Red Tears Hanging from Branches (1)

Chu Shihan was immersed in meditation. Within that mysterious state, time seemed to flow incomparably slowly, and everything he could perceive took on a tranquil, sluggish quality.

Even a sound as faint as a single drop falling into a pond became crystal clear, to the point that he could detect the differences in its sound from one instant to the next.

Just then, knock, knock, knock—a burst of urgent knocking struck like a heavy hammer, shattering the silence without warning. The sound was especially jarring in the atmosphere, so quiet it seemed nearly frozen solid.

Chu Shihan frowned slightly. The peaceful state of mind he had attained through meditation was broken by the sudden noise. He slowly opened his eyes, a flicker of displeasure flashing through them, but years of cultivation quickly allowed him to rein in his emotions.

He let out a soft sigh, then rose and pulled open the door.

Two disciples from Spirit Medicine Peak stood outside the courtyard gate. Their expressions were hurried, their foreheads beaded with fine sweat, and their faces bore undisguised anxiety.

Upon seeing Chu Shihan, one of the tall, skinny disciples hurriedly said, "Senior Brother, something terrible has happened!" He spoke in such urgency that he could not explain himself for quite some time, merely scratching at his ears and cheeks in anxiety.

Unable to bear it any longer, the other disciple, who had a round face, gently shoved the tall one aside and anxiously said, "Senior Brother, we received word from Second Senior Brother that Eighth Senior Sister and Eleventh Senior Brother may be in danger on this trip down the mountain! Second Senior Brother has already rushed down the mountain to rescue them. We're worried something might happen to them..."

"Come inside and explain." Chu Shihan's heart tightened, and he