C76 Moth
Westley gracefully accepted the box and examined it with intense focus. He meticulously compared it to the Sky Opening Medicine Scripture and ultimately identified the mysterious herb.
It was a Six-Star Flower!
In the fertile lands of China, a myriad of spiritual beings and medicinal herbs thrived.
The Six-Star Flower was exceedingly rare, often found on towering mountains thousands of meters high.
This delicate bloom could not withstand direct sunlight, thus it flourished in shaded caves on mountain cliffs, sustained by the pure morning dew over time.
The Six-Star Flower took a century to grow, with each petal taking another hundred years to unfurl. A full six hundred years was required for all six petals to blossom.
Upon full bloom, the Six-Star Flower would shine with a star-like glow at night, releasing a potent fragrance that kept wild beasts and venomous insects at bay within a ten-mile radius.
Though merely a seven-hundred-year-old spiritual medicine, and considered a basic first-grade, it was incredibly precious to Westley at this moment.
Elder Lambert noticed Westley's earnest gaze upon the flower and felt assured his gift was well chosen.
He chuckled, "If this herb is of use to you, then my gift is indeed appropriate."
His words implied a readiness to bestow the medicine as a generous gift.
"Out of the question! This medicine is extremely valuable; I cannot accept it," Westley protested hastily.
Despite his flaws, he adhered to one principle—never to exploit generosity.
The Six-Star Flower's worth was immense, a treasured heirloom of the Lambert family, and Westley could not in good conscience accept it.
"Mr. Jimenez, by refusing, you make me feel like a stranger. I owe you my gratitude for saving the Lambert family."
"And for my granddaughter. She's as headstrong as a young bull. Without you, I'd be at a loss."
Elder Lambert's demeanor was impassioned, his resolve unyielding. "Therefore, you must accept this medicine."
After several attempts to decline, Westley was left with no choice but to seek a middle ground.
He said, "Elder Lambert, I'm not one to accept gifts without giving something in return. Here's what I'll do: I'll write you a life-extending medicinal formula to fortify your foundation."
"Oh? That would be excellent." Elder Lambert nodded vigorously.
Westley thought for a moment, then took up a pen and paper and began to write.
Once he finished, Elder Lambert took the formula and was utterly astonished.
Being an expert, he recognized the significance of the dosages.
Frankly, this formula could outshine all other life-extending formulas currently known. The inclusion of certain herbs was nothing short of inspired, resolving many of Elder Lambert's previous research quandaries.
"Mr. Jimenez, this formula is incredibly valuable. I feel like I'm getting the better end of the deal," Elder Lambert said, his hands shaking.
"Elder Lambert, to be honest, this formula might earn you some accolades, but I ask that you remove any association with me."
Westley spoke earnestly, "If you intend to use this formula for the public good, I urge you to make the medicine as affordable as possible so that it can benefit the greatest number of people."
"Absolutely, without a doubt!" Elder Lambert nodded emphatically.
He knew the score.
The Six-Star Flower might seem like a gem, but despite years of effort, Elder Lambert couldn't unlock its secrets—it was nothing more than an ornament in his home.
Thus, giving the medicine to Westley was simply a courteous gesture.
But the formula Westley returned to him was truly invaluable.
Once mass-produced and released into the market, it would generate untold riches.
It was clear that the Lambert family was the real winner here.
Moreover, the entire Lambert family could rise to new heights of prominence because of this formula.
It was an enormous act of kindness.
"Elder Lambert, where's your herb storage?" Westley remembered his original purpose.
"It's just around the left corner behind Revival Hall. Shall I show you the way?" Elder Lambert's gaze lingered on the formula.
"No need. I'll find it myself."
Westley stood and made his way to the herbal warehouse.
Upon arriving at the Revival Hall's storeroom, Westley truly grasped the depth of the Lambert family's resources.
A sprawling house of over a thousand square meters was filled with all sorts of herbs.
The warehouse boasted professional equipment to regulate temperature and various measures for sealed isolation, making it a model of scientific precision.
Each herb was clearly labeled, so Westley had no trouble locating what he needed.
In no time, Westley had gathered all the required herbs, amounting to two hefty sacks.
As he was finishing up, he stumbled upon a secluded corner and discovered an enormous shelving unit.
Approaching, Westley was hit by a nauseating stench of decay and mold.
Fighting back his revulsion, he reached the shelf and pulled back the plastic covering to reveal a mass of moldy, rotting herbs, reeking with a putrid odor.
"Odd, these herbs should have been disposed of. Why are they still here?"
Westley's gaze swept over the cluttered shelves, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Who gave you permission to pilfer from the pharmacy? Leave now, or I'm calling the police."
This abrupt voice snapped Westley back to the present.
He turned to see Jason's stern face.
"Elder Lambert sent me," Westley replied evenly.
"Is that so? Then why wasn't I informed?" Jason scoffed.
"Does Elder Lambert require your approval for his orders?" Westley's brow creased.
"Absolutely, I manage everything in Revival Hall. All procedures need my consent," Jason said, smirking with satisfaction.
"So, you're saying Revival Hall is yours?" Westley was taken aback.
"That's one way to put it. If you're smart, you'll leave now," Jason said, growing increasingly impatient.
His eyes darted back to the shelf, betraying his hidden agenda.
Westley noted this subtle behavior. Setting down the sacks, he confronted Jason, "If I'm not mistaken, overcharging for appointment slots is just the beginning of your misdeeds. It's the markup on these herbs that you're truly after, isn't it?"
"What are you babbling about?" Jason snapped, visibly flustered.
"Selling these spoiled herbs must bring in a substantial profit, right?" Westley's gaze sharpened.
Jason Xu was taken aback; he hadn't anticipated that Westley was already privy to the truth.
Glancing around and seeing no one, he scoffed, "Telling you makes no difference. Yes, all transactions involving medicinal herbs require my consent, which means I can fill out the receipts however I please. These expired herbs? I'll use them as I see fit."
"Aren't you worried Elder Lambert will find out about your scheme?" Westley asked, a slight smile on his face.
"He's only good at treating patients; he's clueless about everything else. Plus, his granddaughter has no interest in the Lambert family business. If I didn't do it, someone else would," Jason retorted with a sneer.
"Heaven is watching! Don't you fear the consequences of your actions?" Westley sighed.
"Consequences? You must be kidding. Ever heard the saying, 'Good people die young, while the wicked live on'? I don't buy into any of that. The only thing I believe in is cold, hard cash—that's what's truly solid."
Jason was brimming with smug satisfaction, his face twisted into a brazen grin.
"It's a shame, really. You can't hide your misdeeds forever—Elder Lambert is already aware," Westley said, shaking his head.
"Who are you trying to fool?" Jason was utterly incredulous.
"Just take a look behind you!"