Chapter 017: Assigning the Mission

Along the way, Lotus glanced around with curiosity and keen observation, taking in the visage of the Heavenly Mountain and finally understanding the origin of its reputation for mystery and purity. The scenery here was comparable to the Azure Valley in broad daylight—beautiful and fantastical, with treasures beyond counting. Though myriad flowers, trees, and green grasses abounded, there was no chaos; instead, everything reflected harmony and exquisite beauty.

Fragrance wafted everywhere, gentle and pleasing, while the eight surrounding snowy peaks exuded a cold that pierced to the bone. No wonder this was a land of cultivation for the immortals—everywhere exuded refinement and serenity, imbued with an elegant and unadorned aura.

Driven by curiosity, Lotus took a closer look at the feathered dove. As a messenger, the dove possessed the swiftness of a spiritual butterfly and an intelligence all its own; even a mere glance revealed its superiority. Its main feathers were pure white, its down shimmered with blue, and its tail feathers bore a tint of green—far surpassing anything of the mortal world. Each dove was unique, but those belonging to the Heavenly Officials were especially remarkable, dazzling in their otherworldly splendor.

The dove belonging to Bluewater had a blue-tinted tail and a patch of emerald atop its head, making it quite striking. It led Lotus to the Medicine Hall, cooed a few times, then fluttered away gracefully.

Looking around, Lotus saw that all the buildings were low wooden houses, simple and immaculate. For a moment, she had no idea where to go. Shortly, a disciple of the Heavenly Mountain noticed her. Seeing her lost and anxious, he was quite surprised.

"Who are you?" he asked.

Lotus looked at the man dressed in a gray outer garment over white robes and replied respectfully, "I am a newly accepted disciple from Snow Bamboo Peak, here to find Senior Brother in the Medicine Hall."

"Then come in! The Medicine Hall is inside," he replied.

Lotus nodded and followed the disciple through a doorway. Above the lintel were several characters in gold on a white background—an unusual script she could barely decipher, but she guessed it spelled "Medicine Hall."

Crossing the threshold, she took a few steps, entered a spacious courtyard, and caught the scent of medicinal herbs on the air, confirming her guess. There were many small rooms here, all interconnected, with people coming and going. Not knowing where to go, Lotus asked softly, "Senior Brother, could you guide me? The layout here is complex, and I don’t know where to begin."

"You’re looking for Senior Brother Bluewater?" The disciple thought for a moment, then pointed the way. "Go through this door, turn left at the end, then right. Senior Brother is here on behalf of a mortal general—perhaps you’re here for the same reason, so you’d best hurry."

Lotus thanked him repeatedly, then followed his directions to the northwest corner of the Medicine Hall, finding a wooden cottage.

The place was tranquil and peaceful, devoid of human voices—only the gentle murmur of water over rocks broke the silence. Such serenity and beauty made it an ideal place for convalescence. Lotus was confident she was in the right place.

She searched around but did not find Bluewater, so she called softly outside the cottage, "Is anyone there?"

Soon, the door opened, and Lotus, delighted, stepped forward. "Senior Brother!"

To her surprise, the man who emerged was not Bluewater. He was dressed plainly in black homespun, yet his presence radiated a restrained, commanding aura. His cool, melancholy eyes flickered with surprise when they met hers, as if a stone had rippled the stillness of water.

"It's you?" Lotus halted and took a closer look at the man before her.

He was the mortal who had accompanied her through trials—a general by title, yet bearing the gentle name "Windwalker." Tall and well-built, he was otherwise unremarkable but possessed an inexplicably pleasing presence.

"Miss, what brings you here? Are you unwell and seeking medicine?" Windwalker studied Lotus, who had not responded for a long moment.

She was no longer dressed head-to-toe in red but wore a simple white outer robe; though there were still hints of red in her attire, the overall effect was much more subdued. Her black hair was smooth and not very long, her braid playful and charming, her hair ornaments simple. Her face was slightly rounded, her features delicate and gentle, her eyes lively and bright, and her lips curved in a soft, constant smile. At first glance, she was an ordinary girl, nothing particularly eye-catching, but upon closer inspection, she possessed a pure, innate beauty.

"Miss?" Windwalker stepped forward, stopping a meter from her. "Are you well?"

"Hmm? I… I’m fine, truly!" Lotus replied with a silly grin, glancing around. "General Windwalker, have you seen my Senior Brother?"

"Oh, so you’re looking for someone! Is it that ethereal, cool, and elegant gentleman?"

Lotus nodded. "It should be him. Do you know where he is?"

"He just left and hasn't returned yet. Why not wait here?"

"Alright!" Lotus nodded, her gaze drifting back to Windwalker.

In the past, Lotus had been a spirit, never schooled in human etiquette. Now, she felt she should learn—how could she be as gracious and courteous as Windwalker?

The two stood quietly outside the door for some time, enveloped in a gentle silence.

"You called the chief disciple here ‘Senior Brother.’ And you…?"

Lotus smiled awkwardly. "I… I just arrived, not very familiar yet, but I remember my instructions: I mustn’t reveal too much."

"I do not mean to pry—may I at least know your name?"

Lotus hesitated, then replied softly, "Alright, my name is Lotus. It’s no trouble—once you leave the mountain, you won’t remember, only that you’ve been here…"

Before Windwalker could answer, a breeze swept in, and Bluewater appeared before them.

"Why are you waiting outside? Why not take care of the woman inside?"

"Thanks to your help, my sister is fully recovered and sleeping soundly," Windwalker replied.

Hearing this, Lotus felt a surge of joy, though she merely followed Bluewater inside in a daze.

Bluewater opened the door, entered, and calmly took the pulse of the woman lying on the bed. After a long moment, he took paper and brush to the table.

"She is well now; she only needs rest and will awaken in a few hours. General Windwalker, you may return to the Central Plains."

Windwalker bowed respectfully. "Thank you, master, for your timely aid. I will be grateful for eternity and will seek to repay you always."

"That’s unnecessary. You came to the mountain by your own merit and you’ve helped us find a cure for the epidemic—that is enough."

"Though I know it is presumptuous, I wish to offer my service. If you ever descend to the mortal world to seek repute, Windwalker will gladly assist in any way possible."

Bluewater regarded Windwalker and, seeing his solemn sincerity, did not refuse. Turning to Lotus, he asked, "Why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to call your Second Senior Brother?"

"I wanted to become familiar with affairs here, to help share Senior Brother’s burdens—so I came! If you have any instructions, please do tell me!"

"In that case, you may stand in for your Second Senior Brother." Bluewater handed her the paper and brush. "Can you read and write?"

Lotus swallowed nervously. "I can read, but not write."

"I can write—may I help?" Windwalker stepped forward.

"Lotus, do you trust him?" Bluewater asked.

Lotus nodded, handing the writing tools to Windwalker.

Bluewater’s expression softened. "Very well, then I’ll entrust you both with this task."

"If you have any orders, please say the word. I am grateful for the chance to repay your kindness!" Windwalker replied.

"I too will do my utmost to complete the task," Lotus added.

Bluewater nodded, producing a prescription from his sleeve. "This is a formula—prepare these medicines and it will cure the epidemic. Copy it, and when you return to the mortal world, use it to save the sick."

Lotus took the prescription and placed it before Windwalker, who diligently copied it down.

Watching Windwalker write, Lotus felt an unexpected fondness: could all mortals read and write? This general was not only steadfast but also cultured and modest—how admirable!

"Master, these herbs are common, but those in the mortal world differ from those of the Heavenly Mountain. Will they be as effective?"

Bluewater, understanding Windwalker’s concern, replied calmly, "It matters not; it will only slow the effect by a few days. Here, it takes just a moment; in the mortal world, it will take at most three days. With timely and proper use, there will be no harm."

"That’s good! This will surely clear our name—Heavenly Mountain not only welcomes visitors but also cares for the people. No wonder it’s held in such high esteem, superior to all other places!"

Bluewater fixed Windwalker with a steady gaze, warning them both, "This matter must not be spoken of lightly; not a word of the truth can be revealed. I am sending Lotus with you not only out of trust, but also because your unfamiliar faces will win the people’s confidence."

"Yes, I was careless. I’ll be more cautious in the future," Windwalker replied.

"No need to be so formal—you’re only helping. Just remember: reveal nothing of the Heavenly Mountain, heal the sick, and that will suffice."

After giving them their instructions, Bluewater explained a few more details to Lotus. Then, he escorted them down the mountain and erased a portion of Windwalker’s memories.