The bustling streets of the small town were lively, even as the sun began to sink in the western sky. Dare Drake Tran and Zhu Bajie strolled among the townspeople, subtly eavesdropping on rumors about the Great Mercy Temple—the largest monastery in the region. There were whisperings that recently, the temple had drawn countless villagers from across the land, all making substantial offerings without anyone fully understanding the temple's intentions.
"Did you hear what they're saying?" Zhu Bajie asked, glancing over at a small market corner where a crowd was gathering.
Dare narrowed his eyes, nodding as he started a new livestream, deliberately panning the camera toward the commotion. "Friends, it looks like we've stumbled upon something intriguing. Let's take a closer look at what's happening here."
As they approached, they spotted a young woman kneeling beside an elderly man, her face tired but gentle. She placed a delicate hand on his chest, and immediately, a gentle stream of light-blue spiritual energy began to radiate from her hand, like a cool breeze soothing his pain.
"Is she… healing him?" Zhu Bajie murmured, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Comments quickly filled the livestream:
Viewer: "Who is she? Her healing aura is remarkable!"
Viewer: "Amazing that someone this skilled is here in town!"
Viewer: "Dare, get closer! She looks so familiar…"
The crowd watched in awe as the elderly man slowly opened his eyes, his face now calm and peaceful. He struggled to sit up, his voice trembling. "Thank you, young lady… you saved my life."
The young woman lowered her head humbly, her gentle eyes full of compassion. "We must all help one another. There's no need for gratitude; your health is what matters."
Dare kept the livestream running, captivated by the young woman's grace. She seemed serene yet strong, her gentleness concealing a quiet strength. The way she wielded her healing energy was beyond ordinary skill, especially for someone so young.
"Dare, this young woman is no ordinary healer," Zhu Bajie whispered, sounding both impressed and curious. "The way she's channeling spiritual energy is precise. I'd wager her cultivation level is beyond mere beginner. Could she be… a true master?"
CelestialPalace_001—a frequent viewer—left a comment laced with caution: "Beware. Appearances can be deceiving. Some hide their strength well."
This cryptic message only deepened Dare's curiosity about the young woman. He was about to approach her when she suddenly looked up, meeting his gaze with calm, discerning eyes. She offered a slight, knowing smile, saying nothing as her gaze held his.
The comments on the livestream continued to pour in, all captivated by the mysterious young healer in the marketplace.
As the sun lowered, Dare and Zhu Bajie continued through the bustling streets, but their attention was repeatedly drawn back to the young woman healing villagers. Her quiet demeanor and elegance stood out, especially as she worked among the crowd, restoring the elderly man's strength and gently tending to others. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her simple white attire only accentuated her dignified beauty.
This was Luna Snow—a name whispered among the villagers with respect and awe. Her slender hands moved with delicate confidence as she healed those who came to her. Under the fading daylight, her clear skin seemed to glow faintly, lending her an almost ethereal presence.
The viewers on Dare's livestream couldn't contain their excitement:
Viewer: "She's not only beautiful, but so mysterious!"
Viewer: "Her presence feels otherworldly, like she doesn't belong to the mundane world at all."
Viewer: "Dare, who is she? I've never seen such graceful healing energy!"
Dare watched Luna Snow with a mix of admiration and curiosity. There was something deeply intriguing about her—a unique blend of gentleness and a strength concealed beneath her calm exterior. This quiet resilience made both Dare and Zhu Bajie simultaneously respect and question her origins.
"Dare, this girl isn't ordinary," Zhu Bajie murmured, sounding almost baffled. "It's not just her healing skills; there's something more. I suspect… she may be a hidden master."
Zhu Bajie's words only heightened Dare's interest. Right at that moment, a new comment from CelestialPalace_001 flashed on the screen, hinting at something deeper: "Some things cannot be understood at a glance. Don't let appearances deceive you."
These words added fuel to the crowd's curiosity, intensifying their speculation about the young healer's true identity. As Dare prepared to approach, Luna Snow met his gaze again and offered a gentle yet confident smile that hinted she was aware of his curiosity.
As she continued healing another patient, her movements remained gentle and practiced, each gesture captivating in its precision. Dare sensed the flow of her spiritual energy—soft like flowing water but imbued with strength, bringing a refreshing vitality to all she touched.
Zhu Bajie observed with a bemused grin and leaned toward Dare, whispering, "Well, what do you think of her? If I were you, I'd be making inquiries."
With a mischievous wink, Zhu Bajie suddenly clutched his stomach and dramatically fell to the ground, his face contorted in mock agony. "Oh no… My stomach! Someone, please, save me!" His exaggerated moaning turned heads as onlookers stopped to gawk.
Luna Snow glanced over, her calm face betraying a slight frown, but she approached him with a gentle expression. "What's troubling you, elder?"
Zhu Bajie ramped up the theatrics, gasping, "Ahh, I just had a little sweet wine, but now my stomach burns like fire!"
The livestream comments quickly exploded with amusement:
Viewer: "Is he really sick, or just putting on a show? He doesn't look that hurt!"
Viewer: "So many people she's healed without a word, and he's putting on a full drama!"
Viewer: "Dare, admit it—Zhu Bajie's testing her, isn't he?"
Despite Zhu Bajie's performance, Luna Snow calmly knelt beside him. Placing a hand on his forehead, she closed her eyes, breathing evenly as a soft, light-blue aura spread over Zhu Bajie's stomach. But unexpectedly, the aura intensified, creating a noticeable pressure in his abdomen.
"Agh… a little gentler… please… you're very dedicated!" Zhu Bajie's cries turned genuine as Luna Snow's spiritual energy continued to press in, until the once-pretended pain was all too real. Her face remained tranquil as if she hadn't noticed his discomfort.
Dare barely managed to stifle a laugh. "It looks like you're truly experiencing her abilities now, Zhu Bajie."
Luna Snow finally withdrew her hand, her expression calm as ever. "Elder, perhaps next time, you should be more mindful of your own health instead of testing others' spiritual skills." Her gentle reprimand made both Zhu Bajie and the viewers chuckle.
Viewer: "Serves him right! Testing someone that powerful!"
Viewer: "Incredible! She handled it with such grace."
CelestialPalace_002: "Do not underestimate her healing… this is a lesson for all."
Rising awkwardly, Zhu Bajie's grin was sheepish as he continued to glance at Luna Snow with newfound respect. This little test had only made both him and Dare even more curious about her.
Their interest piqued, Dare and Zhu Bajie began asking locals about Luna Snow. Villagers eagerly shared stories about the young healer's kindness and skill.
An elderly woman nearby, her eyes shining with pride, said, "She's the kindest soul I've met. Ever since her parents passed, Luna has been healing people selflessly, refusing any reward."
Zhu Bajie nudged Dare with a grin. "Sounds like the kind of 'invincible heroine' every young cultivator admires, eh?"
Dare smiled faintly, but he couldn't help feeling a quiet respect for Luna's strength of character. As he continued to watch her from afar, tending to yet another villager with calm grace, he wondered if she would be open to joining him as a disciple.
Meanwhile, the livestream buzzed with admiration for Luna Snow, as comments poured in:
Viewer: "Such a strong and skilled woman is hard to find!"
Viewer: "Beautiful, capable, and compassionate… what a gem!"
CelestialPalace_001: "Some secrets take time to understand. There's more than meets the eye."
Zhu Bajie laughed heartily and clapped Dare on the back. "If you don't ask her to be your disciple soon, you'll miss out on an incredible talent."
Soon, they were interrupted by a crowd carrying a young man, his face deathly pale. A frantic woman in the group pleaded, "Please, someone save my husband!"
Without hesitation, Luna Snow knelt by the man's side, her dark eyes gleaming with determination. She placed a gentle hand on his forehead, channeling a calming energy. A soft blue light wrapped around the man, soothing his weakened body.
Dare watched her closely, in awe of her skill. The livestream erupted with tension:
Viewer: "Can she really save him?"
Viewer: "Her energy is gentle yet strong!"
CelestialPalace_002: "Observe closely. She's using a rare technique, blending energy with key acupoints."
Zhu Bajie whispered to Dare, "She's not just talented, but courageous. In a crisis like this, not everyone can remain so focused."
As the villagers praised her work, Dare's respect for Luna Snow deepened. He invited her to a quieter part of the market and asked, "Luna Snow, I've seen your skill and dedication. Would you consider studying with me as my disciple?"
She paused, gazing up at him with a mix of determination and humility. Her voice was soft yet unwavering. "If you'll have me, I'll learn all I can. I want to help others, but I know I have limitations." She hesitated, then added, "There's something… holding me back."
CelestialPalace_001 left a final comment, rich with meaning: "The connection you two share will unlock hidden secrets. This is only the beginning."
Her gentle smile masked a will as strong as iron, and Dare knew he had found not just a student but a steadfast ally for the unknown path ahead.