A Divine Farmer

Chapter 236 - A Top Secret Level

“Ordinary knife wounds healed in a day without leaving scars?” Qu Moyao was astonished.

Even the best Healing Medicine on the market couldn't promise to heal a wound in a single day, let alone guarantee it would leave no scars.

“Absolutely. When these two herbs are combined, they produce a miraculous effect. For more serious wounds that don't damage vital areas, the Healing Medicine may take a few more days, but rest assured, it will lead to a full recovery,” Zhang Xiaolong explained the remarkable properties of the herbs to her.

“I have a proposition, and I'm curious if you'll agree,” Qu Moyao said, her tone turning earnest. “If the Injury Medicine is as miraculous as you claim, it's infinitely more valuable than the Blood Converging Vine alone. Would you consider selling it to us?”

“Sell it to you?” Zhang Xiaolong was momentarily confused.

“No, I mean to the military,” Qu Moyao clarified swiftly. “We didn't understand why the higher-ups valued the Blood Converging Vine so much, but after your explanation, it's clear it's related to the Injury Medicine. Given the unique demands of our profession, a medicine that can rapidly heal injuries would significantly enhance combat effectiveness. This isn't something that can be quantified monetarily.”

Zhang Xiaolong felt a stir of emotion. He had harbored some concerns, but only now did he grasp what had been troubling him.

If this potent Healing Medicine were to become widespread, and if other nations got hold of it—or even just stockpiled it—it would pose a colossal threat to China.

As Qu Moyao pointed out, Injury Medicine that can expedite healing is not something that can be valued in dollars and cents. It's about a team's robust combat capability and the potential to boost morale—these are indeed priceless.

“Talking about selling it is too formal. Without a strong nation, there can be no prosperous home. Even a farmer like me understands that. Since you need it, I'm willing to gift the recipe to you. And as for the other herb, I can supply that as well, though you'll need to cultivate it with care,” Zhang Xiaolong offered generously.

“You… really don't have to be so magnanimous…” Qu Moyao murmured, knowing well that such generosity would leave some utterly exasperated.

Do you realize how much money that statement could generate for the country?

Yet, this is somewhat of a jest. With Xiaolong's recipe, the combat effectiveness of each team could increase by a minimum of 30%. And as I've said before, this is certainly not something that can be quantified in monetary terms.

“Also, I must emphasize that once this recipe is acquired, it will become classified information. You won't be able to disclose any details about it, as doing so would constitute leaking state secrets!” Qu Moyao quickly clarified some critical concerns.

“Ah?” Xiaolong was taken aback. He hadn't considered profiting from the military, but being prohibited from using it altogether posed a dilemma. “No, that won't do—I'd rather not give it away!”

He could forego running a pharmaceutical company or switch to producing other medicines. He could supply the Beauty Preserving Grass, but being barred from using it in the future meant he couldn't even include the Beauty Preserving Fruit in cosmetics. The implications were far too extensive.

“But…” Qu Moyao grew anxious once more.

She was torn, not wanting her beloved to be at a disadvantage, yet eager to secure this exceptional resource for the nation.

“Mr. Zhang, what's going on? You've got Dr. Qu all worked up,” Liu Zhongjun and Gao Loong interjected, having noticed the commotion and quickly joined the conversation.

After a brief hesitation, Qu Moyao recounted the previous discussion to them.

“I see…” Liu Zhongjun's expression turned grave.

In the past, they would have gone to great lengths to extract the formula from Xiaolong.

Even if he refused, they would have taken him to their superiors for debriefing, not missing such a golden opportunity.

But now, he had been willing to volunteer the formula, and he was their lifesaver. To coerce him now would be excessive.

“May I offer a suggestion?” Gao Loong interjected. With no objections, he proceeded, “As soldiers, we don't fuss over scars. Scars earned in battle are like badges of honor. The important thing is to stay alive. So, what if we do this: provide our troops with the medicine that heals wounds the fastest, and for civilians, a version that takes a bit longer? People aren't usually in a rush, and ultimately, a scar-free healing will surely be popular. Does that sound like a good compromise?”

“Heh, I never would've pegged you as the type to come up with such a great idea. I think it's going to work!” Liu Zhongjun exclaimed, clapping his hands in approval.

“You all are oversimplifying things,” Qu Moyao countered, less optimistic. “Just the name Blood Converging Vine has already caused some to go to great lengths to target us, all to uncover this secret. Even if the two items aren't exactly the same, if people start connecting the dots and find unfamiliar herb names in Xiaolong's medicine, do you realize the potential fallout?”

Her expression was etched with concern, not least for Zhang Xiaolong's safety.

“It seems unlikely on the surface, since altering the medicinal effects would typically prevent such associations. But even with a one in ten thousand chance, we must be cautious. And the names of unique herbs are sure to raise eyebrows; we can't afford to overlook that,” Qu Moyao stated gravely.

After pondering for a moment, Liu Zhongjun chuckled and said, “Dr. Qu, it seems your concern may be clouding your judgment. Just because we can't solve this issue doesn't mean others can't. If we simply make a request to the authorities, leaving the ingredients out of a certain brand of medicine shouldn't be an issue, right?”

“Really? That's an option?” It was the first time Zhang Xiaolong had heard of such a thing.

“Yes, it is,” Qu Moyao confirmed, as if the idea had just come to her. She breathed a sigh of relief and her face softened into a gentle smile. “But leaving it all out might look suspicious. I think we could list some common medicines and note the absence of rapid effects suitable for military use. That should deter others from pursuing the formula.”

“Exactly! It's all about scar removal. Those girls in the city would do anything to get rid of a scar as small as a sesame seed. Mr. Zhang, if you market that scar removal medicine, it's bound to be a hit. Women can be so silly about these things,” Gao Loong said, bursting into laughter.

He had only gotten halfway through his laugh when he abruptly felt two deadly stares piercing through him, sending a chill down his spine. “I think I've forgotten something. You guys carry on, I need to head out…”

“Gao Loong!” Perhaps it was Zhang Xiaolong's presence that softened Qu Moyao's usually icy tone, though it now carried an even more intimidating edge. “I've heard you've been improving your martial arts skills lately. How about we have a little sparring session?”

“No, no, no…” Gao Loong backed away, then turned and bolted. “I was referring to the women outside. Mr. Zhang, Dr. Qu is in a league of her own, far beyond their reach…”