life and blissful marriage. May you soon have a lovely child."

Li Ji's face was slightly red, seemingly excited, also a little shy but mostly happy. "Brother, when we have a child, I'll have you be their G.o.dfather regardless if it's a son or a daughter."

Qing Shui glanced at Li Ji. She was one intelligent woman. He smiled and nodded. "I'd be happy to. Then both of you will have to work hard."

Soulsearch laughed heartily while Li Ji stared at both of them bashfully.

Qing Shui stayed the night here but in a different pavilion. He immediately entered the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal right after dinner.

He prepared a few acupuncture techniques. Since Soulsearch, who possessed Meridians Knocking Soul Pulling could accurately determine ailments, Qing Shui was teaching him acupuncture techniques that could be used for healing and relief. But he couldn't learn most of Qing Shui's acupuncture techniques.

Wood Needle of the Five Elements was suitable for Soulsearch's const.i.tution to learn. When he mastered the technique, one acupuncture technique could take him far. However, it was too difficult to master it. Soulsearch had a decent foundation in acupuncture, he only lacked a powerful acupuncture technique. Most physicians' acupuncture techniques were superficial. They had very minimal effect, let alone being labeled as miraculous.

Qing Shui didn't really believe in acupuncture in his previous life.

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Translation Note:

[1] Yue Lao is the G.o.d of marriage and love in Chinese mythology, a matchmaker.

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