A few days later, Xue Ying received a message from Lin Jiujiu, indicating that it was time to depart.
On the day of departure, Liu Junzhuo made a special trip to see them off. When Xue Ying caught sight of him, she didn’t even lift her eyelids and simply called out to Lin Jiujiu inside the cabin, “Lin Meimei, someone’s here for you.”
Lin Jiujiu, unaware of the situation, stepped out only to find Liu Junzhuo waiting. Her delicate, palm-sized face gazed at him, her eyes seemingly brimming with unspoken words.
To Liu Junzhuo, compared to the cold-shouldering Xue Ying, this Senior Sister Lin carried far more stories in her heart. Recalling the seven days in White Deer Valley, his emotions surged, and when he looked at Lin Jiujiu again, there was an unusual glint in his eyes. “I heard from Senior Sister that you’re going to Taisu Valley for treatment.”
The words on the tip of her tongue were swallowed back. Lin Jiujiu thought of her past life and let out a helpless sigh.
“Junior Brother Liu, please don’t come looking for me again.”
As the flying vessel took off, Lin Jiujiu instinctively glanced outside. Liu Junzhuo stood there, unmoving. She could almost feel his gaze upon her.
Junzhuo…
She knew she should stay away from him. But this life was not her past life—now, Liu Junzhuo was just an ordinary disciple of Tai Xuan Sect, and Senior Sister Xue Ying seemed to harbor dislike for him. Did that mean she could…?
Lin Jiujiu clenched her handkerchief, warning herself not to overthink. She had been reborn not to entangle herself with Liu Junzhuo again, but to save her sect, protect her father, and carve out a different life for herself.
She wanted immortality. She wanted to be with the Eldest Senior Brother.
Reaffirming her goals, Lin Jiujiu began trying to approach Youtan.
After the incident in White Deer Valley, Lin Shen had noticed something amiss. Afraid to reveal her true intentions—to obtain Youtan’s heartblood—Lin Jiujiu only mentioned that the valley held rare treasures, but she had missed her chance and returned empty-handed.
Lin Shen didn’t press further. Concerned for her health, he readily agreed to her trip to Taisu Valley and even personally arranged for her to travel with Xue Ying and the others aboard Du Yizhou’s vessel.
Thinking of Lin Shen’s meticulous arrangements, Lin Jiujiu felt a pang in her heart, strengthening her resolve.
No matter how large the flying vessel, encounters were inevitable. After the first day, Lin Jiujiu finally found Youtan alone a few days later.
Youtan was highly disciplined. Even while traveling, he adhered to his morning rituals. At this hour, Xue Ying would be on the deck practicing swordplay, while Tang Ke’ai was still lazing in bed—giving Lin Jiujiu the perfect opportunity.
Except… the bed was too warm.
After three consecutive failed attempts at waking up early, her maidservant couldn’t bear it. “Young Miss, you never attend morning lectures at the sect. Now that we’re traveling, why force yourself to rise early to read scriptures?”
Lin Jiujiu’s eyelids drooped. “You wouldn’t understand.”
She needed the pretext of morning study to strike up a conversation with Youtan.
On the fifth day, Lin Jiujiu devised a smarter plan. She took an exceptionally long nap in the afternoon, ensuring she wouldn’t sleep at night. Energized, she clutched her scripture book, confident she’d succeed the next day.
By 3 a.m., she was ready to collapse.
Battling exhaustion, she waited another half-hour until Youtan finally stirred, leaving his room to chant scriptures on the deck.
Lin Jiujiu rubbed her face, grabbed her copy of the *Dao De Jing*, and hurried after him.
Midway, Xue Ying also emerged, carrying Bailu in hand but leaving her sword case behind. Spotting Lin Jiujiu, she raised an eyebrow. “Lin Meimei, you’re up early today?”
*I didn’t sleep at all.* Lin Jiujiu nodded miserably, joining Xue Ying as they headed to the deck. Youtan was already seated there, serene amidst the predawn clouds, a string of prayer beads in hand. When he lifted his gaze, he seemed bathed in divine light, ethereal and untouchable.
Then she heard him say, “Good morning, Dad.”
Lin Jiujiu couldn’t take it anymore. “Fellow Daoist Tang!”
She wanted to scold him—as a Buddhist disciple, shouldn’t he have some self-awareness? The Buddha was more like his father than a Daoist disciple! But when Youtan turned to her, his glass-like eyes locking onto hers, Lin Jiujiu’s breath hitched, her words dying in her throat.
Her cheeks flushed. After a long struggle, she finally whispered, “N-never mind.”
*How could I have impure thoughts about a Buddhist disciple? I’ve sinned. I must confess to him.*
Seeing the scripture in Lin Jiujiu’s hands, Xue Ying didn’t pry. “I’ll go practice my sword.”
Relieved as Xue Ying left, Lin Jiujiu mustered her energy to engage Youtan. “Fellow Daoist, may I sit here?”
With his permission, she settled cross-legged, pretending to study. Exhausted, she couldn’t focus and soon broke the silence. “Fellow Daoist Tang, are you also going to Taisu Valley to study medicine?”
Youtan paused his silent chanting. “To meet someone.”
“Who?”
“Cangwu.”
Lin Jiujiu knew of Cangwu—a true saint of healing. In her past life, he had repeatedly saved Xue Ying from grave injuries. Despite his cold demeanor, he broke his own rules time and again, leaving Taisu Valley to rescue Xue Ying and even vouching for her when the Daoist world turned against her.
His identity was shrouded in mystery. He knew much of ancient lore but never involved himself in conflicts—except for Xue Ying.
By now, Lin Jiujiu was numb to such anomalies. She steered the conversation back to Cangwu. “Senior Cangwu isn’t easy to approach. If you wish to meet him, perhaps offer rare spiritual herbs as gifts.”
Youtan averted his gaze. “Unnecessary.”
The topic ended there. As Youtan resumed chanting, Lin Jiujiu scrambled for words. “They say one should emulate the virtuous. Since our sects differ, why not exchange insights during this rare encounter?”
Youtan asked, “You wish to listen to scriptures?”
*Yes and no.* Lin Jiujiu nodded. Finally reacting, Youtan retrieved a Buddhist sutra from his sleeve and handed it to her with practiced ease. “Let’s begin with the *Avatamsaka Sutra*.”
“Thus have I heard. Once, the Buddha was in the land of Magadha, beneath the Bodhi tree, having just attained enlightenment…”
At first, Lin Jiujiu managed to follow, but as the rhythmic chanting lulled her, exhaustion took over. Youtan’s voice, neither loud nor forceful, only deepened her drowsiness until she slumped forward.
Jolting awake, she found Youtan had stopped. Pale-faced, she stammered, “Fellow Daoist, I—”
Youtan retrieved the sutra. “I’ve pulled all-nighters before. No need to force yourself. Please rest.”
Xue Ying also approached. “Lin Meimei, if you’re tired, go sleep. Cultivating through sleep deprivation isn’t healthy.”
Lin Jiujiu nearly cried. *That’s not it!*
…Fine. She *was* sacrificing sleep for cultivation.
On the day they arrived at Taisu Valley, Xue Ying, after two weeks of idleness, felt her bones growing lazy. She took the initiative to handle formalities, presenting their credentials for entry.
Each of the four realms had its own charm. Compared to the majestic Tai Chu Sect and the serene Tai Xuan Sect, Taisu Valley was bustling—crowds packed the grounds, and flying treasures filled half the sky. The line of waiting cultivators stretched endlessly.
After a long wait, it was Xue Ying’s turn. The receptionist, a Taisu disciple, eyed her dismissively. “First visit or follow-up?”
Xue Ying glanced around. Everyone else was missing limbs or looked half-dead. A Taisu disciple nearby barked, “Everyone claims to have an appointment with the Valley Master. Do you think he’s some social butterfly with time to spare?”
“Who’s your ‘fellow Daoist’? I’m a demon! Are you calling me livestock?”
“Number 250, next!”
Xue Ying quickly amended, “Fellow Daoist, I’m not here for treatment. I’m applying for a Good Demon Certificate.”
The white-robed disciple gave her a once-over, tone bored. “Exit right, head to Midheaven Pavilion.”
Midheaven Pavilion perched on a sheer cliff a thousand feet high. Unlike the overcrowded clinic, it was tranquil—a few white-robed disciples even used it as a quiet study spot.
A female disciple rose to greet them. “We don’t treat illnesses here.”
Her gentle features and warm demeanor made her instantly likable.
Tang Ke’ai bounced forward. “Pretty Sister, I’m here for the Good Demon Certificate! I also want to be a healer!”
She produced a hidden Youtan Immortal Flower, tiptoeing to offer it. “This is my tribute.”
The disciple chuckled helplessly. “Taisu Valley… Very well, follow me.”
She retrieved a token from a shelf and led them deeper into the valley. The true Taisu Valley unfolded before them—endless skies, boundless greenery, winding stone paths leading into the unknown. Birds and beasts flitted about, and the occasional disciple strolled by, offering friendly greetings.
At a secluded residence, their guide halted. “You’ve come at the wrong time. The Good Demon Certificate applications are closed.”
Tang Ke’ai’s eyes welled up. Tugging her skirt, she sniffled. “T-then I’ll wait till next year.”
The disciple smiled. “But if you wish to study healing, Taisu Valley welcomes you anytime.”
Tang Ke’ai brightened. “Really? You promise?”
Unable to resist, the disciple patted her head before addressing Xue Ying. “The Valley Master rests tomorrow. I’ll arrange your meeting then.”
With that, everyone dispersed to rest. Tang Ke’ai, overexcited, flitted around Xue Ying. “Sister Xue Ying, I’m going to be a Taisu disciple!”
She then dashed to Youtan’s room, announcing, “Brother, I’m going to be a healer!”
The girl’s antics lasted well into the night before she finally slept. After tucking her in, Xue Ying retired to her lakeside room. Perhaps stirred by Tang Ke’ai’s energy, she found herself unable to sleep and opened the window to admire the view. Stars reflected on the lake’s surface, a breeze carried the faint notes of a jade flute, and Xue Ying, after much deliberation, could only muster one word: “Nice.”
A soft laugh came from the shadows. Xue Ying turned to see a man step from under a tree, flute in hand—the source of the music. Bathed in moonlight, he looked like an exiled immortal. Smiling at her, he said, “You’re just like your master.”
His voice was magnetic, unforgettable. More importantly, Xue Ying recognized him from the *Three Realms Gazette*—the Divine Physician Cangwu.
Blinking, she recalled he was of her master’s generation and moved to bow, but Cangwu was already at her window, leaning on the sill to study her closely.
Xue Ying wasn’t wearing her blindfold while sleeping. Cangwu’s sudden proximity activated her Listening Ear, which eagerly narrated:
*He had never seen such peerless beauty—even the lake’s stars paled beside her radiant eyes. A sudden jealousy flared within him—envy that Yuhengzi had watched her grow, envy of their closeness.*
Flustered, Xue Ying fumbled for her blindfold. Cangwu burst into laughter, leaving her mortified. “Senior, please ignore that thing. It’s just a chatterbox.”
The Listening Ear protested: *I narrate for you 24/7, and this is the thanks I get?*
Xue Ying was merciless. “Shut up. No one finds you charming.”
As she moved to silence it, Cangwu—now inside her room—caught her wrist. His voice turned inexplicably alluring. “Don’t wear it.”
Confused, Xue Ying froze while the Listening Ear went into overdrive:
*He believed the Daoist’s prophecy—that one day, a woman would enter his heart, unforgettable for the rest of his days, a memory to cherish through eternity.*
His captivating peach-blossom eyes held hers, tender yet detached. After a long stare, Cangwu was the first to break, releasing her wrist as he doubled over in laughter. Xue Ying watched this esteemed figure collapse onto her table, realizing she’d just been the butt of a joke.
Quietly donning her blindfold, she waited for his mirth to subside. “You’re the Divine Physician Cangwu?”
His medical prowess aside, Xue Ying remembered one thing—her Eldest Senior Brother once mentioned that Cangwu had cuckolded her master, Yuhengzi.
In a sense, her master’s romantic rival.
Cangwu composed himself. True to the advertisements, he was effortlessly charming—white robes, ink-black hair, a tear mole beneath his eye that stirred affection. The dream lover of many female cultivators.
As for Yuhengzi the Sword Immortal? People were pragmatic—husbands and lovers were separate matters.
Propping his chin, Cangwu smiled like summer blossoms. Moonlight spilled through the window, and his dark eyes, now faintly luminous in the dimness, fixed on Xue Ying. “You’re more amusing than Yuhengzi described.”
Xue Ying didn’t know how to respond. She hadn’t seen Yuhengzi in a decade. Cangwu’s “amusing” likely referred to her childhood self—the girl who, even after being beaten black and blue, would stagger up and demand another round.
Now? She was still a glutton for punishment, but the returned Yuhengzi was no match for her. They hadn’t sparred in ages.
“You’ve met my master?”
Cangwu lit a copper pipe, exhaling smoke as he reminisced. “We’re old friends. Whenever he was severely injured, he came to me. Over time, his membership level rose. As his disciple, care to sign up?”
Xue Ying declined politely. “No thanks, I’m broke.”
“First-time sign-ups cost only ten spirit stones—includes a free Soul-Cleansing Immortal Pill.”
*How is he so smooth at this?* Xue Ying calculated the pill’s market price and immediately caved. “Deal.”
The free pill could be resold for profit.
Grinning like a fox, Cangwu took her payment and handed her a jade token. Examining it, Xue Ying read:
*Taisu Valley VIP. ID: 230012300768*
*You have quite the clientele.*
She felt scammed, but Cangwu pressed on, denying her time to reconsider. “Yuhengzi’s back?”
Xue Ying nodded. Given his role as her master’s personal physician, she ventured, “Master’s had some… complications. He can’t circulate qi. Senior, could you—”
Cangwu’s smile vanished. Taking a drag, he replied coolly, “If he won’t come, what am I to examine? Should I prescribe Nine Revolutions Revival Pills or Soul-Cleansing Immortal Pills sight unseen?”
Xue Ying shut her mouth. *Rule one: Never piss off healers.*
“My apologies, Senior.”
Cangwu chuckled, comparing her to Yuhengzi. “You both apologize swiftly.”
Xue Ying murmured, “Master is family. I spoke out of concern. Please forgive me.”
His smile deepened, cryptic. “Fine. I know Yuhengzi’s condition. Describe his recent symptoms—perhaps a remote diagnosis is possible.”
Relieved, Xue Ying detailed everything. Cangwu’s expression grew grave.
“Is it serious?”
Cangwu set his pipe down. “Very. If his qi circulation is impaired, it’s likely due to old age—his sword arm’s failing.”
*Wait, do immortals get dementia?*
Xue Ying wanted to ask if he was serious, but Cangwu’s solemnity made her doubt herself. Maybe it wasn’t dementia—maybe Alzheimer’s?
“Any cure?”
“There is.”
He removed the scarf around his neck and handed it to her. Only upon touching warmth did Xue Ying realize it wasn’t fabric—but a snow-white ferret.
“Senior?”
Mysterious, Cangwu said, “You want to heal Yuhengzi? Raise this.”
Skeptical, Xue Ying asked, “A pet?”
Cangwu nodded sagely. “The key to recovery.”
She understood pet-raising, but babysitting for Yuhengzi? Unsure yet trusting Cangwu’s confidence, she accepted with thanks.
After he left, Xue Ying examined her new charge. Curious, she lifted its tail. *Huh, it’s male.*
She gave it an experimental stroke. *Nice texture.*
Post-indulgence, Xue Ying pondered her future. That night, she made a life-altering decision.
The next morning, when the female disciple came to fetch them, Xue Ying presented the ferret. “Fellow Daoist, a favor. Do you offer neutering services?”
Stunned, the disciple—Bai Zhu, Taisu Valley’s head disciple—processed the request. “We do, but Fellow Daoist, all life has spirit…”
Renowned for her beauty and skill, Bai Zhu had countless admirers—even the healthy feigned illness for her attention.
Yet here she was, about to perform a ferret vasectomy. Truly, Taisu Valley treated all patients equally, be they man or beast.
Xue Ying vowed, “I’ll care for it till its dying day.”
After much pleading, Bai Zhu relented. She took the drowsy ferret into the operating room.
Half an hour later, she emerged smiling. “The procedure was a success.”
Xue Ying entered to find the ferret stirring on the table. Stroking its head, she cooed, “You’re awake. The neutering went perfectly.”
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