16 The Legendary Herb
"The great bandit king, huh..."
Old Jiang stood in contemplation as Tang Soso mentioned of this name. Although this story for all he knows is extremely old, everyone within the whole central plain has heard of it at least once in their life.
It was an extremely popular story that had spread like wildfire in the past, especially among young and aspiring martial artists. Its way of portraying the hardships of the old bandit motivated countless others to continue to work hard and not give up on their life.
No matter how hard the world has treated you, no matter how harshly others have treated you, there are always chances to climb up and soar beyond the sky!
No one knows who had created this story, but he assumed that they either love bandits or just despise the Murim Alliance for some reason. Strangely though, no one was bothered and curious about anything concerning the author, but that is not important...
What's more important is that despite the large number of people who loved and listened to this tale, no one really took it seriously.
Why you might ask? It's because the story is deemed fake!
Even beggars around the world got a chuckle as they heard the story and saw its ridiculousness. After all, how could a person who was already old suddenly gain the strength to defeat twenty martial masters by simply eating moss?
Even if the moss that the old bandit ate was a mystical herb of legends, there was simply no way he could take on even a first-rate martial artist. Let alone twenty great masters on his own!
The way of martial arts is extremely deep and complex. If the way to gain strength was simply that easy, there would have been dozens of people going around with the strength to topple all of heaven and earth.
In reality, people who randomly ate such legendary elixirs without proper training would find their bodies exploding due to the sudden intake of internal energy. In the best case possible, the person would most probably be crippled and won't be able to move properly for the rest of their life.
Moreover, there have been no reports of such a moss with a dull gray color growing around caves. Hundreds of searches have been conducted around it by both doctors and martial artists, but all they have found were specks of dust and some boring green moss that gives people diarrhea.
Based on these alone, it was clear that the story of the bandit king was fictional. Both the Murim Alliance and every other big force around the world eventually denied its truth and claimed that it was all just some bandit's fantasy.
But... why did the Young Lady suddenly mention it?
"Young Lady... You are not trying to look for this legendary moss, are you? I know that you are very desperate to gain strength due to the Patriarch's challenge. However, the story of the bandit king is fake. Even the current world's prominent forces and powerful figures have denied the story's authenticity. There's no point in looking at old caves to look for something that doesn't exist..." Old Jiang slowly said after a bit of contemplation.
However, to Old Jiang's confusion, Tang Soso simply smiled in response. It was as if she had expected him to react this way and simply treated it like a child's denial to accept that the world is round.
She swiftly continued to write down on her signboard, replying calmly to Old Jiang's remarks, [ You are most definitely correct, Old Jiang. However, before I explain everything to you, there is one thing that you should know... ]
[ Although I do not know if the story about the old bandit was true, it still contained some big truth behind it that most others failed to notice. And yes, the legendary moss mentioned within the story is real. ]
Old Jiang had to wipe his eyes a few times before he could understand those words. That... that legendary herb is REAL!? That same legendary herb that could give someone inhuman strength!? That same herb that hundreds of martial artists around the world sought after!?
Is the Young Lady messing with him!?
"Y-Young Lady, please do not mess around with me. There's no way something like that does exist, I refuse to believe it. If you truly need something, please just get straight to the point and tell me what you are looking for. I can go to some old mines myself while you stay in the residence to recuperate."
Old Jiang stated firmly as he stood his ground. He refused to believe her, especially when most experts already denied the herb's existence. After all, who would believe the words of a young girl compared to old and experienced experts?
Besides, the Young Lady might be up to something troublesome, considering her actions recently. No matter what the Young Lady will try to do, he definitely would not allow it. Otherwise, she would cause even more trouble and drag him along into the executioner blade! If she wanted something, it would be much better for him to settle it himself!
That was what he thought, but his face alone already betrayed him.
The simple thought of a legendary herb already made him drool subconsciously. Although his brain says that it is impossible, his heart still yearns for it deeply!
Tang Soso scoffed slightly as she continued to reply...
[ No, it does exist, you idiot. I wouldn't have bothered to look around for old caves if I'm not confident about it. Moreover, I can easily tell what you're thinking! You thought that I was about to stir up trouble again, didn't you? You thought such a miraculous herb was too good to be true, didn't you? ]
She continued to reply calmly, [ First off, I won't stir up any more trouble, I promise! Second off, the herb within the story of the bandit king wasn't as great as the story told them to be. It won't give you many health benefits, nor will it revert you back to being younger. Rather, it would only make your physique grow stronger and it has many side effects along with it! ]
Reading Tang Soso's rambling, Old Jiang could only sigh as he nodded quietly. He knows that whether this so-called herb exists or not, he would still need to search some old mines either way. He just wanted to get over this quickly...
However, there is one thing that keeps on ringing in his mind.
"...Well, if what you are saying is true, Young Lady, then I can probably help you. But more importantly... how did you come to know this information?"
As those words reached Tang Soso's ears, she immediately froze on the spot. It had never registered in her mind that she was speaking a little too much. She had forgotten that her yapping would inevitably cause even more suspicion on her...
Tang Soso immediately tried to put on her best poker face as she turned away from Old Jiang. Her sweat trickled down her head like a ceaseless waterfall.
[ It's one of the information that I gained from my dream of the Divine Thief... ]
"Is that so?"
[ Yeah. ]
"I assume he knows something that most other experts don't?"
[ Yeah. Something along that. ]
As she wrote those words, she could certainly feel Old Jiang's gaze observing her with a raised eyebrow. Although she couldn't see her own expression, she could tell that she was acting way too suspicious at this point.
This man did NOT believe her in the slightest!
'But it's true though... I know of this because I have encountered this herb in the past!'
Back when she was still the Divine Thief and searched for stronger power, she had accidentally stumbled upon this legendary moss while wandering around Central Plains.
It was within an old, nameless cave that she randomly found it.
Feeling intrigued upon seeing them, she tried to use them to further her own power only to realize that she was too strong that it basically had no effect. Moreover, with its nasty side effects, she could easily tell that using this herb would only harm her.
However, that was only the past when she was the powerful Divine Thief. Now that she is in a new body, this herb will benefit her greatly!
With a nod to herself, she quickly made up her mind.
[ Then since you are no longer complaining, I will set forth to find this herb next morning. ] Tang Soso swiftly wrote on her signboard. Her blind eyes were resolute and showed no sign of wavering, signifying to Old Jiang that she would not take back this decision.
"Next morning? Aren't you tired, Young Lady?"
[ I can handle a few sweats here and there. Besides, I don't have time to rest around. I believe you know that best, Old Jiang. ]
"Indeed. However, if you happen to pass out from overwork, my head would be the first to fly off by the Patriarch, Young Lady."
[ I know! I know! Ugh, just tell me all the abandoned caves and mines. I shall go to whichever's closest if that makes you feel better. ] she groaned. Just when will this old man shut up?
"That is still very concerning, Young Lady. However, since you are so stubborn and resolute about finding this herb, then..."
In the middle of the sentence, his lips quivered as he suddenly hesitated, weighing the risks and rewards of letting the Young Lady explore dangerous old mines. Even then, after a short silence, Old Jiang finally let out a deep sigh.
"Then I shall tell you. There is an old mine somewhere north of Chengdu City that has never been visited for decades. Our clan's archives have mentioned that it used to contain one of the largest iron veins within our clan's territory and was exploited by our clan to make a widespread monopoly of iron. Not to mention, it had an important role in the production of weapons during the Orthodox-Demonic Great War around two hundred years ago. During that time, the Tang Clan became the tycoon that held the most iron within all of Central Plains and single-handedly shoulder the need for weapons of the Justice Faction. Sadly however, many years of frequent mining have caused the iron vein to cease and ever since around a hundred years ago, the Tang Clan have stopped going to that mine to collect iron."
Tang Soso listened to Old Jiang's words eagerly and made sure to not miss any information. She made a few nods here and there. This information could prove to be important later on.
And most of all, it was free! Curse the Beggar Sect and the Hao Sect!
But at this time, Old Jiang's gaze turned severe and his tone deepened by a large margin...
"Although this mine is very close to your residence, Young Lady, I don't think you should take your chance to go there. I have been near there once and accidentally heard of a rumor from one of the locals. Apparently, the reason why the Tang Clan stopped collecting iron from that mine is not because of the ceasing yield of iron. Rather, something sinister lies in that place that sent fear to our clansmen to the point of not returning there!"
Sensing urgency in Old Jiang's voice, Tang Soso was confused...
'Something... sinister? Just what could be down there that forces our Tang Clan, one of the largest clans in the Justice Faction to not even dare to go back there?'
After seeing her hesitating, Old Jiang barged in once again as he shook his head, "It was just some local rumor and there has been no evidence supporting it. Nevertheless, you should still avoid going there. It's better to be safe than sorry."
"Instead, go to the cave somewhere beside it. The mine has a large entrance, but the cave beside it is way smaller than the mine, so it should be easy for you to differentiate it. Since you are blind, make sure to use Qi Sense as often as possible! If possible, I can also come with you to ensure your safety!" He continued.
However, Tang Soso immediately shook her head, declining his suggestion to come with her.
[ No, thanks. It would be better for you to stay here since there's going to be a widespread search because of me killing the two guards earlier. If no one's in this residence, they would assume that we are the culprit and that we ran away. ]
"Is that so? That would be really bad, indeed... Then I shall stay here as you like. What should I say as an excuse for your temporary disappearance, Young Lady?"
[ Just tell them that I am recuperating outside since no one wants to heal me in this clan. Ah... and also make sure to put on a grim expression and a little act as if I was actually dead instead. ] she smirked.
"Then I shall also do just that. We wouldn't want to put the rumor to waste after all."
Tang Soso nodded calmly as she sensed that Old Jiang realized her plan. Since that's done as well, she can rest her mind quietly now.
That's all she needed to do and things should proceed smoothly later on! The future shall be right within her palms!
'Mhm... That's great...' she thought to herself when all of a sudden, her head felt all fuzzy and light while her body was starting to slump forward as it felt heavier than usual.
It felt as if she was spinning like a roller wheel and the world was moving along with her. Not to mention, she couldn't seem to move anymore...
Ah, her eyes feel so heavy... Did she push herself a little too much today?
'I'll just... close my eyes for a bit...'
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"Young Lady, is there anything else that-"
Snores...
"Hm?"
Just as Old Jiang was about to mention another thing, a soft snore suddenly interrupted him. As he turned to the side, he suddenly noticed that Tang Soso's eyes were already shut while a little drool was starting to escape from her mouth.
The moonlight outside the window cascaded down upon her beautiful face, revealing it in all of its glory while her long black hair drooped loosely below her shoulders. Despite still being in a sitting position on her bed, her body was already limp as all strength was drained out of her body.
She was already asleep!
"Oh my."
He didn't expect this at all. Well, he did speculate that the Young Lady would be extremely tired, but he didn't think she would pass out of exhaustion right here and now.
Smiling from ear to ear, he quickly approached her sleeping figure and held her shoulder before she fell head-first to the floor. Although she was still wearing her formal outfit, Old Jiang had the common sense to not undress her.
Instead, he simply made quick work of lifting her body and laying it on the center of the bed before drooping the thin blanket over her.
Feeling the warm embrace of the bed, the sleeping Tang Soso subconsciously smiled as she continued to sleep peacefully.
"First off, there's the clan heir competition and now she is preparing for the patriarch's challenge. She has truly worked hard today, hasn't she? I have never seen someone with so much tenacity in my whole life. She must have suffered a lot... That's it. I'm not even going to wake her up early. I'll just let her sleep until afternoon and she'll hate me for it." Old Jiang laughed quietly to himself as he slowly got up and made his way to the door.
Although he hasn't been through as much rigorous activity as Tang Soso today, Old Jiang was also extremely tired. If Tang Soso hadn't fallen asleep back there, he might have unknowingly worked himself until morning!
"Being productive is important, but so is resting. And I'm a big fan of resting!"
With that, he blew out all the candles and opened the door of the room before making an elegant exit, determined to sleep for fifteen hours tomorrow...
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The next day...
[ WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?! WHY DIDN'T YOU WAKE ME UP!? IT'S ALREADY LATE INTO THE NOON, YOU STUPID SERVANT! ]
Tang Soso was sitting on her bed while writing violently on her signboard as if she had screamed at the top of her lungs. The bright sun outside shone through her room's window, revealing her beautiful face that was being contorted in an angry expression.
Her eyes were bloodshot, strangling Old Jiang who was kneeling right in front of her like no tomorrow. She was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday and her hair was extremely disheveled, revealing just how long she had slept.
Whereas she should be relaxed after such a long deep sleep, her mind was in utter chaos at this moment.
Never had she thought for once in her life that she would sleep like a log and let the day pass just like this! She had wasted such a long precious time and it was all because of her servant right in front of her!
For some reason when she fell asleep, this annoying old man refused to wake her up in the morning as usual and let her overslept way late into the noon! Now her plan for the day is ruined!
"Oh, my bad, Young Lady. It seems like I overslept as well." Old Jiang slyly replied with a smirk.
[ Oh, you are so lying! Now I need to hurry so as to not arrive at the cave before nighttime! Do you not realize how dangerous it is to go out during nighttime!? ]
"Young Lady, you are blind and rely on your Qi Sense. You can navigate very well during nighttime."
[ S-Shut up! That's beside the point! I lost so much precious time because of you and more importantly, bandits would start appearing at this time of the day! Ugh, whatever! Now, you better set my bath and lunch as quickly as possible to make up for this! I want everything ready for me in fifteen minutes! ]
Old Jiang quickly replied to her orders even though a big smile was still ever-present on his face, "Understood, Young Lady. I'll be right back."
With that, he left quickly as she heard chaos start to take place in the other room, signifying that Old Jiang had gone to work.
She could hear the sounds of water being poured onto her bathtub while a fire was being lit to be used to cook a stew at the same time. The loud sounds were enough to completely blow out the remaining sleepiness within Tang Soso as she jumped out of her bed to stretch.
'Ugh, what an annoying old man...'
But then all of a sudden, her muscles twitched as an ungodly pain was sent all across her body.
OW! OW! OW!
She had forgotten about this. It seems like yesterday she had pushed her body way over her limit and caused most of her muscles to break apart. Now she has to deal with painful muscle soreness throughout the whole day.
Tang Soso couldn't even be angry at this. She had lost so much energy that all she wanted to do now was to lay all day in bed, but she knew she couldn't do that.
She must somehow persevere through this intense muscle soreness and retrieve the legendary moss from the old cave mentioned by Old Jiang yesterday.
With a deep sigh, she continued walking as a small tear flowed through the corner of her left eye.
'I hate everything...'
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Deep within a certain mine near the Tang Clan, past a few hundred meters below the ground, soft breathing could be heard.
Everything was pitch black as if it was inside the abyss itself, and the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the cave spring sprouting water, forming a miniature lake within.
But then at this moment, an earthquake occurred as something deep within started to move...
RUMBLE....
A pair of glowing slit eyes suddenly opened within the darkness and its shining glow subtly revealed itself, a giant and long creature that towers over every other beast that Murim had seen.
It was riddled with chains and talismans as an intense demonic aura surged and embedded within. Along with it, Its eyes radiated an ancient, eerie aura that would send fear to any being that somehow managed to come across it...
It had suddenly woken up as it felt a faint trace of a familiar aura somewhere above the surface.
"He... has come back..."
Tsssssssss~
