Chapter 81, The Elder’s Gift

Translator: StarReader

 

Medicine King Group Leader Sun Baihong examined Su Chen from head to toe, his expression revealing a flicker of surprise.

 

“No need to be tense. I called you here without any particular purpose. Earlier, I heard you remain calm and unshaken during the banquet, which sparked our curiosity. That’s why we summoned you.

 

“Who would have thought you’re an executive disciple of the Medicine King Group? A commendable young man, calm and composed. Though you’re an Errand Hall disciple, you stand out among the rest!

 

“It seems the Medicine King Group still has the potential to produce talent. Such oversight, being the leader and yet failing to notice your genius. However, these past couple of days have been exceptionally busy, leaving me no spare time. Once I’m free, I’ll take the opportunity to chat with you at length.”

 

Sun Baihong absentmindedly stroked his white beard, his face lighting up with satisfaction, and continued praising with growing enthusiasm.

 

As a Grandmaster, he had spent over five decades navigating the Wu Region martial world, having encountered countless individuals. Naturally, he could instantly discern a martial disciple’s character and strength.

 

Ordinary martial warriors, even first-rate experts, would likely lose their composure and collapse under the overwhelming pressure of the three Grandmasters.

 

But this young man remained unfazed, shrugging off the immense pressure of all of them. His calm and composure spoke volumes about his steady mind.

 

Remaining unfazed in the presence of Grandmasters, and enduring their overwhelming aura—this was the making of a remarkable individual capable of great things.

 

Combined with his youth and vast potential for growth, he was destined for a brilliant future.

 

“By the way, these two are Caravan Guards Leader Li and Iron Sword Group Leader Han. Both are important figures in the Wu Region martial world. You should get to know them. In the future, if you travel the martial world, their assistance will be invaluable.”

 

Sun Baihong smiled as he introduced them.

 

“Medicine King Group disciple Su Chen greets Senior Li and Senior Han!”

 

Su Chen once again bowed respectfully to the two.

 

“Very well, there’s no need to linger. You may return. When I have some free time in a few days, I’ll have a more detailed discussion with you. With your talent, remaining in the Errand Hall is a waste.”

 

Sun Baihong had summoned Su Chen out of a passing whim.

 

After their meeting, he was quite satisfied and had the intention to nurture Su Chen, possibly assigning him to the Swordsmanship Hall or the Alchemy Hall for some experience.

 

However, the martial competition in the Wu Region was set for tomorrow, and he had numerous important tasks to attend to, leaving no time to spare. He could only defer the discussion to another day.

 

“I shall take my leave!”

 

Su Chen couldn’t help but breathe in relief.

 

His worry was unfounded. The three Grandmasters only showed mild curiosity, finding nothing particularly remarkable about him.

 

Since the three elders had no further business with him, he had no desire to linger and immediately took his leave, turning to depart.

 

“Hold on!”

 

Han Pingshan suddenly spoke.

 

Su Chen’s heart lurched with surprise as he froze.

 

The Leader of the Iron Sword Group had called out to him—what was his intent? Had he sensed something?

 

Su Chen’s mind immediately tensed, forcibly suppressing the urge to reach into his robes and crush a talisman of the Golden Armor Warrior.

 

“It’s my first time meeting young friend Su. Such a rare occasion, yet I have no suitable gift to offer.”

 

Han Pingshan smiled faintly, pulling a crimson stone from his robes. “This,” he said, “was a fortunate discovery I made a few years ago while wandering the Firecloud Mountains. Scarlet Fire Stone—it warms the body during winter, providing as much comfort as a thick fur robe. A rare treasure, to be sure. I’ve kept it with me ever since. Consider this a small token of goodwill, little brother.”

 

Sun Baihong raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting. “Han Pingshan,” he chided with a smirk. “Last time I asked for this Scarlet Fire Stone, you refused it a hundred times. Now you’re tossing it around like a trinket?”

 

Han Pingshan chuckled, his tone smooth. “Master Sun, you hoard treasures far more valuable than this Scarlet Fire Stone. Why waste your time on my meager offering? You’d likely grind it into powder to experiment with bizarre medicine—a waste of such a fine Scarlet Fire Stone! Better that it goes to this young friend as a keepsake.”

 

Sun Baihong shook his head, turning to Su Chen. “A gift from a senior cannot be refused. Since it comes from Senior Han, you must accept it. This Iron Sword Group leader never changes—always favoring juniors. When he takes a liking to someone, he’ll casually hand over treasures worth a fortune. Makes me feel ashamed. I’ll make sure to bring you something better next time.”

 

“Thank you, Senior Han. Thank you, Medicine King!”

 

Su Chen felt a warm surge in his chest, bowing deeply as he took the Scarlet Fire Stone with both hands.

 

He never imagined that the three Grandmasters’ summons would result in receiving a gift from the legendary Han Pingshan himself.

 

Since arriving in Gusu City and studying under the Medicine King Group for years, then stepping into the martial world, no one had ever treated him with such respect.

 

The Iron Sword Group Leader not only carried a gentle, earnest demeanor but also exuded an air of extraordinary bearing. Even toward a complete stranger like himself, he had shown such generosity.

 

Su Chen felt a pang of shame—he’d been too quick to assume ill intentions earlier.

 

…

 

Su Chen bid farewell to the three seniors, exiting the opulent private room and returning to the banquet hall.

 

Sun Baihong and his two companions continued drinking, exchanging idle conversation.

 

They’d seen Su Chen with their own eyes, yet their perception—far beyond ordinary—detected nothing extraordinary about him. Only that his demeanor was calm, his potential quietly promising.

 

They spoke briefly, then let the matter rest.

 

After all, this was a minor matter.

 

The Wu Region’s martial future for the next hundred years, however, hinged on this casual meeting.

 

“Tomorrow night’s Laba Festival, Daoist Han Shan and Magistrate Wang will host the first Wu Region martial competition. What are your thoughts, brothers?”

 

Li Shuo’s eyes flashed with a cold glint, his voice laced with frost. “Months ago, the Whale Gang raided a shipment of official grain heading north. If we allow such chaos to continue, the Wu Region will be lost to chaos before it even begins.”

 

Han Pingshan spoke in a calm, measured tone. “We’ve gone through countless years of effort, centuries of blood and toil that our Wu Region groups poured into carving out this realm. We can’t allow it to fall into the hands of others! Tomorrow’s martial competition will be the crucible where the true heirs of the Wu Region are forged. Do you not see it?”

 

“Han Ya and we have shared decades of camaraderie. Though he has long retreated into seclusion, his loyalty to our cause is unquestionable. Tonight’s martial competition may well unearth a few of the great beasts lurking in the depths.”

 

Medicine King Sun Baihong brimmed with confidence, his beard trembling as he laughed. He raised his cup and drank deeply. “Since ancient times, martial battles have claimed the lives of countless heroes. Brothers, be wary. After this great clash, we shall reunite—wine in hand, old friends rekindling their bond.”

 

…

 

At the dead of night, the grand feast at Heaven Falcon Inn finally concluded. Young heroes, sated and drunk, dispersed into the night. The martial artists also scattered, seeking opportunities to align themselves with these rising stars.

 

Young Miss Ah Nu, escorted by several first-rate experts, bid farewell to Su Chen and Ah Chou, boarding a carriage to return to Mist Terrace.

 

Su Chen and Ah Chou wandered through the bustling night market of Gusu County City.

 

The night market had just begun, alive with noise. Along the streets, red lanterns hung from shop eaves and rooftops, casting a warm glow. Vendors called out, and crowds swarmed the alleys.

 

Ah Chou had entered the feast with excitement, eager to witness the spectacle. As he left, however, a lingering melancholy clung to him. Beneath the moonlight, he seemed adrift, alone.

 

Su Chen remembered how Ah Chou used to be unable to hide his emotions. When something happened, he would either break down in tears and then somehow find joy in hardship, laughing heartily, or he would be brimming with confidence, declaring loudly that he would one day become a great martial artist, a legendary hero. No one could persuade him without provoking his anger.

 

It was rare to see Ah Chou so quiet, so downcast, so lost.

 

In a single night, it seemed as though he had grown up significantly.

 

Su Chen could tell Ah Chou had something on his mind. He sighed.

 

As people grew older, the burdens they carried multiplied. Some things always remained buried deep in the heart, untouched and unspoken. The great joys, the overwhelming sorrows, the boundless happiness, and the unbearable pain—all of these gradually became less frequent. What remained was only the weight of the body, the unsteady steps, and the uncertainty that gnawed at the soul.

 

Ah Chou did not speak. Su Chen did not ask.

 

People always had to bear certain things themselves—those things that grew heavier with each passing day.

 

…

 

Ah Chou returned to the Heaven Falcon Group.

 

Su Chen had to depart for the Vaulting Mountains the next morning, so he did not return to the Medicine King Estate a couple miles away but instead found a cheap inn in Gusu County City to stay for the night.

 

He took the Scarlet Fire Stone Han Pingshan had given him, held it in his hand, and carefully examined it using his extraordinary perception.

 

The moment he touched the stone, Su Chen sensed it was no ordinary object. It was absolutely a rare spiritual item.

 

At the time, however, the three Grandmasters had been present, and many young martial artists were gathered at the banquet. It had not been appropriate to examine it closely.

 

Inside the Scarlet Fire Stone, concentrated fire spiritual energy pulsed like a living thing.

 

“Fire spiritual energy stone, an incredible find!”

 

Su Chen couldn’t suppress a surge of exhilaration.

 

If ground into fine powder, it could serve as a perfect fire ink.

 

In recent years, he had collected two pieces of Fire Sand Paper, a talisman brush, and a Fire Rock Inkstone—all that remained was fire ink to complete his set of tools for crafting talismans.

 

Now, with this fire ink, he had essentially gathered all materials needed for the second set of Fireball Talisman, powerful fire talisman.

 

This was exactly the kind of devastating attack method he had been lacking.

 

Combined with the Golden Warrior Talisman, this would grant him both offense and defense—two formidable talismans that would elevate his strength dramatically.

 

Su Chen felt his heart race with anticipation.

 

Senior Han Pingshan had chosen not to gift the Scarlet Fire Stone to Sun Baihong, the Medicine King, fearing Sun Baihong might use it for alchemical experiments. He had instead passed it down to this junior. Yet Senior Han Pingshan certainly hadn’t anticipated Su Chen would use the stone to craft talismans. If he had known, he might have said something entirely different.

 

But the materials needed for crafting talismans were stored in the Medicine King Estate residence. The estate enforced a strict nighttime curfew, making it impractical to move around freely.

 

Crafting a single talisman required immense time and effort. It would be better to wait until the next day or two when he had more free time to work on the Fireball Talisman.

 

Su Chen considered this, then decided to rest. Tomorrow morning, he had to head to the Vaulting Mountains for hunting. It wouldn’t be wise to waste energy on this task tonight.