Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 508 - 509: I Take the Lead

Chapter 508: Chapter 509: I Take the Lead

The two sat down on the wicker chairs beside them, and Song Xiaodong said, "Elder Fang, what I want to do the most right now is to try my hand at concocting those medicinal recipes."

"You want to concoct those medicines?" Elder Fang looked at Song Xiaodong with some surprise.

Song Xiaodong continued, "Yes, I spent all of last night studying them, and I feel like if these medicines could be prepared successfully, they might really have such effects, so I really want to give it a go. I’m wondering if anyone from your older generation had success in concocting them, or if you have any experience in this regard, Elder Fang?"

Elder Fang’s eyes lit up as he responded, "The Kung Fu of our sect has weakened significantly by the time it reached our generation. Although some have tried to concoct those medicines, no one has succeeded. However, according to my master, there were a few outstanding individuals in our history who achieved top status, leading our sect to prosper. Given that, I believe those medicines must indeed be effective; it’s just that the ingredients are exceedingly rare."

Song Xiaodong, filled with anticipation, inquired, "Elder Fang, haven’t you collected any of the ingredients for these medicines?"

Elder Fang sighed and said, "To be honest, when I was young, I really did want to gather them, but back then resources were limited, and in times of war, it was hard enough just to survive, let alone forage for such things. After the country was founded, you’re also aware of that period in our nation’s history. I dared not even mention this pursuit. By the time everything finally stabilized, I was already old and had lost my enthusiasm, so I haven’t gathered any ingredients at all."

Song Xiaodong couldn’t hide his disappointment. "That’s a real shame. Thousand-Year Polygonum Multiflorum, Thousand-Year Ginseng, Thousand-Year Ganoderma—such ingredients are indeed incredibly rare. It must be difficult to collect them all."

"Indeed, these items are precious. But within our vast nation, it’s not necessarily impossible to find them. They might be hidden deep within the remote mountains or in someone’s possession. In any case, I can utilize some connections to help you search for them," Elder Fang offered.

"I would appreciate that, Elder Fang. I must say thank you in advance," Song Xiaodong replied graciously.

"There’s no need for formalities between us. If, within my lifetime, I see you successfully concoct these medicines and they prove effective, I could die happy," Elder Fang declared.

This trip to Provincial City was truly fruitful for Song Xiaodong. He had never expected to inherit such a legacy from the Fang Family, an utterly delightful surprise.

Besides, he had also come to understand that not all the exquisite heritages from China’s five thousand years of history had been lost. Some treasures had been preserved, much like the skills he had learned in the military, precious relics that had been passed down. It’s just that very few people were capable of continuing the legacy afterwards.

In the context of modern warfare, where aircraft and artillery pose a constant threat, no matter how skilled one’s Kung Fu, it would find little use on the battlefield, as human reflexes were no match for the speed of bullets. Just one bullet could end the life of even a master martial artist.

However, Song Xiaodong also knew that personal strength significantly increased one’s chances of survival. In special forces operations, individual abilities often played a decisive role. Otherwise, nations wouldn’t invest so much in training special force units or pouring substantial resources into enhancing personal skills.

After taking Lin Su’er home, Song Xiaodong went straight back to his own place. Miao Xuanxuan and Miao Qingqing hadn’t returned yet, and Xiao Yingying was out as well. Only Song Xiaoru was at home.

"Sis, I’m back," Song Xiaodong called out as soon as he entered.

"If you’re back, then you’re back. Why yell about it?" Song Xiaoru sat on the living room sofa, her laptop resting on her legs.

After changing his shoes, Song Xiaodong plopped down beside Song Xiaoru, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and planted a kiss on her face, a broad smile on his, "What are you watching?"

"Just some TV series," Song Xiaoru quickly pushed Song Xiaodong away, her cheeks involuntarily flushing red.

"Eh? Don’t you usually work? Today, you’re actually watching TV series. It’s rare to see you so relaxed," said Song Xiaodong, surprised.

Song Xiaoru had been feeling very confused these past few days. That night with Song Xiaodong had left her unable to calm down, and she truly didn’t know how to act around him in the future.

Her heart clenched with nervousness when Song Xiaodong returned, fearing he might act differently.

But seeing Song Xiaodong grinning cheekily, acting like a lovable rascal, somehow put her at ease. She nudged him with her elbow and said irritably, "Don’t I deserve a break? Go on, go do whatever you need to do and stop bothering me while I’m watching my show."

Song Xiaodong pouted, "It’s true, these TV dramas are the worst. Now that you have your drama, you don’t even pay any attention to me."

"So what exactly do you want?" Song Xiaoru turned to face Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong grinned mischievously, "Really, anything’s fine, as long as it’s more interesting than watching TV dramas."

"Humph, I don’t have time to deal with you. Don’t come back and annoy me the moment you walk in the door," Song Xiaoru rolled her eyes at him, then returned her gaze to the laptop.

However, as long as Song Xiaodong didn’t leave, Song Xiaoru found herself unable to concentrate on the show, so she eventually turned to him and said, "Are you that free, wanting to stay here and watch TV series with me?"

"Not really, but since you want to watch, I can keep you company," Song Xiaodong shrugged.

Song Xiaoru chided, "I don’t need you to, I can watch it just fine by myself. Your return just makes it harder for me to enjoy it."

"Well then... kiss me, and I’ll leave," Song Xiaodong bargained.

"You little rascal," Song Xiaoru, looking at Song Xiaodong’s slightly mischievous expression, couldn’t help but be torn between laughter and tears. She went over and gave Song Xiaodong a quick peck on the cheek, "There, happy now? Off you go."

Finally, Song Xiaodong went back to his room, grinning contentedly.

Song Xiaoru sighed with relief. Song Xiaodong’s behavior reassured her considerably. If things continued this way, they could treat the events of that night as if they never happened and maintain their relationship as loving siblings.

Song Xiaodong’s feelings were similar to Song Xiaoru’s, but being a man, he had to take the initiative to help Song Xiaoru relax. He didn’t want to ruin the nature of their relationship and didn’t want to cause her any emotional burden.

After changing into fresh clothes, Song Xiaodong told Song Xiaoru that he was stepping out. He couldn’t wait to buy some medicinal ingredients to start experimenting. Although he couldn’t get a hold of the rare materials right away, he could start with some substitutes to gauge their effectiveness.