Chapter 08 | Living in Obscurity

When Li Jing woke up, his eyelids were stuck together. He wiped away the sticky substance and called out for Gu Musheng. However, his legs were trapped, and he couldn't move. Reaching out with his left hand, he felt a soft body.

It was Gu Musheng.

With great effort, he managed to pull himself out from under Gu Musheng. He then found the flint on Gu Musheng's body and, after several attempts, managed to light it. Searching around, he finally found the fallen torch and lit it. Only then did he see that Gu Musheng was pinned under two massive boulders. Fortunately, the rocks had formed a V-shape, and Gu Musheng was lying in the gap between them. Otherwise, he would have been crushed into pulp.

It turned out that when the earthquake struck again, Gu Musheng had instantly shielded Li Jing with his body.

Li Jing raised the pine-oil torch and looked around. The once-solid boulders had either been crushed into fragments or shattered into rubble. Among the debris were twisted iron tracks, remnants of the mechanisms installed by the Purple Heaven Master. These man-made marvels had proven as fragile as tender sprouts in the face of the earthquake.

"Master Hua..." Li Jing called out, but his mouth was filled with choking dust. The ground seemed to still be shaking. Without time to think, he pulled the unconscious Gu Musheng out, drew the Lone Star Sword from the crevice, and strapped it to his left waist. He then bent down, hoisted Gu Musheng onto his back, and followed his instincts toward the cave entrance. Along the way, rubble was everywhere, and mud and rocks continued to fall from the ceiling. Gritting his teeth, Li Jing ran until he finally reached the entrance. The earthquake had torn open the entrance, allowing them to exit upright. Li Jing carried Gu Musheng out of the cave and found the world plunged into darkness. A fierce wind carrying ice shards stung his face. Just as Li Jing stepped out of the cave, a deafening roar echoed as the entire cave collapsed.

Terrified, Li Jing's legs went weak. He didn't dare look back. After catching his breath, he adjusted Gu Musheng on his back and ran desperately down the mountain. When he reached the thatched cottage, he saw that most of the buildings had collapsed, except for one that remained standing, though its doors and windows had fallen off, leaving it in disarray. Li Jing carried Gu Musheng inside and laid him on the bed, then hurried to tend to his injuries. Gu Musheng, already weak, was now covered in blood, with only a faint warmth in his chest and shallow breaths. Li Jing examined his injuries: a broken spine, a gash on his left forehead, a broken left arm, and a dislocated left knee. Having learned battlefield first aid from his uncle, Li Jing first bandaged the wounds to stop the bleeding, then used massage techniques to press on Gu Musheng's abdomen, breathing into his mouth to help him exhale. After several forceful compressions, a foul-smelling breath escaped Gu Musheng's mouth, causing Li Jing to vomit up half of the chicken leg he had eaten earlier. But then he heard Gu Musheng let out three loud farts, and soon after, his eyes fluttered open, and he spat out a mouthful of black blood.

Overjoyed, Li Jing called out, "Brother!" Gu Musheng looked at the ceiling and tried to sit up, but only his right hand moved. Li Jing leaned over the bed and put his ear close. In a weak voice, Gu Musheng said, "...This is the master's room... we must not..."

"The other houses are all destroyed. Only this one is left..." Li Jing knew Gu Musheng revered the master and was terrified of lying on the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu's bed. "Brother, saving your life is the priority. I'll find some food first..." Afraid that Gu Musheng would argue, Li Jing left the room and immediately fell into the snow.

The snow was over a foot deep, soft like warm cotton. Only then did Li Jing realize how exhausted he was. He didn't have the strength to check his own injuries. If he couldn't find food, both of them would die. Biting his lip, he struggled to his feet and went to the kitchen where Gu Musheng had cooked before. The kitchen was in ruins, but the water jar still had a little water left. Miraculously, a clay pot leaning against a haystack still contained half a pot of chicken soup. Though it was dusty, it was enough to fill Li Jing with joy.

After half an hour of work, Li Jing managed to heat the soup over a fire. He brought it to the Fisherwoman's room, fed Gu Musheng first, and then ate a bowl himself. Gradually, he regained some strength. Only then did he check his own injuries: a cut over an inch long on his face, a swollen left shoulder, and various other superficial wounds. Gu Musheng instructed him to search the collapsed buildings for medicine, food, and clothes. The livestock they had raised, unable to escape due to the heavy snow, had either frozen to death outside or been found by Li Jing.

For several days, Li Jing busied himself with household chores. He noticed a mound of earth not far away, covered in snow, likely where Yueqing and Yuehua had buried Yueyue. Gu Musheng's spine was broken, and he lay immobilized on the bed. Though Li Jing knew battlefield first aid, he lacked the skills to treat such severe injuries. On the fifth day at noon, while Li Jing was cooking porridge, he suddenly heard a clear voice outside: "This humble one, Sun Simiao, pays his respects to the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu."

Li Jing's hands trembled, and the bowl and chopsticks fell to the ground. He rushed outside and saw Sun Simiao in a green robe, carrying a medicine chest, standing alone in the snow. The mountains stretched like an ocean, and Sun Simiao appeared like a lone boat suddenly arriving.

---

Earlier, Sun Simiao had been in Chengdu with the Yuan brothers, studying celestial phenomena. The Yuan brothers, with their vast knowledge, had improved upon Zhang Heng's ancient seismograph from the Eastern Han dynasty to predict earthquakes. They predicted that an earthquake would occur near Baidicheng and areas to the east by the end of the year. Sun Simiao asked the Yuan brothers to send twenty medical experts and personally led them to Baidicheng. Strangely, after staying by the river for seven days, no earthquake occurred, and Sun Simiao left with his team. Shortly after they left, the earthquake struck, but the damage was minimal. However, Sun Simiao sensed something ominous and stayed on a boat by the river, warning the local authorities to prepare. At the time, the Sui dynasty had established a military command in Baidicheng, and the acting commander was General Yang Su.

Yang Su had supported Yang Jian in establishing the Sui dynasty and was granted the title of Duke of Qinghe and appointed as the Minister of Justice. He had participated in drafting the "Kaihuang Code" but had grown arrogant over time, enjoying drinking and carousing in the streets of Chang'an. His wife, Zheng Qiyi, was extremely fierce. During one argument, she scratched her husband's face. Enraged, Yang Su shouted, "If I were emperor, I would never make you empress!" Though this was just drunken talk, Zheng reported it to Empress Dugu, who then told Emperor Yang Jian. The emperor was furious and wanted to execute Yang Su and his entire family. However, Prince Yang Guang, who happened to be in the capital at the time, intervened. He praised Yang Su's contributions and pleaded with his father to spare him, given the need for capable officials. Thus, with Yang Guang's intervention, Yang Su was stripped of his titles and sent to Baidicheng as the acting commander, tasked with recruiting laborers to build ships and establish a navy.

One day, a soldier reported that Sun Simiao had arrived. Yang Su, having heard of Sun's reputation, personally went out to greet him. Sun Simiao explained the dangers of earthquakes and urged Yang Su to prepare. Since an earthquake had already occurred, Yang Su immediately followed Sun's advice. Sure enough, on the fifth day, another earthquake struck, causing massive waves on the river, destroying ships, and collapsing countless buildings. Sun Simiao led his team in rescuing the injured and preventing an epidemic by boiling medicinal herbs for the people and soldiers.

This effort lasted four days. Thanks to the preparations, although many buildings were damaged, the death toll was only in the dozens. Yang Su hosted a banquet to thank Sun Simiao but couldn't find him. He then wrote a detailed report to the court, embellishing his role in the disaster response. Later, Emperor Yang Jian, impressed by his efforts, officially appointed him as the commander of Baidicheng and rewarded him with a million coins, a thousand bolts of silk, two hundred horses, and restored his previous titles.

Sun Simiao had long known that the Fisherwoman of Mount Wu lived east of Baidicheng. Though he knew her martial skills were exceptional, he doubted she could handle natural disasters. After sending the twenty medical experts back to Chengdu, he went alone to Mount Wu. The stone array, though intricate, was no match for his intellect. When he reached the mountain, he unexpectedly encountered Li Jing.

---

Li Jing was overjoyed and explained the situation. Sun Simiao listened and smiled. "Third Nephew, surviving such danger means you are blessed. Brother Gu risked his life to protect you, and his spine is broken. Without timely treatment, he will be paralyzed." He then instructed Li Jing to turn Gu Musheng onto his side, stabilize his head and shoulders, and carefully feel for the broken bones, explaining the process of setting bones as he worked. After a moment of concentration, Sun Simiao applied force with both hands, and with two loud cracks, Gu Musheng let out a painful cry.

Li Jing's heart tightened as he watched. After setting the bones, Sun Simiao took out medicine and instructed Li Jing to boil it into a paste for application. He then reset Gu Musheng's dislocated limbs, explaining the techniques to Li Jing. In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Sun Simiao had completed the treatment. Throughout, he was completely focused, his movements precise and flawless, like a seasoned dancer or a royal chef, exuding an indescribable grace. Over the past year, Li Jing had witnessed much killing and scheming, but this was the first time he had seen someone save lives with such devotion. It left a deep impression on him.

After treating Gu Musheng, Sun Simiao washed his hands and rested. Li Jing asked about Little Tiangang. Sun Simiao said, "Tiangang is still young. Let him train with his father first. When he's your age, he can follow me on my travels."

Li Jing asked, "I noticed that when you treat patients, you are completely focused and your techniques are precise. If the patient were an enemy or a villain, would you still treat them with the same dedication?"

Sun Simiao replied, "A doctor's heart is like that of a parent. In the eyes of a physician, all people are equal—emperors and generals, village women and old men, the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the beautiful and the ugly, friends and foes, the wise and the foolish, the Chinese and the barbarians—all should be treated with equal care. Especially the weak and the poor, we must spare no effort to help them. That's why, for thirty years, I have traveled through dangerous mountains and rivers, focusing on the rural poor. In cities, medical care is relatively accessible, but in the countryside, many die in poverty, their bodies left unburied. We must do our best to help them."

Li Jing had always admired Sun Simiao, but hearing him speak of aiding the needy deepened his respect. Suddenly, he remembered that during the earthquake, Hua Qingfeng, Yueqing, and Yuehua had been outside the stone chamber. When he carried Gu Musheng out of the cave, he hadn't seen any sign of them. Over the past few days, he had been too worried about Gu Musheng to think about their fate. Sun Simiao's compassion made him wonder whether he should try to save them, even though they had plotted against him. He explained the situation.

Sun Simiao said, "Earthquakes are natural disasters. If the three of them are buried in the cave, we should try to save them." He then had Li Jing lead the way to the back mountain.

The sight that greeted them shocked Li Jing. In his rush to escape, he hadn't noticed the extent of the damage. Now, he saw a massive crater. The once-domed peak had collapsed inward, turning the mountaintop into a bowl-shaped depression. Even Sun Simiao, with his vast experience, couldn't help but gasp. Such a landslide would crush even steel and stone into dust, burying everything deep underground.

Sun Simiao stroked his beard and sighed. "Such a landslide is rare. Fortunately, Mount Wu is sparsely populated, or the casualties would have been severe. Third Nephew, I once wrote to General Changsun, asking him to help you in your time of need. Based on what you've said, Hua Qingfeng is likely dead, and the trail to the ancient secret manual is lost. What are your plans now?"

Li Jing felt lost. The glimmer of hope he had clung to was now extinguished. Looking out at the vast mountains, he saw no clear path forward. Without finding the manual, he couldn't clear his name; yet searching for it seemed hopeless. Thinking of Gu Musheng, who had been injured saving him, he asked, "Master Sun, how long will it take for Brother Gu to recover?"

Sun Simiao said, "About a hundred days. Are you planning to stay on Mount Wu to care for him?"

Li Jing nodded.

Sun Simiao said, "Your loyalty is commendable. However, caring for Gu Musheng won't be too difficult. Baidicheng isn't far, and I can arrange for someone to look after him." Li Jing mentioned Gu Musheng's younger brother, Gu Shuisheng. Sun Simiao smiled and said, "That's even better. Gu Musheng's recovery is assured. Have you thought about where you'll go next?"

Li Jing wanted to return home or go back to Luzhou. However, whether at home or in the Luzhou commandery, being discovered would only bring trouble to his family. Even a remote place like Mount Sikong couldn't offer safety. Where in the vast world could he go? Moreover, Changsun Sheng had staked his life to protect him. How could he betray that trust?

Seeing Li Jing's distant gaze, Sun Simiao smiled. "Third Nephew, you're exceptionally talented. Can't you draw some inspiration from Hua Qingfeng?"

Li Jing was completely lost.

"General Xiao of Chen, General Changsun of Sui, even Prince Yang Guang—they all pinned their hopes for the ancient secret manual on Hua Qingfeng," Sun Simiao said, gazing into the distance. "They all knew that only by casting a long line could they catch a big fish. But they never imagined an earthquake would strike Mount Wu. If we take Gu Musheng to Baidicheng, there will be no one left alive on Mount Wu. Judging by the sky, another heavy snow is coming tonight, which will erase even our footprints. Anyone who comes to Mount Wu in the future, even if they pass the stone array, will only see a collapsed mountain and ruined buildings. Third Nephew, do you understand now?"

Li Jing suddenly realized: "Hua Qingfeng is buried in the mountain, and Li Jing died in the earthquake."

Sun Simiao smiled. "Exactly. Everyone can meet with misfortune. Hua Qingfeng is dead, and the ancient secret manual is lost with him. Li Jing is dead, and whether he was guilty or innocent, it's all over."

Li Jing felt a sudden clarity and knelt to kowtow. "Thank you, Master Sun, for enlightening me."

Sun Simiao helped him up and patted his sturdy shoulder. "However, to make everyone believe you died in the earthquake, we'll need Gu Musheng's help. Have him leave a note for the master, saying that Hua Qingfeng, the three maids, and Li Jing were all buried in the mountain. He was severely injured and is recovering at his brother Shuisheng's place. Gu Musheng is honest and won't reveal the truth."

Li Jing felt a surge of joy, followed by confusion. "But if I return to Sanyuan, I might be recognized along the way... And even if I go home, can I hide for the rest of my life?"

Sun Simiao smiled. "Let me ask you this: why did General Han send you to me with Tiangang?"

Li Jing's eyes lit up, and he knelt again. "Please, Master Sun, take me as your disciple. I am willing to follow you, no matter how far, and I will never waver!"

Sun Simiao helped him up again. "You're mistaken. Everyone has their own destiny. Not everyone is meant to study medicine. Moreover, curing individual illnesses is far less important than curing the ills of the world. The times are treacherous, and the people suffer. From your appearance, I can tell you will become a pillar of the state. But like the sword Master Xuyun forged for you, you must endure countless trials to become a true weapon. Let's not speak of becoming my disciple, but you may follow me into the countryside, experience the hardships of the people, cultivate your mind, and wait for the right opportunity."

Though Li Jing felt a pang of disappointment, he was overjoyed that Sun Simiao would allow him to accompany him.

Thus, the two descended the mountain. Gu Musheng followed Sun Simiao's instructions and left a note for the master. Worried about the house catching fire, he instructed Li Jing to extinguish all flames. Li Jing then carried Gu Musheng down the mountain and headed straight for Baidicheng. Gu Shuisheng would care for his brother on the boat, while Li Jing followed Sun Simiao to Kaizhou (modern-day Kaizhou District, Chongqing), practicing medicine along the way.

During the journey, Sun Simiao gave Li Jing a slight disguise. Li Jing wore coarse hemp clothes, tied his hair in two buns, and applied turmeric to his face. The alias "Muli" was no longer suitable, so he took his mother's surname and split his name "Li Jing" into two parts, renaming himself "Han Ziqing."

Sun Simiao avoided main roads, sticking to narrow paths. They visited villages and tribes, and due to Sun's exceptional medical skills, they were warmly welcomed. At the time, many ethnic minorities lived in Shu, and Sun Simiao treated them all equally, never shying away from dirt or foul smells. He focused solely on healing and never accepted payment, only asking for simple meals and a place to sleep at night. Wherever he went, the people called him "Living Bodhisattva."

Sun and Li traveled slowly, passing through Tongzhou (modern-day Dazhou, Sichuan) and Jinzhou (modern-day Ankang, Shaanxi) before reaching the Qinling Mountains and heading toward Mount Taibai. During this time, Li Jing naturally became Sun Simiao's capable assistant, learning diagnosis, bandaging, bone-setting, massage, acupuncture, and prescription.

Previously, he had learned battlefield first aid from his uncle. Now, with a master physician by his side, his diligence and natural talent allowed him to make rapid progress. He could now independently treat common illnesses. Additionally, Sun Simiao secretly taught him breathing techniques, which he practiced every night, naturally increasing his internal strength.

It was now mid-spring of the fourth year of the Kaihuang era (584 AD). The Qinling Mountains were lush with vegetation, and the ancient trees were so dense that the paths were almost invisible. As dusk approached, the two were tired and thirsty. Li Jing heard the sound of a stream in the distance and set down the medicine chest he was carrying. He said to Sun Simiao, "Master, wait here. I'll fetch some water."

Sun Simiao agreed. But before Li Jing could go far, Sun Simiao called him back. Just then, birds burst from the trees, and a strong wind blew through the grass, revealing a tiger with a white forehead and piercing eyes.

Li Jing was startled and quickly turned back to grab the Lone Star Sword hidden in the medicine chest. However, the tiger opened its bloody maw and exhaled a foul breath, causing Li Jing to choke and collapse to the ground.