A step away

### A Step Away

As expected, the "Return to Spirit Technique" was learned by Yang Fan in no time, requiring only refinement and experience.

"This 'Return to Spirit Technique' consumes an astonishing amount of mana..." Yang Fan murmured, furrowing his brow.

He effortlessly performed the first "Return to Spirit Technique," unleashing an invisible green halo that blossomed like a flower, emanating a wave of spiritual resonance. Through his divine consciousness, he could perceive the ethereal illusion of the petals unfolding, hazy and surreal, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Yet, after just a fleeting moment of the "Return to Spirit Technique," Yang Fan felt a significant drain on his internal mana—almost half had been consumed. Not only was his mana depleting rapidly, but his mental energy was also taking a toll. Even with Yang Fan's remarkable recovery abilities, he felt the strain, particularly on his mind.

Fortunately, due to an unexpected breakthrough in his soul realm to the Foundation Establishment stage, he could barely utilize the "Return to Spirit Technique." After a brief period of meditation, his mana began to recover, followed by a replenishment of his spirit.

At this moment, he had drawn a conclusion: the "Rain and Dew Technique" primarily consumed mana, while the "Return to Spirit Technique" mainly drained spiritual energy. In comparison, using the Rain and Dew Technique was much easier and more comfortable since Yang Fan's mana regeneration rate was significantly faster than that of his mental energy. Additionally, excessive consumption of spiritual energy would hinder the recovery of his mana.

"The soul is the foundation of a cultivator; one should not overindulge in its consumption. It would be wiser to limit the use of this technique," Yang Fan resolved in his heart.

Once his mana and mental energy were at their peak again, Yang Fan stood up. Now, he was prepared to attempt healing the injuries of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, uncertain if he would succeed even in his own mind. However, trusting in the unparalleled nature of the "Xianhong Jue," he harbored little concern.

Upon pushing the door open, Yang Fan found Huang Yu watching the room with piercing eyes. Upon seeing Yang Fan emerge, Huang Yu's eyes brightened, though a trace of worry lingered on his face.

"Yang, the Pharmacist, it's been quite some time. Are you ready?" Huang Yu inquired, keenly observing Yang Fan for any signs of his emotional state.

Yang Fan's expression remained calm, occasionally revealing a faint smile that concealed his true feelings. "Yes, my mana and mental energy have both recovered..." He nodded slightly, not glancing at Huang Yu, and made his way toward Yuan Lao.

Huang Yu paused momentarily, realizing that Yang Fan had merely been recuperating inside.

Yuan Lao sat cross-legged on the deck, his spirit damaged yet still persevering in controlling the "Sky Vessel." As Yang Fan approached, Yuan Lao smiled and asked, "Are you ready, Pharmacist Yang?"

The other cultivators also turned to watch, gathering around to observe.

Yang Fan beamed a warm smile, gentle as a breeze. "We can begin the healing now."

Li Yue Shuang hurried over, her gaze fixed on Yang Fan as he sat beside Yuan Lao. He slowly extended a hand, gently pressing it against Yuan Lao's forehead. An obscure wave of spiritual energy rippled through the surrounding space, perceptible only to Yuan Lao, the Foundation Establishment cultivator.

A transparent green halo surged from Yang Fan's palm, permeating Yuan Lao's head and deep into his mind, blooming like a flower in an instant. This force was as gentle as a breeze, reminiscent of a meandering brook, like vibrant flowers blooming in a lush meadow.

Yuan Lao felt as if he were basking in the warm embrace of sunlight, standing on a grassy field with the fragrance of flowers wafting through the air, surrounded by verdant trees and the gentle gurgle of springs, enhanced by the ethereal calls of birds, which added a sense of harmony and vitality to the tranquil natural setting.

Consequently, the power within Yuan Lao offered no resistance, willingly allowing the warm sunlight to spill into his mind.

After a breath, Yang Fan's face turned pale, his hand still pressed against Yuan Lao's forehead. Yuan Lao's expression relaxed, his spirit revitalized.

Two breaths later, Yang Fan's face grew paler, his hand trembling slightly yet he persevered.

After three breaths, Yang Fan's body shuddered, his face ashen, sweat beads forming on his forehead.

At that moment, those around finally recognized something was amiss.

Li Yue Shuang exclaimed, "Hurry, stop! If this continues, you'll exhaust yourself!"

Hearing this, Yang Fan exhaled deeply, abruptly withdrawing his hand, his body swaying as if about to collapse.

Li Yue Shuang rushed to support him, her face filled with concern. "Yang, you must not overdo it; if you can't heal him, so be it!"

Yang Fan remained silent, closing his eyes to meditate. He retrieved a pill bottle from his storage pouch and took a few spiritual pills. In truth, he was merely putting on a facade, for the ordinary pills had little effect on someone with Yang Fan's recovery speed.

"I need to rest for a moment before continuing to treat Yuan Lao," Yang Fan stated after consuming several pills, focusing entirely on restoring his mana.

The initial strain had primarily drained his mana, as he was merely a cultivator in the Qi Refining initial stage, with limited mana reserves. However, he retained a significant portion of his spiritual power due to his Foundation Establishment stage in the soul realm.

"Pharmacist Yang, I think it would be best if you don't push yourself. Even if you exhaust your life for this, you may not be able to heal Yuan Lao's injuries," Elder Xing Er urged from the side.

Yet Huang Yu, usually vocal, fell into an unusual silence, his gaze fixed on the seated Yang Fan, deep in thought.

Suddenly, Yuan Lao exhaled a breath of turbid air, his eyes now bright with vitality, a joyful expression lighting his face. "Pharmacist Yang, your medical skills are truly extraordinary! The injury to my spirit has healed significantly!"

At this moment, Yuan Lao's mental state was vastly improved compared to before. 

His words astonished the surrounding cultivators. 

"Is it really effective?!" 

Huang Yu stared in disbelief, his mouth agape.

Yuan Lao raised an eyebrow. "Would I lie to you? Can't you see the changes in me?"

As he spoke, a wave of spiritual pressure descended, only to vanish in an instant, causing everyone to shudder.

"Divine Physician!" 

"This is nothing short of a miracle! Such a young pharmacist will surely become a renowned physician in the world of cultivation!" 

"Incredible! It's hard to fathom that he, merely a Qi Refining initial stage cultivator, could achieve this!" 

The crowd burst into praises, their attitudes towards Yang Fan transforming dramatically.

Moments later, Yang Fan opened his eyes, his complexion still somewhat pale. He addressed Yuan Lao, "Old Yuan, your injuries have healed significantly, but allow me to continue your treatment..."

"This... how can that be?" Yuan Lao hastily interrupted. "You are so weakened; I cannot bear to let you expend yourself further. Moreover, my injuries are no longer a serious concern. Today, consider it a favor owed to you. If you face any difficulties in the future, just say the word. Even if we are miles apart, I will come at your call."

Li Yue Shuang added with concern, "Pharmacist Yang, you must rest!"

Huang Yu's expression turned complex as he approached Yang Fan, sincerity written all over his face. "Pharmacist Yang, I have acted foolishly and have wronged you. I ask for your forgiveness."

"This time, you have won the wager, and I sincerely apologize," Huang Yu bowed deeply before Yang Fan, seeking to make amends in front of everyone.

Yang Fan merely smiled faintly. "I have not yet won; Yuan Lao's injuries are not fully healed."

Huang Yu's eyes displayed earnestness. "Pharmacist Yang, please rest. I have wrongly judged you. If anything were to happen to you, I would carry that guilt for the rest of my life."

Yang Fan felt a flicker of comfort within, realizing Huang Yu was a person who could discern good and evil, willing to treat someone with sincerity once his perception changed.

However...

Yang Fan shook his head. "As a healer, my duty is to save lives. I must ensure Yuan Lao's injuries are completely healed before I can rest easy."

Determination gleamed in his eyes.

"Pharmacist Yang..." The brothers of the Sky Vessel were deeply moved, while Huang Yu's eyes grew misty, filled with guilt and self-reproach.

Is there truly such a selfless person in the world? Their admiration and appreciation surged for Yang Fan.

*Thud!*

Huang Yu knelt before Yang Fan, his eyes moist. "Pharmacist Yang, I deserve this!"

*Smack!*

A sharp sound echoed as he slapped himself across the face, then implored Yang Fan, "Pharmacist Yang, please rest. Even if treatment is necessary, it can wait a little longer."

Yang Fan hurriedly helped him up, smiling gently. "I am fine and can continue treating him. My mind is made up; do not hinder me."

With that, he returned to Yuan Lao's side.

Huang Yu's guilt intensified as he remained kneeling behind Yang Fan.

Yang Fan shook his head, bitterly smiling inwardly. *Earlier, while treating Yuan Lao's injuries, my cultivation advanced significantly, reaching the peak of the Qi Refining initial stage. I am but a step away from advancing to the Qi

 Refining middle stage. How can I abandon this?*

His heart surged with enthusiasm as he sat before Yuan Lao, slowly extending his hand once more.

Yang Fan understood that if he could heal Yuan Lao's remaining injuries, he would successfully break through to the Qi Refining middle stage.