Cold Distant Mountains

"Ha ha ha... Truly, Yang the Physician's medical skills are extraordinary; it won't be long before he becomes renowned in the capital!" At that moment, Old Master Cheng emerged with a smile, his words brimming with admiration.

"Renowned in the capital? Old Cheng, you flatter me," Yang Fan replied, a look of surprise on his face. "I've merely treated a common ailment; it's hardly worth mentioning."

"Ah, but you fail to grasp the significance, Yang the Physician. Though the second princess is but an ordinary person, her ailment is an exceptional case, one that ranks among the most challenging in the entire capital. Even the three great divine doctors cannot unravel its mysteries. Your ability to diagnose and treat her with such ease is enough to ensure your swift rise to prominence in the medical community of the capital," Old Master Cheng explained with a knowing smile.

"Now I understand." Yang Fan regained his composure and shifted the subject. "Old Cheng, since you've taken the time to step out today, I must ask: what do you think of the 'Purple-Blue Fine Brush' I gave you?"

He had noticed that Old Master Cheng had just finished storing away the talisman brush before stepping outside.

"The 'Purple-Blue Fine Brush' truly lives up to its name; I am thoroughly impressed. A talisman brush of this caliber is a privilege only those at the Essence Condensation stage of talisman crafting could possess," Old Master Cheng praised, a lingering amazement still apparent on his face, as though he were still entranced by the allure of the brush.

"By the way, Yang the Physician, what are your plans now? Staying at the Wangfu would surely gain you the favor of the prince. With your medical skills, I believe no faction in the capital would dare reject you," Old Master Cheng asked curiously.

"Well, I haven't made a definitive decision yet. So far, the Yan Wangfu does seem like a decent option," Yang Fan replied indifferently, offering a noncommittal answer.

"I sincerely hope you choose to remain at the Wangfu. That way, we can look out for each other in the future," Old Master Cheng stated earnestly.

"I will consider it," Yang Fan nodded, then turned to Cheng Yunfei. "Come, let's go out for a stroll."

"A stroll?" Cheng Yunfei was taken aback. "Do you intend to leave the Wangfu? But... what about the second princess's condition?" 

"I'm aware of what needs to be done. Just guide me," Yang Fan said calmly.

"Yun'er, you must listen to Yang the Physician. Take him out to explore the city; from today onward, his commands are to be treated as mine," Old Master Cheng said sternly.

"Yes, grandfather," Cheng Yunfei replied, not daring to defy him, and obediently led Yang Fan outside.

Not long after they crossed the artificial river bridge, they encountered a lovely figure—the young princess of the Wangfu.

"Yang the Physician! Cheng Yunfei! Where are you two going?" The young princess approached with a lively bounce in her step.

"Trouble has arrived…" Cheng Yunfei thought to himself, steeling his resolve. "I'm taking Yang the Physician around Kyoto; he's not familiar with the area since he's only just arrived."

"Oh? I see," the young princess nodded. But then, with a leap, she pointed an accusing finger at Yang Fan, her face flushed with anger. "You neglect my second sister's illness and instead run off to explore. Do you have no sense of medical ethics at all?"

Fuming with indignation, the young princess looked ready to devour him whole.

"Stay calm," Yang Fan replied serenely. "I have a clear plan regarding your second sister's condition; I'll continue her treatment tonight."

The young princess's face blanched at the very word "calm," her mind flashing back to yesterday when Yang Fan effortlessly sent the Wangfu guards flying. Before that incident, he had uttered the same word, resulting in a dire outcome for one of the guards who had inadvertently injured him. The thought of not being "calm" sent chills down her spine.

"Alright, let's head out," Yang Fan instructed Cheng Yunfei.

"Can I join you?" the young princess asked timidly, her face lighting up with hope.

"You want to come?" Both Yang Fan and Cheng Yunfei exchanged bewildered glances.

"Yes! I've grown up in Kyoto and know all the fun spots and scenic views better than anyone…" the young princess declared with unwavering confidence.

Yang Fan glanced at her, nonchalantly replying, "Fine by me."

"Yay!" the young princess exclaimed joyfully, rushing to keep pace. "I'll take Yang the Physician around Kyoto! This way, my father won't oppose me leaving."

Yang Fan and Cheng Yunfei exchanged glances, momentarily dumbfounded; it turned out the young princess had such intentions.

Nevertheless, Yang Fan remained indifferent to these matters.

Thus, the three of them confidently strolled out of the Yan Wangfu.

Meanwhile, in the study of the Yan Wang, a figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Report! The young princess has left the Yan Wangfu with Yang the Physician and Cheng the Old Immortal's grandson..." 

"They've left the Wangfu?" Yan Wang Yu Wenlie immediately stood up, furrowing his brow in contemplation. After a long pause, he instructed, "Send someone to protect them in secret and ensure their safety. Also, keep a close eye on them; they must not leave Kyoto. Should they show any intent to do so, report it immediately."

"Yes!" The figure swiftly vanished from the study of the Yan Wang.

As the three of them boldly exited the Yan Wangfu, they met no obstacles along the way.

"Yay! I'm finally free!" the young princess cheered exuberantly.

Yet, Yang Fan furrowed his brow slightly, sensing that someone from the Wangfu had been sent to monitor them in secret.

Noticing Yang Fan's demeanor, the young princess assumed he was upset and quickly composed herself, sticking out her tongue at Cheng Yunfei in a playful manner.

After walking for a while, the young princess couldn't help but ask, "Yang the Physician, where do you want to go? I can take you anywhere! Even to the royal palace, I can get you inside."

"Cold Distant Mountain," Yang Fan replied, his voice calm.

He initially intended to spend a few days wandering around Kyoto to gain a deeper understanding of the mortal realm. However, Cold Distant Mountain was the place where he was scheduled to meet with **Xi**, and he felt a strong curiosity about it. "Perhaps she might even arrive in Kyoto ahead of time…" Yang Fan pondered.

"Cold Distant Mountain? Oh, that's the most mysterious Buddhist holy land in Kyoto! Even my royal brother, the current emperor, visited there last year to pay his respects…" The young princess chattered excitedly.

Thus, Yang Fan's plans experienced a slight alteration as he decided to head to Cold Distant Mountain sooner than intended.

They hired a carriage, and the three of them set off towards Cold Distant Mountain.

As Cold Distant Mountain lies in the suburbs of Kyoto, it took the carriage a good two hours to reach their destination. "Are they leaving Kyoto? Quick, report back to the prince!" 

In the shadows, someone immediately transmitted the information with incredible speed back to the Yan Wangfu.

"Continue to monitor them closely," Yan Wang Yu Wenlie murmured, a hint of restlessness creeping into his demeanor. "This doesn't seem right… If he is indeed interested in Xin'er, he shouldn't be leaving Kyoto so soon."

A moment later, another report came in: "They have arrived at Cold Distant Mountain."

"Cold Distant Mountain? A Buddhist holy land—what could he possibly want there?" Yu Wenlie felt increasingly perplexed yet relieved, realizing that Yang Fan's trip there was merely for the sake of visiting a Buddhist holy land and not an indication of leaving Kyoto.

As they approached Cold Distant Mountain, the speed of the carriage slowed considerably. Yang Fan found this curious, and the driver explained, "This is a Buddhist pure land. To show our respect, we reduce our speed."

"I see," Yang Fan thought, astonished. "I didn't realize that Buddhism had such a profound influence in the eyes of ordinary folk…"

From what he knew, Buddhism's influence in the Yuyang Kingdom was not particularly strong compared to the orthodox and demonic paths, and it rarely engaged in secular disputes. However, today's scene revealed that Buddhism had considerable sway in the secular realm; even the current emperor had visited Cold Distant Mountain to pay his respects. At the very least, it was so in Kyoto.

Just then, Yang Fan suddenly heard a faint chime, harmonious and soothing, resonating through the mountain ridges and clouds, spreading a mysterious wave of energy in all directions.

"Did you all hear that chime?" Yang Fan asked casually.

"What chime?" Cheng Yunfei replied, perplexed. The young princess also appeared confused. "Qingyuan Temple is deep within Cold Distant Mountain; we're still quite a distance away. Besides, it's not even the time for the temple to ring its bells."

"Perhaps it was just my imagination," Yang Fan chuckled.

The carriage followed the winding mountain path deeper into Cold Distant Mountain, and throughout the journey, Yang Fan heard that harmonious chime growing increasingly clear and pronounced.

"This is quite strange…" Yang Fan mused, but just then, he felt the Nine Nether Demonic Qi within him stirring, as if it were expressing a sense of aversion.

Nine Nether Demonic Qi? Buddhist pure

 land? The contrast was stark, leading to an innate repulsion.

Yang Fan couldn't help but wonder if there was some secret regarding Cold Distant Mountain. Could it be linked to his last life and the enigmatic encounter he had in the hidden valley?

As they continued their journey, the lingering chime echoed through the mountain air, until finally, they arrived at the entrance to Qingyuan Temple.

The temple gate stood tall and majestic, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, emanating a serene and sacred aura. The instant they stepped onto the temple grounds, Yang Fan felt a powerful and protective aura enveloping them, cleansing away any lingering negative energy.

"Welcome to Qingyuan Temple, esteemed guests," a temple monk greeted them with an elegant bow. "Please allow me to guide you."