Becoming a disciple of Old Man Tianchi, Li Wuya learned that the snowy peak adjacent to Peach Blossom Valley was named Tianchi Peak, and the residence at its summit was called Tianchi Pavilion.
"What? You won't be coming home for a month?" Jin Yue'e looked at Li Wuya in astonishment.
Li Wuya nodded, "Master was busy before and didn't have time to teach me. Now that he's free, I want to spend some time with him and learn more about medicine."
Tianchi Peak was deep within the Tian Shan Mountains, and every trip required a considerable amount of time. It wasn't feasible to travel back and forth daily.
Jin Yue'e fell silent for a moment, then couldn't help but ask again, "Are you sure your master is truly Old Man Tianchi?"
Although the soup Li Wuya made for her family worked wonders, she found it hard to believe that the legendary Old Man Tianchi had truly taken her daughter as his disciple.
Li Wuya replied confidently, "Yes, it's true." She looked at her family and added, "Mother, Second Sister, Qilang, promise me you won't tell anyone about this. Once Father and Third Brother return, make sure to inform them as well."
Li Erya quickly nodded, "Don't worry, we won't tell anyone."
Old Man Tianchi's reputation was widespread, and countless people wanted to become his disciple or request his help. However, he appeared and vanished without a trace. If their family's connection with him became known, it wouldn't bode well for their peace.
Li Qilang wanted to accompany Li Wuya, but she declined.
There was no way she could casually bring outsiders to her new master and senior brother when she hadn't even familiarized herself with them.
After informing her family, the next morning, under Li Qilang's reluctant gaze, Li Wuya ventured into the Tian Shan Mountains once more.
As soon as Li Wuya reached Tianchi Red Peak, Zhan Peng caught her, saying, "Junior Sister, come, Second Senior Brother will take you to the medicinal fields to gather herbs."
Li Wuya was eager, but she still asked, "Second Senior Brother, should I greet Master first?"
Zhan Peng answered directly, "Master isn't here."
Li Wuya looked surprised, "Where did Master go?"
Zhan Peng shook his head, "I don't know."
So, Li Wuya followed Zhan Peng to the herb fields.
On the way, Li Wuya watched Zhan Peng leave her behind once again, feeling somewhat numb.
Was having good lightness skills really that impressive?
Does he not know she's waiting for him?
How old is he, and how old is she?
Throughout the journey, Li Wuya kept chasing after Zhan Peng, and when she finally caught up, he said, "Junior Sister, you're running too slow. If you do this again, I won't wait for you."
"..."
Li Wuya was utterly speechless, "Second Senior Brother, I'm still a child!"
Zhan Peng replied innocently, "I know you're a child."
Seeing his simple and innocent expression, Li Wuya felt a bit suffocated, "You're an adult, and I'm a child. Shouldn't you cut me some slack?"
Zhan Peng looked puzzled, "Why should I cut you some slack? If you run slowly, it's your fault, not mine."
Li Wuya didn't want to talk anymore.
Certain special herbs needed to grow near hot springs, and conveniently, there were many natural hot springs around Tianchi, leading to the cultivation of several herb fields around them.
Zhan Peng had brought Li Wuya here to manage these herb fields.
Upon arrival, Li Wuya looked at the mountains surrounding Tianchi, covered in various medicinal herbs, and immediately asked, "Senior Brother, are the herbs on the mountain also cultivated?"
Zhan Peng shook his head, "No."
Li Wuya's heart leapt with joy, "Can I gather some of them?"
Zhan Peng replied, "Sure."
Li Wuya didn't hesitate and plunged into the mountains.
Inside, there was an abundance of herbs, and Li Wuya absorbed them with delight. After about half a month, once she collected all the herbs needed to prepare the body-enhancing concoction, she gradually calmed down, not feeling so rushed anymore.
Staying for over half a month and not seeing Old Man Tianchi return, Li Wuya couldn't help but ask Zhan Peng, "Second Senior Brother, does Master often go out?"
Zhan Peng pondered for a moment before nodding, "Yes."
Li Wuya inquired further, "Then, don't you get bored alone?"
Zhan Peng responded, "I'm not bored. I need to practice martial arts, tend to the herb fields, clean the herb tower and the library, and sweep the floors. I'm quite busy."
Li Wuya was speechless.
Fine, the topic was exhausted again.
After thinking for a moment, Li Wuya turned to another senior brother and asked, "Second Senior Brother, what's the First Senior Brother like?"
Zhan Peng fell silent and a hint of annoyance appeared on his face, "First Senior Brother is a pest. He enjoys bullying me and even poisoned me once, causing me stomach issues and unbearable itchiness. He's really annoying."
"But I got back at him. When he poisoned me, I used a hammer on him, and he couldn't get out of bed for half a month."
Li Wuya's eyes twitched as she listened. Were these two senior brothers having fun like this?
Both poisoning and beating each other, making one bedridden for half a month!
Then, Li Wuya heard Zhan Peng mutter, "I miss First Senior Brother."
Li Wuya breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed the relationship between the two senior brothers was still good. "When will the First Senior Brother return?"
Zhan Peng snorted and said in an annoyed tone, "Master said First Senior Brother won't be coming back."
Li Wuya was surprised, "Why?"
Zhan Peng complained, "First Senior Brother went to the capital city. Master said he's unwilling to be lonely, loves fame and fortune, and is too indulgent in luxuries. After experiencing the extravagant world, he won't return."
"Blame that so-called prince. He kept praising how wonderful the capital city is, and then First Senior Brother shamelessly followed him. He abandoned Master and me."
"Junior Sister, do you think First Senior Brother is detestable?"
Li Wuya replied, ". He's a bit."
Zhan Peng showed displeasure, "Just a bit? It's more than a bit." With that said, he ignored Li Wuya and went to sweep the floor.
In the following half month, while absorbing herbs from the mountains surrounding Tianchi, Li Wuya also perused the medical books in the library.
By chance, she stumbled upon a book about acupuncture and instantly became intrigued.
Her current focus was on acupuncture techniques, and this book happened to discuss acupuncture therapy, which piqued her interest.
Old Man Tianchi returned to Tianchi Pavilion at the end of April. As soon as he arrived, he saw his recently-accepted disciple using silver needles to turn herself into a hedgehog.
Seeing Old Man Tianchi, Zhan Peng seemed like he had found a saviour, "Master, you're finally back. Please save Junior Sister. She's gone mad, always pricking herself with needles."
"She even wanted to prick me, but luckily I'm clever and hid away to escape her clutches."
Ignoring the second disciple, Old Man Tianchi carefully examined where the needles were placed, his gaze flickering without pause.
The needle placements were precise, each one hitting the acupuncture point.
Hmm?
Old Man Tianchi's eyes suddenly narrowed. This pattern of needle placements seemed like the Eight Extraordinary Meridians!
Old Man Tianchi's expression turned solemn. He was astonished to find that he seemed to have accepted an exceptional disciple.
Suddenly, a profound smile appeared on Old Man Tianchi's face, "Peng'er, your First Senior Brother doesn't know yet that he has a new Junior Sister. Write him a letter and inform him."
Zhan Peng was worried about Li Wuya, but upon hearing Old Man Tianchi's words, he paused and then nodded, "Alright, I'll write a letter and have the golden eagle deliver it to First Senior Brother."
Old Man Tianchi smiled contentedly, "Make sure to tell your First Senior Brother that your Junior Sister's talent far exceeds his, especially in the field of medicine. Don't let him become too conceited."
The troublesome eldest disciple, thinking he's the best in medicine?
Very well, Old Man Tianchi planned to nurture the young disciple thoroughly and give the eldest disciple a good lesson.