"But Father King..."
"Don't worry, I'll go find Yi Bai."
The sect leader of Tian Ji Ge was sworn brothers with their sect master. Before Qing Yi Bai was admitted into Medicine King Valley, he often accompanied his father to Huan Lang Men. Qing Yi Bai's health was poor, a result of insufficient development in the womb, leaving him frail. In his youth, he had fallen into a frigid pool, contracting a cold ailment. The hot springs within Huan Lang Men could alleviate his internal cold, and during autumn and winter, he would typically reside at their sect.
Qing Yi Bai was two years older than Zhuge Qingfeng. However, due to his delicate health, Zhuge Qingfeng always protected him. This time, he hadn't intended to seek out Yi Bai. After all, he was merely an outer disciple. If he heard their words and truly believed their master was ill, he would undoubtedly spare no effort to find medicine. Zhuge Qingfeng did not wish to worry him nor to cause him any difficulty. It was just that plans had changed. It was still seven or eight days until Medicine King Valley opened its gates, and he had no idea when Feng Luan would ascend or descend the mountain, nor how long he would have to wait. The King's injury would worsen by the day, and now that they had the medicine, it needed to be delivered back as soon as possible.
Thus, he could only trouble Yi Bai.
Yu Cheng Huan joined the sect later. By the time she was admitted, Qing Yi Bai had already entered Medicine King Valley. She had only heard vague accounts of Qing Yi Bai before, but not much. When she heard Zhuge Qingfeng intended to find him, she felt a flicker of worry. "Is he… reliable?"
Zhuge Qingfeng hummed. He offered no further explanation, but Yu Cheng Huan detected a steadfast friendship and trust in his tone, firmer than bedrock.
She asked no more. If her senior brother trusted him, she would trust him too.
...
The sun broke through the dawn, tearing through the night. The morning light pierced the lingering mist, enshrouding the entire valley. From afar, the peaks appeared to be cradled by the clouds, shrouded in swirling mist, resembling a realm of immortals.
Ban Tian Yuan.
The clear lake water rippled, its spray lapping against the shore, wave after wave, the sounds merging into a melodious symphony. Qing Yi Bai pushed open the door, stretching his body in the morning light. His peripheral vision caught sight of approaching figures, their companions appearing in the distance. His movements paused. He smoothed his slightly askew collar and adjusted his sleeves. Ensuring his attire was immaculate, he then walked forward to meet them.
"Disciple greets honored grand-uncle, greets junior grand-uncle."
Qing Yi Bai bowed.
"Hello, hello."
Poison Elder found the boy unfamiliar. However, with so many disciples in Medicine King Valley, how could he possibly remember them all? Moreover, Ban Tian Yuan was always guarded by outer disciples. Given the boy's age, he had likely joined not long ago. Poison Elder was quite amiable towards the valley's disciples, greeting him with a smile.
Then he asked, "Whose disciple are you?"
"Replying to honored grand-uncle, this disciple is fortunate to have entered Master Chongwen's tutelage."
"Chongwen!"
Poison Elder suddenly realized. Although it was impolite to interrupt in front of someone's disciple, Poison Elder chuckled and said, "That brat can teach disciples now?"
Qing Yi Bai dared not respond, only smiling.
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Let's get the boat ready."
Seeing that he wouldn't engage, only smile, Poison Elder felt a touch of weariness. Indeed, besides his own unfortunate disciple, which other disciple would dare to speak of or mock their master behind their back?
He waved his hand, deciding not to bully the honest child, and ordered for the boat to be prepared.
Qing Yi Bai untied the reins and pulled the boat over. Nan Shi Ying spotted what they called a boat. You call this thing a boat?