176: The Name of Master and Disciple

"Who is Chu Tianhe to you?"

Ling Yunzi's smile vanished completely, and his once-kind eyes became as sharp as needles, scanning back and forth between the faces of Qin Feng and Xiao Chun.

At the entrance of the hall, Duanmu Feng also slowly turned around. His aged face remained expressionless, but within his deep-set eye sockets, his gaze grew even more profound.

The air seemed to freeze, and even the faint chirping of birds from the valley appeared to fade away.

Qin Feng could feel the invisible pressure emanating from the two Elders—it wasn't an intentionally released aura, but a natural presence formed by being in a high position for a long time, holding the power over life and death. However, he straightened his back, his gaze candid, and said word by word:

"To tell you the truth, Chu Tianhe is my master."

He stepped aside and gently pulled Xiao Chun, whose eyes were already turning slightly red, to the front: "He is also the biological father of my Junior Sister, Xiao Chun."

As the words fell, Xiao Chun could no longer hold back her tears, which slid down her cheeks. She bit her lip, trying hard not to make a sound, but her slightly trembling shoulders and red-rimmed eyes already said everything.

Ling Yunzi's pupils constricted slightly, and a flash of surprise crossed Duanmu Feng's calm, well-like face.

"You are... Senior Brother Chu's daughter?" Ling Yunzi took a step forward, carefully observing Xiao Chun, his gaze lingering on her features. "You do look... you indeed bear some resemblance to how Senior Brother Chu looked in his youth... Was your medical skill taught by him?"

Xiao Chun nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion: "Father... Father taught me many things... acupuncture, pharmacology, Alchemy..."

"No wonder..." Ling Yunzi murmured, the sharpness in his eyes gradually replaced by a complex expression. "No wonder you know the 'Spirit Pivot Life-Extending Needle'... That was a fragment of an acupuncture technique that Senior Brother Chu spent three whole years studying and restoring in the Ancient Books Pavilion... To think he actually passed it down."

Duanmu Feng spoke slowly, his voice raspy: "Chu Tianhe... was only a Mid-stage Grand Martial Master when he left. Eighteen years have passed, and his Disciple is already a Martial King, while his daughter's medical skills are so exquisite... He has certainly taught two good Disciples."

No joy or anger could be heard in these words; he was merely stating facts.

Ling Yunzi sighed deeply and looked at Qin Feng again: "So, your main purpose in coming to the Medicine King Valley this time is to find him?"

"Yes," Qin Feng admitted candidly. "We learned that Master was brought back to the Medicine King Valley and came specifically to find him. I wonder if the Elder could tell us where Master is now and what his situation is?"

The two Elders exchanged a look.

Ling Yunzi pondered for a moment before saying slowly: "Senior Brother Chu... after being brought back by Elder Yi of the Law Enforcement Hall, he has been imprisoned in the Cold Pond Cave of the Self-Reflection Cliff. Elder Yi is the representative of the conservative faction in the valley and values rules above all else. Back then, Senior Brother Chu committed three crimes: trespassing into the Forbidden Ground, stealing Spirit Medicine, and defecting from the valley. Elder Yi's intention is... at least twenty years of solitary meditation."

"Twenty years?!" Xiao Chun cried out in shock, her face turning deathly pale.

Qin Feng's heart sank. Twenty years! For a Martial Artist, twenty years was certainly not a long time, but being imprisoned in a place like the Cold Pond Cave, facing loneliness and cold day and night, not only would it be difficult for one's cultivation to progress, but even one's state of mind could suffer!

"Law Enforcement Hall... Elder Yi..." Qin Feng pondered these two names. "Is there really no room for negotiation?"

"Back then, Master actually did it to save someone."

"It's difficult," Ling Yunzi shook his head. "Elder Yi has a rigid and stubborn personality. Once he has made up his mind, even if the Valley Master were to intervene, it might not necessarily change. Furthermore..."

He paused and looked at Xiao Chun, a flash of pity in his eyes: "The woman Senior Brother Chu saved back then... had a special identity. This matter involves a certain Martial Emperor Family outside the valley. Elder Yi believes that Senior Brother Chu's actions not only broke the valley's rules but could also bring unnecessary trouble to the Medicine King Valley. This is what he finds most intolerable."

A Martial Emperor Family!

Qin Feng's heart skipped a beat. The System information mentioned that Xiao Chun's mother came from a certain Martial Emperor Family. He didn't expect that even the Medicine King Valley knew about this, and it had become a reason for increasing the punishment!

"Then..." Qin Feng took a deep breath. "Could we see Master for a moment? Or... could the Elder please pass word to the Valley Master on our behalf? We are willing to pay a price, only asking to lighten Master's punishment, even if it's just to see him once!"

His tone was sincere and firm.

Ling Yunzi looked at Qin Feng, then at the tearful Xiao Chun, and remained silent for a long time.

The atmosphere in the hall was so oppressive it was suffocating.

Finally, Duanmu Feng spoke, his voice still raspy and flat: "The valley's Elders are indeed interested in your acupuncture techniques. Especially the matter of treating General Long Teng yesterday; it has already spread."

He didn't answer directly, but Qin Feng understood the meaning behind these words—the acupuncture technique was a bargaining chip, and treating the General was a merit. These could all be used to negotiate terms.

Ling Yunzi clearly understood Duanmu Feng's meaning as well. He hesitated for a moment and finally nodded: "Very well... for the sake of Senior Brother Chu, and for the reappearance of this lost acupuncture technique, I will go and try."

He looked at Qin Feng with a serious expression: "However, you must be mentally prepared. Things with Elder Yi... won't be easy. The Valley Master is in seclusion all year round; whether he can be persuaded is also an unknown. You should stay in the Guest House for now and wait for news."

"Thank you, Elder Ling!" Qin Feng cupped his hands solemnly.

Xiao Chun also hurriedly bowed, her voice still carrying a sob: "Thank you... thank you, Elder..."

Ling Yunzi waved his hand and called a Disciple over: "Take them to 'Bamboo Rhyme Residence' in the East Courtyard and settle them in well."

"Yes."

The Disciple complied and made a gesture of invitation to the four of them.

The four followed the Disciple out of the Ghost Doctor Hall, walking along the bluestone path toward the east side of the valley. The fragrance of medicine filled the air, and the scenery was serene, but at this moment, no one was in the mood to appreciate it.

Bamboo Rhyme Residence was an independent small courtyard, with several bamboo houses hidden among emerald bamboos, elegant and quiet. The Disciple left after arranging the accommodations, leaving the four of them alone.

After closing the door, Xiao Chun finally couldn't help it and threw herself into Qin Feng's arms, sobbing softly: "Brother Qin Feng... Father... Father is going to be locked up for twenty years... what should we do..."

Qin Feng gently patted her back and comforted her softly: "Don't be afraid. Since they let us in, there's still a chance. Elder Ling Yunzi promised to help, and that's a good start."

Xia Ya also said: "That's right, Xiao Chun. Look at those two Elders; although they are strict, they still have some old affection for your father. Especially Elder Ling Yunzi, he called your father 'Senior Brother Chu,' which means they had a good relationship back then."

Ji Ruxue analyzed calmly: "The key lies in the bargaining chips. Our acupuncture technique has piqued their interest, and treating General Long Teng is a solid merit. Additionally... we could perhaps propose that we are willing to contribute to the Medicine King Valley in some way in exchange for lightening the punishment."

Qin Feng nodded: "Sister Xue is right. But the most important thing now is to wait for news. Also..."

He looked at Xiao Chun with a serious expression: "Xiao Chun, how much do you know about your mother's affairs?"

Xiao Chun looked up, wiped her tears, and shook her head blankly: "Father... Father never mentioned anything about Mother. I only know that Mother left when I was very young... Why? Brother Qin Feng, do you know something?"

Qin Feng sighed inwardly. According to the System information, Xiao Chun's mother left to avoid involving the father and daughter. Behind this probably lay the internal strife of a certain Martial Emperor Family. But now was not the time to tell Xiao Chun.

"I'm not sure either," Qin Feng chose to hide it for now. "Once we see Master, everything will become clear."

Just then, footsteps were heard from outside the courtyard.

A Medicine Boy stood outside the courtyard gate and said respectfully: "Honored guests, Elder Ling asked me to pass on a message—he has gone to see Elder Yi, please wait patiently. Additionally, dinner will be delivered, so please make yourselves at home."

"Thank you for your trouble."

The Medicine Boy left, and the small courtyard returned to silence.

The sun set in the west, painting the Medicine King Valley in a golden hue.

Qin Feng stood by the window, looking toward the distant peaks shrouded in mist—that should be the direction of the Self-Reflection Cliff.

Master, we have come.

No matter how difficult it is, we will definitely save you.