Then, Ling Feng and Chu Qing Han walked to a herbal medicine store and bought some common plants with the few coins they had managed to gather earlier. With their modest loot in hand, the pair made their way toward a small lake nestled within a public forest.
Chu Qing Han fetched water from the lake using a worn container. He then began mixing the herbs into it, infusing the concoction with a touch of his energy. It wasn't the most refined method, but it was the quickest way to reset a dislocated shoulder.
"Well... Brother Feng, can you take off your shirt so I can start the treatment?" Chu Qing Han asked with a grin, expecting the other's reaction to learning who would be tending to his injury.
And just as he predicted, shock flashed across Ling Feng's face — but not for the reason he thought.
"T-Take off my clothes? Like... get naked in front of you?" Ling Feng stammered, his cheeks instantly flushing red. He didn't even seem to process who was doing the treatment anymore.
"What's the matter? You can just pull down the part over your shoulder if that's better," Chu Qing Han offered casually, figuring maybe Ling Feng had a birthmark or old scar he didn't want seen. He didn't press the issue.
"Phew... Thanks, Brother Qin," Ling Feng sighed in relief, though the redness on his cheeks lingered. Even so, he slowly pulled his shirt off his shoulder and sat down in front of Chu Qing Han.
"Hm?" Chu Qing Han blinked in surprise. Ling Feng's pale, almost glowing skin caught the sunlight in a strange way. It was softer, fairer than he expected from someone who lived on the streets.
"What is it, Brother Qin? Is it too hard to fix?" Ling Feng asked, noticing the other's gaze lingering on him.
"Ah! No, no... I was just thinking, your skin's even lighter than most girls I've seen! Is that from some cultivation technique or something?" Chu Qing Han laughed awkwardly as he moved his hands toward the shoulder.
"..."
Ling Feng didn't confirm or deny. He just gave a quiet, muffled sound that Chu Qing Han couldn't decipher.
"Alright. This is going to hurt a bit, Brother Feng — bear with it, I'll make it quick," Chu Qing Han warned, gripping the shoulder with one hand and stabilizing the torso with the other.
With a swift motion— crack! crack!
"Argh!"
Two sharp pops echoed through the trees, followed by Ling Feng's high-pitched yelp.
"...See? Not that bad!" Chu Qing Han chuckled. "Now we just need to keep it in place with energy and apply the medicine to speed up the recovery."
But as he spoke, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.
"Brother Qin! That was mean! You didn't even give me time to prepare!" Ling Feng huffed, pulling his shirt back up and glaring at him with puffed cheeks.
"Oh, come on! We're both guys here — don't be so dramatic!" Chu Qing Han laughed, handing over a small wooden cup of the medicine.
"Drink it all. It'll help mend the bones in a few days. Just try not to move your arm too much today. Tomorrow you should be fine for light movement."
"Hmph!" Ling Feng grunted but still accepted the cup. The liquid inside was a vibrant red, and its sweet, slightly spicy scent made his nose twitch.
Looks good! he thought, and with one swift motion, he drank it all.
"Wow! This tastes better than most food I've ever had!"
"Brother Qin, can you make me two or three more?" Ling Feng licked his lips, now stained slightly red, and gave him an eager look.
"Two or three!? You got more money for herbs, then?" Chu Qing Han scoffed. "Besides, that's a high-grade tonic — you're only supposed to take it once a week."
The tonic was meant to support the body through intense physical strain, often taken before major battles. Any more than one dose a week, and the body wouldn't absorb it properly.
"Oh... Hehe, I guess not. I spent all my money on the herbs…" Ling Feng scratched his head, laughing sheepishly.
"Don't worry about that," Chu Qing Han said. "We'll get money eventually. For now, we just need enough to survive until next month. And I have an idea — one that'll let us make money and train at the same time."
"Really? We can do that?" Ling Feng's eyes lit up.
Chu Qing Han just smiled mysteriously.
The easiest way for orphans to earn money was to collect medicinal plants and sell them to alchemists or specialized shops. Hunting demon beasts was another option, but it was far too dangerous — and forbidden — for someone at their level.
Chu Qing Han knew where certain herbs tended to grow. It would take time, but if he could pinpoint the best spots, the two of them could start harvesting soon.
Shaking off his thoughts, he turned and began walking deeper into the western forest.
---
Eventually, the trees parted to reveal a towering mountain. At the base, wild weeds covered the cliff wall in tangled bunches.
"It's been a while," Chu Qing Han muttered under his breath.
"Hm? Did you say something, Brother Qin?" Ling Feng asked, tilting his head.
Chu Qing Han shook his head and approached the dense patch of weeds. Reaching out, his hand slipped through the vines — and a moment later, a faintly glowing path revealed itself, hidden within the mountain's shadow.