Even a seemingly casual strike infused with the power of lightning fire, unleashed by Hu Fei, could be fatal to cultivators below the Spirit Condensation stage. Fortunately, Xie Xuan, being an adept alchemist, had the foresight to consume a life-preserving elixir, safeguarding her heart pulse. However, she felt increasingly powerless against the gradual deterioration of the life force within her body.
At that moment, a warm, almost spa-like energy surged into her, enveloping her body and spirit in a soothing embrace. The vitality within her began to recover swiftly, instilling her with an overwhelming sense of relief. This transformation filled Xie Xuan with awe, yet also reassured her; with Yang Fan present, her life was no longer in jeopardy. She marveled at the miraculous power that not only rapidly mended her injuries but also, to some extent, replenished her very essence.
With his hand resting gently upon her shoulder, Yang Fan closed his eyes, savoring the indescribable pleasure of his enhanced capabilities. Moments before, while treating Hu Fei, he had reached the peak of the initial stage of Spirit Condensation, just a step away from breaking into the mid-stage.
Though Xie Xuan's cultivation level was relatively low, the severity of her injuries brought Yang Fan a significant boost. After a brief while, he felt a subtle tremor in his hand resting on her shoulder. An almost imperceptible shift in his aura occurred, hastening the pace of his healing work for a fleeting half-breath.
With a sigh of relief, Yang Fan exhaled gently, retracting his hand, his eyes now glimmering with newfound depth and confidence. He had also pushed the Dry Wood Technique to its limits, masking the changes in his aura.
"It's healed," Yang Fan announced with a slight smile.
"Already healed?" The two seasoned alchemists standing nearby widened their eyes in disbelief, their gazes filled with profound skepticism.
Xie Xuan blinked, momentarily stunned, before immediately beginning to assess her own condition. A look of astonishment swept over her features. After a long pause, she regained her composure and, with a complex expression, turned to Yang Fan. She gracefully stood and bowed, saying, "Thank you, esteemed healer. If I am not mistaken, you must be the legendary alchemist who cured the Second Princess of the Yan King's residence from her mysterious ailment."
Yang Fan did not deny this, a faint smile dancing in his eyes. "Miss Xie Xuan, you flatter me. It was only right for me to lend a hand since it was your friend who injured you."
Xie Xuan glanced at Hu Fei, a light laugh escaping her lips. "Had it not been for this esteemed senior's intervention, I might still have been oblivious to the true identity of Master Yang, the healer."
"Ha ha!" Yang Fan could not help but glance at Hu Fei, his spirits lifted. He mused, *If it weren't for this fellow's interference, I wouldn't have advanced so swiftly...* Indeed, after healing Xie Xuan, Yang Fan had finally broken through to the mid-stage of Spirit Condensation within those last few breaths.
For an ordinary cultivator, the journey from the initial to the mid-stage typically spanned at least two or three years of continuous practice without any bottlenecks. Yet Yang Fan accomplished this feat within a mere handful of days.
Of course, this also related to the fortunate circumstances he had encountered in recent days. Had luck been against him, he could have gone several months without such opportunities.
"Miss, your injuries are truly healed?" One of the alchemists asked, still struggling to grasp the reality of the situation.
"Absolutely. I am fully recovered," Xie Xuan affirmed solemnly.
"This is unbelievable..." The two seasoned alchemists were rendered speechless by shock. They had been grappling with ailments that seemed insurmountable, yet before Yang Fan, it felt like child's play.
"Indeed, the esteemed healer's skills are unmatched. If we are to measure treatment speed, I doubt any alchemist in all of Kyoto could even match half of your efficiency," remarked one elder alchemist, showering Yang Fan with praise.
Xie Xuan added, "Yes, when it comes to speed, even my master cannot compare to you, Master Yang."
Flattered, Yang Fan smiled sheepishly, saying, "You both are too kind. I am merely a novice in the field of medicine."
"A novice?!" The trio of alchemists led by Xie Xuan exchanged incredulous glances before breaking into collective smiles.
"Please, esteemed healer, do not be modest. I've just discussed medical techniques with you, and your profound knowledge is evident. Coupled with such marvelous abilities, how could you possibly be a novice?" Xie Xuan smiled, her lips curving.
Yang Fan sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness. "I've spent less than a year in the field of medicine, as I was once solely focused on cultivation."
"How could that be? Esteemed healer must be jesting," the alchemists replied, sharing amused glances.
Despite Yang Fan's candidness, they remained unconvinced, and even Cheng Yunfei held doubts. Yang Fan shook his head, accepting their disbelief with a sense of resignation.
He had long anticipated that those with discerning eyes would unearth his true identity. However, he welcomed this attention; building a reputation as a healer would serve him well in the world of cultivation, attracting more patients in need. Once his name became renowned throughout the entire Yuyang Kingdom, it was easy to predict that he would undoubtedly ascend to the ranks of high-level cultivators.
"Miss Xie Xuan, may I trouble you to give me a tour of this clinic?" Yang Fan inquired, shifting the conversation.
"Of course, esteemed healer. We would be delighted to introduce you to our facilities," Xie Xuan responded readily, completely unconcerned with the implications of Yang Fan's "tour."
Having learned of Yang Fan's identity and extraordinary medical prowess, Xie Xuan and her colleagues regarded him with immense reverence. Their respect extended even beyond what they felt for high-level cultivators; such a request was a mere formality.
Two hours later, Yang Fan finally exited the Blue Moon Clinic, bidding farewell to Xie Dong. Through her guidance, he had gleaned valuable insights and experiences regarding the operation of medical facilities, making the visit worthwhile.
Stepping into the bustling streets of Kyoto, Yang Fan found himself accompanied by two individuals: Cheng Yunfei and, unexpectedly, Hu Fei.
"Do you know anyone else in Kyoto?" Yang Fan directed his gaze toward Hu Fei.
"No... no one," Hu Fei replied.
"Do you have any tasks or missions?"
"No."
"So, aside from fleeing, you have no particular purpose here?" Yang Fan asked, a hint of surprise in his tone.
Hu Fei paused, nodding in affirmation.
"Alright then... since that's the case, would you like to assist me?" Yang Fan proposed.
"About that..." Hu Fei furrowed his brows, hesitating. "I don't like being ordered around."
Yang Fan sighed internally, feeling somewhat disappointed. It seemed this fellow was accustomed to a free and unfettered life.
"However... I owe you two favors, so since I have nothing else to do, I'll follow you," Hu Fei decided.
Hearing this, Yang Fan felt a surge of joy and laughed heartily. "In the coming days, I plan to open a clinic, and I may run into some trouble. How about you serve as my personal bodyguard?"
"A personal bodyguard?" Hu Fei seemed to grasp the concept, nodding. "I can only accompany you for at most half a year!"
"Good, it's a deal." Yang Fan felt elated; half a year was more than sufficient. With three to four months left before the date agreed upon with **Xi, this arrangement exceeded his expectations.