The Honglou Apothecary, though only two stories high, far outshone the splendor and luxury of the Lingbao Pavilion branch in Jiyang City, let alone the Nie family’s own Elixir and Alchemy Halls.

The first floor dealt in various medicinal herbs, while the second floor housed finished spiritual elixirs. Long Xuechan offered only a cursory overview of the layout before leading Nie Kong directly to the rear of the apothecary, where several adjacent courtyards could be seen, with a few figures busily moving within.

“Ah-ya-ya…”

As they passed one particular courtyard, the little fellow inside suddenly began to hop excitedly within the “Yaochi Acupoint.”

Could there be some magnificent medicine hidden in this yard? The thought flashed through Nie Kong’s mind with a whoosh; for him, this had become almost a reflex action.

Nie Kong couldn't help but steal a glance. The courtyard gate was tightly shut, and the nearly two-meter-high surrounding wall completely blocked his view. However, at the gate, he could discern a distinct, circular, coiled pattern—it looked like a small green dragon curled up into a tight ball.

Fearing Long Xuechan might become suspicious, Nie Kong quickly averted his gaze, though he was secretly speculating. The medicine within that courtyard likely wasn't a peerless wonder like the "Fire Tree Silver Flower"; it was probably just an herb comparable to the "Serpent Coil Blood Lotus" or the "Electric Light Vine."

The medicinal potency of the Electric Light Vine had already been completely consumed on the road. As for the "Fire Tree Silver Flower," it had secreted that red ** for the first few days, but now, no matter how much the little fellow irrigated it, not a single drop appeared; the specific reason remained unclear for the time being.

For nearly twenty days, Nie Kong had survived solely on the two large sacks of herbs gifted by Nie Xingyun and Lian Tianxin when he left Jiyang City. Otherwise, he would have had to refine and sell medicine all the way to Lingyu City.

Now, those two bags of herbs were dwindling. Nie Kong had spent the past while pondering how to procure some sustenance for the little fellow. If he could manage to obtain the precious medicine hidden in that courtyard, it would easily tide him over for several days. Of course, while he entertained the thought, Nie Kong wasn't foolish enough to try anything against the Honglou establishment itself.

“Little Brother, we’ve arrived. The Grand Steward is right inside this courtyard,” Long Xuechan, who was ahead, suddenly stopped, her voice dripping with delicate charm.

Nie Kong’s consciousness was pulled back to reality by Long Xuechan’s voice. He realized he had followed her unconsciously to the very last courtyard. He discreetly observed the gate; unlike the others, this one had no carvings whatsoever.

The hall inside was empty, devoid of any furniture or decoration, save for a few meditation cushions placed in the center. Long An sat there, motionless as stone. Only when Long Xuechan and Nie Kong entered the hall did his eyes snap open, two points of red light flashing momentarily before his expression softened back to geniality.

Long An wasted no time on pleasantries. After gesturing for Nie Kong and Long Xuechan to sit on the cushions, he cut straight to the chase, smiling warmly, “Little Brother, have you decided what you wish to do here at the Apothecary? Will you be an assistant to the Honglou’s spirit alchemists, conduct independent research into elixir compositions, or perhaps something else that interests you?”

Nie Kong inquired, “I can choose freely?”

“……”

Long An nodded with a smile.

Nie Kong pondered for a moment, then tentatively probed, “Grand Steward, when I arrived, I noticed each courtyard here seemed to have a different responsibility. One of them had a gate carved with a pattern of a small green dragon. I wonder…” Seeing Long An and Long Xuechan exchange a look, their smiles vanishing, Nie Kong trailed off.

Long An exclaimed, “Little Brother, you wish to go to that courtyard?”

Both Long An and Long Xuechan’s expressions were rather strange, but with things having reached this point, Nie Kong had no choice but to press on, “Grand Steward, is that courtyard inaccessible? Or is it empty?”

“That’s not it.”

Long An chuckled wryly. “The Honglou Apothecary is divided into eight courtyards, each researching something distinct. What you just mentioned is the Sixth Courtyard. I have managed the Honglou in Lingyu City for decades, and you are the very first spirit alchemist to voluntarily request assignment to the Sixth Courtyard. Little Brother, are you certain you want to go?”

Everyone else avoided it, yet he was actively seeking it out?

Nie Kong realized he might have been too rash, but now he could only bite the bullet. “Yes. Grand Steward, may I ask what the Sixth Courtyard researches?”

“You will know when you arrive there tomorrow,” Long An laughed heartily. “Little Brother, since your duties are settled, let me discuss your remuneration. As a newcomer to the Honglou, besides receiving five hundred gold coins monthly, you may also select twenty types of herbs from the first floor of the Apothecary, with a limit of four liang per type. This limit does not apply to herbs used for research. Furthermore, if you wish to become an outer-city disciple of Lingyu City, the Honglou can recommend you to the ‘Medicine Heart Hall’!”

Long Xuechan’s beautiful eyes flickered, and she smiled coquettishly, “Little Brother, this opportunity is rare. Among the six halls of Lingyu City’s outer sector, the ‘Medicine Heart Hall’ is the most difficult to enter. Given your abilities, gaining entry shouldn't be an issue, but having the Honglou’s recommendation can save you the trouble of the assessment. All those spirit alchemists currently gathered outside the Apothecary are hoping to join the Honglou so they can be recommended to become Medicine Heart Hall disciples.”

“Oh? Then I thank you,” Nie Kong replied.

Only then did Nie Kong grasp the true reason for the commotion outside the Honglou Apothecary. They were all seeking this shortcut. It seemed the assessment for Lingyu City’s “Medicine Heart Hall” was indeed as troublesome as Long Xuechan had described. Since there was a convenient method available, Nie Kong had no reason to feign modesty and refuse…

...

Not long after, Nie Kong took his leave. As he passed the Sixth Courtyard, the one with the small green dragon carved on the gate, the little fellow let out another bout of excited cries. Thinking that he would be able to explore that courtyard tomorrow, Nie Kong’s own eagerness settled a little.

Outside the Apothecary, back at the Honglou Inn, Long Xuechan led Nie Kong to his new quarters—an exquisitely refined small courtyard, infinitely superior to the room that cost fifty gold coins a day.

“Little Brother, how do you like the accommodation the Grand Steward arranged for you? If you wish, quarters like this can be assigned a beautiful, lovely maid who will satisfy your every request to your complete contentment,” Long Xuechan’s sweet, charming voice drifted from the doorway, full of allure.

Nie Kong turned around, his gaze sweeping over Long Xuechan’s mature, alluring figure, and laughed heartily, “How can a maid compare to how delightful Big Sister Xuechan is? It’s still early. Why not accompany me to the bedroom for a tour, get the necessary matters handled, and we might just make it back in time for dinner.”

“If Little Brother still has such enthusiasm tomorrow night, this sister will certainly visit your room,” Long Xuechan giggled sweetly and drifted away.

Watching Long Xuechan’s graceful figure disappear from the courtyard entrance, Nie Kong’s smile faded. Seeing that it was still some time until dusk, he decided to enter the bedroom and sit cross-legged. The recent repeat of events in Zhaoyang Town with Bai Yuqing had left Nie Kong feeling somewhat stimulated; now, every spare moment had to be devoted to cultivation.

The next morning, Nie Kong casually finished his breakfast and hurried to the Honglou Apothecary, brimming with anticipation. This time, without Long Xuechan guiding him, Nie Kong was stopped several times by the guards. Fortunately, he had received an identity medallion from Long An the previous day, so he was not delayed for long.

The gate of the Sixth Courtyard was wide open, and the interior was utterly silent.

Many herbs were planted in the courtyard, bisected by a small stone path. Nie Kong deliberately increased the weight of his footsteps as he walked toward the hall at the end of the path.

The closer he got, the more ecstatic the little fellow’s cries became within the Yaochi Acupoint, making Nie Kong even more expectant. The thirty-odd meters were quickly traversed. Nie Kong took a shallow breath, stepped over the threshold, and a bewitching, flower-like smiling face greeted his vision, immediately followed by a thread of strange fragrance wafting into his nostrils.

Nie Kong felt a sudden dizziness, and his body went soft, collapsing onto the ground…