"Once I'm out of the school gate, it should be fine, right?" Lin Ming stood before the academy entrance, glancing back with lingering dread.

If the Student Council showed up, he'd have to pay compensation—that'd be the death of him!

"Since I've got time now, better prepare. I'll check tonight's tasks and head out on a mission tomorrow. Ugh, so busy!" Lin Ming muttered after a moment's thought.

"First stop: Prosperous Scenery Hall pharmacy." He strolled off, hands behind his head.

Streets flanked by shops buzzed with crowds due to new student arrivals. Lin Ming paused before a spacious three-story herb store, then stepped inside Prosperous Scenery Hall.

Prosperous Scenery Hall was Azure Spirit City's finest herb shop. Don't be fooled by its modest size—the herbs inside were all top-grade. Most importantly, its owner was Divine Physician Jing Tian. His legendary medical skills had saved many Class S experts, earning him vast connections. Even the Azure Spirit City Lord treated him with respect. Not to mention Headmaster Dugu Bai of Azure Spirit Academy was his close friend—he was the city's most untouchable figure.

Lin Ming straightened his clothes and entered. Rows of transparent cabinets displayed Spirit Medicines. With many customers, no clerk approached him.

But Lin Ming knew the way. He sauntered to the main counter and grinned at the accountant still tallying books. "Xiao Huang, can you call your boss for me? Hehe."

Xiao Huang looked up at the voice. "Lin Ming? Wait, I'll check with the boss."

"Hurry up!" Lin Ming lazily urged from the counter.

"Stop rushing. Helping you's already a favor," Xiao Huang grumbled, shooting him a sideways glance while grabbing his Communicator.

"Boss, it's Xiao Huang. Lin Ming's here. Got time? ...Preparing? Got it, I'll tell him to wait." He set down the Communicator. "Boss is preparing. Wait here."

"Fine. Give me a swelling-reduction ointment patch—my cheek still hurts." Lin Ming pointed to his swollen left cheek.

Xiao Huang kept tallying without looking up. "Five Gold Coins per patch. No haggling."

"Hey! I'm a regular here! Not even one patch free? You're breaking my heart!" Lin Ming complained.

"Lin Ming, we're not a charity. Pay up. And don't pretend you're broke—I know better." Xiao Huang retorted, secretly adding: *You're never broke until you step into our shop.*

"You—"

"Lin Ming, come up." A calm voice cut in from the stairs beside the counter.

An old man stood there—snow-white hair, youthful face, sharp eyes, clad in a white robe, radiating an immortal aura. It was Jing Tian, owner of Prosperous Scenery Hall.

The hall fell instantly silent. Customers gaped, stunned to see the legendary Divine Physician over a simple herb purchase.

"Okay!" Lin Ming replied quietly, following Jing Tian upstairs to the second floor.

"Who is that guy?!"

"I want to see the Divine Physician too!"

The crowd surged toward the stairs after Lin Ming left, but shop assistants blocked them.

"Calm down, guests!"

"Guests, please—"

Xiao Huang sighed inwardly: *Boss, if you wanted Lin Ming upstairs, why show yourself? This is such a hassle!* He then barked at the crowd, "Buy herbs or get out! We've got no shortage of customers. Guards—throw out anyone causing trouble!"

"Yes, sir!" The guards snapped to attention, ready to act.

The noisy crowd hushed immediately.

Xiao Huang smiled. Much quieter now.

...

Upstairs, Lin Ming followed Jing Tian into a room with a bed, equipment, and a pot of simmering medicine.

"Remove your top shirt. Sit cross-legged on the bed. I'll check if your hidden injuries worsened," Jing Tian instructed.

"Yes, sir." Lin Ming took a deep breath. This was no time for laziness—his life depended on it.

He stripped off his uniform, revealing a muscular torso covered in faded scars. Only one remained stark: a fist-sized hole piercing his left chest and back.

Jing Tian had seen these scars before, but each time he wondered: *What did this boy endure to survive?*

He inhaled deeply, placed a hand on Lin Ming's back, and channeled Spirit Energy to probe the hidden wounds. Lin Ming didn't resist—it wasn't his first time.

After a moment, Jing Tian withdrew his hand, grave. "Your Path Wound hasn't worsened. But the gap in your Vital Essence near your heart remains unchanged."

"I know," Lin Ming replied flatly.

Jing Tian studied him. "That wound constantly drains your Vitality. The white streak in your hair? That's from the loss. My medicines and techniques can only slow it."

"If you find a Spirit Medicine rich in life energy, I can cure you. Sadly, even your academy's Dugu Bai doesn't have such a thing." He sighed.

"I'll find it. I will." Lin Ming's eyes burned with determination.

"Oh, and break the Spirit Energy Seal inside you yourself. If we do it, the one who sealed you will notice—and you'll be in danger." Jing Tian added a warning.

"Understood. Drink this." He handed Lin Ming a bowl of freshly brewed medicine.

Lin Ming downed it in one gulp and closed his eyes to absorb the effects.

Jing Tian retrieved a set of needles. Focusing his Spirit Energy, he inserted them across Lin Ming's torso, guiding the medicine to dissolve the hidden injuries—his signature acupuncture art.

Hours later, Jing Tian withdrew the needles. Lin Ming suddenly spat out a mouthful of Black Blood—stagnant toxins purged.

"Much better," Lin Ming said, his face flushed with relief.

"Time to go," he added, pulling his shirt back on.

Jing Tian's gaze sharpened. "Use the Qianyuan Blood Ignition Technique sparingly. And never—ever—use Blood Art. Understood?"

Lin Ming froze mid-step, face unreadable. "I won't use Blood Art. I'm leaving now."

"Pay your bill first. 17,000 Gold Coins."

Two glistening tears rolled down Lin Ming's face as he turned away, expression crumbling. "I... know."

His money—gone!! Damn it!! Gone!!