Volume One: Qin Yang of the Northern Sea Chapter 0002: The Prescription

Baili Residence

Staring at the sign above the door, Qin Yang was full of astonishment. He was truly shocked that, in this cluster of villas, someone would actually erect such a large plaque at their own doorstep. Especially the words "Elegant Residence"—such a name was not one common people could bear to use.

In ancient times, scholars and poets loved to compose verses in such elegant abodes. Curious about what lay within, Qin Yang felt compelled to enter.

Ye Tian had just stepped inside when he suddenly called out, “Old Baili, we have guests! Hurry and prepare some tea.”

Before even entering, Qin Yang caught a rich aroma of medicinal herbs. As he walked in, he was stunned. The shelves lining the walls were filled with all kinds of herbs. Strangely, with just a glance, he could name each one precisely.

“Old Ye, I’ve been away for two years, and yet you’re still so robust!” From the inner room emerged a white-haired elder. Upon seeing Ye Tian, he glared and huffed, “It’s true what they say—good people don’t live long, but troublemakers linger for generations!”

Ye Tian gave a theatrical cough, then nudged the dazed Qin Yang and said, “Boy, mind your manners. This is the famed Ghost Doctor, Baili Song. As long as there’s a breath left in you, he can save your life.”

“Qin Yang greets Mr. Baili.”

Ye Tian looked at Qin Yang with satisfaction and nodded approvingly. “Baili Song, now this is what I call proper behavior—the sort of quality people we Ye family produce.”

At this, Baili Song grew indignant. “Old Ye, this boy’s name is Qin Yang, isn't it? Since when did he become one of the Ye family?”

As the two elders bickered, their faces flushed and necks strained, Qin Yang watched with concern.

“Don’t worry, Brother Qin Yang,” a melodious voice, as sweet as an oriole’s song, suddenly sounded at his ear. “My grandfather and Grandpa Ye always argue whenever they meet. They’ve been friends for decades. In fact, if they ever stopped arguing, they’d probably feel uncomfortable.”

Her voice was lovely, soothing to the ear. When Qin Yang turned to see the speaker, he was momentarily dumbstruck. He was no stranger to beauty, but never before had he seen such a pure, innocent girl.

She wore a pink dress, her long, silky hair flowing gracefully. Under Qin Yang’s gaze, a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

Ice Soul Physique

The moment he saw her, Qin Yang’s heart skipped a beat; a storm of realization surged within him. According to the memories of his inherited knowledge, this was an exceedingly rare constitution—one in a billion, perhaps even rarer. He never imagined he would encounter it himself.

Baili Song, who had been engaged in a heated quarrel with Ye Tian, suddenly froze and stared at Qin Yang as if he were a strange creature.

Because of her constitution, his granddaughter suffered from the cold every year on the day of utmost yin. Though he was renowned as the Ghost Doctor, he could do nothing for this affliction. After years of asking around with no answers, he had only recently, upon meeting Master Yideng, learned the reason for her frailty and illness.

“Young man, who exactly are you? How do you know about the Ice Soul Physique?” Baili Song seized Qin Yang’s arm, his voice trembling with excitement.

“Baili Song, have you lost your mind?” Ye Tian snapped.

“Old Ye, you know how my poor granddaughter suffers every year from the cold. For the longest time, I didn’t know why. Only a few days ago did I discover it’s because of her constitution. Master Yideng told me she possesses the Ice Soul Physique, and that it will even shorten her lifespan. She won’t live past twenty-five!”

“What?” Ye Tian was stunned by this revelation. He immediately turned to Qin Yang. “Boy, if you know anything, speak up!”

“Yes, young man, if you know a way, please say so. If you can cure my granddaughter, I’ll owe you a debt of great gratitude.” Baili Song’s words were heavy with sincerity.

Ye Tian’s heart brimmed with envy. A favor from the Ghost Doctor Baili Song was worth a fortune—if auctioned, it could fetch a price in the billions.

On Baili He’s delicate face, a ripple of emotion passed. She knew her own situation all too well, and had long since ceased to hope for a cure. Yet, in this moment, as hope stood before her, she could feel her heart race.

Could this handsome young man really have a solution?

Meeting Baili He’s expectant gaze, Qin Yang replied, “Elder Baili, your granddaughter’s illness is simple in some ways, yet complex in others.”

Ice Soul Physique

It is a physical constitution coveted by all martial artists. Within the body lies an ice soul crystal core, which erupts each year on the day of utmost yin, absorbing tremendous energy from the outside world and growing stronger. If one does not practice martial arts, the body cannot withstand this icy power, and the life force will gradually wane.

Such people, as a rule, have very short lifespans.

I once heard of someone with the Ice Soul Physique who, without proper guidance, simply went to sleep and was found the next morning by family, frozen into a statue, lifeless.

At these words, both Baili Song and Baili He’s faces drained of color, their expressions deeply troubled. Even Ye Tian was at a loss and asked, “Boy, do you have a cure?”

Qin Yang nodded. “There is a method, but it is not something just anyone can do.”

“What method?” This time, it was not Ye Tian or Baili Song who spoke, but Baili He herself.

“Find a skilled martial artist to guide her, then seek out an ice-based cultivation technique to absorb the energy of the ice soul crystal, transforming it into her own strength. That way, the problem is resolved.”

“And this would also, in a short time, produce a young expert.”

Ye Tian’s eyes glinted. “In martial arts, I know there are the Realization, Awakening, Initiation, and Transcendence realms. What level of expert would be needed?”

Qin Yang rubbed his nose. “At least someone at the Transcendence level.”

Ye Tian bristled at this. Experts of the Transcendence realm would hardly expend their own energy to help others, and even finding such a person was no easy task.

The three of them were disappointed by this news. Baili He, in particular, felt her hopes dwindle. Perhaps not wishing to see this young woman’s spirits crushed, or for some other reason, Qin Yang added, “There is another way.”

“What is it?” Ye Tian glared at him, as if to say, "If you had another way, why didn’t you speak up sooner?"

“Use a highly yang object to suppress the ice soul crystal, and nourish her with medicinal herbs. That should bring improvement.”

“Brother Qin Yang, is that true?” Baili He grasped his arm excitedly, her lovely face alight with hope.

Feeling the softness of her grip, Qin Yang’s expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he was delighted. Here was a stunning beauty, right at his side—how could he not steal a few more glances?

Back in school, if a pretty girl walked by, he hardly dared look. Now, he could look openly, even boldly.

“Of course. I’ll write out a prescription right now.”

Baili Song personally ground the ink, not even questioning whether Qin Yang could write with a brush.

Faced with the calligraphy brush, Qin Yang hesitated for a moment, then resigned himself—what will be, will be.

He began to write.

The strokes were bold and powerful, vigorous and alive. The characters danced across the page, brimming with spirit.

Upon seeing the prescription, Baili Song exclaimed, “Superb calligraphy! Truly excellent! I never imagined a young man today could write so well—perhaps even better than some renowned calligraphers.”

“Heh, heh, and whose grandson do you think he is?” Ye Tian chimed in shamelessly.

Baili He gazed at Qin Yang, ripples of emotion stirring in her heart, growing with each passing moment.

This handsome young man certainly knew a great deal.