Due to its unique growing environment, Yabulu is highly toxic.

Its toxicity is so potent that ancient texts even record that if any person or animal were to dig it up, touching the toxic gas emanating from its roots would mean certain death.

However, this peculiar and extremely poisonous item could be transformed into a miraculous medicine for treating asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis after its toxins were removed through a special processing method.

The intel specifically noted that Yabulu’s medicinal properties were highly acrid and hot, exceptionally good at warming and tonifying the kidney-yang, and helping the body receive qi and return it to its source.

At the same time, it possessed a "sinking" nature, allowing it to powerfully expel deep-seated phlegm-stasis and cold-dampness from the lungs.

These unique medicinal properties were a perfect, heaven-sent match for Elder Wu’s complex condition of "kidney failing to receive qi, phlegm and stasis intertwined, with excess above and deficiency below."

It could be said that Yabulu was a natural treasure that existed specifically to treat Elder Wu’s stubborn asthma.

After reading the report, Li Xu knew what he needed to do.

But he wasn’t in a hurry to contact Zhang Yanquan.

He might be young, but he wasn’t ignorant of the ways of the world.

He had clearly sensed Zhang Yanquan’s hesitation the previous night.

Elder Wu’s status was anything but ordinary.

Under such circumstances, unless the other party cast aside all their doubts and personally invited him, he would absolutely not show up unannounced and make things unpleasant for himself.

An ancient proverb has long been passed down: A doctor doesn’t knock on doors, a Daoist doesn’t sell their teachings cheaply, a companion doesn’t go out of their way, and the Law is not passed on lightly.

The phrase "a doctor doesn’t knock on doors" means that a physician should not take the initiative to visit a patient’s home to offer treatment.

This isn’t because doctors are cold and heartless, but because of a deep understanding of and respect for the doctor-patient relationship.

If you run up to a patient and say, "You’re sick, let me treat you," they will find you highly unreliable and quite resentful. They will definitely refuse you, and may even grow to hate you.

Firstly, patients are averse to others telling them they are sick. Secondly, the patients may not believe they are sick themselves. Thirdly, the patients may not even be grateful for the help.

Furthermore, patients have their own choices to make. Everyone has their own destiny and fortune; another’s urgency is useless and may even make them suspect you have ulterior motives.

And psychologically, if a patient doesn’t actively seek medical advice and treatment, it is very difficult for them to accept a doctor’s care.

The story of Bian Que’s visit to Duke Huan of Cai is a perfect example.

However...

Li Xu glanced again at the detailed coordinates for the Yabulu included in the report.

Although this herb was rarely used, it was still a miracle medicine.

It was seldom sold on the open market.

’Should I go dig it up myself?’

Yabulu grew in the ancient Hui Country, which was west of the modern-day Western Regions.

The coordinates showed that it was outside the country.

"This is a bit of a hassle..." Li Xu muttered to himself.

If he wanted to go dig it up, he’d have to get a passport.

But it would be a pity not to go.

Although if he searched carefully, he might be able to buy Yabulu on the market, it definitely wouldn’t be as high-quality as the one in the report.

Li Xu thought for a moment and decided to make the trip.

Transportation was so advanced now; a round trip by plane would only take two or three days.

「...」

In a quiet, tree-lined courtyard in the provincial capital, a series of violent, bellows-like gasps, accompanied by a sharp wheezing sound, echoed from a quaint, two-story building.

On the living room sofa, a thin, white-haired old man was bent over, gasping desperately for air.

Every breath he took was exceptionally difficult, as if he had to use every ounce of his strength just to inhale a tiny wisp of air.

The old man’s face had already turned a purplish-blue from the lack of oxygen.

Beside him, a graceful woman in her fifties, who bore some resemblance to the old man, was gently patting his back with a pained expression, trying to soothe his breathing.

"COUGH... COUGH COUGH... WHEEZE... WHEEZE..."

After a long while, the severe asthma attack finally subsided a little.

"Dad, how are you feeling? Do you need some more oxygen?" the woman asked worriedly.

She was Elder Wu’s daughter, Wu Jingmei.

Elder Wu waved his hand, leaning back against the sofa and panting heavily, his face etched with pain.

Seeing her father in this state, Wu Jingmei couldn’t help but complain, "This Zhang Yanquan... claims to be some heir to the Chengjiang School, a nationally famous acupuncture master. His reputation is so overblown, but what’s the result? He gave you acupuncture for three days, and not only did you not get better, but this morning’s attack was even worse. In my opinion, he’s just another one who doesn’t live up to his name."

"It’s... it’s not his fault."

Elder Wu shook his head, his voice hoarse. "I know my own illness. It’s... it’s too complicated. You can’t blame others."

Just then, the phone on the table rang.

Wu Jingmei answered it. It was her father’s old comrade-in-arms, Li Gui, calling from far away in Feng City.

"Hello, Uncle Li."

"Is that Jingmei? Where’s your dad? Let me talk to him."

Wu Jingmei handed the phone to Elder Wu.

"Hello... Old Li..."

Elder Wu’s voice was intermittent and weak.

Li Gui could hear his old friend’s frailty and asked with concern, "Old Wu, why do you sound even worse than last time? Has your condition worsened again?"

"Sigh..."

Elder Wu let out a long sigh, his voice filled with pessimism. "It’s unbearable... There isn’t a single day where I feel comfortable. My mood is terrible, too. I reckon it won’t be long now before I can go down and reunite with our old friends."

"Nonsense," Li Gui shouted over the phone. "How old are you to be saying such demoralizing things? Just relax. Medicine is so advanced now. If Western medicine doesn’t work, try traditional Chinese medicine. If this TCM doctor doesn’t work, find another one. There’s always a way."

Hearing this, Elder Wu gave a bitter smile.

As his thoughts turned, a realization struck him. He asked curiously, "Speaking of which, Old Li, how come your voice sounds so full of vigor today? Weren’t you just as sickly as I was, if not worse?"

"HAHAHAHA."

Li Gui couldn’t help but laugh.

He said smugly, "Old Wu, I’m not just bragging to you. I’ve met a Divine Physician. An incredibly skilled TCM doctor. He may be young, but his medical skills, his methods... tsk tsk, they’re simply divine. He’s the one who nursed this old bag of bones back to health."

"Oh? There’s such a miracle worker?" Elder Wu’s interest was piqued.

"You bet," said Li Gui. "Let me tell you, don’t put your faith in those so-called ’famous masters’ and ’Sect Leaders’ anymore. Sometimes, the true masters are hidden among the common folk. You should let this young man give it a try." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Who is he?" Elder Wu asked.

"His name is Li Xu, from Feng City," Li Gui said. "And what’s more, by the biggest coincidence, I heard he’s in the provincial capital right now, studying under Gao Guanghui at the Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ll give you his contact information. You should call him personally and ask him to come take a look at you."