Chapter Sixty-Three: Farewell

Just as Che Wuyou had predicted, early the next morning, Zhang Qing’er awoke. However, her body was still frail from her injuries; after opening her eyes and uttering a few words, she soon drifted back into deep slumber.

Both Master Zhang and Zhang Yuan had urgent matters awaiting them, but seeing that Zhang Qing’er’s condition was at last improving, their hearts brimmed with joy. After keeping watch for another two days, they decided to bid farewell to the people of Miao Manor at dawn the following day.

As night deepened, in the spacious and brightly lit room, Master Zhang Wanli gazed at Zhang Qing’er with affection and could not help but smile, “Qing’er, your wounds are gradually healing—shall we return home together tomorrow morning?”

“Great-grandfather, why so soon?” Upon hearing the words “go home,” Zhang Qing’er felt inexplicably melancholy and reluctant to leave this place. Especially when she recalled that gentle smile, a warmth etched in her mind, a subtle sense of longing welled up in her heart.

“You silly child, we’ve stayed here for four days already. We can’t very well impose ourselves indefinitely—though we must admit, it’s thanks to young brother Wuyou that your recovery has been so swift.” At this, Master Zhang’s face darkened with anger. “The Eastern Sect’s people are truly detestable. If I ever discover who did this, I will see them ground to dust!”

“Father, I suspect the death of Ping’er and his wife is related to them as well,” Zhang Yuan said, his voice seething with rage. “Otherwise, in all of Ji Prefecture, who would dare lay a finger on our Ping’er?”

Ping’er, whom Zhang Yuan spoke of, was Zhang Qing’er’s father, assassinated years ago. The Zhang family had always suspected the Eastern Sect but lacked concrete proof. Within the Xuanqing Sect, the Eastern and Western branches often clashed overtly and covertly, and in recent years, their rivalry had grown ever more fierce. Thus, when Zhang Qing’er was grievously wounded, their first suspicion fell upon the Eastern Sect.

“Father, perhaps we should strike first. If we let them continue unchecked, who knows what calamities might ensue? This time, Qing’er was fortunate, but what of next time? I dare not imagine.” Zhang Yuan spoke with a hint of dread.

“No hurry... We still have three Great Huai Pills. The two from the Medicine Garden must remain untouched, but the one refined by Liu Lanzhi may be used.” Master Zhang’s gaze was deep and thoughtful as he looked at Zhang Yuan. “Though the Great Huai Pill is famed for healing, it contains an abundance of primordial essence. If you take it, you may well use this opportunity to break through to the middle stage of Core Formation—then our chances will be greater.”

Zhang Yuan was tempted, but hesitated, “But we owe the Miao family a tremendous debt. How can we repay them? Two Great Huai Pills—especially top-grade ones—would cost us everything.”

“Ha, ha, ha! You’re too stubborn. If our Xuanqing Sect prospers, so will Miao Manor. Owing one pill or two makes little difference. Perhaps we should betroth Qing’er to Che Wuyou—that would settle the debt, wouldn’t it?” Master Zhang looked at Qing’er with playful mischief.

He meant it, for in Master Zhang’s eyes, Che Wuyou was a rare gem. If Che Wuyou became his grandson-in-law, his alchemical skills would elevate the entire Xuanqing Sect. Yet, he knew his granddaughter was proud—she would only marry a true master of Core Formation. Thus, his words were merely jest.

“I... You’re bullying me! I won’t speak to you anymore!” Zhang Qing’er wanted to declare, “I would never agree! My future husband will be a hero who achieves Core Formation before thirty!” But as the words reached her lips, she could not utter them.

Her cheeks flushed crimson, her heart raced like a startled fawn. “Why do I feel a gentle joy whenever others mention him? Why does my mind replay that inexplicable smile?” She felt both anxious and afraid.

The next day, just at dawn, as Master Zhang was about to bid farewell to the Miao family, Zhang Qing’er’s illness suddenly worsened. Both Master Zhang and Zhang Yuan were thrown into panic—how could she relapse when she’d been well the night before? Not daring to delay, they urgently summoned Che Wuyou, who examined her carefully, though he too was puzzled. Everything seemed fine.

Seeing their anxious faces, Che Wuyou explained, “Perhaps her energy has not fully recovered, and she’s spoken too much lately. She’s merely exhausted... It should be nothing serious.”

Relieved by Che Wuyou’s words, they nevertheless dared not risk traveling with Zhang Qing’er, fearing any mishap on the journey home. In the end, they left Hongshun and Hongtao behind, instructing them to care for the young lady diligently.

Hongshun and Hongtao had become the rising stars of the Xuanqing Sect. Their merit in escorting Che Wuyou, coupled with their acquaintance with him, had earned them the rare status of elders of the Sect.

These days, their lives had been exceedingly comfortable, showered with rewards—spiritual herbs, treasures, techniques. They could hardly stop laughing, recalling how they once vied bitterly for the post of hall master, only to gain nothing. Now, for escorting Che Wuyou, they had become the youngest elders.

When Master Zhang Wanli and Zhang Yuan departed, they could not help but thank Che Wuyou profusely. First, for saving their only granddaughter—a debt of immense gratitude. Second, because the top-grade Great Huai Pill was so precious that even with Master Zhang’s status, he could hardly produce anything comparable unless he sold off the entire Sect.

Despite being a Core Formation elder, Master Zhang found himself owing a vast debt to a youth of the Qi Refining stage, which was somewhat embarrassing. To repay him, he gifted Che Wuyou two of his three lower-grade treasured weapons, along with herbs and techniques as extra compensation.

Yet it still felt insufficient; Master Zhang felt deeply indebted. In the end, he thickened his face and said, “Brother Wuyou, I know these gifts aren’t enough for your pill, so I’ll offer my precious granddaughter as collateral. If she’s willing, she’s yours—take good care of her.”

“...Well, that way neither of us loses out. We’ll be family, so let’s not talk about yours or mine—such distinctions are too formal, ha ha ha!”

Master Zhang patted Che Wuyou on the shoulder, laughing slyly. Even Zhang Yuan secretly despised his father’s shamelessness, thinking, “How can anyone be so brazen? Clearly, I am still too young.”

Che Wuyou, though aware it was a joke, blushed deeply and stammered, “Master Zhang, you’re too generous. It’s only a pill—it’s not worth so much. Besides, you’ve already given me so much, you needn’t feel indebted.”

In Che Wuyou’s mind, he truly did not grasp the value of the Great Huai Pill. Though its refinement had cost him effort and worsened his injuries, he did not believe the top-grade pill to be worth so much.

Yet words spoken thoughtlessly can weigh heavily. Liu Lanzhi, observing Che Wuyou and Master Zhang’s cheerful conversation, grew angry. Of course he thinks the pill isn’t valuable—he’s been offered the precious granddaughter, and she’s the real treasure.

Fuming, Liu Lanzhi ignored all subsequent words. Watching Che Wuyou’s “reluctant” farewell to the Zhangs, her expression grew colder.

Ever since their assassination attempt, Che Wuyou and Liu Lanzhi had been busy recuperating. Before their injuries healed, they labored over pill refinement. After finishing, Che Wuyou was consumed with saving Zhang Qing’er. These days, they barely exchanged greetings, let alone spoke at length. Seeing the Zhangs depart, Che Wuyou finally relaxed and looked for Liu Lanzhi, keen to have a proper conversation.

“Hmph...” Before he could say a word, Liu Lanzhi snorted coldly and turned away.

Che Wuyou’s smile froze on his face. What was wrong with Lanzhi? She was always cheerful. Watching her stride away, he hurried after her, “Lanzhi, where are you going? Wait for me!”

“I’m going to practice sword by the river. I have no time for irrelevant people,” Liu Lanzhi’s voice was icy.

“Alright, it’s been ages since I practiced. My skills are rusty—let’s go together,” Che Wuyou said eagerly.

“Who wants to go with you? You practice yours, I practice mine.”

“But we always practice together.”

“That was before. This isn’t before. Hmph... Besides, you should practice with Zhang Qing’er, not me.”

“Uh... But she’s still injured. How could she practice sword?” Che Wuyou stared at Liu Lanzhi’s back, perplexed. What was wrong? Zhang Qing’er was bedridden—how could she even get up, let alone practice?

“Then wait till she’s healed and go practice with her. I’ll practice on my own,” Liu Lanzhi retorted, her anger intensifying. With that, she stalked off, ignoring Che Wuyou standing there bewildered.