The story takes place in a mountain village on the southwestern frontier of China in the 1960s and 70s. Zhang, a traveling doctor, treats difficult and unusual illnesses with simple herbal remedies and is deeply respected. The story revolves around the secrets of these herbs, especially the key herb known as Spiritheart Grass, which grows in dangerous places and can only be gathered at specific times and according to particular rituals.
A mysterious stranger arrives in the village, intent on stealing the herbs for profit. Zhang steps up his efforts to protect them and decides to pass their secrets on to the kindhearted young Li. But a devastating flood destroys most of the herb-growing areas, forcing Zhang and Li to embark on a difficult journey to find a new source.
Along the way, they face one challenge after another: getting lost, running out of food, wild animal attacks, and falling into traps. Yet they also make unexpected discoveries and find hope in the traces left behind by those who came before. In the end, they locate a new source and return with the herbs to treat the villagers. They must contend with the envy and doubts of their fellow practitioners, while also considering how traditional medicine might develop alongside modern medicine. Li gradually comes into his own, ensuring the tradition lives on.
The story portrays Zhang and Li's resilience, wisdom, and kindness as they protect and pass down the secrets of herbal medicine and the healing arts. It tells of their remarkable journey, filled with both challenges and hope.
