212: Reject Li Changqing

The small courtyard of the Bamboo Rhyme Residence was exceptionally warm with lamplight tonight.

The stone table in the courtyard was covered with dishes that weren't extravagant but were full of heart, mostly common medicinal cuisine and seasonal vegetables from the valley, yet they smelled fragrant due to the joy of reunion. Chu Tianhe had changed into a clean, cyan-gray long robe; though he was thin, his spirit was clearly much better as he sat in the seat of honor. Xiao Chun was like a happy little sparrow, circling her father, sometimes arranging dishes and sometimes chattering non-stop.

"Dad, you have no idea, Brother Feng is so amazing! When dealing with those Corpse Puppets in Green Ox Village..." Xiao Chun's eyes were bright as she gesticulated while recounting their experiences over the past few months. From the fierce battle in Green Ox Village, healing Senior Gray Shadow of the Beast King Valley, the battle at Yunmeng Lake, to the step-by-step dangers in the Molten Core Secret Realm, the confrontation with the Lion King, the trade with the Lizard King, the Ape blocking the way... Those life-and-death situations, in her filtered narration, all became legendary stories showcasing Qin Feng's wisdom and courage.

Chu Tianhe listened quietly, his gaze mostly resting on Qin Feng. Looking at this youth whom he had rescued years ago when he was heavily injured and dying, who had now grown into a steady and decisive young Martial King capable of standing on his own and even protecting others, although there wasn't much expression on his gaunt face, the slight relaxation of his brow and the irrepressible relief deep in his eyes spoke of his inner turmoil. Especially upon hearing how Qin Feng had protected Xiao Chun multiple times at critical moments and even secured an Opportunity for her, he nodded slightly.

When Xiao Chun mentioned that she had accidentally activated a "special Physique" and treated soldiers in Luoxia Town, a flash of surprise and realization crossed Chu Tianhe's eyes. He looked at Qin Feng, Xia Ya, and Ji Ruxue, solemnly raising his cup of tea as if it were wine:

"Feng'er has grown so much; as your master... I am truly heartened."

His voice was low. "My daughter is unruly. During this time, I must thank the three of you for taking care of and protecting her. Especially through the many crises, it was thanks to everyone working together with her that you were able to turn danger into safety."

I, Chu Tianhe, thank you here." After saying this, he actually stood up and gave a slight bow.

Qin Feng and the other two quickly stood up, asking Chu Tianhe not to be so formal.

Xia Ya said brightly, "Senior Chu, you're being too polite! Xiao Chun helped us so much; without her medical skills, we wouldn't have known where we'd have ended up long ago!"

Ji Ruxue also nodded gently. "Xiao Chun is our companion; it's only right that we support each other."

Xiao Chun blushed a little in embarrassment. "Dad! Sister Xia Ya and Sister Xue are the amazing ones! And Brother Feng, he always stands at the very front..."

A warm atmosphere flowed through the courtyard. The exhaustion and tension from months of travel seemed to quietly melt away at this moment, replaced by the warmth of family and the trust of companions. This was a rare moment of peace and joy after surviving a disaster and achieving one's wishes.

However, this peace did not last long.

"Hehe... It seems I've come at an inopportune time and disturbed your family reunion."

A gentle and clear voice, yet carrying an invisible majesty, rang out at the courtyard gate without warning.

Everyone was startled and turned their heads abruptly.

At some point, four figures were standing quietly outside the slightly ajar gate of the Bamboo Rhyme Residence. The leading two had auras as deep as the sea, peaceful faces, and gentle gazes, yet they naturally exuded the elegant temperament of those long in high positions. They were the current Valley Master of the Medicine King Valley—Li Changqing, and the Vice Valley Master—Sikong Ye! Behind them stood the smiling Elders Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi.

The two Valley Masters did not intentionally release any pressure, but the invisible field belonging to peerless experts of the Late Stage Martial Emperor still made the air in the courtyard seem to freeze for a moment. Qin Feng's pupils constricted, and his heart felt a chill. Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue also instantly entered a state of alertness but quickly relaxed—the other party meant no ill will.

Chu Tianhe was the first to stand up. He straightened his robes, stepped forward a few paces, and bowed. "The sinful Disciple Chu Tianhe greets the Valley Master, Vice Valley Master, Senior Brother Duanmu, and Senior Brother Ling." His posture was neither humble nor arrogant; even facing the highest authorities in the valley, the calm he had gained through many hardships remained unbroken.

Qin Feng and the other three also hurriedly followed suit and bowed.

Li Changqing raised his hand to signal them to stop, smiling. "No need for such formality. Today is not for official business, so do not be constrained." His gaze swept over Chu Tianhe and rested more on Qin Feng and Xiao Chun, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration. "Chu Tianhe, although you once took a wrong turn, I must say you have a good daughter and have raised a good Disciple."

Vice Valley Master Sikong also nodded slightly and added, "Three class a missions, especially obtaining the Flame Essence from the Molten Core Secret Realm, are no easy feat even for the Senior Disciples of the valley. You not only completed them but brought back more than required. What is even rarer," he looked at Xiao Chun, his tone gentle, "is that in Luoxia Town, this little girl used her miraculous skills and benevolent heart to save General Long Teng and hundreds of border guards from the suffering of Witch Poison. Such achievements and kindness have already reached the valley, and everyone praises them."

Valley Master Li Changqing's gaze shifted between Qin Feng and Xiao Chun, finally saying slowly, "According to the valley rules, those who complete a class a mission with outstanding performance can receive heavy rewards and are eligible to be taken as Disciples by Elders or even ourselves for cultivation. Today, the two of us have come to ask..."

He paused, exchanged a look with Sikong Ye, and his voice rang out clearly and solemnly in the small courtyard:

"Su Yuchun, Qin Feng. I, Li Changqing (and Sikong Ye), am willing to make an exception and personally take the two of you as Personal Disciples. I wonder, are you willing?"

As the words fell, the small courtyard fell into a brief, dead silence.

Personal Disciples! Personal Disciples of the Valley Master and Vice Valley Master!

What did this mean in the Medicine King Valley? It meant the top-tier resource allocation, the most core Legacy and Cultivation Techniques, the highest level of protection and cultivation, and an immeasurable future! This was the ultimate Opportunity that almost all young Disciples in the valley dreamed of! The faces of Elders Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi also showed smiles of gratification and encouragement, clearly pleased to see this happen.

Xiao Chun was stunned for a moment. She subconsciously grabbed her father's sleeve and looked blankly at Qin Feng, her small mouth slightly open, at a loss. Surprise also flashed in the eyes of Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue, but they immediately looked at Qin Feng, waiting for his decision. Chu Tianhe's eyes were complex, containing relief, expectation, and a trace of indescribable depth.

Everyone's gaze was focused on Qin Feng.

Qin Feng met the gentle yet scrutinizing gazes of Li Changqing and Sikong Ye, then glanced at the nervous Xiao Chun beside him and his master Chu Tianhe, whose gaze held encouragement. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and gave a deep bow to the two Valley Masters.

Then, he raised his head, his eyes clear and firm, and spoke a few words in a steady but clear voice:

"I am deeply grateful for the Valley Master and Vice Valley Master's kindness."

He paused, and under the gazes of everyone, which were either expectant or confused, he continued:

"However..."

"I'm sorry."

"I refuse."

"Boom—!"

It was as if a thunderclap had exploded in silence!

Xiao Chun suddenly covered her mouth, her eyes wide. Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue also showed expressions of disbelief. The smiles on Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi's faces instantly froze and turned into shock. Even Chu Tianhe, who had always been calm, had a flicker of deep surprise in his eyes.

The gentle smile on Valley Master Li Changqing's face faded slightly, and Vice Valley Master Sikong also gave a soft "Oh?", his gaze becoming profound.

The air in the small courtyard seemed to suddenly become heavy, stagnant, and even... a bit cold after that "refusal."