When True Person Yu Qing's voice transmission rang out, Wen Jian was studying the Complete Compendium of Spirit Herbs beside the medicine furnace. The shock nearly made the book slip from his hands. The voice carried an unquestionable urgency beneath its authority. "Qingyu, go sober Qingyang up at once. Tell him to come see me in Clear Parasol Hall immediately!"
"Yes, Sect Master Uncle." Wen Jian respectfully bowed toward the empty air. His voice was full of reluctance, but a sect master's command was as immovable as a mountain—how could he refuse?
He sighed, set down the book in his hand, then took a small green-jade bottle from a sandalwood rack nearby. His fingertips slowly stroked 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 covered corridor, his robes fluttering and stirring up a breeze.
As he approached Lin Huaixu's door, an intense, pungent stench of alcohol hit him full in the face. Wen Jian could not help covering his nose and frowning. Then, with a bang, he raised his foot and kicked the half-closed door wide open.
Lin Huaixu lay sprawled across the messy bed, his snow-white inner robe hanging half open to reveal a broad expanse of sweat-sheened chest. Every so often, incomprehensible mutters slipped from his mouth.
"Fifth Senior Brother!" Wen Jian stood three steps away, his voice cold and hard as iron.
Yet the man on the bed showed no response. He merely smacked his lips unconsciously and continued wallowing in his drunken dream.
Seeing this, the veins at Wen Jian's temples throbbed. He strode to the bedside, yanked away the brocade quilt half draped over Lin Huaixu, then efficiently pulled the green-jade bottle from his sleeve and flicked open the stopper with his thumb.
In an instant, a crisp fragrance, like the first meltwater from snow-capped mountains, rapidly filled the room. Even the heavy odor of alcohol was suppressed by three parts.
"What a waste of heaven's gifts..." Wen Jian muttered again, yet he did not hesitate to hold the bottle beneath Lin Huaixu's nose. With his other hand, he unceremoniously patted 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 the disturbance was unbearable. His eyelashes trembled a few times before he finally opened his hazy, drunken eyes.
His gaze was full of confusion and muddle, clearly not yet fully awakened from his hangover. His unfocused eyes drifted over Wen Jian's face, then slowly closed again, as though he was about to fall asleep once more.
Wen Jian's teeth itched with anger. He seized Lin Huaixu's collar and ruthlessly hauled him up, dragging him roughly to the table. Then he fished a white porcelain bottle from the medicine case at his waist and poured out half a bowl of medicinal liquid, black as ink.
"Drink it!" Wen Jian forcefully stuffed the bowl into Lin Huaixu's hands. Yet Lin Huaixu only stared blankly at the swaying liquid within, his eyes empty and unresponsive.
Wen Jian simply snatched the bowl back. With one hand, he viciously pinched Lin Huaixu's jaw, then without another word poured the medicine down his throat. Lin Huaixu choked and coughed violently. Several drops of medicine slid from the corners of his mouth, staining his snow-white inner robe with brown marks.
"You... cough, cough... are murdering your senior brother..." Lin Huaixu laughed between coughs, his voice so unsteady it seemed as though he were walking on clouds.
Wen Jian could not be bothered with him. He pressed two fingers against Lin Huaixu's back, channeling spiritual power into him like a trickling stream to hasten the medicine's effects.
Under Wen Jian's efforts, the alcohol fumes in Lin Huaixu's body gradually dispersed, and his consciousness slowly cleared.
Lin Huaixu let out a long breath, the mist in his eyes thinning somewhat. He shook his head, and his black hair slipped down from his shoulders, several strands clinging to the side of his sweat-dampened neck. Rubbing his temples, he suddenly gave a surprised sound. "Is that the scent of Pureheart Jade Dew? Ninth Junior Brother, you were actually willing to use it?"
"Shut up!" Wen Jian withdrew his hand and replied irritably, "Do you think I wanted to? Can you stand? The Sect Master is still waiting."
Lin Huaixu slowly rose while holding onto the table's edge, though his legs remained a little weak. He lowered his head to look at his disheveled clothes, then suddenly laughed. "I can't exactly meet Sect Master Uncle looking like this, can I?"
As he spoke, he flicked his fingertips, and a Clear Breeze Technique swept over his body. The alcohol stains and sweat marks vanished at once. He casually gathered his loose hair and secured it with a white-jade hairpin.
Wen Jian folded his arms and watched coldly, inwardly sighing that this man cleaned himself up remarkably fast. He had been dead drunk just moments ago, yet in the blink of an eye, he had regained the appearance of a graceful young gentleman—though his gaze was still somewhat unfocused.
Lin Huaixu straightened his collar and winked at Wen Jian. "Many thanks for Ninth Junior Brother's 'Pureheart Jade Dew.' Senior Brother will repay you with a jar of fine wine another day."
Wen Jian snorted. "Get going."
Lin Huaixu left with a smile and headed briskly toward Clear Parasol Hall.
By the time Lin Huaixu sauntered leisurely into Clear Parasol Hall, True Person Yu Qing was standing tall beneath the corridor, calmly gazing into the distance. Upon seeing Lin Huaixu, he beckoned. "Qingyang, come here."
Lin Huaixu covered the distance in a few quick steps, his face piled high with smiles as he cheerfully cupped his hands in salute. "Why has Sect Master Uncle summoned this disciple?"
True Person Yu Qing lowered his voice and carefully explained the matter of the prearranged probing conversation to Lin Huaixu.
Lin Huaixu's eyes immediately lit up, his interest thoroughly piqued. He had always delighted in such entertaining matters; this suited him perfectly. Without hesitation, he happily agreed.
Then True Person Yu Qing's expression eased slightly as he brought up the Medicine King Valley Flower-Appreciation Gathering. In an unhurried tone, he said, "Medicine King Valley has sent an invitation, inviting your master to admire flowers. As for who will accompany me... you martial brothers may discuss and decide that among yourselves."
Lin Huaixu had just opened his mouth when True Person Yu Qing's eyes took on an unmistakably resolute look. "However—Qingming and you must go."
"This disciple understands!" Lin Huaixu grinned. "Sect Master Uncle, rest assured. I'll make sure everything is handled properly!"
Before his words had even faded, he was already skipping out through the hall doors.
Having received True Person Yu Qing's instructions, Lin Huaixu immediately sent voice transmissions to his fellow martial brothers in a blaze of activity, directly invoking the Sect Master's order. As expected, everyone responded swiftly and gathered together.
Lin Huaixu stood before his martial brothers and sisters, wearing his trademark smile. He clapped his hands sharply, signaling everyone to quiet down.
"Everyone, I have gathered you here to discuss an important matter." He cleared his throat slightly, then continued, "Medicine King Valley has invited the Sect Master to attend a 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: who 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 moment he heard the words "Medicine King Valley," his eyes brightened like stars. Lin Mumu, simple-minded as she was, was slightly moved by the thought of seeing such dazzling flowers. The others, however, looked indifferent, thoroughly uninterested.
Chu Shihan remained as impassive as ever, arms crossed over his chest and face as calm as a deep pool without the slightest ripple. Feng Yue stood at the very edge with his sword in his arms; once he heard the matter had nothing to do with cultivation, he lost interest.
Zhou Wan was embroidering a handkerchief. At the words, she gently shook her head, her delicate brows lightly furrowed 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 the mountain, he looked listless and silently retreated several steps, hiding in a corner. Their youngest junior sister, Su Miaoxi, idly curled a lock of hair around her finger in circles, clearly finding the topic utterly boring.
Chu Xuan simply gave a huge yawn, lazily leaning against a vermilion-lacquered pillar as though she were practically dozing off. Her eyelids hung half closed, her long lashes casting faint shadows beneath the moonlight. "What is there to see 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 draped over the stone steps, but she did not care that it was wet with night dew.
"What is wrong, Junior Sister? You look exhausted." Seeing this, Zhou Wan smiled with concern and softly asked.
"A striped tiger under one of the junior sisters' care had a difficult birth, so they called me over to help. After giving birth, the mother tiger became even more unable to leave people alone. She is anxious and skittish, moody and temperamental, baring her teeth whenever she sees someone. Taking care of her drains both mind and strength. It's giving me a splitting headache." Chu Xuan rubbed her temples, looking utterly weary.
"You have worked hard, Junior Sister." Zhou Wan spoke softly as she 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 wander off course, Lin Huaixu said helplessly, "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 just go. I truly don't have the energy to join in this excitement."
Still unwilling to give up, Lin Huaixu tried to persuade her. "It's not some grave, rigid occasion. Just treat it as a chance to relax?"
"I really am busy with work. Or would Junior Brother like to lend Senior Sister a hand or two?" Zhou Wan said with a smile. It was not that she had absolutely no interest, but she truly could not spare the time. If someone could help shoulder some of her burden, perhaps she might consider it.
"What about Little Junior Sister and Eleventh Junior Brother? You stay on the mountain every day—you must be tired of it by now, right? Eldest Senior Brother? Third Senior Brother? Don't you want to relax?" Lin Huaixu hurriedly changed the subject.
At that moment, Shen Yuxi's muttered Heart Voice clearly entered everyone's ears. A Medicine King Valley Flower-Appreciation Gathering? Wow, isn't this Eldest Senior Brother's harem showcase?
The moment those words came out, Chu Shihan's expression stiffened. The other junior brothers and sisters, meanwhile, instantly perked up. !!! Now that you mention it, I'm suddenly not sleepy anymore.
Shen Yuxi continued thinking to himself. If I remember correctly, this Flower-Appreciation Gathering is actually a husband-selecting event arranged by the Valley Master for his daughter.
The flower-viewing is real enough, but there is also a sparring competition. They claim it is a rare opportunity for the younger generation to exchange pointers, but in truth, it is a martial contest for a husband.
Wow, it's actually like that?
Of course. Nobody is stupid. Everyone knows the score perfectly well. Aside from those who truly want to marry the Young Valley Master, everyone else deliberately holds back during the fights. Only Eldest Senior Brother...
Shen Yuxi silently sighed, thoroughly whetting everyone's appetite.
A bitter smile flashed across Chu Shihan's face. ...Was I the only one who didn't notice?
The martial brothers could not help complaining as well. Eldest Senior Brother is that dumb?
Shen Yuxi sighed inwardly once again. Sigh, it wasn't that Eldest Senior Brother truly failed to notice. It was just that throughout the competition, the opponents he encountered were either so weak he could defeat them casually, or complete drama queens, or else the sort of opponents he simply did not 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 in the fight and flat-out forgot this was a husband-selecting contest.
Listening to this, Chu Shihan's face alternated between red and white, and he did not know how to react.
The martial brothers and sisters did not know whether to laugh or cry. Well, this... 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 hurriedly agreed inwardly. Right, right!
The more Shen Yuxi thought about it, the more excited he became. That Medicine King Valley Master really had guts! He believed his daughter's happiness mattered more than anything. He thought that Medicine King Valley would be passed down to his daughter sooner or later anyway. Wherever his daughter was, Medicine King Valley would be there.
So he simply changed Medicine King Valley into a branch valley of Spirit Medicine 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 stunned upon hearing this. Holy shit, that's incredible!
Wen Jian's eyes shone brightly. !! There's actually such a good thing? He had coveted Medicine King Valley's medical texts for ages!
Though Medicine King Valley has some fame in the cultivation world, it cannot be considered a first-rate force in the Lingshu Heaven Domain. Joining Profound Heaven Sect in one stroke—how is that not soaring to the heavens in a single step?
And from Profound Heaven Sect's perspective, Eldest Senior Brother married a capable, wonderful wife. This wonderful wife only loves her career and wants nothing but Profound Heaven Sect's spirit plants; her feelings for Eldest Senior Brother come second. She is independent and self-reliant, and she comes with her own dowry, directly expanding Profound Heaven Sect's influence by a huge margin. How is that not perfect in every way?
Eldest Senior Brother, although you did not receive the beauty's deep and devoted love, at least you got a wife who would force you to fulfill your marital duties! Though after fulfilling those duties, the beauty might put on her pants and deny knowing you, you at least got to experience it!
The tool-man Eldest Senior Brother himself: ...
Eldest Senior Brother's silence was deafening.
By now, the martial brothers and sisters had been completely hooked. Their eyes met, and they silently exchanged meaningful glances with Lin Huaixu. The meaning could not have been clearer: anyone else could skip it, but Fifth Senior Brother absolutely had to go.
Lin Huaixu naturally intended to go as well. Leaving aside the fact that the Sect Master had explicitly required it, such explosive gossip had already surfaced before they had even attended the Flower-Appreciation Gathering. If he reached the scene and employed his 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 certainly attend. That meant he could ship the official pairing on-site. He was desperate to go, yet unwilling to show it and break character.
Fortunately, Lin Huaixu helped him out. "I heard Second Senior Brother suffered two serious injuries in succession recently. Why not come along and get examined as well, so no hidden injuries remain?"
"Alright." Fifth Junior Brother, you're my Superman!
Lin Huaixu did not know what Superman was, but he knew Second Senior Brother was definitely praising him, and could not help feeling pleased with himself.
At that moment, everyone's gaze turned in unison toward the protagonist of the story—Eldest Senior Brother Chu Shihan.
Chu Shihan did not actually want to join this commotion. After hearing Shen Yuxi's Heart Voice, he wanted to avoid it even more. 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, hesitating repeatedly. In the end, he gritted his teeth and decided to go along.
Zhou Wan fell into serious thought. After a moment, she pulled Ye Jingxuan aside and lowered her voice. "If every word Second Senior Brother said is true, then Medicine King Valley will sooner or later fall under Profound Heaven Sect's jurisdiction. To assess Medicine King Valley's specific circumstances in detail ahead of time, so that it can be better managed in the future, we must make a trip there and inspect it firsthand."
"So, Seventh Junior Brother, this important task is yours."
Ye Jingxuan looked stunned, his eyes full of disbelief. He could not help asking, "...Senior Sister, are you serious?"
Zhou Wan wore a solemn expression and nodded gravely. "Junior Brother, think carefully. If that day truly comes, who do you think will be responsible for these affairs?"
Hearing this, Ye Jingxuan looked over each of his martial brothers and sisters in turn, silently weighing the pros and cons. In the end, he looked helplessly at Zhou Wan, then at himself, as though resigned to his fate.
Zhou Wan looked at him firmly and asked, "So, are you going?"
Ye Jingxuan sighed faintly and replied helplessly, "...I'm going."
Thus, the candidates for the Medicine King Valley Flower-Appreciation Gathering were settled. Everyone immediately began making preparations 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 yet to fully drive away 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 obeyed, each channeling spiritual power. In an instant, several spirit swords flashed with brilliant light. Everyone tapped off the ground with the tips of their feet, landing steadily upon their swords 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 primarily composed of medical cultivators. Its disciples possessed the benevolent hearts of healers, hanging their pots to aid the world.
It was located in a secluded valley known to few. It had originally been the retreat of the first Medicine King. Later, as the Medicine King's reputation soared and those seeking treatment came in an endless stream, the Medicine King established a sect here and founded Medicine King Valley.
The sect had many disciples, most of them medical cultivators. Their combat power was not strong, but they had achieved considerable accomplishments in spirit plants and medicinal theory.
The Medicine King bloodline had been passed down through a single descendant in every generation. The current Valley Master was Gu Yinchen, whose eccentric temperament had earned mixed praise and criticism from the outside world. Even so, Medicine King Valley's disciples remained highly respected abroad.
A Little Scene:
Profound Heaven Sect disciples' daily routine—
Shen Yuxi: Cultivation, gossip, talking shit about Eldest Senior Brother.
The other martial brothers: Cultivation, gossip, talking shit about Eldest Senior Brother.
Chu Shihan: Cultivation, gossip.
Passerby: Why don't you talk shit about Eldest Senior Brother?
Chu Shihan: ...Yeah. Why don't I talk shit about that unlucky Eldest Senior Brother?
Before you continue