Chapter Thirty-Eight: Return to the Manor

Hongshun had his own reasons for acting as he did. Judging from the earlier scene, it seemed clear that the pair, Che Liu and Liu Lanzhi, were led by Liu Lanzhi. Moreover, Liu Lanzhi repeatedly claimed to be the young mistress of the Miao family estate, and though still a child, her cultivation had already reached the peak of the Purple Palace realm. With such extraordinary talent, it was likely her skills in medicine would be equally impressive.

In comparison, Che Wuyou stood out only for his remarkable ability to withstand beatings, and nothing else. His aptitude was abysmal—where Hongshun had already broken through to the Purple Palace realm at Che Wuyou's age, the latter lingered in the late Qi Refinement stage, perhaps even stuck in the mid-stage. Among all the people Hongshun knew, Che Wuyou's talent ranked at the very bottom. If he were truly Miao Shilin's disciple, then Miao Shilin could only be described as blind. Such a person, taken as a disciple? In the Xuanqing Sect, he would have been no more than a menial servant.

Looking at Che Wuyou's face, which was ordinary and carried a hint of timidity, his dull and honest expression even betrayed a touch of foolishness. With someone like this, even if his medical talent was impressive, how far could it go? The idea that he could cure the young lady's illness was something Hongshun would never believe, not even if his life depended on it.

Hongshun led the way, Che Wuyou following closely behind. It was Che Wuyou’s first time visiting another sect, and curiosity mingled with anxiety as he prepared to meet the master of the Xuanqing Sect. His desire to examine the Xuanqing Sect’s layout was quickly overwhelmed by his nervousness.

Though Che Wuyou knew nothing of the sect master’s character, observing the conduct of the Xuanqing Sect’s disciples convinced him that the master would be a difficult person to deal with. He worried about having to treat the sect master’s granddaughter, despite his earlier confident promises. In truth, he had no certainty at all—his bravado had merely been to provoke Hongshun. He had never treated anyone before; today was his first attempt. And this was no ordinary case—if he succeeded, all would rejoice, but if he failed, not only would he be in grave danger, he might drag Liu Lanzhi down with him. In such circumstances, how could he not worry?

But worry changed nothing. If the girl’s injury was not severe, he might have a chance to help. If she were gravely wounded and near death, his meager skills would be of no use, and even the Medicine King reborn might be powerless. Clearly, from what he had gathered, her condition was not promising. Were it a minor injury, the Xuanqing Sect—with its formidable power in Jizhou—would have no need for outside help.

Lost in their own thoughts, Hongshun and Che Wuyou did not notice how quickly time passed. Soon, they arrived at a grand hall. Hongshun quietly spoke a few words to the guards, who, though skeptical and casting a suspicious glance at Che Wuyou, dared not slacken. They hurriedly went inside...

Not long after, a deep voice from within the hall called, “You may enter.”

Hearing this, Hongshun’s expression grew solemn. He quickly signaled Che Wuyou, then half-bowed and entered. Upon entering, he only glanced briefly at the imposing figure seated at the hall’s main position before bowing deeply and saying, “Master, this youngster I brought claims to be Miao Shilin’s disciple, and has confidently asserted that he can cure the young lady’s injury. I am ignorant and cannot discern truth from falsehood, and as this matter is so important, I dared not make the decision alone, so I brought him here. Wise master, I wonder...” He spoke while furtively observing the seated figure, clearly fearful.

The figure swept his gaze over Che Wuyou, grunting noncommittally, his tone unreadable as he asked, “Did the Miao family send only him?”

Hongshun bowed even lower. “There is also a little girl—I had her wait outside.”

The figure’s voice rose. “Since the Miao family sent two, why did you bring only him inside? That is not how our Xuanqing Sect treats guests.”

Hongshun wiped sweat from his brow. “The two children’s stories are inconsistent; I suspect they are not from the Miao estate. This youngster, though young, boasts of his medical prowess. I am doubtful, but willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“But the little girl’s claims are far more outrageous. She is called Liu Lanzhi, about twelve years old, yet she insists she is the young mistress of the Miao estate. We have always been on good terms with the Miao family, but have never heard of a young mistress. Even if they wished to appoint one, Miao Shilin would never choose a twelve-year-old child. Besides, four years ago, we heard that Yang Cheng had already been designated as the young master.

“Therefore, I took the liberty of leaving the girl outside. Though the boy may not speak the truth, compared to Liu Lanzhi, he is far more honest.”

The figure listened and examined Che Wuyou again, indeed finding him “honest.” He shook his head—if this child was truly Miao Shilin’s disciple, then Miao Shilin’s judgment was slipping, sending two children to treat his beloved granddaughter.

Though this troubled him, he maintained a calm smile. “So, you are a young brother from the Miao estate. The journey must have been hard.” He turned to the side and instructed Hongtao, “Go and bring Miao family’s Han Feng here.”

After Hongtao left, he looked at Che Wuyou and smiled, “Your sixth senior brother, Han Feng, has already been invited. You brothers should discuss Qing’er’s condition together; this will make curing her more certain.”

Upon hearing that Han Feng had been summoned, Che Wuyou’s face changed. Han Feng was his old rival—the person he feared most. Especially in such disadvantageous circumstances, meeting him could spell trouble; worst of all, Han Feng might seize the chance to accuse him of not being Miao Shilin’s disciple...

Suddenly, Che Wuyou recalled how nothing had gone smoothly since arriving at the Xuanqing Sect. Perhaps none of it was coincidence—perhaps Han Feng was behind it all. If so, Han Feng’s goal was clearly to use others to destroy him, and when they met, he would surely not let the opportunity slip. As these thoughts raced, cold sweat broke out on Che Wuyou; the scheme was truly ruthless and sinister.

As Che Wuyou’s anxiety grew, a shadow darted in at the door—Hongtao, returning. Hongtao glanced at Che Wuyou with an expressionless face, then approached the imposing figure at the main seat and whispered in his ear. The figure listened, all the while regarding Che Wuyou with a cold, murderous gaze. Che Wuyou felt as if he had plunged into an icy abyss—his worst fears had come true. If Han Feng were to speak for him, it would be as likely as the sun rising in the west.

As soon as Hongtao finished, the figure abruptly stood, and a powerful aura enveloped Che Wuyou, making his breath catch. The figure’s voice was cold, “Are you still unwilling to tell the truth? Who sent you here, and for what purpose? Speak.”

Che Wuyou inwardly lamented—so it was, Han Feng truly meant to use others to kill him. Though he knew the Xuanqing Sect’s master was unlikely to believe his words, Che Wuyou hurried to explain, “Master, I am indeed Miao Shilin’s disciple. Han Feng and I have never gotten along. Moreover, he is aligned with Senior Brother Yang Cheng, and Yang Cheng and Lanzhi are mortal enemies in their fight for the family headship. Han Feng is Yang Cheng’s man, so he naturally wishes us dead—he is trying to use you to kill us, Master, please do not fall for his trap.”

“You think I’ll believe these lies?” the figure replied, clearly unconvinced.

“If you still don’t believe me, I can prepare medicine or refine pills right here. These are solid, basic skills—impossible to fake. We can even refine a Yellow Grade, lower-tier pill on the spot. In southern Jizhou, besides the Miao family, who else can do this?” Che Wuyou argued.

“Besides the Miao family, our Xuanqing Sect can also refine Yellow Grade, lower-tier pills. That proves nothing.” Though the figure said this, his tone softened, showing he was wavering. After all, few sects in southern Jizhou excelled in alchemy, and it was rare for a child to boast of refining such pills.

“What must I do for you to believe I am from the Miao estate?” Che Wuyou asked, helpless. Was he to return to the Miao estate for witnesses? That would waste too much time—how could he treat the master’s granddaughter then?

The figure pondered for a moment and suddenly said, “It doesn’t matter whether you’re from the Miao estate or not; I don’t wish to pursue it further. Go back, both of you. You needn’t treat Qing’er’s injury—I won’t risk her life.” With that, he waved his hand, clearly indicating Hongtao should escort them out.

Che Wuyou was dumbfounded. He had believed his words, and was sending him away—was he leaving his granddaughter’s injury untreated? And what about Han Feng? Why had he not appeared—or was he busy treating the girl, unable to come out?