That was quite a lot of information to take in.
Upon hearing this, everyone unconsciously began quietly digesting the implications in Shen Yuxi's words.
So it seemed that Medicine King Valley's chief disciple had always been hopelessly in love with the Valley Master's daughter, yet she did not like him at all.
Not only that, the Valley Master apparently had no intention of marrying his daughter to him. He had even made such a grand show of holding a flower-appreciation banquet solely to find her a suitable match.
The father and daughter had already made their stance this clear, yet Gu Xiaoyue still blindly believed that the Young Valley Master would eventually marry him?
Ah, this... Thinking it over, it really was a little funny. Yet for some reason, everyone found the situation so absurd that they could not laugh.
"Childhood sweethearts produce losing dogs!" Shen Yuxi emphasized again. "Even our Thirty-Nine CP, such an orthodox pairing, could end in BE—let alone you, with your one-sided crush! You do not even have the most basic mutual love with the Young Valley Master! You are just narcissistically in love all by yourself! The Young Valley Master would rather fancy a wild weed in Medicine King Valley than fancy you!"
Everyone froze upon hearing that. Compared to the claim that Medicine King Valley's eldest disciple had a "one-sided crush," they were clearly far more concerned about the first half, questions welling up in their hearts. Our family? Thirty-Nine? Could it be... What fresh gossip is this? How have we never heard it before?
Wen Jian, who had suddenly been cut into the conversation, stiffened all over. Sensing the belatedly inquisitive gazes his senior brothers and sisters had cast his way, he felt heat rush to the tips of his ears and swiftly spread across his entire face.
Embarrassed and angry, he snapped, "Second Senior Brother!!!"
Lin Huaixu said, "What, what? Third Senior Brother and Ninth Junior Brother have something going on? Why did no one tell me?"
Lin Huaixu wanted to hear the rest, but he also knew that Second Senior Brother would most likely not continue talking about Third Senior Brother and Ninth Junior Brother. Thus, Lin Huaixu decided to start with Ninth Junior Brother.
His eyes gleamed like a cat that had caught the scent of fish. He quietly sidled up to Wen Jian, tugged him a few steps behind the others, and lowered his voice. "Little Nine~ What is going on between you and Third Senior Brother? Second Senior Brother made it sound so convincing; it definitely did not come from nowhere. Give me a little hint."
As he spoke, he lightly nudged Wen Jian with his elbow, his face full of anticipation.
Wen Jian's face reddened further, and he hurriedly denied it. "There is nothing going on! Fifth Senior Brother, you only just returned, so you do not know. Everyone in the inner sect knows Second Senior Brother loves making something out of nothing and randomly tying Red Threads all day long. You cannot take what he says seriously!"
How could Lin Huaixu let it go? He continued pestering Wen Jian with a grin. "Is—tha—t—so? Little Nine, stop being so stubborn. Second Senior Brother may like joking around, but how could he casually joke about something like this? There must be some basis for it."
Wen Jian was both furious and anxious, his face red as a fully ripened tomato as he growled in a low voice, "Fifth Senior Brother, can you stop fooling around? There is absolutely nothing between us. If you keep saying that, I am really going to get angry!"
But Lin Huaixu did not care about Wen Jian's anger in the slightest. If anything, he became even more interested, grabbing Wen Jian's arm and shaking it back and forth. "Oh, Little Nine~ Satisfy your senior brother's curiosity. How about this? I promise I will not tell anyone else, all right?"
Pestered beyond endurance by Lin Huaixu, Wen Jian was ashamed and angry. Gritting his teeth, he threatened, "Fifth Senior Brother, if you keep refusing to let this go, do not expect me to treat your injuries again! I mean what I say!"
After saying that, he shot Lin Huaixu a fierce glare and quickened his pace toward the front, leaving Lin Huaixu standing there with a helpless expression.
Watching Wen Jian's retreating figure, Lin Huaixu curled his lips and thought, Little Nine is still so easy to tease. I merely asked a few questions—was there any need for such a temper? Still, judging by his reaction, perhaps what Second Senior Brother said really does have some truth to it. Interesting.
Just as the two martial brothers were making a fuss in the rear, Chu Shihan ahead gave a quiet cough. It was not loud, but it carried a perfectly measured note of reminder.
He turned slightly toward Lin Mumu and said warmly, "Sixth Junior Sister, do not take that person too much to heart. We came to Medicine King Valley this time to attend the Flower-Appreciation Gathering. Do not let such trivial matters spoil your mood for enjoying the trip."
His expression was calm and his words gentle, but inwardly, he had quietly become wary of Gu Xiaoyue's strange behavior.
Hearing Eldest Senior Brother's words, Lin Mumu obediently nodded. Yet her gaze could not help slipping once more toward Gu Xiaoyue.
At that moment, Gu Xiaoyue was walking ahead, his posture straight and upright. But now that they knew his true nature, even his back seemed tinged with a trace of gloominess.
Shen Yuxi, meanwhile, remained immersed in his thoughts. Gu Xiaoyue is also a textbook ungrateful white-eyed wolf. The Valley Master kindly took him in and taught him everything without reservation, yet what did he do? He barely learned any medical arts, but already set his sights on the Valley Master's position and the Young Valley Master.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Gu Xiaoyue with a flash of disgust. His conduct was truly beneath contempt.
"But it is understandable. After all, feelings need stimulation to develop quickly. Without an early-stage minor villain to serve as a foil, how could our Eldest Senior Brother's outstanding bearing, noble character, and extraordinary cultivation possibly stand out? He is merely a stepping stone on Eldest Senior Brother and the Young Valley Master's road to romance."
"Second Senior Brother is right."
As they ventured deeper into Medicine King Valley, the scene before them suddenly changed, and their view opened up at once.
Pavilions and towers were scattered across the valley in an orderly pattern. Though they lacked lavish, intricate adornments, they exuded a simple yet elegant air.
Numerous Medicine King Valley disciples moved busily among them. Some were intently drying all manner of rare medicinal herbs, while others carefully sorted herbs, creating a scene of constant activity.
Gu Xiaoyue led everyone before a magnificent tower. Its beams were carved and its rafters painted, with upturned eaves and elaborate brackets.
Gu Xiaoyue halted, turned around, and said respectfully, "Everyone, the Valley Master is currently inside. Please follow me in to pay your respects."
Everyone straightened their robes and followed Gu Xiaoyue into the tower. The interior was simply and tastefully arranged, with curling sandalwood incense filling the air and creating a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.
A middle-aged man in plain robes stood before an enormous illustration of spirit plants, his back to the group as he wrote something at a desk.
Hearing their footsteps, he slowly turned around. Though he did his utmost to compose himself and force a welcoming smile onto his face, a faint hint of irritation still showed in his eyes, making the smile seem somewhat strained.
He stepped forward to greet them. "Old friend Yuqing, it has been some time. Your bringing all these outstanding disciples here today has brought glory to Medicine King Valley."
Seeing this, True Person Yu Qing understood that Gu Yinchen was naturally shy and easily nervous before others. He hurriedly returned the greeting with a smile. "Valley Master Gu, you are too polite. For such a grand event, naturally I had to bring my disciples to broaden their horizons."
Gu Yinchen slowly swept his gaze over everyone, then nodded with feeling. "They truly are a group of vigorous, promising children. I hope everyone enjoys this Flower-Appreciation Gathering to the fullest."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Gu Yinchen lightly clapped his hands. Several Medicine King Valley disciples immediately stepped forward respectfully upon hearing the sound.
Looking at them with a serious expression, Gu Yinchen said, "Take the honored guests of the Profound Heaven Sect to the guest quarters. See that they are properly accommodated and do not neglect them."
Seeing this, Gu Xiaoyue hurriedly stepped forward. "Master, this disciple has already prepared the guest rooms. I will take them there now."
"Very well." Gu Yinchen nodded, then said to True Person Yu Qing, "Sect Master Yuqing, the Flower-Appreciation Gathering will officially begin the day after tomorrow. Please rest well during these next two days."
True Person Yu Qing thanked Gu Yinchen. The Valley Master had specifically arranged an independent courtyard for True Person Yu Qing.
The courtyard stood beside a secluded mountain slope in Medicine King Valley, surrounded by verdant pines and cypresses in a peaceful, pleasant setting. The buildings within were exquisitely designed, and both the arrangement of pavilions and the interior furnishings displayed exceptional taste, fully reflecting the respect shown to True Person Yu Qing as an honored guest.
Before leaving, True Person Yu Qing exchanged a glance with Lin Huaixu. Only after seeing Lin Huaixu nod in acknowledgment did he depart at ease.
The disciples then followed Gu Xiaoyue out of the tower. Walking along a winding path and through several clusters of flowers in a riot of purple and crimson, they found the faint floral fragrance lingering at their noses, refreshing their hearts and minds.
Before long, they arrived at a quiet, secluded courtyard.
The courtyard was not large, but it possessed a unique elegance. Several guest rooms stood scattered within, their doors and windows made from antique wood, with exquisite patterns carved into the latticework. The designs were not overly elaborate, yet they held a rustic beauty.
The courtyard was silent on all sides. Only the breeze drifted past, carrying waves of rich floral fragrance, as though it had shut out all the clamor of the outside world.
"This will be everyone's lodging. I hope you find it satisfactory." Gu Xiaoyue's voice broke the silence. As he spoke, his gaze seemed to sweep casually over everyone, yet it lingered on Chu Shihan for one extra moment.
That gaze was like an obscure undercurrent—calm on the surface, yet concealing an indescribably complex meaning beneath. It seemed like scrutiny, but also carried a faint hostility.
Lin Mumu keenly noticed this subtle gesture. She could not help frowning slightly as she moved closer to Chu Shihan and muttered under her breath, "Eldest Senior Brother, he looked at you again. His gaze is still strange."
Chu Shihan turned slightly and softly reassured her, "It is nothing. Do not mind it."
Gu Xiaoyue seemed to notice Lin Mumu's muttering, but his expression remained unchanged. He gave a slight bow and said evenly, "If you require anything, simply instruct the servants. I still have several pressing matters to handle, so I will take my leave first."
With that, he turned and walked away with steady steps. His figure gradually vanished around the courtyard corner, leaving only a string of fading footsteps behind.
If not for his martial brothers and sisters being beside him, Shen Yuxi would almost have whistled.
This cannon-fodder villain is quite sharp. He immediately locked onto his greatest threat with pinpoint accuracy.
Everyone entered their respective guest rooms and began settling in. The rooms were not luxurious, but they were simple and comfortable, leaving everyone quite satisfied.
Lin Huaixu was quick and nimble. Before long, he had put away his luggage. He had never been one to sit still, and as soon as he finished, he began pondering what he could do.
After mulling it over, the corners of his lips lifted slightly. He already had an idea.
He crept lightly to Wen Jian's door. Just as he was about to knock, Wen Jian's warning voice came from inside. "Fifth Senior Brother, if you want to be needled into a pig's head during your next treatment, keep asking about Third Senior Brother and me."
An awkward look flashed across Lin Huaixu's face. He gave two dry laughs but still reached out and pushed the door open.
With a broad smile, he said, "Little Nine, do not be so angry. I promise, I absolutely will not ask again. The Flower-Appreciation Gathering does not begin until the day after tomorrow, and there is nothing to do for these two days anyway. Wouldn't it be boring to just sit around? Why not go out for a stroll?"
Wen Jian was sitting beside the bed, organizing his medicine chest. Hearing Lin Huaixu's words, he shot him an annoyed glance. "Not interested. Go find your own amusement."
How could Lin Huaixu possibly give up? He moved closer to Wen Jian and continued persuading him. "Come on. Do you not want to see Medicine King Valley's spirit herbs?"
Wen Jian's hand paused. Clearly, he had been tempted. After hesitating for a moment, he looked up at Lin Huaixu and asked, "We are really just going out for a stroll?"
"Really! I promise I will not say anything tactless!"
"I will trust you this once."
After reaching an agreement, the two decided to find their other martial brothers and sisters and invite them along.
They went first to Lin Mumu's room. The moment she heard they were going out to explore Medicine King Valley, her eyes immediately lit up. "Sure, sure! I have wanted to look around for ages."
Next, they found Shen Yuxi and Ye Jingxuan. Neither wanted to dampen everyone's spirits, so they nodded in agreement. Once the group had finished preparing, they were just about to set out when they reached the courtyard gate and were caught red-handed by Chu Shihan, who was approaching from the opposite direction.
Seeing their formation, Chu Shihan furrowed his brows slightly. "Where are you all going? Behave yourselves and do not go stirring up trouble everywhere."
The smile remained on Lin Huaixu's face as he hurriedly said, "Rest assured, Eldest Senior Brother, we are just taking a casual walk. We have nothing else to do anyway. Would Eldest Senior Brother like to come too?"
"Do none of you cultivate?" Chu "Cultivation Maniac" Shihan, Long Aotian himself, asked sincerely.
"Eldest Senior Brother, do you only work and never rest?" Lin "Do-As-He-Pleases" Huaixu, professional fun-seeker, replied in kind.
Chu Shihan was slightly taken aback by Lin Huaixu's words. Thinking it over carefully, he felt that Lin Huaixu had a point. Since they were away from home, a little relaxation would not hurt. Besides, everyone was together, so nothing major should happen.
Thus, his expression softened somewhat. "All right, then. But do not get separated. We are unfamiliar with this place, so look after one another if anything happens."
Everyone nodded in agreement. After asking the gatekeeping disciples for the information they wanted, the group eagerly left the courtyard together.
Medicine King Valley's scenery truly was not bad.
Though the valley was full of flowers and grasses, the more precious a medicinal herb was, the stranger and more demanding its growing conditions tended to be. Sunlight, soil, air, moisture, location, even companion spirit plants and spirit beasts—all had to be carefully considered.
Thus, arrangements centered around precious spirit plants, each forming its own little world, could be seen everywhere throughout Medicine King Valley.
Along the way, it felt as if they had toured several entirely different miniature secret realms.
The group proceeded along a covered corridor, and the first thing that met their eyes was an area shrouded by a multicolored curtain of light.
The light curtain flickered softly, dreamlike and illusory. Within it grew a rare medicinal herb called Starmist Herb. This herb could only grow beneath the faint glow of particular stars. The disciples of Medicine King Valley had cleverly used a special formation to gather and simulate similar starlight, scattering it over this area.
The Starmist Herb's leaves were strangely shaped, each one irregular. They swayed gently within the light curtain, giving off a mysterious, soft radiance.
Past this area stood a small stone hill, surrounded by babbling streams and misty water vapor.
Growing upon the hill was a kind of lingzhi with extremely demanding requirements for water vapor and soil, known as Frostjade Dew. Medicine King Valley had specifically diverted a mineral-rich spirit spring, allowing its waters to wind through the stone hill and create a moist, nutrient-rich environment.
The gills and stalks of the Frostjade Dew were both transparent, while only its caps and part of its mycelium were snow-white. From afar, they resembled jellyfish drifting through a mountain forest. At that moment, droplets of dew had gathered upon those snowy caps, nearly blending into the translucent gills and making them impossible to distinguish from one another.
Further ahead lay a grassy field encircled by spirit trees. These trees stood tall and straight, their branches and leaves woven together to form a natural dome.
At the center of the grassland grew a Purple Amber Dragon Saliva Flower. Since this flower was exceptionally particular about air purity and companion spirit plants, the spirit trees transplanted around it could not only purify the air, but also release a special fragrance that echoed with the Purple Amber Dragon Saliva Flower.
The Purple Amber Dragon Saliva Flower's petals were deep violet, and amber-like liquid flowed from its stamen. The rich fragrance it emitted seemed able to seep into the depths of one's soul.
To ensure the safety of the various spirit plants and prevent their growing environments from being disturbed, every area in Medicine King Valley had been carefully planned and furnished with exquisite isolating formations. These formations were like invisible barriers, strictly separating each area and preventing people from entering or leaving at will.
Only the relatively less precious spirit plants were left completely exposed for everyone to admire. Some were delicate and beautiful as though dripping with dew, while others possessed strange forms, swaying gently in the breeze.
Even so, everyone could still see traces of formations in other places. It was not difficult to imagine that before this, the vast majority of spirit plants had been protected by tightly sealed formations.
For this Flower-Appreciation Gathering, Medicine King Valley had specifically lifted some of the formations' restrictions so guests from every faction could approach and admire these rare spirit plants up close. This alone showed their sincerity.
Immersed in the marvelous scenery, everyone exclaimed in wonder all along the way.
Complete Compendium of Spirit Herbs:
○ Starmist Herb
A detoxifying medicinal herb that can only grow beneath the faint glow of particular stars. Its leaves are strangely shaped, each one irregular. Its leaves and stamens are black, its petals white, and its roots deep blue.
Its petals, stamens, and leaves can all be used medicinally. Its roots are often used for foot soaks or baths, while its deep-blue stems are highly poisonous. Use with caution.
○ Frostjade Dew
A type of lingzhi with extremely demanding requirements for water vapor and soil. It requires an environment rich in minerals, moist, and abundant in nutrients.
The gills and stalks of the Frostjade Dew are transparent, while only its caps and part of its mycelium are snow-white. From afar, they resemble jellyfish drifting through a mountain forest.
They generally appear in clusters. The longer they have grown, the larger they become.
They are delicious and highly nourishing. When consuming them, be sure to control the amount, or excessive nourishment can instead lead to poisoning.
○ Purple Amber Dragon Saliva Flower
A dwarf shrub that enjoys fresh air.
Its leaves themselves grow in clusters of tiny, triangular leaflets. Its flowers are only the size of grains of rice.
It is exceptionally particular about air purity and companion spirit plants. If the air within ten li is even slightly polluted, it will tightly close its leaves and refuse to bloom.
The Purple Amber Dragon Saliva Flower's petals are deep violet, with amber-like liquid flowing from its stamen, and its floral fragrance is rich and intense.
It is commonly used to nurture Spirit Roots. Its restorative speed is slow, but it is a rare medicinal herb that produces no side effects whatsoever.
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