HomeTales of Dark RiverAn He Zhuan: Act Nine - Chapter 23

An He Zhuan: Act Nine – Chapter 23

Bai Hehuai slept soundly in bed for an entire day. When he rose the next day, his face was glowing with health, as if he had completely recovered. Xin Baicao checked his pulse once more and nodded with satisfaction, “You’re out of danger now. Senior Uncle, if you encounter any problems in the future, just send me a message.”

Bai Hehuai took a sip of water and sighed lightly, “My young nephew, you’re not getting any younger. Why haven’t you taken on a disciple yet? We can’t let the Medicine King Valley lineage end with us.”

Xin Baicao replied helplessly, “I haven’t found any promising candidates. I originally wanted to pass on my legacy to Sikong Changfeng, but he wasn’t interested in the title of Medicine King Valley successor. Now that he’s become the Third City Lord of Snow Moon City, there’s even less hope.”

Bai Hehuai glanced at Xiao Chaoyan’s silhouette outside the door, “I have a promising candidate here, but unfortunately, she started too late.”

“Haha, indeed, her aptitude is excellent, and she’s as graceful and beautiful as you, Senior Uncle. If I take on a disciple in the future, I should find someone like her – even if their talent isn’t sufficient, I wouldn’t have the heart to scold them,” Xin Baicao laughed.

Bai Hehuai took another sip of water, “That’s not a bad idea. In the future, our Medicine King Valley could be known for its three beauties – quite a sight that would be.”

“Senior Uncle, then I shall take my leave,” Xin Baicao bowed and said slowly.

“Ah, I remember when we were young when Senior Brother led the Medicine King Valley and Master hadn’t yet passed away. The valley was quite lively then. But after Night Crow betrayed and left the valley, that liveliness disappeared. Nephew, you must have been lonely living alone in the valley all these years,” Bai Hehuai’s words were full of regret.

Xin Baicao’s expression changed slightly, “I will find a way to resolve Junior Brother’s matter after I return.”

“His mastery of human experimentation has reached a terrifying level. When the crucial moment comes, I hope you won’t let brotherly feelings cloud your judgment. If the opportunity arises…” Bai Hehuai drew his hand across his neck, “As sect leader, cleanse our ranks.”

“I understand,” Xin Baicao nodded.

“You grew up together, and I know how deep your feelings run. He was able to leave back then because of your moment of mercy.” Bai Hehuai shook his head, “But enough of that. I wish you success in finding a worthy disciple, and may our Medicine King Valley return to its former glory.”

“I’ll take your blessing to heart,” Xin Baicao pushed open the door and walked out.

Bai Hehuai suddenly added, “It’s just about mealtime – why not stay for a meal? There’s no rush.”

“Farewell, farewell! Must go, must go!” Xin Baicao took off running.

Su Muyu was practicing swordplay in the courtyard and looked puzzled seeing Xin Baicao rushing off with his medicine box, “Master, why such haste?”

“Urgent patient in the valley needs treatment! Most urgent!” Xin Baicao’s lightness skill suddenly improved remarkably as he bounded away from Crane Rain Medical Manor, quickly disappearing.

Xiao Chaoyan came in from the back courtyard carrying a watermelon and set it on the table. Usually, Su Changhe would cut the melon, but since he wasn’t there, she called out to Su Muyu, “Brother Yu, come use your sword to cut this melon.”

Su Muyu was slightly startled, then smiled and flicked his sword lightly, cleanly dividing the watermelon into four even pieces.

Xiao Chaoyan happily picked up a piece, “Excellent! Even neater than Su Changhe’s cuts – Brother Yu, you’re practically a Sword Immortal!”

“Would a Sword Immortal use their sword to cut watermelons?” Su Muyu sheathed his sword with a helpless smile.

Bai Hehuai walked into the courtyard and looked at Su Muyu, “This is the first time I’ve seen you practice swordplay.”

“I’ve decided to take a long journey,” Su Muyu replied. “I’ll need my sword in the days ahead, and I fear I’ve grown rusty from lack of practice.”

Bai Hehuai wasn’t surprised and nodded, “Some matters need to be resolved, or they become barriers in our hearts. No matter how happily we live day to day, just thinking of that barrier can steal our smile. Go ahead, just don’t lose your life over it.”

“The Medicine King must be different for you, Divine Physician,” Su Muyu suddenly said.

Bai Hehuai was taken aback, then smiled, “Though I always tease him and let him use seniority to pressure me, he’s actually like both a brother and father to me – the only person I could call family during those twenty-some years.”

“At least now you have Uncle Zhe,” Su Muyu said quietly.

Bai Hehuai turned his head, “Not just Uncle Zhe.”

Su Muyu twirled his sword in a flourish but remained silent.

“You, Chaoyan – you can all be considered my family now. Even that unpredictable Su Changhe counts, occasionally,” Bai Hehuai replied.

“Thank you, Divine Physician. Like you, I lost my family when I was very young. Now that I know the secrets of the past, I should do something for my family too.” Su Muyu thrust his sword forward, and with a clear “ding,” a golden ring struck his blade, spun in the air, and flew back. Su Muyu turned to see Su Zhe standing nearby with his Buddhist staff, the golden rings returning to it with a musical chime.

Bai Hehuai complained, “Father, what mischief are you up to now?”

Su Zhe smiled, “Since leaving Dark River, this is the first time I’ve seen Su Muyu practice swordplay. With no mission at hand, why sharpen your sword?”

“I want to visit a place, to settle some matters of the heart,” Su Muyu held his sword forward and thrust at Su Zhe.

“This is not a killing sword – it carries the heart of one seeking the Way. Have you decided to become a swordsman rather than an assassin?” Su Zhe raised his staff to meet the attack, and over a dozen of the largest rings flew out, ensnaring Su Muyu’s sword. The rings seemed to weigh thousands of pounds, forcing Su Muyu’s blade down, and Su Zhe immediately aimed a kick at Su Muyu’s head.

Su Muyu blocked the kick with his left hand, then sidestepped and used all his strength to raise his grounded sword. His right hand trembled as he shook off the golden rings, and with a turn of his blade, a powerful sword energy stirred up a gust of wind and sand: “At least for the coming time, I wish to take on a different identity and seek an answer.”

“Oh? What identity?” Su Zhe caught the returning rings and retreated five steps.

“Young Master of No Sword City,” Su Muyu declared boldly.

“And what answer do you seek?” Su Zhe leaped into the air, bringing his staff down toward Su Muyu’s head.

“The Matchless City claims to be unmatched under heaven, yet in matters of the sword, they cannot be unmatched before No Sword City.” Su Muyu raised his sword to meet the strike.

Su Zhe smiled, “I understand. You want to—”

“Challenge Matchless City to a duel of swords!”

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