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Chapter 40: Taking a Master, Hidden Truths
Lu Qing’s initiation ceremony was simple and unpretentious.
Chen Laodaifu wasn’t the type to indulge in extravagance—everything was done with quiet sincerity.
So, following the traditional steps, Lu Qing bowed before the ancestral tablet in front of the villagers, knelt down, presented tea, and said the formal words: “Master, please drink.”
Chen Laodaifu sat in his chair, accepted the tea, took a sip, and the formalities were complete.
“Alright, you may rise.”
“Yes, Master.”
Lu Qing stood up, hands folded respectfully beside him.
Chen Laodaifu then rose as well, bowing deeply toward the villagers gathered in the courtyard.
“Thank you all for coming to witness my disciple’s initiation today. I am truly delighted to have gained such a beloved apprentice. My little home is humble and small, and I can’t offer you any proper feast, but I’ve prepared a modest gift for each of you.”
With that, he reached behind him and lifted a tray holding a neat row of small cloth pouches.
“These are Medicinal Packs I’ve made in my spare time—some contain calming and sleep aid properties, and others have mild insect-repellent effects.”
“If you’re not too particular, please take one or two back with you. Hang them near your beds. They’ll keep your homes free from mosquitoes for a full ten to fifteen days.”
“Seriously? That’s incredible!”
The villagers murmured in delight, eyes wide with surprise.
It was the most bothersome season for mosquitoes, and if these packs truly worked as claimed, they’d be worth their weight in gold.
Suddenly, the polite hesitations vanished. No one could refuse such a generous gift—especially one so practical and so clearly handmade by the village’s most respected healer.
Seeing their reactions, Chen Laodaifu smiled and turned to Lu Qing.
“A Qing, go ahead and hand these out to the neighbors.”
“Yes, Master.”
Lu Qing took the tray and began moving among the villagers, distributing the packs one by one.
“Zhang Da Ye, here you go.”
He handed the first one to Zhang Da Ye.
“Good boy. Remember to learn well under Chen Laodaifu’s guidance,” Zhang Da Ye said, accepting it with a warm smile.
“I will, Zhang Da Ye.”
Lu Qing nodded earnestly.
The others sniffed their packs—immediately greeted by a subtle, refreshing herbal fragrance. Not overpowering, but deeply invigorating. Their spirits lifted instantly. They knew right away this was no ordinary remedy.
This was medicine crafted by the master himself—something not easily found elsewhere. They tucked the pouches away carefully, determined to keep them safe.
“Everyone,” Chen Laodaifu called out, noticing some villagers tucking the packs into their sleeves or pockets, “remember to hang them in your rooms. If you don’t, after half a month, the scent will fade, and the packs will lose their effect.”
Hearing this, most of them stopped trying to hide them. The realization settled in—these weren’t treasures to be hoarded, but tools to be used properly.
After the gifts were distributed, Zhang Da Ye and the others began their farewells.
But before leaving, Zhang Da Ye pulled Lu Qing aside, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.
“When you have time, go pay your respects to your grandfather and parents. Tell them the good news. Let them know you’ve found a master.”
Lu Qing nodded solemnly.
“I will.”
Satisfied, Zhang Da Ye turned and started down the mountain.
Once everyone had left, Lu Qing remained standing at the front of the courtyard, watching the villagers’ silhouettes fade into the distance.
“Ah Qing,” Chen Laodaifu said, stepping beside him, eyes fixed on the people below. “Your grandfather once formed a good bond with this village—only because of that, you now have such kind neighbors.”
Lu Qing looked up. “I never knew any of this, Master. My grandfather and parents… they never spoke of it.”
“That very silence speaks volumes,” Chen Laodaifu said softly. “It shows your grandfather was a man of noble character—someone who gave without seeking reward. It’s a pity I came too late. I’d have loved to meet a man of such integrity.”
He sighed, a hint of regret in his voice.
“If I’d arrived earlier, perhaps we’d have become friends.”
Lu Qing hesitated, then asked, “Master… do you know how my parents really died?”
“Because of what Zhang Lao Zhang said earlier?”
“Yes. I always believed they died in an accident. But now, hearing Zhang Ye Ye’s words… it sounds like there’s more to it.”
In the memories of his former self, the story had always been simple: an unfortunate drowning. But now, the truth felt… too neat. Too convenient.
Chen Laodaifu paused, then shook his head.
“I don’t know. At the time, I was in the city treating a noble patient. When I returned, I heard only that your parents had tragically drowned. But I never saw the body. So… I can’t say for certain whether it was true.”
“If you want answers, you’ll have to ask Zhang Lao Zhang and the others.”
Lu Qing fell silent.
In truth, the memories he inherited were the same—parents lost to the river, their bodies swollen and grotesque, a sight that had left his former self utterly shattered. After that, everything had happened in a daze: selling the land, arranging the funeral, hosting mourners. There had even been someone who’d caused trouble during the mourning period.
By the time he’d regained his senses, they were already buried.
Now, looking back, so many things felt… off.
But the trauma had been too great. The memories were fragmented, jumbled—too chaotic for Lu Qing to make sense of.
“Still,” Chen Laodaifu said, watching Lu Qing’s expression, “I don’t recommend you go asking them now.”
“Why not, Master?”
“Because if they’ve chosen to keep the truth from you, it’s likely for your own sake—and for Xiao Yan’s. They fear that if you knew the truth, you might act rashly. Do you really think Zhang Ye Ye and the others would harm you?”
Lu Qing thought back to how kind and protective the villagers had been since he’d awakened. He shook his head.
“No… they wouldn’t.”
More importantly, his Abilities had never detected any ill intent from anyone in the village. No one carried the cold, calculating aura of a hidden enemy.
“Exactly,” Chen Laodaifu said. “So trust them. They’re withholding the truth not out of malice—but because they believe the time isn’t right.”
“Therefore, your greatest duty right now isn’t chasing answers. It’s mastering your craft. When you’re strong enough, they’ll tell you everything—on their own.”
Lu Qing fell silent once more.
In truth, he wasn’t driven by anger or revenge.
He didn’t feel deep sorrow for parents he’d never known.
What worried him was whether the truth—whatever it was—might endanger him and Xiao Yan.
But as his master had said… he was still too weak.
Knowing the truth now would only lead to panic, not progress.
Better to focus on what he could control.
“I understand, Master,” Lu Qing finally said.
Seeing the resolve return to his disciple’s eyes, Chen Laodaifu smiled.
He valued Lu Qing’s sharp mind. He didn’t want such a bright soul to be consumed by bitterness at such a young age. That kind of pain would twist the heart.
He approved of the villagers’ decision.
Noticing the lingering heaviness in Lu Qing’s expression, Chen Laodaifu decided to shift his focus.
“A Qing, now that you’ve formally joined my discipleship, there are some things you should know.”
Lu Qing looked up, intrigued.
Seeing the effect, Chen Laodaifu smiled.
“Tell me, A Qing… do you know what it truly takes to become a great healer?”
(End of Chapter)
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