A Heart of Gratitude

Yang Fan watched her graceful figure disappear into the distance, feeling a little stunned. He hadn't expected Yun Fairy to leave so suddenly, with such haste. A trace of disappointment lingered in his heart. 

The few Foundation Establishment experts on the third floor of the Medicine King Pavilion exchanged puzzled glances, equally unable to make sense of her abrupt departure. 

Yet, unbeknownst to all, when Yun Fairy reached the corner of the staircase, she paused momentarily. Her bright eyes flashed beneath her white veil, her delicate lips moved faintly, whispering a few words before she finally left the pavilion. 

Yang Fan still sensed that faint, lingering fragrance of flowers and herbs surrounding him. A melodious voice, as pure as a mountain stream, echoed in his ears, filling him with joy. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the end of the staircase, only to find that Yun Fairy's ethereal silhouette had already vanished. The faint, intoxicating scent that had stirred his heart also faded away. 

Suppressing the elation surging within him, Yang Fan turned to the white-haired elder and asked, "Senior, now that I have sufficient spirit stones, may we proceed with the transaction for the materials on this list?"

The white-haired elder seemed slightly distracted, but upon hearing Yang Fan's words, he quickly came to his senses. His old face reddened slightly, and he said, "Since you have the necessary spirit stones, we can certainly complete the trade."

With that, he promptly sent a voice transmission to the elder on the second floor, surnamed Xu. "Come upstairs and prepare the materials this young man requires."

Before long, the elder Xu from the second floor approached with a respectful demeanor, took the list of medicinal ingredients, and began working busily.

Yang Fan couldn't help but feel deeply moved. A Nascent Soul stage cultivator, someone of such stature, was now acting like a mere attendant—something unimaginable back in the Yang family stronghold.

But as he thought of the white-haired elder before him, a mighty Foundation Establishment cultivator, he quickly realized it was no surprise. His previous perspective had been too narrow, confined to the small world of the Yang family and its neighbors. 

In the vast cultivation world of Yuyang Country, the Yang family was but a speck of dust. Any one of the Foundation Establishment experts on this floor could easily sweep away the entire Yang family stronghold.

As the Xu elder organized the materials, the white-haired elder's gaze settled on Yang Fan. Casually, he asked, "From your conversation earlier, it seems you already knew Yun Fairy?"

"Yes, we had a chance encounter a few days ago. I was treating someone when Yun Fairy stepped in to assist, and thanks to her help, the treatment was successful. I didn't expect to meet her again here in the Medicine King Pavilion." Yang Fan responded with a half-truth.

"Oh? So that's how it was." The white-haired elder nodded thoughtfully. "Your master must be extraordinary. Even Yun Fairy seemed curious about your lineage."

Yang Fan's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a calm smile. "The art of healing is vast and ancient, with countless schools of thought. No one can claim to be the best. My master's teachings are unique, and I hope to one day exchange insights with Yun Fairy, perhaps even comparing notes."

The elder chuckled softly. "Ah, the young are always full of promise."

But inwardly, the white-haired elder wasn't convinced. *Medicine Immortal Valley* was an ancient and revered sect, its heirs geniuses of unparalleled talent, especially in the healing arts. Could any lesser lineage possibly compete with such a legacy?

Yang Fan could easily guess what the elder was thinking, but he had confidence in himself. With the "Xian Hong Technique" in his possession, an almost divine cultivation method, he knew that as long as he persevered, he would not fall behind even the heirs of Medicine Immortal Valley.

After exchanging a few more words, the white-haired elder closed his eyes and rested, leaving Yang Fan to his own thoughts. Yang Fan didn't feel neglected; he had already received more than enough attention. 

A while later, the elder Xu informed him that the materials were ready. Yang Fan handed over a thousand spirit stones to the white-haired elder.

As he descended to the second floor, he saw the many piles of meticulously categorized medicinal herbs. The sheer volume made him feel slightly overwhelmed.

"Young brother, here are all the items. One hundred and one different types, not a single one missing. Feel free to double-check," Xu said kindly, treating Yang Fan now as an esteemed guest.

Not daring to take things lightly, Yang Fan began checking the herbs one by one. "I'm purchasing these on behalf of my master," he explained with a smile. "If there's even a slight mistake, I'll get scolded when I return."

Xu laughed. "I understand, I understand. I used to be a disciple myself, once just an assistant to my master, tending the alchemy furnaces. The life you're living now, I went through the same."

"So Senior is also an alchemist? From an assistant to a Nascent Soul stage alchemist—truly impressive!" Yang Fan exclaimed, surprised.

"Haha, if you work hard and show some talent, you too may one day become a renowned healer," Xu replied, growing more fond of the young man.

A sudden thought struck Yang Fan. "Senior, since you're an alchemist, do you happen to have any alchemy furnaces for sale? I've often watched my master refine pills, and I'm itching to try it out myself using some leftover scraps from his work."

In the"Xian Hong Technique", there were many sections, including the Alchemy Chapter, which detailed the way of alchemy—an essential branch of the healing arts. In the cultivation world, medicine and alchemy were closely intertwined, with practitioners often skilled in both disciplines.

Xu chuckled heartily. "Ah, you're an ambitious little apprentice, already thinking of sneaking some alchemy practice behind your master's back. I did the same in my youth! Here, take this."

He produced a green bronze alchemy furnace from his sleeve and handed it to Yang Fan. "I like you, kid. This furnace has been with me since my Qi Condensation days and holds some value. You'll make good use of it."

Yang Fan was taken aback by the unexpected gift. "Senior, this is too generous. We've only just met…"

But Xu waved it off with a laugh. "You remind me so much of myself back then, that's why I'm giving it to you. Ah, those were the days…"

Nostalgia softened his features as memories of his own harsh apprenticeship came flooding back. This young man mirrored his younger self, stirring a deep sense of empathy within him.

"Thank you, Senior," Yang Fan said gratefully, carefully storing the alchemy furnace. He then resumed counting the herbs, making sure every item was accounted for. 

Finally, with everything in order, Yang Fan breathed a sigh of relief. "It's all here. I've completed the task my master entrusted to me."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yang Fan prepared to leave, but Xu suddenly called out to him.

"Wait."

Yang Fan's heart skipped a beat. Could the elder have changed his mind about gifting the furnace? The alchemy furnace, though modest, was still worth forty to fifty spirit stones—a significant sum for most Nascent Soul stage cultivators.

Xu's expression was complicated as he sighed softly. "I have one more thing for you—a jade slip. It contains my life's experience and insights in alchemy, especially in the control of heat. I never took on a disciple, so I'm giving this to you."

Stunned, Yang Fan accepted the jade slip, deeply moved. He understood that within this unassuming item lay the culmination of the elder's lifelong dedication to alchemy.

"Senior, may I ask your esteemed name? Should fate allow, I will repay this kindness."

The elder smiled faintly. "My name is Xu Chuan. All I hope is that you avoid some of the mistakes I made and that you one day become a great healer."

With a final bow, Yang Fan took his leave, his heart full of gratitude. Aside from his master, Liu Wuhen, this was the first time he had felt such deep appreciation for someone unrelated by blood.

As Xu Chuan watched Yang Fan's figure fade into the distance, a deep sense of weariness and loneliness crept over him. His eyes reflected complex emotions, and he murmured to himself, "I hope I haven't misjudged him…"