Unsterblichkeit, Unsterblichkeit

Kapitel 29

The two groups moved one after the other, and soon passed through a large area of villages.

Murong Jin followed closely behind Xuan Sheng on horseback, but kept taking in the scenery around her.

The village nestled on a hillside, neither small nor large, a wide expanse of pale yellow-green slope dotted with houses of red tiles and white bricks. Because of the downhill terrain, the fields were easily irrigated; the land was terraced, with water gushing forth from the top and slowly overflowing the entire field. Clumps of unknown pale yellow wildflowers bloomed riotously by the roadside, their golden brilliance dazzling. As we entered the village, farmers working in the fields raised their hands in greeting.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of wheat, and a cool breeze, as gentle as water, murmured like a babbling brook as it passed through the woods surrounding the village. Occasionally, a shepherd boy riding a water buffalo or a few girls carrying flower baskets would come by. The girls, with their sleeves rolled up and hair tied up, wore tinkling stone bracelets on their wrists. When they saw the two handsome men, they couldn't help but turn around frequently, then burst into laughter.

“Those who only care about farming are no match for Guan Zhong and Le Ling,” Murong Jin said with a smile.

In no time, the two arrived at the Yin residence.

The Yin family has lived here for a century and is now a prominent family in the area, so their house is naturally the most impressive.

Located at the highest point of the hillside, when you arrive at the entrance, you can look back and see the hillside below, the entire village, and the boundless riverbed, which flows like a sea to the other side of the horizon.

There stood a high wall and gate, made of red sandalwood and bronze, surrounded by red tiles and white bricks. Several flower bushes peeked out from within the walls—crimson peach blossoms, pure white pear blossoms, and clusters of wisteria hanging from them. Upon closer inspection, the courtyard within the walls was deep and secluded, exuding a solemn and serene atmosphere, suggesting the ancient history and mystery of the deep mansion. The house and its atmosphere were not much different from the mansions of noble families in the capital, only with a touch more tranquil and otherworldly elegance.

In Murong Jin's eyes, the Yin family, besides guarding the secret of the location of Half Moon City, was like a shield protecting this village. It stood proudly here, quietly watching this declining rural town survive silently through the passing years.

Knowing that Xuan Sheng would come, servants were already waiting at the gate, and there was also an attendant sent by Madam Ning Feng. After explaining their purpose to the people of the Yin family, everyone hurriedly led Murong Jin inside.

The Yin family had three sons and one daughter, with Shao Hua being the youngest. The Yin couple, having gained their precious daughter in their later years, naturally doted on her immensely. Her three older brothers also adored their little sister. Therefore, it was natural that Shao Hua had her own pavilion to live in alone. Murong Jin walked through the winding corridors and courtyards, finding herself surrounded by fragrant flowers and singing birds. The sunlight lazily streamed down. The pavilion stood beside a pond, the blue sky behind it clear as if it had been washed clean. The pavilion's windows were small and exquisite, with soft, emerald-green gauze curtains drifting like a wisp of mist. This pavilion, nestled within the courtyard and garden, was truly elegant and refined, with even a lost hairpin remaining.

But when Murong Jin looked up, her expression immediately froze.

Above the door of the attic was a plaque with three characters written in bold, strong strokes: "My Home".

There's a small flower drawn behind it...

"..."

Murong Jin was utterly speechless. Looking back, Xuan Sheng behind her was also a little embarrassed, and the attendants who had led the way also turned around to look at their reactions.

After a long pause, Xuan Sheng could only say, "...Shao Hua likes things that are rather unique."

Murong Jin nodded seriously and said, "She has personality, she has personality."

The two entered and found the room filled with exquisite and luxurious items. The walls were partitioned by intricately carved wooden panels of deep purple sandalwood, adorned with landscape and figure paintings carved from white jade. Colorful gauze curtains hung everywhere, each adorned with strings of translucent bells, and curtains made of agate, amber, or jade. The grandeur and style were in no way inferior to that of the daughters of noble families in the capital. However, what slightly surprised Murong Jin was the ancient pine branch placed in the center of the room. The branch seemed to have been moved from elsewhere, inserted into an antique potted plant that was far too small and delicate for it, appearing out of place in the room, as if it had been placed there arbitrarily.

Although he was a little curious, he didn't show it. After looking around the room for a moment, he calmly said to the other two doctors who had just arrived, "Go and get the Youying grass. Also, bring all the soft gauze hanging on the walls and use it to cover the windows; bring a few more braziers, but don't make them too big; leave five clever maids behind and tell them to wash their hands thoroughly, at least up to their arms, and everyone else go out; have the kitchen keep boiling water ready at all times. Also, bring a pot of the best Jingtao wine."

Before the staff serving Shao Hua at 'My Home' could even ask who he was, they all froze in place. Just then, a furious roar came from outside: "Why aren't you listening to the divine doctor!" Only then did they scatter in panic to carry out the order.

Murong Jin turned around and saw a couple helping each other in. She knew they were the Yin couple, so she greeted them with a smile and respectfully clasped her hands in greeting: "Greetings, Senior Yin and Madam."

The two rushed to help him up, both extremely moved and moved to tears: "Oh, oh, oh, we dare not accept such kindness! Please get up, sir! Don't shorten our lives. My wife and I have no way to repay your kindness of coming from so far away to treat my daughter's illness!!" Old Mr. Yin held his wrist tightly, his eyes almost reddening.

"I dare not accept such praise," Murong Jin smiled warmly, but Xuan Sheng, standing beside her, noticed that the smile truly came from the depths of her heart, unlike the polite and respectful smile she had given at the dock earlier. He quickly went to help Old Master Yin and his wife, who was wiping away tears, and comforted them, saying, "Saving lives is a doctor's duty. Parents everywhere have a heart full of love and compassion. There's no such thing as repaying a debt of gratitude. Besides, I didn't do anything. It was the Second Young Hero who traveled a long way to gather herbs." As he spoke, he glanced at Xuan Sheng with a smile, making the latter's scalp tingle.

He went with Shuangjing and Cheshui. Even though he didn't say it, Xuansheng still knew that's what he was thinking.

The image of that woman's bright eyes floated into his mind, and he suddenly felt inexplicably at a loss.

But the Yin couple hadn't expected this. They only then realized that their future son-in-law was standing to the side. Madam Yin choked up and looked at him, wiping away her tears, saying, "Alas, these two children have been inseparable since they were little. Both my in-laws and I were looking forward to them growing up and getting married. Who knew such a thing would happen... It must have been so hard on Xuansheng. He must have suffered a lot these past few days." She shook her head and sighed as she spoke. She was about to say something more when her husband glared at her. Realizing she had spoken out of turn, she quickly covered her face and turned away to wipe her tears.

Murong Jin smiled calmly and serenely.

When Xuan Sheng saw his smile, he felt a sudden unease and knew something was wrong.

Sure enough, the Frost Condensation Sect Master turned around with a smile, revealing his signature fox-like smile, and said politely yet curiously, "You two have been childhood sweethearts? You've suffered quite a bit these past few days? Xuan Sheng, you're really quite lucky with the ladies... Was this journey arduous? Hmm?"

These words were spoken in an extremely gentle and relaxed manner. The servants who were busy in the room heard them and secretly thought that the world's number one divine doctor was really kind and amiable. But when they looked up, they saw that their master and mistress had both changed their expressions. Not only that, but even the usually serious and aloof prospective son-in-law, who seemed unaffected by anything, suddenly changed his expression.

Before Xuan Sheng could answer, Murong Jin snorted coldly and turned to check the furnishings and brazier.

He could forgive those who concealed the truth for their own purposes, such as Madam Ningfeng and the Yin couple.

But he couldn't understand those who could clearly escape their fate and face themselves, yet chose to run away.

Murong Jin had never been so rude in front of others before. Looking at the awkward silence around him, he suddenly wanted to laugh.

Perhaps after spending so much time with Ye Shuangqing, he has become incredibly protective of his own?

If it's true that one is influenced by one's surroundings, then will Xuan Sheng become like Shuang Jing, so reckless and selfless?

Behind him, the Yin couple suddenly found themselves in an awkward and embarrassed situation, unsure of what to do. Madam Yin knew she had said something wrong and angered the renowned physician before her, and tears streamed down her face. Everyone said that such eccentric martial artists had extremely strange tempers; what if he stormed off and didn't treat Shao Hua? She hurriedly tried to signal to Xuan Sheng, but the latter waved his hand, telling her not to worry.

If he were to treat human life so recklessly, Murong Jin could not be called the greatest physician in the world.

At this moment, a young female doctor who had come with Murong Jin entered carrying a wooden box. She nodded to everyone in greeting and then respectfully said to the sect leader of Ning Shuang Sect, "Master, the Youying Grass is here."

Xuan Sheng looked at it and, for some reason, suddenly felt, or even hoped, that the wooden box contained a fake.

Unpredictable behavior, like Shuang Jing, might lead to something else being put in as a prank.

However, Murong Jin picked up the herb that had been stained red with Shuang Jing's blood with a stern expression. After examining it carefully, she solemnly said to her disciples, "Alright, go and sit down and prepare. Once everything is ready, we will begin brewing the medicine." Then she turned around, nodded to them, and said firmly, "I guarantee with the honor of Ning Shuang Sect that your daughter will definitely recover and awaken within a month."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Sheng finally felt a huge weight lifted from his heart. He let out a long sigh, feeling that the tension that had been building up over the past few days had finally subsided. He heard the extremely excited expressions of gratitude from the Yin couple, but his thoughts were no longer on that.

Staring intently at the tall, withered blade of grass, he suddenly recalled that day. Without even blinking, the woman had swiftly drawn his longsword, slashed his arm, and blood gushed forth. He touched his chest, as if the shock and pain he had felt then were still piercing his heart. Suddenly finding it hard to breathe, he turned and walked away.

As she reached the door of the attic, she heard the maids behind her whispering, "Oh dear, Miss is getting better! Now that she's better, she can be a bride."

"Yes, yes, it's truly admirable that the son-in-law has put in such a good effort. Heaven really does reward those who persevere!"

"The young master really dotes on the young lady. I heard that this herb grows in a very far place, and the young master went there to pick it himself!"

"You little vixen, judging from your tone, you also want a 'son-in-law,' don't you? Huh?"

"Oh dear, what are you saying!"

He remained silent and walked out without saying a word.

Looking up, I saw a vast expanse of calm sky and distant clouds, with a lone goose struggling to spread its wings and fly across the sky.

Sword and Soft Manor, Seven Stone Gate, Layer upon Layer Tower, and World Inn are all quite far away now.

Villages Outside the City: Once You've Seen the Ocean, Other Waters Are Hard to Compare (Part 3)

The next few days were filled with anxiety for everyone in the Yin family. The eldest sons, who were doing business in the capital, rushed back because of their sister's illness. The courtyard around the pavilion was frequently filled with figures hurrying about carrying copper basins and burning charcoal. Murong Jin and the doctors from Ning Shuang Sect barely slept, only occasionally leaving the pavilion to eat something or consult the books they carried. If they were truly exhausted, they would take a nap at their desks before getting up to continue observing the progress of the medicine preparation.

Everyone witnessed Murong Jin's abilities firsthand. It seemed this number one physician in the world possessed incredibly profound internal strength. For three days and three nights, even though he was the most focused and busiest, he showed no signs of fatigue, remaining as energetic as when he first arrived. He smiled calmly and gently instructed his servants, treating and saving lives without batting an eye. Only when observing the Youying Grass and making records did a hint of focused concentration appear on his face. Even Xuanmu, the heir of Half-Moon City, had to secretly admire his internal strength and stamina.

Xuan Sheng watched with a sigh, unable to help but admire him. Perhaps even if the heavens collapsed and the earth shattered, such a man would remain completely undisturbed. He could imagine Murong Jin standing atop a high mountain, commanding thousands of troops, undoubtedly with the same calm and composure. No wonder the Frost Condensation Sect, like the Seven Stones Sect, could stand tall in the martial arts world even with only a few martial arts disciples. As he watched, he couldn't help but feel a desire to spar with Murong Jin, wondering what kind of earth-shattering, unparalleled martial arts skills lay behind that detached smile, capable of matching his own.

While Xuan Sheng was sizing up Murong Jin, Madam Ning Feng and Xuan Mu were also cautiously observing the second young master of Half Moon City.

Xuan Sheng has always been cold and aloof, and he doesn't easily show any emotion even to his closest family members.

During his stay at the Yin residence, he resumed his old habits from Half Moon City. Every day at dawn, he would get up to practice martial arts, calligraphy, and eat. If there were mountains nearby, he would go to the top of the mountain to meditate or do handstands for two hours on a cliff or in a very dangerous place before returning to practice martial arts, calligraphy, and visit Shao Hua. If Murong Jin had time to step out of that room, he would greet her and ask about her condition.

And so, they did the same thing day after day.

But they noticed that he would often pause thoughtfully while writing, or slow down his martial arts practice and unconsciously look towards the horizon.

At that moment, dusk was falling, and in the lonely sky filled with the glow of the setting sun, there were boundless colors and warm light. The man's tall and upright figure suddenly exuded an aura of loneliness and desolation, as if he had been standing alone, gazing at the sky, searching for something since the beginning of time.

But sometimes, he would smile. Not a bright, carefree smile like Xuanmu's, nor a polite but indifferent smile like Murong Jin's. Xuansheng would always pause slightly, then his expression would soften, like a frozen riverbed finally seeing the warm sun of early spring. Finally, his eyes would curve slightly, and a warm smile would slowly overflow from his usually indifferent pupils. It was a faint smile, like a gentle breeze caressing willows, clear as a babbling brook, almost elusive and fleeting.

Madam Ningfeng and Xuanmu looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

He was clearly within reach, yet seemed to be at the ends of the earth, transparent and indistinct like a blurry shadow.

Just when the two were at a loss, Shao Hua finally woke up slowly with the help of the people from Ning Shuang Sect.

She was a girl of about seventeen or eighteen years old, with a sweet and gentle appearance, like the most crystal-clear dew on a flower petal at dawn. Her hair was slightly curly and fluffy and soft, spread out on the pillow. She had fair skin, a petite figure, a small and delicate chin and a straight nose. Due to a long illness, her cheeks were colorless, but she still had a charming air about her. Even when she was lying quietly, you could see her usual quirky and mischievous nature. Even when she was asleep, you could see her lively and innocent nature. Her cherry-like heart-shaped mouth was gently pursed, as if she would laugh out loud at any moment.

Two days after taking the medicine, at dawn, her maidservant heard her mutter something softly in her sleep, then let out a soft moan and slowly opened her eyes. Everyone was stunned for a moment, then simultaneously ran out excitedly, shouting incoherently as they ran, "Madam—Master—Miss—Miss is awake!"

Shao Hua slowly opened her eyes, feeling the soft, warm light of the room, as if it were springtime, and the faint scent of flowers in the air, making her feel a little dizzy. She propped herself up, and what met her eyes was a pair of gentle, warm eyes, like sunlight reflected in a lake, clear as a mountain stream, deep as a vast ocean. He was smiling, a calm and warm smile.

"Awake? How are you feeling?" Murong Jin asked softly, a faint sense of accomplishment spreading through her. Her eyes, usually aloof, finally revealed genuine relief. Ultimately, regardless of Half-Moon City's intentions, this girl was innocent. And if she hadn't fallen ill, perhaps Shuang Jing would never have known that Xuan Sheng, who had forgotten her, was still breathing somewhere. So, without realizing it, she softened her voice, reached out to feel her forehead, and smiled, "As expected of someone who practices martial arts, the herbs really didn't have any side effects. It seems you're recovering very well." Seeing the confusion and curiosity in her eyes, she said, "My name is Murong Jin, and I've come to treat you, young lady."

“Murong… Jin?” Shao Hua murmured, then her eyes suddenly lit up: “Hua Tuo reborn, the master of the Frost Condensation Sect with miraculous healing skills?!”

The man smiled slightly and nodded: "It seems you've recovered very well."

Just then, hurried footsteps came from the doorway. The two turned around and saw the entire Yin family rushing in. Madam Yin had already heard her beloved daughter's voice. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down her face before she could even speak. She cried out, "Hua'er...!"

Murong Jin stepped aside, intending to let the family have a proper get-together, when suddenly there was a thud. The three Yin brothers knelt down, clasped their hands in a fist and said earnestly, "We thank you for saving our little sister. If you ever need anything in the future, we will go through fire and water for you!"

"Ah! Everyone, please get up! Saving lives is a physician's duty, there's no need for thanks or repayment! Young heroes, please rise!" Murong Jin smiled and shook her head, stepping forward to pull them up.

Mr. Yin, who was standing to the side, also hurriedly came over, clasped his hands and bowed: "I... thank you so much for saving my daughter..."

“Mr. Yin, there’s no need for such formalities.” Murong Jin interrupted him calmly. “I promised Xuan Sheng that I would rescue Miss Yin, but if Xuan Sheng hadn’t come all this way to find me, perhaps the noble lady wouldn’t be alive today.”

At this moment, Madam Yin also said, "Thanks to your second brother, otherwise how could I have met you today...?"

Murong Jin turned her head slightly and saw Xuan Sheng stepping through the door.

The sunlight slanted down, and a few golden rays cascaded down from the doorway like a waterfall. The man's expression was indifferent and aloof, but when he saw Shao Hua, a warm and gentle smile slowly appeared on his face.

"Shao Hua," he called softly, his tone gentle, with a hint of doting affection and relief.

"Second brother..." Shao Hua murmured, and after a while, a bright and dazzling smile appeared on her face. She struggled to sit up and gently brushed away the hands that the maids reached out to help her: "I heard from Mother that you saved me?"

"Hmm." Xuan Sheng finally felt relieved and slowly walked to her bedside, smiling as he said, "You could say that."

"You... went to a very far place for me?" Shao Hua yawned, reached out and tugged at his robe, asking coquettishly.

Xuan Sheng was taken aback. When her hand touched his sleeve, he involuntarily stiffened all over, as if his whole body was preparing for the moment, as if Shao Hua in front of him might at any time lie on his back and pretend to shake her head, saying, "Oh dear Xuan Sheng, I'm not comfortable lying like this. Can you take off your clothes? Your skin must be so smooth and soft."

But when he shook his head, he saw the girl who had always asked for candy with a smile every time they met since childhood, waking up from her long dream and looking at him with a puzzled expression.

Perhaps it was at this moment that he woke up.

The so-called past life left behind was merely a dream Zhuangzi had in the afternoon. Life is inherently full of illusions and dreams; he simply had one more.

But why, now that he has let go of his worries, does the pain that was originally just a slight pricking at his chest now come in waves like a raging storm?

He clenched his fists and smiled to hide his embarrassment: "It's alright, it's not too far. But now that Shao Hua has recovered, that's the most important thing."

“Second brother…” Shao Hua stared at him blankly. She felt that Xuan Sheng had changed a little, but she didn’t know exactly what it was.

It seemed that the fleeting years, like the changing of the seasons, were painfully revealed in his familiar, serene smile.

At this moment, Madam Yin interjected, "I think Hua'er is hungry too. With all of us standing here, she can't rest. Mother, go and prepare some food. The doctors have been working themselves to the bone for you these past few days; they must be exhausted. Now they can finally rest." She gave her husband a look, clapped her hands, and instructed the servants, "Hurry, haven't you seen Miss is awake? Go to the kitchen and prepare food, and also prepare bathwater and make the bed for the doctors. They must be exhausted these past few days. Hurry up and prepare everything!"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Sheng turned his head, only to find that Murong Jin had already left the room. He turned back gently and gave him a meaningful smile.

He was startled, and for some reason, he unconsciously reached for his waist, but couldn't touch anything. Only then did he remember that the crescent moon tassel had long ago been given to the people of Flying Eagle Fortress by Shuang Jing.

"Second Brother?" Shao Hua called softly. Xuan Sheng turned around, and Murong Jin walked out. The others also withdrew, leaving only a few maids to continue cleaning and preparing toiletries.