Chapter 218: The Truth and Confession

"Master," Lu Qing said after a long pause, "that young lady, Fang Rou, is not merely wounded — her injury appears to be a blade wound. And Master Fang Tao himself, his cultivation is deep. He's already reached the Inner Fu Lower Stage, so whoever managed to injure them must be no ordinary person."

His abilities allowed him to perceive the information of all things beneath heaven, but even so, the insights he gained weren’t infinite — and carried a certain degree of randomness. This time, for instance, he had been unable to discern from Fang Tao and the others the true cause of Fang Rou’s injury.

"Whoever it is, we healers are only concerned with healing and saving lives. As for grudges and vendettas, if we can avoid them, better not get involved," said Old Doctor.

"Yes, Master," Lu Qing nodded.

He paused to sense the strange essence lingering in the air around them, then added with genuine admiration, "Master, your Xian Tian Ling Yu is truly wondrous. I wonder when I might reach such a level."

"Stop flattering me," Old Doctor chuckled, "your talent far surpasses mine. With the spiritual energy now beginning to revive, it won’t be long before you catch up to me."

Old Doctor knew Lu Qing’s cultivation potential better than anyone. He even suspected his disciple had not yet entered the Xian Tian Jing not because he couldn’t, but because he had chosen to delay it. After all, when Lu Qing had first begun martial cultivation, he’d reached the Inner Fu Jing in mere months. There was no reason he should still be stuck at the same stage after two full years.

But Old Doctor also understood that Lu Qing had his own plans — and so he never pressed.

After a while of quiet conversation, the master and disciple finally lay down to rest.

As for Xiao Yan, she had long since curled up with Xiao Li, both fast asleep. Even Wei Zian had drifted off.

Ma Gu was on watch duty, and Lu Qing would take over in the dead of night — for caution was necessary when traveling far from home. One could never be too careful.

While Lu Qing and the others were resting, deep within the inner hall of the temple, Fang Tao and his disciples were whispering among themselves.

"Master," the disciple named Da Shi murmured, "we’re trapped here by this endless rain. And the Master’s daughter still lies unconscious. What if the Cloud Flow Sect comes after us?"

"It shouldn’t happen," Fang Tao mused. "Our escape route was secluded, and this downpour has washed away every trace of our passage. They won’t find us easily."

"Still, that sect is nothing but scum," Da Shi growled. "We’ve paid them tribute every year, and yet they turn on us without warning. That dog of a young sect leader even wanted to take my sister as a concubine! Why didn’t you let me cut him down that day?"

"Killing the young master would have sealed our doom," Fang Tao sighed. "The Cloud Flow Sect is already ruthless — and that young man is the only grandson of their Xian Tian Jing Elder. If he were dead, the sect would be enraged beyond measure. There would be no place left in this world for us to hide."

"But if we don’t kill him, we’re still being hunted," Da Shi retorted, confused. "What’s the difference?"

"There’s still room for negotiation if no blood has been spilled," Fang Tao said. "I have a prior connection with an elder from the Guiyuan Sect in Qingzhou. If we can reach them, we may be able to use that favor to mediate and turn this conflict into peace."

Da Shi remained silent.

He remembered the young sect leader’s cruel sneer — and doubted his master’s optimism. With that man’s vindictive nature, after such a humiliation, would he truly accept reconciliation?

In his heart, he believed it would’ve been better to have killed the bastard that day. Even if they both died, at least one enemy would die with them.

He thought of the guards back at the manor — how they’d been slaughtered by Cloud Flow Sect disciples. A burning rage surged in his chest. If only he were stronger, he’d storm the sect and avenge them all.

But this was his master’s choice. As a disciple, even if he seethed inside, he would obey.

"Still," Fang Tao added, "this is only a hope. If we’re caught before reaching Qingzhou, then we’ll fight to the death."

"Da Shi," he continued, "if the Cloud Flow Sect comes here in the next two days, remember — you must cut all ties with Chen Laodaifu and his companions. They’ve helped us. We can’t repay kindness with betrayal."

"Of course, Master," Da Shi said. "But… what if they insist on attacking Chen Laodaifu and the others?"

He couldn’t forget how merciless the Cloud Flow Sect’s pursuers had been.

Fang Tao paused, then clenched his jaw. "Then we’ll fight them. We’ll buy time for Chen Laodaifu’s group to escape."

---

Lying on the ground, eyes closed in feigned sleep, Lu Qing let a faint smile tug at the corner of his lips.

Fang Tao’s words, though quiet, were as clear to him as if spoken aloud. Now that he was certain the man and his disciples had no ill intentions, Lu Qing allowed himself to relax and finally drift into sleep.

The night passed without incident. All remained peaceful.

Fang Tao’s daughter showed no signs of distress — she did not come to disturb Lu Qing and the others in the middle of the night.

Since Lu Qing was on night watch, he rose early to prepare breakfast. By the time the others woke, the scent of food filled the air.

"Lu Xiao Langjun, you’re already up so early?" Fang Tao was surprised to see him bustling about.

"Old habit," Lu Qing smiled. "And I’ve prepared breakfast for you as well — and this medicinal porridge here is for your daughter. I expect she’ll wake up soon."

"Really?" Fang Tao’s heart leapt with hope.

Just then, the young woman named Qian Lin burst out from the inner hall.

"Master! The Mistress has awakened!"

"Xiao Rou really woke up?" Fang Tao was overjoyed — both at his daughter’s recovery, and at Lu Qing’s uncanny foresight.

"Lu Xiao Langjun, forgive me for my absence," Fang Tao said, bowing slightly.

"Wait, Master Fang," Lu Qing said, holding out the bowl. "Now that your daughter is awake, please take this porridge inside. She’s just recovered from a severe illness — her body is weak, and she needs nourishment."

Fang Tao took the bowl with deep gratitude and hurried into the hall.

There, he found his daughter half-sitting, pale but conscious.

"Daddy..." She whispered weakly.

"You’re awake, Xiao Rou! How do you feel?" Fang Tao rushed to her side.

"Much better, Father. Where are we?"

Fang Tao knew she remembered nothing of what had happened. After all, she’d been unconscious before arriving at the temple — it was only natural.

"We’re in a nameless Taoist temple. You were severely injured, and the cold had penetrated deep into your body. You were on the brink of death. Fortunately, Chen Laodaifu, who was also sheltering here during the storm, managed to save you."

Fang Rou blushed faintly. "My clothes…?"

She had noticed immediately — her original attire was gone, replaced by what appeared to be men’s clothing. But before she could ask, her senior sister had already run out to inform her father.

"Your clothes were borrowed from Chen Laodaifu’s group. They only have men’s garments, but don’t worry — your sister changed you herself."

Fang Rou exhaled in relief. "Then Chen Laodaifu truly has done me a great favor. I must thank him in person."

"Not now," Fang Tao said gently. "Once he wakes, I’ll take you to meet him."

"Okay," she murmured.

Then she caught a whiff of something unusual — a rich, savory aroma drifting from the bowl in her father’s hand.

"Daddy, what’s that? It smells wonderful!" Her throat moved involuntarily.

She hadn’t eaten a single bite since yesterday. Now, overwhelmed by the scent, hunger surged through her.

"Oh, I nearly forgot," Fang Tao said. "This porridge was specially prepared by Lu Xiao Langjun — he said you’d wake up today. And just as he spoke, you did. Truly, he’s a man of foresight."

He handed her the bowl. "You’ve gone two days without food. Drink it while it’s still hot."

"Medicinal porridge?" Fang Rou looked at the bowl in surprise. In her memory, all medicinal food was bitter and foul-tasting. But this smelled heavenly — impossible.

Curious, she took a small spoonful. Her eyes lit up instantly. She began eating, one spoonful after another.

Fang Tao watched, relieved. The porridge must be to her liking.

Before long, she finished the entire bowl, then handed it back, a little regretfully.

She felt she could eat more — but she knew her body still needed care.

"Master, Chen Laodaifu has arrived," Da Shi announced, stepping in.

"Invite him in at once!" Fang Tao said quickly.

"Master Fang," Old Doctor smiled upon entering, "I heard your daughter has awakened. I came to check on her."

"Yes, she just woke up. She drank the porridge Lu Xiao Langjun made — and I’d like you to examine her. Is she truly recovered?"

"Let me take her pulse first." Old Doctor approached the bed.

Fang Rou, seeing the kind-faced elder, felt an instant warmth. Without hesitation, she extended her wrist.

Old Doctor placed two fingers on her pulse, sensing deeply for several moments before withdrawing.

"Congratulations, Master Fang," he said. "The cold in her body has been nearly purged. The wound on her shoulder is healing. With a few more days of rest, she’ll be completely well."

"Thank you, Chen Laodaifu!" Fang Tao exhaled, his heart finally at ease. He bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Old Doctor, for saving my life," Fang Rou tried to rise, but Old Doctor gently held her down.

"No need for such formalities. You’re still recovering. Rest now, and avoid unnecessary movement."

Then, with a kind smile, he added, "Master Fang, my disciple prepared some breakfast. If you and your companions are not offended, please join us by the fire."

Fang Tao and his disciples accepted with heartfelt thanks. Soon, they gathered around the fire, enjoying their meal.

Lu Qing’s breakfast was simple — a large pot of salted pork rice and a jar of wild vegetable soup — but to Fang Tao’s group, it felt like a feast.

It wasn’t just the taste — though Lu Qing’s cooking was excellent — but the simple truth that, in the midst of life-threatening pursuit, having hot food and warm soup was already a blessing.

"Old Doctor," Fang Tao asked after finishing, "the rain seems to show no sign of stopping. How do you plan to proceed?"

"Can we do anything else?" Old Doctor replied. "We’re traveling by carriage. Rain makes the roads treacherous. We’ll just have to wait until the storm passes."

Fang Tao’s expression wavered — unsure whether to feel relief or dread.

On one hand, if Old Doctor stayed, it meant his daughter wouldn’t risk further exposure to the cold and rain. That was good.

But on the other, staying meant remaining in this isolated temple — and who knew when the Cloud Flow Sect might come?

If they were caught, and brought harm to Old Doctor’s group, Fang Tao would never forgive himself.

The conflict between personal desire and moral duty left him speechless.

After a moment’s thought, he decided that, given the storm’s intensity, the Cloud Flow Sect wouldn’t risk pursuing them until the rain stopped. So he chose to keep the truth hidden — for now.

"Then I suppose we’ll have to trouble you further, Old Doctor," Fang Tao said, pulling out a small bundle of gold leaf. "It’s not much, but please accept it — a token of my gratitude."

Old Doctor glanced at the stack — easily a few taels in weight — and smiled. He took only one leaf.

"This is more than enough. The medical fees and medicine already cost more than this. Please keep the rest."

"But, Old Doctor…" Fang Tao began.

Old Doctor gently shook his head. "Master Fang, healers do not heal for profit. We act from the heart."

Seeing the elder’s firm resolve, Fang Tao reluctantly returned the gold.

Yet in his heart, respect for Old Doctor deepened — along with a growing sense of guilt.

His face twisted in inner conflict. Finally, he made up his mind.

"Chen Laodaifu… there’s something I must confess to you."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end