Yu Ye also saw Lu Chengsha and Hua Yan. He seemed to have forgotten the unpleasant farewell from last time, smiled slightly at them, and looked as usual, as if meeting old friends.
Hua Yan, who was fully prepared to face any alarming words from him again, was momentarily stunned by his audacity.
She truly did not understand him at all.
At this moment, Yu Ye was mingling among the disciples of the righteous sects, and there was no discernible difference. He didn’t have the slightest trace of the demonic sect’s aura.
Hua Yan also noticed that the shackles on Yu Ye’s hands were gone.
She quickly calculated in her mind and realized it was not suitable to confront him directly now. She pulled Lu Chengsha’s sleeve and dragged him away, saying coldly, “Ignore him. Let’s go!”
Lu Chengsha’s hand, which was in mid-air, dropped down.
Fortunately, Yu Ye didn’t have time to bother with them now; he was in the eye of the storm.
“Did he really trace it to this place? What if he’s colluding with the demonic sect leader? What if he’s just making things up?”
Yu Ye sighed and said, “You all don’t have to believe me. But regarding the tracking, I can face my conscience.”
Someone beside him spoke up for him, “Young Master Yu just accidentally entered the demonic lair. He has long since abandoned the dark for the light, repented thoroughly… We have also seen the traces left by the demonic sect leader during our pursuit, but he is too cunning and escaped too quickly!”
“Our Cixin Valley isn’t a place you can enter just like that. We haven’t seen any suspicious people coming in these past few days.”
“The demon is inside now. Will you let us in or not?”
Ming Qi was equally troubled. He did not want to have a conflict with the Dangshan Sect!
Though he could fight, in a real battle against the Dangshan Sect, he would definitely be outmatched—unlike the Qingcheng Sect, which could fight the Dangshan Sect evenly!
But his fellow disciples didn’t think so. Whenever they traveled, as long as they wore the Cixin Valley disciple attire and displayed the white silk with bells on their wrists, people in the martial world treated them with respect. Over time, their tempers grew accordingly.
Of course, this wasn’t a big problem. There were over a thousand doctors in the valley, most of whom couldn’t fight. If they didn’t maintain a bit of fierceness, how could the doctors have peaceful days in the valley?
But… others might not fear it, but he did!
Getting beaten hurts!
“You Dangshan Sect might be powerful, but our Cixin Valley is not to be bullied either. If you say the person is inside, show us the evidence. If you can’t find it…” Ming Qi’s senior brother beside him continued aggressively, “How will you compensate?”
A disciple of the Dangshan Sect replied coldly, “Then step aside and let us search first.”
“I refuse! Even if your sect master, Ling Tianxiao, comes, I won’t let you in!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a tall man riding a horse approached from a distance. He had white hair and a white beard, a dark complexion, and an imposing presence even when not angry. It was Ling Tianxiao himself.
No one expected him to come personally. The scene, which had been a chaotic quarrel among the various sects, fell silent. Even the disciples of Cixin Valley had to shut their mouths.
Hua Yan pulled Lu Chengsha aside to watch the show. She even took out a small bag of sunflower seeds from her sleeve and asked Lu Chengsha if he wanted some.
Lu Chengsha glanced at her and silently extended his hand.
Hua Yan generously poured half of the seeds into his hand.
Ling Tianxiao dismounted, his blue-gray sword robe drawing an arc through the air. His sharp gaze swept over the disciples of the smaller sects, causing them to shrink back, wishing they could bury themselves in the ground. After a cursory glance, he walked straight ahead.
Ming Qi had already retreated to the side.
However, his fearless senior brother still wanted to step forward and stop Ling Tianxiao.
Wake up! That’s Ling Tianxiao!
Although his temper had improved with age, it was said that in his younger years, his temper was worse than that of Chu Jun!
Sure enough, Ling Tianxiao, oblivious, brushed aside the clueless Cixin Valley disciple with his arm and chest.
The Cixin Valley disciple let out an involuntary scream, feeling as if his shoulder had been scraped by a steel plate. He hurriedly lifted his clothes to check if he was injured.
At that moment, something unexpected happened.
Two poorly dressed peasant women appeared from nowhere, wailing and rushing up to hug Ling Tianxiao’s legs, crying loudly.
“Great hero, please, you must seek justice for us! My husband couldn’t eat or drink and was wasting away. The doctor told us to come to Cixin Valley. We sold our cow and chickens to scrape together the money for the consultation. But after a few doses of medicine, my husband… he died! The medicine from Cixin Valley killed him, and they refused to take responsibility, accusing us of slander!”
“Great hero, you look like a formidable person. You must help us get justice! My sister and I will kowtow to you!”
Ling Tianxiao stood stiffly, his face, already dark, now as black as the bottom of a pot.
If it were disciples from other sects clinging to him, he could easily kick them away. But these were two peasant women with no martial skills. One kick from him, and they might lose half their lives.
The disciples of the Dangshan Sect, following Ling Tianxiao, hurried to rescue their sect master.
However, these peasant women, accustomed to farm work, were quite strong and shamelessly held on. The Dangshan Sect disciples found it difficult to pry them off.
The two peasant women were crying out loudly, their voices echoing, nearly rolling on the ground. At some point, a small boy had joined them, also crying, and their combined volume was even louder than the earlier argument between the disciples of Cixin Valley and the Dangshan Sect.
The disciples of Cixin Valley were now watching the scene with amusement, some even trying to stifle their laughter.
Hua Yan couldn’t help but chuckle. She walked over and patted Ming Qi’s shoulder, curiously asking, “What’s going on?”
Ming Qi jumped, his shoulder twitching as he stepped aside cautiously before turning his head. “You… you… what are you doing here… Lu… Lu…”
Hua Yan pointed to the side. “He’s over there.”
Ming Qi followed her finger and saw that Lu Chengsha was still surrounded by a vacuum-like space.
However… what was he doing now?
Ming Qi widened his eyes in disbelief as he saw the cold-eyed, indifferent young man in black… eating sunflower seeds.
What the heck?
Had Lu Chengsha been possessed?
Hua Yan, thinking he wanted some, kindly offered him some seeds. “If you want, I can share some with you. Now, quickly tell me what’s happening!”
Frightened, Ming Qi moved aside again.
It was his senior brother next to him who, rubbing his shoulder, said, “Why are these two back again? There should be a limit to their pestering. We’ve refunded their consultation fee and compensated them. Brother Zhang’s prescription had no issues… Her husband was already in critical condition, his body couldn’t take it, but they keep demanding an explanation.”
He spoke casually, not expecting the keen-eared peasant woman to hear him. She turned and shouted, “Nonsense! My husband was getting better, but suddenly he worsened… It must be your medicine!” She clung to Ling Tianxiao’s leg again, wailing, “Tiezi, you died so miserably! As long as I live, I will seek justice for you!”
Her mournful cries, combined with the presence of the dark-faced Ling Tianxiao, made no one dare to approach.
In the crowd, a figure in moon-white robes stepped forward. Yu Ye crouched down and offered a plain white handkerchief, saying, “Madam, I have some knowledge of medicine. If you have any doubts, feel free to discuss them with me.”
The peasant woman glanced at Yu Ye’s attire and continued crying, “You’re in cahoots with them, aren’t you!”
Yu Ye shook his head. “I am not from Cixin Valley, nor do I know them.” His voice was gentle, like flowing water, inherently soothing. “Madam, please let go of Sect Master Ling’s leg and wipe your tears, alright?” He smiled slightly. “If you cry too much, your face won’t look nice.”
Hua Yan was dumbfounded.
The peasant woman’s face was weather-beaten, her features contorted with grief, and she was far from looking pleasant. But Yu Ye’s expression and tone were sincere, as if he genuinely meant it.
Could he really treat every woman with the same attitude?
The more Hua Yan thought about it, the more terrifying it seemed.
However, it was indeed effective.
The peasant woman, who had been completely unpresentable just a moment ago, suddenly seemed to develop a sense of shame. She not only let go of Ling Tianxiao’s leg but also smoothed her hair before taking the handkerchief from Yu Ye, wiping her tears. “You seem like a good person, so I’ll tell you.”
As soon as she let go, the other peasant woman also released her grip.
Ling Tianxiao was finally freed. Though his expression remained unchanged, everyone could tell he was relieved.
The peasant woman quickly recounted her husband’s symptoms and then carefully unfolded a prescription she had kept against her inner clothing, showing it to Yu Ye. “This is the prescription from Cixin Valley…” She looked a bit embarrassed. “I can’t read, so I don’t understand it…”
Yu Ye smiled gently. “No problem, I can read it for you.”
He read the prescription aloud. The surrounding disciples of Cixin Valley, all knowledgeable in herbal medicine, listened and said, “What’s wrong with this prescription?”
“Exactly!”
Yu Ye frowned slightly, as if pondering.
At that moment, a thin, pale hand reached over and gently took the prescription from the peasant woman’s hand.
The peasant woman, seeing the prescription taken, was about to react but froze before she could speak.
The disciples of Cixin Valley immediately greeted, “Greetings, Valley Master!”
“Greetings, Valley Master!”
Hua Yan also noticed the person who had approached unnoticed. He, too, wore spotless white clothes, but compared to the attire of the Cixin Valley disciples, his were overly simple. His long hair draped over his shoulders, not at all disheveled, very smooth, much like his demeanor—calm and gentle. He appeared to be in his thirties or forties, with unremarkable features, excessively thin, and his face had a grayish hue, indicating illness.
He gazed at the prescription in his hand with a calm expression, his presence equally serene.
Hua Yan could tell he had no martial arts skills at all, but strangely, he exuded a peaceful aura, as if just being near him could quell any anger.
Throughout her journey, Hua Yan had met many people, but this was the first time she had encountered someone like this, who felt so unusual.
Is this the master of Cixin Valley, Nian Yi?
Hua Yan had heard Yu Ye mention his name many times and always thought he was a very powerful and forceful person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made Yu Ye so anxious. However, the person in front of her seemed completely non-threatening.
But then she wondered, did Yu Ye really chase the demonic sect leader here? Or was he intentionally targeting Cixin Valley?
If Cixin Valley’s reputation was damaged, their pharmacy business would certainly be affected, and consequently, his Yufeng Hall could benefit.
Hua Yan never used to think this way, but now she wasn’t so sure.
Following behind Nian Yi was a slightly plump middle-aged man. With a polite smile, he addressed Ling Tianxiao, “Master Ling, it is an honor to have you here. My apologies for not greeting you sooner. I am Xue Tingshan, the manager of Cixin Valley. I have already been informed of your purpose here. The delay was due to discussing it with our Valley Master. It is perfectly fine for you and your men to search the valley. We will also prepare accommodations for you. However, the valley is quite large, and if you stay for an extended period, it might disturb many of our patients. Therefore, may I ask that you find the demonic sect leader you claim is hiding here within seven days? Is that acceptable?”
His words were polite, but the underlying message was clear: you have seven days, find him or leave.
Ling Tianxiao thought for a moment and replied, “Alright.”
The conflict was resolved in an instant.
Meanwhile, Nian Yi had finished examining the prescription.
He returned the prescription to the peasant woman, saying, “I will further investigate if there are any issues. You may stay in the valley for now.” His voice was gentle yet carried a reassuring certainty.
The peasant woman stopped causing a scene.
After speaking, Nian Yi walked away without even greeting Ling Tianxiao, and everyone seemed accustomed to it.
Hua Yan couldn’t help but pat Ming Qi’s shoulder again and remarked, “Your Valley Master is quite impressive.”
Ming Qi was startled again, almost wanting to plead, “Please, stop patting me.” However, hearing her mention Nian Yi, he couldn’t help but elaborate, “Our Valley Master is rather reclusive and doesn’t like to talk much. Everyone is used to it. He is actually very easygoing. I’ve never seen him get angry unless one of the doctors is injured.”
Hearing this, Hua Yan couldn’t help but think of Lu Chengsha.
Looking back, she saw Lu Chengsha still eating sunflower seeds, seemingly indifferent to everything happening around him.
Noticing her gaze, he paused slightly, then looked away.
Hua Yan blinked and also looked away.
Ming Qi, sensing the tension, cautiously asked, “Did you two have a fight?”
Hua Yan responded, “Huh? No! Why do you ask?”
Ming Qi hesitated, “Then why are you two… like this?” He thought for a moment and added, “Did you read the note I gave you?”
Hua Yan nodded silently, then leaned in and whispered, “…Is that what it means?”
Ming Qi leaned back, exclaiming, “What else could it mean!”
Though she was already sure, Hua Yan couldn’t help but ask, “He really… likes me?”
For heaven’s sake, anyone could see it!
Ming Qi confirmed emphatically, “Yes, he does.”
As soon as he said it, Ming Qi regretted his straightforwardness.
Lady, please stop smiling like that! It’s giving me goosebumps!
Hua Yan slapped him lightly and whispered, “No need to say it so loudly!” She then said quietly, “I know, okay.” After thinking for a moment, she added, “Can you… say it again?”
Ming Qi was puzzled, “…???”
Hua Yan urged, “Hurry up!”
With a blank expression, Ming Qi said, “…Lu Chengsha, Young Master Lu, likes you.”
Why are you still smiling? Is it really necessary to be this happy about such an obvious thing?
Is it just him who doesn’t get the charm of young lovers?
By this time, disciples from various sects had already entered the valley one after another.
Finally, Hua Yan followed Lu Chengsha into the valley.
Ming Qi wiped the sweat from his forehead, thinking, Alright, go show off your love, just stop scaring me!
He tidied up and returned to his medical duties.
After the commotion at the gate today, fewer people had come for consultations. As Ming Qi wrote down the day’s records, he wondered if he could slack off and go back to rest early. Just then, someone walked up to him.
“Oh, what’s your ailment?”
The person remained silent for a moment and then said, “I can’t control myself.”
Hearing this, Ming Qi looked up sharply to see the fearsome Lu Chengsha standing before him, with dark, confused eyes.