Chapter 28: Secrets

The potion was initially cold, but upon touching the wounds, it warmed rapidly, making my palm feel hot.

Using my mental energy, I guided the potion’s effects fully into Gu Xuanyun’s body, ensuring none of the precious liquid was wasted despite coating my hand.

“Sss—”

Soon, the treated areas on his back hissed, faint white smoke rising.

Gu Xuanyun’s body twitched slightly, but he endured the pain of the potion repairing his wounds in silence.

Using the potion so crudely caused intense pain… Watching, I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d endured to sustain such wounds.

They didn’t look battle-inflicted… more like… torture?

I swallowed hard.

The wounds bore chaotic energy traces, preventing healing and weakening his strength—deliberate, punitive damage.

…No wonder he needed the potion applied directly. Every second with those wounds must be agony.

His injuries were worse than I imagined. In no time, half the bottle was gone, healing only a palm-and-a-half-sized area.

“…Why’d you stop?”

Drenched in sweat, Gu Xuanyun turned to me, asking.

“Half the bottle’s used up.”

I blinked, shaking the remaining half in front of him.

“…Used up? Fine, give me the rest.”

“Sigh…”

He exhaled deeply, grabbed the bottle, and downed the rest in one go.

“Phew… It’s the real [Holy High-Tier Revival Potion]. I’m satisfied. Thanks for your hard work these two weeks—here’s a tip. I heard you wanted part of the payment in crystals, and I had this left, so it’s yours.”

After chugging the potion, he stretched, pulled a crystal from his side, and tossed it to me.

I fumbled to catch it, then saw it was worth two gold coins!

“…Uh… thanks.”

I blinked, hesitantly pocketing it.

I’d jokingly mentioned overtime pay, but he actually gave me something… though it felt oddly like payment after something shady.

“Go settle the balance with the supervisor. Also, I’ll need another [Holy High-Tier Revival Potion] in a month. Can you take it?”

“…Of course!”

His words snapped me out of my wandering thoughts. My eyes lit up, and I answered eagerly.

“I’ll post the next commission when I leave. Just take it.”

He took a breath, grabbing his shirt to leave.

Curiosity burned as I watched him.

“…Um… can I ask how you got those wounds?” I blinked, asking.

He paused.

“That’s none of your business.”

He looked at me, answering after a moment.

“Speaking of which, I’m curious how a Level 10 Alchemist ended up in a backwater like Black Obsidian City. Your age and skill don’t match.”

“Ugh… that’s a secret.”

“Then my wounds are a secret too.”

Seeing my reluctance, he gave a rare smile.

“Hmph… I’m leaving. I’ll be back next month. Hope your potion’s as good as this one.”

He snorted, grabbed his things, and headed out.

“…Weird guy.”

I muttered, watching him go.

“By the way.”

“Eek—”

He stopped, turned, and spoke, startling me—did he hear me?!

“What’s your name? Hidden Moon’s just an alias, right? What’s your real name?” he asked slowly. “I’ll need more [Holy High-Tier Revival Potions], so I’ll be a regular. Knowing your real name seems reasonable.”

“…I’m Su Mengmeng.” I looked at the big client, figured it was fine, and answered.

“You’re just Gu Xuanyun?”

“Yeah, just Gu Xuanyun.”

He nodded.

“Su Mengmeng… nice name. I’ll remember it. I’ll be coming to you often.”

With that, he pushed the door and left.

“…Really a weird guy.”

I blinked, feeling the egg babies squirming excitedly in my backpack, eager to absorb the crystal. I patted them.

“Back home first!”

They settled down, and I packed up, heading out.

The supervisor handed me the fifteen gold coins balance and Gu Xuanyun’s next commission.

With a month to complete it, I had plenty of time, so I took two more potion commissions.

Golden Skull didn’t deliver this time but gave me a magic storage bracelet packed with materials and tools—a gift to butter me up for more commissions.

It’s convenient, and as for commissions… I’ll keep taking them~