This is indeed surreal.

Its a surreal phenomenon brought about by the geological conditions, Wang Yao said with a smile.

See, there are also some special herbs here, he said as he pointed at some wilted plants growing out of the cracks between the rocks.

What are those? Su Xiaoxue asked.

They are Meadowrue Corydalis Roots, Wang Yao said. Wild ones arent commonly found here.

Do you mean that bitter stuff mentioned in some saying? she asked.

Yes, the plant has antibacterial, antiviral, and heat relief properties, Wang Yao replied.

Arent you going to pluck them?

There is no need for that, Wang Yao replied. Ive got quite a lot of substitutes at my place. Furthermore, just look at how they are growing out in the cracks. It must have been hard for them.

Yeah, theyre tenacious.

Alright, Ill take you to another place now.

Wang Yao led the way. Su Xiaoxue followed closely behind. The two of them came to a rock at the eastern side of the mountain. It was a blocky rock that was very flat and congruent, which made it look like a huge table.

How do you feel here? he asked.

The wind is strong here, Su Xiaoxue said.

The wind seemed to be hitting them from all directions. It was howling as it blew. They struggled to even stand still. It made the place a complete opposite from the one before, which had no wind at all.

Its completely different from that area before, Wang Yao said.

How did you manage to find such interesting places? Su Xiaoxue asked.

Do you see that village over there? Wang Yao pointed at a village south of the mountain.

Thats where my grandmothers place is. I grew up in that village, so I know this place like the back of my hand. I came here often to play when I was a kid.

Its no surprise that you know the place, then, Su Xiaoxue said.

It was a cold day. Other than the handful of pine trees growing out of the rocks here and there, there was hardly anything left to tinker with around. However, Su Xiaoxue remained excited. The two of them toured the mountain for a bit. While the mountain was not very tall, it was connected to the others. That made the place quite huge.

That mountain looks tall. Su Xiaoxue pointed at a mountain far away in the north. It was so tall that clouds were swirling around the middle of it.

That mountain is called the Dog Ear Mountain, and, you guessed it, its because it kind of looks like a dogs ear, Wang Yao said. Just look at the distance between where we are and that mountain. If common people were to walk all the way there, it would take them at least half a day to do so.

Really? It doesnt look all that far away to me.

Do you want to go there? Wang Yao asked.

Sure. Su Xiaoxue nodded.

Lets go!

Wang Yao suddenly picked Su Xiaoxue up and leaped from where he was. It seemed like he was flying across the mountains. The valleys, cliffs, trees, and rivers were unable to stand in his way. Su Xiaoxue felt warm and solid in his arms. It seemed that they were getting increasingly closer to the mountain. Before long, they reached the foot of that mountain.

Well, this place sure is tall. She stood below the mountain and looked up.

Do you want to go up?

Sure.

Su Xiaoxue opted to make the trip herself instead of letting Wang Yao carry her.

The peaks height was more than twice that of the one where they had just been. The time of day meant that the northern winds were howling. It was making the place very windy.

Su Xiaoxues hair, however, was completely untouched. There was no wind hitting her. The wind circled around them and moved on when it hit them.

Huff. Su Xiaoxue spread her arms. She felt very comfortable and pleased as she looked out from where she was.

Before they knew it, the sun was setting. It was already getting dark by the time they were getting off of that mountain.

In Nanshan Pharmaceutical Company

You sure are a hard man to meet, President Zheng, a middle-aged man said.

Hell, brother, Ive been running all over the place during the New Years festivities, Zheng Weijun said. The operations are just getting restarted again, and there are lots of things to take care of. I really didnt mean to do this.

Zheng Weijun chuckled as he sat in his office.

Your medicine is getting increasingly famous, and demand is getting increasingly high.

I know, I know, Zheng Weijun said. I cranked up production after the New Year was over.

How much will you be cranking it up?

Oh, 20 percent.

Will that even be enough? the middle-aged man asked. Hell, even if you were to double the amount, it still wont meet the demand out there.

The man was a main distributor of the medicine. The deal had been lucrative for him. As such, he immediately showed up after the festivities were over. He intended to get more stock. More importantly, he wanted to maintain a good relationship with Zheng Weijun to facilitate a lifelong partnership.

Im thinking of doing that, but hell, the herbs needed just cant keep up, Zheng Weijun replied.

Just tell me what would you need. Ill see to it for you! That man beat his chest as he spoke.

Ive made the calls, and the herbs are about to get here, but the amount wont suddenly be enough to bump up production, Zheng Weijun said. Furthermore, were thinking of producing the second medicine.

A new med? What kind?

Heat Clearing Powder.

Is it a common-use med?

Yep, it is, Zheng Weijun replied.

Keep some for me.

Dont rush into it, Zheng Weijun said with a smile. The medicine hasnt even been produced or gone through all the procedures yet.

Come on, you talk as if that is going to get in your way, the middle-aged man said.

The two men chatted for a bit before the middle-aged man took his leave.

Man, that was the third one! Zheng Weijun stretched for a bit after sending the client off.

All three distributors had visited him right after the New Years festivities.

Is the medicine really selling that well? he thought.

In truth, the medicine had gained a very good reputation. Be it in the clinics or hospitals, it was selling like hotcakes.

In Lianshan Countys general hospital

Come on, Brother Pan, dont bluff.

Oh hell, why would I do that? Pan Jun asked. Dont you know how sick you are? Furthermore, just find out for yourself if you dont believe me. That master is well-known for his healing skills. Many people from out of town come specifically to see him.

Alright, alright, just ask the questions and let me know when should I head there.

Sure.

Pan Jun immediately called Wang Yao.

How about tomorrow?

Sure, his colleague said.

Recently, he had been suffering from headaches. Even after getting a checkup in the hospital, he wasnt able to determine the problem. He also went to the hospital in the city, but they were unable to determine anything. As such, he simply ignored it. However, since it started to hurt day and night, so much so that it had been giving him strange nightmares, it thoroughly frightened him. He promptly sought out the likes of fortunetellers and divination practitioners, but the problem still was not solved. He discussed it with Pan Jun, who in turn recalled a master.

Thanks. Whether I get cured or not, Ill be sure to buy you dinner.

The next morning, Pan Jun went to the village clinic with his colleague.

They walked through the door.

Huh?

Wang Yao sighed.

He detected an eerie cold aura coming from the man.

Hmm? Once he got close, Su Xiaoxue took a good look at him.

Whats going on, Xiaoxue?

I just keep feeling that there is something wrong with that guy, she replied.

She felt that there was something off with the man. She was unable to tell exactly what it was, so it made her very uncomfortable.

Something is off, Wang Yao said with a grin.

Master.

Dr. Wang.

Come, have a seat, Wang Yao said. Tell me what is wrong.

Right.

That man, who was in his 30s, began to tell the doctor all about the discomfort he had been experiencing the past few days.

When did it all begin? Was it the second day of the New Year?