Chapter 31 An Unexpected Arrival Medicine King Valley is truly a wonderful place, vast and populous…

Medicine King Valley is truly a wonderful place, vast and sparsely populated, teeming with rare birds and animals, and exotic flowers and herbs.

Lu Qing had only been there a few days when she felt right at home, completely at ease.

Qi Wu arranged for her to attend the school in Medicine King Valley, where she became classmates with Luo Sen and a group of other young people. Every day, they read and wrote, learned about herbs, and studied their properties. Among the group of young boys, Lu Qing seemed to be the oldest, knew the least, and was also the most shameless. Whenever she didn't understand something, she would randomly grab someone and press them for an answer. Anyone who couldn't answer would be questioned about their diligence and ambition.

The school was in a state of panic for a while, and everyone's attitude towards learning became much more positive.

Luo Yuan was delighted with this.

Medicine King Valley has a small population, consisting mainly of the couple, a few reclusive friends, and traditional herbalists who have lived there for generations. They have little contact with the outside world, and over time, everyone has become somewhat lazy. The adults only check the children's homework occasionally when they remember, and otherwise, they just ignore it. Now that Lu Qing has arrived, it's like a dog among sheep; it's good that the younger generation is keeping a close eye on things.

Lu Qing was so engrossed in his daily life that he almost forgot about Wu Chen.

Since arriving at Medicine King Valley, Qi Wu arranged separate courtyards for the two of them. Apart from meals in the morning and evening, they didn't see each other often. Wu Chen also almost never left his room, spending his days sitting at his desk, writing non-stop.

Therefore, Qi Wu was slightly surprised to see him come to her on his own initiative. She smiled and said, "Witch God Servant."

"Senior," Wu Chen said politely.

There was no third person present, but if someone were, they would certainly be surprised. The atmosphere between the two, though polite, was visibly wary and distant, and Qi Wu didn't even hide her hostility.

Wu Chen placed a stack of manuscripts, each a foot high, on the table and said calmly, "Thank you for your guidance, senior. It was through your guidance that I was able to find Lu Qing."

Qi Wu was laughing, a laugh clearly tinged with sarcasm. He poured a cup of tea and handed it to Wu Chen, then poured one for himself as well. "Are you sure you came here to thank me, and not to settle scores?"

“The senior did indeed guide me to find the Fruit of Spiritual Communication, and I am only grateful, without any complaints. Moreover, there are many past events involved, and the senior was wary of me and found it difficult to confide in me. I can understand that.”

Qi Wu's smile widened, and he exclaimed in admiration, "The people of the Divine Palace are indeed generous, reasonable, and broad-minded."

Wu Chen stared directly into Qi Wu's eyes. Qi Wu coldly met his gaze.

He and Luo Yuan were close friends despite their age difference, and he hadn't noticed anything unusual about Qi Wu before. But now that Qi Wu was no longer hiding his true feelings, he realized that there was much more hidden beneath Qi Wu's polite and distant attitude.

Wu Chen understood that Qi Wu's concern for Lu Qing was genuine and heartfelt, and his aversion and wariness towards the Divine Palace were deeply rooted, which could not be resolved with a few words. Moreover, Qi Wu's view of the Divine Palace was probably not entirely a misunderstanding.

Wu Chen did not shy away from the question, “Many old stories are recorded very vaguely in the records of the Divine Palace. As a result, I almost made a big mistake. Now that Lu Qing has entered the world, who knows what will happen if others find out about it.”

Qi Wu looked at him with amusement.

Wu Chen continued, "Lu Qing will be staying at Medicine King Valley for the time being. I would appreciate it if you could take care of her. I will come to pick her up after I have made all the necessary arrangements."

"All arranged?!" Qi Wu sighed inwardly. The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain. Even she, trapped in this world for nearly two thousand years, could only try to avoid it. To arrange things properly was easier said than done. With these thoughts in mind, she said softly, "Lu Qing is with me; no one can harm her in the slightest. But I need you to promise me one thing."

"Please speak, senior."

"Don't come to see Lu Qing again until you've made all the arrangements," Qi Wu said earnestly. "Even if I can hide Lu Qing away, as long as you're here, it's like lighting a guiding light for those who covet the Spirit Fruit. It's impossible to hide it from the world, let alone the people of the Divine Palace."

Even if Qi Wu hadn't pointed it out, Wu Chen had already thought of this. He let out a slight breath, trying to relax the tension in his heart. "Senior is right. So this time I'll be gone for a year or two, or maybe even longer. But I will definitely come back. If anything happens, please ask someone to send a message."

He placed a jade pendant in front of Qi Wu, saying, "This is the token. Upon seeing this, I will travel day and night to get here."

Qi Wu glanced at it, remaining noncommittal.

Wu Chen pushed the stack of manuscripts forward. “Seclusion may solve problems temporarily. But if one day there is no way to avoid it, one will have no choice but to return to the world. Lu Qing is clever and quick-witted, but she is almost completely ignorant of human relationships and worldly affairs, which is ultimately not a good idea. I hope you can give me more guidance. Also, these are some of my insights. Please give them to her when she is not angry.”

Qi Wu finally smiled genuinely, "You do have some foresight."

Wu Chen stood up and bowed solemnly, "I entrust this to you, senior."

Qi Wu calmly returned the greeting and silently watched him leave.

...

Lu Qing, who was reading in the classroom, suddenly spotted Wu Chen standing outside the courtyard. She jumped up excitedly, put down her book, and ran out. "Wu Chen, what brings you here?"

Wu Chen looked at her radiant face and asked, "Do you like it here?"

Lu Qing nodded.

Wu Chen smiled and looked into the distance. "Is there anywhere you particularly like? Take me for a walk."

Lu Qing exclaimed, "There are so many places. You shouldn't stay cooped up in the house all day; you should go out and explore more. Come on, I'll take you to one of my favorite places."

She held Wu Chen's hand as they walked along the ridges of the medicinal herb field.

Many of the medicinal herb fields in Yaowang Valley are terraced. On the mountainside above the terraces, there is a vigorous old pine tree with dense needles and thick, horizontal branches. Someone has made a swing out of thick vines.

Lu Qing jumped up, turned around and shouted with a smile, "Push me!"

Wu Chen placed his hands on her shoulders, feeling the warmth beneath his palms. He closed his eyes slightly and gently pushed her forward.

"Haha..." Lu Qing's silvery laughter echoed in the air.

Wu Chen pushed the swing higher and higher again and again.

The vast fields of medicinal herbs undulated like emerald waves before Lu Qing's eyes, a breathtaking sight. Lu Qing exclaimed, "I love this place the most! It offers a panoramic view of the beauty of Medicine King Valley. And it feels just like you carrying me on a flying sword."

She turned around and saw Wu Chen with Tai Yi by his waist. "Hey, why are you wearing a sword today?"

"Lu Qing, I need to leave for a while." Wu Chen looked at her.

Lu Qing's laughter abruptly stopped. The swing was still swaying, but slowly came to a stop as the two gazed at each other.

"You're leaving?" Lu Qing asked incredulously in a soft voice, "Now?"

Wu Chen nodded.

"Why? Where are you going? When will you be back?"

Wu Chen stood in front of the swing, looked up at her, and asked, "Do you still remember the two seniors from Tan Family Manor and Sword Casting Manor?"

A chill ran down Lu Qing's spine. "I remember."

"The fruit of spiritual communication is not a secret to many. Your involvement in the world and my whereabouts may have already fallen into the eyes of those who are interested. I will go and resolve those hidden dangers one by one."

“I’ll go with you!” Lu Qing said resolutely.

Wu Chen's resolute expression softened instantly. "No, you stay here."

"Why? Don't you want me anymore?" Lu Qing gripped the swing's vines tightly with both hands.

Wu Chen reached out and put his arm around her waist, lifting her off the swing. He turned and sat on the swing himself, placing her on his lap. He opened her palm, saw the bright red rattan marks, and then placed his own large hands on top of hers.

"Do you remember what we talked about outside Tan Family Village?" Wu Chen asked.

"What did you say?" Lu Qing asked blankly.

Their long, slender fingers intertwined. "If you hold my hand, you can't hold anyone else's hand. And the same goes for me."

Tears welled up in Lu Qing's eyes.

...

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Author's Note: Because updates are slow, I don't even dare to read the comments now. I'm afraid of being scolded. Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants between 2020-06-05 12:48:42 and 2020-06-07 12:26:51!

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Repigon (5 bottles);

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!