I Ran Away with the Scumbag's White Moonlight Chapter 40

The information about the remaining two medicines mainly comes from the Xuanyun Sect. Decades ago, retired imperial physicians began to settle near the Snow Ridge. Now, it's not too difficult to gather information. Before Bai Qinglian arrived, the Xuanyun Sect had already started investigating the two medicines. Over the past few days, the Xuanyun Sect has been continuously sending information.

The Right Protector obtained an ancient book that recorded the two medicines. He briefly explained their properties and said, "Their effects are unique, and it's hard to find perfect substitutes. Even if part of the properties can be replaced, it comes at the cost of losing other effects."

Bai Qinglian said, "The royal family's stock of these two medicines is also very scarce, and they are strictly controlled. According to the imperial physicians, ordinary people find it hard to access them."

These two medicines were originally tributes from the southwestern border. Two years ago, an earthquake in the southwest caused the mountains where the herbs were grown to collapse. Since then, a suitable planting location has not been found, resulting in several years without tribute, and the royal family's stock has noticeably decreased. Only those of noble status are allowed to use them.

Shi Jingxian, having gained experience on the previous mission planet, had already roughly guessed the specific genus of these two plants. If it were Ji Xuanran from the last mission, he wouldn't even need nutrient solutions; he could directly use his natural affinity with plants to accelerate their growth and formation.

However, on this ancient martial arts planet, there are no experimental conditions to quickly cultivate these two plants, so these ideas can only remain as thoughts.

Since only those of noble status can use them, the Demon Sect has set its sights on people with these special statuses.

The Left Protector said, "In the past half month, the sect has collected information on all the princes participating in the Crown Prince Trial. Excluding the four princes who have already confirmed their withdrawal, there are still seventeen remaining."

Shi Jingxian, who was listening, couldn't help but twitch his mouth.

Twenty-one sons, and that's not counting those who are too young to participate or have no intention of competing for the throne... This current emperor is truly diligent in his endeavors.

The Left Protector grouped the seventeen princes based on current alliances and introduced them one by one. As Shi Jingxian listened, his gaze unconsciously shifted to Bai Qinglian.

Due to Xuanyuan Nan and the three princes who came to snatch people, the Demon Sect had investigated many deep palace secrets, some of which were confidential information that Shi Jingxian, who had seen the storyline in advance, provided.

So, what the Left Protector said, Shi Jingxian had basically already known. In comparison, he was more interested in Bai Qinglian, who, for some reason, had put him into a deep sleep.

Shi Jingxian's gaze wasn't too direct, as he had a thick scarf to cover it. However, the more he looked, the stranger he felt—Bai Qinglian's expression and posture were normal, but the side facing him seemed slightly stiff.

Moreover, to accommodate the listening young master, the other three in the room would occasionally glance over, but since the young master sank into the soft chair, Bai Qinglian hadn't looked back at him.

Shi Jingxian pondered seriously. Could it be that this white moonlight really did something, so he feels guilty?

He didn't realize at all how much his fluffy self was distracting others.

It wasn't until the real target was locked that Shi Jingxian's attention was drawn back.

The Left Protector finished introducing the seventeen princes and highlighted three key targets. These three princes were the ones the Demon Sect planned to choose for cooperation.

As soon as he mentioned the three names, Bai Qinglian asked, "Is there detailed information on the Fifteenth Prince, Xuanyuan Bei?"

The Left and Right Protectors exchanged a glance and asked, "What insights does Sect Leader Bai have?"

Bai Qinglian said, "Xuanyuan Nan is the biological son of Consort Nan. In the palace, Consort Nan has had a thorn in her side for over a decade, Consort Bei. Consort Bei also has two offspring, the most outstanding of whom is named Xuanyuan Bei. The enmity between Consort Nan and Consort Bei runs deep, and their disputes have extended to the next generation. Even during their studies in the imperial study, Xuanyuan Nan often quarreled with Xuanyuan Bei."

What he said was also in the information collected by the Demon Sect.

Xuanyuan Bei is almost the complete opposite of Xuanyuan Nan. As his name suggests, he is calm and steady, and unlike Xuanyuan Nan's flamboyance, he has a face that appears very honest and reserved at first glance.

Among all the princes participating in the Crown Prince Trial, Xuanyuan Bei can be considered the most unique. He has a very long-term vision in planning and layout, and he is better at opening up new sources of income and cutting costs rather than simply exploiting and squeezing.

Xuanyuan Bei's planning target is also in the business world, but unlike other princes who aim for political-business cooperation, he truly maintains his disguise as a businessman and has genuinely infiltrated two regional business alliances.

At the beginning of the trial, Xuanyuan Bei's actions were ridiculed by other princes. The current dynasty prioritizes agriculture over commerce, and although the Crown Prince Trial is meant to fill the national treasury, most princes adopt a heavy taxation approach when dealing with merchants. Who would, like Xuanyuan Bei, really mingle with low-level merchants?

However, as the trial progressed, Xuanyuan Bei gradually became the one who went the furthest. He not only accumulated substantial wealth but also held key positions in two major business alliances, earning the trust of many big merchants.

Shi Jingxian listened to the discussion about this rather legendary prince, whom he had also encountered in the task storyline.

This person was also part of Shi Jingxian's plan to retaliate against Xuanyuan Nan.

Xuanyuan Bei has a great talent for business. The current dynasty has vast territories, with half of its borders facing the sea, no internal rebellions, and no strong external enemies, making it an excellent environment for commercial development. Xuanyuan Bei is the most suitable decision-maker for this.

Moreover, Shi Jingxian chose Xuanyuan Bei because of his historical enmity with Xuanyuan Nan.

Back when Xuanyuan Nan successfully destroyed the Demon Sect and split the righteous path, he recruited many martial artists for his use. Among the first targets he ordered these people to assassinate was Xuanyuan Bei.

Xuanyuan Bei did not participate in the plot against Xuanyuan Nan, but he was directly eliminated by Xuanyuan Nan along with the three princes who harmed Xuanyuan Nan.

With this grudge, Xuanyuan Bei can almost be considered the best weapon to borrow for killing. Moreover, the Demon Sect happens to have an opportunity to contact him.

"Xuanyuan Bei's current situation is not optimistic. He was originally the most low-key participant in the Crown Prince Trial, but recently, during a business alliance meeting, Xuanyuan Bei signed long-term contracts with several big merchants, likely bringing in significant income. As a result, more and more princes are targeting him," the Left Protector said.

"If we can help him at this time, it would be like providing timely assistance," the Right Protector added. "Moreover, this prince's target is in business and will not, like Xuanyuan Nan, start with the martial arts world, endangering the interests of the Demon Sect. There is no conflict of interest between the Demon Sect and Xuanyuan Bei. If this cooperation can be achieved, it might even develop into a long-term relationship."

With the information secretly provided by Shi Jingxian, they had a deep understanding of Xuanyuan Bei. Coupled with Bai Qinglian's suggestion, after some consideration, they temporarily ruled out the other two candidates and unanimously decided on Xuanyuan Bei as the target.

As for how to approach Xuanyuan Bei, the Left Protector summarized three ideas.

"First, through the Demon Sect's restaurants or shops, use the business alliance as an opportunity to contact Xuanyuan Bei," the Left Protector said. "The Demon Sect also has businesses in the alliance, so it's not difficult to talk to Xuanyuan Bei now."

The Sect Leader remained noncommittal.

The Left Protector had anticipated this, as this method would put the Demon Sect at an absolute disadvantage.

He continued, "The second method is to approach Xuanyuan Bei as someone involved with Xuanyuan Nan. Xuanyuan Bei is currently being closely watched by many princes and will certainly need a strong ally."

The Sect Leader said, "And the third is to help Xuanyuan Bei fend off attacks and ambushes from other princes, offering assistance before contacting him?"

The Left Protector nodded.

The Sect Leader pondered, and he instinctively looked up, seeing the young master sitting in the soft chair with a serious expression, listening intently.

The Sect Leader's expression softened slightly. He slowed his tone and asked, "Child, did you understand what was just discussed?"

The young master nodded, and the Sect Leader, seeing this, asked with interest, "What do you think?"

The young master pulled down his scarf a bit, trying to expose his pointed chin from the fluffy fur.

He said seriously, "I think the third method is the most advantageous."

"Oh?"

"If we want to establish a long-term cooperation, the initial alliance's status and position are very important. The third method, providing timely assistance, not only makes the Fifteenth Prince rely more on the Demon Sect but also makes it easier to request medicine from the prince in the future."

Although the Sect Leader and the others naturally had their considerations, and the young master's words didn't hold much reference value, Shi Jingxian emphasized it because he knew Xuanyuan Bei would indeed be attacked soon.

It was because Xuanyuan Bei didn't avoid this attack that he suffered a severe setback, and even after Xuanyuan Nan destroyed the Demon Sect, he couldn't recover, eventually being assassinated by Xuanyuan Nan.

At this time, Xuanyuan Bei must have also sensed the lurking crisis around him, making it a perfect time to offer assistance.

The young master thought for a moment and added, "However, we must be careful not to make the timing of the help too deliberate, or if Xuanyuan Bei notices, it might have the opposite effect."

Given the young master's current status, he could only speak in such broad and vague terms, unable to provide detailed practical arrangements.

Shi Jingxian's intention was to remind them, and if action was needed, he could secretly send someone to assist.

But this was already enough, and the Sect Leader's expression visibly brightened after listening.

"Child, you spoke very well."

Even though what the young master said was something they could think of and even had to consider as a foundation, the Sect Leader still felt a sense of pride in seeing the child grow.

The young master, being praised, couldn't help but smile shyly.

The subsequent discussion mainly revolved around how to specifically implement the contact, with the young master pretending to be innocent and clueless while noting the key points of the action.

The meeting finally ended close to lunchtime.

The Left and Right Protectors were busy arranging the plan. The young master, struggling to climb out of the chair, noticed that Bai Qinglian, who was not far from where he stood, finally turned back to look at him, seemingly staring for quite a while.

...So, his struggle to get out of the fluffy blanket was all seen by the other party?

Shi Jingxian seriously considered this issue and found that Bai Qinglian's gaze hadn't moved away.

Feeling uncomfortable being stared at, he asked, "Sect Leader Bai, is there something you need?"

Bai Qinglian's gaze lingered on the young master's snow-colored scarf and the two fur balls hanging down to protect his face for a while before finally moving his light silver eyes away.

"Nothing."

Shi Jingxian felt suspicious, but seeing the other party's calm demeanor, he could only half-believe and turn to walk towards the door.

He hadn't taken a few steps when he suddenly felt a heavy, sinking sensation from the back of his fur hat.

Who?

Shi Jingxian turned back warily but found no one behind him.

The person he suspected the most had already walked far away, intending to leave through another exit of the meeting hall.

Shi Jingxian frowned as he watched Bai Qinglian's back.

...Could it have been his imagination?

The Sect Leader, who came out next, saw his wary expression and asked, "Child, what's wrong?"

Shi Jingxian quickly withdrew his gaze, not wanting the Sect Leader to notice he was looking at Bai Qinglian.

"Nothing, Dad, I just felt like my hat was about to fall off."

Hearing this, the Sect Leader reached out to adjust the furry, thick hat, and even pinched the two fur balls hanging from it.

"All set."

He placed his hand on the child's shoulder, guiding him out together.

In a place where the Sect Leader couldn't see, the young master couldn't help but wrinkle his nose.

He felt that the strange, almost illusory sinking sensation just now was similar to the feeling when the Sect Leader pinched his fur balls.

...It was really strange.

————

After the first hot spring bath to dispel the cold, the young master continued to soak in hot springs several times, but he didn't trouble Sect Leader Bai again.

Perhaps it was the effect of the medicinal bath, or maybe it was the continuous deepening of the mental technique. The young master's aversion to cold gradually improved, and he began to wear fewer layers of clothing.

Besides the changes in the young master's body, Shi Jingxian also noticed that his sleep had been very deep and restful since the day he dispelled the cold. Initially, he found it strange, but after a few days, he gradually got used to this high-quality sleep.

Although Shi Jingxian was only using his spirit to take over someone else's body, participating in such emotionally intense tasks was also a highly stimulating and demanding job for a Restorer.

On the day he fell into a deep sleep after dispelling the cold, Shi Jingxian sent a request for a mental self-check to the system, and a few days later, he received feedback showing no abnormalities.

But the deep sleep over the past few days was clearly unusual.

Shi Jingxian finally decided to check it himself. Because he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow at night, he almost couldn't return to the system platform while the young master was resting. After two busy days, Shi Jingxian finally squeezed out some time, using the excuse of taking a nap, to connect to the system space.

Entering the Repair System, Shi Jingxian habitually used data to make himself a cup of milk tea. His panel still displayed the virtual algorithm he used to check the first task process, which had been temporarily set aside due to insufficient points for calculation.

This time entering the system, Shi Jingxian also planned to exchange some necessary items, so naturally, he couldn't add experience to the algorithm. Just as he was about to put the program away, he opened the algorithm to retrieve the data and was stunned.

Where's the data?

Didn't he leave the data from the first world in the algorithm when he left last time?

Shi Jingxian called up the system warehouse and immediately saw the data hard drive sitting securely in the warehouse.

The hard drive was read, and the data inside was intact and untouched.

Shi Jingxian checked the reading records and saw that the last time the data was opened was indeed his last operation time.

So, he habitually put the data away and then forgot to retrieve it?

Apart from the chat room, the data within the system platform isn't interconnected, and other Restorers can't enter Shi Jingxian's space. With limited time, Shi Jingxian didn't think much of it. After retrieving the algorithm, he picked up the milk tea on the table and planned to go to the detection system to check his mental damage level.

But after taking a sip of milk tea, Shi Jingxian stopped.

He couldn't help but glance at the virtual milk tea cup in his hand.

When did this milk tea data become so delicious?

Although the taste and texture of the milk tea had been adjusted by Shi Jingxian using an algorithm, this was still the system space, and the energy consumed had to be exchanged with experience points. What Shi Jingxian had done was equivalent to adjusting the milk tea's flavor within the free supply range. To make it taste better, he would have to pay, and he really didn't have the budget to spend on such things.

Otherwise, Shi Jingxian could drink himself into poverty.

But today, Shi Jingxian felt that the milk tea's texture was much better than the last time he came, with the astringency of the tea perfectly balanced, leaving only a smooth, overflowing milky aroma.

Did he accidentally add experience points to it?

Shi Jingxian checked his points, and they hadn't changed.

He took another sip before starting to consider the issue.

If it wasn't the milk tea that changed, then it was...

Shi Jingxian walked to the wall detector and placed his left hand into one of the grooves.

A ring of light slowly moved up from his fingertips, stopping at his wrist.

With a soft "ding," the detection result appeared on the panel in front of Shi Jingxian.

He couldn't help but frown.

The panel displayed—

[Mental Fullness: 100%]

When Restorers complete tasks in the Life Repair System, they need to personally experience the task object's experiences and use their consciousness to take over the task object's body. Although it's someone else's life, Restorers are also subject to the impact and influence of negative emotions. This accumulated impact can also damage the Restorer's consciousness.

In the system tasks, this is reflected in the Restorer's emotional influence and weakened control over the task object's body.

"Mental Fullness" is a value used to remind Restorers, with 50% as the passing line. Below this value, the Restorer's emotions will become uncontrollable. If it falls below 20%, the Restorer will face the risk of collapse at any time, at which point they will be forcibly removed from the task and sent back to their home planet.

To eliminate mental fatigue damage, Restorers regularly return to the "Star Dome" on their home planet for mental rest. Once their mental state is restored, they return to complete the next task.

Shi Jingxian is no different. However, he is accustomed to following the career line, which naturally involves fewer intense emotional fluctuations. Coupled with his own tendency for stable emotional fluctuations, his mental fullness decreases much slower than that of ordinary Restorers.

Because he needs to return to his home planet for rest less frequently, he has more time to complete tasks, which is one of the reasons for Shi Jingxian's relatively fast completion speed.

But even so, Shi Jingxian cannot avoid emotional depletion. Although he had just rested before taking on this Ω series, after participating in two consecutive S-level tasks, his mental fullness should not be 100%.

Shi Jingxian instantly linked this to his sleep patterns over the past few days.

Is it related to the deep sleep he's been having?

But he had never heard of mental fatigue being self-repairable without returning to the home planet. Shi Jingxian frowned, sipping his milk tea while thinking.

Then he realized that he had unknowingly finished the cup of milk tea.

The change in the taste of the milk tea is also a reflection of mental fullness. The higher the mental fullness, the more sensitive the Restorer's senses become. If it drops to 50%, everything will taste bland, like chewing wax.

Refilling the noticeably better-tasting milk tea, Shi Jingxian couldn't resist adding a milk cap.

The milk cap's aroma was also significantly richer than before, just smelling it felt sweet.

This change was like upgrading a 10-yuan cup of milk tea to a 40-yuan quality.

Recalling the changes over the past few days, Shi Jingxian couldn't help but frown.

He was initially worried that the anomalies after contacting Bai Qinglian would harm his consciousness, but he ended up with a completely opposite, healthy result.

This Bai Qinglian...

Recalling the similar anomalies with Lan Luohai in the first task, Shi Jingxian fell into deep thought.

Finally, a system notification brought Shi Jingxian's consciousness back.

It was a group announcement, with a very formal tone, but a few sentences contained some information.

"The difficult series tasks have been widely opened, encouraging Restorers to participate in S-level tasks. If a Restorer detects anomalies in S-level or higher tasks, they can receive a free system intervention correction opportunity. This intervention request will not change the task progress."

This statement was similar to what "Eight-Pack Abs" had told Shi Jingxian, indicating that the main system was indeed guiding Restorers to participate in higher-level tasks.

Moreover, the latter sentences were also very useful—if necessary, system intervention can be requested without affecting task progress. This could even be a choice to reverse a task failure outcome in critical moments.

However, Shi Jingxian wasn't thinking about reversing task outcomes.

The system intervention mentioned in the announcement certainly doesn't refer to the personal system AI, as Restorers can already spend points to have the AI take over their bodies.

So, it seems the intervention system should be the main system... Shi Jingxian pondered, although he had always had some goodwill towards the system, he was very interested in the data analysis of the main system.

If he could collect the main system's data stream during this free intervention opportunity, then processing and analyzing it wouldn't be impossible.

Moreover, there is indeed an anomaly with Bai Qinglian in the S-level task Shi Jingxian is currently participating in, providing ample justification for the application.

It's just uncertain what consequences system intervention might have...

Shi Jingxian thought about this while using points to exchange for a level-three recovery pill from the system store.

Like defensive equipment, a level-three recovery pill is sufficient for use on this ancient martial arts planet. Whether it's Shen Zhuo's coma or the young master's rhinitis, it can be directly cured.

Although level-three items are cheaper compared to level-one and level-two, this task is originally an S-level task, and the base points for exchanging items are high. Shi Jingxian ultimately only exchanged for two potions as a precaution. After that, he exchanged for some items that the Dark Guards could use, such as the Thousand-Mile Listening Card and the Heart Bewitching Card, spending nearly half of the points accumulated from the last task.

Feeling a bit pained, Shi Jingxian drank two cups of chocolate milkshake and hot cocoa in a row before licking his lips and leaving the system platform.

After returning to the Cloud Peak Palace, the young master, who had just "woken up from a nap," was called by the Right Protector.

In recent days, the young master had been practicing mental techniques with Sect Leader Bai, not only attracting the attention of the Sect Leader but also the two Protectors, who occasionally inquired. The Right Protector even regularly checked the young master's pulse to assess his physical condition.

When the young master arrived, the Right Protector, who was holding his folding fan, put it away as soon as he saw the young master still wrapped up tightly.

The young master sat in the hall filled with the scent of medicine, moved his nose, and asked, "Brother Fu, did Brother Yan just come by?"

The Right Protector, with two fingers on the young master's wrist, looked up, "Did the young master encounter Meng Jian?"

Meng Jian was the courtesy name of the Left Protector.

The young master shook his head, "I just smelled that the incense in the room was just changed, so I guessed Brother Yan was here."

The newly lit incense in the room had a faint sweet scent, just beginning to spread.

The Left Protector didn't like sweets, and the sugar balls previously given by the Right Protector were mistakenly sent to the young master. If he had come, the Right Protector naturally wouldn't use the current incense.

How many people would the Right Protector specifically change the incense for?

The Right Protector, intrigued, asked, "Oh, then why didn't the young master guess that I changed the incense specifically for you?"

The young master pouted, "If Brother Yan didn't come, wouldn't you have to keep this incense burning, Brother Fu? Why would you just light it now?"

The Right Protector himself was also a sweet tooth, which is why the young master would seek him out when craving osmanthus glutinous rice. However, he wasn't as fond of sweets as the young master.

The Right Protector withdrew his hand, smiling, "Could it be that the young master has been practicing some mind-strengthening techniques?"

The young master wrinkled his nose, "Brother Fu, are you subtly saying I was foolish before?"

"I wouldn't dare."

The Right Protector waved his hand with a smile, then tidied the young master's sleeves, letting him tuck his fingers back into the warm sleeves.

"The young master's body is fine, and the mental technique can continue to be practiced."

The young master nodded, intending to thank him and leave, when the Right Protector said, "Since the young master's spirit is in good condition, why not take a look at the rare medicine compendium sent by the Xuanyun Sect?"

"Rare medicine?"

The Right Protector stood up and retrieved a thin book from a hidden compartment beside the table.

Whenever the young master came for a pulse check, the area around Xinglin Hall would be strictly guarded, so the Right Protector spoke without worrying about eavesdroppers.

He said, "This is a rare medicine compendium exchanged by the Xuanyun Sect with the imperial physicians using Snow Mountain Ganoderma. It was just delivered yesterday by a hired escort. The Sect Leader instructed me to review it for a day before storing it in the library. Since the young master has completed today's lessons, why not take a look?"

The compendium, given by the imperial physicians, naturally contained royal medicines, and its value was self-evident. To protect the compendium, such books are usually locked in a secret library for preservation. The Right Protector knew of the young master's excellent memory and wanted him to read more, as it might be useful in the future.

The young master agreed even faster than the Right Protector expected.

"Sure... alright!"

His memory was indeed excellent, and in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he had memorized the uses and taboos of over three hundred and sixty types of medicines in the book.

The Right Protector tested him on a few, and except for a slight pause when answering the use of "Ban Xia Dong Qing Dan," he answered all the questions fluently.

The Right Protector, quite pleased, let him go, even stuffing a packet of glutinous rice dumplings into the young master's arms before he left.

The young master, holding the soft dumplings, left Xinglin Hall, the afternoon sun casting a golden, soft outline on his fair cheeks.

He looked like a little beauty walking out of a painting, but his pace gradually slowed until he stopped altogether, looking up at the sky, unable to help but furrow his brows.

Ban Xia Dong Qing Dan... Ban Xia Dong Qing Dan.

His memory was excellent, and this medicine was the very one Bai Qinglian sought from Xuanyuan Nan in the task storyline, enduring humiliation to obtain.

Shi Jingxian had always speculated that it might be a medicine Bai Qinglian sought for the comatose Shen Zhuo or an important figure in the Xuanyun Sect.

But it wasn't until today that he learned its use—

Ban Xia Dong Qing Dan, for treating insufficient heart energy and blood stasis.

According to the information from the Xuanyun Sect over the past few days, Shen Zhuo's vital signs were good, with no internal ailments other than the coma. He also had no history of heart disease.

This medicine was likely not for Shen Zhuo.

Moreover, Shi Jingxian remembered another key point. This medicine was something Bai Qinglian only began to request from Xuanyuan Nan after the Demon Sect's destruction.

Although the two sides had contact before, it was always Xuanyuan Nan who demanded repayment for favors, and Bai Qinglian never made other requests.

Who was this medicine for, that Bai Qinglian would endure such humiliation, selling himself for medicine?

The sky was bright, and the young master, looking up, was covered in a golden light.

Insufficient heart energy...

Perhaps the sunlight was too dazzling, and a piercing, equally blinding silver light suddenly appeared before his eyes.

It was Bai Qinglian's sword light, a long silver sword with a majestic aura, aimed at the Sect Leader, who was distracted by anger.

Blood splattered, and the sword pierced through the heart.