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  Ancient Fragment #30

  There are many treasures capable of restoring vitality.

  Among the most basic is the Crimson Gold Tea.

  — Excerpt from an old journal

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  Time passed and two days went by and they were finally finished.

  Long Tianyu opened his eyes in the morning light. ''Is it time?'' he asked.

  Hua Qingqing nodded. ''It should be fine by now.'' She extended her soul sense into the bowl. ''I can feel that the spiritual qi is strong inside the flower now. It should be perfect for healing.''

  ''Okay, let's go back.'' Long Tianyu smiled and stood up.

  They packed up and left the pond. Past the tall red pines and into Chisong Village.

  The villagers still looked cautiously toward them. Long Tianyu and Hua Qingqing had been gone for three days. After the second day Chi Diu and the villagers once again visited the Jin Family. Only to be shooed away by Jin Haotian.

  ''Aunt, Uncle'' Long Tianyu smiled when he saw the two outside. In his hand he held the bowl with the Crimson Gold Flower. The frost still covered its sides. ''It's done. We just need to boil it now.''

  ''Okay!'' Jin Haotian slapped his thigh and stood up. His eyes sharpened as he readied himself for what was to come. He wasn't sure if it would truly heal Jin Ruyan's vitality. It almost feels too good to be true...

  Jin Ruyan also stood up and took a deep breath. She was terrified that it wouldn't work.

  Long Tianyu and Hua Qingqing followed them into the house. Together they sat around the table. Jin Xue'er sat next to her mother and held her hand.

  Jin Haotian quickly tried to start a fire. Sparks leapt up as he struck the flint, and soon a steady flame crackled beneath the iron kettle.

  They atmosphere inside was somber. Except for the sound from the fire it was quiet.

  Long Tianyu carefully placed the bowl with the Crimson Gold Flower on the table. Even indoors, the petals still carried a faint chill. Thin frost clung stubbornly to the edges.

  When the water in the kettle began to bubble, Jin Haotian removed it.

  Long Tianyu picked up the flower and lowered it into a cup and Jin Haotian poured the boiling water.

  The frost on the flower dissolved instantly.

  The petals unfurled as if waking from sleep. A deep crimson color spread through the water, followed by threads of soft gold that shimmered beneath the surface. The fragrance was rich and soothing, carrying a warmth that seemed to sink directly into the lungs.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  They watched quietly as the water thickened slightly, turning into a luminous red-gold brew. After several minutes, Hua Qingqing nodded.

  “It’s ready.”

  Long Tianyu removed the flower and pushed the cup before Jin Ruyan.

  Everyone looked at her.

  She sat upright, hands folded tightly in her lap. When the cup was placed in her palms, she felt the heat through the ceramic. It steadied her nerves.

  “Drink slowly,” Hua Qingqing reminded her.

  Jin Ruyan nodded.

  She lifted the cup and took a careful sip.

  Warmth flowed down her throat and into her chest. It was gentle at first, then gradually deeper, like sunlight spreading across cold ground. She took another sip, and another. With each mouthful, her breathing grew smoother.

  By the time she finished, a faint flush colored her cheeks.

  She closed her eyes.

  Inside her body, the medicinal energy spread through her body in smooth currents. The lingering weakness that had clung to her felt as if it were being removed, layer by layer.

  Jin Haotian leaned forward, tension clear in his posture.

  Hua Qingqing reached out and placed two fingers against Jin Ruyan’s wrist. She sent a thread of qi inward, carefully inspecting every pathway.

  No cracks.

  No instability.

  No hidden damage.

  Hua Qingqing smiled slightly and checked again, this time more thoroughly. Her qi circled twice, three times.

  Still nothing abnormal.

  She withdrew her hand.

  “It's looking good,” she said softly. “Her vitality is recovering naturally. I can’t find any hidden issues.”

  Jin Ruyan opened her eyes slowly. The heaviness that had burdened her body for so long was gone. In its place was warmth and clarity. Even her limbs felt lighter.

  “I feel great,” she whispered, almost in disbelief. She tightened her hand around Jin Xue'er.

  Jin Haotian finally released the breath he had been holding.

  ''Haha! Ruyan that's great!'' Tears started forming in his eyes as he embraced his wife and daughter.

  ''Heaven has eyes!'' He shouted and smiled happily.

  ''Mmm'' Tears had started to drip from both Jin Ruyan and Jin Xue'er.

  The family had been worried for years.

  Jin Ruyan remember the endless nights. She had woken up in a fit of coughing. The first time there was blood she ignored it and then it kept becoming worse and worse. She would be pale and trembling as her entire body hurt.

  Jin Haotian would be awake the entire time. Taking care of her. Even now he had dark circles around his eyes.

  The embrace lasted for a long time.

  Long Tianyu and Hua Qingqing smiled. It had been a dangerous journey, but this scene was worth everything.

  After a few moments, Jin Ruyan gently pulled back, brushing her tears away. “Thank you… both of you,” she said, voice trembling but full of gratitude. “You didn’t have to risk yourselves like this. You are always welcome here… forever.”

  Jin Haotian nodded, his eyes glistening. “Yes, the two of you saved our family. No words can truly express our thanks. Our home will always be yours.”

  Long Tianyu and Hua Qingqing exchanged a small, meaningful glance. The tension that had followed them for days seemed to finally lift.

  “It was nothing,” Long Tianyu said softly. “We were happy to help.”

  Hua Qingqing gave a faint smile. “It’s what we’re meant to do. Besides… seeing her well again is reward enough.”

  The family laughed quietly together, a warmth spreading through the small house. The room was alive with relief and happiness, simple and pure.

  ''Big Brother, Big Sister, what are you going to do now?'' Jin Xue'er said, her eyes were red from crying and she never let go of her mother's hand.

  After a moment, Long Tianyu answered. “We will soon leave,” he said gently. “We need to return to Moondragon City.”

  ''We understand, you must have things to do.'' Jin Haotian shook his head. “But take your time. Rest here as long as you like. You’ll always be welcome.”

  Hua Qingqing and Long Tianyu looked at each other and nodded in agreement. The group sat around the table talking for a long time. As time went Jin Ruyan's face became more and more rosy. Soon she would be completely healed.

  Finally... we can go back to our normal life..

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  End of chapter 30 - Crimson Gold Tea