These herbs, Song Yan had never seen even in the Formless Ancient Race because they were too common, and the Formless Ancient Race disdained to store them. But he knew they existed in the Mortal World, so after much contemplation, he had to either explore the wild mountains or go to some mundane large pharmacies to purchase them.
Thus, he needed to seek medicine.
And having stayed in the Celestial Venerable Secret Realm for over thirty years, he was unaware of how the outside world had changed, necessitating an identity to integrate, gather information, and then decide how to proceed.
Consequently, that herb-picking, well-dressed man perfectly met his requirements.
Therefore, Song Yan approached this man, directly using the "transformation" technique, seizing his cause and effect, observing slightly, then integrating it into himself.
This man’s name was Wang Tianyu, a member of the Wang Family from the capital of Yao Kingdom.
The Wang Family, a clan of medicine and military, was a well-known lineage.
Wang Tianyu was originally a general, but after being crippled due to a battlefield injury, he retired and was responsible for nurturing the family’s younger generation with medicine. He went out to collect herbs this time because one core herb was scarce, so he personally came to seek it, not expecting this calamity to befall him.
In prosperous times, the Wang Family had the grace of the emperor, reaching the highest position of Grand General in the family, and though they have slightly declined now, they remain a venerable old family.
To cultivators, perhaps there is nothing but cultivation breakthroughs and celestial calamity beasts. Yet for the Mortal Dynasty, crises are entirely different.
The dark celestial disaster era had brought the lower order to the brink of collapse, and the continual pressure from celestial beasts on geography led to material shortfalls and countless refugees.
The kingdoms hit by disasters began invading the intact ones to survive, while stronger kingdoms initiated frantic expansions to move the capital further in when celestial beasts arrived.
Yao Kingdom now faces an invasion from a powerful kingdom named Jinba Kingdom.
For over a decade, generation after generation of Wang Family generals died on the front lines, leading the young master Wang Chengbin to repent and transform from a prodigal into a promising youth determined to guard the borders.
Previously, Wang Tianyu went out to collect herbs for this young man.
Initially, he failed.
But after Song Yan inherited his cause and effect, he leaped up the cliff, directly plucking the herb guarded by a poisonous snake and then... came the scene of Bin’Er thanking him at the coming-of-age ceremony.
At this moment, like a traveler catching a breath, he sat in this secluded house, pondering whether to visit the Royal Capital’s pharmacy tomorrow or directly leverage the Wang Family’s connections to find the "Nine-Turn Soul-Melting Soup" medicine.
...
...
Just at this time, a graceful silhouette walked into the small courtyard.
Song Yan recognized her as Wan’Er, the First Madam’s personal maid and the mother of Bin’Er.
Wan’Er soon arrived at the door, knocked, and asked, "Fourth Master, are you awake?"
As the First Madam spoke, Wan’Er’s cheeks blushed furiously, burning to the tips of her ears, yet her eyes were filled with watery waves, glancing around with allure, full of anticipation.
Song Yan gently nodded.
Only then did the First Madam smile, turning and leaving, while Wan’Er darted into the room, attending to Song Yan with care, helping him change, and then embraced him onto the soft couch, bringing happiness.
...
...
The next day, at dawn, before the light broke, Wan’Er was already awake in Song Yan’s embrace.
Though her body ached all over, as a maid, Wan’Er knew the distinction between master and servant and thus hurried to rise to work.
But as soon as she moved, a strong hand clasped her waist and pulled her back in.
Wan’Er squealed softly, then bashfully said, "Did Wan’Er disturb Master?"
Song Yan said, "No, don’t move."
Wan’Er was overjoyed, saying, "Master is so fond of Wan’Er, Wan’Er is very happy... It’s just, for many years, Wan’Er has been waking up at the second watch of the day, needing to do many tasks like testing dew with silver needles, picking rare flowers, checking garden pests, and preparing the morning soup for the Madam and Master by the third watch. There is much to do. The maids below are clumsy and don’t understand pharmacology, so these tasks can only be handled by Wan’Er."

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