Chapter 3 | Golden Crane Sect
Three hours later, the carriage entered the big gates of Golden Crane Sect,a middle-tier sect.
The Golden Crane Sect was home to thousands of disciples. Yuan was both astonished as well as surprised by the sight before his eyes. It was his first time stepping into any sect, and the sight left him in awe. He curiously gazed at every detail like a child exploring a new world.
He looked completely like a country bumpkin. An annoyed look appeared on 2nd Elder Zhu face, but he said nothing. Deacon Zhao felt complicated. He hoped Yuan would be able treat the guardian beast, however, seeing the childish look on his face, he wasn't sure anymore.
Mother Bing, however, simply smiled, her gaze soft and understanding.
Golden Crane Sect was indeed very majestic and beautiful. It was built on 9 lush towering peaks, one standing at the center while the other 8 formed a circle around it, like a giant formation. Yuan found himself captivated by the sight
Following 2nd Elder Zhu, Mother Bing and Yuan arrived at the gate of a large hall situated on one of the eight surrounding peaks.
The hall was bustling with many people entering and exiting with anxious expressions on their faces. 2nd Elder Zhu led them inside. Hall was filled with people, but what drew their attention was the big black bird lying at the center.
Lying in the center was a huge black bird, Black Crane, the same as the symbol on the clothes of Golden Crane Sect disciples except black color. It was an imposing beast with around 4 meters in size even in its unconscious state. A group of people were surrounding the bird and examining its condition.
Elder Zhu guided them to a man standing nearby—an elderly figure wearing a white robe. A golden crane symbol was stitched into his right chest with delicate golden threads. He was calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of unease.
Elder Zhu stepped forward and introduced Miss Bing and Yuan to the old man.
A frown appeared on elderly man face, but he maintained his calm, "Welcome, Mrs. Meng. I am Sect Master of Golden Crane Sect, Gong Zhao"
"Hello, Sect Master Gong. I am Bing Shang, wife of Pavilion Master Meng Hao, and this is my son, Yuan." Bing Shang saluted.
Gong Zhao's eyes flickered briefly as he turned to Bing Shang. "Mrs. Meng, can you tell me where Pavilion Master Meng Hao is?"
"My husband left on a trip a week ago, and I don't know when he will return. I understand this is an urgent matter, but I will try my best within my abilities," Bing Shang calmly replied.
Gong Zhao's expression darkened for a brief moment, and he sighed. "Very well," he said. He could only hope for better. He gestured toward the black crane. "Please, take a look."
Without hesitation, Mother Bing moved forward, joining the group of people who were inspecting the bird. Almost all of them knew Pavilion Master Meng Hao, and being his wife, Bing Shang, was welcomed by the group. She began to consult others about their thoughts and the treatment of the crane.
Yuan listened the group talking for a while before shaking his head.
He felt these people were going in the wrong direction. It wasn't that he knew more, but he felt their approach to the problem was wrong. They were talking and arguing about the treatment when none of them was sure about the real cause of the problem.
Feeling a tug of frustration, Yuan stepped forward. He ignored these people and approached the crane. Crane opened its big dark eyes slowly and their gaze met in the air. Yuan smiled in response, though he had no idea if the crane understood.
"Don't worry, big fella," he whispered softly, "we'll figure this out."
The crane blinked slowly, its gaze lingering on Yuan before it closed its eyes once more.
No one noticed this scene except the Sect Master Gong, who was shocked by this scene. He knew temperament of cranes very well especially black crane. They were notoriously difficult to approach and rarely allowed anyone near them. Although this black crane was sick and allowed people touch it, but Sect Master Gong could tell it approved of Yuan treating it. This was not normal.
Yuan began examining the crane. He placed his hand gently on its side to feel the temperature. It was slightly hotter than usual. Then he raised its wings, inspecting them thoroughly. There were no sign of external injuries anywhere. He plucked a feather and examined it. There were some traces of blood at the root of the feather.
Yuan studied its beak and noticed some dried blood on it as well. Kneeling down, he bent close to sniff the blood. There was a faint but distinct odor, one he recognized immediately.
His eyes scanned the hall, landing on a set of food containers near the far wall. He walked over and began sniffing each one of them, his expression tightening.
The smell in the containers was wrong—something was off. The scent didn't match the blood he'd just smelled. His brow furrowed. He returned to the crane and eyed the food container again.
'What could be the reason for the crane's bad condition?' he thought.
He turned to the attendants standing nearby and asked, "The crane didn't fall unconscious here, and you people brought it here from outside, right?"
"How do you know?" the attendant was astonished.
He then nodded slowly, unsure how Yuan knew. "Yes, 5 days ago, it returned from outside after hunting and entered its nest at the top of the peak. Cranes usually don't eat anything when they return from outside, but we are still ordered to provide them with food.
So, like usual, a container of Blue dust flower was placed in front of its nest. But 3 days ago, it suddenly fell unconscious, and blood was leaking from its beak. We brought it here to avoid disturbing other beasts."
Yuan's heart sank a little. He knew the herb well—it was a normal herb. Pet owners normally used it to feed their contracted pet beasts for nourishment. It was very common knowledge that the herb wasn't poisonous. In fact, it was beneficial for the beasts in regulating their energy. Yet, something was clearly wrong.
Yuan was once again lost in thoughts.