An medicine cultivator is a type of alchemist, though the two differ in certain ways.
Medicine cultivators walk the Dao through medicinal herbs. They spend their lives immersed in herbal studies. While an medicine cultivator can be considered an alchemist, not every alchemist qualifies as an medicine cultivator.
Medicine cultivators are rare, and each one is highly valued by their sect. Some medicinal compounds can only be developed by medicine cultivators.
Chen Jinshu had learned about them thanks to her earlier efforts in the Chen family, where she sought a cure for the birthmark on her face.
Had she encountered a reliable medicine cultivator back then, perhaps she would never have resorted to taking something as drastic as the Beauty Awakening Pill.
Unfortunately, medicine cultivators were scarce—even among the few Foundation Establishment clans, not a single one had been found. It took even more innate talent to become an pharmacist than an alchemist.
"Senior brothers, senior sisters—do you know what precautions we should take when dealing with an medicine cultivator?" Chen Jinshu hesitated before asking.
"Medicine cultivators are adept with medicines, pills, poisons, and remedies. You must seal your mouth and nose around them to avoid inhaling any poisonous powders. If you can avoid contact with them, it's best to do so," Bu Yuanxiang answered, a hint of distaste in her tone.
"Your third senior sister was nearly killed by one back in her clan. She holds some resentment toward them," the eldest senior brother explained.
"It's not just resentment. Most medicine cultivators have a warped sense of morality," Bu Yuanxiang added with a scoff.
She had once treated a clan medicine cultivator with kindness, only to be poisoned simply because the cultivator took a dislike to her. From that day, she had believed that although medicine cultivators may be gifted, they often possess intense obsessions that make them dangerous to engage with carelessly.
"Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister."
Chen Jinshu pondered for a moment after hearing this. She realized she needed to find an opportunity to craft a protective sachet or spiritual item against poisonous powders. That way, she wouldn't be caught off guard in the future.
After exchanging some battle experience with her senior brothers and sisters, she excused herself. The deadline her master had given to heal the Spirit Ginseng was fast approaching. She had just finished brewing the medicinal solution. If she didn't apply it soon, she might fail the assignment.
Two days later.
When Chen Jinshu retrieved the Purplecloud Ginseng from her spirit medicine space—after soaking it in the healing elixir—she found that the withering disease had visibly improved. The once yellowed leaves had regained a faint green hue.
"At this rate, I'll need at least another seven or eight days. But Master's inspection is in just three."
Seeing the ginseng's condition, her smile faded slightly despite the visible progress. Of course, she had a method to speed up the recovery, but it would be mentally exhausting. Soon, she placed the ginseng pot in the courtyard and lit a stick of incense.
Ding!
Resting her hands on the Lüqi Zither, she plucked a soft note and began playing swiftly.
The tune was "Returning Cranes to the Cloud Peaks," a piece her master had taught her just two weeks ago for healing spiritual plants. The melody, combined with medicine, was said to have potent effects.
Looking back, her master likely foresaw that she wouldn't be able to fully heal the ginseng in time—hence passing down this piece in advance. It wasn't that Chen Jinshu had delayed applying the remedy. The ginseng had to be prepared properly, and the elixir took time to brew.
As the melody played, a vision of cranes soaring through thunderclouds manifested behind her. Their wings tore open the gray sky, releasing strands of rain like mist and silk.
Where the rain fell, wildflowers and grasses sprouted instantly in the courtyard. Even the plum tree, having lost all its petals, grew fresh branches. Midway through the song, a crane's cry pierced the illusionary clouds, letting sunlight stream through and bathe the Purplecloud Ginseng.
Rainbow-colored radiance hovered above the ginseng. Its yellow-green leaves began turning vividly green under the shimmering light. By the time the piece ended, half of Chen Jinshu's wood-element spiritual energy had been drained, and her spiritual reserves were down to two-thirds.
"Master was right. This piece really is exhausting."
Feeling a wave of fatigue, she was grateful the incense helped push back the drowsiness. Otherwise, she might have dozed off. But when her eyes fell on the ginseng—now one-third recovered—she felt it had all been worth it.
"Once a day will be enough!"
She stifled a yawn and followed up with Hymn of the Earth Vein's Rebirth, which helped her replenish her strength and spirit.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
With the healing tune and medicinal solution working in tandem, Chen Jinshu had finally restored the Ziyun Ginseng. It now looked even better than before, with additional ginseng roots sprouting.
"Finally, I can deliver it!" she sighed with relief, packed up the pot, and headed for Jade Ripple Hall, where her master resided.
Her master, Shui Huanmeng, had more free time lately since the approaching Outer Sect Competition had drawn most alchemy disciples away from the Pill King Hall.
Before long, Chen Jinshu arrived on a Flamefeather Crane, presenting the revitalized ginseng to her master.
"The leaves are vibrant, even the wilted ones have returned to full green. The medicinal energy has strengthened too. Looks like you're ready to graduate as a Spiritual Plant healer!" Shui Huanmeng inspected the ginseng, visibly pleased and quick to offer praise.
Though "witherleaf disease" primarily affected the plant's leaves, it also damaged the ginseng's core, stripping it of spiritual essence. Healing it required thoughtful technique.
That Chen Jinshu not only restored it, but improved its potency, showed her diligence and skill.
"It's all thanks to your teachings, Master," Chen Jinshu replied, calm and composed.
"Then this Ziyun Ginseng is yours now," Shui Huanmeng said, handing over the plant as promised.
"Thank you, Master!"
"You're here to try the illusion array too, aren't you? The Outer Sect Competition is just around the corner. Shaosi and the others must've already told you who your competitors are."
"I'd appreciate the chance, Master."
"No trouble at all. Activating a Qi Refining illusion array doesn't cost much. Of course, if you don't do well in the competition, don't be discouraged. With your current level, it'll be tough to break into the top hundred."
"I'll do my best and leave the rest to fate."
"Good! That's the right mindset. You must strive for what you desire. You're already lucky—you joined just in time for both the Cave Heaven and the Moon Cleansing Pool to open."
With that, Chen Jinshu stepped into the illusion array her master activated.
This time, the illusion transported her to a dense forest surrounded by towering black pines. The thick clouds overhead completely blocked the sunlight.
"This sunlight and the pines... they must be illusions!"