Wang Sheng had borrowed a medical book that was rich with both illustrations and text. Not only did it feature drawings of herbs, but also descriptions of their characteristics, effects, and even their growing environments.
In this era, possessing such an item could be considered a family heirloom in many households.
It was indeed a collection that belonged to the old Martial Artist Ji, who could be recognized as a martial artist at a glance.
Perhaps because the medical book was so detailed, Wang Sheng quickly unlocked a new progress bar a few minutes later.
"Herb Recognition: 1 (1%)"
This skill was completely new to both his current and original self, so it was at level 1.
He didn't know how long it would take to max out this skill and break through.
"Next up is herb planting."
This was the core component necessary for creating the Blood and Qi Replenishing Formula. Without the right herbs, the formula would be useless.
Wang Sheng recalled a few from memory.
However, the majority of them were formulas for treating anemia, and others were traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for women's special periods.
To increase the success rate, Wang Sheng planned to pick out all the formulas that required only plant-based herbs and try crafting each one.
To find the best formula.
Some herbs had been prepared in advance, though.
For instance, he knew all the formulas for replenishing Qi-Blood typically required ginseng and Angelica.
Ginseng was also found in this world.
But mature ginseng was out of the question; ginseng in this era was Wild Ginseng, which he couldn't afford now, but planting ginseng seeds was still feasible.
Many households that had dug up ginseng retained some ginseng seeds, so obtaining ginseng seeds wouldn't be too difficult.
As for Angelica, Wang Sheng wasn't sure if it was called that in this world, so he planned to upgrade his Herb Recognition skill level to identify this world's Angelica.
With that thought, his goal became clear.
"So, now the goal is to raise the level of Herb Recognition and to plant ginseng."
Besides these two, there were also routine practices of the Eight Section Brocade and Inner Core Skill daily.
"It's getting busier but more fulfilling!"
The busier things got, the more content Wang Sheng felt.
Being able to sense his own progress every day was an indescribable joy.
Starting the next day.
Wang Sheng's daily schedule consisted of 8 hours of sleep and 2 hours for meals.
The remaining 14 hours were divided as follows: because he was running low on Tiger Bone Ointment, the practice time for the Eight Section Brocade was reduced to 3 hours, and Inner Core Skill practice was 6 hours.
The rest of the time was spent refreshing the skill "Herb Recognition" and the old skill of "Chrysanthemum Planting."
Of course, on the very first day, he didn't complete his schedule fully because Li Yongfeng had already returned, and in the evening he brought some meat to Li Wenguang's house for dinner.
"Haha, Yun Sheng, welcome!"
As soon as he entered, a tall, robust young man around twenty-five or twenty-six years old came up to him and hugged Wang Sheng tightly.
"Brother Yongfeng, congratulations on your safe return!"
Wang Sheng knew that times were tough outside, and being an escorter was inherently dangerous, so coming home safely was the best blessing.
Hearing this, a shadow passed over Li Yongfeng's eyes.
Wang Sheng thought he had said something wrong and was about to say something, but Li Yongfeng spoke again, "Yes, it's good to be back safe, but I guess I won't be an escorter anymore!"
"Brother Feng, what happened?"
Li Yongfeng had once had a big fight with Li Wenguang because he was so determined to be an escorter, and only reluctantly did Li Wenguang agree.
But now, the man who had been set on being an escorter was suggesting giving it up.
Other than some misfortune, Wang Sheng couldn't think of any other reason.
"Sigh, let's go inside and talk while we eat."
Wang Sheng entered the house.
After entering the house, Wang Sheng expertly hung up the meat and greeted Li Wenguang and his wife, Li Zhi.
"You're here, why bring meat? Do we look like we're short of food?"
Li Zhi's face was marked with a reproachful expression.
Wang Sheng didn't respond, you can't always rely on other people's kindness. Such things would eventually deplete one day.
The original owner had done well, bringing something each time he visited.
While maintaining the relationship, it wasn't overly distant either.
Seeing Wang Sheng remain silent and just hanging up the meat, Li Zhi was no longer surprised, it was always .
"Go eat, we're about to have dinner, this time we should have a good drink."
Her son was often away escorting, and his returns were always the happiest times when they would drink a little.
Wang Sheng's timing was perfect, as the meal was nearly ready. Once seated, Li Wenguang poured a little wine for both Li Yongfeng and Wang Sheng.
Logically speaking, one who cares for his health shouldn't drink, but refusing at such times seemed inappropriate. Drinking a little was fine, mainly to blend into the atmosphere.
As they drank, Li Yongfeng began to speak about his decision to stop being an escorter.
"Yongfeng, you're not going to be an escorter anymore?"
Li Wenguang and Li Zhi were shocked, having never swayed his heart before, and now he had given up himself.
Their shock was only greater than Wang Sheng's, and they asked the same question.
"Yongfeng, did something happen? It's alright to tell us, we will help you!"
Li Yongfeng couldn't help but smile wryly as he hurried to explain.
"It's not me, it's Shuzhou. Shuzhou is about to be engulfed in war. Escorting is becoming increasingly dangerous, so I've decided to quit."
He was aware of the dangers of war. Under the torrents of steel, even martial artists were mere ants, let alone an ordinary person like him.
His parents were alive, and he didn't want to take the risk.
The other three exclaimed in unison, their faces showing grave expressions.
Even though they knew the outside world was gradually descending into chaos and the dynasty was in its last days, they hadn't expected war to come so soon.
"Brother Yongfeng, is this news true?"
According to his memory, it shouldn't have come so quickly.
The royal family hadn't completely fallen yet!
"It's true. On my way back, I met many people fleeing. I heard there was a rebellion in Southern Shuzhou. The imperial court sent troops to suppress them, but to no avail. It's stalemated and there's no telling how long it will last."
He wouldn't easily give up without concrete information.
Wang Sheng and Li Wenguang fell silent.
If that was the case, it was pretty much confirmed.
War, was indeed upon them!
There was a moment of silence over the dining table.
Wang Sheng, tapping on the table unconsciously, thought for a bit before speaking, "If the news is true, Uncle Li, Brother Yongfeng, we need to prepare in advance—food and hiding places!"
Li Wenguang and Li Yongfeng also quickly recognized the problem.
Once war broke out, it would be a disastrous blow to the common people—suffering untold miseries wasn't just mere words.
They had to prepare in advance!
"Yongfeng, you go to Lijiang Town tomorrow to buy food. I'll talk to the village chief."
Because of the war, their appetite for the meal had vanished.
Wang Sheng also stood up, saying, "If anything happens, rely on my place!"
That was when Li Wenguang remembered Wang Sheng's current status.
"Right, Yun Sheng, you're a martial artist now. Relying on your place is indeed safer. Let's keep the food there too once it's bought!"
Li Yongfeng and Li Zhi, still completely oblivious, were perplexed: "????"