Resplendent – Chapter 452

Chapter 452 – Who Have You Set Your Eyes On?

“Thank you, Senior, for not holding past offenses against me and speaking on my behalf. Thank you, Sage Apothecary, for your great mercy in not blaming me…” All the arrogance that the senior apothecary once had had completely vanished.

Because of his exceptional talent in pharmaceutics, he had been allowed to stay by Elder Ren’s side for personal guidance. Elder Ren often advised this disciple: There are always people stronger than you, always a sky beyond the sky. Don’t be overly proud.

But having become famous at a young age, his great reputation blinded him and lifted him into the clouds. With ever-increasing praise, honors, and achievements, he drifted further and further upward, far away from his original intent…

Elder Ren shook his head and sighed as he looked at his disciple’s defeated expression. Today’s events might be a blessing in disguise for him: something that could awaken him from false fame and bring him back to solid ground.

“Master, everyone says the Sage Apothecary had already… I didn’t expect his body to still be so vigorous. He’s almost no different from how he was twenty-some years ago.” As an elder of the Li Kingdom’s Apothecary Guild, Elder Ren had brought several disciples and grand-disciples with him. The one speaking was his beloved disciple—Situ Zhang.

More than thirty years ago, Situ Zhang had been only a young teenager, but he still clearly remembered the scene of the famed Sage Apothecary debating and overpowering a group of apothecaries.

“No, the Sage Apothecary has grown even more restrained. He’s already reached a state of returning to simplicity. Perhaps he has even touched the realm of the Grandmaster. He is indeed someone to be admired!” Elder Ren let out a long sigh.

But Situ Zhang laughed and said, “I’m even more envious of his disciple. Just now, that young girl was explaining things to the junior apothecaries, and I overheard a bit. Her insights were quite unique, refreshing even. After thinking it over carefully, I benefited a great deal myself. However, the Sage is far too indulgent with his disciple. How could he let her reveal the sect’s secret techniques so casually?”

“That only shows one thing: What we regard as rare, unique secret techniques are nothing important to the Sage’s lineage. Aiyo~ what a pity. I was resting in the back courtyard just now and missed hearing the Sage’s secret teachings. As your master, I truly regret it!” Elder Ren said with deep frustration.

“How about we host an apothecary gathering at the inn in a couple of days and send an invitation to the Sage’s disciple?” Situ Zhang couldn’t help suggesting.

“Forget it! This isn’t our territory. It’s better to hold back a little.” Elder Ren shook his head. Such matters depend on fate; they cannot be forced!

Meanwhile, small groups of junior apothecaries looked on in astonishment as the young woman who had just answered their questions called that white-haired, youthful-looking elder ‘Master.’ They whispered and discussed among themselves, shocked.

“Isn’t Miss Gu’s master the Sage Apothecary? Oh my God! I actually saw the Sage Apothecary! My father and grandfather admire him the most! It’s such a pity my father didn’t come today. He’ll regret it to death!”

“Sage Apothecary, Sage Apothecary! He’s a Grandmaster-level apothecary! I’m so excited. I really want to go say a few words to him, but I don’t dare…”

“How lucky! I can’t believe we get to witness the Sage’s presence here!”

“The Sage looks a lot like my grandpa!”

“Stop flattering yourself. If you were the Sage’s grandson, would you still be standing here with us?”

“I’m not lying—my grandpa is about the same age as him and just as simple and plain.”

“He’s returning to simplicity. Your grandpa is just poor!”

“Brother, we’ve been friends for years. Can’t you let me save a little face?”

Out of awe and respect for the Sage Apothecary, almost everyone only dared to admire him from afar. No one had the courage to go near him. At this moment, by the Sage’s side stood only his precious disciple and a junior disciple.

“Master, are you hungry? What do you want to eat? Lunch is on your disciple today!” Gu Ye patted her chest generously, looking like a newly rich tycoon.

Without even thinking, the Sage said, “Let’s go to Qingfeng Pavilion! I haven’t eaten their dishes in so long. I heard they’ve added several new signature dishes. Today we’ll try them all!”

The president of the Fanjing Apothecary Guild quietly reminded him, “Elder, aren’t you making things difficult for the child? Seats at Qingfeng must be reserved in advance. During the convention, it’s nearly impossible to get a table…”

“No need to say more. Today, I’m not going anywhere except Qingfeng!” The Sage stiffened his neck stubbornly, clearly unwilling to listen to reason.

President Niu looked troubled. He turned to his disciple and said, “Go to Qingfeng and ask—tell them the Apothecary Guild needs a table. See if they can free one up…”

“Don’t bother, Uncle President. I already had someone make a reservation,” Gu Ye thanked him for his kindness. After serving as a lecturer on traditional medicine all morning, she had long been hungry. The world is vast, but the stomach is vaster—fill it first, talk later.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” The Sage grabbed his little disciple by the collar and strode quickly toward the exit.

Gu Ye barely had time to call back politely, “Uncle President, would you like to join us—” before her master hauled her straight out the door.

President Niu shook his head with a smile. The Sage Apothecary’s legs were even more vigorous than those of many young people.  Truly, age had only made him stronger! But… regarding the matter they’d discussed earlier—Did the elder actually agree or not? President Niu exchanged confused looks with the old colleagues behind him.

The Great Pharmacists Convention, held once every ten years, was hosted by the Dongling Kingdom this year. Dongling was merely a small vassal state under Yan—the strongest of the Three Great Kingdoms. In every aspect, it lagged far behind the major nations. However, if they could persuade the Sage Apothecary, who had been in seclusion for over twenty years, to serve as an honorary judge, it would greatly elevate the prestige of this year’s convention.

However, getting him to agree to anything was almost as difficult as reaching the heavens. President Niu sighed and said, “In a few days, I’ll ask him again and see what he thinks.”

“I think the Sage cares quite a lot about his little disciple. Why not start with her?” Vice-President Wu suggested.

An elder who knew the Sage’s temperament well strongly objected, “This matter should be carefully considered, lest we make things worse.” 

President Niu nodded in agreement. The Sage Apothecary was eccentric. If you angered him, he could single-handedly overturn the Fanjing Apothecary Guild. Believe it or not!

Just after exiting the Apothecary Guild’s gates, the Sage let go of his little disciple’s hand, snorted, and said, “Do you know that today you committed a grave taboo? If it weren’t for me, that bunch of kids at the Guild would have kicked you out long ago!”

“Why? Just because I guided those apothecaries in making medicine?” Gu Ye pouted and said disdainfully, “The apothecary world is full of stubborn old fools. That’s why it’s in decline!  So many naturally gifted apothecaries waste their lives unknown because they lack proper guidance from good masters. It’s really such a shame!” 

“Oh?  Have you spotted a promising young one? Which little fellow caught your eye? Tell me about it,” the Sage said, clearly intrigued. 

Gu Ye glanced at him and muttered, “What do you mean ‘caught my eye’? I just think that young apothecary surnamed Lin has decent talent and is humble. With some proper guidance, he could at least become a ninth-rank apothecary in the future. What a pity…”