The Cool and Aloof Senior Sister Always Flirts with Me

Chapter 48: The Apothecary

Yan Jue: "Daoist Brother, why isn't the Master here today?"

Even before they'd entered the sanctuary, Yan Jue was already addressing the renowned Tianshi of Suyang as "Master," a clear display of her eagerness.

As a village girl who'd never seen much of the world, she was keen to become a Daoist apprentice.

The young Daoist raised his chin. "The Master had business in the mountains. I'm already skilled enough to handle demons and ghosts on my own, so he sent me to take care of things here."

So, the great monster wasn't home.

Yan Jue: "How impressive."

As they ascended the misty trail, the donkey cart rattled through waves of dense fog and encountered many mountain wraiths along the way. Finally, after a bend in the road, they arrived at their destination.

The fog thinned, revealing a rounded cave entrance, and above it, a sign bore four characters: Suyang Immortal Sanctuary.

Yan Jue twitched her nose, faintly catching a smoky scent... and an unmistakable trace of blood.

Upon entering, they were greeted by two young Daoists wearing purple robes with exaggerated rouge on their cheeks, their faces expressionless as they approached.

Yan Jue watched them warily as the older Daoist tossed her and her companion a couple of worn-out robes.

"Number 27, Number 28, head to the apothecary and stay put."

Yan Jue hesitated, feeling a creeping sense of unease.

The robes, old and oversized, reeked of sweat and were uncomfortable to wear. After they put them on, the Daoist gave her a hard shove, guiding them deeper into the sanctuary's labyrinthine passageways until they reached another small cave labeled with a sign: Herb Storage Room.

"Number 27, Number 28, go inside!"

Before the words were fully out, Yan Jue was already being pushed into the room.

The door slammed shut behind them with a loud bang, leaving them in dim light, surrounded by a thick, herbal scent.

All around, children were lying on the cold ground, their faces pale and shivering in the chill.

Yan Jue turned to Qi Xianqing, raising an eyebrow. "Brother, is this what they meant by becoming child disciples?"

Qi Xianqing pressed his lips together. "Little sister, don't worry. I'm sure when the Master returns, he'll make us proper disciples."

Yan Jue: "..."

Then, she heard a voice in her mind: "These people are... materials."

Frowning, she took a few steps forward.

At the back of the room stood rows of cabinets, resembling the kind found in a traditional apothecary, holding well over two hundred compartments. Each one bore a lock spell.

Yan Jue examined them closely, one by one.

Tianqing Grass.

Yin Condensation Grass.

Dragon Scale Fruit.

Soul Nurturing Wood.

Her pupils contracted slightly. They were all top-grade or even premium herbs.

Her thoughts drifted to her poverty. Maybe, if this mission went well, she'd manage to make a profit for herself.

Suddenly, sobbing broke out from the back of the room.