Chapter Sixty-Four: The Decision

Chen Jiu was momentarily taken aback, his expression somewhat peculiar as he said, "Miss Bai, why do you say that? I was merely repaying your kindness, nothing more. I expect no return."

Miss Bai's delicate face changed, and she shook her head gently. "No, Daoist, you misunderstand me!"

Chen Jiu's gaze flickered, then he asked, "Then why are you giving me the pharmacy?"

"This... this is because you can cure the serpent's venom. I wish to ask you to save the people of Qingcheng County!" Miss Bai knew well that such words would likely displease him, but she braved herself and spoke.

Chen Jiu fell silent.

Truth be told, with the demon king causing chaos and so many mortals poisoned in Qingcheng County, he had neither the power nor the desire to intervene. If he involved himself, it would likely draw the demon king’s attention, and who knew when an assassination attempt might come his way...

Moreover, he had no clear understanding of the demon king’s power and influence, so he could not rashly agree.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Jiu said, "I’ve heard the elders mention a certain Qin the Skillful in the city, haven’t I?"

At these words, Miss Bai’s beautiful eyes suddenly blazed with fury. She replied in a deep voice, "That father and son of the Qin family, relying on their ancestral antidote secrets, not only raise prices exorbitantly but also maliciously suppress other pharmacies..."

"And I... naturally am their primary target. Because of my identity as the Serpent Lady, they spread rumors that I am the source of poison, driving me out of the city. My pharmacy too will likely fall into their hands." She spoke with evident grievance.

Chen Jiu frowned, realizing the situation was far from simple.

"Such outrageous price gouging—does the authorities simply stand by?" he asked.

Miss Bai grew even more indignant at this. Her eyes grew moist as she said, "The son of Qin the Skillful is close friends with the officials of the Security Office. With their protection, what can the local authorities do?"

Hearing this, Chen Jiu fell silent.

The Security Office, though just a demon-hunting institution, was staffed mostly by cultivators, making them more powerful on the surface than the local authorities...

Chen Jiu was about to refuse, but Miss Bai suddenly knelt before him with a thud.

"I know this is difficult for you, Daoist, but I cannot bear to watch the people suffer. I can endure wrongful accusations, but the people are innocent!"

She herself could not return; rumors about the Serpent Lady filled the city, despite her past contributions.

Yet in the face of relentless gossip and slander, being a serpent spirit in human form, she could hardly defend herself even with a hundred mouths and hands...

Chen Jiu’s expression shifted. "Even if the townsfolk are hostile to you, you still wish to save them?"

Miss Bai answered without hesitation, "Yes. Even if they fear and dislike me, it matters not. I only wish for the world to have less sickness and pain, less separation by death, and more reunion and happiness!"

"When that venerable master enlightened me years ago, I understood the true meaning of my transformation..."

Chen Jiu frowned upon hearing this.

He gazed into her slightly reddened, lovely almond eyes, and said solemnly, "Miss Bai, I believe that besides saving lives, you can seek other meanings."

Then, seeing her puzzled expression, he helped her to her feet.

"Other meanings? What might those be?" Her youthful, fair face was still streaked with tears, looking somewhat lost.

Chen Jiu smiled, stroking his chin with a hint of irreverence. "Pleasure, for instance."

"Well... like wandering through mountains and rivers, admiring flowers and birds, falling in love..."

Miss Bai parted her lips, astonished. So this immortal Daoist was not as cold and stern as he appeared...

She could understand the first two suggestions, but "falling in love"... What was that?

"I don’t entirely understand what you mean, Daoist," she said, her eyes tinged with melancholy.

She realized Chen Jiu would not help.

After all, immortals had their cultivation to tend to; how could they spare time for mortal affairs?

Chen Jiu smiled knowingly. "It’s all right. Let things take their natural course."

Miss Bai sighed inwardly, then bowed respectfully to Chen Jiu.

"I was discourteous earlier. Please forgive me, Daoist."

She chose not to press him further.

For he had already shown the utmost kindness.

Yet Chen Jiu's gaze sharpened.

He did not immediately bid farewell or depart, but fell into deep thought.

Now, two options lay before him.

First, to live incognito as an ordinary person in the city, consolidating his cultivation, then slowly gathering information and seeking an opportunity to make a name for himself, thereby lending greater credibility to An Huayuan’s letter of recommendation.

Second, to take up the role of a doctor in Miss Bai’s pharmacy, using the Longevity Pearl to cure poisoned mortals, quickly building up his reputation.

Both had their merits and drawbacks.

The first was cautious and safe, but required too much time and offered few chances for advancement.

The second was more aggressive, risking the demon king’s attention, but promised immediate results, swiftly building his reputation and fame in the city...

For only by making a name for himself could he hope to settle in Qingcheng County and escape the pursuit of the Security Office in Xinyang County...

An Huayuan’s letter alone would not suffice for Chen Jiu to settle in Qingcheng County.

Miss Bai, seeing Chen Jiu silent for so long, feared she had angered him and grew more anxious.

"I promise you," Chen Jiu suddenly declared.

Miss Bai was stunned, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief.

"Daoist... you..." she said, hardly able to believe it.

Chen Jiu’s expression shifted, his tone turning: "But you must tell me about the demon king on Qingcheng Mountain—who they are and what power they possess!"

Miss Bai was still overwhelmed by shock and joy, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Without hesitation, she replied, "Daoist, your great kindness is impossible to repay. If you do not disdain me, I... I am willing to warm your bed!"

Chen Jiu nearly choked on her words.

He quickly waved his hand—this girl was far too sincere.

But Chen Jiu was not one to take such advantage.

"You misunderstand, Miss Bai. I don’t need someone to warm my bed. Just tell me about the demon king’s strength," he said, slightly embarrassed.

Miss Bai’s cheeks turned crimson, her ears glowing red as if they might drip water. After a while, she regained her composure, but kept her head lowered, not daring to meet Chen Jiu’s gaze.

"A month ago, two great serpents arrived from afar, using their poisonous arts to seize control of Qingcheng Mountain, where many demons and ghosts lived."

"After their arrival, they slaughtered any who resisted and laid a dreadful poisonous miasma at the foot of the mountain—even the Security Office officers dare not enter!"

"I learned all this from a small demon who escaped Qingcheng Mountain... Among the two demon kings, the stronger is called 'Silver Ring King,' said to be a profound-tier demon!"

"The weaker one is known as 'Gold Ring King,' but he too possesses earth-tier demonic power..."

As she spoke, fear showed on her face and her voice trembled. "They are nothing like me, who gained human form through enlightenment. These two serpents have hundreds of years of cultivation!"

Chen Jiu’s expression grew steadily more serious.

A profound-tier demon was equivalent to a human immortal at the second stage—the Jade Pill Realm...