Chapter Six: White Tiger Mountain (Part Two)

On this day, Luo Kun arrived at Gong Ying’er’s residence and found Gu Sicen checking her pulse. He asked, “Mr. Gu, is this young lady feeling any better?” Gu Sicen shook his head and replied, “Sadly, although her body has recovered well, she remains in a deep sleep. I do not know when she will awaken.” Luo Kun moved forward to observe and saw that Gong Ying’er now looked like any ordinary person, lying quietly as if in peaceful slumber. Compared to their first encounter, she seemed even more lovely. Luo Kun couldn’t help but praise, “This young sister is truly beautiful.” Gu Sicen laughed and said, “Once she is awake, I’ll speak to Chief Gong about giving her to you as your wife.” Luo Kun blushed with embarrassment and answered, “You jest, sir.” He then regretted aloud, “It’s all my fault—I ate the ginseng meant to save her.” Gu Sicen replied, “You cannot be blamed, and besides, even if we had the precious ginseng, it might not have awakened her.” Luo Kun sighed, “If only I could spit it out, I’d gladly give it to her, for a shred of hope.” Gu Sicen laughed, “You’re a kind child, and your good fortune in eating the ginseng was not wasted…”

Suddenly, Gu Sicen realized, “Indeed, the King of Ginseng is a miraculous medicine, greatly enhancing your true energy. If you transfer this true energy to Miss Gong using your internal strength, perhaps a miracle can occur.” Luo Kun rejoiced, “If I could awaken her, it would be wonderful!” Gu Sicen continued, “Your true energy is unlike that of other martial artists, possessing both yin and yang, especially the earth and mountain spirit condensed by the ginseng king. Woman is earth, earth responds to earth, there must be effects. The fusion of yin and yang is balance.” Luo Kun asked, “If it works, how should I transfer it?” Gu Sicen replied, “Send it to Baihui above, to awaken her mind; deliver it to Shenque below, to stabilize her essence. Nourish her organs, harmonize her spirit, and her mind will clear.” Luo Kun shook his head, “Baihui? Shenque? I don’t know where those are.” Gu Sicen explained, “Baihui is at the crown of the head, Shenque is at the navel. These are two essential points.” He then taught Luo Kun the method to transfer his energy.

Gu Sicen then lifted Gong Ying’er’s clothing at her abdomen, pointed to her navel, and said, “Place your right hand here, and transfer your energy.” Luo Kun hesitated, waving his hand, “Men and women should not touch; how could I do this?” Gu Sicen shook his head, “You’re still a child. What taboos? This is to save her life; do not refuse.” With no other choice, Luo Kun closed his eyes and pressed his hand to Gong Ying’er’s navel, channeling his internal force and sending a steady flow of powerful energy. Soon, Gong Ying’er’s body grew warm, a sign the energy was circulating through her blood. Luo Kun felt boundless true energy within him and grew even more enthusiastic, continuously sending it forth. Gu Sicen watched with surprise, thinking, “This child’s inner strength is astonishing; perhaps none in the world can match him.” After half an hour, Gu Sicen instructed Luo Kun to move his hand to Baihui at the top of Gong Ying’er’s head and continue transferring energy to connect heaven and earth. Shortly, Gong Ying’er’s lips moved, and she let out a faint sound. Luo Kun was overjoyed, focusing all his attention, letting the energy flow at will. Gu Sicen was also delighted, knowing the treatment had worked and there was a major breakthrough. Just then, Gong Ying’er’s throat made a sound, and she slowly opened her eyes, waking from her coma. Her large eyes stared blankly upward, lost and bewildered. Luo Kun and Gu Sicen were ecstatic. A nearby maid cried out and ran to inform Gong Changjiu. Luo Kun withdrew his hand and stopped his energy transfer, while Gu Sicen stepped forward and called softly, “Miss Ying’er! Miss Ying’er!” Gong Ying’er’s pupils shifted slightly but she did not respond, completely unaware, as if the world did not exist.

At that moment, there was a commotion outside the door, and the chief of the mountain fortress rushed in with Gong Changjiu. Seeing his daughter’s eyes open, Gong Changjiu was overwhelmed, rushing forward to embrace her and cry out with joy, “Ying’er! Ying’er!” Gong Ying’er looked bewildered and only moved her head slightly. Seeing his daughter unresponsive, Gong Changjiu anxiously asked Gu Sicen, “Mr. Gu, my daughter is awake; why doesn’t she recognize me?” Gu Sicen replied, “Don’t worry, Chief Gong. Your daughter is fortunate to awaken, but though her spirit has revived, her mind has not yet cleared. It will take a few days for her energy to harmonize, then she will be able to recognize people and things.” Gong Changjiu, hearing this, slowly put his daughter down and turned to kneel in thanks, overwhelmed with gratitude. Gu Sicen quickly helped him up, saying, “Chief Gong, your courtesy is too much. The credit belongs to Luo Kun. Without his unique and powerful internal energy, which unblocked Miss Ying’er’s blood and energy flow, your daughter might have slept much longer.” Gong Changjiu was stunned and asked, “Mr. Gu, what do you mean?” Gu Sicen said, “Please come to the outer room. I will explain everything.”

Everyone moved to the outer room and took their seats. Servants brought tea, which they all drank. Gu Sicen put down his cup and asked, “Has Chief Gong found any trace of the ‘Male and Female Ginseng King’?” Gong Changjiu shook his head, “No news at all. It seems that miraculous plant has vanished into the earth.” Gu Sicen smiled, “Actually, I know where it is.” Everyone was shocked. Du Jian hurriedly asked, “Is it in the Jurchen tribe?” Gu Sicen replied, “I took Chief Gong’s arrow and guarantee the tribe does not possess it.” Du Jian exclaimed, “Then where is it? Please tell us, Mr. Gu, and we will retrieve it immediately.” Luo Kun felt a sudden tension. Gu Sicen pointed at Luo Kun and laughed, “It’s in Luo Kun’s belly.” Gong Changjiu and the others were startled, and even Luo Kun was taken aback. Du Jian asked in disbelief, “Mr. Gu, are you joking?” Gu Sicen laughed, “You do not know—Luo Kun found the ginseng king by accident in the wild. Not recognizing its value, he ate it like a radish to quench his thirst.” “Ah!” Everyone was amazed. Du Jian exclaimed, “No wonder it disappeared! So Luo Kun ate it. I wondered why he seemed so different, glowing with vitality—it's the ginseng’s nourishment.” Gong Changjiu realized, “Luo Kun used his true energy to awaken my daughter, thanks to the power of the ginseng king. What a marvel!” He stood and bowed to Luo Kun, “Thank you, brother Luo Kun, for saving my daughter.” Luo Kun quickly stood up, “I ate it by accident and feel ashamed. Please don’t thank me.” Gong Changjiu laughed, “It was fate! So many coveted that treasure, yet you ate it—what fortune!” All the chiefs were amazed and admiring.

Gong Changjiu then sighed, “Mr. Gu’s medical skills are truly remarkable, reviving my daughter from the brink of death. Compared to the famed ‘Saint of Southern Medicine, King of Northern Herbs’ in Central Plains, their reputation is empty.” Gu Sicen smiled, “I am but a humble man, though the world may praise me. The ‘King of Herbs’ you mentioned is not worthy of the title.” “King of Herbs?” Gong Changjiu was startled, “Mr. Gu, are you the renowned King of Herbs?” Gu Sicen nodded with a laugh. Gong Changjiu, delighted, led everyone in bowing, “A true master hides his identity! So it is the King of Herbs who has come; I failed to recognize greatness and have neglected you these days.” Gu Sicen returned the salute, “My reputation is insignificant. Please do not stand on ceremony, Chief Gong.” Gong Changjiu laughed, “I thought so! Mr. Gu is not only a martial arts master but also possesses unparalleled medical skill. Who else could be the King of Herbs?” The chiefs laughed together. Luo Kun was astonished, “So Mr. Gu is also called the King of Herbs. Truly a great man.” He was glad to have met him and felt joyful. With the arrival of the King of Herbs, Gu Sicen, and Gong Ying’er almost fully recovered, the White Tiger Mountain was filled with a festive atmosphere.

For several days, Luo Kun continued to transfer energy to Gong Ying’er. She could now move her eyes to look at people, and everyone was delighted, viewing Luo Kun with new respect. One day, after transferring energy, Luo Kun waited for Gu Sicen’s return. Suddenly, a weak voice said, “You... who are you? Why are you... here?” Luo Kun was startled and looked around, finding no one else. Turning back to Gong Ying’er, he saw her gazing at him with big, lively eyes, full of confusion and innocent charm. Luo Kun was overjoyed, “Was that you speaking?” Gong Ying’er frowned, “You... you are so rude, why are you... in my room?” She looked around in bewilderment, “What is going on? Why am I still here?” Luo Kun realized she was indeed speaking and said excitedly, “You’ve slept for a very long time, did you know?” Gong Ying’er replied with confusion, “I thought I slept only last night?” She continued, “While I was asleep, there was a warm flow that felt so comfortable.” Luo Kun laughed, “That was me transferring it to you.” Gong Ying’er was surprised, “You?” Luo Kun said, “Yes, I transferred my true energy to you.” He pressed her head gently and sent another wave of energy. Gong Ying’er suddenly smiled, “Yes! That’s exactly how it felt. Who are you? How can you send energy like this?” Luo Kun smiled, “I am Luo Kun. I’ve only been here a short while, and used my internal strength to help you.” Gong Ying’er said, “So you are Brother Luo Kun. I am Gong Ying’er. My father is the Mighty Bow King, did you know?” Luo Kun replied, “I know, your father is Chief Gong.” Gong Ying’er moved her head a few times and suddenly exclaimed, “Brother Luo Kun, why can’t I get up?” Luo Kun replied, “Mr. Gu said you’ll need a few more days after waking before you can move.” Gong Ying’er asked, “Who is Mr. Gu? What happened to me?” She looked frightened. Luo Kun hurriedly explained, “You had a strange illness and slept for two years. Today you finally woke up.” Gong Ying’er was shocked, her face changing, trying to rise but only her arms moved slightly; she could not get up. Luo Kun felt pity and stepped forward, “Little sister, let me help you.” He took her hands and transferred energy again. Gong Ying’er felt warm currents entering her palms, energizing her arms, bringing comfort and joy, thinking, “Brother Luo Kun is truly capable!” After a while, Luo Kun stopped and said, “Now try.” Gong Ying’er hesitated, then bit her lip, and managed to prop herself up with her arms. Luo Kun was thrilled and began transferring energy to her legs, unblocking the stagnant meridians. Gong Ying’er watched Luo Kun busily helping her and couldn’t help but smile. After another round of energy transfer, Luo Kun helped Gong Ying’er stand and walk. Her legs were weak but she managed a few steps, astonishing the two maids who had just entered.

Gong Changjiu and Gu Sicen, upon hearing the news, rushed over and were overjoyed. The father and daughter embraced and wept. In ten days, with Luo Kun’s daily energy transfer, Gong Ying’er was nearly fully recovered. The whole fortress celebrated with a grand feast. Chiefs from all fifty-six fortresses brought generous gifts to congratulate her, and the mountain was bustling with excitement. Gong Changjiu placed Gu Sicen and Luo Kun in the seat of honor, and everyone bowed in thanks. The two tried to decline, but could not, and had to accept.

At the banquet, the chiefs praised Luo Kun, each offering gifts, leaving him busy and delighted. Privately, Gong Changjiu said to Gu Sicen, “Mr. Gu, you and Luo Kun saved my daughter. I have no way to repay you. Luo Kun is a young hero, so I wish to marry my daughter to him, making him my son-in-law in gratitude. I hope the King of Herbs will mediate and help realize this.” Gu Sicen replied, “Luo Kun’s fateful encounter with the ginseng king, and his rescue of your daughter, is their destiny. I too wish to see them united. However, both are still young, not yet adults. Let’s wait a few years; when the time comes, I will help make it happen.” Gong Changjiu was delighted and thanked him. Thus, everyone in the fortress knew Luo Kun would be the future chief and young master, and rejoiced. Only Luo Kun and Gong Ying’er were unaware. Gong Ying’er knew Luo Kun had saved her, and enjoyed playing with him, never leaving his side.

After several days, the chiefs departed one by one. Luo Kun found a quiet moment to walk alone for some air, standing atop a cliff, letting the wind blow. Suddenly he felt lonely, and after a long sigh, said, “I should go find Brother Fang. I’ve delayed too long.” Behind him, a voice said, “Brother Luo Kun, you’re here! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Turning, he saw Gong Ying’er. Luo Kun thought, “This little sister is truly clingy, following me everywhere.” Gong Ying’er saw Luo Kun’s melancholy and asked with concern, “Brother Luo Kun, why are you unhappy? Tomorrow, let’s ask Father to take us hunting in Changbai Mountain, shall we?” Luo Kun shook his head, “No, I need to find Brother Fang.” Gong Ying’er asked, “Who is he? Why do you want to find him?” Luo Kun replied, “You wouldn’t understand. Brother Fang treats me like a real brother, and he plays chess wonderfully. Unfortunately, I don’t know where he’s gone.” After speaking, he shook his head, sighed, and turned to leave, with Gong Ying’er following sadly.

That evening, Luo Kun went to Gu Sicen’s room and said, “Mr. Gu, let’s leave tomorrow. There’s nothing more to do here.” Gu Sicen nodded, “I agree.” Then he smiled, “Wouldn’t you rather stay here?” Luo Kun shook his head, “I must find Brother Fang; there’s no reason to stay.” Gu Sicen had previously heard Luo Kun speak of searching for Fang Guohuan and sighed, “I wonder what kind of person your Brother Fang is, to have you so devoted. Well, I have wandered all my life, with no fixed home; I’ll help you search for Brother Fang.” Luo Kun was delighted, then after a moment’s hesitation, he said sincerely, “Since meeting you, I’ve received much kindness. I am also rootless; I beg you to take me as your disciple, so that I may follow you in the future.” With that, he knelt and bowed three times. Gu Sicen was overjoyed, accepted Luo Kun’s ritual, and happily helped him up, saying, “Taking you as a disciple today is a joy of my life.” Luo Kun smiled, “I’ve called you ‘sir’ for days, but enjoyed a disciple’s benefits; I should have called you ‘master’ long ago.” Gu Sicen laughed, “In fact, from the moment I first met you, I had that wish.” The master and disciple smiled at each other.

The next day, Gong Changjiu learned that Gu Sicen and Luo Kun had become master and disciple, and was overjoyed, congratulating them, then laughing, “Now I am half related to the King of Herbs; in the future, we need not stand on ceremony.” Gu Sicen smiled and said, “Having disturbed your fortress for over two months, I now wish to bid farewell and take Luo Kun down the mountain.” Gong Changjiu tried to persuade them to stay, “You and your disciple have done me great kindness; please stay longer so I may express my gratitude.” Gu Sicen replied, “I appreciate your hospitality, but I am used to wandering and enjoy travel. We will meet again someday.” Gong Changjiu knew he could not force Gu Sicen, and said, “If that’s the case, follow your wishes. But your disciple Luo Kun…” Gu Sicen answered, “Having just accepted Luo Kun, I wish to take him around the world to gain experience. He has boundless prospects, and will surpass you and me in time. For now, we must not delay his future for the sake of youthful affection. When he grows up, I will bring him back to fulfill your wish.” Gong Changjiu gladly agreed.

Afterward, Gong Changjiu led all the chiefs and sent Gu Sicen and Luo Kun off the mountain in person. Gong Ying’er, seeing Luo Kun leave, wept bitterly and hid in her room, refusing to say farewell, deeply saddened. Gong Changjiu escorted them for over thirty miles before parting with the master and disciple with heartfelt farewells.

Gu Sicen and Luo Kun reached Guping Town inside the pass. When they sought out the horse stable, Wang Huai, having waited in vain, had already led the caravan back to Guangdong, leaving Gong Changjiu’s gifts with Manager Song at the stable. Manager Song was delighted to see Luo Kun, never imagining a wandering youth would have such an adventure in the northeast, and called it a stroke of luck. All the goods were accounted for. Gu Sicen then sold the entire cartload, rewarded Manager Song with fifty taels of silver, and master and disciple mounted two fine horses and rode away, raising dust along the road.