In the brief span of a few days, the number of cultivators arriving in Wuliu Town for healing had surged to several times the usual, totaling over a dozen. Among them, the majority had suffered injuries at the hands of the mysterious demon practitioner, Shi Qianhan.
Seizing this momentum, Yang Fan's mastery of the Xianhong Jue reached the critical threshold of Great Perfection in the Qi Refining stage, leaving him just a step away from advancing to the Spirit Gathering stage.
However, as the turmoil caused by Shi Qianhan gradually subsided, the number of cultivators visiting the Puai Medical Hall returned to its normal levels. Yet, Yang Fan's cultivation remained stagnant at this critical point, needing a process of transformation from quantity to quality.
Days passed, and he had treated two cultivators, but his progress in cultivation was imperceptible.
"It seems that ordinary injuries in the Qi Refining stage are unlikely to enhance my cultivation…"
Standing at the door of the medical hall, Yang Fan gazed at the mortals bustling about in Wuliu Town, a thoughtful expression etched on his face.
Now, two choices lay before him: one was to wait for an opportunity to treat higher-level cultivators, while the other was to enter seclusion like ordinary practitioners and strive for a breakthrough to the Spirit Gathering stage.
The former involved an element of chance, requiring only time and not particularly challenging. The latter, however, was within his grasp, for he already possessed the Great Perfection in the Spirit Consciousness realm; if he entered seclusion, he was at least ninety percent confident of success.
Of course, Yang Fan had also contemplated leveraging Shi Qianhan's identity to wreak havoc and draw in a new wave of patients. However, this idea was swiftly dismissed.
Although this method might yield a group of injured cultivators in a short time, it carried a significant risk; a few times could be excused, but frequent usage would eventually expose him.
Yang Fan had no desire to become a public enemy in the nearby cultivation world, facing countless practitioners alone.
"Lin Zhong is currently in seclusion, and I must remain at the medical hall. Besides, in a few days, Zheng Yaoshi will come to visit me after he wraps up his matters," Yang Fan quickly resolved, deciding to wait a few days.
After all, his demonic skills had already reached the Spirit Gathering stage, and in terms of power, he was not inferior to the second-generation elders of the Yang family or the Rain Mist Mountain Villa. With the added security of the Iron Armored Puppet, which was close to the Foundation Establishment stage, Yang Fan felt reasonably secure.
That afternoon, news arrived from the Yang family fortress: two third-generation disciples of the Yang family in the Nanling region, Yang Lei and Yang Guang, had successively advanced to the Spirit Gathering stage.
Interestingly, their ascensions occurred just four or five days apart.
The emergence of two new Spirit Gathering talents from the Yang family fortress sent ripples of excitement through the nearby cultivation community.
When Yang Fan learned of this news, he merely smiled faintly, thinking to himself, "Brother... it seems you will have some challenges ahead… Life's path cannot be so smooth; ultimately, there will always be someone in the new generation capable of contending with you."
Yang Fan had some knowledge of Yang Guang, who harbored great ambition and persistently pursued the family's daughter, Yang Man. On the surface, he presented himself as a virtuous gentleman, but in truth, he was cunning and treacherous, adept at concealing his true intentions, and he was prudent in dealing with matters, making him a formidable opponent.
"Yang Gongzi, the girl who came for treatment last time is here again; she claims to be from the Rain Mist Mountain Villa and seeks to meet with you," an apprentice reported as he entered.
"Show her in."
Without needing to look, Yang Fan already knew who it was.
As expected, moments later, a young girl dressed in a light purple long dress entered—none other than Chu Yuyan.
Today, Chu Yuyan appeared even more pure and beautiful than usual, radiating an alluring charm. A sweet smile graced her fair, crystalline face, suggesting she had made an effort to present herself beautifully.
Yang Fan's eyes brightened slightly as he motioned for her to take a seat. Smiling, he asked, "Might I inquire what brings Miss Chu to my 'Puai Medical Hall' this time? Is there another injured individual from the villa?"
Chu Yuyan shot him a playful glance, her bright eyes shimmering like water with a hint of sorrow as she said, "Do I need a reason to visit Yang Gongzi? Am I not allowed to see you without a matter at hand?"
Her expression was heart-wrenching, infused with a blend of innocence and subtle cunning.
Yang Fan met her gaze and immediately understood her intention; it was a clear seduction, one that most men would find difficult to resist.
"Ha ha, Miss Chu, surely you wouldn't visit without a purpose? The disciples of the Rain Mist Mountain Villa must be quite busy at the moment as well. Have you managed to find Hu Fei?"
Yang Fan inquired with a smile, bringing up the question that had lingered in his mind.
At the mention of Hu Fei, Chu Yuyan's expression subtly shifted, yet she smiled brightly and replied, "This matter is being handled by other elders and disciples. Hmph, Yang Gongzi, don't change the subject."
"Very well then, what exactly is the purpose of your visit?"
With a gentle sigh, Yang Fan pressed her.
"As a physician, don't you see that I am afflicted with an ailment?"
Chu Yuyan said with an innocent pout, her gem-like eyes hinting at a slight redness.
"You are unwell?" Yang Fan studied her with a hint of skepticism.
"If you don't believe me, Yang Gongzi can take a look. If you can cure this ailment, I would be more than willing to part with any amount of spirit stones," Chu Yuyan said softly.
"What ailment could this be? You appear to be in good health," Yang Fan scrutinized her, unable to detect any apparent issues—unless there was a hidden malady lurking within.
If that were the case, Yang Fan held little confidence in his ability to treat it. The human body is an intricate construct, with countless mysteries and boundless potential. Even a celestial being could not unravel all its secrets.
In Yang Fan's understanding of the "Holy Healing Chapter" of the Xianhong Jue, there were lessons on human anatomy, but the knowledge was complex and obscure. At his current level, he could barely grasp the surface.
"Gongzi, please help me take a look. This ailment has only recently emerged, worsening since I returned from the Ghost Corpse Mountain trial," Chu Yuyan said, her voice low and filled with concern.
"Ghost Corpse Mountain?" Yang Fan paused slightly, surprised. "Could it be that she encountered some malevolent entity there?"
With this thought in mind, Yang Fan approached Chu Yuyan, who cooperatively extended her delicate hand.
As Yang Fan placed his hand upon her fair wrist, he was struck by the extraordinary softness of her skin, smooth as exquisite jade.
This marked his second intimate encounter with a female patient, the first being Li Yuanshuang from the "Tianxing Boat." This time, it was the young lady from the Rain Mist Mountain Villa.
Chu Yuyan possessed beauty that surpassed even Yang Man from the Yang family fortress. She was both pure and captivating, yet daring in her demeanor.
In this close proximity, Yang Fan caught a whiff of a scent reminiscent of jasmine flowers, stirring his senses slightly.
During the examination, Chu Yuyan's cheeks flushed red, and she shyly lowered her gaze, stealing glances at him.
After a moment of inspection, Yang Fan frowned and began to ask her more questions.
Chu Yuyan's voice was barely audible, lacking the boldness she had earlier, as though she felt somewhat shy.
At one point, Yang Fan let out a sigh of relief and shook his head, "Perhaps it is due to my limited medical skills that I cannot discern Miss Chu's ailment."
"Gongzi, your medical skills are extraordinary; please examine me again. Perhaps you overlooked something," Chu Yuyan playfully stuck out her tongue, her charm undeniable, revealing a trace of cunning in her eyes.
"There's no need for further examination; if I am not lacking in skill, then it must be that Miss Chu is not afflicted at all."
Yang Fan stood up resolutely, having realized her intentions by now.
"Yang Gongzi… I didn't mean to…"
Chu Yuyan's pretty face showed a hint of anxiety as she hurriedly stood to apologize.
Yang Fan was taken aback, surprised that she, the esteemed young lady of the Rain Mist Mountain Villa, would apologize to him, a mere Qi Refining practitioner.
"However… I truly do have an ailment," Chu Yuyan hesitated to admit.
Yang Fan raised an eyebrow, inviting her to continue.
After a moment's pause, Chu Yuyan finally said, "I suffer from a heart ailment…"
"A heart ailment?" Yang Fan's brow furrowed as he grasped the situation.
"After you were compelled to enter the tomb, Yuyan was filled with worry. Upon returning to the villa, I could not help but think of you constantly. Later, upon hearing
you had returned safely, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, yet…"
"But you're the most beautiful flower in the Rain Mist Mountain Villa; surely, there's no need to worry over me?"
Yang Fan responded with a smile, trying to steer the conversation back.
"I can't help it! I'm simply thinking of you!" Chu Yuyan exclaimed with a glimmer of mischief.
"You're making this sound like a simple matter…"
Yang Fan chuckled, now having figured out her intentions.
"Not at all. You're merely being coy. I haven't even mentioned your beauty; you're charming enough to captivate even the hearts of women."
After saying this, Yang Fan became acutely aware of the alluring power that hung between them.
At this moment, Chu Yuyan stepped closer, her sparkling eyes reflecting mischief as she whispered, "You should know that a heart ailment is difficult to heal… Perhaps it requires a promise to treat me!"
"A promise?" Yang Fan chuckled, his eyes glinting with interest.
"Yuyan wishes to stay by Yang Gongzi's side, even if only for a while, until my ailment is healed," she said softly, her tone alluring, yet sincere.
"And if I agree?" Yang Fan's interest piqued as he took her hand.
"Then it would mean… Yuyan is your maidservant!" she replied, looking into his eyes with anticipation.
Yang Fan raised an eyebrow, still feeling skeptical.
A moment later, however, Yang Fan chuckled.
"Very well then, Miss Chu… in the future, you can follow me at the medical hall, assisting in treatment."
"Yuyan shall serve you wholeheartedly!"
Chu Yuyan clapped her hands in delight, her earlier demeanor fading away, replaced by a bright smile.
Yang Fan smiled as he watched her.
This enchanting young lady was indeed quite clever.