A Hidden Paradise

"Mr. Xu, what exactly is that nameless forest?"

Yang Yu and Old Wu had realized the gravity of the situation. While they trembled with fear, their curiosity was piqued. Neither dared to breathe loudly as they anxiously watched the esteemed Mr. Xu, whose wisdom and standing within the family were unshakable.

Mr. Xu's face was dark and troubled, his eyes reflecting a mix of fear, concern, and even a flicker of expectation. His expression shifted like the weather, unpredictable and unsettled. With his hands clasped behind his back, he paced quietly. After a few moments, he exhaled deeply, regaining his composure. His gaze flicked over the two men before him.

The sudden weight of his gaze fell upon Yang Yu and Old Wu, causing their hearts to skip a beat under the overwhelming pressure.

"You're fortunate enough to have returned alive," Mr. Xu said in a calm yet distant voice. "Remember this—never venture there again."

"Not in a thousand lifetimes," Old Wu said, still haunted by the terror that had consumed him.

"Mr. Xu, could you please tell us what secret lies within that forest? How could two Condensation Phase cultivators be killed so swiftly and without even the slightest chance to defend themselves?" Yang Yu couldn't suppress his curiosity.

"This matter is no concern of yours," Mr. Xu replied coldly, cutting off further inquiry. "And as for you, Yu'er, return to the capital immediately. The family is deeply worried about your safety. Furthermore, you'll need to answer for the loss of two Condensation Phase cultivators. The family will not let this go unexamined."

"Yes, I will return at once," Yang Yu replied, bowing his head in shame. He knew that his actions had led to disaster. To have lost two Condensation Phase cultivators in pursuit of a mere Qi Refining novice was a grievous misstep, one that could not be overlooked.

Without delay, the two men mounted their flying swords and sped toward the capital of Yuyang.

"*The Nine Nether... the last time was two centuries ago...*" Mr. Xu murmured to himself as he gazed up at the sky, a strange glint in his eyes. "I wonder if the Yang family of the capital can seize an opportunity amidst this..."

With a sharp whistle, Mr. Xu stepped onto his azure crystalline sword and shot off toward the nameless forest, vanishing into the distance.

...

Several days had passed since Yang Fan had escaped the nameless forest. His journey had been long and treacherous, but not without reward. He had gathered valuable herbs and deepened his understanding of medicinal arts through practical experience. 

On the fourth day, as dusk settled and the setting sun bathed the land in golden light, he finally saw wisps of smoke curling into the sky from a small, peaceful village nestled in the remote wilderness. 

The village was surrounded by lush green trees and a gentle stream, with an ancient wooden bridge crossing the water. It seemed a paradise isolated from the world, and Yang Fan couldn't help but feel a surge of relief at the sight. In such a desolate landscape, encountering this hidden haven was like stumbling upon a miracle.

Tired but grateful, he headed toward the village.

As he crossed the wooden bridge, he noticed a few village women washing clothes by the riverbank. They glanced at him with curiosity, intrigued by this unexpected visitor.

Yang Fan smiled gently, allowing the aura of warmth and serenity he usually kept hidden to flow freely. It was as though he had become one with nature, and his presence exuded a quiet charm that instantly made people feel at ease.

"Who are you, stranger?" A fair and graceful young woman, her features delicate and bright, stood and greeted him with a respectful tone. Her manner was polite, like that of an educated lady.

"I am Yang," he replied with a smile. "I lost my way and happened upon your village."

As he spoke, he took a closer look at the young woman. She possessed a natural beauty, her charm understated and serene, quite unlike the women of the secular world or even the female cultivators of the immortal sects. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air, second only to Yun Yuxi, whom he had once known. It was rare to meet someone with such a tranquil grace.

Sensing his gaze, the woman blushed faintly but remained composed. In a soft voice, she introduced herself. "My name is Luoshui. Since you've found your way to Yihe Village, you are our honored guest. My grandfather is a man of great knowledge and hospitality. Please, allow me to invite you to our home."

With a light laugh, Yang Fan responded, "Then I shall follow your lead."

He followed Luoshui into the village, her natural kindness and hospitality filling him with a sense of ease. As they neared the edge of the village, they were greeted by the distant sound of dogs barking.

The barking was sharp, almost hostile, but as the dogs drew near to Yang Fan, their demeanor changed. Instead of attacking, the animals wagged their tails, approaching him meekly and licking at his trousers.

Luoshui, seeing the scene, laughed softly. "It seems Yang Gongzi is truly a man of virtue, to have even the animals treat you with such affection."

"I am but a humble physician, with some small knowledge of the healing arts," Yang Fan said with a modest smile.

"A physician?" Luoshui's eyes lit up with excitement. "You too are a physician?"

Yang Fan nodded, curious. "Yes, does the village have a physician as well?"

"My grandfather is the village doctor," she replied, her joy evident. Then, without hesitation, she took his hand and hurriedly led him toward her home.

Yang Fan raised an eyebrow at the sudden shift in her behavior. Only moments ago, Luoshui had seemed so composed and ladylike, yet now she was as lively as a child. It was refreshing, and he found himself smiling at her enthusiasm.

After running for a short while, Luoshui suddenly realized she had been holding the hand of a stranger. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly let go, clearly embarrassed.

Yang Fan gave her a teasing smile but said nothing, letting her squirm under the weight of her own shyness.

Struggling to regain her composure, Luoshui gestured toward a modest courtyard ahead. "This is my home. Please, come inside."

Yang Fan followed her into the courtyard, where a faint but distinct scent of medicinal herbs immediately caught his attention. The air was thick with the aroma, invigorating and oddly comforting. His senses sharpened at the realization that these were not ordinary herbs; some of them were rare and precious.

He was even more astonished to spot several spiritual herbs growing in the garden, some of which were ancient treasures, likely centuries old.

"Could Luoshui's grandfather be a hidden expert from the cultivation world?" Yang Fan wondered, his mind racing.

It was no easy feat for an ordinary herbalist to cultivate such rare and potent plants.

"Grandfather, we have a guest!" Luoshui called as she ushered Yang Fan into the main hall, offering him a seat before pouring him a cup of tea.

Yang Fan took a sip and immediately felt a wave of warmth coursing through his body, followed by a cool, refreshing sensation that spread throughout his limbs. The tea was remarkable, subtly nourishing his cultivation with just a single taste.

"What kind of tea is this?" he thought, startled. He had only taken one sip, yet it had already refined his Qi slightly.

Could it be that the village elder is a reclusive master healer?

Just as Yang Fan prepared to take another sip, an elderly voice, wheezing and strained, reached his ears. "Who's there, Luoshui?"

An old, hunched figure slowly emerged from one of the side rooms, coughing as he spoke.

When Yang Fan saw him clearly, his expression shifted with surprise. The village elder, whom Luoshui had spoken of, was a cripple.

Yang Fan observed his withered leg, which seemed devoid of life. The man's entire body was frail, marked by serious illness. He spoke with difficulty, and his persistent cough wracked his fragile frame.

How could this frail old man possibly be a hidden master of medicine?

Yang Fan began to doubt his own assumptions. What kind of great healer would be unable to cure his own ailments?