Chapter 60: Agave or Dragon Tongue Flower

Zhang Shen, upon hearing Yu Jun’s words, quickly replied, “This journey truly led us to benefactors. Otherwise, who knows if we’d have made it back alive.”
“Oh, don’t say that. When out in the world, we ought to look out for each other.”

Zhang Shen was moved by the honest, upright generosity of the hunters in Liang Mountain, and, following Yu Jun’s instructions, he took a towel from his pack. The others soon imitated him.

In no time, the four had prepared as Yu Jun directed, and set out toward the heart of the Dragon’s Tongue Grass.

“There, that’s what you’re searching for!”
After several miles along the mountain path, Yu Jun pointed out the Dragon’s Tongue Grass to Zhang Shen.
Zhang Shen and Chen Rong were thrilled at the sight, and as Zhang Shen reached out to pick it, Yu Jun stopped him abruptly.
“Don’t be so hasty. Here in Liang Mountain, there’s a custom with such poisonous herbs: you must explain your purpose for picking them to the mountain spirit. Otherwise, even if you take it, the spirit won’t forgive you.”

Zhang Shen was not surprised by this. He faced east, knelt, and bowed, saying, “Mountain Spirit, your humble disciple Zhang Shen comes for Dragon’s Tongue Grass only to heal my companion Jiang Muyun’s illness. I beg your understanding.”

He knocked his head three times in solemn respect before rising. Yu Jun, seeing the prayer was complete, signaled that Zhang Shen could proceed.

Zhang Shen picked a stalk of Dragon’s Tongue Grass, took out a bottle containing black insects, emptied them, crushed them to powder with a stone, then did the same to the Dragon’s Tongue Grass. He mixed the two powders together.

“Come here!”
Zhang Shen turned and called to Jiang Muyun.
Though Jiang Muyun knew this trip up the mountain was to treat her illness, the sight before her made her gasp in alarm.

Seeing Jiang Muyun hesitate, afraid to approach, Zhang Shen got up, strode to her, and pulled her forward.

“Kneel down. Don’t move.”
Jiang Muyun, like a puppet, obeyed without protest. Seeing her crouch docilely, Zhang Shen began applying the powdered medicine evenly to her face.

The sudden touch startled Jiang Muyun, nearly scaring her out of her wits.
“Zhang Shen, what are you doing? Why are you putting this on my face?”
“My lady, I’m saving your life. Why don’t you appreciate it?”

When Jiang Muyun stepped back, showing signs of fleeing, Zhang Shen turned to Chen Rong and Mu Qiao.
“You two, hold her down.”

Mu Qiao knew Zhang Shen would not harm her mistress, so she ignored Jiang Muyun’s protests and seized her firmly. Chen Rong followed suit, unwilling to refuse, since they had all come to Liang Mountain at his urging.

With their help, Jiang Muyun had no hope of escape. Zhang Shen continued to apply the powder to her face. No matter how loudly Jiang Muyun cursed him, Zhang Shen paid no heed.

After about ten minutes, the treatment ended, with Jiang Muyun’s cries echoing.
Unlike ordinary medicinal powder, which usually stayed on the skin’s surface, this mixture of black insect and Dragon’s Tongue Grass was entirely absorbed by Jiang Muyun’s face.

A natural lover of beauty, Jiang Muyun immediately tried to wipe the powder off, but her skin had already absorbed it completely—there was not a trace left.

“It seems it’s all been absorbed,” Chen Rong remarked.
Zhang Shen asked, “Should we do it again?”
Before Chen Rong could reply, Yu Jun spoke, “No, absolutely not. You may not realize how slowly Dragon’s Tongue Grass grows—it accumulates toxins over a long period. You’ve already used one stalk for this young lady. If you rashly increase the dosage, it could have the opposite effect. I suggest you pick two more to take with you, and only grind them when needed.”

Zhang Shen found Yu Jun’s reasoning sound. He picked two more stalks before leaving Liang Mountain.

As they said their farewells, Zhang Shen told Yu Jun and his sister that he lived in the retirement home at Shunyi Lane in Yuehu City, and they were welcome to visit anytime. Finally, with Yu Jun and his sister escorting them, Zhang Shen and his companions left Liang Mountain.

Seated in the back, Zhang Shen turned to Chen Rong, “Old man, do you think it worked?”

Chen Rong pondered before replying, “It’s too soon to tell. This isn’t a permanent cure. We’ll only know when Miss Jiang has her next episode.”

Hearing this, Zhang Shen looked playfully at Jiang Muyun in the front seat.
“My lady, we’re actually looking forward to your next attack!”

“Go to hell, Zhang Shen!”

Jiang Muyun was furious, recalling Zhang Shen’s teasing on the mountain. Just as she was remembering, Zhang Shen tossed the *** to her, and the “little volcano” in her heart erupted. She hurled her backpack at Zhang Shen with all her strength.

Zhang Shen’s cry from the back seat did not earn Jiang Muyun’s sympathy.

“Principal Chen, we’ve arrived at the school.”

Just as Zhang Shen was feigning illness, Mu Qiao drove the car to the school gate.

“Thank you!”

Seeing Chen Rong about to get out, Zhang Shen dared not linger alone in the car—after all, he was now with a tigress and her bodyguard; if he stayed, who knew if they’d dump him in the wilds.

Chen Rong stepped out, and Zhang Shen followed immediately.

“Miss Mu, drive safely. Take good care of Xiao Yun for me when you get home.”

“Who needs him to worry? Mu, let’s go!”

Mu Qiao pressed the accelerator, leaving nothing but exhaust behind for Zhang Shen.

“Why did you get out too?”
Chen Rong asked Zhang Shen with amusement.

“It’s only a seven-day course, and I’ve already missed a day and a half. If I skip any more, I’ll be embarrassed.”

“I doubt that! Are you planning to give someone Dragon’s Tongue Flower?”

“Hey! Old man, clarify what you mean.”

Zhang Shen knew Chen Rong was referring to his phone call with Hao Lei last time. It was just a joke, but the old man had taken it seriously.