Chapter 23: What Does Tang San Know About Magical Herbs? A Woman as Steady as an Eagle

The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the Ye Family Medical Clinic.

Ye Qingxian bolted the door shut with a soft clack and dusted her hands off. The clinic had been unusually quiet lately—closed at noon, doors locked before sunset. Old customers were beginning to grumble about the change, but Ye Qingxian didn't care.

She was not bound by anyone's expectations.

"Moral obligations? They don't work on me."

Her healing abilities were unmatched, but that didn't mean she had to serve everyone tirelessly. She had other matters to tend to now—more pressing matters than treating coughs and minor wounds.

Back at the Ye Residence

As she returned home, the servants informed her of Dugu Bo's arrival—and that he had brought Lin Xiao, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling back with him.

Her usual calm demeanor didn't break, but she was mildly surprised. What could have brought Poison Douluo himself to her doorstep?

Her steps remained measured and graceful, her veiled face serene. As she walked through the corridors, her mind moved swiftly.

"Lingling didn't come home last night… staying at Yanyan's house again? No doubt following Lin Xiao around, obsessed with breaking the Nine-Hearted Begonia's curse."

"She's still a child, after all."

Ye Qingxian sighed inwardly. Hope was dangerous for young hearts—it bloomed too brightly and burned too quickly when reality struck back. A woman as steady as an eagle, Ye Qingxian had long learned to temper her expectations.

In the Meeting Hall

When she entered the room, she found Dugu Bo seated comfortably, with Lin Xiao standing nearby. Without removing her veil, Ye Qingxian bowed politely.

"Qingxian greets Senior Dugu."

Dugu Bo, usually curt with strangers, nodded with rare warmth. "Master Ye, you're too courteous. Yanyan spoke highly of you. I appreciate your care for her."

Despite his status as a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo showed Ye Qingxian respect—her mastery of healing made her an equal in prestige.

Her eyes briefly flickered toward Lin Xiao.

What has this boy done to bring Poison Douluo himself here?

Ye Qingxian's intuition told her that something significant had happened.

Dugu Bo confirmed her suspicions. "I've discussed with this kid here. I know of a treasure land—an Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—but I can't stay there for long without risking my life. This boy, however, seems to have a strange immunity to the poisons surrounding it."

He turned to Ye Qingxian, his tone suddenly serious.

"I'd like you to teach him pharmacology—at least the basics. I don't know the properties of every herb in that place, but with your guidance, he can make better use of the medicinal herbs there."

Ye Qingxian's gaze softened as it rested on Lin Xiao.

This boy's potential… it's far greater than I thought.

Internally, Lin Xiao couldn't help but compare the situation to Tang San's methods. Tang San knows nothing about maximizing the potential of magical herbs.

In the original story, Tang San's idea of using rare herbs was straightforward: Pick the herb, eat the herb. There was no strategy, no consideration for compound effects or long-term cultivation benefits.

The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well wasn't just a treasure trove—it was a living, breathing alchemy lab capable of nurturing herbs to grow thousands of times faster. The herbs there weren't just powerful individually; they could be combined for even greater effects.

In Lin Xiao's mind, Ye Qingxian's expertise in medicine could unlock the true potential of those treasures.

"I don't see a problem with that," Ye Qingxian finally said. "He's already learned some basics from me."

Her gaze sharpened as she stared through her veil. This boy didn't ask me directly, but instead convinced Dugu Bo to speak on his behalf? Clever. Testing my interest without making it obvious.

Dugu Bo, satisfied, quickly excused himself. "I won't stay for lunch—I'll leave things in your capable hands, Master Ye."

Later that afternoon, Ye Qingxian summoned Lin Xiao to a quiet corridor.

"Tell me everything," she said, cutting straight to the point.

Without hesitation, Lin Xiao explained the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, its potent energy fields, and the rare herbs that could be found there. He recited the fragmented knowledge from the ancient texts he'd "read" and described his plans.

Eyes can speak, Lin Xiao thought as he looked at her expectantly. Sister, everything's ready. You're the key to unlocking the true power of those herbs.

Ye Qingxian was visibly intrigued. "A treasure like this… I never thought something like it could exist outside of legends."

Her next question caught Lin Xiao off guard.

"Was there really an ancient book?" she asked with a faint smirk behind her veil.

Lin Xiao blinked and quickly gathered himself. "Of course, Aunt Ye! Would I dare lie to you?"

Two seconds of guilt is enough penance for a good lie, he consoled himself.

Ye Qingxian's sharp mind shifted gears. "When do you plan to leave?"

"I want to wait for the next eruption of my evil fire," Lin Xiao said honestly. "There's a chance it could evolve on the third outbreak. I need to preserve it before absorbing the herbs."

Ye Qingxian stared at him for a long moment, then sighed. "You're either fearless or foolish."

After a pause, her expression softened.

"Fine. If the evil fire and your body are becoming inseparable, the next outbreak could indeed be transformative. I'll help you prepare—medicinal baths, healing herbs, everything you need."

Lin Xiao smiled gratefully.

Later, as Ye Qingxian returned to her room to review her notes from the last evil fire body forging, something unexpected happened.

Why am I smiling?

For a woman as steady as an eagle, emotions rarely stirred her so visibly. And yet, the faint hope of breaking the Nine-Hearted Begonia's curse lingered in her heart.

Maybe, just maybe, Lin Xiao could succeed where generations had failed.

And for the first time in years, Ye Qingxian found herself genuinely hopeful.