When the system notification sounded, Shijing Xian happened to see Yuan Xiao from a distance. 

Calculating back, he realized that since the banquet on the day he took over Ji Xuanran’s body, he hadn’t seen this man again. 

Yuan Xiao was tall and handsome, and with his powerful abilities and the aura cultivated from years of battle, he stood out in any crowd, making him seem flawless. But all of this was merely superficial. 

Yuan Xiao appeared mature and steady, exuding a calm and dignified presence, yet deep down, he was stubborn, gloomy, and suspicious. After Yuan Xiao rose to fame, many were curious about how his commoner parents could raise a marshal. However, Ji Xuanran, who had interacted closely with them, knew that this family was cut from the same cloth—equally greedy and selfish, viewing others’ rights and even lives as insignificant. 

Thus, Shijing Xian understood that despite the Apothecary Association being in the right, Yuan Xiao must have held a grudge against that middle-aged man. This incident stemmed from him, so Shijing Xian didn’t linger to admire Yuan Xiao’s ever-changing expression upon hearing the news; he quickened his pace, intending to leave. 

However, the situation changed faster than Shijing Xian could react. Before he could navigate around the plant barrier, Yuan Xiao’s subordinates had already rushed over to him, quickly reporting something. 

As soon as Yuan Xiao finished listening to the brief report, he immediately ordered to leave. Although this shift was somewhat abrupt, not many would dare challenge Yuan Xiao’s authority. Only some commotion could be heard from the back of the team, sounding like muffled calls. 

But after Yuan Xiao said a few brief words, that noise disappeared. 

At first, Shijing Xian couldn’t recognize who was speaking; he struggled for a while before finally guessing that the large figure being carried in the crowd was none other than Yuan Mu, who was now so swollen that she was unrecognizable. 

Two days ago, when he left, Yuan Mu couldn’t speak, but she was still in good condition. Now, looking at her, she had become horrifyingly edematous; her already plump body had swollen at least two sizes, making it incredibly difficult for her to walk, even when being carried. 

No wonder Yuan Xiao agreed to personally bring Yuan Mu over. Ji Xuanran was an apothecary and had some knowledge of injury treatment. In fact, Yuan Mu’s condition could be resolved with just a few bottles of high-quality low-tier potions. But without the potions to alleviate her suffering, she would have to endure a lot of pain. 

Low-tier potions were easy to obtain, but potions of specific quality were priceless. Even a mid-tier apothecary might not be able to produce perfect quality low-tier potions. Without Ji Xuanran, it was hard to say how long Yuan Mu would have to struggle to get the right potions. 

This time, Ji Xuanran truly felt relieved. 

Shijing Xian recalled that if he remembered correctly, Lan Luohai’s ability type seemed to be… water? Had this person’s ability become so powerful that he could precisely control the moisture in a human body? 

Outside, Yuan Xiao’s subordinates quickly withdrew under orders, allowing the Apothecary Association members to finally enter through the front door. Upon seeing Shijing Xian, the middle-aged man clearly paused for a moment, then asked hesitantly, “You are…?” 

“Ji Xuanran, the Divine Apothecary?” 

Ji Xuanran had left behind image data at the Apothecary Association, but the middle-aged man was still taken aback by his youth. 

Shijing Xian nodded, “That’s me.” 

The middle-aged man quickly composed himself and introduced himself. He was the vice president of the Apothecary Association, responsible for matters related to apothecary identity cards. A few of them entered the research institute’s hall, and in front of the institute’s colleagues, the vice president replaced Shijing Xian’s identity card with a new one. 

The high-tier identity card was made from the most stable gold-type crystal, feeling warm to the touch, shiny on the surface, and significantly heavier than the previous one. Shijing Xian carefully stored the identity card in the inner pocket close to his chest. 

With the steady beat of his heart, this beautiful golden card gradually absorbed Ji Xuanran’s body temperature. 

Before the Apothecary Association members left, the vice president specifically avoided the other people in the research institute and asked Shijing Xian if he needed an independent research institute of his own. The Apothecary Association could provide space and construction funds for high-tier apothecaries and could also help release recruitment messages for assistants and apprentices. 

Shijing Xian thanked him for his kindness but ultimately chose to decline. 

The headquarters of the Apothecary Association was in the core country, and the branch in Country A was just a subsidiary. The vice president’s promises were limited to Country A. A high-tier apothecary’s research institute was different from an ordinary laboratory; once established, it would be difficult to change or move. 

Ji Xuanran’s eyesight wasn’t great, and the autumn and winter winds in Country A were too harsh, often making him tear up. Moreover, the climate in Country A was dry and cold, while Ji Xuanran preferred more humid places. This was a significant life decision that would affect the next few decades, and Shijing Xian didn’t want to make a hasty decision for him. 

Furthermore, he was about to go to the core country with Yuan Xiao, and before that, Shijing Xian still needed to find a way to awaken his healing abilities. Staying at the research institute in Fendelin was clearly more suitable than going solo. 

Seeing Shijing Xian refuse, the vice president didn’t press further. After they left, Shijing Xian returned to the research institute and happened to run into the colleague who had waited with him for Fendelin’s response earlier. 

Shijing Xian asked, “Where is the teacher now?” 

The colleague pointed upward, “Top-level laboratory. Are you looking for him?” 

Shijing Xian replied, “Yes, I have a batch of experimental data to submit.” 

The colleague was shocked, “You’re still doing experiments today?” 

Shijing Xian said, “Yes, what’s wrong?” 

“Shouldn’t you be celebrating right now? Maybe attend a celebration party or something to share this exciting…” The colleague’s voice grew quieter, ultimately retreating under Shijing Xian’s puzzled gaze. 

“Alright,” the colleague shrugged helplessly, “I get it. For you, the best way to celebrate might just be to make another bottle of high-tier potion.” 

Shijing Xian joked, “One bottle isn’t enough.” 

“…Alright, alright, you should hurry up and go.” 

The colleague raised his hands in surrender and helped him press the elevator button to the top level. 

“Please!” 

Shijing Xian chuckled and stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. Just before the doors closed, the colleague outside suddenly called out to him. 

“Xuanran,” his tone was serious, “You look much more relaxed than before.” 

Shijing Xian paused, then softened his voice. 

“Thank you. I’m very happy to be back here.” 

The elevator doors slowly closed as the two exchanged smiles. 

As the elevator ascended, the surroundings quieted down. Shijing Xian raised his hand and pressed the hard card against his chest. 

The progress bar happily flashed twice. 

The task box, which was half-filled, became much more substantial, finally looking less empty. 

In the following week, Shijing Xian busied himself with potion-making while studying the notes Lan Luohai had given him, leading to a very fulfilling time. In fact, there weren’t many restorers like Shijing Xian who diligently worked after taking over a body. Although the original body’s skills remained in his mind, adapting and digesting the knowledge also required considerable energy. Restoring the original body’s injuries was already enough of a headache; few restorers would spend extra time on the original’s profession. 

After all, the system provided temporary takeover services specifically for restorers, allowing them to complete the original body’s tasks or exams with just a small amount of experience points. Additionally, items like knowledge memory cards in the exchange warehouse were inexpensive, and most restorers would choose to make full use of these system functions. 

Only Shijing Xian, he not only turned off the AI in every task but also hadn’t used any of these items. 

This week of study quickly paid off. Shijing Xian had been looking for clues related to the awakening of healing abilities, and after reading Fendelin’s personal notes, he happened to discover a crucial concept—ability purification. 

The content explaining this concept was written on a piece of draft paper that had been torn off casually. Lan Luohai’s notes were so well-preserved that Shijing Xian could even see the worn and yellowed edges of the draft paper from the photocopy. 

This somewhat aged draft paper stood out among the neatly organized notes, and the handwriting was different from Fendelin’s usual neatness, clearly showing signs of hurried chaos. It even contained another person’s handwriting, resembling something jotted down during a conversation. 

Fendelin rarely, or rather, almost never collaborated with others. So when Shijing Xian first saw this note written by two people, he was somewhat surprised. But the value of this note was undeniable; after Shijing Xian finished reading it, the scattered pearls in his mind finally strung together. 

However, the personal notes only went back five years, as anything more recent might involve Fendelin’s confidential research. After carefully reviewing the useful information, Shijing Xian planned to find Fendelin to ask about the latest progress in ability purification. 

Unfortunately, Fendelin happened to be out looking for materials at that moment. Shijing Xian could only wait for him to return. 

In his earlier excitement, Shijing Xian hadn’t paid attention to other matters, but now that he calmed down, he suddenly realized that he hadn’t received any calls from the outside world for several days. 

Not only were there no calls urging him to return, but Yuan Xiao hadn’t even expressed any intention to ask for potions to treat Yuan Mu. 

Why was it so quiet this time? 

Even if he learned that Ji Xuanran had become a high-tier apothecary, Yuan Xiao wouldn’t be scared off; he should be more eager to continue squeezing Ji Xuanran’s value. 

Something was off, and after considering it, Shijing Xian decided to contact a noble major general he had sold potions to before. 

Under Yuan Xiao’s control, Ji Xuanran had no social circle, and even his previous few friends had lost contact. The current information channels were built by Shijing Xian after taking over, using potion sales. 

When the major general received Shijing Xian’s call, his attitude was warm, but he spoke hesitantly. 

Shijing Xian found it strange; the potions he wanted could only be supplied by Ji Xuanran, and he wasn’t on the same team as Yuan Xiao, so there was no reason for him to breach the contract now. 

Under Shijing Xian’s questioning, the major general finally relented. Before speaking, he sighed, “Divine Apothecary Ji, you might find this hard to accept… uh, but this is just a rumor, hearsay, with no evidence, so don’t take it too seriously.” 

The more Shijing Xian listened, the more confused he became, “What happened to the marshal?” 

“He…” The major general cleared his throat, “A week ago, someone from the core country came, and the marshal was one of the reception personnel. He hit it off with that envoy, and since that meeting, the marshal has been going to the palace every day.” 

“According to palace news and my few chance encounters, the marshal has been very enthusiastic about that envoy. Wherever the envoy from the core country goes, he follows.” 

The major general’s voice grew increasingly awkward, and he chuckled dryly, “It’s probably because… he’s too busy entertaining the envoy, so he hasn’t had time to contact you, Divine Apothecary?”