It was the time when Gouyang Chuan and Nangong Bia were about to fall asleep.
In the abode of Zhang Wenren, built at the highest point of the Huashan Sect's hill, a light was on.
Inside the abode, Mei Hua Xian had lit a single candle and was brewing plum tea.
She had placed some appropriate pastries she had bought in town in the center and prepared two teacups.
She was expecting a guest.
After filling the cups with tea, Mei Hua Xian, who had been sitting with her eyes closed, suddenly spoke into the air.
The words, spoken calmly, caused the door of the abode to open with a creak.
The one who entered the abode was, surprisingly, Jian Zun.
Mei Hua Xian wore a relaxed expression, as if she had already known.
Jian Zun calmly entered the abode and sat opposite Mei Hua Xian.
After settling in, Jian Zun looked at Mei Hua Xian and said,
"I'm sorry for coming at such a late hour…"
"It's fine. I was just feeling a bit lonely."
Jian Zun, who seemed thirsty, took a sip of the tea in front of him.
In that situation, Mei Hua Xian calmly waited for him to speak.
After a moment, Jian Zun, having composed himself, said to Mei Hua Xian,
"I came here to ask Zhang Wenren a question."
Mei Hua Xian had a vague idea of what the question was, given that he had come at such a late hour.
"Please speak, I will listen."
Encouraged by Mei Hua Xian's consideration, Jian Zun asked without hesitation,
"Does Zhang Wenren know where the Divine Doctor is?"
At Jian Zun's question, Mei Hua Xian opened her eyes.
Indeed, it was the question she had expected, but she hadn't anticipated it would be so direct.
Mei Hua Xian answered Jian Zun's question.
The casual response, more straightforward than expected, made Jian Zun's eyes widen.
"Do you also know that I am looking for the Divine Doctor?"
"Yes, I know. I also know that Shaolin and Wudang are looking for you."
Though it was unclear whether they were looking for him or something else.
"Yet, why do you answer so easily?"
"I believe you already know the answer."
The reason Jian Zun came to see Mei Hua Xian at such a late hour.
Mei Hua Xian knew it wasn't just because of the Huashan Sect's influence in Xianxi.
"Isn't that right, Jian Zun?"
Although he had arrived, Jian Zun didn't think he could easily find the Divine Doctor.
If he recklessly expanded his senses, he would attract attention from others.
So, he thought he would have to endure for a few days.
Initially, he thought it would be difficult, but finding the Divine Doctor turned out to be easier than expected.
Starting from Huayin, he felt a strong aura in the nearby mountains.
The Divine Doctor is not a martial artist.
While he was said to have a small amount of internal energy for diagnosis, he shouldn't have such a heavy and dense aura.
Moreover, the aura had a strong scent of Daoism, along with a unique plum fragrance.
This didn't seem to be a formation.
If it were a formation, it shouldn't feel so strongly present.
Perhaps it was more accurately described as a barrier.
While the difference between a formation and a barrier is subtle, their purposes differ.
From Jian Zun's perspective, it seemed more like protection than concealment.
And the martial artist capable of creating such a level of internal energy, as far as Jian Zun knew, was the only one in Xianxi.
"But I wasn't sure, so I came to ask Zhang Wenren directly."
No matter how strong and dense the barrier was, breaking through it wouldn't be difficult for Jian Zun.
It was an urgent matter, but he came to see Mei Hua Xian first.
"Still, you didn't just barge in, did you?"
"I thought it was polite to ask first."
"...You came in the middle of the night, didn't you?"
Jian Zun is looking for the Divine Doctor.
It was about Jian Zun, who had disappeared and reappeared one day.
Mei Hua Xian had heard about it.
She didn't know why he was looking for the Divine Doctor.
What was important was the news that the abbot of Shaolin and the leader of Wudang were also looking for him.
'To be able to avoid them even when they are looking for him, it must mean Jian Zun has that much ability.'
Thinking this, Mei Hua Xian suddenly asked Jian Zun,
"May I ask why you are looking for the Divine Doctor?"
At Mei Hua Xian's question, Jian Zun's gaze dropped slightly.
"The reason I'm looking for the Divine Doctor... is mostly the same."
At Jian Zun's words, Mei Hua Xian nodded.
The reasons for seeking the best doctor in the Central Plains might differ, but the essence is the same.
To live, or to save someone else.
Mei Hua Xian knew that the Divine Doctor, while reluctant to save people, had subtly passed on information about his location to information brokers.
She also knew that he was a person full of compassion, despite often saying he would quit being a doctor.
Mei Hua Xian looked at Jian Zun.
No matter how she looked, the reason he was looking for the Divine Doctor couldn't be for his own health.
She had thought Jian Zun was a martial artist of considerable skill, but she still couldn't gauge his true level.
She knew that the world placed Jian Zun and herself on the same level.
But only Mei Hua Xian knew the truth.
Jian Zun was on a level higher than her.
Jian Zun (Sword Venerable).
'...What a truly terrifying name.'
Wei Xiaojun, who had such a nickname, didn't seem out of place.
Mei Hua Xian couldn't understand why such an existence was showing signs of inner turmoil and weakness.
'...Is the reason Shaolin and Wudang are looking for Jian Zun also related to this?'
Mei Hua Xian, who had always taken a different path from them, couldn't know exactly what was happening.
To her, the 'them' who claimed to think about the future of the Central Plains seemed suspicious.
People like Gulong and the Divine Doctor, who claimed to think only of their own benefit, actually had more sacrifices within them.
This was also why Mei Hua Xian associated with them.
Jian Zun said to Mei Hua Xian,
"Please tell me where the Divine Doctor is."
"I think the Divine Doctor's opinion is more important than mine."
"Then, would it be alright if I break in and enter?"
He was probably referring to the hut where the Divine Doctor resided.
It sounded like a threat.
Mei Hua Xian smiled bitterly and said,
"What would you do if I said no?"
Jian Zun didn't answer Mei Hua Xian's question, but she knew.
He would do whatever it takes to see the Divine Doctor, even if it meant opposing Huashan.
'What has made him so anxious?'
During the time he led the martial arts alliance, he wasn't a hasty person, even if he wasn't always calm or kind.
Mei Hua Xian sighed deeply and said to Jian Zun,
The current Divine Doctor is attending to Jian Hou.
Gouyang Chuan was brought by Mei Hua Xian herself, and the diagnosis was quick, but this was a different matter.
"The Divine Doctor is currently attending to someone else. Even if you go to see him now, it won't result in what you hope for."
Jian Zun, who had been silent, looking at his teacup, raised his head at Mei Hua Xian's call.
Mei Hua Xian smiled and asked,
Jian Zun didn't answer this time either, but he straightened his posture, indicating he would listen.
Did I face a crisis as soon as I woke up...?
This was the thought that came to mind when I saw Weixuea.
It seems like a trivial situation, but a clear warning bell was ringing in my head.
Even Weixuea's eyes seemed different from usual.
The droopy, puppy-like, gentle face was gone, and she looked relatively expressionless.
This was the Weixuea who usually smiled all day.
Moreover, the current silence was making the discomfort even more pronounced.
After sweating cold sweat for a while, I finally asked,
"...Did you have a good trip?"
'...Now that I think about it, why am I being cautious?'
I didn't do anything, right?
It was Nangong Bia who suddenly barged in and insisted on sleeping together, and I was the one who avoided it...?
And why am I unconsciously watching Weixuea's reactions?
This was the moment when I, as the master, should say something.
If I let it slide, Weixuea seemed to forget her position.
It doesn't make sense for me to be cautious, right?
I gathered my resolve and glared at Weixuea.
I could see my face reflected in her clear eyes.
I was about to scold her when I said,
"...Do you want some pastries?"
...Even in this situation, she didn't refuse?
Just as I was getting confused about what to do, Nangong Bia stirred and got up from behind.
She looked sleepy, but for some reason, she seemed happy.
Nangong Bia waved at Weixuea.
Seeing the gentle wave, Weixuea frowned.
I could even see tears welling up in her eyes.
"Big sister... that's so unfair."
Weixuea, who suddenly said this, made Nangong Bia look flustered.
Weixuea continued with a teary face.
"I can... sleep with Young Master too."
Saying this, Weixuea looked like she was about to cry.
Nangong Bia quickly approached Weixuea and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
...What is this awkward situation?
"I can sleep with you too..."
In the midst of this, Weixuea grumbled but didn't push Nangong Bia away.
Instead, she clung to her and spoke in a teary voice.
In this strange situation, I just stood there, dumbfounded.
[So why are you just standing there...]
"You can sleep together."
At Nangong Bia's words, Weixuea looked up in surprise, and I froze.
When I asked, Nangong Bia said calmly,
"You can... sleep together."
Her casual response made my head spin.
To begin with, Weixuea's position was already problematic, and I had no intention of sleeping with Nangong Bia.
Moreover, I didn't think Weixuea would want that...
"Big sister, can you really...?"
Weixuea, with sparkling eyes, asked, and Nangong Bia nodded.
"Yes, let's sleep together."
It seemed like the situation was getting stranger by the minute.
It was a situation that seemed impossible in many ways, so I quickly interjected.
"What are you talking about..."
"Xiaoxia! Good morning..."
Yingfeng burst in, interrupting with a loud voice.
Yingfeng, who entered cheerfully, looked at Weixuea, who was sniffling, Nangong Bia, who was hugging her, and me, who was watching.
"Um... I came to deliver a message..."
Yingfeng's eyes darted back and forth, sensing the awkward atmosphere.
"I must have come at the wrong time. I'll come back later."
"No, you came at the right time... Where are you going, Master!"
Yingfeng, who didn't seem to hear me, quickly disappeared outside the abode.
The sound of the door closing echoed in the now quiet abode.
And it was about an hour later that Yingfeng reappeared.