Flower-Appreciation Gathering (1)

When True Person Yu Qing's voice transmission rang out, Wen Jian was studying the Complete Compendium of Spirit Herbs by the pill furnace. The shock nearly made the book slip from his hands. The voice carried an unquestionable urgency beneath its authority. "Qingyu, hurry and sober Qingyang up. Order him to come see me in Clear Parasol Hall at once!"

"Yes, Sect Master Uncle." Wen Jian respectfully bowed toward empty air, his voice full of reluctance. But the sect master's command was as immovable as a mountain—how could he refuse?

He sighed, set down the book in his hands, then took a small bottle of green jade from the sandalwood rack beside him. His fingertips slowly rubbed the smooth bottle twice as he muttered under his breath, "What a waste."

With that, Wen Jian tucked the jade bottle into his sleeve and turned toward Lin Huaixu's residence.

Upon reaching the small courtyard where Lin Huaixu lived, Wen Jian strode swiftly through the corridor, his robes fluttering up a gust of clear wind.

As he reached Lin Huaixu's door, an intense, pungent stench of alcohol hit him head-on. Wen Jian could not help covering his nose and frowning. He raised his foot and, with a bang, kicked the half-closed door open.

Lin Huaixu lay sprawled across the messy bed, his snow-white inner robe half-open to reveal a broad expanse of sweat-slicked chest. Incessant indistinct mutters still spilled from his mouth.

"Fifth Senior Brother!" Wen Jian stood three steps away, his voice hard as iron.

Yet the man on the bed showed no response. He merely smacked his lips unconsciously and continued sinking into his drunken dream.

At the sight, the veins at Wen Jian's temple throbbed. He strode to the bedside, yanked away the brocade quilt half-covering Lin Huaixu, then efficiently drew out the green jade bottle and pushed its stopper open with his thumb.

In an instant, a crisp fragrance like the first meltwater of snow-capped mountains rapidly filled the room, suppressing the heavy smell of alcohol by a good third.

"What a squandering of heaven's gifts..." Wen Jian muttered again, but he still brought the bottle to Lin Huaixu's nose without hesitation. His other hand unceremoniously slapped the man's flushed cheek. "Wake up! The sect master summons you!"

Lin Huaixu's brows furrowed, and his head tilted unconsciously to one side as though he could not bear the disturbance. His lashes trembled a few times before he finally opened a pair of bleary drunken eyes.

His gaze was full of confusion and murkiness; clearly, he had not fully sobered from his hangover. His unfocused eyes drifted over Wen Jian's face before slowly closing again, as if he were about to fall asleep once more.

Wen Jian's teeth itched with anger. He grabbed Lin Huaixu fiercely by the collar, yanked him upright, then roughly dragged him to the table. Immediately afterward, he pulled a white porcelain bottle from the medicine case at his waist and poured out half a bowl of medicine as black as ink.

"Drink it!" Wen Jian forcibly shoved the bowl into Lin Huaixu's hand, but the latter merely stared blankly at the swaying liquid within, his eyes hollow and unresponsive.

Seeing this, Wen Jian simply snatched the bowl back. With one hand, he fiercely pinched Lin Huaixu's jaw and poured the medicine down his throat without another word. Lin Huaixu choked and erupted into violent coughing. Several drops of medicine ran from the corner of his mouth, staining his snowy inner robe with brown blotches.

"You... cough, cough... are murdering your senior brother..." Lin Huaixu laughed as he coughed, his voice so unsteady it seemed to be walking on clouds.

Wen Jian could not be bothered with him. He pressed two fingers of his right hand against Lin Huaixu's back, sending spiritual power flowing in like a babbling stream to hasten the medicine's effects.

Under Wen Jian's ministrations, the alcohol fumes in Lin Huaixu's body gradually dispersed, and his consciousness slowly cleared.

Lin Huaixu let out a long breath, and the haze in his eyes thinned somewhat. He shook his head, causing his black hair to slip over his shoulders, several strands sticking to the sweat-dampened side of his neck. He raised a hand to rub his temples, then suddenly gave an "Eh?" "Isn't this the scent of Pureheart Jade Dew? Ninth Junior Brother, you were actually willing to use it?"

"Shut up!" Wen Jian withdrew his hand and said irritably, "Do you think I wanted to? Can you stand? The sect master is waiting."

Lin Huaixu slowly rose while supporting himself on the table's edge, though his legs were still somewhat weak. He looked down at his disheveled clothes and suddenly smiled. "I can't exactly meet Sect Master Uncle like this, can I?"

As he spoke, he flicked his fingers. A Clear Breeze Technique swept over his body, and the wine stains and sweat marks instantly vanished. He then casually gathered up his loose hair and secured it with a white jade hairpin.

Wen Jian folded his arms and watched coldly, secretly sighing that this man tidied himself up remarkably fast. He had been drunk as mud moments ago, yet in the blink of an eye he had resumed the appearance of a graceful young gentleman—though his gaze was still somewhat unfocused.

Lin Huaixu straightened his collar and winked at Wen Jian. "Thank you for the 'Pureheart Jade Dew,' Ninth Junior Brother. Another day, Senior Brother will repay you with a jar of fine wine."

Wen Jian snorted. "Get going."

Lin Huaixu left with a smile and headed swiftly toward Clear Parasol Hall.

By the time Lin Huaixu sauntered leisurely into Clear Parasol Hall, True Person Yu Qing was standing upright before the corridor, peacefully gazing into the distance. When he saw Lin Huaixu, he beckoned. "Qingyang, come here."

Lin Huaixu took three steps in place of two as he approached lightly, his face piled with smiles. Grinning, he cupped his hands in salute. "Why did Sect Master Uncle summon this disciple?"

True Person Yu Qing lowered his voice and carefully explained to Lin Huaixu the matter of sounding people out that he had previously planned.

Lin Huaixu's eyes immediately lit up after hearing it, and his interest surged. He had always delighted in such amusing matters; this was exactly what he wanted. Without hesitation, he cheerfully agreed.

Then True Person Yu Qing's expression eased a little as he brought up Medicine King Valley's Flower-Appreciation Gathering. In an unhurried tone, he said, "Medicine King Valley has sent an invitation, inviting your master to appreciate flowers. As for who will accompany me... you martial brothers may discuss and decide among yourselves."

Lin Huaixu had just opened his mouth when True Person Yu Qing's eyes took on an unyielding firmness. He added, "However—Qingming and you must go."

"This disciple understands!" Lin Huaixu broke into a grin. "Rest assured, Sect Master Uncle. We'll make sure everything is handled perfectly!"

Before his words had even faded, he was already skipping out through the hall doors.

Having received True Person Yu Qing's orders, Lin Huaixu immediately sent voice transmissions to all his martial brothers, invoking the sect master's command directly. As expected, everyone quickly responded and gathered together.

Lin Huaixu stood before his martial brothers and sisters with his trademark smile. He clapped his hands sharply, signaling for everyone to quiet down.

"Everyone, I gathered you here today because there is an important matter to discuss." He cleared his throat lightly before continuing, "Medicine King Valley has invited the sect master to their Flower-Appreciation Gathering, and the arrangements for accompanying personnel have been left for us to decide. So, I would like to ask all of you—which of you is willing to go?"

Unexpectedly, the response was somewhat lukewarm.

As a medical cultivator, Wen Jian had always been passionate about rare spirit plants. The instant he heard the words "Medicine King Valley," his eyes sparkled like stars. Lin Mumu, simple-minded as she was, was somewhat moved by the prospect of seeing the dazzling flowers. As for the rest, their faces were indifferent, all looking thoroughly uninterested.

Chu Shihan remained as calm as ever, his arms crossed over his chest and his face as still as a deep pool, without the slightest ripple. Feng Yue stood at the very edge with his sword in his arms; hearing that the matter had nothing to do with cultivation, he lost interest.

Zhou Wan was embroidering a handkerchief. Upon hearing this, she gently shook her head, her lovely brows slightly knit as helplessness appeared on her face. Ye Jingxuan merely smiled faintly, but that smile conveyed a clear refusal.

The moment Song Zhiyi heard they would be leaving, he looked listless and silently retreated several steps into a corner. Their youngest martial sister, Su Miaoxi, idly twirled her hair around a finger, clearly having no interest in the subject.

Chu Xuan simply yawned hugely, leaning languidly against a vermilion-painted pillar as though she were nearly dozing off. Her eyes were half-lidded, her long lashes casting faint shadows under the moonlight. "What is there to look at in flowers and grass? I'd rather catch up on sleep in my room."

As she spoke, she leaned more heavily against the pillar. The hem of her butterfly-and-flower embroidered skirt fell over the stone steps, and she did not care that it had touched the night dew.

"What is wrong, Junior Sister? You're tired to this extent?" Seeing this, Zhou Wan smiled with concern and asked softly.

"A striped tiger under a junior sister's care had a difficult birth, so she asked me to help. After giving birth, the mother tiger became even more unable to bear being away from people. She's frightened and unsettled, temperamental, and bares her teeth at anyone she sees. Caring for her drains both mind and strength—I'm getting a splitting headache." Chu Xuan rubbed her temples, her face full of exhaustion.

"You've worked hard, Junior Sister." Zhou Wan spoke gently and took a sachet from her sleeve. "This is a calming incense I recently blended. Take it and use it."

"Then thank you, Senior Sister."

Seeing the topic gradually drift away, Lin Huaixu felt rather helpless. "Do you really have no interest in Medicine King Valley at all?"

"Isn't it enough for Sixth Senior Sister and Ninth Junior Brother to go?" Chu Xuan muttered with her eyes closed. "Fifth Senior Brother, you're definitely going too, right? You can go. I truly don't have the energy to join in this excitement."

Still unwilling to give up, Lin Huaixu tried to persuade them. "It's not some stiff and solemn occasion. Think of it as a chance to relax?"

"I truly am busy with many matters. Or would Junior Brother be willing to lend Senior Sister a hand?" Zhou Wan said with a smile. It was not that she genuinely lacked interest, but she truly could not get away. If someone could help share some of her workload, perhaps she might consider it.

"What about Youngest Junior Sister and Eleventh Junior Brother? You stay on the mountain all day—you must already be sick of it, right? Eldest Senior Brother? Third Senior Brother? Don't you want to relax a little?" Lin Huaixu hurriedly changed the subject.

Just then, Shen Yuxi's secretly muttered thoughts clearly entered everyone's ears. Medicine King Valley's Flower-Appreciation Gathering? Whoa, isn't that Eldest Senior Brother's personal harem showcase?

The moment those words came out, Chu Shihan's expression stiffened, while the other junior brothers and sisters instantly perked up. !!! Now that you put it that way, I'm suddenly not sleepy anymore.

Shen Yuxi continued thinking to himself. If I remember correctly, this Flower-Appreciation Gathering was actually a son-in-law selection event the Valley Master prepared for his own daughter.

The flower appreciation was real enough, but there was also a sparring competition. They gave it the lofty name of taking this rare opportunity for the younger generation to exchange pointers, but in truth, it was a martial arts marriage contest.

Whoa, it was actually like that?

Of course. No one was stupid; every one of them understood perfectly well. Aside from those who sincerely wanted to marry the Young Valley Master, everyone else deliberately held back during their fights. Only Eldest Senior Brother...

Shen Yuxi silently sighed, whetting everyone's appetite to the fullest.

A bitter smile flashed across Chu Shihan's face. ...Was I the only one who didn't notice?

The martial brothers and sisters could not help complaining in their hearts as well. Eldest Senior Brother is that stupid?

Shen Yuxi sighed inwardly once more. Sigh, it wasn't that Eldest Senior Brother truly failed to see it. It was just that throughout the competition, the opponents he met were either too weak to be worth mentioning, so he could defeat them easily, or complete drama queens. Otherwise, he encountered opponents he didn't want to lose to.

By the final match, he had planned to hold back, but his opponent was too fired up and not weak either. Eldest Senior Brother got carried away fighting and directly forgot this was a son-in-law selection event.

Chu Shihan's face alternated between red and white as he listened, not knowing how to react.

The martial brothers and sisters were both amused and exasperated, all lamenting inwardly. Well... Eldest Senior Brother, you really are...

But that's Eldest Senior Brother! The face of our Profound Heaven Sect! How could he possibly stay in Medicine King Valley as a live-in son-in-law?

The martial brothers and sisters hurriedly agreed in their hearts. Right, right!

The more Shen Yuxi thought about it, the more excited he became. That Medicine King Valley Master truly had courage! He believed his daughter's happiness mattered more than anything. He thought that Medicine King Valley would have to be passed on to his daughter sooner or later anyway; wherever his daughter was, Medicine King Valley would be there.

So he simply turned Medicine King Valley into a branch valley of Spirit Herb Peak. Marrying off his daughter was not enough—he even "married" all of Medicine King Valley's disciples into Profound Heaven Sect.

Everyone was utterly shocked upon hearing this. Holy shit, that's incredible!

Wen Jian's eyes shone even brighter. !! There's such a good thing? He had been coveting Medicine King Valley's medical texts for a long time!

Although Medicine King Valley was somewhat famous in the cultivation world, it was not a first-rate force in the Lingshu Heaven Domain. Joining Profound Heaven Sect in one stroke—how was that not soaring to the heavens in a single step?

Now let's look at it from Profound Heaven Sect's side. Eldest Senior Brother married a capable and excellent wife. This excellent wife cared only about her career, wanted only Profound Heaven Sect's spirit plants, and considered her feelings for Eldest Senior Brother secondary. She was fiercely independent and came with her own dowry, directly expanding Profound Heaven Sect's influence by a huge margin. How was that not perfect in every way?

Eldest Senior Brother, although you didn't gain a beauty's deep and devoted love, you at least gained a wife who would force you to fulfill your marital duties! Though after fulfilling those duties, she might pull up her pants and refuse to acknowledge you, at least you experienced it, right?

The tool-man Eldest Senior Brother himself: ...

Eldest Senior Brother's silence was deafening.

By now, the martial brothers and sisters had been thoroughly hooked. Their gazes met, and they all knowingly signaled Lin Huaixu with their eyes. The meaning could not have been clearer: anyone else could stay behind, but Fifth Senior Brother absolutely had to go.

Lin Huaixu had naturally intended to go as well. Leaving aside the fact that the sect master had explicitly required it, this Flower-Appreciation Gathering had not even begun and already such explosive gossip had surfaced. If he reached the scene and used his expert skill at drawing people out, who knew how much more shocking information he could dig up?

Wen Jian and Lin Mumu had already decided to go. Shen Yuxi thought that since this was Eldest Senior Brother's harem showcase, Eldest Senior Brother would definitely attend. That meant he could ship the official pairing on-site. He desperately wanted to go, yet did not wish to reveal it and break character.

Fortunately, Lin Huaixu helped him out. "I heard Second Senior Brother suffered two serious injuries in succession recently. Why not travel with us and receive treatment along the way, so as to avoid leaving behind hidden injuries?"

"Alright." Fifth Junior Brother, you're my superhero!

Lin Huaixu did not know what a superhero was, but he knew Second Senior Brother had to be praising him, and he could not help feeling pleased with himself.

At that moment, everyone's eyes turned in unison toward the protagonist of this story—Eldest Senior Brother Chu Shihan.

Chu Shihan did not actually want to join this excitement. After hearing Shen Yuxi's thoughts, he wanted to avoid it even more than before. Yet when he thought of Second Junior Brother Shen Yuxi's unusual condition, he truly could not set his mind at ease.

He weighed the matter over and over in his heart, hesitating time and again. In the end, he gritted his teeth and decided to go with them.

Zhou Wan, meanwhile, fell into serious thought. A moment later, she pulled Ye Jingxuan aside and lowered her voice. "If every word Second Senior Brother said is true, Medicine King Valley will sooner or later fall under Profound Heaven Sect's jurisdiction. In order to assess Medicine King Valley's exact circumstances thoroughly in advance and manage it better in the future, it is necessary for us to inspect it in person first."

"So, Seventh Junior Brother, this important task is entrusted to you."

Ye Jingxuan looked stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief as he could not help asking, "...Senior Sister, are you serious?"

Zhou Wan's expression was solemn as she nodded gravely. "Junior Brother, think carefully. If that day truly comes, who do you think will be responsible for these affairs?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Jingxuan swept his gaze over each of his martial brothers and sisters, silently weighing the pros and cons. In the end, he looked helplessly at Zhou Wan, then at himself, as though resigning himself to his fate.

Zhou Wan looked at him firmly and asked, "So, are you going?"

Ye Jingxuan sighed faintly and said helplessly, "...I'm going."

And so, the candidates for Medicine King Valley's Flower-Appreciation Gathering were settled. Everyone immediately began preparing for the journey in an orderly fashion. Naturally, True Person Yu Qing would lead the group.

Several days later, while the sky was still veiled in a faint wash of ink and dawn had not yet fully scattered the remnants of night, the group had already gathered energetically before the mountain gate.

True Person Yu Qing stood before them and raised a hand slightly, signaling their departure.

The group acknowledged the order and activated their spiritual power. In an instant, several spirit swords gleamed with brilliant light. Each person tapped lightly with their toes, standing steadily upon their sword before soaring into the air.

For a time, several dazzling streaks of light shot across the heavens like meteors, racing toward Medicine King Valley.

Nine Domains Encyclopedia:

○ Medicine King Valley

A newly established sect centered on medical cultivators. Its disciples possessed the hearts of healers, hanging pots to aid the world.

It was situated within a quiet, little-known valley. Originally, it had been the secluded residence of the first Medicine King. Later, the Medicine King's fame spread far and wide, and those seeking treatment came in an endless stream. Thus, the Medicine King founded a sect there and established Medicine King Valley.

It had many disciples, most of whom were medical cultivators. Their combat power was not strong, but they had considerable attainments in spirit plants and medicinal theory.

The Medicine King bloodline had been passed down through a single heir in every generation. The current Valley Master was Gu Yinchen, whose eccentric personality had earned mixed opinions from the outside world. Yet Medicine King Valley's disciples remained highly respected abroad.

Little Theater:

A day in the life of Profound Heaven Sect disciples—

Shen Yuxi: Cultivation, gossip, talking behind Eldest Senior Brother's back.

Other martial brothers and sisters: Cultivation, gossip, talking behind Eldest Senior Brother's back.

Chu Shihan: Cultivation, gossip.

Passerby: Why don't you talk behind Eldest Senior Brother's back?

Chu Shihan: ...Yes. Why don't I talk behind the back of that unlucky Eldest Senior Brother?