Chapter 4 First Encounter with Danfeng

11

On the third day of the New Year, you unexpectedly received a message from Bai Heng, inviting you to her home to celebrate the holiday.

It's called a holiday, but really it's just an invitation for a few close friends to get together and have some fun.

After greeting Yingxing, you arrived as promised with the carefully prepared gift.

Before you even enter, you see Jingyuan, dressed in a round and plump manner, rubbing his hands together and looking around at the door, as if he is waiting for someone.

Upon seeing your visit, his eyes immediately lit up, and he excitedly ran towards you, greeting you warmly.

"You're here." Jingyuan suppressed his joy, worried that being too enthusiastic might scare you.

"Sister Baiheng and Master are both inside, you're the only one missing." Jingyuan volunteered to help you carry your things and led you into the inner room.

Inside the house, Bai Heng was chatting with Jing Liu when she noticed some commotion outside. Curious, she looked out the window and saw Jing Yuan fawning over her in various ways.

"Is Jingyuan dating someone too early?" she teased. "That guy has never treated me like this before."

"Don't talk nonsense, they are still young." Jing Liu also looked over. She didn't know much about love and romance, and just thought that you were children playing around.

Before Bai Heng could say anything more, the two people at the center of the conversation quickly walked in.

She abandoned her gossipy demeanor and stood up to greet you with a smile.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they began their meal. The two adults chatted about adult topics, while Jingyuan and you, as children, ate their meals quietly, listening intently to their conversation.

"Speaking of which, isn't the Pill Refining Division about to begin the selection process for the next Pill Master? No wonder he didn't come."

"As the leader of the Vidyadharas, he naturally has to personally oversee such important matters, and he probably can't spare the time."

"Sigh, it's been about half a year since we last met, hasn't it? It's so hard to see each other."

Jing Liu remained noncommittal.

"Before he left last time, he said he'd invite us to visit Lin Yuan Realm next time. I wonder when he'll keep his promise. The dignified Dragon Lord can't go back on his word, can he?" Bai Heng pondered. "Since he's not coming to find us, why don't we go find him?"

"Don't cause him any more trouble." Jing Liu lightly tapped Bai Heng's forehead.

"Ah Jing, you're bullying me again..."

Listening to their conversation, you gleaned some key information.

It seems that Luo Fulongzun is also a good friend of Jingliu and Baiheng.

The Dragon Lord of Luofu... seems to be called Lord Yinyue, but what's his real name again...? You can't quite remember.

Speaking of Dragon Lords, you've never seen what Zhu Ming's Dragon Lord looks like, let alone Luofu's Moon-Drinking Dragon Lord.

If you had the chance, you'd love to see it for yourself. To see if it really has dragon horns and a tail like the ones in the books say.

...

12

I never imagined that your words would come true, and that I would actually have the opportunity to see the Dragon Lord in person.

Good news, your dream has come true.

The bad news is that I'm in a hospital bed.

The story begins three days ago.

Springtime brings warmer weather, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant. Relying on your youth and good health, you practiced swordsmanship outdoors in the cold wind, and coupled with studying all night, you naturally caught a cold.

But you stubbornly insisted on completing fifty sets of strength training for the day. The intense exercise in a short period of time had already exhausted your body, so during your sparring session with Jing Yuan, you suddenly felt dizzy and couldn't dodge his moves. He accidentally stabbed your arm, causing you to fall to the ground. Jing Yuan was so frightened that he immediately called Jing Liu, who took you to the Pill Refining Department.

You are lying unconscious in your hospital bed, your mind filled with all sorts of bizarre dreams. Jingyuan is anxiously watching your condition, fearing that you might die at any moment.

When Jingliu brought you to Danding Division, Danfeng was on duty. So, Jingliu used his status as a friend to cut in line and handed you over to Danfeng for treatment.

Danfeng took your pulse, his brows furrowing more and more. He criticized you with exasperation for not seeking medical attention sooner; any later and your life would have been in danger.

Fortunately, thanks to Danfeng's Cloud Chanting Technique and extensive experience in treating patients, you gradually recovered under his superb medical skills.

When you open your eyes, you will see a cold-faced man in blue sitting in front of you.

The man's hair was as black as ink, falling over his shoulders. From the deep black hair emerged a pair of shimmering dragon horns, signifying his noble status.

You stare at him blankly, your heart pounding uncontrollably, as if the whole world has quieted down and only he remains.

Just as you were lost in thought, Danfeng suddenly reached out and gently placed his slender fingers on your forehead.

You can smell the faint lotus fragrance emanating from his hands, which is refreshing and lingering, making you feel relaxed and happy.

However, before you could savor this moment of tenderness, he withdrew his hand, his expression remaining indifferent.

"Now that you're awake, remember to take your medicine on time. Call me if you need anything." Danfeng lowered his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over you indifferently, his voice cool and deep.

His tone was calm and even, as if he were simply stating something perfectly ordinary. But you felt as if your heart had been struck hard by something, instantly racing, and your breathing became rapid.

Oh no, it seems you've fallen for him at first sight.

However, Danfeng didn't seem to notice anything amiss. He got up, straightened his robes, and then turned and left the room.

You stare blankly at his departing figure, the scene from just now replaying in your mind.

His dragon horns, red eyeshadow, icy hands... every detail seems to be etched into your memory, impossible to forget.

You suddenly remembered the striking dragon horns on his head, and the records about the Dragon Lord in the book flashed through your mind.

You were startled and immediately realized his identity—the current Vidyadhara Dragon Lord, Lord Yinyue.

You never expected your wish from Bai Heng's residence to come true so quickly. What's even more exciting is that he's a good friend of your master, which means you might see him often in the future.

Thinking about this, you can't help but chuckle to yourself, imagining the next time you'll meet him.

...

For the next few days, Jingyuan and Yingxing took turns taking care of you. Danfeng would occasionally come to check on you when he had free time, but each time he would be called away in a hurry, leaving you staring blankly at his departing figure.

"Junior sister, what are you looking at?" The big white cat followed your gaze, and after confirming that there was nothing there, it waved its paw curiously in front of your face, trying to get your attention.

"It's nothing..." You looked away, forcing yourself back to reality.

"I heard that it was Lord Dragon Lord who saved me. Is he that powerful?" you asked casually.

"Of course, Brother Danfeng is the Dragon Lord and the head of the Pill Cauldron Division. His medical skills are amazing."

"Brother Danfeng? Are you close to him?"

"Actually, we're not that close." Jing Yuan scratched the back of his head. "I've only met him three times, all when I went with my master. The few of them would get together occasionally to spar. As far as I remember, Danfeng didn't talk much; it was usually Baiheng and me who livened things up."

Jingyuan briefly recounted his past with Danfeng, and you gradually pieced together Danfeng's image from his words.

"By the way, why have you been talking about him so much?" Jing Yuan keenly noticed something unusual; aside from swords, you rarely show this much interest in a person.

"I was just curious. After all, it's my first time seeing the Dragon Lord, so it's normal, right?" You quickly brushed it off.

"Oh, stop talking about him, look at me." The big cat forced your attention back to him, snuggling up to you in a cute and affectionate way.

His adorable expression, paired with his thick, messy hair, makes him look just like a fluffy little fat cat.

You can't help but reach out and stroke his fluffy, soft hair, saying he looks like a kitten.

Jingyuan felt no discomfort at all while having his head rubbed; on the contrary, he thoroughly enjoyed the touch.

If Jingyuan had a tail, it would be wagging it happily.

Ying Xing, who arrived late, saw this scene as soon as she entered the door. She clenched her fists several times before she managed to restrain herself from throwing Jing Yuan out.

That wretched white-haired brat, don't you dare seduce his daughter!

At a young age, Yingxing quickly experienced what it was like to be a father.

Jing Yuan, who was enjoying being touched, suddenly felt a chill down his back. He turned around alertly and saw Ying Xing staring at him with a death stare. He immediately lowered his head guiltily, his brain racing. After a quick, cheeky laugh, he called out, "Good afternoon, Brother Ying Xing," and then made up an excuse to slip away in a hurry.

If he didn't run faster, he felt that Yingxing would capture him and turn him into a giant golden statue.

Ying Xing, whose expression was originally unfriendly, quickly changed his expression after Jing Yuan left.

He gently asked if you were feeling better, then ladled out the soup he had prepared and fed you spoonful by spoonful.

Although you said you could drink it yourself, Yingxing pointed to your arm, which was wrapped in bandages, and firmly stopped you from making that request.

In truth, he bears some responsibility for your illness this time. If he had made sure you wore warm clothes and took your medicine in time, it wouldn't have developed into a serious illness.

"Let's see if you dare to act tough again next time?"

"I'll never do it again." Having witnessed the power of the disease, you're truly obedient now.

"I've asked for leave for you from Jingliu. Take good care of yourself during this time, don't run around, and especially don't mess around with that kid Jingyuan, understand?"

"I understand." Although you don't understand why Yingxing is so hostile towards Jingyuan, you haven't dared to ask him because of his authority.

Alright, I'll just do as you say for now.

...

13

Thanks to Danfeng's miraculous healing skills, your illness was quickly cured, and you returned to your energetic self in less than half a month.

Bai Heng hosted a banquet for you on the day you were discharged from the hospital, saying it was to celebrate your safe return.

She took this opportunity to gather Danfeng, Yingxing, and the rest of you together and introduce you one by one.

Thanks to Bai Heng, the group of people present had already started calling each other brothers after just one meal.

So you imitated Jingyuan and, with your own selfish motives, called Danfeng "Brother Danfeng." Danfeng remained cold and didn't respond at all, only patting your head and reminding you to take your medicine on time.

Your heart flutters when your crush unexpectedly pats your head, leaving you blushing and stunned, unsure of what to do.

Seeing this, Bai Heng jokingly remarked that Dan Feng was indeed very popular with girls, but the latter just smiled indifferently, taking it as a joke and not taking it to heart.

Jing Yuan, hiding in the corner, quickly sensed the danger. Your blushing and heart-pounding expression is exactly the same as when he first saw you. Do you like someone like Dan Feng?

The young boy immediately frowned, his heart filled with conflicting emotions.

He wants to ask you if you really like Danfeng, but he doesn't dare to openly express his feelings to you.

Bai Heng, who was watching the drama unfold, quickly noticed Jing Yuan's expression. Based on her experience, she judged that a good show was about to begin.

...