Chapter Seventy-One: The Medicine Hall

“Medicine?” Li Ren looked at the smiling Chief of the Eastern Clan before him, somewhat puzzled. “What medicine?”

He had absolutely no recollection of any medicine. Since entering this game, he hadn’t even touched a single bottle of medicine.

From the moment the Eastern Chief arrived, Shadow had been secretly excited, thinking there was hope. Now, hearing the Chief personally mention medicine, he felt certain and was filled with joy.

“I am not referring to ordinary medicine, but to potions crafted through secret arts,” the Chief said, stroking his beard with a smile. When he spoke of medicine, a natural air of pride appeared in his expression.

“Potions crafted through secret arts?”

“Precisely.”

“But we don’t have any potions made with secret arts here, not even ordinary potions. If necessary, we could buy some from the players,” Li Ren said, still a bit confused. Yet, the old Chief before him didn’t seem the type to make idle remarks, so he continued the conversation.

“Hahaha, Lord Governor, you misunderstand. That’s not what I meant,” the Eastern Chief laughed heartily. Even Shadow nearly burst out laughing but managed to restrain himself.

Seeing Li Ren’s puzzled look, the Chief decided not to keep him in suspense.

“It’s like this—first, I must beg your pardon. I wasn’t entirely truthful at the beginning. The members of our Eastern Clan are not simply ordinary refugees.”

“Oh? So there’s more to the story?” By now, Li Ren was starting to understand the old man’s meaning. If he still didn’t, his intelligence would surely need some adjustment.

“Yes, it’s a long tale, but what matters most now is the issue of Yuxiao City,” the old man’s eyes flashed briefly.

“If I have guessed correctly, your purpose this time must be connected to Yuxiao City, whether defending or attacking.”

Li Ren was somewhat surprised. Although this matter hadn’t been kept secret, only three people truly knew: Landis, Shadow, and himself. By any calculation, no one could have informed the Eastern Clan.

“Chief, how did you learn of this?”

“Heh, merely from the words of some players—and combined with your recent actions, it was easy to deduce. Besides, in such a momentous event, would you not participate, Lord Governor?” The Chief smiled slightly and returned the question.

Li Ren had no good answer. “But what exactly is this medicine you mentioned?”

“Ah, look at me, rambling about other things and forgetting this matter. It all begins with my clansmen.”

“The Eastern Clan, from birth, possesses the spiritual essence of plants and trees. Since the days of our ancestors, thousands of years of tradition have brought us to the pinnacle of pharmacology. The potions we craft are truly exceptional.” He paused here. “With your expedition approaching, I am moved by your kindness in sheltering us. I came uninvited, hoping to offer what little help I can.”

With that, he produced a rather ordinary-looking bottle. Its ceramic body was plain; any passerby would likely mistake it for something discarded and worthless.

“Inside are potions to restore physical strength and temporarily boost combat power. These were made without sufficient materials, so their effects are not optimal, but they have no side effects whatsoever. Thus, you can safely carry them with you as a precaution,” the Chief said, holding the bottle up.

Before Li Ren could take it, Shadow eagerly grabbed the bottle, opened the cap, and carefully examined the contents.

“Chief, are you sure these potions were made with insufficient materials?” At first, the Chief was a bit annoyed by Shadow’s abrupt action, but seeing his question, he realized Shadow was quite knowledgeable about potions.

The Chief didn’t mind the small slight and answered proudly, “Indeed, these were made from the scattered herbs we encountered on the journey. Missing some components, their effects are not at their peak.”

Shadow nodded, satisfied. At last, he could use this opportunity to bind the Eastern Clan firmly to their side.

“My lord, I suggest appointing the Chief of the Eastern Clan as the head of the newly established Medicine Hall in Cloudfall City. Even if a player with some knowledge of potions examined these, they would find each one to be a masterpiece!” Shadow spoke passionately, and finally presented the potions to Li Ren.

Li Ren examined them closely and poured out a little for a taste. As soon as the potion entered his mouth, it transformed into a surge of powerful energy, rushing through his body. In an instant, he felt his strength increase dramatically; not only his power, but also his agility and defense had risen significantly.

“This is truly remarkable!” Li Ren couldn’t help but exclaim. Potions that could instantly enhance one’s abilities were rare, and those that could boost all attributes at once were even rarer.

No matter how skilled a player was in potion-making, no matter how they mastered every specialization and used the best herbs, there was no way to craft such a potion. This was true ability—true talent!

Li Ren handed the potion to Landis. She took it, studied it carefully, and, curious about the effects, poured out a drop and tasted it. Her eyes lit up, she nodded with satisfaction, and tossed the bottle across the room, where it landed perfectly before Lania.

Lania, without saying a word, poured out a little and immediately understood why everyone was so astonished.

Li Ren rose to his feet. “I had no idea you were such a master, Chief. I must apologize for my earlier neglect.”

He hesitated slightly. “As for Shadow’s suggestion—what do you think? Of course, if you’re unwilling, I won’t press the matter. But I sincerely hope you’ll accept the position.”

The old Chief smiled at Li Ren, whose expression was earnest and sincere. Though they hadn’t met often, he knew enough about him. The Eastern Chief nodded, “I accept the task. It’s for my clan, after all. Those youngsters have grown fond of Cloudfall City lately—if you tried to drive us out now, we might refuse to leave!”

He laughed heartily, and Li Ren joined in a bit awkwardly. The atmosphere in the governor’s castle was warm and lively. Thus, under these circumstances, the famed Cloudfall Medicine Hall—renowned in the battles to come—was formally established.