Chapter 13: Fate and Alchemy
"Let's see what secrets you're hiding," Jun Mo Xie murmured, already forming plans in his mind.
'Who brings five bodyguards with them at night? Judging by the carriage's design, he isn't from the palace.' As Huang Nian walked past the carriage, she couldn't help but wonder.
The thought of her cat echoed in her mind: "Young Miss, who do you think the person in the carriage is?"
"I'm curious too, but it's none of my concern," Huang Nian replied dismissively.
Just then, she paused by a plant growing along the roadside.
"Master, why did you stop?" the cat's thoughts echoed again.
"This plant looks familiar, but it's not typically used in medicine. Maybe I'm imagining things," Huang Nian said.
"Master, you're right. In the Beast World where I come from, this plant is used to create spirit herbs and pills. But in the human realm, it's considered trash. I wonder why," the cat replied.
"So, you're saying this plant can actually be useful in making spirit herbs?" Huang Nian asked, her curiosity piqued.
"That's correct, Master," the cat confirmed.
A gleam appeared in Huang Nian's eyes. "I'm going to gather as many as I can." She quickly uprooted ten of the plants before heading back to the Huang Mansion.
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Dilapidated Courtyard
"Young Miss, can I come in now? It's been a whole day since you went out. Are you sure you're okay?" Ye Xiwu called from outside.
"Ye Xiwu, you worry too much. I'm fine. Come back in an hour," Huang Nian answered.
"Okay, but don't overwork yourself," Ye Xiwu said reluctantly before leaving.
Inside the room, the small white cat lay weakly on Huang Nian's bed. Thanks to its tears, Huang Nian had managed to complete her pills, elixirs, and spirit herbs.
The cat whimpered, "What kind of master do I have? Other masters care for their spiritual beasts, but mine only knows how to pinch me until I cry."
Huang Nian held up a small bottle to the cat's face. "Little White, don't forget I'm linked to you. Cry some more," she said, pinching the cat gently.
"Meow!" the cat wailed.
One Hour Later
Ye Xiwu knocked on the door. "Young Miss, can I come in now?"
"You can enter," Huang Nian replied. Ye Xiwu pushed open the door and hurried inside.
"Are you really okay?" Ye Xiwu asked with concern.
"I'm perfectly fine," Huang Nian assured her.
"I was worried sick! And what's in that box?" Ye Xiwu asked, noticing a wooden box on the table.
"Go ahead and see for yourself," Huang Nian said with a hint of amusement.
Ye Xiwu approached the table and opened the box, her eyes widening. "Young Miss, where did you get these?"
"I made them—the Potential Increasing Pills, the elixirs, and the green pills. But keep it a secret. Help me separate them accordingly," Huang Nian instructed.
"Young Miss, if you can do all this, why do you let others bully you?" Ye Xiwu asked as she sorted the medicines.
"Should I fight back and let rumors spread that the so-called 'trash' is now a troublemaker too?" Huang Nian retorted with a calm smile.
Ye Xiwu shook her head. "No, of course not. But… what's wrong with Little White? Why is it so quiet?"
"Little White isn't feeling well lately," Huang Nian said, glancing at the cat.
The cat's thoughts protested loudly, "That's not true, Master!"
"Ye Xiwu, I'm heading out to sell these Potential Increasing Pills," Huang Nian said, changing the subject.
"Do you need me to go with you?" Ye Xiwu offered.
"No need," Huang Nian replied before picking up the small cat and a small box. She left the room without further explanation.
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Huang Nian arrived at a medicine store on the east side of the market.
"Young Miss, how can I help you?" the shopkeeper asked politely.
"I'm here to sell something," Huang Nian said, placing the box on the counter.
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "Young Miss, this store deals with high-grade items like Qi Refining Pills and the like. We don't usually buy low-grade pills."
Without a word, Huang Nian opened the box, revealing the shimmering pills inside.
The shopkeeper's attitude shifted instantly. "Potential Increasing Pills? My apologies, Young Miss! Please wait a moment; I need to fetch the Grandmaster," he said hurriedly before dashing into the back room.