Chapter 12: War is Imminent

Wang Sheng had borrowed a medical text that was fully illustrated, not only depicting the patterns of herbs but also providing descriptions of their unique characteristics, medicinal effects, and even their growing environments.

In this era, possessing such an item would be enough to consider it a family heirloom in many households.

It truly didn't disappoint—it was a collection that could be expected from old man Ji, who was immediately recognizable as a martial artist.

Perhaps because the medical book was so detailed, within minutes, Wang Sheng had unlocked a new progress bar.

"Herb Recognition: 1 (1%)"

This was a completely new skill for both his former self and his current self, without any prior experience. Both the level and progress were at 1.

He didn't know how long it would take to max out this skill and break through.

"Next is the cultivation of herbs."

This is the core aspect of formulating the Blood and Qi Replenishing Formula; without the proper herbs, the formula would be useless.

As for the formula itself—

Wang Sheng remembered some.

However, the majority were for treating anemia, and others were traditional medicine prescriptions specifically for women during their special times.

To increase the success rate, Wang Sheng planned to pick out all those formulas that required only plant-based herbs and attempt to formulate each one.

To find out the best formula.

Some herbs were prepared in advance as per the brochure.

For instance, he knew that all the formulas for replenishing Qi-Blood essentially required ginseng and Angelica.

Ginseng did exist in this world.

Of course, he didn't even consider mature ginseng; the ginseng of this era was Wild Ginseng, not something he could afford now, but it wasn't a problem to plant ginseng seeds.

Many families who had dug up ginseng before would have ginseng seeds stored, so finding ginseng seeds was not a big problem.

As for Angelica, Wang Sheng didn't know whether it was called the same in this world, and so he decided to level up his Herb Recognition skill first and find this world's Angelica thereafter.

With this thought, his goal became clear.

"So now the target is to raise the level of Herb Recognition and the cultivation of ginseng."

Aside from these two tasks, there were the regular practices of Ba Duan Jin and Inner Core Skill.

"It's getting more fulfilling, huh!"

The more things he had to do, the more satisfied Wang Sheng became.

Every day, he could feel himself improving; this exhilarating feeling was indescribable.

...

And so—

Starting the next day.

Wang Sheng spent 8 hours sleeping, 2 hours eating.

The remaining 14 hours were divided because the Tiger Bone Ointment was running low; thus, practice of Ba Duan Jin was reduced to 3 hours, and Inner Core Skill practice took up 6 hours.

The rest of the time was spent refreshing the "Herb Recognition" skill and the old skill "Chrysanthemum Planting."

Of course, on the first day, he didn't complete his entire plan because Li Yongfeng had returned, and in the evening, he took some meat and went to Li Wenguang's house for dinner.

"Haha, Yun Sheng, welcome!"

As soon as he entered, he was met by a robust, resolute-faced young man in his mid-twenties who came forward and gave Wang Sheng a big hug.

"Brother Yongfeng, congratulations on your safe return!"

Wang Sheng knew that times were hard outside, and with the profession of escorter inherently involving bloodshed, a safe return was the best blessing.

Upon hearing this, a shadow passed over Li Yongfeng's eyes.

Wang Sheng thought he had said something wrong and was about to say something else when Li Yongfeng spoke again, saying, "Yeah, it's good to be back safe, but I guess I won't be working as an escorter anymore!"

"Brother Yongfeng, did something happen?"

Wang Sheng remembered how Li Yongfeng had argued with Li Wenguang because he wanted to become an escorter, and Li Wenguang had finally agreed with great reluctance.

But now, the same Li Yongfeng who had been set on becoming an escorter was talking about giving it up.

Aside from something going wrong, Wang Sheng could not think of any other reason.

"Ah, let's go inside and talk while we eat!"

Wang Sheng entered the house.

Wang Sheng, familiar with the task, hung up the meat after entering the house and then greeted Li Wenguang and his wife, Li Zhi.

"Uncle Li, Aunt Li!"

"You're here, but why bring meat? Is our family starving enough to need your scraps?"

Li Zhi's face wore a reproachful expression.

Wang Sheng didn't reply. After all, you can't always live off someone else's kindness—such things can only go on for so long before they're exhausted. The original owner had done well, always bringing something whenever he came. Maintaining the relationship without becoming distant.

Seeing Wang Sheng remain silent, simply hanging up the meat, Li Zhi wasn't surprised; it was always like this.

"Sit down and eat, dinner is about to be ready, we should have a good drink this time."

Their own son was away most of the time on escort missions, and his return was always the happiest time for him; a few drinks were customary.

Wang Sheng had arrived at the perfect time, as the dishes were just about ready. After they were served, Li Wenguang poured wine for both Li Yongfeng and Wang Sheng.

Logically speaking, drinking isn't good for one's health, but it would be improper to refuse at such a time. Just drink a little, mainly to blend into the atmosphere.

As they drank, Li Yongfeng began to discuss his decision to quit being an escorter.

"Yongfeng, you're quitting being an escorter?"

Li Wenguang and Li Zhi were both shocked. In the past, not even a beating had made him reconsider, and now he was giving up on his own.

Their shock was only surpassed by Wang Sheng's, and they asked the same question.

"Yongfeng, did something happen? If there's an issue, you can tell us; we'll help you!"

Li Yongfeng couldn't help but smile wryly, then quickly explained.

"It's not that I'm in trouble, but Shuzhou is going to be. There's going to be war and chaos in Shuzhou; escorting is becoming less and less safe, so I've decided to quit."

He knew the dangers of war; beneath the torrents of steel, even martial artists are mere ants, to say nothing of a common man like him. His parents were still alive; he didn't want to risk it.

"War!"

The other three echoed in unison, their faces grave.

Even though they knew the outside world had been increasingly chaotic and signs of a dying empire were showing, they hadn't expected war to come so soon.

"Brother Yongfeng, is this news true?"

According to his memory, it shouldn't have come so quickly, right? The royal family hasn't completely fallen yet!

"It's true. On the way here, I met many refugees. It's said that a rebellion has started in southern Shuzhou, the imperial court's suppression was ineffective, and now it's a stalemate. No one knows how long it will last."

He wouldn't have given up so easily without reliable information.

Wang Sheng and the married couple fell silent. If that was the case, the news was almost certain.

War, it really was coming!

For a while, the dinner table was silent.

Wang Sheng, tapping on the table unconsciously, thought for a moment and then, while tapping, said, "If the news is true, Uncle Li, Brother Yongfeng, we need to prepare in advance—food and hiding places!"

Li Wenguang and Li Yongfeng also immediately realized the gravity of the situation.

A military calamity would be a disaster for the common people; devastation wasn't just a figure of speech. They had to prepare in advance!

"Yongfeng, go to Lijiang Town tomorrow to buy grain. I'll speak to the village chief."

"Alright, Dad!"

Because of the news of war, they lost all appetite for the meal.

Wang Sheng also stood up and said, "If anything happens, head to my place for shelter!"

Only then did Li Wenguang remember Wang Sheng's current status.

"That's right, Yun Sheng, now that you're a martial artist, it would indeed be safer to rely on you. We'll store the food we buy at your place too!"

Because they had not been notified, Li Yongfeng and Li Zhi, who knew nothing yet, were left puzzled.