If one could travel to the Great Yi Emperor Dynasty and study its medical tomes, gathering experts in the healing arts, then perhaps… perhaps the broken inheritance of the medical path could be reconnected—and even further advanced. Drawing on collective wisdom is one of the most effective ways to restore lost knowledge. After all, many divine abilities and mystical arts can be integrated into the medical tradition.
Take for instance the Blade and Weapon Talismans and Disease-Cleansing Talismans from Daoist talismanic arts—these were, in fact, inspired by the divine abilities of the medical path.The Blade and Weapon Talisman heals wounds from bladed weapons; the Disease-Cleansing Talisman cures various illnesses. These are just superficial imitations based on fragments of true medical arts. The so-called "talisman water used to save lives" is a common example. Due to the loss of the original medical heritage, these Daoist talismans became lumped into the zhuyou category of magical healing arts. Compared to the authentic medical inheritance, they are mere scraps.
Yet now, with Sun Simiao's capabilities, he could very well reverse-engineer the original divine abilities from these talismans. In fact, the results might even be stronger and more wondrous. Of course, this endeavor would demand considerable effort and dedication.
"I've inherited part of the ancient medical legacy. The divine arts of medicine are different from other mystical abilities—they not only require the opening of life apertures (mingqiao) but also depend on rare medicinal ingredients, which must be fused into the origin of these apertures to induce transformation and assist in cultivation. The consumption of spiritual herbs is by no means insignificant,"said Sun Simiao calmly.
This is the unique nature of medical divine abilities: they require medicinal herbs to cultivate. Once mastered, these abilities no longer consume herbs during use. However, to upgrade or refine the technique's grade, even more potent herbs must be used to temper the power. Once achieved, these divine arts can even carry the unique medicinal properties of the herbs used in their creation. A truly marvelous trait. Of course, once learned, using the techniques doesn't consume herbs—they're not expendable items.
"Indeed. If the medical path can flourish again, it will become a legacy for the ages. In warfare, having healers versed in medical cultivation could dramatically reduce casualties. In large-scale battles, this could determine the outcome of wars,"said Yi Tianxing with a slow nod.
Imagine an army supported by a division of medical cultivators who can heal on the battlefield—it would be a game-changer. One side would be nearly unkillable, while the other bleeds and dies with every wound. The difference is staggering.
Moreover, medical cultivators are by no means defenseless. One must remember: medicine and poison go hand-in-hand.
These are, of course, future prospects. For now, Yi Tianxing wanted to convey one point: if Sun Simiao is willing to join the Great Yi, the Emperor Dynasty will fully support him in restoring and perfecting the medical heritage.
"Master Li, since the Emperor himself has come, why don't you invite our other esteemed guests in the pavilion to join us? With such a magnificent feast, there's no way the two of us can finish it. It would be a shame to waste such fine delicacies,"said Sun Simiao, smiling lightly at Li Zhilin.
There was a subtle depth in his words and a calm sincerity in his demeanor.
"Senior Sun is right. I shall extend the invitation at once,"replied Li Zhilin without hesitation.
He immediately understood the deeper intent—Sun Simiao was helping Yi Tianxing build bridges, offering support as a mediator. After all, the Gathering of the Heroes Pavilion housed many top-tier talents. Though talented beyond compare, these individuals often possessed eccentric temperaments. Convincing them to serve someone, to truly acknowledge a sovereign, would not be easy.
Soon, five figures entered the hall one after another.
"Greetings to the Emperor. Greetings to Elder Sun,"the five said in unison, bowing in respect.
Each of the five exuded a unique and powerful aura, clearly extraordinary individuals. From just one glance, Yi Tianxing could already discern much about them—enough to form an initial assessment.
They were not common folk.
"There's no need for such formality. Today, here, let us dispense with ranks. Sit, eat, and let us speak freely,"said Yi Tianxing, scanning the five with keen eyes.
They accepted the invitation and seated themselves.
"Emperor, these five are some of the finest talents within my Gathering of the Heroes Pavilion. This one here is General Yue, Yue Fei. Over the years, he has gathered the bravest warriors of the human race, forging them into a formidable army. They have clashed with foreign races countless times, each battle marked by courage and valor. Their feats have earned great merit for the pavilion. If not for Yue Fei's refusal, I would have gladly passed on the position of Pavilion Master to him long ago,"said Li Zhilin with a smile.
"Yue Fei?"Even Yi Tianxing could not help but feel his heart race at the name, his pulse quickening. He had guessed that anyone Li Zhilin esteemed so highly would not be an ordinary person, but he hadn't imagined Yue Fei.
Yue Fei—Zi Pengju, from Tangyin, Xiangzhou. A national hero of the Southern Song dynasty, military genius, strategist, poet, calligrapher. First among the "Four Great Generals of the Restoration."
He had built the legendary Yue Army, famed for its discipline, morale, and iron will. "Better to freeze to death than dismantle a house; better to starve than loot the people"—a motto that reflected their code. The Jin army once said: "It is easier to shake a mountain than the Yue Army," a testament to their might and the respect they commanded.
His military genius, charisma, and loyalty to his country had echoed through the ages.
Even Yi Tianxing couldn't help but marvel—Li Zhilin had truly prepared an enormous surprise.
"So it is General Yue. An honor indeed,"Yi Tianxing said with a respectful nod and a smile.
Li Zhilin continued:
"This next one is Nie Zheng, an elite assassin. But unlike others of his kind, he kills not from the shadows but openly, head-on. When an emperor is enraged, corpses line the roads; when a commoner is enraged, blood flows within five steps. Nie's way of assassination is direct and fearless. He is a true warrior, unmatched in combat."
Nie Zheng was no nameless figure. In history, he left a bold mark. Though known as an assassin, he fought in the open with unparalleled ferocity. A killer not by stealth, but by might—a rarity among assassins.
"Brother Nie's courage and righteousness are truly admirable,"Yi Tianxing nodded.
Nie Zheng's candid nature made it hard for anyone to dislike him. He was a man of principle, not skulking in shadows but facing enemies head-on.
"This gentleman here is Wan Sanqian, a genius in the art of commerce. In fact, much of the pavilion's development over the years has been thanks to his guidance. Without him, Gathering of the Heroes would not be where it is today,"said Li Zhilin.
"Wan Sanqian—wealth for a lifetime."Yi Tianxing nodded again.
He had heard of Wan Sanqian—a brilliant merchant. In the right setting, he could generate unimaginable wealth in record time. People like him were catalysts, capable of shifting the tides of nations.
"As for this man—he is not to be underestimated. His strength is immense. Known as Ba Tiangang, he has mastered the Northern Dipper Five Elements Fist, a body-tempering art of the highest order. He's a fifth-tier body cultivator and currently the strongest within the Gathering of the Worthy Pavilion,"Li Zhilin said, gesturing to the burly man clad in beast hide.
His muscles bulged with explosive strength. One look and anyone could feel the pressure. His qi and blood were terrifying—though perfectly restrained, they carried the roar of beasts, enough to shake the soul.
"Northern Dipper Five Elements Fist—Kōngxū Gongzi..."Yi Tianxing's mind flashed with recognition.
So this was Ba Tiangang, a supreme warlord. If he could be brought into the Great Yi, Yi Tianxing already had a perfect position in mind—for the role of Hunter Hall's master still lacked a powerful overseer.
This man, tempered by the Five Elements Fist Sutra, had conjured divine beasts of the five directions—a force capable of suppressing even the most unruly bounty hunters.
"And lastly, this one's surname is Liu. Tell me, Emperor, can you guess who he is?"said Li Zhilin with a grin.
"Liu?"Yi Tianxing studied the final man carefully.
He appeared to be in middle age, dressed in Daoist robes, exuding an ethereal calmness laced with scholarly grace. His presence brought an inexplicable sense of ease. His eyes—penetrating, wise—seemed to peer directly into one's soul.
Clearly, this was no ordinary man.
Yi Tianxing's mind began to race, thoughts flashing quickly as he tried to uncover the mystery of this man's identity…