Chapter Five: The King of Medicine

On this day, Wang Huai and Agu Hong sat together in the hall, sipping tea. Their business had concluded successfully, and both parties were well satisfied, exchanging words of gratitude. At this moment, a tribesman hurried in and reported, "Chief, our great benefactor, Master Gu, has arrived." Upon hearing this, Agu Hong was overjoyed. "So, the Medicine King has come!" "Medicine King?" Wang Huai echoed in surprise. "May I ask, which Medicine King is this?" Agu Hong replied excitedly, "You are a Han, old guest; have you not heard the saying ‘Sage of Medicine in the South, Medicine King in the North’?" With that, he said, "Please wait a moment," and eagerly went out to greet the guest. Wang Huai was astonished. "So, the renowned Medicine King of the North has come here." As a long-time merchant, Wang Huai was familiar with worldly affairs. The phrase 'Sage of Medicine in the South, Medicine King in the North', also known as 'Southern Doctor, Northern Medicine', referred to two legendary healers: one famed for miraculous medical skills, the other for profound knowledge of herbs. Each wandered the land, healing countless people, and many strange tales surrounded them. The prospect of meeting such a figure filled Wang Huai with excitement.

Moments later, laughter and cheerful voices came from outside. Agu Hong entered with a guest, clearly delighted, while some of the tribe’s children clustered outside the hall, peeking in. Wang Huai hurried forward to greet the newcomer. The man wore a blue robe, a square scarf on his head, and carried a long sword on his back. Though seemingly middle-aged, he had a youthful appearance, and at a glance, radiated an air of lofty detachment, inspiring instinctive respect. Agu Hong made the introduction: "This is our tribe's great benefactor, known as the Medicine King, Master Gu Sicheng." Wang Huai bowed deeply. "I have long heard of the Medicine King’s fame; to meet you in person today is a blessing beyond measure." Agu Hong added, "This is Wang Huai from Guangdong, our honored merchant." Gu Sicheng smiled and returned the gesture, "A pleasure indeed!" The three of them took their seats, tea was served, and they politely insisted each the other partake first.

Agu Hong, in high spirits, said, "It has been years since I last saw Master Medicine King, and I have missed you dearly. Seeing you today, you seem even younger and more vigorous—have you perhaps taken some miraculous elixir?" Gu Sicheng laughed, "Chief flatters me. I have never taken any such wondrous medicine—merely practiced good habits of health." Agu Hong expressed his gratitude again, "If not for the Medicine King's intervention seven years ago, how could our tribe enjoy such prosperity today?" Turning to Wang Huai, he explained, "You may not know, but seven years ago, our tribe was struck by plague; hundreds fell ill at once, and we were helpless, resigned to our fate. At that time, Master Gu was gathering herbs in the Changbai Mountains. Passing by and seeing our plight, he stepped in to help, gathering a handful of wild herbs from the mountains, boiling them in a great cauldron, and giving each person a bowl to drink. Strangely enough, within two days, all those afflicted recovered. The Medicine King’s reputation is indeed well deserved!" Gu Sicheng smiled modestly, "It was a small effort, not worth mentioning. The chief’s praise makes me feel unworthy." Wang Huai’s respect only deepened.

Meanwhile, Luo Kun had spent another sleepless, unfamished day and night, feeling more energetic than ever, and, his initial worries now gone, suddenly realized, "Could it be that I have become immortal, having eaten that ginseng? People say it’s possible to achieve immortality with a holy herb." The thought cheered him. He ran out into the courtyard to help sort goods. Zhang Lu, seeing Luo Kun, was startled by his appearance—he seemed ten times more spirited and vigorous than before, his eyes bright and full of light. "Luo Kun, have you come into a fortune? You look radiant!" Luo Kun shook his head, "What fortune could I have? As long as I can eat my fill, I am content." Secretly, he thought, "Even if I had delicacies, I couldn’t swallow them now. In a way, it saves me a lot of trouble." Zhang Lu, puzzled, shook his head.

At this time, Agu Hong was showing Gu Sicheng around the tribe’s stores of mountain goods. Pointing to piles of furs and medicinal herbs drying in the sun, Agu Hong said with pride, "This year’s harvest is double that of previous years—surely thanks to the mountain gods’ blessing!" Gu Sicheng nodded, "This region, with its dense forests and abundant resources, is truly a land of fortune and talent!" Agu Hong laughed heartily. Gu Sicheng, lifting up a rack of deer antlers to admire, glanced up by chance and caught sight of a youth among the busy workers in the yard whose spirit and bearing stood out strikingly from the rest, as if a crane among chickens. Startled, Gu Sicheng set down the antlers and approached the boy, who was working with his head lowered, and patted him on the shoulder. "Hey, young man." Luo Kun looked up, meeting Gu Sicheng’s gaze. Gu Sicheng was taken aback by the youth’s radiant spirit, glowing complexion, and the glimmer of intelligence in his eyes, his whole being enveloped in an aura of tranquility. Gu Sicheng marveled inwardly, "Such a remarkable presence—no ordinary person could possess this. A natural sign of great nobility. Yet if he were truly of noble birth, how could he be working as a servant? Unless he has, by some twist of fate, consumed something extraordinary." Luo Kun, seeing a stranger regarding him intently, asked, "Sir, may I help you?" Agu Hong came forward, "This boy is Wang Huai’s assistant from Guangdong—very capable." Seeing the chief and a stranger talking to Luo Kun, the others stopped their work to watch. Gu Sicheng, realizing it was not the time to inquire further, smiled, "Nothing in particular, just looking over these herbs." With that, he and Agu Hong walked away. Luo Kun watched him go, muttering, "That gentleman looks oddly familiar!"

At noon, Luo Kun slipped away during the meal, and, bored, wandered out of the tribe. In the wilds, the autumn air was fresh and invigorating. Climbing a hilltop, he saw flocks of birds scatter in the distance, the vast land empty and imbued with the somberness of late autumn. Moved by the scene, he became melancholy, sighing inwardly, "Where has Brother Fang gone? I have searched in vain these six months and now, lost beyond the pass, must be even farther from him." Tears fell as he lamented.

Suddenly, a voice behind him said, "Young man, why do you, at your age, sigh so?" Luo Kun turned and saw it was the stranger he had met that morning in the tribe—none other than Gu Sicheng. Luo Kun thought, "Why has he come here? He seemed to want to speak to me earlier." He bowed, "Sir, I am Luo Kun—greetings." Gu Sicheng smiled kindly, and Luo Kun felt an immediate affinity. "Everyone else is at lunch—why did you come out alone?" Gu Sicheng asked. Luo Kun replied, "You may not believe it, sir, but I never feel hungry. I haven’t eaten in two days." "Oh?" Gu Sicheng was surprised. "Truly? Two days without food and you feel no hunger?" "Why would I lie, sir? My stomach has felt full all this time. I have no desire to eat, or even sleep." Gu Sicheng, sensing something unusual, decided to investigate further. "I know a little medicine. If you don’t mind, may I examine you? Perhaps you have some strange illness." Luo Kun, delighted, agreed and extended his wrist. Gu Sicheng took his pulse and was startled: Luo Kun’s six pulses were strong and balanced, a vibrant energy coursed through his blood. "This seems like the inner strength of a master who has cultivated for decades. As I thought, this boy must have by chance consumed something extraordinary. Yet what in the world could have such an effect?" Luo Kun, seeing Gu Sicheng fall silent, grew anxious. "Sir, is there something wrong?" Gu Sicheng slowly released his hand, gazing at him gravely, which made Luo Kun nervous. Then, Gu Sicheng patted him on the shoulder with a sigh, "Young man, congratulations—you have become a living immortal among men!" Luo Kun, though reassured, was utterly bewildered.

Gu Sicheng then drew Luo Kun to a stone, and they sat down. "Be honest with me—have you eaten anything strange lately?" Luo Kun marveled at the man’s insight and decided to tell the truth. "Sir, you are truly remarkable! Two days ago, I found a box hidden by a horseman in the wild, and inside, wrapped in bark, were two ginseng roots grown together like two little men embracing—quite amusing..." "What?" Gu Sicheng exclaimed in shock, then cried, "The Twin Ginseng King!" He leapt up in excitement, exclaiming to the heavens, "It is fate! Truly fate!"

Gu Sicheng had come to the Changbai Mountains to gather herbs, having heard of the unearthing of the "Twin Ginseng King" and was eager to see such a rarity with his own eyes. Who could have guessed it had been consumed, with extraordinary effects, by the boy before him? He was beside himself with excitement. Luo Kun, seeing his reaction, was puzzled. Gu Sicheng, noting his confusion, smiled, "Many famous figures would stop at nothing to possess this treasure, yet fortune has favored you—it is destiny. When I saw your extraordinary spirit this morning, I sensed something unusual. Let me tell you, what you ate was a Ginseng King—such a dual root is seen only once in a thousand years, perhaps grown for millennia. It gathers the essence of mountains and earth, nourished by heaven and earth, and only the truly fortunate ever encounter it. They say that after this root was unearthed, the mountain’s spirit was lost and the mountain itself collapsed that night." Luo Kun was astonished. "Is it really so miraculous?" "More so than you can imagine," said Gu Sicheng. "Wild ginseng is sweet and slightly bitter, cool in nature, greatly replenishing vitality and nourishing the internal organs. It brings forth spirit and vigor—hence your radiant appearance. When energy is abundant, appetite and desire fade, so you neither hunger nor wish to sleep." With this, Luo Kun finally understood, "So that’s why I haven’t eaten or slept these two days."

Gu Sicheng continued, "Ginseng is a powerful tonic, especially wild ginseng. Normally, it must be consumed in small amounts; too much at once can overwhelm the body and cause disaster—at best, damaging the organs and causing madness, at worst, resulting in death." Luo Kun was alarmed, "Oh no! I ate it all at once—is there any hope, sir, save me!" He was quite agitated. Gu Sicheng laughed, "Have no fear—let me explain. The Twin Ginseng King you ate is different from other wild ginseng; it is your good fortune. Had you eaten this much of any other ginseng, you would not have survived. This Ginseng King is a once-in-a-millennium treasure, embodying both male and female energies, harmonizing yin and yang. Its effects surpass any other by a hundredfold, a true marvel of creation. You are unharmed, and even energized, precisely because of this balance." Luo Kun was greatly relieved, though still shaken. "It was indeed very dangerous," said Gu Sicheng. "Had you eaten only one of the pair—male or female—the consequences would have been disastrous. Only by consuming both together could you enjoy this immortal-like state." Luo Kun broke out in a cold sweat.

Gu Sicheng went on, "Now that you have been blessed by this treasure, simply let nature take its course. In ten days or so, your appetite and sleep will return to normal. From now on, you will enjoy robust health, immunity from disease, and a greatly extended lifespan. Even after a hundred years, your youthful appearance will persist." Luo Kun was overjoyed, "Then I shall become an immortal who never ages!" Gu Sicheng laughed, "Perhaps not eternal, but two hundred years is not out of the question." Luo Kun was ecstatic, dancing with delight. Gu Sicheng smiled, "That is the natural way. With proper guidance, even greater wonders are possible." "What further marvels?" asked Luo Kun. "With breath control, you can develop lightness, fasting, clarity of vision, and even cessation of breath—miraculous arts. In martial training, you could achieve supreme skill." Luo Kun was thrilled, "I really will become immortal!"

Inwardly, Gu Sicheng thought, "Luckily, this treasure fell into the hands of an innocent youth. Had it been found by a villain, it could have brought great turmoil to the world." He sighed, then said, "So be it—since it is fate, let me teach you a set of 'Qi Circulation Techniques.' Practice them, and you will discover many wondrous benefits, well worthy of having consumed such a treasure." Luo Kun was overjoyed, recognizing Gu Sicheng as no ordinary man, and immediately expressed his thanks. Gu Sicheng, seeing Luo Kun’s pure and honest nature, decided to impart his own, rarely-taught method of Qi circulation, carefully explaining its principles. Luo Kun, born clever, quickly mastered the technique and practiced it a few times. Gu Sicheng was pleased with his swift understanding.

At that moment, shouts and the neighing of horses arose below the mountain; suddenly, chaos erupted. Gu Sicheng and Luo Kun started up to look. At the foot of the mountain, more than a thousand riders in black rushed in, swiftly encircling Agu Hong's tribe. Luo Kun’s heart clenched with fear, his face paling as he looked to Gu Sicheng. Gu Sicheng frowned in concern. "They have come for you. Remember: tell no one of the Ginseng King—otherwise, your life is forfeit." Luo Kun nodded nervously. Gu Sicheng smiled reassuringly, "With me here, there is no need to worry. Come, let us see what is happening." He led Luo Kun into a clump of grass to hide and observe.

The tribe was thrown into panic by this sudden attack. Soon, Agu Hong rode out with more than two hundred young Jurchen warriors, bows strung and blades drawn, forming a defensive line. The escort leader, Huang Kui, spotted the black-clad leader from the tower—the very man who had shot through his broadsword with an arrow—and ducked down in terror. The attacker was none other than the Mighty Bow King, Gong Changjiu.

Seeing the tribe surrounded, Agu Hong steadied himself and rode forward, asking, "Gentlemen, what brings you to this remote village?" Du Jian, beside Gong Changjiu, pointed with his whip, "Chief, listen well! We know the Twin Ginseng King is in your tribe. Surrender it and no harm will come to you—otherwise, your tribe will be destroyed." Hiding in the grass, Luo Kun gasped, realizing he had brought disaster upon the tribe—these men were indeed after the ginseng. Agu Hong was shocked. "Sir, how can you say such a thing? The Ginseng King is a sacred treasure and could not be in our tribe. We would never dare to keep such a thing. You must be mistaken!" Du Jian sneered, "Chief, do not try to lie. Do you know who our Grand Chief is?" Agu Hong’s heart skipped a beat, but he shook his head in confusion. Du Jian boasted, "Let me tell you—our Grand Chief is the Mighty Bow King!" At this, Agu Hong and his tribesmen were startled, their faces full of fear.

Gu Sicheng said, "So the Mighty Bow King himself has come—this is serious." He whispered to Luo Kun, "We must act—I'll reveal myself. Stay here and do not move." With that, Gu Sicheng stepped out calmly from the grass, calling out, "So the renowned Mighty Bow King has arrived! Do not shed innocent blood and stain your own name." The bandits were startled to see a blue-robed scholar advancing with composure. Gong Changjiu was likewise surprised. Agu Hong exclaimed, "Master Gu!" The bandits, impressed by Gu Sicheng’s presence, parted to let him through. Gu Sicheng stood before Agu Hong’s horse and bowed, "Do not fear, Chief." Agu Hong, full of regret, whispered, "Sir, since you are no longer in the tribe, why not leave and avoid this trouble?" Gu Sicheng smiled and turned to face the bandits.

Du Jian shouted, "Who are you to speak here?" Gu Sicheng bowed, "I am a guest of the chief. Seeing trouble in the tribe, I cannot stand by. I hope to mediate." Du Jian sneered, "Fool! Let me teach you a lesson." He drew his blade and spurred forward, but Gong Changjiu suddenly raised his hand to stop him. "Du Chief, stand back." Du Jian obediently withdrew. Gong Changjiu studied Gu Sicheng coolly. "Sir, you are bold, but this does not concern you. Best not interfere." Gu Sicheng bowed, "I have long admired Chief Gong for your chivalry. As the Green Forest Alliance Leader, you are known for justice. Why trouble a small tribe?" Gong Changjiu, slightly surprised by his nerve, replied, "My men lost the ginseng, so I have come to retrieve it. Surrender it, and no harm will come to you." Gu Sicheng shook his head. "Since the Ginseng King’s discovery, all of Manchuria has been stirred. How could such a treasure fall into a small tribe? I have been here many days—there is nothing unusual. There are many who desire this treasure; could it not have fallen into other hands? I dare guarantee, the treasure is not here. Please, do not trouble these people." Gong Changjiu snorted, "Why should I believe your guarantee?" "If you do not believe me, then even if you kill us all, you will not find the ginseng. As a hero, you cannot kill innocents on suspicion alone." Gong Changjiu stared at him coldly. "I never waste an opportunity. If you wish to guarantee for the tribe, you must have the courage to take an arrow from me. Only then will I believe you and withdraw; otherwise..." He paused. "We kill and search!"

Agu Hong and his tribe were horrified, for Gong Changjiu’s mighty bow was unrivaled, none surviving his arrows. Agu Hong cried, "Master Gu, this is our tribe’s misfortune to bear. You are not of our people—please go!" Gu Sicheng admired his loyalty, but replied, "Chief, this is no longer in our hands. Let fate decide." Turning to Gong Changjiu, he declared, "I hope you will keep your word. To prove the tribe’s innocence, I will take your arrow." Gu Sicheng knew there was no retreat—he must take the risk. The bandits sneered; Agu Hong and his tribe were beside themselves with worry. Gong Changjiu, surprised—no one had ever dared face his arrow—could not back down. He slowly unstrung his great bow.

Luo Kun, hiding, recognized Gong Changjiu as the marksman who had shattered Huang Kui’s blade, and was terrified. "If Master Gu takes his arrow, he will surely die. This all happened because I ate the ginseng—I cannot let others suffer for me." With that, Luo Kun leaped from the grass, shouting, "Master Gu, don’t take his arrow—he is deadly accurate! Let me take it instead!" Both sides were shocked. Gu Sicheng inwardly praised his courage. Agu Hong, seeing it was Wang Huai’s assistant, was puzzled. Wang Huai and the others, watching from the village, were dumbfounded. The bandits stared at the youth, surprised at his offer to take the arrow.

Luo Kun ran to Gu Sicheng and said firmly, "Master Gu, let me take this arrow—it is all because of me..." Gu Sicheng, fearing he would reveal the ginseng, quickly interrupted, feigning anger, "Child, you do not know your own limits—stand back, this does not concern you." Luo Kun, anxious, tried to say more, but Gu Sicheng signaled him to stop, whispering, "Step back—I have my own way." Luo Kun, helpless, stood aside. Gong Changjiu had already drawn his bow. "Do you think my arrows are toys, for children to take?" Gu Sicheng replied, "He is a friend of mine—please forgive his ignorance." Gong Changjiu sneered, "You all have no fear of death? Let me show you the taste of it." With that, the bowstring twanged, and an arrow shot forth. The Jurchen, knowing the Mighty Bow King’s fame, cried out in alarm. Luo Kun, desperate, shouted, "Master, watch out!" Gu Sicheng, hearing the bowstring, saw the arrow flash toward his chest. "What speed!" he thought. At the last instant, he dodged left, snatched the arrow with his right hand, and, using its momentum, spun several times before dispersing its force and standing firm, the arrow in hand, his bearing graceful and composed. "Bravo!" bandit and tribesman alike cheered, Luo Kun stunned by the feat.

Gu Sicheng’s feat of catching the arrow awed the bandits. Gong Changjiu, shocked, realized he had met a formidable opponent. After a moment of silence, he waved his hand, and the bandits withdrew at speed—the crisis was over. The Jurchen erupted in cheers, rushing forward. Agu Hong, overjoyed, dismounted and led his people in kneeling. Gu Sicheng hurried to help him up. "Chief, please rise, you do me too much honor." Agu Hong, moved to tears, said, "Master Gu, you are a sage descended to save us from disaster. We owe you our deepest gratitude," and again led the tribe in a formal salute. Gu Sicheng quickly helped him up. "Chief, your courtesy is too great. I only did what was right." The tribe erupted in jubilation; men, women, and children all came out to greet him. Gu Sicheng patted the still-dazed Luo Kun, laughing, "If you had taken that arrow, could you have caught it?" Luo Kun blushed, "Master, you are truly skilled—catching an arrow with your bare hand!" Gu Sicheng laughed, "In time, your cultivation may surpass mine." The Jurchen escorted Gu Sicheng into the tribe like a demigod, and celebration ensued.

Two days later, Wang Huai’s caravan was ready to depart. Seeing Luo Kun’s close relationship with Gu Sicheng, Wang Huai privately asked Luo Kun to request Gu Sicheng to escort the caravan through the pass. Luo Kun, grateful for Wang Huai’s kindness, agreed to ask, and Gu Sicheng smilingly accepted, wishing to spend more time helping Luo Kun harmonize the energy within him. He had no time now for herb-gathering in Changbai Mountain. Wang Huai was overjoyed and thanked him in person. The next day, the caravan set out laden with Manchurian goods. Agu Hong and his people escorted them for over twenty miles before parting with waves and farewells. With Gu Sicheng accompanying them, Wang Huai and his men felt at ease, treating Luo Kun with new respect and no longer as a mere servant. Luo Kun admired Gu Sicheng greatly, practicing the Qi technique daily, gradually transforming the surplus energy within him into true vital energy, and slowly resuming eating. Gu Sicheng taught him further internal cultivation methods, which Luo Kun memorized. The journey was full of joy and laughter.

One day, as the caravan traveled, they saw three men in black waiting on horseback by the roadside. Wang Huai was immediately alarmed, "Trouble! Trouble!" The caravan was thrown into confusion. Gu Sicheng quickly ordered a halt and rode out to meet them, Luo Kun following. The three men in black dismounted and bowed respectfully. One of them said, "Our Chief Gong invites you to the mountain fortress; he has sent us to await you with utmost respect." Gu Sicheng was a little surprised. "What business has Chief Gong with me?" "He greatly admires your abilities and wishes only to make your acquaintance." Luo Kun, anxious, said, "Master, don’t go! You caught his arrow—he must bear a grudge. This cannot be a friendly invitation." The man quickly replied, "Please do not misunderstand—our chief means no harm. He instructed us not to force you. In case you declined, he prepared gifts as a token of respect, and ordered us to escort you safely to the border." At his signal, another man brought forth a cart loaded with goods. "These are gifts for you from our chief—please accept them." He bowed deeply. Luo Kun was bewildered. Gu Sicheng nodded, "So be it—since the chief’s invitation is so sincere, I shall go." Luo Kun said, "I will go with you," wishing to share responsibility if trouble arose. Gu Sicheng agreed. The men in black were pleased. "Our chief insists you accept these gifts." Gu Sicheng, knowing it would be hard to refuse, laughed, "Chief Gong is generous indeed—I shall not spurn his kindness." He called to Wang Huai, "Mr. Wang, all is well. Take these gifts."

Wang Huai and his men came forward, astonished by the scene. Gu Sicheng said, "Chief Gong has invited me and Luo Kun for a visit. Mr. Wang, please take the caravan ahead." Wang Huai was alarmed, "Master Gu, you must not go—it is too dangerous." Gu Sicheng smiled, "We are on his turf—I cannot refuse." "But what if...?" Wang Huai fretted. One of the men in black produced a small black flag embroidered with a bow and arrow. "Keep this, sir. If you encounter trouble on the road, show this flag and all will be well." Wang Huai was delighted, thanked him, and told Luo Kun, "If you and Master Gu cannot catch up with us, meet me at the inn in Guping Town—we will wait for your safe return." Luo Kun agreed, and Wang Huai set off with the caravan.

Several men in black led Gu Sicheng and Luo Kun onward; four or five dozen others soon joined, all pleased at bringing them in. They led the pair into a mountain valley, where a hundred more men appeared, led by Du Jian himself, who greeted Gu Sicheng with great respect. He smiled at Luo Kun, "Our chief mentioned you as well—he would be glad to see you together." Luo Kun was pleased, seeing their sincerity. After three or four miles, they left the valley and saw a high mountain ahead, flags flying among the trees. "This is White Tiger Mountain’s Dragon Cloud Fortress," Du Jian announced. At that moment, two or three hundred men came down from the mountain, some beating drums and gongs in a lively welcome. Gu Sicheng nodded to himself. Luo Kun thought, "These bandits are surprisingly hospitable—almost like hosts at a banquet."

Du Jian led Gu Sicheng and Luo Kun up the mountain. The road widened, with wooden houses on either side; women and children peered out from doors and windows. Armed men stood in ranks. At the summit, they entered a grand fortress; before them stood a magnificent stone and timber hall—the Hall of Brotherhood, its flag bearing the characters "Mighty Bow King." From within came a hearty laugh, and more than thirty men emerged to greet them. At their head was none other than the Mighty Bow King, Gong Changjiu.