Elder Li’s residence was not extravagant, nor did it cover a large area. It was just an ordinary house, surrounded by a two-meter-high, half-meter-thick earthen wall that enclosed a simple courtyard. The wall had a crescent-shaped arched gate facing the path, and through the half-open wooden door, one could see many visitors inside.
Once Han Li entered the courtyard, he realized the number of people inside was far greater than what could be seen from outside. They gathered in small groups, whispering about Elder Li’s injuries.
Han Li had long heard that Elder Li was one of the few kind-hearted high-ranking members of the Seven Mysteries Sect. He rarely lost his temper with low-level disciples or colleagues and never engaged in power struggles within the sect. Such a good-natured person naturally earned widespread praise, making him exceptionally well-liked. Now that something had happened to Elder Li, those with some status, whether sincere or not, felt obliged to visit him personally or send someone on their behalf, leading to the crowded scene before him.
As soon as Han Li entered, he was recognized by the people in the courtyard. Immediately, those of lower status, such as guardians, swarmed around him, vying to greet him.
“Good day, Divine Doctor Han!”
“Doctor Han is here!”
…
Wave after wave of greetings poured into his ears, impossible to ignore.
Facing these enthusiastic faces, Han Li wore an equally bright smile, politely returning every greeting without missing anyone. However, deep down, he was thoroughly tired of these hollow social formalities.
Fortunately, those of higher status, such as deputy hall masters and honored retainers, were more restrained. They merely nodded subtly at Han Li from a distance, not approaching him.
Their behavior earned a bit of Han Li’s appreciation—at least he didn’t have to deal with more “big shots.”
Ma Rong, due to his low status, couldn’t get a word in and could only watch anxiously from the side as Han Li engaged in endless small talk. He fidgeted nervously, rubbing his hands together.
Finally, when Han Li finished greeting the last person, Ma Rong couldn’t hold back any longer. He rushed forward, grabbed Han Li’s arm, and pulled him toward the house. This rash move drew dissatisfied looks from those who had hoped to curry favor with the renowned Divine Doctor Han.
On the surface, Han Li seemed to wear a wry smile, but inwardly, he was relieved. At least he could escape those tedious conversations without offending anyone.
Just like that, Han Li was dragged straight into the living room by Ma Rong.
There were few people inside—aside from a few family members, two elders and Deputy Sect Leader Ma were also present. But to Han Li’s great surprise, Li Feiyu was also in the room.
This puzzled Han Li. As far as he knew, Li Feiyu and Elder Li had no connection. Why was he here?
Just as he was filled with questions, Han Li noticed Li Feiyu standing beside a tearful, petite young girl, comforting her with unusual tenderness. His demeanor was entirely different from his usual aloofness around fellow disciples or even Han Li himself—it was clear he was smitten.
Seeing Li Feiyu so deeply entangled in love, Han Li suddenly understood. He felt both surprised and amused.
He quickly took a closer look at the girl, curious to see what kind of stunning beauty could capture the heart of a reckless daredevil like Li Feiyu.
The girl appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old. A green jade hairpin adorned her hair, and she wore a lotus-green dress that complemented her delicate figure. Her jet-black hair was tied into two small braids hanging behind her, adding a playful charm to her already sweet face. However, her eyes were slightly swollen from crying, making her look pitiable and evoking a desire to hold and comfort her.
“Tsk tsk! She really is a genuine little beauty,” Han Li marveled inwardly. He thought it was understandable for Li Feiyu to fall for her, though he couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy and jealousy. He wondered when he would find a cherished confidante of his own.
Perhaps noticing Han Li’s attention toward the girl, Ma Rong hurriedly stepped forward to introduce everyone in the room to him.
Sect Leader Ma and a fair-faced Elder Qian were already familiar to Han Li, so he promptly stepped forward to greet them.
“Greetings, Sect Leader Ma, Elder Qian!”
“Hehe! Young Doctor Han is here!” Sect Leader Ma appeared very approachable, not putting on any airs of authority in front of Han Li.
“Why add ‘young’ to ‘Doctor Han’?” Han Li grumbled inwardly.
Elder Qian responded with a cold nod, his attitude the complete opposite of Sect Leader Ma’s. But Han Li didn’t take it to heart—he knew the elder practiced a unique internal art that required emotional detachment, making him aloof toward everyone.
Another elder, burly with a red face, was unfamiliar to Han Li. He had likely never met him before. The elder’s palms were rough, with short, thick fingers, clearly indicating he practiced a special hand-based martial art.
“This is Elder Zhao, a close friend of my master. He was previously overseeing the work of the Treasure Gathering Hall outside the mountain and only returned a couple of days ago,” Ma Rong introduced from the side.
Elder Zhao gave an indifferent “hmm” without saying a word, but the doubt in his eyes was evident. He clearly distrusted the young “Divine Doctor Han” and questioned his medical skills.
Since Elder Zhao seemed unwelcoming, Han Li saw no reason to ingratiate himself. He offered a bland greeting and prepared to move past him.
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