Frank Yates stepped out of the Virtue Hall pharmacy, a satisfied weight in the plastic bags hanging from his fingers.
In addition to the twenty-year-old wild mountain ginseng, he had purchased a selection of other premium medicinal herbs: Lingzhi mushrooms, Angelica Sinensis, and Polygonatum. These weren't just random roots; they were specific catalysts chosen to amplify the spiritual properties of the White Jade Turtle.
He hailed a cab and headed back to Vivi Lynch’s apartment.
Inside the sleek, modern apartment, Vivi was sprawled on the living room sofa, her legs draped over the armrest. She was scrolling through a drama series on her tablet, but her attention was drifting.
Her stomach gave a traitorous rumble.
Gurgle.
"Ugh," Vivi groaned, tossing the tablet aside. She glanced at t
