After finishing the "Yuheng Yangyuan Soup," a wave of warmth spread from Astra's chest, like a spring breeze breathing life into dead wood. Every cell in her body seemed to awaken anew. The crushing fatigue ebbed away like a retreating tide, replaced by a profound lightness and an unprecedented surge of strength. She took a deep breath, feeling the energy flow smoothly through her body.
Rising from the bed, she pulled back the curtains, allowing the morning light to flood the room. Jiang Ting's bedroom was immaculate, the other side of the bed empty and cold, exuding a sense of loneliness. Her gaze lingered on the bed, and she could almost hear the low timbre of Jiang Ting's voice from that night, her fingertips still remembering the residual warmth of his palm.
"Damn it..." she murmured, biting her lip and shaking her head, trying to push away the memories that clouded her mind.
Jiang Ting's Secret Meeting and His Connection to Daoist Medicine
The night wind swept through the city's skyscrapers, a chill settling in the air. Jiang Ting stood silently on the terrace, clutching a yellowed business card. The ancient characters printed on it read: "Xuanyi Hall · Daoist Doctor Guyue."
This was a name of legend. Guyue, also known by the Daoist name "Xuanyi Zi," was a renowned master in the fields of mysticism and Daoist medicine. His skills in balancing yin and yang, restoring the spirit, and mastering energy work and talismans were unparalleled. Yet, Guyue was elusive, shunning worldly entanglements, only offering his help to those he deemed fated.
Their Connection: A Decade-Old Encounter
Jiang Ting's acquaintance with Guyue dated back to a fateful incident years ago.
Ten years earlier, during a fierce business rivalry, Jiang Ting had been sabotaged. While driving through a mountain road on a hiking trip, his car plummeted off a cliff. Fate intervened when one of Guyue's disciples happened to be nearby and brought him to the medical hall.
In a semi-conscious state, Jiang Ting met the ethereal Daoist doctor — Guyue himself.
After feeling his pulse, Guyue spoke only one cryptic line:
"Your aura is unique, marked by calamity and karmic entanglements. If you wish to survive, you must learn to save others and yourself."
That night, Guyue performed the "Thirteen Ghost Needles" to extend Jiang Ting's life and regulate his qi flow. In his dazed state, Jiang Ting felt a soothing warmth seep into his body, like ice thawing under the first rays of spring. By morning, his pain had vanished, his spirit rejuvenated. He stayed in the hall for over two months to recover.
Before he left, Guyue handed him a card:
"I saved you this time. One day, you will meet someone fated, and you must help them in turn."
Jiang Ting kept the card with him ever since, never using it — until he met Astra.
The Search for the Medicine: A Hidden Fate Revealed
As the last light of day faded behind the city skyline, Jiang Ting drove toward the outskirts. His black sedan glided through tree-lined paths, leaving the urban noise behind, until he reached a secluded courtyard. Time seemed to stand still here, peace and serenity hanging in the air.
He pushed open the gate. A subtle aroma of herbs greeted him, refreshing and grounding. Inside, the furnishings were simple, wooden shelves filled with ancient jars and bottles. A figure named Qingxuan sat in a rattan chair, eyes closed. Slowly, Qingxuan's eyes opened, clear as a still lake, yet hiding a blade's sharpness beneath.
"Mr. Jiang, long time no see," Qingxuan said with a knowing smile. His gaze, sharp as a knife, studied Jiang Ting, a hint of irony in his eyes. After a long pause, he sighed.
"It seems my master was right. The one destined for you has finally appeared."
Jiang Ting frowned slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You know her?"
Qingxuan stood, his fingers tracing the jars on the shelf. His voice carried an ethereal quality:
"Her energy is unmistakable — a rare blend of ice and fire, yin and yang. She's a natural-born mystic. Her soul has traversed many lifetimes, carrying wisdom and pain beyond this era."
He paused, turning to Jiang Ting, his gaze deepening.
"She exists to neutralize the calamity entangled in your fate. But she, too, bears her own trials and destiny. If you want to save her, you must learn to guide her."
Jiang Ting's expression darkened, a complex emotion swirling in his eyes. "Guide her?"
Qingxuan nodded.
"She gives her energy and power freely, healing others while depleting herself. If she continues like this, karma will consume her. Without protection, she will exhaust her essence and vanish into nothingness."
Jiang Ting's fingers tightened around the edge of his coat, a glimmer of pain in his eyes. Images of Astra's weary, stubborn face filled his mind — the way she trembled after using her powers.
Qingxuan's voice softened.
"You sought the Yuheng Yangyuan Soup to restore her spirit. The decoction will help, but the real cure is your protection."
He handed Jiang Ting two thermoses, his expression grave.
"Remember, this will only relieve her temporarily. The true remedy is ensuring she doesn't drain herself any further."
Jiang Ting accepted the thermoses, feeling the warmth seep into his fingers. Something hardened in his heart softened just a little.
"I won't let anything happen to her," he said, his voice low and resolute, his eyes like glacial ice hiding a fierce fire.
Qingxuan watched him leave, sighing softly.
"Mr. Jiang, your fate is both trial and salvation. If you can overcome it, rebirth awaits. If not… oblivion."