The people from the Profound Yang Sect rushed into the Spirit Pharmacy with two critically injured individuals, moving with urgency.

Zhao Gang, the proprietor of the Spirit Pharmacy, was over eighty and elderly, hurriedly ran out upon hearing the commotion.

"This is, this is..."

"Quick, save them!"

The lead cultivator at the Peak of Qi Refining spoke up.

Zhao Gang quickly assessed the conditions of Tan Qingxue and Wang Song, his face changed dramatically, and he immediately instructed the disciples of the Spirit Pharmacy: "Take them to the back hall, first give them a Preserving Essence Pill, and prepare the 'Life-saving Skill'!"

Li An followed along, although he couldn't see clearly the injuries of Tan Qingxue and Wang Song, hearing this made his heart skip a beat.

The fact that the Life-saving Skill was needed meant that Tan Qingxue and Wang Song were in critical condition.

—The Life-saving Skill is only used when one is at death's door beyond any hope, involving techniques such as stimulating blood vitality, oscillating Spiritual Qi, activating pills to stimulate energy, and, if necessary, using poison to save a life or even performing organ removal.

It was extremely complicated!

In the entire market, Zhao Gang was the only one capable of performing the Life-saving Skill.

The cultivator at the Peak of Qi Refining had already grabbed Zhao Gang, speaking in a low, solemn voice:

"The Preserving Essence Pill has already been administered, I have only one request for you."

"Save Tan Qingxue first!"

Li An, with excellent hearing, overheard even from outside the door.

Zhao Gang frowned: "But Wang Song's vitality is stronger... there's a better chance of saving him, if Tan Qingxue is saved first, it might end up that neither can be saved."

"You don't need to worry about that."

The Qi Refining Peak cultivator said coldly, "Someone from the inner circle wants Tan Qingxue's life preserved, just do as instructed."

Zhao Gang hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Not all lives are equal; at the brink of life and death, background makes all the difference!

Li An thought to himself, the so-called inner circle... it must be Xu Qiuhui, right?

These two really have a close sisterly bond.

Li An waited outside the shop.

"Who are you?" The middle-aged cultivator at the Qi Refining Peak noticed Li An and immediately asked.

"Reporting to senior brother, I'm Li An, I work with Senior Sister Qingxue at the Spirit Talisman Shop."

Li An replied.

"You're Li An?"

The middle-aged cultivator seemed a bit surprised:

"The notorious Talisman Master, quite famous."

He couldn't help but smile, his attitude towards Li An improved slightly, "Come in and have a seat."

Li An immediately entered the Spirit Pharmacy.

Through conversation, he roughly understood the sequence of events.

Initially, Liyang Valley was indeed a secret realm, but it was quickly discovered by remnant members of the Yin Yang Demon Sect.

Later, the Yin Yang Demon Sect used this secret realm to set a grand trap.

The goals of the Yin Yang Demon Sect were twofold: to hunt the cultivators entering Liyang Valley and to target Qingyang Market.

To attract people from the market, the Yin Yang Demon Sect was willing to offer substantial resources, even the Foundation Establishment Pills were genuine.

When enough people from the market were lured in, the Yin Yang Demon Sect activated the pre-set killing array, almost annihilating everyone who went to Liyang Valley.

Fortunately, Zhang Shouye from the Array Shop activated a damaged Tier Two Array, tearing open an escape route, allowing the disciples of the Profound Yang Sect to flee.

Under the pursuit of the Demon Sect, nearly all the Profound Yang Sect disciples perished; Wang Song from the Armory Pavilion used a Flying Ship to escape, while Tan Qingxue survived using a Tier Two Spirit Talisman.

Fortunately, the Profound Yang Sect's rescue was timely, otherwise the two of them would have had no chance of survival.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Jing Ao! Otherwise, Senior Sister Tan might have been in grave danger..."

Li An expressed his gratitude warmly.

This Qi Refining Peak cultivator's name was Jing Ao.

"Luckily the market is still intact, and we could find Zhao Gang to save us, if the market had been broken and looted by the Demon Sect, we would have had to rush back to the sect... neither of them would have had any chance of survival."

Jing Ao said, smiling as he looked at Li An: "We also have to thank your notorious Spirit Talisman, hahahaha."

Li An smiled uncomfortably: "Not at all, not at all..."

The Life-saving Skill continued until the early hours of the night.

Zhao Gang walked out from the inner hall, sweating profusely and looking weary:

"I've done my best... but Miss Tan is not only suffering from internal organ damage but also poisoned; her condition has been stabilized, but it remains critical."

"What happens next will depend on her own fortune."

Upon hearing this, Jing Ao nodded: "You've worked hard, Shopkeeper Zhao."

Handing over a bag of Spirit Stones, Li An glanced and estimated there to be around two hundred pieces.

Though physicians weren't as dominant as Alchemists, Artifact Refiners, or Talisman Masters, they were still highly sought after!

Zhao Gang did not refuse the offer and accepted it, then he rested for a while before turning to save Wang Song.

...

With dedicated personnel watching over Tan Qingxue at the Spirit Pharmacy, Li An returned to the Spirit Talisman Shop.

"Zhang Shouye is actually dead..."

Li An felt more at ease.

With the involved party deceased, besides Tan Qingxue, no one else knew about his purchase of the array, reducing a lot of risk.

Back in his room.

Li An opened the storage ring once more.

Inside the storage ring, Gu Hong was sitting cross-legged on the bed, cultivating using Spirit Stones, while the food and Spirit Wine beside her had all been consumed.

She opened her eyes and said, "Daoist friend Li."

Her wariness and vigilance against Li An had decreased significantly.

After all, Li An was generous enough to offer her so many Spirit Stones to restore her cultivation, showing his sincerity thoroughly.

If Li An had ill intentions, he would definitely have controlled her like the Demon Cultivator did in the past.

"Sorry, I couldn't find any Clearing Qi Pills today."

Li An said apologetically, then took out more food, placing it beside Gu Hong while saying:

"Miss, please be patient, there's no need to hurry, Li An will continue to search."

He had actually bought the Clearing Qi Pills today, but didn't plan to give them to Gu Hong immediately.

First, if given too easily, she might not cherish or value them as much.

Second, Li An still didn't fully understand Gu Hong; although he wished to befriend her, it was not a blind effort to win her over, but rather a careful assessment of whether she was worth saving.

Given the unpredictable nature of people, if Gu Hong turned out to have questionable character and brought risk instead of benefit once freed, then it might be better to eliminate her right here.

"Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoist Li!"

Gu Hong expressed gratitude, saying, "Fellow Daoist, I wonder what the situation is like outside? Is there anything this young lady can assist with?"

"Is it possible to contact others?"

It was clear she was eager to leave.

Li An sighed, "To be honest, I've caught the attention of that Life-taking Horse-Faced. He has put a bounty of a Foundation Establishment Pill on my head, and my current situation is quite dire."

"Presently, the Demon Sect is rampant within the territory of the Great Li Dynasty. Where I am, just a few days ago, was attacked by the Demon Sect, filled with danger. If you leave the storage ring, you might easily be discovered by the Demon Sect."

"Moreover, the Demon Sect is full of cunning tricks, capable of changing appearances, making them hard to guard against. Currently, I have no trustworthy people around me."

He looked troubled, filled with worry.

Gu Hong was rather surprised to hear this. How could someone like Li An, merely at the Qi Refining Fourth Layer, attract the attention of such a powerful demon cultivator like Life-taking Horse-Faced?!

However, considering that Li An was able to kill the demon cultivator who trapped her, he undoubtedly possesses extraordinary abilities, which makes sense.

Being a smart person herself, upon hearing Li An's words, she immediately understood that staying in the storage ring was indeed the safest course. Once she steps outside, they might both fall into danger.

Especially since she still harbored Yin Yang Demonic Qi within her, it would be easily detected by other demon cultivators.

—Her Water Attribute Spirit Root of Yellow Rank Middle Grade was a priceless treasure to the demon cultivators practicing the Yin Yang Demon Furnace Skill.

The thought of being captured as a cultivation furnace by other demon cultivators sent a shiver of fear through her.

"The Profound Yang Sect and the Hundred Beasts Sect, among others, have already joined forces to besiege the Yin Yang Demon Sect. It won't be long before it all quiets down; you needn't worry, miss."

Li An tried to give her some hope.

Gu Hong nodded and then got up to eat. Looking at the fragrant dishes, she felt in a rather good mood, "Fellow Daoist Li, would you like to join me for a bit?"

Li An did not refuse, saying, "Sure."

Immediately, the two of them had dinner together, drank a bit of spirit wine, and Gu Hong asked curiously how someone like Li An, at just the Qi Refining Fourth Layer, could have offended a demon cultivator like Life-taking Horse-Faced. Li An, looking distressed, explained the situation of selling fake spirit talismans, leaving Gu Hong stunned, then she burst into laughter.

She laughed heartily, as if she hadn't laughed like this in years.

"Talisman Master Li, you are really, really amusing..."

She couldn't help but say.

"Amusing about what... I can't do this business anymore in the future."

Li An looked depressed.

"By the way, Talisman Master Li, I would like to ask you for a favor..."

Gu Hong's smile faded a bit, "I would like to take a hot bath, is that okay?"

Li An said, "Okay, wait for a bit, I'll bring in the items tomorrow; it might not be convenient today."

...

Li An left.

Inside the storage ring.

"This little talisman master is quite a good person..."

Gu Hong couldn't help but smile gently and then continued her cultivation.

...

The next morning.

Li An went out as usual. He first visited the Spirit Pharmacy to inquire about Tan Qingxue's situation.

Tan Qingxue's condition was very severe; she still hadn't woken up.

And Wang Song had directly passed away, gone to the underworld.

Li An did not meddle further; he purchased some items in the market and then returned to his residence.

Night fell.

Li An opened the storage ring again.

After sending in the meal, and the two had finished eating, Gu Hong couldn't help but say:

"Talisman Master Li, about what I mentioned last night..."

Li An smiled:

"No worries, just a moment."

He went out for a bit, took a bath bucket, dressing mirror, change of clothes, and other essentials out from the storage bag, and brought them into the storage ring.

"This place is simple, so I bought some living supplies."

Li An placed each item down, filled the bath bucket with hot water, and prepared to leave, asking:

"Miss, is there anything else you need?"

Seeing this once-empty storage ring now filled with items for daily living, though still simple, it suddenly felt comforting and safe. Gu Hong was touched, looking at Li An with a newfound gratitude in her gaze.

"No, nothing else, fellow Daoist Li, your consideration is much appreciated."

"Alright, then I will take my leave."

Li An turned to leave.

"By the way,"

Gu Hong suddenly called him back, "Fellow Daoist Li, why have you never asked for my name?"

Li An paused, saying, "If you don't mention it, I won't ask."

Gu Hong felt a warmth in her heart, clearly understanding that Li An was considerate of her past suffering and humiliation, so he didn't ask.

—Just like a courtesan being pressed for her real name would inevitably feel a deep wound to her ego.

"I am Gu Hong." She voluntarily revealed.

"Alright, I will remember," said Li An.

Li An then left immediately.

...

In the blink of an eye, seven days passed.

On this day, Li An had not yet gone out when Zhao Gang from the Spirit Pharmacy and Jing Ao, at the Peak of Qi Refining, escorted a carriage over.

A few disciples carried a stretcher.

Li An felt a slight chill in his heart. Had Tan Qingxue finally died?

"Talisman Master Li,"

Jing Ao and Zhao Gang walked over, Zhao Gang said, "Despite my best efforts, Miss Tan's injuries are too severe, and now she is in a death-like coma beyond any healing from regular medicine. After much thought, you are the only one in this market capable of taking care of her—"

Li An was taken aback, a death-like coma...

Not dead, but as if fallen into a deep slumber, almost like a living corpse.

This state is somewhat similar to what is referred to as a vegetative state on Earth.

But much more troublesome!

Once in a death-like coma, most never wake up again.

...

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