A Strange Feeling

As he healed his mother's wound, an inexplicable sensation quietly took root in Yang Fan's heart.

In that fleeting moment, an invisible, intangible stream, like a delicate flow of water, coursed through his body, spreading through his limbs and bones, even seeming to wash over his very soul. It was a feeling beyond words—ethereal and almost intoxicating, as though he were on the verge of being lifted into the heavens. The sensation was so enthralling that it could easily become addictive.

But just as quickly as it had come, it vanished the moment the wound healed.

"Fan'er… my wound?" Yang's mother looked at her finger in astonishment. The cut had completely healed!

Inwardly, she thought: *Hadn't my son lost his powers? How is he still able to use spells?*

"Mother, this is a medical technique, not true magic. In the world of immortality, it's considered a mere side path," Yang Fan said with a cheerful smile, fully aware of his mother's thoughts.

"I see. Fan'er, if you don't wish to pursue a career in the imperial court, why not settle here in 'Wuliu Town' as a healer? Your skills are far superior to that of the doctor across the street," she replied, beaming, as she moved to take over her daughter's chores.

"Mother, you should rest," Yang Huixin gently urged, feeling concerned.

"My wound is already healed." Yang's mother smiled brightly, showing off her now fully restored finger, the fresh skin gleaming where the cut had once been.

"How… how is this possible?" Huixin murmured, stunned. Her bright eyes flickered toward Yang Fan, her gaze laced with an emotion that was hard to define.

"Your brother is now studying the ways of medicine. He healed Mother's wound in the blink of an eye—it's miraculous!" their mother said, chuckling as she chopped vegetables.

"Be careful, Mother, don't cut yourself again," Yang Fan cautioned as he left the kitchen, though his heart was still weighed down by questions. 

The strange sensation he had felt while treating his mother—it was too bizarre to ignore.

Yang Fan couldn't shake the impression that his cultivation had somehow improved during the process. But, he told himself, such a thing was impossible. Healing a simple wound couldn't possibly enhance one's cultivation. If that were the case, wouldn't everyone flock to study the healing arts?

"Perhaps it was just an illusion…" Yang Fan laughed softly to himself as he returned to the main hall. His sister followed him in.

"Brother…" Huixin's gentle, soulful eyes rested on Yang Fan, hesitating slightly.

"Whatever you want to ask, just ask it. We're siblings—there's nothing we can't discuss," Yang Fan said casually, reclining in his chair.

"I wanted to ask… Brother, is it true, as the rumors say, that you've lost all your powers?" Huixin asked softly, her eyes locking onto his, searching for any hint of deception.

But Yang Fan's gaze was calm, deep, and inscrutable. There was no way for her to glean any answers from those mysterious, dark eyes.

"It's true that I've lost my magic, but not in the way people claim—I'm not some cripple. Your brother is now focusing on the healing arts, which can be considered a minor branch of immortal cultivation," Yang Fan explained, his tone gentle. A faint, natural energy seemed to emanate from him, filling the room with an unspoken warmth that made him feel even more approachable.

For a moment, Huixin was dazed. That subtle aura from her brother vanished just as quickly as it had appeared, and a new thought occurred to her: perhaps there were secrets about him she had yet to uncover.

"Since you're learning the healing arts now, why not open a clinic here in 'Wuliu Town'?" she suggested.

Yang Fan shook his head and smiled. "I've only just begun studying. My knowledge and experience are still shallow. If I recklessly open a clinic, wouldn't I risk harming others?"

"How could that be? You've learned magical techniques! The way you healed Mother's wound is beyond what any mortal doctor could achieve," Huixin said with a grin, clearly unconvinced.

"The path of medicine is vast and profound. I've only scratched the surface. Healing simple injuries is one thing, but if I were faced with complex illnesses or ailments, I'd be at a loss. Let's leave this matter for the future," Yang Fan replied earnestly. He wasn't exaggerating. The *Holy Healing Scroll*, even in its fragmented state, contained an ocean of knowledge—everything from the anatomy of humans to that of beasts and mystical creatures. 

At present, Yang Fan had only grasped two techniques: the "Withering Wood Art," which was a method of gathering energy, and the "Dewdrop Technique," used for healing minor wounds. 

"If I could master both the *Holy Healing Scroll* and the *Alchemy Scroll,* then I might indeed become a renowned healer and alchemist in the realm of immortals," Yang Fan thought, a bold idea surfacing in his mind.

In the world of cultivation, both healers and alchemists held special status, not because they were highly esteemed in the path to immortality, but because they were so few in number.

These practitioners, often dismissed as following "side paths," were not considered worthy of the celestial heights, but their scarcity made them indispensable. Healers treated not the mundane illnesses of mortals but the injuries of immortals, often caused by powerful spells and brutal combat—wounds no ordinary physician could hope to cure. In such cases, the healer held sway over life and death.

As for alchemists, their importance was even greater. The elixirs they crafted could enhance cultivation, fortify one's core, or heal wounds and illnesses. The most skilled alchemists were revered by both righteous and demonic sects alike, their status transcendent, protected by the most powerful forces.

It was a profession greatly in demand.

After chatting a while longer, Yang Fan briefly recounted the events that had unfolded at the Yang family manor. Though he left out many details, his sister was sharp enough to glean the harsh treatment he had endured.

"Brother, it's good that you've returned. For the Yang family to treat you so coldly, simply because you lost your magic—it's outrageous!" Huixin said indignantly.

Yang Fan smiled faintly. "Such is the cruel reality of the cultivation world. There's no surprise in that."

Huixin's eyes dimmed slightly, her voice softening. "Brother, the path of immortality is so harsh. Why do you continue to pursue it so tirelessly?"

"Because immortality promises freedom, the chance to transcend the mortal world, to live forever, to touch the very essence of existence... Once you step onto this path, even the faintest possibility is enough to keep you moving forward," Yang Fan answered, his eyes gleaming with a passion that bordered on fervor. "This is a road of both opportunity and peril, a journey with no return. The strong thrive, while the weak perish. Cruel, yes, but in its simplicity, it is also beautiful."

In that moment, Yang Fan's blood seemed to stir, and Huixin felt a mixture of awe and dread for the unknown world he spoke of.

With a soft chuckle, Yang Fan added, "Don't mind me. The mundane world has its own charms. As long as there's peace, life can be simple and serene."

Once more, Yang Fan returned to his gentle, refined demeanor, like a scholar whose strength lay in intellect, not in might.

Before long, their mother called them for dinner, and the family shared a meal, laughter and warmth filling the house.

Later, the neighbor Iron Bull stopped by, bringing some meat with him and challenging Yang Fan to a friendly competition. "Let's see if your magic is stronger than my Iron Body Technique," he boasted.

Yang Fan simply laughed it off, not taking it seriously.

Afterward, the family stayed up chatting until late, then retired for the night.

Unable to sleep, Yang Fan stepped outside, gazing at the night sky over Dongsheng Continent, his thoughts drifting back to that night when the meteor shower had fallen.

And then, the strange sensation from earlier, when he had healed his mother's wound—it gnawed at his curiosity.

What was that feeling?

Could it be that healing others might somehow benefit him as well?

Yang Fan decided to investigate further.