Chapter 013: Feng Xing Seeks Medicine

As Xueze was carefully admiring the room, the window suddenly blew open, and Ji Lin slipped inside with the wind.

Seeing that Ji Lin had returned, Xueze greeted him joyfully. “Senior brother, what about Lianzi?”

“Don’t worry, she’s already at Zhengjun Pavilion. I came to inform you and to ask Master to go as well. What are you two doing here? Are you inspecting your new boudoir?”

“Yes, Master asked me to tidy up once more, but I can’t find a single thing to change. Isn’t this making things difficult for me?”

Hearing this, Lan Shui smiled in satisfaction, his heart coated in a layer of sweetness.

Ji Lin too was full of cheer, saying to Xueze with a grin, “Then you can be lazy! Look at eldest brother’s expression—it's as if he’s received a beauty from the Western Spring Hall. It’s been ages since I’ve seen him smile like this!”

Xueze glanced at Lan Shui and couldn’t help but laugh gently. “Thank you for your trouble, senior brother!”

“It was no trouble at all, as long as you like it,” Lan Shui replied, still smiling. Though he was often cool and aloof, his rare smile, enhanced by his refined features, was indescribably beautiful.

“Hey, junior sister, why do you call him ‘senior brother’ and me ‘elder brother’? I’ve put up with it before, but even now you make this distinction. I’m rather displeased!” Ji Lin spoke in mock grief, though he was well used to it by now.

At this, Lan Shui’s smile faded. He looked Ji Lin straight in the eye. “I told her to do so. Do you have a problem with that?”

Lan Shui’s words brought a blush to Xueze's cheeks. She hurried to explain, “You misunderstand, elder brother. It’s just for convenience. If I call out ‘senior brother,’ both of you would answer—it’d be awkward, wouldn’t it?”

“It’s not just you making distinctions—this senior brother treats you and me differently, and Master does even more so! Is this favoritism for the youngest? I’m the second youngest at Xuezhu, yet why do I always feel I’m at the bottom?” Ji Lin’s words carried a self-mocking humor, making Xueze laugh. Lan Shui, meanwhile, couldn’t be bothered and stepped straight outside.

“Elder brother, why are you more anxious than I am?” Ji Lin called after him.

“There are two outsiders on Tianshan,” Lan Shui replied.

Ji Lin and Xueze exchanged a glance and quickly followed.

“You’re impressive, elder brother. My powers could only sense there were outsiders, not that there were two. Since you know, let’s go ask Master together.”

Xueze felt a flicker of confusion and asked Ji Lin in a low voice, “Wasn’t Master going to Zhengjun Pavilion? Why does he need to deal with these two outsiders as well?”

“They happened to come up the mountain with Lianzi and even received some guidance from me. Later, you should have a word with Lianzi—she actually helped outsiders ascend Tianshan! Right now, all three are waiting at Zhengjun Pavilion.”

Zhengjun Pavilion was the first residence visitors encountered after ascending Tianshan, often used to receive guests and discuss important matters.

Most people, even after climbing Tianshan, could not witness its full splendor—only the path up and the scenery around Zhengjun Pavilion. But even this was enough to leave them in awe, utterly enchanted.

The scenery here surpassed the snowy peaks, adorned with colorful, rare flowers and treasures. Fragrant breezes drifted everywhere, and the biting cold spread unchecked—exactly what the people of Tianshan cherished most.

When Celestial Lord Qiangui and his three disciples arrived at Zhengjun Pavilion, Master He’an, who managed Tianshan’s affairs, was already conversing with the guests.

Upon seeing Celestial Lord Qiangui, He’an bowed and said, “Celestial Lord Qiangui, these two seek medicine. Let me verify their case before acting. This young lady is the daughter of Honglian, said to be a guest of Xuezhu. Please decide, Lord.”

Celestial Lord Qiangui had already learned of Lianzi’s situation and admitted her. “Master He’an, this Honglian is one of ours at Xuezhu, newly arrived. Please register her under my third disciple Xueze’s tutelage…”

“Yes, Master,” He’an replied and was about to depart with the group when Qiangui stopped him.

“No rush, He’an. Let’s hear what these two have to say—perhaps there’s more to it.” Qiangui already knew their purpose and suspected a connection to the Xue family, so he’d come to investigate.

“Yes, Master.” He’an turned to the guests and asked softly, “You two, do you have something to say?”

On the hall, a man held a mortally ill young girl. Both looked travel-worn, dirty, and exhausted.

Yet the man’s will was resolute as he spoke frankly, “I beg you, lords of Tianshan, please save my sister! She’s gravely ill, and in the mortal world, there’s no cure…”

“What is her illness? And what is your name and home?” Master He’an pressed.

“I do not know what ails her, but this disease is spreading all across Beihua in the Central Plains. I found my sister among the afflicted. I am Feng Xing, a general guarding Baihe’s borders for Beihua. Our home is Apricot Blossom Village outside Beihua’s imperial city, in Tang Prefecture’s jurisdiction…”

Qiangui pondered a moment, then asked Lan Shui, “Is this Tang Prefecture the epidemic area you mentioned?”

“It is! A small town outside Tang Prefecture was struck by natural disaster, then by a plague. Now the area is under quarantine. There’s a rumor in Beihua that only Tianshan snow lotus can cure this illness. The Xue clan also said that if Tianshan uses a second-grade ice lotus, they’ll let bygones be bygones.”

He’an grew a bit agitated at this, but seeing Qiangui’s expression, he pressed on, “General Feng Xing, is this so?”

“Yes! If not for my office and command, my sister would never have left the quarantine. If not for the rumors, and because no healer could cure her, I would not have dared trouble you with my intrusion!”

Qiangui chuckled softly, “Since you’ve made it up the mountain, you shall have your wish. Master He’an, take him.”

“But, Lord, he seeks the snow lotus, which I cannot authorize. Moreover, Celestial Lord Jiucang is absent, and the snow lotus’s guardian, Master Qinglian, is away as well. What should I do?” He’an hesitated.

Qiangui laughed heartily. “This illness isn’t so complicated. Take him to the infirmary and you’ll see.”

“Yes, thank you for your guidance, Lord!”

Master He’an understood and called for disciples. “You, go to the infirmary and prepare to admit these two for treatment!”

Qiangui glanced at Feng Xing and said to He’an, “This is important. Treat the guests well. When Jiucang returns, report to him.”

With that, Qiangui led his disciples and Lianzi away. Feng Xing knelt in gratitude. “Thank you for your boundless kindness!”

Before leaving, Lianzi looked back and smiled at Feng Xing. Feng Xing clasped his hands in salute, bowing respectfully to her.

Xueze was always concerned for Lianzi, afraid something might happen to her. Unexpectedly, she saw nothing amiss in Lianzi—only a trace of sudden affection pass between her and Feng Xing.

“Lianzi, do you know that general?”

Lianzi shook her head repeatedly. “We only passed the trials together, that’s all!”

Ji Lin laughed. “Lianzi, tell the truth! If you don’t know him, why did you help him at every turn? If not for me, neither of you would have made it up here!”

Lianzi lowered her head, blushing in shy silence.

Seeing this, Xueze deliberately waited until the brothers and Master left before confronting her.

“Come on, tell me what’s going on?”

“It wasn’t my intention to help outsiders. It’s just that he was deeply devoted to his sister, and he was kind to me first, so I gave him a little guidance.”

“So you mean, in the third trial, Ji Lin helped you, and you helped Feng Xing through? He helped you? With what?”

“Yes! He helped me… helped me dodge a few traps! I was lost in thought, and if not for him, I might have…”

“All right, that’s enough! You did the right thing. Kindness should be repaid, never leave debts unpaid. But our senior brother is admonishing you for your own good. After all, we don’t live in the mortal world anymore—save your kindness for those you know.”

“Yes, I understand!” Lianzi thought for a moment, then anxiously asked, “Do you think Celestial Lord Qiangui will dislike me for this? Even Ji Lin seemed unhappy with what I did…”

“Don’t worry. Master is understanding and broad-minded. Besides, didn’t you hear? General Feng Xing is someone who can dispel rumors—your actions are a benefit to Tianshan!”

Lianzi’s face brightened. “Really? That’s wonderful! I was afraid my good intentions might cause trouble.”

Xueze smiled gently. “Come, let’s see Master. I’ll ask him to give you an official place here—then you’ll have nothing to worry about.”