213: Guest Elder

Qin Feng's clear "I refuse" was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand waves in the small courtyard.

Shock, astonishment, confusion... various emotions flashed across the faces of Elders Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi. Although Xia Ya and Ji Ruxue trusted any decision Qin Feng made, their hearts couldn't help but be stirred at this moment. Xiao Chun clutched her father's sleeve even tighter, her small face filled with bewilderment and worry.

Valley Master Li Changqing's gentle smile didn't fully disappear, but it grew a bit deeper, like a stone thrown into an ancient pool; beneath the ripples was an even deeper silence. Vice Valley Master Sikong's eyes, which seemed able to see through people's hearts, narrowed slightly. His gaze lingered for a moment on Qin Feng's calm face before sweeping over Xiao Chun, who stood beside him, tense yet with a straight back.

“Oh?” Sikong Ye's voice betrayed no emotion, carrying a hint of inquiry. “Can you tell me the reason? The position of Personal Disciple of the Medicine King Valley is something countless talents in the world seek but cannot obtain.”

Qin Feng bowed again, his attitude still respectful, but his tone was resolute. “This Junior is not ungrateful. I am deeply moved by the Valley Master and Vice Valley Master's kindness. It's just...”

He raised his head, meeting the two Valley Masters' gazes with clear eyes. “Before coming to the Medicine King Valley, Xiao Chun and I had already joined the ‘Hundred Flowers Pavilion’. I was even favored by Senior Yue Long and granted the position of Elder. The Hundred Flowers Pavilion has shown me kindness through shelter, teaching me arts, and providing protection. I cannot betray them.”

“Hundred Flowers Pavilion? That girl Yue Long?” Li Changqing's eyebrows twitched slightly, seemingly surprised, before a knowing smile appeared. “So that's how it is. Pavilion Master Yue Long certainly has a Wisdom Eye for talent and acted quickly.”

Sikong Ye mused, “Although the Hundred Flowers Pavilion and our Medicine King Valley are not of the same Sect, we have always had dealings and are not enemies. In fact, we share similar origins in Alchemy. If you two are concerned about this status...” He looked at Li Changqing, who nodded slightly.

Li Changqing took over, his tone peaceful yet carrying an indisputable power. “If it's only for that reason, it doesn't matter. I can personally write a letter to Pavilion Master Yue Long to explain the benefits. I'm sure Pavilion Master Yue Long would understand and not make things difficult if it means exchanging your departure from the Hundred Flowers Pavilion for the positions of Personal Disciples of the Medicine King Valley. This would be a better choice for your futures.”

This promise was incredibly significant, showing the Medicine King Valley's absolute sincerity and determination to secure talent. Hearing this, Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi also nodded secretly, feeling that there might indeed be room for negotiation.

However, Qin Feng slowly shook his head.

“I appreciate the Valley Master's kind intentions, but it's not just because of the status constraints.” His voice was steady and his reasoning clear. “The Hundred Flowers Pavilion has shown me both kindness and affection. When my Aptitude was poor years ago, the Hundred Flowers Pavilion took me in. When I first stepped into the martial path, it was the Hundred Flowers Pavilion that laid my Foundation. When I encountered danger later, it was the Hundred Flowers Pavilion that provided protection and resources. Pavilion Master Yue Long has treated me very well. Such kindness cannot be measured by the height of a position or the pros and cons of one's future. I cannot and will not commit an act of betrayal.”

He paused, glanced at Xiao Chun beside him, and continued, “Furthermore, we need to travel to the Imperial Capital later, partly because of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. Whether in terms of emotion, reason, faith, or justice, I cannot change my affiliation at this moment.”

Although Xiao Chun didn't quite understand all the details, she knew that Brother Feng's decision must have its reasons, and the sisters at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion had indeed been very good to her. She also nodded vigorously and whispered, “Thank you, Valley Master... The sisters at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion were also very good to me...”

At this point, Qin Feng's reasoning was sufficient—it wasn't that he looked down on the Medicine King Valley, but that he valued kindness and kept his word, never forgetting his roots. This reason was hard to criticize; instead, it highlighted his noble character.

In truth, the core issue was still not exposing Xiao Chun's Myriad Medicine Body. If Xiao Chun were taken as a disciple by an old fox like Li Changqing, the risk would be too great.

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of regret in each other's eyes, but even more so, admiration. At their level, they had seen many exceptionally talented young people, but someone so loyal, steadfast, and unmoved by immense benefits was even rarer.

“Never forgetting kindness, putting faith and justice first... Good.” Li Changqing nodded slowly, the regret on his face fading, replaced once more by that gentle and deep smile. “Such a Heart-Nature is rare. Yue Long has indeed recruited a good Elder.”

Sikong Ye also sighed slightly, his tone softening. “Very well. Everyone has their own ambitions; there's no use in forcing it. It's just a pity...”

The change in the two Valley Masters' attitudes eased the stagnant atmosphere in the courtyard. Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi also looked relieved and approving, their gazes toward Qin Feng filled with even more respect.

At this moment, Chu Tianhe, who had been watching in silence, suddenly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Li Changqing and Sikong Ye. His voice was low. “Valley Master, Vice Valley Master. My disciple is stubborn and has failed your kindness. It was a blessing for them to have this Opportunity, but alas... they are both descendants of a criminal. They dare not ask for too much, nor do they wish for any friction between the Valley Master and the Hundred Flowers Pavilion because of them. Everything started because of my status as a convicted person.”

He took the responsibility upon himself, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Li Changqing looked at Chu Tianhe with a complex gaze that eventually turned into a soft sigh. “Brother Chu, there's no need for this. The past is the past. Now that you've been exonerated, you don't need to call yourself a ‘criminal’ anymore. Your Disciple and daughter's character and talent are their own fortune and have nothing to do with you.”

He mused for a moment, seemingly having made a decision, and said to Elder Ling beside him, “Elder Ling.”

“Valley Master.” Ling Yunzi stepped forward.

“Although Qin Feng and Xiao Chun are not destined to become Personal Disciples, they have performed a service by completing the class a mission and shown virtue by treating the border army soldiers. Their character and resolve are top-notch. My Medicine King Valley is not stingy either.”

Li Changqing's clear voice echoed through the courtyard. “I shall grant them... no, including Miss Xia Ya, Miss Ji Ruxue, and Chu Tianhe—the five of them, Guest Elder medallions.”

Guest Elder!

While not as central as an Elder with real power or a Personal Disciple, the status was transcendent. They could freely enter and leave most areas of the Medicine King Valley and enjoy the resource quotas and treatment of an ordinary Elder without having to take on too many Sect obligations. For Qin Feng and the others, who were not core members of the Medicine King Valley, this was already an extremely high honor and a heavy bond of friendship.

“From now on, you may use these medallions to travel freely to and from the Medicine King Valley. All facilities within the valley, such as the Scripture Pavilion, Pill Refining Room, and cultivation Quiet Rooms, may be used at your discretion, except for the core Forbidden Grounds. Regular Medicinal Pills and supplies can also be drawn according to regulations,” Sikong Ye added, his gaze sweeping over the four of them. “Consider this a token of our appreciation for your hard work this time, and... a gesture toward Brother Chu.”

This compensation was undeniably generous. Not only did it give Qin Feng and Xiao Chun great freedom and convenience, but it also benefited Xia Ya, Ji Ruxue, and even the newly exonerated Chu Tianhe. It fulfilled all courtesies and showcased the Medicine King Valley's magnanimity.

Qin Feng was moved, knowing this was the greatest extent of goodwill and respect the two Valley Masters could offer. He no longer refused and led Xiao Chun, Xia Ya, Ji Ruxue, and Chu Tianhe in a bow. “Thank you, Valley Master! Thank you for your generous gift, Vice Valley Master! This Junior (We) are deeply grateful!”

Li Changqing raised his hand to signal them to rise, his gaze falling on Qin Feng and Xiao Chun. Finally, he said, “The matter of the medallions is settled. Furthermore...”

He paused, exchanged a look with Sikong Ye, and said slowly, “Since you two have declined the positions of Personal Disciples, the Vice Valley Master and I will not force you. However, since our intentions were unfulfilled, we must show something for it. How about this: you two may each make one more request. As long as it does not violate morality or exceed the capabilities of my Medicine King Valley, the Vice Valley Master and I will do our best to satisfy it.”

Sikong Ye nodded. “Consider it... an extra compensation for Brother Chu and for your hard work on this trip. Once you've thought of it, you can come to us or Elders Duanmu and Ling at any time.”

One request! A promise from the Valley Master and Vice Valley Master of the Medicine King Valley!

This was more valuable than any physical reward! Its weight even slightly surpassed the Guest Elder medallions!

Qin Feng's heart jolted. He exchanged a look with Xiao Chun, seeing the shock and solemnity in each other's eyes. This compensation was truly too heavy.

“Thank you, Valley Master! Vice Valley Master!” The two bowed deeply once more, their tone filled with sincere gratitude this time.

Li Changqing smiled slightly and said no more. He and Sikong Ye gave a slight nod to everyone and then turned to leave gracefully, as if they had never brought that suffocating pressure and startling choice. Duanmu Feng and Ling Yunzi cast encouraging looks at Qin Feng and the others before following them.

The courtyard returned to tranquility, the moonlight like water.

But everyone knew that after tonight, many things had changed. Those five Guest Elder medallions and the two unmade “requests” would surely bring about different changes for them in the future.