Chapter 6: Tracing the Origins of the Enigmatic Affliction

The Mid-Autumn Festival was fast approaching, and with it came the long-awaited Yishan Sword Conference, which occurred once every seventeen years. The much-coveted Seventeen Swords, which had drawn the attention of martial artists across the land, were about to change hands. While other sects were abuzz with excitement, Yufeng Manor remained unusually quiet. Chang Jingyun had little interest in this trip to Yishan, and when asked by his disciples, he merely offered a perfunctory reply to brush off their inquiries.

In terms of martial prowess, Meng Hantan was already the unrivaled master, with no equal in the world. Even without the Seventeen Swords in her possession, none could defeat her in combat. Chang Jingyun was well aware of this, and thus, this journey to Yishan was little more than an obligation; he had no desire to compete for the swords.

One day, a disciple from Yufeng Manor brought news that a strange illness had appeared near the town of Jiaxing, at the foot of Wuyin Mountain. Many had inexplicably fallen ill with an incurable cold, and within just half a month, one-third of the town's population had perished. Upon hearing this, Chang Jingyun decided to personally investigate and set off for Jiaxing Town, leaving instructions for his eldest disciple, Zhai Yue, to manage all affairs at Yufeng Manor in his absence. Zhai Yue, at twelve years old, was the eldest of Chang Jingyun's disciples, and the master placed great hope in him for the future of Yufeng Manor.

After Chang Jingyun departed, Xia Zhaoyun felt a lingering reluctance. Though Chang treated him kindly, his fellow senior disciples were cold and distant. 

On the second day after Chang Jingyun's departure, Zhai Yue began assigning Xia Zhaoyun various menial tasks, such as sweeping the courtyard, washing clothes, and cleaning dishes. For a seven-year-old child, these chores were no easy burden. Yet Xia Zhaoyun understood his precarious position in Yufeng Manor and resolved to endure until Chang Jingyun returned. As the saying goes, "A wise man knows when to retreat to fight another day," a lesson his grandfather had imparted to him on his deathbed.

When Chang Jingyun arrived at Jiaxing Town, he found the once-bustling streets steeped in an eerie silence. Few people could be seen, and the usually lively marketplace now seemed desolate.

Just then, a familiar figure caught Chang Jingyun's eye. It was none other than Hua Caiyi.

Surprised yet pleased to see her, Chang Jingyun hurried forward and greeted her warmly, "Miss Hua, it has been too long!"

Hua Caiyi, equally taken aback, responded, "Master Chang, what brings you here?"

"I heard there was an outbreak of a strange illness in Jiaxing Town and came to investigate. What about you, Miss Hua? What brings you here?"

"It seems fate has brought us together," Hua Caiyi replied. "I came for the same reason. My master was supposed to accompany me, but he's been unwell, so I had to come alone."

"I see. Have you uncovered anything so far?" Chang Jingyun asked.

Hua Caiyi shook her head. "Not yet, which is why I plan to visit one of the afflicted households and observe the situation."

"Would you mind if I accompanied you to lend a hand?" Chang Jingyun offered.

"I would appreciate your help, Master Chang."

Together, they arrived at a farmer's house. As soon as they reached the door, they could hear the sound of persistent coughing from within. Gently, they knocked, and the door was opened by an elderly woman, seemingly in her sixties.

"Who are you?" the woman asked suspiciously.

"I am a physician, here to tend to the sick," Hua Caiyi replied.

Panic flashed across the old woman's face as she anxiously exclaimed, "No! We cannot afford treatment. Please leave!" She attempted to shut the door, but Chang Jingyun stopped her.

"Grandmother, we wish only to help your ailing family member. We won't take a single coin from you," he assured her.

The elderly woman, still skeptical, asked, "You truly offer your services for free?"

"Rest assured, Grandmother," Hua Caiyi said gently. "We ask for no payment at all. Please let us help."

After a moment of hesitation, the old woman finally relented and let them inside. As they entered the house, she sighed, "Even if you wanted money, we have none to give. We've sold everything to pay for treatments for my husband, but nothing has worked. And now, even in our darkest hour, we are left with no hope. The medicine given by traveling doctors did nothing to ease his suffering."

Moved by her plight, Hua Caiyi handed a white silk handkerchief to both Chang Jingyun and the elderly woman, saying, "Cover your mouth and nose with this to avoid infection."

Inside the house, they found an old man lying in bed, frail and emaciated, wracked by constant fits of coughing. Hua Caiyi approached the bedside and gently took his pulse. After a brief moment, she frowned and said, "His pulse is chaotic, and he has a persistent fever along with signs of inflammation. These symptoms must be addressed one by one. Master Chang, could I trouble you to assist me?"

"Please, just call me Brother Chang. There's no need for formality. How can I assist you?" Chang Jingyun responded with a smile.

A faint blush crept across Hua Caiyi's face as she replied shyly, "Brother Chang, in my medical kit, there are several herbs already sorted. Please help me by brewing a remedy with cinnamon twigs, peony, ginger, dates, and licorice."

Remembering Hua Caiyi's instructions, Chang Jingyun began to prepare the medicine. Meanwhile, Hua Caiyi went to the kitchen to inspect the ingredients. After carefully checking that everything was safe, she prepared to cook some porridge. Carrying a bucket, she went outside to the well to fetch water, but to her surprise, the well was completely dry. She asked, "Grandmother, why is there no water in the well? Where do you usually get your water for daily use?"

The elderly woman replied, "My dear, it's been months since we had any rain. Jiaxing Town has suffered a severe drought, and all the wells have dried up. We have to walk three miles to Qianqiu Lake to fetch water. There was a bit left earlier, but that young man took it to brew the medicine."

Hua Caiyi found this strange. Could it be that the mysterious illness plaguing the town was related to the water from Qianqiu Lake? She shared her thoughts with Chang Jingyun, who also found her suspicion reasonable. He set aside the medicine and said, "If there is a chance that your theory is right, we must investigate the lake. It's still early in the day; let's set off without delay."

After about half an hour, Chang Jingyun and Hua Caiyi finally arrived at Qianqiu Lake, as described by the elderly woman. The sky was clear, and the sunlight glimmered on the surface of the lake. A gentle breeze stirred, and the surrounding scenery was tranquil and picturesque.

"So this is where the townspeople get their drinking water," Hua Caiyi remarked.

Chang Jingyun nodded, glancing around. "The water looks perfectly normal!" Feeling a bit thirsty, he cupped his hands and prepared to take a sip, but Hua Caiyi quickly stopped him.

"Brother Chang, don't drink it just yet. Look closely at the water—isn't it unnaturally clear?"

Chang Jingyun peered at the lake and realized she was right.

"That's precisely what's strange about it," Hua Caiyi continued. "The water is so clear you can see the bottom, yet there isn't a single fish."

Chang Jingyun mused, "Isn't it common knowledge that water too pure has no fish?"

Ignoring his remark, Hua Caiyi started walking along the lakeshore toward the upper stream. Curious, Chang Jingyun followed behind and asked, "Miss Hua, do you think there's something wrong with the source of the water?"

She nodded thoughtfully. "At this point, it's just a hypothesis, but I want to verify it."

The two walked for quite a while, and as dusk began to settle, Chang Jingyun suggested they rest for a bit. Soon, a small campfire crackled to life.

Hua Caiyi took some dried food from her bag and handed it to Chang Jingyun. "Brother Chang, please help yourself, if you don't mind."

Chang Jingyun accepted it gratefully, saying, "Thank you," and began eating. The more he ate, the more flavorful it seemed, so he asked, "Is this peach blossom cake?"

Hua Caiyi smiled and nodded. "It is. Does something taste off?"

"Not at all! In fact, it's delicious! My master used to make it for me when I was a child, but after he passed, I haven't had it since. It's such a delightful surprise to taste it again, and even more so because it's made by you, Miss Hua."

Hua Caiyi blushed slightly. "My master taught me how to make it. I've only grasped the basics."

Chang Jingyun then asked, "At what age did you join Fanhua Valley?"

"I became a disciple at four and started learning medicine at five. It's been seventeen years now. And you, Brother Chang?"

"I entered Yufeng Manor at ten and began training at twelve. It's been nearly seventeen years for me too."

Hua Caiyi chuckled, "It seems we both share a fateful connection to the number seventeen!"

Though her words were spoken lightly, they reminded Chang Jingyun of the Seventeen Swords, and the unfulfilled wish of Zhuge Wu to strengthen Yufeng Manor and prevent it from being absorbed by Mujian Manor. Despite years of thwarted efforts, Mujian Manor had never given up on its ambition to merge the Six Manors. Chang Jingyun fell silent for a long time, lost in thought. When he glanced at Hua Caiyi again, she had already fallen asleep on a bed of grass. Her delicate features, framed by long lashes and porcelain skin, struck him as utterly enchanting. In that moment, he felt a tug at his heart, the same feeling he had experienced the first time he saw her in Fanhua Valley's courtyard. Could it be that he was falling for her? Chang Jingyun pondered silently.

As night deepened, a thick mist began to roll in. Chang Jingyun took off his cloak and gently draped it over Hua Caiyi, then sat in quiet meditation until dawn.

With the first light of morning, the fire had burned down to embers. Hua Caiyi stirred, slowly opening her eyes, and noticed Chang Jingyun's cloak covering her. Softly, she called, "Brother Chang."

Her voice woke him, and he responded with a smile, "Good morning, Miss Hua!"

"Good morning, Brother Chang!"

Chang Jingyun asked, "Shall we continue our journey along the lakeshore upstream?"

Hua Caiyi nodded, determination in her eyes. "I'm not sure where the source of the lake lies, but as long as there's even a sliver of hope, we must not give up."

Chang Jingyun looked at Hua Caiyi, her eyes filled with unwavering determination, unafraid of the challenges ahead. This resolute woman before him earned his deep admiration. With that, the two readied themselves once more and set off again. After another hour of walking, they came across a small tavern, its sign swaying gently in the breeze. Grateful for a moment's respite, they entered to rest.

An elderly man soon emerged from within, served them a pot of tea and a few small dishes, and politely said, "Please enjoy." Then he quietly retreated inside.

The scene reminded Chang Jingyun of the first time he had met Hua Caiyi. She had disguised herself as an unattractive girl, running a similar tavern at the foot of Mingyue Mountain. A faint smile crept across his face at the memory. Noticing his expression, Hua Caiyi, curious, asked, "Brother Chang, what are you smiling about?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Chang Jingyun replied, "It's nothing. Let's eat." But as he spoke, a sudden realization struck him—this setting, so familiar, might be a trap. He glanced at Hua Caiyi, who had already taken several sips of tea. Seeing Chang Jingyun staring at her, Hua Caiyi grew uneasy and asked, "Brother Chang, is there something on my face?"

Shaking his head, Chang Jingyun said, "No, it's just... something feels off about this place."

Understanding his concern, Hua Caiyi started to gather her things, but as she rose, a sudden dizziness overcame her, and she began to collapse. Only then did she realize, "The tea is poisoned!" She managed to utter this before falling unconscious. 

Chang Jingyun caught her and was about to flee, but it was already too late. The two of them were surrounded by a group of black-clad figures.

"What do you want?" Chang Jingyun demanded.

One of them replied coldly, "You've meddled in matters you shouldn't have. You deserve to die."

Sensing there was more to the story, Chang Jingyun probed further. "And whose wrath have we incurred? At least let us know before we meet our end."

"You needn't know," the man replied with a sneer. "Now surrender your lives!" With that, the black-clad assailants rushed forward, their swords flashing in unison, ten blades aimed directly at Chang Jingyun. Holding the unconscious Hua Caiyi in his right arm, Chang Jingyun leapt into the air. He lightly touched down on the tips of the drawn blades, causing the attackers to momentarily falter as they retracted their swords, keeping the pair encircled.

Their movements grew faster, soon becoming a blur, like a moving wall around them. Realizing that things were looking grim, Chang Jingyun knew he had to find a way to break free. The moves from "Wind's Eight Forms" flashed through his mind, and the technique "Gale Against the Flame" came to him instantly. He drove his sword into the ground and gently rested Hua Caiyi against it. "Gale Against the Flame" was a deceptive move—while it appeared to bolster the enemy's strength, in reality, it drained their collective power.

He began to move in the opposite direction of the attackers, circling the area with increasing speed. Before long, he had created two concentric rings of motion, with Hua Caiyi at the center. The tactic worked swiftly; within moments, the black-clad figures began to slow down, and soon their movements came to a halt. Seizing the opportunity, Chang Jingyun leapt into the air, delivering a powerful kick to each of the assailants' stomachs, sending all ten of them flying back, none spared.

Though severely wounded, the attackers were not ready to give up. They regrouped, preparing for another assault. Chang Jingyun knew he was outnumbered and that Hua Caiyi's unconscious state only made things more precarious. At best, he could hold them off, but the odds were not in their favor. 

Just as the black-clad figures were about to strike again, Chang Jingyun scooped Hua Caiyi into his arms and bolted toward the lake, running at full speed. The assailants gave chase, but when Chang Jingyun reached a spot where the water rushed violently, they suddenly stopped. Looking ahead, Chang Jingyun saw a waterfall—a dangerous drop lay just beyond. 

The black-clad figures halted, not advancing, but refusing to leave. They wanted to force him to surrender. Chang Jingyun knew that giving in would seal both their fates, and he couldn't let that happen—not to Hua Caiyi.

At that critical moment, Chang Jingyun made a fateful decision. He would rather risk death than become a casualty of these assassins. Clutching Hua Caiyi tightly, he leapt into the waterfall.

The roar of the waterfall drowned out the sound of their plunge into the deep pool below. One of the black-clad figures spoke grimly, "Take the alternate path down. Alive or dead, we must find them. They cannot leave here alive."