Chapter 21:The medicine is better

Inside Jinghong Hall, the scent of medicine mingled with the tang of blood, creating a peculiar atmosphere.

Qing Wan, still unconscious, was restless in her sleep, occasionally murmuring in pain. Yet her hand clung tightly to a corner of Shu Yue’s robe, as if it were her only driftwood in a sea of suffering.

Shu Yue tried several times to free herself without disturbing Qing Wan but failed, forced to sit stiffly by the bed, her heart a tangled mess.

At that moment, soft footsteps approached from outside, accompanied by Wan Qing’s gentle, melodious voice. “Elder Luyue, Wan Qing has brought some ‘Jade Condensation Ointment’ from Miaoyin Pavilion, highly effective for healing wounds and removing scars. It may aid this junior sister.”

Desperate for an escape from her awkward vigil, Shu Yue responded immediately, “Come in.”

Wan Qing entered gracefully, holding a delicate jade box.

Seeing Qing Wan on the bed and Shu Yue beside her, blood staining her robe and a hint of fatigue in her expression, Wan Qing’s eyes flickered briefly, though her smile remained poised.

She stepped forward, placing the jade box on a low table by the bed.

Softly, she said, “Elder, you’ve worked hard. Would you permit Wan Qing to examine this junior sister’s injuries? Miaoyin Pavilion’s techniques have some merit in healing and soothing.”

Her words were considerate and natural, hard to refuse.

Shu Yue, eager for an excuse to step back, nodded. “I’ll trouble you, Nephew.”

She tried again to pry Qing Wan’s hand free, but perhaps sensing an unfamiliar presence, Qing Wan gripped even tighter, unconsciously shifting closer to Shu Yue.

Shu Yue: “…”

Wan Qing, observing this, deepened her smile but tactfully didn’t comment, saying gently, “No matter, Elder. Please remain seated; I can work like this.”

Her slender fingers, like jade, lightly touched Qing Wan’s wrist, sending a gentle, pure stream of spiritual energy to probe her injuries.

Her other hand hovered above Qing Wan’s wounds, emitting a soft, glowing aura accompanied by faint, pleasant notes that seeped into the wounds.

Shu Yue could clearly sense that under the influence of the glow and melody, Qing Wan’s tense body gradually relaxed, her breathing becoming steady and long.

The hand clutching Shu Yue’s robe finally loosened slightly.

‘Miaoyin Pavilion’s healing arts are indeed unique… far more refined and effective than my crude spiritual energy infusion.’

Shu Yue couldn’t help but glance at Wan Qing.

At that moment, Wan Qing’s expression was focused yet gentle, her profile elegant, long lashes lowered, exuding a serene, calming aura.

She stood out starkly against the hall’s medicinal and bloody air, yet brought a soothing presence.

Noticing Shu Yue’s gaze, Wan Qing turned slightly, offering a gentle smile.

Her clear, warm eyes reassured, “Elder, rest assured. This junior sister has a solid foundation. Though her injuries look severe, they haven’t damaged her core. With proper rest, she’ll recover fully.”

“However, her spiritual energy is severely depleted, and her mental state is heavily strained. She needs thorough rest.”

Her smile was warm and sincere, carrying a disarming charm.

Shu Yue’s taut nerves inexplicably eased, and she replied instinctively, “Thank you.”

Wan Qing shook her head, her smile gracious. “Elder, you’re too kind. As fellow cultivators of the righteous path, helping each other is only natural. Besides, assisting you brings Wan Qing joy.”

Her words carried just the right degree of warmth.

She meticulously treated a few of Qing Wan’s deeper wounds with skilled, gentle movements, occasionally chatting softly with Shu Yue about injury care and spiritual recovery, her tone natural and considerate.

Watching Wan Qing’s focused, gentle profile and listening to her soothing voice, Shu Yue felt the turmoil stirred by Qing Wan oddly calmed.

Her tightly wound nerves relaxed slightly.

‘Interacting with Wan Qing… is actually quite pleasant.’

‘At least I don’t have to constantly worry about her suddenly lunging to kiss me… Stop! Why am I thinking about that again!’

Compared to Qing Wan’s disruptive, heart-pounding fervor, Wan Qing’s gentle, tactful demeanor felt like a clear spring—comfortable and… safe.

Especially when Wan Qing, finishing her work, swayed slightly from crouching too long, Shu Yue instinctively reached out to steady her arm.

“Careful.”

Wan Qing steadied herself, feeling the cool, jade-like touch on her arm. Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she lowered her eyes.

Her voice softened further. “Thank you, Elder.”

Shu Yue withdrew her hand, her expression still neutral, but her tone less icy than before. “You’ve worked hard.”

‘Polite, appropriate, normal reactions—this is the right social distance and interaction! Feels good!’

A harmonious atmosphere flowed between them.

At that moment, Qing Wan let out a faint groan, slowly opening her eyes.

Her first sight was Shu Yue sitting by the bed, her robe stained with her blood.

Her heart ached, but as she tried to speak, her gaze shifted to Wan Qing—beautiful, gentle, and standing by the bed, seemingly… at ease with the Elder.

Especially the faint flush on Wan Qing’s cheeks and the Elder’s… slightly softened expression.

Her heart, fragile from the brink of death, felt stabbed again, the pain sharper than the demon wolves’ claws.

So… while she was unconscious, it was Fairy Wan Qing caring for her?

The Elder… and Fairy Wan Qing seemed to get along so well?

Was the Elder’s warmth truly reserved for someone as exceptional and gentle as Wan Qing?

Her earlier thoughts and actions, in this stark contrast, seemed even more laughable and shameful.

Self-loathing and humiliation overwhelmed her.

She squeezed her eyes shut, turning her head away, unwilling to let anyone—especially the Elder—see her expression.

Shu Yue noticed her stirring, relief washing over her that Qing Wan was awake, but she faltered at the girl’s clear avoidance and resistance.

‘She’s awake… but what’s with this reaction?’

She instinctively wanted to ask coldly, “How do you feel?” but seeing Qing Wan’s pale face and trembling lashes, she swallowed the words.

Instead, she said stiffly, “You’re awake. Rest well.”

The tone wasn’t warm, but compared to her previous icy dismissal, it was a world apart.

To Qing Wan, however, it sounded like mere courtesy or obligation.

She bit her lip tightly, remaining silent.

Wan Qing, sensing the tension, spoke gently. “Junior Sister, you’re awake? Feeling better? Your injuries are serious; don’t move recklessly. Rest well.”

Her words were kind and concerned.

But to Qing Wan, they were piercingly unbearable.

Eyes closed, she forced out a faint, “Thank you… Fairy. This disciple… is fine.”

Shu Yue, seeing Qing Wan’s refusal to engage, felt her briefly improved mood sour with irritation.

‘What’s with this attitude? She nearly died, and now she’s acting like this!’

Wan Qing, perceptive, smiled understandingly at Shu Yue. “Since Junior Sister is stable, I won’t disturb her rest. Elder, call me if you need anything.”

Shu Yue, needing space to sort her thoughts, nodded. “Thank you for today.”

Wan Qing bowed gracefully and left, her demeanor poised.

At the door, she passed Chu Yi, who had arrived with a bowl of medicinal broth, and greeted him with a gentle smile before departing.

Chu Yi entered, sensing the stifling atmosphere. Seeing Qing Wan awake but turned away and his Master’s strained expression, he spoke cautiously. “Master, the medicine is ready.”

Shu Yue, preoccupied, didn’t look at him, waving a hand. “Set it down. You may leave.”

Chu Yi placed the bowl down, glanced worriedly at Qing Wan, and left.

‘Master seems in a bad mood… because Junior Sister’s injuries are so severe?’

The hall fell silent again, the air heavy.

Shu Yue looked at the steaming bowl of medicine, then at Qing Wan, clearly sulking, and sighed. Resigned, she picked up the bowl, spooned some broth, blew on it, and held it to Qing Wan’s lips.

“Drink the medicine.”

Her tone wasn’t kind, tinged with impatience.

Qing Wan kept her eyes shut, her lashes trembling fiercely, refusing to open her mouth.

Shu Yue’s temper flared.

“I saved your life, treated your wounds, and now I’m feeding you medicine, and you’re throwing a tantrum?”

She slammed the bowl down with a sharp clank, her voice cold. “Qing Wan! Have you had enough? Your life is your own. If you don’t value it, go back to Blackwind Ravine! Since I dragged you back, you’d better live properly!”

Her words were harsh.

Qing Wan’s eyes snapped open, meeting Shu Yue’s gaze. Her eyes reddened instantly, brimming with tears, grievance, and a near-desperate sorrow. She bit her bleeding lip to stifle a sob.

Shu Yue, meeting that gaze, felt a stab in her heart. Her anger faded, replaced by regret.

‘Was I too harsh? She just woke up…’

Irritated, she rubbed her brow, picking up the bowl again, her tone stiff but softer. “…Drink the medicine. It’ll help you heal.”

Qing Wan stared at her, tears finally spilling, mixing into the dark broth.

She opened her mouth, silently swallowing the bitter medicine, each gulp trembling with heartache.

After feeding her, Shu Yue fled the chamber as if escaping, leaving Qing Wan alone, tears falling silently, her heart a barr

en wasteland.

Outside, Shu Yue stood in the cold wind, her mind more chaotic than ever.