226: nominal disciples

Qin Feng, holding Miss Xiao Chun's hand, stepped out of Xuantian Valley's mist-shrouded entrance. The light outside was slightly brighter, and the air lacked the profound sacred might that reached one's Soul, but the solid feeling from within remained heavily in their hearts.

Outside the valley entrance, Li Changqing and Sikong Ye were indeed standing solemnly, waiting. Their figures were tall and straight, their demeanor composed, having fully recovered the awe befitting the highest authorities of Medicine King Valley. However, when their gaze fell upon Qin Feng and Miss Xiao Chun walking out hand-in-hand, especially on Miss Xiao Chun, the intense, almost molten excitement, gratitude, and even a hint of near-pious reverence they desperately tried to suppress, instantly overwhelmed all superficial calm.

"Young Friend Qin! Miss Xiao Chun... Miss Xiao Chun!" Sikong Ye spoke first, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly. He quickly stepped forward, seemingly at a loss, his gaze meticulously sweeping over Miss Xiao Chun's Face, as if confirming whether some priceless treasure was intact. "Are you... are you well? Did Old Ancestor... not make things difficult for you?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized his slip. How could an Old Ancestor of such Venerable make things difficult for Juniors? It was simply that concern had muddled his thoughts.

Li Changqing followed closely, his usually stern and rigid Face now softened to almost "benevolent." He nodded repeatedly, his gaze burning: "Qi is harmonious, divine light is contained within, good, good! It seems this journey was not only harmless but also greatly beneficial! Truly, Heaven's blessing, and ancestors' manifestation!" His words were disjointed but sincere.

Qin Feng took in the two Valley Masters' overly "surging" concern, understanding in his heart and feeling a bit emotional. He subtly stepped half a pace to the side, maintaining politeness while also shielding Miss Xiao Chun slightly behind him to allow her to relax. He cupped his hands and calmly replied, "Thank you, two Valley Masters, for your concern. Junior and Miss Xiao Chun are both well. Senior Xuanwu was benevolent; not only did he not make things difficult, but he also bestowed generous gifts and gave earnest instructions. Junior and others are endlessly grateful."

Miss Xiao Chun also obediently bowed, "Thank you, Valley Masters, for your concern. I am fine." Little Fire in her arms seemed a bit uneasy under the two Valley Masters' overly enthusiastic gazes and snuggled further into her arm.

"Good that you're well! Good that you're well!" Li Changqing let out a long breath, as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted. His gaze towards Miss Xiao Chun was so gentle it could drip water. "Miss Xiao Chun must have expended a great deal this time. You must rest well and not rush to Cultivate or perform Alchemy. I have already ordered the best 'Nourishing Soul Marrow Liquid' and 'Nine-Reversion Origin Restoring Pill' in the Valley to be sent to Bamboo Rhyme Residence. You must take them on time to ensure your Foundation is firmly solidified!"

Sikong Ye also hastily added, "Yes, yes! And the spring water from the 'Spring of Life' at the core of the 'Hundred Herbs Garden'! Your daily quota has been raised to the maximum! That spring water has miraculous effects in warming and nourishing the Origin! Additionally, I have instructed the Dining Hall that all medicinal meals prioritize you, ensuring they are perfectly prepared!"

This concern was meticulous, even more thoughtful than a personal old servant. Qin Feng could feel Miss Xiao Chun's body beside him stiffen slightly, feeling somewhat at a loss under such "ardent" attention. He lightly coughed, subtly saying, "Two Valley Masters' profound kindness, Junior and Miss Xiao Chun will remember forever. However, such generous treatment might make Miss Xiao Chun uneasy, and I also fear..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Li Changqing and Sikong Ye, being who they were, immediately understood his unspoken meaning—excessive special treatment was not always a blessing within a Sect.

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye exchanged glances, both seeing a realization and a hint of annoyance in each other's eyes. They had been so caught up in excitement and gratitude that they had almost committed the taboo of "killing with praise." Li Changqing took a deep breath, quickly adjusted his emotions, the excitement on his Face receding slightly, restoring some of the Valley Master's composure, but his tone remained extremely solemn:

"Young Friend Qin is right. It was Junior Brother Sikong and I who were thoughtless and almost did something wrong." He looked at Miss Xiao Chun, his gaze sincere, "Miss Xiao Chun, please don't be offended. It's just that you... your kindness to Medicine King Valley is too great, and your talent is so... astonishing, we two were momentarily unable to control our emotions."

Sikong Ye then spoke with a serious expression, "However, a great kindness must be repaid, and a bright pearl must not be allowed to be covered in dust. The Valley Master and I have discussed a method that might achieve both. To prevent baseless speculation from others in the Valley, and to legitimately allocate resources to help Miss Xiao Chun grow steadily, we both wish to jointly take Miss Xiao Chun as a 'Named Disciple.'"

"Named Disciple?" Miss Xiao Chun blinked, a little confused.

"Precisely." Li Changqing explained, his tone now clear and organized. "A Named Disciple has a status but is not required to constantly serve by our side and strictly adhere to numerous Sect rules like a Personal Disciple. Externally, you are our joint Named Disciple, with esteemed status, enjoying the highest treatment and resource allocation of a Core Disciple within the Valley. This way, all our care for you will have a reasonable justification—it is natural for a Master to Cultivate a Disciple. Even if others in the Valley know, they will only say that we cherish talent, remembering your 'benevolent heart as a healer, having contributed to saving soldiers in Luoxia Town,' and further, 'having completed three class a missions through great hardship, making great contributions to the Valley,' thus being admitted exceptionally. This will quell rumors."

Sikong Ye continued, "Internally, your actions are free and unrestricted. You will still be a member of Hundred Flowers Pavilion and a Guest Elder of Medicine King Valley, free to come and go. This Named Disciple status is more of a layer of protection, a title that facilitates your actions within the Valley and allows you to obtain due resources. It will absolutely not become your shackles. What do you think?"

This proposal had clearly been well thought out. It cleverly used a formal yet loose title to encompass the protection and resources the two Valley Masters wanted to provide, adhering to the rules, silencing dissent, and maximally respecting Miss Xiao Chun's wishes and freedom.

Qin Feng secretly nodded in his heart. This arrangement was indeed thorough, solving the immediate problem and paving the way for Miss Xiao Chun's future activities in Medicine King Valley without harming her fundamental interests. He looked at Miss Xiao Chun and said gently, "Miss Xiao Chun, this is the painstaking effort of the two Valley Masters. The status of a Named Disciple will indeed benefit you and will not affect our future plans."

Although Miss Xiao Chun was not well-versed in the intricacies of Sect affairs, she could clearly feel the genuine sincerity of the two Valley Masters, devoid of malice, and understood that Brother Feng considered this a good thing. She bowed earnestly to Li Changqing and Sikong Ye:

"Miss Xiao Chun is willing. Thank you, Valley Master Master, Vice Valley Master Master."

This address of "Master," though preceded by "Named," made Li Changqing and Sikong Ye overjoyed, their Faces instantly breaking into an irrepressible smile mixed with immense joy and a deep sense of responsibility.

"Good! Good! Excellent!" Li Changqing clapped his hands, the tension of the past few days seemingly finding a stable resting point. "Then it is settled! This matter will only be announced to the Inner Elders in the Valley for now. Externally, you are still a Guest Elder, and everything remains as usual. In three days, we will hold a simple naming ceremony in the Hundred Herbs Hall!"

He looked at Miss Xiao Chun again, the excitement in his eyes now settled into a more profound and warm concern: "You have just experienced a great expenditure. The most important thing now is rest. Let's go, we'll escort you back to Bamboo Rhyme Residence first."

Sikong Ye also nodded repeatedly, his Face showing undisguised satisfaction and relief: "Yes, go back first. The other minor matters can be arranged slowly later."

With that, these two Supremes of Medicine King Valley naturally, one on each side, like the most loyal guards and the kindest Elders, accompanied Qin Feng and Miss Xiao Chun, walking slowly along the winding, secluded bluestone path towards Bamboo Rhyme Residence.

They did not fly through the air, nor did they rush, but simply walked as if strolling. Li Changqing occasionally conversed in a low voice with Qin Feng, asking about their next plans, his tone peaceful and respectful. Sikong Ye, on the other hand, directed more gentle glances towards Miss Xiao Chun. Seeing that her complexion was indeed good and the small beast in her arms was well-behaved, he showed a relieved smile.

Along the way, sweeping Disciples, patrolling stewards, and even a few Elders who happened to pass by, upon seeing this scene from afar, all stopped in astonishment, hastily bowing in salute. Only after the four had passed did they dare to quietly look up, their gazes filled with incredulous shock and intense curiosity.

The Valley Master and Vice Valley Master actually personally escorted two Guest Elders back to their residence on foot, as if guarding their own precious Junior? Especially towards that green-clad girl, their attitude was so cordial and their posture so humble, it was simply unprecedented!

Various speculations and whispers were destined to churn in their hearts for a long time.

Li Changqing and Sikong Ye seemed oblivious to these gazes, or rather, they simply didn't care. At this moment, in their eyes, safely escorting this "Miss Xiao Chun," who carried immense gratitude and Supreme potential, back to her residence and letting her rest well was the most important matter.

The journey was silent, save for the rustling of bamboo leaves in the breeze and the occasional crisp chirping of birds.

Before long, the elegant and tranquil courtyard of Bamboo Rhyme Residence was in sight.

A few steps outside the courtyard gate, Li Changqing and Sikong Ye tacitly stopped.

"Alright, we'll see you off here." Li Changqing looked at Miss Xiao Chun and said gently, "Go back and don't think about anything; get a good night's sleep. The Medicinal Pill and spring water will be delivered shortly."

Sikong Ye also nodded, instructing, "We will arrange the Named Disciple matter properly; you don't need to worry about it. Just rest assured and recuperate."

Qin Feng and Miss Xiao Chun once again bowed solemnly in thanks: "Thank you, two Valley Masters (Masters)."

Watching the figures of the two Valley Masters slowly disappear at the end of the path obscured by bamboo, Qin Feng gently pushed open the courtyard gate of Bamboo Rhyme Residence.

Inside the courtyard, Xia Ya was distractedly wiping her brand-new Profound Iron Great Shield with a soft cloth, her gaze occasionally glancing towards the courtyard gate. Ji Ruxue stood quietly under the eaves, as if merged with the shadows. Chu Tianhe sat by the stone table, a scroll spread before him, though he clearly wasn't reading it.

Seeing the two return safely, everyone visibly relaxed and gathered around.

"How was it? No problems, right?" Chu Tianhe was the first to ask, his gaze carefully scrutinizing his daughter.

Qin Feng briefly recounted how Xuanwu had gifted scales and precious pearls, and how the two Valley Masters had proposed taking Miss Xiao Chun as a Named Disciple and had escorted them all the way back.

"Named Disciple? That's a suitable method." Chu Tianhe pondered and nodded. "It allows her to gain practical benefits while having fewer restrictions. The two Valley Masters truly put in a lot of effort."

Xia Ya, however, widened her eyes and exclaimed, "The two Valley Masters personally escorted you back? My goodness, Miss Xiao Chun, you have such great Face! Back in Luoxia Town, we had to smile just to see the town magistrate!"

A faint glimmer flickered in Ji Ruxue's cold eyes as she softly said, "Such a posture is both a gesture of goodwill and a declaration. No one in the Valley will dare to easily slight Miss Xiao Chun again."

Miss Xiao Chun felt a little embarrassed by everyone's words. Holding Little Fire, she whispered, "I... I didn't expect it to be like this. I just feel that the two Valley Masters... well, they're quite amiable."

Qin Feng smiled, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally resting on Miss Xiao Chun: "Alright, since you're back, listen to the Valley Masters and get some good rest. We'll talk about the rest after you've rested."

He held the four warm Profound Turtle scales in his palm, feeling the reassuring weight emanating from them.

And all the events of today contained a great deal of information, which also required time to digest.

More importantly, the zi hour was approaching.

He looked up at the sky; the afterglow of the setting sun was painting the horizon in brilliant gold and red.

The twilight of Medicine King Valley remained tranquil. But Qin Feng knew that beneath this tranquility, the daily intelligence refreshes, arriving as promised, were his most reliable reliance for grasping the unknown and planning the path ahead.