At lunch, Xianyue’s true appearance duly astonished her disciples. Rendong almost drooled. “Master, you’re beautiful!”
“Exactly. Any so-called greatest beauty of the martial world would have to concede to Master,” Xiao Feng said, stumbling over his words at the sight.
“Enough. Leave other people some chance. Master already has medicine and martial arts. If she wins the beauty title too, what’s left for anyone else?”
Their praise made her beam. Now she understood why Jiang Chan had gathered so many disciples for her. She had worried about Xianyue’s loneliness. More disciples meant more company.
Their laughter and chatter brightened her mood.
“Alright, eat. Afterward, get on with your own work. I’m going to walk around Yun City.”
Silence fell. Rendong nearly cried. “Master, are you traveling again? Can’t you take us?”
“Yes, don’t leave us behind. You disappear for years!”
The others grew restless too. Xianyue sighed helplessly. “I’m only walking around Yun City. If I travel, I’ll certainly take some of you.”
After soothing them, she left. She had seen the city in Jiang Chan’s memories but never personally. Everything felt new.
“Doctor Xianyue, our pastry shop has something new. Try it!” After a few steps, a packet was pressed into her hands.
“Doctor Xianyue, this is my grandson. Without your help, my daughter-in-law and he would both have died. Niu Niu, come greet the doctor!”
She wore only a veiled hat. Though her face was hidden, everyone recognized her clothing. People spoke to her every few steps.
The three- or four-year-old bowed to the ground. Startled, she raised a palm lightly, helping him stand. Under the surrounding gazes, a sense of fulfillment stirred.
Bidding them farewell, she wandered on. Everyone seemed to know her. A jeweler’s wife gave her hair ornaments; a fabric merchant’s wife gave her new clothes. After only two streets, her whole appearance was renewed.
But accepting so much felt wrong. Abandoning further shopping, she discreetly left silver at the shops on her way back, easing her conscience.
Passing one street, she noticed a residence with “Song Residence” carved above the gate. Her steps visibly paused. Hearing children laughing inside, she walked on.
In the previous life, Feng Feiyang had visited the family’s old site every year to mourn. How had she felt then? She shook her head, refusing those memories. Now the lovers were together, and she could finally let go.
From now on, she had no connection with them. Her steps were wonderfully light. She never glanced back at the Song residence.
Playing with Feng Huaijin, Song Bingqing suddenly frowned. For an instant, she felt something important had left her life, pulling painfully at her heart.
But the feeling passed as quickly as it came, leaving her as before, as though imagined.
After another month exploring Yun City thoroughly, Xianyue decided to travel again. Perhaps spending her former life confined had made her especially yearn for the outside world.
The disciples eagerly volunteered. She finally chose Xiao Feng for his cooking and Rendong because the girl was best at coaxing her.
Their first destination was Jiangnan. It was September, the season for admiring chrysanthemums. Jiang Chan’s last visit had been in early summer. Now early autumn had already arrived. Time truly flew.
Xianyue sighed. Xiao Feng quietly poled the boat while Rendong chattered. “Senior Brother, there’s a lotus seedpod over there. Shall we pick it and eat the seeds?”
Xianyue tapped her head. “All you think about is food. Will you marry a cook?”
Rendong grinned. “What cook could compare with Senior Brother Xiao Feng? I’m going to marry him!”
She showed no embarrassment discussing marriage. The boy poling the boat, however, turned bright red.
Amused, Xianyue said, “You’re taking advantage of his honesty. If he likes you too, I’ll arrange your wedding after you turn fifteen.”
He stammered, “I like Junior Sister Rendong too. She’s wonderful.”
Triumphantly hugging his arm, Rendong smiled radiantly. “Exactly. How could he escape me?”
Xianyue was helpless. One willingly gave, the other willingly received. Watching their sweetness, she suddenly felt lonely. Her disciples would eventually leave. Should she find someone too?
Life in Jiangnan was comfortable. Though supposedly accompanying her, Rendong dragged Xiao Feng away all day. Xianyue enjoyed the quiet, spending her days admiring flowers and scenery.
One day, she listened to storytelling in a teahouse. The storyteller struck his wooden block. “The Medical Immortal possessed not only extraordinary medicine, but exceptional martial arts…”
Her hand paused on her teacup. Was he talking about her? Although Jiang Chan had done those things, she was now the Medical Immortal. Such lavish praise made her face burn.
She quickly checked the room. Fortunately, she knew no one. With her veiled hat and newly revealed true appearance, nobody really recognized her.
Reassured, she maintained composure and drank her tea, listening to the storyteller’s fluent account. She too wanted to appreciate the mission-taker’s brilliance.
The memories had offered only a simple, partial perspective. Hearing others judge the Medical Immortal deepened her understanding of Jiang Chan.
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