Liao Qe was dazzled by the countless pieces of jewelry; Liao Ya was similarly astonished at the sight of these exquisite and gorgeous items.
Feeling embarrassed, she began to refuse again, "No, this is too valuable!"
In Blue Star, these hairpins and bracelets were just common accessories, selling for a few dozen yuan each, very popular among young girls.
However, in the Otherworld, they were expensive jewelry! Casually accepting them didn't seem appropriate.
Lu Yao said, "They're not worth much money, and since they're already bought, you should just take them."
The two sisters took Lu Yao's modesty for real, believing these expensive-looking accessories certainly weren't cheap.
Liao Ya firmly refused again, "We've already accepted your silver, how could we be so greedy!"
Liao Qe obediently put down the hairpin, her face showing reluctance but without hesitation.
Lu Yao solemnly gave a fist-and-palm salute, saying, "The silver was for the consultation fee, and these are specifically to thank Miss Liao Qe! Miss Liao Qe, I will remember your life-saving grace for the rest of my life!"
At the time, they were less than 20 meters away from the boxing gym, yet it seemed insurmountable as a moat, and he had been very lucky that the young girl carried him over.
Hearing him say this, Liao Qe became embarrassed and shyly played with the hem of her top, looking down and said bashfully, "I didn't really do much~"
Seeing Lu Yao's sincere gratitude, with his words and expression so earnest, Liao Ya found herself torn. She, too, was not much older and likewise fond of these finely crafted trinkets.
Lu Yao stuffed the jewelry into the hands of the two women directly, "You're both martial artists, why are you dithering about, not straightforward at all."
The sisters exchanged glances, and Liao Ya gave a slight nod; Liao Qe cheered, grabbing the hairpin and playing with it affectionately.
"That's more like it~" Lu Yao was also very pleased. He hated being in someone's debt, always more anxious to repay a kindness than to avenge a wrong.
"You've spent money on us again..." Liao Ya's cheeks turned red, making her already fair and tender skin seem all the more delicate and endearing.
Even though Lu Yao no longer had worldly desires, the sight still brightened his eyes, an innate yearning for beautiful things.
At this moment, the medicine-cooking machine made a slight noise.
Lu Yao explained, "The machine is grinding the medicine dregs to extract the medicinal strength. That's why, using this gadget to cook medicine, you won't need to stew it for too long, just a few hours will do."
Playing with the exquisite jewelry in their hands, the sisters became somewhat convinced of the machine's magic and started to look forward to it.
~~~~~~~~
Amid eager and anxious waiting, time flew by, and the medicine-cooking machine emitted a "beep beep beep" sound, signaling the medicine was ready.
The sisters curiously stared at the machine while Lu Yao found a bowl and demonstrated, "Just press this button, and the medicine will flow out."
The medicine-cooking machine looked almost the same as a water dispenser and operated nearly in the same way.
Lu Yao poured a bowl and handed it to Liao Ya, indicating she should check it.
Liao Ya knew it was fine from the smell and immediately downed it. After closing her eyes and feeling for a while, she opened them again to reveal a face full of shock!
"It really works! This machine... can make medicine on its own without supervision! And it manages the fire with such precision!"
Liao Qe eagerly drank a small bowl to try, and after feeling the medicine's effect, was amazed, "It's miraculous! All you have to do is put the ingredients in and press a few buttons!?"
Lu Yao also had a small sip; a rush of warmth immediately spread throughout his limbs and body, the effects powerful!
He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief: it indeed was the environment on Blue Star that hadn't been conducive to success.
Raising his bowl, he declared, "From now on, we don't have to drink Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup once a week, but everyday! Let's replace wine with medicine and toast to our health!"
The sisters were also extremely excited, they raised their bowls, clinked them together mightily, and downed the content!
Next, the three of them transformed into ruthless medicine-drinking machines, gulping down every last drop of the remaining medicinal juice.
Lu Yao could only consume less than half a bowl before he could drink no more. Waves of warmth spread from his stomach to his limbs and throughout his whole body, making him feel comfortably warm.
Lifting his hands, he saw that his originally sallow limbs had actually gained some color!
Hurriedly, he stood up to look in the mirror. Although his complexion was still very pallid, he no longer looked like he was at death's door.
"Amazing! The effects of the tonic are truly powerful! Then practicing martial arts must be even more effective!"
~~~~~~~~~
Liao Qe, at the Bone Tempering Realm, drank three bowls.
The little girl was so dizzy from the potency of the medicine that she swayed as if drunk, slurring her words:
"You're really amazing! Hahaha, I won't have to watch over the stove and brew medicine anymore!"
This troublesome task had always been hers, and her lively and playful nature couldn't stand it. She had been enduring it bitterly, and now she had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel.
Afterward, the girl, still groggy, clasped the hairpin hidden in her bosom and, patting Lu Yao on the shoulder, mumbled unclearly, "Hehehe, you're such a good person~ From now on, I've got your back~"
~~~~~~~~
Liao Ya, at the Organ Refining Realm, downed eight large bowls.
She opened her mouth to speak but let out a satisfied burp instead, her face instantly flushing red, whether from the effects of the medicine or embarrassment.
After recomposing herself, she remarked with emotion, "Who knew that tonic could actually fill you up..."
For her, this was an unprecedentedly shocking experience. In the past, she could only consume medicinal tonics once a week, and it was only ever one bowl, certainly not enough.
But now she could eat until full every day! This was simply unimaginable! Even the true disciples of the royal family and major sects might not receive such treatment!
Unable to help herself, Liao Ya looked towards Lu Yao, amazed at his miraculous methods!
Beside her, the drunken Liao Qe, in a stroke of intuition, suddenly said:
"Sister, with this miraculous machine, you'll surely break through to the Marrow-Cleansing Realm before you're twenty!"
Liao Ya also realized this, her shock turning to excitement as she looked eagerly at Lu Yao and asked, "Young Master Lu, about this machine..."
"Don't worry, since I've brought it out, it's meant to be shared with you, and I will teach you the detailed methods of using it. But well, it's not for free~"
Lu Yao clasped his fists and said, "Although I suffer from a terminal illness, I still wish to try and save myself. Master Liao, please teach me martial arts!"
Liao Ya was immediately conflicted. She actually had a good impression of Lu Yao. He was clear-headed and upright, certainly no villain; afflicted with a terminal illness yet not resentful or blaming of heaven or others, but instead unwavering in his search for a glimmer of hope, embodying the tenacious and resilient spirit of a martial artist!
But with Lu Yao's frail condition, wouldn't practicing martial arts be tantamount to seeking death?
Liao Qe looked on at her sister with expectant eyes, almost wishing she could agree on her behalf, and couldn't help but interject:
"Young Master Lu is wealthy and young, with an excellent character, a perfect fit for joining our Liao Family Fist. Sister, why hesitate?"
Upon reflection, Liao Ya thought—the lad came from a rich family, with no shortage of silver or medicinal ingredients, and could drink tonics every day. Even if he couldn't practice martial arts, he could certainly try the "nourishing methods."
Thus she spoke, "I can teach you, although I cannot guarantee you will reach the Blood-Exchange Mirror and be completely cured, it might prolong your life. Cultivation involves the core secrets of a sect, so you would need to join my sect as my disciple. Would you be willing?"
Lu Yao smiled and inquired, "Does that mean I should take you as my master?"
Liao Ya answered, "I can take you as a disciple on behalf of my father, making you my junior brother."
"I couldn't ask for more!" Lu Yao immediately agreed.