Taking a Disciple

"Alas, it is all due to my seclusion that the Yang Family Fortress finds itself lacking a qualified apothecary. This urgency is why they have implored you to return, Apothecary Yang," sighed Apothecary Zheng, his tone revealing a hint of remorse as he recognized Yang Fan's discontent and predicament.

"This matter cannot be blamed on you, Apothecary Zheng. In truth, the Yang Family Fortress has long since sent word to me, but I, Yang, simply did not acquiesce," Yang Fan replied, his voice calm and detached, as if this situation bore little weight upon his heart.

"Indeed, returning to the family now and enjoying the privileges of a guest apothecary is not necessarily a bad thing. Should relations with the Yang Family Fortress deteriorate, it may hinder your endeavors in the secular world of medicine," Apothecary Zheng advised earnestly.

"Haha, you worry too much, Apothecary Zheng. I am a child of the Yang family and have not been dismissed by them. Whether or not I assume the role of guest apothecary is entirely my prerogative. Moreover, it is not solely the Yang Family Fortress that has extended an invitation to me," Yang Fan replied dismissively.

"Surely, even the people from 'Rain Mist Mountain Villa' have invited you?" Apothecary Zheng's face lit up with understanding.

"Not at all. If one wishes to seek medical treatment, they may come to my clinic. I charge a standard fee for my services, not seeking to extort," Yang Fan replied leisurely.

"Then that is quite agreeable. I imagine the people from the Yang Family Fortress will think twice before pressuring you too much," Apothecary Zheng exhaled softly, feeling somewhat relieved of his earlier guilt.

Soon after, the two began to discuss the matter of Zheng Xiaoman's apprenticeship. "What does Apothecary Yang think of my granddaughter? Is she worthy to learn under your guidance?" Apothecary Zheng inquired with a smile.

"She possesses a solid foundation in medicine, yet for now, I can only accept her as a named disciple," Yang Fan paused slightly, "Her eligibility for formal discipleship will require further evaluation over time."

"Haha, as long as Apothecary Yang accepts her, I am content. Xiaoman is gentle in nature and kind-hearted; I trust that after spending some time with you, you will recognize her character," Apothecary Zheng stated confidently.

Yang Fan nodded, as he indeed had thoughts of assessing Zheng Xiaoman's character. 

Taking on a disciple requires not only talent and comprehension but also an examination of character.

In the realm of immortals, it is not uncommon for masters and disciples to engage in deadly strife, often due to the master's insufficient scrutiny of the disciple's character.

In the immortal realm, whether among renowned sects, established cultivation families, or solitary cultivators, the primary focus when recruiting disciples tends to be their aptitude, specifically their innate potential for cultivation.

Once exceptional spiritual roots are identified, the rush to recruit them often leads to neglect of their moral standing. Of course, this applies to the majority of cases, as there are many notable cultivators who place great emphasis on character.

After settling the apprenticeship, Apothecary Zheng's face glowed with joy as he called out to the outside, "Xiaoman, come in quickly and pay your respects to Apothecary Yang!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiaoman was filled with delight as she stepped forward to Yang Fan, performing three kneeling bows.

Yang Fan assisted her to her feet, smiling as he declared, "From this day forth, you are my first named disciple. Whether you become a formal disciple will depend on further evaluation."

"Thank you, esteemed master, for your benevolence," Zheng Xiaoman replied with an elegant bow, her demeanor remarkably obedient.

Afterward, Yang Fan began to inquire about this new disciple's background. "How old are you?"

"Sixteen," she answered shyly.

"Do you wish to dedicate yourself to the study of medicine and embark upon the path of immortality?"

"Um… Xiaoman aspires to study medicine wholeheartedly, yet has never yearned for immortality," Zheng Xiaoman confessed, a hint of trepidation in her voice.

Yang Fan replied earnestly, "Medical skill is also a pathway to immortality and can lead one to enlightenment. Now that you have joined my fold, you must adhere to the tenets of our sect. Purely pursuing medicine is a minor path; only by achieving true understanding can one walk the genuine path."

"Yes, I shall remember my master's teachings." Zheng Xiaoman dared not entertain any thought of dissent, treating Yang Fan's words as profound truths.

Though the man before her was only a few years her senior, his transcendent medical skills far surpassed even her grandfather's; how could she dare to harbor any notions of insubordination?

Apothecary Zheng lingered in Wuliu Town for just a day or two before departing. Before leaving, he gifted Yang Fan with rare medicinal materials and two hundred spirit stones.

These herbs were a culmination of Apothecary Zheng's efforts over many years, holding significant value. Two hundred spirit stones constituted a substantial amount for a Qi Refinement period cultivator, a token of Apothecary Zheng's earnest goodwill.

Yang Fan accepted these gifts without hesitation, feeling completely justified in doing so. Having decided to take Zheng Xiaoman as his disciple, he would devote himself to teaching her, ensuring she excelled in medicine on her path to immortality.

Thus, as Zheng Xiaoman became a disciple under Yang Fan, the Puai Medical Hall gained another apothecary within the immortal realm. This young girl, possessing both beauty and a rare diligence, diligently fulfilled her duties, completing every task assigned by Yang Fan without a hint of negligence.

With her help, Yang Fan found himself considerably relieved; he seldom needed to intervene with ailments common to the Qi Refinement stage, as Zheng Xiaoman could manage them with ease.

Yang Fan had begun to sense that treating injuries at the Qi Refinement level had little impact on his own advancement, not to mention ordinary mortals.

In his spare time, he immersed himself in the medical jade slip gifted by the hunchbacked elder, along with the knowledge contained within the Sacred Healing and Alchemy volumes.

Positioned within the medical hall, he blended theoretical knowledge with practical experience, enriching his understanding and expertise in the art of medicine.

By night, his pursuits alternated between comprehending the mystical arts within the Nine Nether Devil Technique and diligently refining the formidable poison art known as "Withering Miles."

As such, Yang Fan's days were both fulfilling and carefree.

One day, a thought struck him, prompting him to calculate the time, muttering to himself, "The year-long appointment I made with **Xi at Xiuyuge is now down to merely six or seven months."

This year-long agreement was to convene in the capital, a journey long and arduous, necessitating an early departure.

"It seems best that I resolve some lingering matters soon, then set off to the capital ahead of time," Yang Fan pondered thoughtfully.

His trip to the capital was not solely for the purpose of meeting **Xi; he had one or two other plans in mind.

One such plan involved establishing a medical hall in the capital.

Currently, his name as a healer was limited to the Yang Family Fortress and Rain Mist Mountain Villa, a small scope within the realm of immortals.

In the vast Yuyang Kingdom, he remained a figure of little consequence.

To advance his cultivation in the future, Yang Fan needed to establish a reputation, drawing in more powerful cultivators seeking his healing prowess.

Of course, this required that he possessed adequate strength himself.

Half a month later, Lin Zhong emerged from seclusion and arrived at the medical hall.

Yang Fan noticed a distinct change in his aura.

"Very good; you are but a step away from advancing to the late Qi Refinement stage," Yang Fan remarked with a smile.

"Master, have you entered the mid-Qi Refinement stage?" Lin Zhong gazed at Yang Fan in astonishment.

"Indeed."

"Then you… have not gone into seclusion?" 

"I have not," Yang Fan replied nonchalantly, as though it were a matter of course. "I was originally a Condensation stage cultivator, retaining my insights into the process and stages of cultivation. I am merely starting over."

"If this trend continues, Master may return to the Condensation stage in two to three years," Lin Zhong said, a look of wonder in his eyes as he acknowledged the logic in his words.

Yang Fan was beginning anew, combined with his exceptional innate talent for cultivation; such progress within half a year was certainly within reason.

"By the way, Xiaoman is now my named disciple. When I am not present, she will assist you in managing the medical hall. You two can alternate overseeing the hall, ensuring that your cultivation does not falter," Yang Fan instructed Lin Zhong.

"Disciple?" Lin Zhong scrutinized Zheng Xiaoman for a moment before nodding at Yang Fan.

After Lin Zhong's return, Yang Fan immediately entered seclusion.

In just three days and nights of continuous meditation, Yang Fan's Sacred Phoenix Art naturally brought him to the Condensation stage.

At that moment, as he ascended to the Condensation stage, a translucent, emerald light flickered in his mind.

Instantly, the information within the *Sacred Phoenix Art: Fragment* underwent a tremendous transformation.

Previously, the details regarding the Qi Refinement stage had been crystal clear in his mind, while those concerning the Condensation stage remained somewhat hazy, and the foundational stage even more obscure.

As for the realms beyond those three, they had been a chaotic blur.

However, upon his advancement to the Condensation stage, the

 previously foggy memories were now vividly illuminated.

This shift marked an initiation into a new world—one imbued with an overwhelming amount of knowledge.

He could clearly recall every experience, understanding the finer points and profound principles.

Just like the fluid flow of water, every ounce of knowledge formed connections in his mind.

At the very instant he attained the Condensation stage, Yang Fan's comprehension reached an extraordinary height. Instantly, he achieved a significant transformation in his medical prowess.

Yang Fan found himself immersed in a serene state, as though enveloped in a vast expanse of azure sky, the limitless heavens enveloping him.

Even his spirit, which had long been confined within the humdrum world, soared like a phoenix, liberated and unfettered.

This was the moment of a qualitative leap; the entirety of the universe appeared within reach.

As he attempted to stand, he felt as though he were floating in the skies.

After a few moments, Yang Fan slowly returned to the mortal realm, though the feelings of freedom and exuberance lingered.

In the wake of this experience, he could distinctly sense the profound changes in his body. 

Not only had his spirit been elevated, but even his physical form was filled with a boundless surge of energy.

"Unbelievable, I have truly made a great leap forward," Yang Fan murmured in astonishment.

Standing in his courtyard, he stretched his body and released his aura.

A formidable surge of energy emanated, rapidly shattering the surrounding trees, their bark disintegrating before him, flinging the fragments away.

Yang Fan turned, addressing Zheng Xiaoman, who was a short distance away. "Xiaoman, come here."

Zheng Xiaoman approached hesitantly, glancing at him with a blend of admiration and reverence.

"From this day forth, I shall commence teaching you the first scroll of the *Sacred Healing Technique*."

Zheng Xiaoman's heart raced with excitement as she expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, esteemed master, for your generosity!"

With a smile, Yang Fan unfurled the jade scroll, its contents unraveling with an ethereal glow.