Qiantang City stretched for ten li, adorned with jade and gold.
In an academy shrouded in thick fog, two men sat by a window, drinking together.
“I hear two interesting friends have recently arrived in Qiantang,” said the older gentleman with a slim beard, taking a sip of tea after placing a Go piece.
The younger scholar smiled. “Many interesting people come and go through Qiantang City every day, and most of them can hardly be called friends.”
“That female physician—she cured Landlord Li’s illness right after arriving. You and I both examined his condition before, and we agreed it was incurable. Isn’t it interesting that such an excellent physician is such a young and beautiful woman?” the elder gentleman asked.
The young scholar placed a piece: “It seems you’ve secretly gone to see her yourself, to know she’s young and beautiful?”
“No, no, not at all,” the elder gentleman waved his hand. “Shantang told me about her a few days ago.”
“Did Shantang also tell you that this Divine Physician is accompanied by a man who always carries an oil-paper umbrella? That man bears a striking resemblance to someone from legend. And if that person has entered Qiantang City, he certainly wouldn’t be our friend,” the young scholar said gravely.
The elder gentleman sighed. “You should go down the mountain to take a look. Though I feel that if it truly were that legendary figure with some purpose in mind, given his abilities, he wouldn’t let us discover him so easily.”
“Well…” the young scholar laughed awkwardly. “Aren’t you going, sir?”
“You go first. What if they mean no harm?” the elder gentleman smiled.
The young scholar’s cheek twitched slightly. “If they do mean harm, I might not return.”
“Who is this legendary person you’re discussing?” A white-robed scholar appeared outside the window, carrying a book chest and wearing a long sword at his waist. Though addressing them, his eyes were fixed on the Go board. He frowned slightly. “White has lost. No need to continue this game.”
The elder gentleman laughed heartily. “Since Nephew Xie says I’ve won, then I truly have won! No need to continue, no need indeed!”
The young scholar waved his hand in frustration, then turned to the scholar outside. “Senior Brother Xie, are you leaving today?”
The white-robed scholar nodded. “I’ve read most of the books in the academy’s collection, so it’s time for me to leave. Having benefited from the academy’s knowledge, I should do something in return. I can investigate this person down the mountain for you.”
“Senior Brother Xie, have you heard of an assassin from the Dark River who carries an oil-paper umbrella? His code name is the Umbrella Ghost, and he prefers to kill on rainy nights?” the young scholar asked.
The white-robed scholar started. “Su Muyu?”
The young scholar nodded. “Exactly! From Senior Brother Xie’s expression, could it be you know him?”
The white-robed scholar nodded. “We have some history.”
The elder gentleman clicked his tongue. “History? Nephew Xie truly lives up to his reputation of having read all books and traveled all roads—even having friends within the Dark River!”
“Most people from the Dark River are quite detestable, especially that man with the little mustache, but Su Muyu is an exception,” the white-robed scholar turned and smiled. “Where are they staying down the mountain?”
“At the south end of Luohuai Street, there’s a large mansion with the words ‘Hehuai Medicine Shop’ above the door. Su Muyu is there,” the elder gentleman said slowly. “Just ask if he’s here to kill someone. If he is, then the academy will have no choice but to intervene.”
“With the academy watching over Qiantang City, no one has dared to cause trouble here since Bei Li’s departure. Don’t worry,” the white-robed scholar said, heading down the mountain with his book chest.
At Hehuai Medicine Shop.
Su Muyu sat on a bench grinding herbs, while in the distance, Bai Hehuai listlessly attended to patients. A long line of young women waited, all stealing glances at Su Muyu and whispering among themselves.
“Though I love money, earning it this way is truly shameless,” Bai Hehuai muttered under her breath, then raised her hand. “You’re pregnant.”
“Oh, I’m pregnant…” the patient responded flatly, before suddenly realizing, “What? But… I’m not even married!”
“Just kidding. Your liver fire is too strong. Get some chrysanthemum tea from Master Su to drink,” Bai Hehuai yawned.
The courtyard gate opened at that moment. Su Muyu’s hands stopped grinding herbs, and he instinctively reached for his waist.
Bai Hehuai looked up, saying irritably, “The sign outside clearly states we only see thirty patients per day, and today’s quota is full. If you want to see Su Mu—I mean, if you want treatment, please come early tomorrow! Oh? A man? Master Su, your charm knows no bounds!”
The white-robed scholar looked around, his gaze finally settling on Su Muyu grinding herbs, and smiled faintly. “It’s been a while.”
Su Muyu withdrew his hand and stood up, bowing slightly. “Master Xie.”
“This white-robed gentleman is quite handsome too, isn’t he?” someone whispered in the waiting crowd.
Bai Hehuai froze for a moment, then waved her hands. “No more consultations today! Everyone keep your wooden tokens and come back tomorrow to queue in order!”
“Why stop now?” someone complained.
“This person has come for treatment—he has a severe contagious disease! If you don’t leave now, you might catch it!” Bai Hehuai announced loudly.
“Why didn’t you say so earlier!” Those who had just been praising the scholar’s elegance quickly covered their noses with handkerchiefs and rushed out, giving him a wide berth.
Once everyone had left, Su Muyu said to Bai Hehuai, “This gentleman is Xie Xuan, the current overseer of the Mountain Front Academy.”
Bai Hehuai gasped. “The Scholar Sword Immortal?”
“This young lady is—” Su Muyu began to introduce Bai Hehuai, but she had already rushed forward to Xie Xuan, extremely excited.
“You’re the one who had never practiced swordsmanship but achieved the bearing of a sword immortal on your very first draw! I’ve long admired you! I am Bai Hehuai, Divine Physician of the Medicine King Valley, junior aunt to Xin Baicao!”
“Junior aunt to Master Xin?” Xie Xuan’s expression showed surprise.
“Yes, yes! Honest truth!” Bai Hehuai raised her hand in oath.
Xie Xuan hurriedly bowed. “I am of the same generation as Sikong Changfeng, who is half a disciple of Master Xin. That means Divine Physician outranks me by two generations! My deepest apologies, Divine Physician Bai!”
Su Muyu smiled and pulled Bai Hehuai back. “I never expected to meet Master Xie in Qiantang City. Did you come specifically to find me?”
Xie Xuan nodded. “At an elder’s request, I wanted to know your purpose for coming to Qiantang City.”
Su Muyu said quietly, “Not to kill anyone.”
Xie Xuan turned to leave. “Then there’s no issue.”
“Don’t rush off—it’s rare for us to meet,” Su Muyu smiled. “Why not stay for a meal?”
Xie Xuan frowned slightly. “It is rare to see you smile…”
Bai Hehuai grabbed Xie Xuan’s hand: “Run!”