Chapter 192: A Clash of Words
Midday in the village, smoke curled from chimneys.
Inside the incense-filled hut, Nan Xiaoxiang carefully measured out herbs, explaining their properties to a thin, elderly man with a purplish complexion.
“…The Lavender you’ve been using hasn’t been properly prepared with saltwater. The excess Yin energy can accumulate in your meridians and cause blockages. Try drinking more saltwater and reducing the amount of Lavender you use. Combine it with herbs that have a weaker Yin energy. You should know which ones those are.”
The old man’s eyes lit up. “Indeed! That makes perfect sense! You’re so young, yet your understanding of herbal medicine is so profound!”
“You flatter me. I’m still learning,” Nan Xiaoxiang said with a humble smile.
Heitie, standing beside her, puffed out his chest proudly. “Of course! The Divine Physician’s skills are unmatched! She’s the best I’ve ever seen!”
“Heitie, don’t exaggerate.”
Nan Xiaoxiang gently scolded him. “The Wu Xuan Cave is a land of wondrous herbs, and its people are knowledgeable about their properties. I’m just a junior, I still have much to learn.”
The old man chuckled, stroking his beard. “Talented yet humble, polite and respectful. You’re much more likable than those arrogant fairies.”
“I’m relieved. I’ll tell the other villagers to come see you if they have any ailments.”
“I’ll do my best.” Nan Xiaoxiang replied politely.
After the old man left, Nan Xiaoxiang breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes tired but bright.
“Next.”
Before she could look up, a faint, unfamiliar fragrance wafted towards her.
It seemed a woman had entered the hut.
Nan Xiaoxiang, still organizing her medical texts, asked without looking up, “What seems to be the problem?”
“I’ve been feeling dizzy and weak lately, with a loss of appetite and low energy.”
“I wonder if the renowned Divine Physician… has a cure?” A clear, melodious voice echoed through the room.
Nan Xiaoxiang’s hands paused as she sorted through her texts.
She slowly looked up, the light in her eyes dimming as her gaze met the visitor’s.
Before her stood the Grand Witch, Bi Luo, dressed in her short, gray dress, her silver jewelry shimmering. She was looking at Nan Xiaoxiang with a playful smile.
She extended a pale arm, offering her wrist.
Heitie gasped. This was the Grand Witch of the Wu Xuan Cave, a true leader and a powerful immortal.
Nan Xiaoxiang’s expression remained unchanged. She looked at the Grand Witch for a moment, then said calmly,
“Alright. Let me examine you.”
She took her wrist and checked her pulse.
A heavy silence filled the room, only the faint scent of incense and the gentle breeze disturbing the stillness.
After a moment, Nan Xiaoxiang withdrew her hand, her gaze calm and indifferent.
“You’ve been in seclusion for too long. There’s an imbalance in your Yin and Yang energies. Excess Yin, stagnant Qi, and a lack of Yang energy can lead to insomnia, vivid dreams, a bitter taste in your mouth, and a coated tongue.”
“It’s not difficult to treat. No need for herbs. Just… more exposure to Yang energy. A balance of Yin and Yang is essential.”
The Grand Witch’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Nan Xiaoxiang’s diagnosis, translated, meant:
…You’re a virgin who needs a man.
“I think you’re the one who needs it,” the Grand Witch retorted with a smirk. “A woman’s Yin essence is the foundation of her youth and beauty. Losing it to a man will only lead to premature aging. You’ll become a withered old hag before your time.”
Nan Xiaoxiang’s voice remained calm and even. “The harmony of Yin and Yang is the foundation of all things. It’s the Dao itself. Maintaining that balance can preserve one’s youth and beauty. You should try it sometime.”
“Have you tried it?” The Grand Witch stared at her intently.
Nan Xiaoxiang didn’t answer.
But her gaze was steady, unwavering.
The tension in the room thickened. Heitie held his breath, afraid to even move.
Finally, the Grand Witch giggled.
“After all these years, is that all you’ve learned? A sharp tongue?”
“Well, I suppose it’s to be expected. When I crippled you and threw you out like a dog, you were just a child.”
“If you hadn’t learned how to sweet-talk and please men, you probably wouldn’t have survived.”
Her laughter was genuine, her words sharp and cutting.
But Nan Xiaoxiang just smiled faintly, as if she hadn’t heard a thing.
“You’re too kind, Grand Witch. I’m just a humble physician, barely scraping by with my meager skills. I have no need for such… talents.”
The Grand Witch, seeing her calm demeanor, was slightly annoyed.
“Are you back to challenge me for the position of Grand Witch?”
“I’m just here on business with a friend.” Nan Xiaoxiang’s tone was casual and indifferent.
“That Chen Yin fellow?”
The Grand Witch’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Is he your man?”
Nan Xiaoxiang frowned slightly and pursed her lips.
Seeing her silence, the Grand Witch’s smile widened.
“Interesting. So you like that type of man?”
“He’s not bad looking, but is that enough? Besides money, what else attracts you to him? Is he good in bed?”
“…We’re just friends, Grand Witch.”
“Really?”
The Grand Witch suddenly leaned closer, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Then…”
“I’ll steal him away from you. You won’t mind, right?” she whispered, her voice soft and seductive.
Nan Xiaoxiang’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“What? Are you jealous?”
The Grand Witch, pleased with her reaction, giggled and said, “Don’t worry. You can try to win him back. Maybe this time, you won’t be chased away like a stray dog.”
She was still smiling when she noticed Nan Xiaoxiang’s indifferent expression, and her smile faltered.
An awkward cough came from behind her.
“Ahem… excuse me,”
“Grand Witch, did you call for me?”
The Grand Witch turned around and saw Chen Yin standing there, a goofy grin on his face.
“Um, about that ‘good in bed’ comment… maybe we should keep that private?”
Seeing his mischievous expression, both Nan Xiaoxiang and the Grand Witch blushed slightly.
Nan Xiaoxiang quickly lowered her head, while the Grand Witch, although embarrassed, raised her chin defiantly, her lips curving into a seductive smile.
“If you’re really that good, I might consider giving you a try.”
“Ahem, let’s keep that between us.”
Chen Yin just smiled at her.
He knew she was just being playful.
The Grand Witch glanced at Nan Xiaoxiang, then turned away.
“I’m satisfied with Lian’er’s progress.”
“We’ll depart for the secret realm in three days.” With that, she left the hut.
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