Chapter 59: Simply Because I Am Within These Very Mountains

With this thought in mind, Zhang Shen could only pin his hopes of finding the dragon tongue herb on the mountain god of Liangshan. Having been influenced by his master since childhood, Zhang Shen believed in the existence of mountain gods, who could protect the creatures of the mountains throughout the four seasons, preventing them from being wiped out by outsiders. Thus, local villagers would slaughter cattle and sheep to offer sacrifices to the mountain god on major festivals.

Afterward, Zhang Shen and Chen Rong each retreated to their tents for the night.

The next morning, Zhang Shen was awakened by the chattering of birds in the forest outside. As he unzipped his tent, he felt the mountain air was fresh and clean. In that moment, he seemed to relive the scenes of learning medicine from his master years ago.

Stepping out, Zhang Shen saw the other three tents still tightly closed; he knew the others were not yet awake. He decided to seize the opportunity to take a stroll among the trees.

Walking alone in the mist-shrouded Liangshan, he was suddenly overcome by a sense of belonging, as if he was truly part of the mountain. Just then, a wild pheasant appeared, stirring his appetite.

He had only eaten a few wild fruits and some dry rations the night before, and now, freshly awake, hunger gnawed at him. The pheasant before him seemed destined to become his breakfast.

Just as Zhang Shen picked up a stone to throw at the pheasant’s head, an arrow shot out and struck the bird squarely in the head as well.

Taking a closer look, Zhang Shen saw the pheasant was dead. Was there a hunter nearby?

As he pondered, footsteps rustled in the grass around him.

“Little sister, what do you think of my archery?” a voice called.

“Brother, your aim is flawless as always,” came the reply.

Listening closely, Zhang Shen realized it was a pair of siblings. As they walked toward him, he saw them clearly—three people stared at each other in surprise.

The young man, in his twenties, wore plain clothes and carried a bow; the young woman held several wild rabbits and pheasants.

The two hunters regarded Zhang Shen without much curiosity. Since Liangshan was far from Yuehu City, its air was especially fresh, and they seemed to treat Zhang Shen as a morning exercise enthusiast.

“Are you hunters of Liangshan?” Zhang Shen asked naturally, taking in their appearance.

“Yes! We’re siblings. I’m Yu Jun; this is my sister, Yu Lan,” replied Yu Jun, introducing himself and his sister.

Seeing their openness, Zhang Shen made no attempt to hide his intentions.

“I’m Zhang Shen. There are three others with me. We’ve come searching for a medicinal herb.”

“Herb?” Yu Jun echoed.

“Yes.”

Yu Jun, familiar with Liangshan’s geography, knew there were many herbs in the mountains, as well as plenty of poisonous plants. Since someone was here to gather medicine, he thought it best to offer his assistance.

“May I ask what kind of herb you’re seeking? Perhaps we siblings can help.”

Having a local’s help was precisely what Zhang Shen hoped for.

“We’re searching for a plant called dragon tongue grass.”

“Dragon tongue grass?” Yu Jun seemed doubtful and asked again, “Are you sure you’re looking for dragon tongue grass, not dragon tongue flower?”

Zhang Shen was surprised; he hadn’t expected to encounter the dragon tongue flower. He had only used its name to mislead Hao Lei yesterday, but while searching for the dragon tongue grass, he stumbled upon another opportunity.

He hurriedly asked, “Could you tell me where to find both dragon tongue flower and dragon tongue grass? I need them both.”

Yu Jun replied, “Dragon tongue flower prefers sunlight; it grows on the eastern slopes. Dragon tongue grass likes shade; it’s found on the western slopes. Right now, we’re on the eastern side.”

“In that case, could you take me to find the dragon tongue flower?”

Yu Jun and Yu Lan laughed at his request.

Zhang Shen was puzzled and asked, “May I ask what you find amusing?”

Yu Jun bent down and plucked a few vibrant blossoms near the pheasant, handing them to Zhang Shen. “These are the dragon tongue flowers you seek.”

Zhang Shen hadn’t expected the dragon tongue flower to be right at his feet, almost missed in his haste.

“This flower is quite valuable. In Liangshan, it’s a staple food for wild pheasants. See how plump these birds are? It’s because the dragon tongue grass contains many growth-promoting elements.”

“What happens if people eat it?” Zhang Shen asked.

Yu Lan smiled and turned away, leaving Zhang Shen confused; Yu Jun finally gave the answer.

“Brother, don’t take it amiss. If pheasants thrive on it, people would also benefit. But it’s best used as an infusion in water, and moderation is key.”

Zhang Shen understood the dangers of excess. He stored the dragon tongue flowers in his pocket and invited the siblings to join him in searching for dragon tongue grass.

“Are you sure you need dragon tongue grass? It’s highly poisonous,” Yu Jun warned.

Zhang Shen appreciated the kind reminder and explained, “One of our companions needs something as toxic as dragon tongue grass for a cure—using poison to counter poison. We’ve been searching since yesterday but haven’t found it yet.”

Yu Jun understood.

“Very well, let’s set out now. Just head west.”

“Agreed. Let’s regroup with the other three first.”

Zhang Shen led Yu Jun and Yu Lan back to the tents, where the others seemed reluctant to rise from their bedding.

He called to each tent, urging them to get up. Ten minutes later, they emerged, groggy and half-awake. Upon seeing Yu Jun and Yu Lan, they were confused—why were there suddenly two strangers?

Chen Rong asked, “Who are these two?”

Zhang Shen recounted how he had met Yu Jun and Yu Lan, omitting the story of the dragon tongue flower.

“Excellent, then let’s not delay. Let’s search for the dragon tongue grass!”

Chen Rong was visibly excited.

Led by Yu Jun and Yu Lan, the four headed west through Liangshan.

Halfway there, Yu Jun turned and said, “Not far ahead is the dragon tongue grass you seek. But the area is shrouded in miasma, so I’ll take you to a stream first. Soak your towels and cover your mouth and nose before picking the grass.”