Chapter 508 - 509: I Take the Lead
The two sat down on the wicker chairs beside them, and Song Xiaodong said, "Elder Fang, what I want to do the most right now is to try my hand at concocting those medicinal recipes."
"You want to concoct those medicines?" Elder Fang looked at Song Xiaodong with some surprise.
Song Xiaodong continued, "Yes, I spent all of last night studying them, and I feel like if these medicines could be prepared successfully, they might really have such effects, so I really want to give it a go. I’m wondering if anyone from your older generation had success in concocting them, or if you have any experience in this regard, Elder Fang?"
Elder Fang’s eyes lit up as he responded, "The Kung Fu of our sect has weakened significantly by the time it reached our generation. Although some have tried to concoct those medicines, no one has succeeded. However, according to my master, there were a few outstanding individuals in our history who achieved top status, leading our sect to prosper. Given that, I believe those medicines must indeed be effective; it’s just that the ingredients are exceedingly rare."
Song Xiaodong, filled with anticipation, inquired, "Elder Fang, haven’t you collected any of the ingredients for these medicines?"
Elder Fang sighed and said, "To be honest, when I was young, I really did want to gather them, but back then resources were limited, and in times of war, it was hard enough just to survive, let alone forage for such things. After the country was founded, you’re also aware of that period in our nation’s history. I dared not even mention this pursuit. By the time everything finally stabilized, I was already old and had lost my enthusiasm, so I haven’t gathered any ingredients at all."
Song Xiaodong couldn’t hide his disappointment. "That’s a real shame. Thousand-Year Polygonum Multiflorum, Thousand-Year Ginseng, Thousand-Year Ganoderma—such ingredients are indeed incredibly rare. It must be difficult to collect them all."
"Indeed, these items are precious. But within our vast nation, it’s not necessarily impossible to find them. They might be hidden deep within the remote mountains or in someone’s possession. In any case, I can utilize some connections to help you search for them," Elder Fang offered.
"I would appreciate that, Elder Fang. I must say thank you in advance," Song Xiaodong replied graciously.
"There’s no need for formalities between us. If, within my lifetime, I see you successfully concoct these medicines and they prove effective, I could die happy," Elder Fang declared.