Stay Calm, Stay Calm

The demand for apothecaries far exceeded Yang Fan's expectations.

At the same time, the mention of the three great divine healers of the capital piqued his curiosity and competitive spirit—he really wanted to meet them. Unfortunately, the mysterious apothecary of Prince Yan's manor, Master Dongfang, was absent from the residence most of the time, which left Yang Fan somewhat disappointed.

As they crossed a bridge over an artificial river, the scene ahead opened up into a fragrant garden, alive with birdsong. The houses here were scattered and modest, not grand or imposing, but the charm lay in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.

"Many esteemed guests of the manor live here, including quite a few cultivators," Old Immortal Cheng said with a cheerful chuckle.

Yang Fan, with just a casual sweep of his divine sense, discovered dozens of cultivators residing in the area—and that was merely from a brief glance at a portion of it. 

Of course, most of these cultivators, enjoying worldly pleasures, were merely in the Qi Refining stage, many of them older, unlike the younger cultivators such as Yang Fan and Cheng Yunfei.

Before long, the three of them arrived at a secluded courtyard, filled with various types of flowers exuding a gentle fragrance.

"Master Yang, please make yourself at home. This courtyard is my humble abode. It's quite spacious, so it wouldn't be an inconvenience if you were to stay here for a while. If you're inclined, I can recommend you to the manor's steward. With your status as a Qi Refining apothecary, securing a position as a guest retainer shouldn't be difficult," Old Immortal Cheng offered graciously.

"No rush on that matter, but for now, it seems the Yan Prince's manor is indeed a fine place to be," Yang Fan nodded. With Old Immortal Cheng's arrangement, he quickly settled into his own room, with a maid from the manor assigned to take care of his daily needs.

"Take your time and stay for a few days, my friend," Old Immortal Cheng continued, "Yun'er, you don't need to focus solely on drawing talismans right now. Why not accompany Master Yang around the manor or the capital for a stroll?"

"Yes, Grandfather," Cheng Yunfei's face lit up with joy. He was usually tightly controlled by Old Immortal Cheng, so it was a rare treat to have free time.

"Excellent!" 

As soon as Old Immortal Cheng left, Cheng Yunfei was as free as a bird, almost ecstatic, barely restraining himself from shouting at the sky. "Master Yang, you're truly my lucky star! Since it's your first time in the capital, let me show you around!"

"Alright, but take it easy. Your grandfather is still in his room..." Yang Fan smiled, inwardly thinking, *Poor kid... looks like he's been stifled for too long!*

"Ah!" Cheng Yunfei immediately covered his mouth, casting a nervous glance toward his grandfather's room.

"Calm down, calm down," Yang Fan said serenely. "Your grandfather is probably busy testing the effects of the 'Violet-Green Hairbrush.' He's placed restrictions around the room."

In truth, Yang Fan had long since sent his divine sense into Old Immortal Cheng's room, finding him engrossed in drawing talismans with a face full of delight, the very brush he'd just traded for—the Violet-Green Hairbrush—now in his hand.

"Oh! Thank you." Cheng Yunfei sighed with relief, though he looked a little regretful. "It's a pity that my skills and experience aren't good enough. Grandfather definitely won't let me use the 'Violet-Green Hairbrush.'"

Yang Fan smiled faintly, "Your grandfather has been immersed in this art for decades, while you've only been practicing for four or five years. With your talent, you won't need more than ten or twenty years to surpass him entirely."

"Heh, that's for sure. Then I won't have to endure his control every day," Cheng Yunfei chuckled, with a hint of innocence in his expression.

"Master Yang, your cultivation is higher than mine, and you're also more mature and steady. Why don't I just call you Big Brother Yang?" Cheng Yunfei suggested, with a hopeful look on his face.

Yang Fan smiled warmly, "Yunfei, little brother, why don't you show me around the manor first?"

"Yes, Big Brother Yang!" Cheng Yunfei was overjoyed. He found something about Yang Fan that felt incredibly approachable; from the moment they met, he'd had a good impression of him.

"Big Brother Yang, let me tell you, this manor is vast! Even if you spent a full day or two walking, you might not see all of it..." Cheng Yunfei started his animated explanations again.

The two strolled through the area reserved for the manor's guests, then crossed the artificial river bridge again and entered the section where the manor's secular residents lived.

"These worldly folk really know how to enjoy themselves," Yang Fan mused, observing the coming and going of maids and servants, as well as the extravagant and imposing architecture.

For an average Qi Refining stage cultivator, staying here and enjoying such luxuries for half a lifetime would be quite a tempting offer.

As they walked through a certain corridor, a sudden shout came from behind: "Make way! Clear the path for Miss!"

A faint fragrance and the sound of rushing wind followed, as if someone was racing toward them at high speed.

Yang Fan remained calm, stepping aside slightly as he leisurely turned to glance back.

"Ah!"

The person rushing forward was incredibly fast. Cheng Yunfei, without Yang Fan's sharp senses and agility, and preoccupied with his enthusiastic explanation, was caught off guard and crashed head-on with the incoming figure.

"Ouch!"

Two cries of pain sounded in front of Yang Fan. In an instant, a palace-dressed young woman had knocked Cheng Yunfei to the ground, and both of them suffered minor injuries.

"Ow!" Cheng Yunfei groaned. The palace-dressed girl froze for a moment, then immediately clutched her forehead, now swollen, and began to sob, "You… you're still on top of me! Get off!"

Cheng Yunfei cursed and shoved the young lady off him. But when he turned and saw her delicate, flower-like face, he was momentarily stunned. "The Little Princess!"

"It's you…" The palace-dressed girl clearly recognized Cheng Yunfei.

Cheng Yunfei blushed, stumbling over his words, "I... I didn't mean to..."

"Who dares to assault the Princess?" 

Just then, angry shouts erupted from behind, as four or five guards from the prince's manor rushed forward, glaring menacingly at Yang Fan and Cheng Yunfei.

In a flash, the guards drew their swords, placing the cold steel against their throats.

"Ah! You've misunderstood!" Cheng Yunfei turned pale with fear, hurriedly trying to explain.

Feeling the sharp, cold blade against his neck, Yang Fan raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Calm down, calm down," he said placidly. "Do we look like assassins to you?"

"Y-You… don't move!" 

One of the guards, hand trembling, accidentally nicked Yang Fan's skin, causing a flash of blood.

However, the wound healed almost instantly, leaving the guard gaping in disbelief.

"Did I move?" Yang Fan asked, his tone slightly annoyed.

"N-No..." The guard stammered, now terrified.

*Smack!*

Yang Fan casually waved his hand, sending the guard flying, his figure turning into a black shadow that disappeared from sight with a "whoosh."

Moments later, a distant splash echoed, indicating someone had fallen into the water.

The remaining guards stood frozen, staring in shock.

The Little Princess and Cheng Yunfei, too, were looking at Yang Fan with wide eyes, as if he weren't human.

"Little Princess… perhaps you should have them lower their weapons," Cheng Yunfei suggested meekly, finally snapping back to his senses.

"All of you, get lost! These are honored guests of the manor!" The Little Princess, her face flushed, barked the order.

"Yes, yes..." 

The guards, trembling, quickly withdrew.

Only then did the Little Princess and Cheng Yunfei awkwardly rise from the ground.

"Are you alright?" Cheng Yunfei asked, his gaze shifty as he looked at the Little Princess.

"Wahhh... My forehead!" She whimpered, clutching her injured head, tears streaming down her face.

"What should we do?" Cheng Yunfei's mind was in chaos.

"It's just a minor injury," Yang Fan glanced at her forehead, speaking calmly.

"Wahhh..." The Little Princess only cried harder, her sobs louder. "How can I show my face to anyone now?"

"I'll fetch an apothecary!" Cheng Yunfei said frantically, "Wait here, Little Princess, I'll bring a healer right away."

He had only taken two steps before coming to an abrupt halt, turning to Yang Fan with a hopeful look. "Big Brother Yang…"

Yang Fan, smiling knowingly, didn't make a move.

"Are you not going to fetch the apothecary?" The Little Princess, pouting, asked impatiently.

"Big Brother Yang, please have mercy..." Cheng Yunfei pleaded, looking pitiful.

Yang Fan nodded, "Alright."

The Little Princess' face turned pale with terror. She stepped back, eyes wide, a deep fear glimmering in her gaze. The memory of Yang Fan effortlessly sending that guard flying still played vividly in her mind.

"Don't come near me..." she whimpered, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face, clinging tightly to Cheng Yunfei.

"Little Princess, Big

 Brother Yang is an apothecary!"