Chapter 144

After leaving the inn, Chen Wuji headed straight for Ciji Hall.

On the street just cloaked in night, pedestrians grew scarce, with only a few scattered people hurrying by.

In the remote region of Yunan, only the southern part of the city had any nightlife, where silk ribbons danced and the ever‑welcoming girls stayed up all night.

Ciji Hall hadn't closed yet; a dim oil lamp flickered behind the half‑closed door.

Zhang Lao squinted as he fidgeted with an abacus behind the counter, occasionally looking up to poke the ever‑drooping wick.

Xiaoyu leaned in the doorway, his head swaying toward the street as he yawned.

Chen Wuji walked over, his footsteps startling the drowsy Xiaoyu.

Seeing Chen Wuji, a flash of joy lit his brows, and he called, "Senior brother, you're here!"

"When did I become a senior brother?" Chen Wuji asked, bewildered.

Xiaoyu giggled, "I just called you that myself."

Chen Wuji: …

Zhang Lao rubbed his heavy eyelids and asked, "Coming this late, what's the urgent matter?"

"I'd like to borrow Xiaoyu from you," Chen Wuji said, bowing.

With a nimble leap, Xiaoyu slid to Chen Wuji's side and said, "Senior brother, what do you need me for this late? Want to fight? I'm up for it!"

Chen Wuji was surprised, "When did you learn Divination?"

"Really?" Xiaoyu didn't shrink back; his eyes shone like lanterns.

That left Chen Wuji at a loss for words.

On the way here he mulled over a basket of ideas, even prepared a hefty sum of twenty taels, intending to hire this monkey‑agile Medical Clinic apprentice to employ his tricks.

Turns out, he's actually quite keen on fighting!

Is… that right?

Xiaoyu's skills fit tonight's setting perfectly; when speaking with Qin Zhanhong, he was the backup Chen Wuji had kept in mind.

If the kidnapping fails, at least secure the ledger.

"Wuji, who did you offend?" Zhang Lao asked gravely.

"I'd like Xiaoyu to help me steal something, but rest assured, Zhang Lao, it isn't petty theft or immoral; this deed could save hundreds of thousands of Yunan's people, though the risk is enormous," Chen Wuji said.

After a pause, Chen Wuji looked at Xiaoyu and said, "My plan is to pay Xiaoyu to act."

Xiaoyu waved dismissively, "Senior brother, it's vulgar for brothers to haggle over money; I don't want any. All I need is that you speak kindly of me before the master later, so he hits me less."

"It's dangerous; think carefully, they're all thugs!" Chen Wuji said seriously.

Perhaps Xiaoyu often fights outside and is familiar with such brawls.

But tonight's fight is certainly not the kind he understands or expects.

"No problem, senior brother, I've got it covered!" Xiaoyu swore.

Seeing his overconfident demeanor made Chen Wuji even more uneasy.

Zhang Lao's deep gaze lingered on Chen Wuji for a moment, then he said, "Let Xiaoyu go. If it's just a theft, it should be fine; I'm more worried about you. You didn't tell me the details, and I wouldn't pry, but if it's impossible, don't force it—return quickly."

Chen Wuji felt a warmth inside and nodded heavily, "Thank you, Zhang Lao. It's not that I'm unwilling to speak; if this matter were revealed, you and Xiaoyu would face endless trouble."

Zhang Lao waved his hand, turned toward the counter, and with some effort hauled out a medicine box, "Then let's not discuss it. I'm old, my curiosity isn't what it used to be."

"However, since it's about stealing, it's best not to escalate to fighting. I'll give you a prescription to make them sleep soundly tonight."

Chen Wuji's face froze, "Master, there's such a prescription?"

"Of course there is. The main ingredient is the exotic Xiyu herb mandrake flower, supplemented by noisy‑sheep flower, drunken‑immortal peach blossom and nine other herbs. The scent when burned can easily knock down a herd of cattle," Zhang Lao said with a faint smile.

"We are healers; troubles solvable with medicine shouldn't be left to brute force, it's too dangerous. Both you and Xiaoyu are good kids; I can't rest easy if either gets hurt."

Xiaoyu leapt onto the counter, "Master, do you really think I'm a good kid?"

Zhang Lao's face darkened; he grabbed a feather duster and snapped, "You insolent brat, I only praised you once, and you dare sit on the counter. If I say another word, will you try to ride on my head?"

Xiaoyu winced and hopped aside, "Master, I'm just too short; standing below you can't see me speak, you're such an irritable old man!"

"You little bastard, you're looking for a fight!" Zhang Lao roared, brandishing the feather duster, chasing onto the street. After Xiaoyu fled, he stormed back, still fuming.

"Wuji, just look—someone with that temperament, how could I entrust the Medical Clinic to him!"

Chen Wuji laughed, "Xiaoyu is just a bit mischievous."

"But I'm old!" Zhang Lao shook his head, swaying as he walked back to the counter.

Chen Wuji was stunned, at a loss for words.

Indeed, Zhang Lao's age made walking a problem.

"Please give me a bit more time to settle matters at home," Chen Wuji said after a moment, feeling he couldn't betray Zhang Lao's kindness.

Once the pot business gets back on track, why not wander around here?

Zhang Lao turned aside, suppressing the grin that wouldn't leave his mouth, sighed, "Everyone has their own aspirations. I'm not seeking favors; whatever you refuse today, I'll still help you."

"Speaking of it, in the Former Dynasty alchemists created a supreme item they called Shocking Heaven Thunder. Unfortunately, when it passed to my ancestor, one of its ingredients was lost and it wasn't passed on. If you had it, your journey would be smoother."

Chen Wuji was startled, "Zhang Lao, the Shocking Heaven Thunder you mentioned isn't just saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal, is it?"

Zhang Lao turned abruptly, "You know?!"

"I think I know, but I don't know the exact proportions."

"I am aware."

Chen Wuji was so shocked he didn't know what to say.

Looks like I'll have to find time to study history later.

Gunpowder was already being tinkered with in the Former Dynasty.

"Zhang Lao, since the Former Dynasty already produced it, the Court should have mastered it by now, right?" Chen Wuji asked.

"How could that be!" Zhang Lao said, laughing and shaking his head.

The things in the hands of alchemists are not easily handed over to the Court; that is their family's skill. Our lineage could obtain this prescription, and it was also exchanged with alchemists using other prescriptions. Unfortunately, our ignorant ancestor ruined it; fortunately you know.

Great, with Shocking Heaven Thunder supplemented by Bewildering Fragrance, unless you intend to forcefully break into the Zhang Family and the Xianya, no one in Yunan City can detain you. Charcoal, right? Let me look for it; I'll prepare the medicine, you fill the container.

Chen Wuji: ……