The Pureness of Healing

Prologue: A Month in Yihe Village

One fateful day, in the northern reaches of Yihe Village, deep within the dense, untamed wilderness, Yang Fan, clad in simple attire, carried a basket of herbs on his back. In one hand, he held several violet leaves, nibbling on them thoughtfully, a hint of a smile dancing on his lips.

"Brother Yang, are you not worried that those leaves might be poisonous?" Luo Shui, standing nearby with an innocent and lively demeanor, asked playfully.

Yang Fan tossed the violet leaves into his basket, exuding a confidence that was almost palpable. "These leaves are remnants of the 'Purple Scale Flower' after it wilts. They can be planted again in the coming year, much like the seeds of ordinary medicinal herbs. While they do possess some toxicity, it is not lethal—merely a mild threat to common mortals. However, should they encounter the venom of the 'Blue Moon Centipede,' they will unleash a truly terrifying potency."

Luo Shui giggled, casting him a sidelong glance. "Not only are you skilled in healing, Brother Yang, but you also possess considerable knowledge of poisons."

"I have learned much in this past month from the village elder," Yang Fan replied, a glimmer of nostalgia and gratitude reflected in his eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, a month had slipped away during his time in Yihe Village. The hunchbacked elder had imparted a wealth of medical wisdom and experience to him. Even without cultivating the "Xianhong Decision," Yang Fan had developed remarkable expertise in the healing arts.

The elder not only taught him how to treat ailments but also instructed him on discerning the myriad wonders of nature—the spiritual essences and medicinal properties of various herbs. Moreover, the elder's teachings transcended mere theoretical knowledge; he often sent Yang Fan into the surrounding mountains and secluded valleys to engage in practical exploration.

As a result, Yang Fan had discovered numerous rare flowers, extraordinary herbs, and sources of medicinal materials, gathering an impressive bounty. It turned out that the secluded valleys surrounding Yihe Village were not only home to low-level demonic creatures but also brimming with abundant rare materials and peculiar flora. In certain hidden corners, one might even catch glimpses of celestial treasures.

Luo Shui's family garden was no exception; it housed a variety of rare medicinal plants, many of which the elder had transplanted from elsewhere over the years. Naturally, the more extraordinary flora demanded rigorous growing conditions, so the elder's success in transplantation was limited.

"Brother Yang, it's getting late. Shall we head home? Otherwise, Grandpa will worry. Remember that day you ventured into the wilderness and didn't return for a whole day and night? Grandpa and I were terribly anxious!" Luo Shui's delicate face reflected a trace of lingering fear as she gently tugged at his sleeve.

"Very well, we'll head back," Yang Fan replied, though a hint of reluctance lingered in his eyes. The countless treasures hidden in the nearby valleys stirred his heart, igniting a desire to collect every herb within his grasp. Yet he knew such aspirations were unrealistic; near some celestial treasures lay formidable demonic beasts or spirit creatures guarding them, and the harshness of the surroundings made retrieval beyond his current capabilities.

"Let's hurry along," Luo Shui urged, grasping Yang Fan's hand, and the two began to jog back through the meadows.

After a month of companionship, Yang Fan had grown quite close to the gentle and kind-hearted Luo Shui. Whether he ventured out to gather herbs or to practice the elder's teachings, she was often at his side.

As the sun sank toward the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, the two ran hand in hand through the fields of grass and wildflowers. The soft breeze whispered past their ears, carrying a delicate fragrance from Luo Shui's flowing hair, brushing against Yang Fan's face, a symbol of her vibrant and joyful spirit.

Finally, as twilight approached, the pair returned to Yihe Village. Yang Fan greeted the villagers with warmth as he spotted wisps of smoke curling from chimneys.

A deep tranquility settled in Yang Fan's heart, devoid of worldly distractions or conflicts. Here, he could momentarily forget his burdens, feeling as if he had become a part of the village itself.

Yet, he was acutely aware that such tranquility could not last indefinitely. A month had passed, and even if the hunchbacked elder did not urge him to leave, he would choose to depart on his own. After all, in Wuliu Town and Yangjiabao, there were family and friends awaiting him, along with his medical practice.

Perhaps this month of serenity would become a pivotal milestone on Yang Fan's arduous path of cultivation—a significant turning point amid the perilous chase from enemies, arduous journeys, and confrontations with poisons and beasts. From the despair of losing his powers and becoming a mere shadow of himself, he had clawed his way back to the brink of survival, marking his first nadir in life.

Soon, Yang Fan arrived at the elder's home. Luo Shui set down her things and, ever obedient, headed to the kitchen.

A sudden cough resonated through the air as the hunchbacked elder, his gait slightly unsteady, emerged from within. A glimmer of unusual emotion flickered in his murky eyes.

Yang Fan felt a complex mix of gratitude, respect, and awe for the elder. Though his heart was filled with inexplicable feelings, he maintained an outward calm as he greeted, "Elder."

"You are about to leave…" The elder, seated upon a chair, exhaled a deep sigh, a flicker of light igniting within his dim eyes.

At that moment, he appeared rejuvenated, a hint of color returning to his cheeks, his voice no longer hoarse.

"How did you know, Elder?" Yang Fan asked, both intrigued and surprised.

"To be a healer is to observe, listen, question, and examine. Not only can one diagnose ailments but also penetrate the depths of the human spirit…" The elder smiled warmly, his tone gentle. "Moreover, I have a slight understanding of the art of observation, which complements my vast medical knowledge. The role of a healer is not merely to treat diseases and elevate one's reputation; that is but a minor path."

"May I ask, what is the greater path, Elder?" Yang Fan inquired, taken aback.

"The great path of healing is the path to achieving immortality," the elder proclaimed, his gaze igniting with brilliance. An imposing yet gentle pressure enveloped the room, casting an air of gravity and unease.

"Thank you for your teachings, Elder. All paths may lead to enlightenment, and the art of healing can indeed lead to immortality," Yang Fan acknowledged, nodding in agreement, for he believed that his own practice of the "Xianhong Decision," centered around support, could similarly confer longevity.

"By grasping this truth, you instill within yourself a faith that harmonizes the art of healing with the greater path, rather than allowing the two to exist in separation." The elder expressed his admiration.

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### Chapter One: Farewell and Departure

The following morning, Yang Fan meticulously packed his belongings, bidding farewell to both the hunchbacked elder and Luo Shui. 

Reflecting on the past month, he felt as if he had stepped out of a dream.

The elder stated, "In this month, I have imparted much of my medical knowledge to you. Now, I wish to bestow upon you a few more items."

With that, he retrieved from his robes an ancient jade slip, a specially crafted jade bottle sealed with restrictions, and a peculiar black whip.

"This jade slip contains the essence of my medical insights and experiences. The bottle holds rare seeds of medicinal herbs. Keeping them here serves little purpose; if you have the means and enough lifespan, you may plant them to cultivate a wealth of rare herbs and treasures of nature," he explained.

"As for this black whip, it is an auxiliary spirit tool, of extraordinary utility. Once it was my cherished artifact, and now I gift it to you for your protection."

"Elder, this is too much…" Yang Fan felt a mix of gratitude and embarrassment at the wealth of gifts being offered.

At the same time, he understood that in this world, nothing comes without a price. The elder's generous investment in him signified that he would one day bear a corresponding responsibility.

"Accept these gifts, for my intentions are not entirely selfless. Within three years, if you achieve the Condensation Stage, you may return to Yihe Village, and then I shall impart to you the true depths of my lifelong teachings, including the treasured secrets I guard," the elder intoned meaningfully.

"Moreover, once you leave this place, I implore you to refrain from speaking of me or Yihe Village to outsiders," he added, reiterating his warning.

"I shall heed your advice, Elder," Yang Fan affirmed solemnly.

After an emotional farewell, Yang Fan resolutely set forth, departing from the secluded village nestled within the treacherous wilderness.

"Brother Yang… please don't forget to come back and see Shui'er!" Luo Shui called softly, her gentle voice trailing off into the distance, echoing alongside Yang Fan's retreating figure.

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Following the route indicated by the elder, Yang Fan traveled for three days, occasionally taking to the skies, until he finally emerged from the dense mountain wilderness and rejoined the well-trodden roads.

Upon reaching a small town, he procured a swift horse and journeyed for several days until he arrived back at Wuliu Town.

Upon returning, Yang Fan regained his former demeanor. After some thought, he decided to maintain his cultivation at the Qi Refining Stage.

Calculating the time since his powers had waned, it had been over two months; thus, ascending

 to the Qi Refining Stage was not an extraordinary feat. Furthermore, given his shift towards the medical path, he posed little threat in the eyes of others, as the healing arts were often viewed in the cultivation realm as a minor pursuit, lacking formidable divine abilities.

Riding into Wuliu Town, he made his way straight to his home. However, as he neared his house, he came to an abrupt halt.

There, in front of him, stood a brand-new medical clinic.

Prominently displayed on its signboard were four bold characters: **Pureness Medical Hall.**