Reborn Medicine King

"This is a token from the Heaven Pavilion. How did you get this?"    

Wang Wuyin, excited, replied, "Master Jiang Fann accepted me as his disciple and gave me this token, telling me to find him at Myriad Clouds Mountain."    

Sun Qing was also quite surprised upon hearing this and quickly asked, "Are you saying Jiang Fann reached out to you?"    

Wang Wuyin nodded repeatedly, clearly thrilled. "Just now, he left. I don't know if it's true, but it seems right."    

Sun Qing said, "Whether it's true or not, I'll go with you to the Heaven Pavilion to find out."    

Wang Wuyin remembered Jiang Fann's words and then said, "My master wants me to settle my mom first. I need to go back."    

"Bring your mom to our house, and then we can leave."    

Life is like that; you never know who you'll meet next or if it will change your destiny...    

...    

Jiang Fann was in a good mood. To him, everything was a matter of fate, and he believed in it. Before his rebirth, the Nine Desolations were not as they are now, threatened by the vast world. Even on the day he was betrayed and killed, the vast world hadn't reached its current level, and no one had defied destiny to change it all.    

Back then, as the Medicine King, he was one of the top figures in the Nine Desolations' alchemy world, with five talented disciples under him, each a prodigy in the art of alchemy.    

Jiang Fann's eldest disciple was Wang Wuyin, whom he met when he was already over forty. At that time, Wang Wuyin had spent thirty years seeking enlightenment without success, yet remained persistent. Jiang Fann accidentally discovered Wang Wuyin's exceptional talent in alchemy and took him on as a disciple. Wang was sincere and not very talkative, somewhat slow in other areas but wholly devoted to alchemy, making him the most loyal and favored disciple.    

After Jiang Fann's rebirth, he altered the course of the Nine Desolations, which had changed drastically from his memories. Many events were buried deep in his mind, as he chose not to dwell on them. In the past, foreign invasions had claimed the lives of many friends and acquaintances, but his rebirth changed everything, elevating the Nine Desolations and introducing many unfamiliar faces.    

Jiang Fann thought he had changed the course of events, yet some people from his memories still appeared. Jia Yi, who Jiang Fann had rejected at Myriad Clouds Mountain, was the third-ranked among his five disciples. Reflecting on Jia Yi's past actions, Jiang Fann felt a surge of anger, unable to forgive him. However, Jiang Fann was unsure of Jia Yi's current disposition and didn't want to make a rash decision, as it wouldn't be fair.    

Jiang Fann wasn't one to kill without reason. If Jia Yi stayed out of his way and didn't cause trouble, Jiang Fann was willing to let him be.    

Among the five disciples, two had already been found. Jiang Fann headed straight to the hometown of the second disciple. Since they were still around, Jiang Fann wanted to lend them a hand. After all, he had become a master herbalist, backed by the prestigious Heaven Pavilion and the top-notch training environment of Myriad Clouds Mountain. Helping these valued disciples grow was a priority, so he was eager to find them quickly.    

Five days later, in a desolate little town in the western wilderness, where spiritual energy was scarce and unsuitable for cultivation, Jiang Fann arrived. The town had few cultivators, and the streets were rather quiet. In a modest shop, a young man was enthusiastically recommending various materials and potions to a customer. Though young, he was articulate and charming, with bright eyes that made him seem very clever. Unfortunately, he had no spiritual strength and, at fourteen or fifteen, had yet to start his training—a common situation in these remote areas.    

Seeing such a young face, Jiang Fann's eyes lit up. He hadn't met him here initially, but a disciple had brought him to this place later; it was where he became a herbalist. Although not a cultivator, the young man immediately recognized Jiang Fann as he stepped through the door, his face full of surprise.    

"Master Jiang Fann! I never expected you'd show up in a small place like ours. I'll go inform the mayor right away to come and greet you."    

The two monks in front turned around in surprise to look at the newcomer. They recognized Jiang Fann and were clearly taken aback.    

Jiang Fann waved at the young man, "No need to trouble anyone else. You're Zhang Shuang, right? Since you know who I am, I'll get straight to the point. I want to take you on as my apprentice. Let the manager know, then get ready to leave with me."    

Even though Zhang Shuang was usually quick-witted, he was momentarily stunned.    

"Sir... you're not joking, are you?"    

Jiang Fann tossed him a token. "Enough talk. I'll be waiting for you at the tavern across the street for half an hour."    

With that, he turned and headed to the tavern for a drink, leaving everyone in shock. The two monks came over to Zhang Shuang, verifying the authenticity of the token. One of them was visibly excited.    

"Kid, you've really hit the jackpot this time. That's the real Jiang Fann, the Pavilion Master. Once you rise to the top, don't forget about us."    

Both monks were locals and genuinely happy for Zhang Shuang. As monks, they understood what it meant to join the Heaven Pavilion and become Jiang Fann's disciple.    

The other monk chimed in, "Why are you still standing here? If Jiang Fann wants you as his apprentice, he must have a reason. Your luck's about to change for the better..."    

Zhang Shuang finally snapped back to reality and left the front hall to find the manager and explain the situation, though he wasn't quite sure how to put it into words.    

Meanwhile, Jiang Fann quietly sipped his drink, waiting for Zhang Shuang to arrive. Just a few minutes later, Zhang Shuang appeared outside the tavern with a backpack, peeking inside as if searching for Jiang Fann.    

Jiang Fann waved him over and gave him a once-over. "Have a seat. In a bit, I'll take you somewhere else. Along the way, I'll guide you on becoming a cultivator. From today, I'll take you on as my apprentice."    

Zhang Shuang didn't hesitate. He moved the chair aside and knelt on both knees. "Apprentice Zhang Shuang, at your service, Master."    

Jiang Fann didn't stand on ceremony; instead, he was quite pleased, as memories flooded back. He clearly remembered that his second apprentice, Zhang Shuang, was a social butterfly with a high aptitude for alchemy. He often helped gather materials, which ultimately delayed his own progress in alchemy. This time, Jiang Fann was determined to help him realize his potential, as he valued all his apprentices greatly.    

Zhang Shuang didn't care about the curious glances from others. After bowing, he stood up and poured a drink for Jiang Fann. Jiang Fann didn't say much, simply taking out a piece of spiritual jade and handing it to him. "This is the cultivation method best suited for you. Once we return to Myriad Clouds Mountain, I'll personally guide your training."    

"Alright, Master."    

After a satisfying meal, Jiang Fann left the tavern with Zhang Shuang. The innkeeper watched them as they departed. Jiang Fann smiled back and, right before his eyes, took to the sky with Zhang Shuang, capturing the attention of many onlookers.    

It was Zhang Shuang's first time flying, and he was clearly terrified, clutching Jiang Fann's sleeve, afraid of falling. Jiang Fann chuckled and reassured him, "Soon, you'll have this ability too. Think of this as getting a head start. My spiritual strength is supporting you, so you won't fall."    

Despite his nerves, Zhang Shuang chose to trust Jiang Fann. When he let go, he felt as if he were standing on clouds, with no sensation of falling. This experience fueled his desire to become a cultivator, something that had once seemed like a distant dream.    

"Master, are we heading back to the Myriad Clouds Mountain now?"    

Jiang Fann shook his head. "We have two more stops to make. We're picking up your two fellow disciples."    

Though curious, Zhang Shuang didn't press further. A few days later, he awoke with a start, realizing they were back on solid ground. As a mortal, he lacked Jiang Fann's stamina. They found themselves outside another bustling city, and Zhang Shuang had no idea how far they had traveled.    

Jiang Fann led the way toward the city, which was large and lively, with crowds bustling near the city gates.    

Zhang Shuang was clearly visiting such a large city for the first time, curiously observing his surroundings but staying close behind Jiang Fann, afraid of getting lost.    

Once inside the city, Zhang Shuang asked Jiang Fann, "Master, where is the junior brother? Maybe you should rest here while I go bring him."    

Jiang Fann replied, "You don't have any cultivation skills to speak of; you won't be able to bring anyone back. Strength is what matters. You should spend more time on your training."    

"Understood, Master."    

Jiang Fann continued walking along the grand steps toward the center of the city, eventually arriving outside the City Lord's Mansion.    

At the entrance, the guards stopped them. "This is a restricted area. No unauthorized entry."    

Jiang Fann said, "Please pass a message: Jiang Fann from Myriad Clouds Mountain seeks an audience."    

The guards recognized the name immediately and were visibly shocked.    

"Jiang... Jiang Fann..."    

One guard quickly ran inside to relay the message, while the other hastily apologized, "We didn't recognize you earlier, sir. Please forgive us!"    

Jiang Fann waved it off, not bothered by the misunderstanding.    

Soon, a figure came jogging from the courtyard to the gate—a middle-aged cultivator who had reached the fourth level of the Mortal Separating Stage, quite impressive for this region. This was the City Lord, who had participated in the battle against foreign invaders and had seen Jiang Fann from afar. He was visibly excited to meet him again.    

"I'm sorry for not greeting you sooner, Master Jiang," the city lord said, slightly flustered.    

"I didn't notify you of my visit. I hope I'm not intruding?" Jiang Fann replied.    

"Not at all," the city lord quickly assured him. "Let's not stand outside. I'll have the staff prepare a dinner to welcome you. Please, come in."    

Jiang Fann nodded and walked into the mansion without hesitation. Zhang Shuang hurried to follow, noticing how the guards treated him with great respect, a testament to the high regard they held for his mentor.    

In the reception hall, the city lord warmly exchanged pleasantries with Jiang Fann before broaching the subject on his mind.    

"I've heard there's been some activity in the greater world recently, with powerful outsiders entering our region. But I understand you've already sent people to handle it. Is that why you're here?"    

Jiang Fann shook his head and got straight to the point. "To be honest, I'm here for a personal matter. It's about your son, Cheng Mo."