Chapter 422: The Past
Chapter 422: Chapter 422: The Past
Mr. Li began to reminisce. "According to legend, Qi Bo once lived on Xiqing Mountain to study the art of medicine. And while he was there, he took on a disciple."
No one spoke, all of them listening quietly as Mr. Li recounted the old tale.
"It’s said that this disciple of Qi Bo’s was naturally brilliant, diligent, and eager to learn," Mr. Li continued. "Of all the disciples Qi Bo took on, he was the most talented and the most skilled in medicine. In time, his abilities were not the least bit inferior to his master’s—he even showed the potential to surpass him. Later, when Qi Bo left Xiqing Mountain, he wanted to take this disciple with him, but the student was fond of his homeland and chose not to go. Instead, he stayed behind to practice medicine and dispense treatments. While he, too, became famous far and wide, his renown never quite matched Qi Bo’s."
"But this disciple of Qi Bo’s was a truly remarkable physician. He even developed his own new insights, which he recorded in a manuscript titled *Xiqing Miscellaneous Treatises*. In it, he documented his many years of clinical experience and numerous innovative formulas he developed himself. It’s safe to say its medicinal value is exceptionally high."
"What happened then, Grandpa? What happened to Qi Bo’s disciple? And what was his name?" Li Huan, who had been listening with rapt attention, couldn’t help but ask.
"I don’t know the disciple’s name," Mr. Li said, shaking his head. "Later, it’s said that his practice of medicine offended a powerful nobleman who then wanted him killed. Fortunately, someone tipped him off, and with the help of a powerful expert, the disciple and his clan managed to escape. But after that, they vanished without a trace. Some say the disciple and his clan were murdered. Others say he took his clan into seclusion. There’s another version, too: that the disciple changed his name and went into hiding, continuing to practice medicine among the common people. After he passed away, to commemorate his master, he was buried on Xiqing Mountain. Placed in the tomb with him was a copy of the *Xiqing Miscellaneous Treatises*, transcribed by his clansmen."
"After so many years, the disciple’s clan has long since disappeared. But back in the day, the Japanese somehow heard this legend and sent people into Xiqing Mountain to find the disciple’s tomb. Their goal was that very book, the *Xiqing Miscellaneous Treatises*." Mr. Li was exceptionally furious as he spoke of this. "They burned, killed, and plundered our Hua Country’s land, committing every evil imaginable, and they even coveted our national treasures! When we learned that the Japanese had sent men into Xiqing Mountain, a comrade-in-arms of mine was ordered to lead a team in after them. Their mission was not only to annihilate that Japanese squad but also to protect our country’s cultural relic. No matter what, we could not let anything from Hua Country be stolen by the Japanese. So, even though they knew those mountains were dangerous, they went in without a second thought."
Speaking of the past, Mr. Li was filled with deep emotion. "It’s just that... neither the Japanese squad nor the soldiers my comrade led ever came out of Xiqing Mountain. The terrain there is too complex, the altitude is high, and it’s teeming with countless wild animals. Forget ordinary people; even well-trained soldiers would find it difficult to get out once they’ve entered that mountain range. That’s why we have to find Qingqing immediately, and preferably stop her from entering Xiqing Mountain. It’s just too dangerous."
Li Huan’s palms started to sweat. "Will we make it in time?"
"I’m afraid it’s too late." Li Fenghuo’s brow was furrowed tightly. "The person who was checking for me just replied. Qingqing arrived in Lan City the day before yesterday. If she didn’t stop in Lan City, I’m afraid she’s already entered Xiqing Mountain by now."
"What!" Li Wan cried out in alarm. "It’s so dangerous in those mountains... my Qingqing..."
Li Wan clutched at her heart, utterly panicked. She worried about Su Qing encountering danger on Xiqing Mountain. Her father had just said how incredibly dangerous it was—back then, even his comrade’s unit couldn’t make it out. ’If Qingqing runs into danger, she’ll have no one to turn to for help!’
"Li Wan, it’s okay. She’ll be okay," Gu Xinsheng murmured, feeling her cold hand and quickly trying to comfort her.
"That’s right, Li Wan. Qingqing will definitely come back safely," Shang Yuqi added, also trying to console her.
"See if you can contact your colleagues over there," Mr. Li said after a moment of thought. "If there’s any news about Qingqing, have them notify us immediately."
"Okay." Even if Mr. Li hadn’t said anything, Li Fenghuo had already planned to contact the police department near Xiqing Mountain to ask about the situation.
"One more thing," Mr. Li added. "Unless we receive news that Qingqing is in danger, don’t have them go into the mountains to look for her. The terrain in Xiqing Mountain is too complex. We can’t put them in a dangerous situation for our family’s private matter."
Though he was worried about Su Qing, Mr. Li refused to let others be endangered over a private family matter. Besides, Xiqing Mountain was enormous. Even if a search party went in, there was no guarantee they would find Su Qing. It was more likely the rescuers themselves would get trapped and never make it out.
’Judging by how she went deep into Da Hu Mountain, Su Qing would never be content just staying on the outskirts of Xiqing Mountain.’
"That girl... how can she be so reckless!" Mrs. Li fretted, letting out a soft sigh.
"Mom, don’t worry. Qingqing will definitely come home safe," Shang Yuqi quickly chimed in to soothe her.
"She will. She definitely will," Li Wan agreed hurriedly, her hands as cold as ice. She was completely consumed by fear. Years ago, Su Shengguo had gone into the mountains and never came back. They never even found his body. She couldn’t bear to imagine what she would do if the same thing happened to Su Qing. She was terrified she would fall apart.
For a moment, the entire Li family fell into silence.
Su Qing would never have imagined it. All because she had found He Zhimin on Da Hu Mountain, handed him over to Qiao Wensong, and forgotten to add a simple instruction, the entire Li family was now consumed with worry for her safety.
For Su Qing, entering Xiqing Mountain was like being a mouse in a granary—she was in heaven and had forgotten everything else. The Spiritual Energy here was incredibly dense. She joyfully absorbed the energy all around her, while simultaneously releasing some of her green mist to the surrounding woods. Instantly, wherever Su Qing passed, the trees, flowers, and grass became visibly more vigorous.
Suddenly, Su Qing felt her superpower seem to contract for an instant. Sensing what was about to happen, she quickly leaned against a large tree and sat down. Immediately, massive amounts of Spiritual Energy from the surroundings swarmed toward her, rushing into her body as if competing with one another. Su Qing could even feel the energy washing through her, a sensation like being submerged in a vast ocean.
Not long after, Su Qing took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling brightly.
Sixth Rank! Her superpower had broken through to the Sixth Rank!