Chapter 763: The Divine Physician

Shi Zanxue smiled as she set down her wine cup and tilted her head back to drink it all.

She placed the cup down with a soft sigh: “Just now you said, ‘We’ve known each other a long time,’ but after revealing your true intentions, you immediately added, ‘Today is our first real meeting.’ Shi Young Master, you’ve truly changed.”

Pei Ye smiled.

“You’ve said this many times before,” he said.

“Because the Pei Young Master I first met in Bowang was like a willow branch in spring—deeply nostalgic.”

Pei Ye said: “I understand your kind of words—they sound like praise but are really criticism, meant to discipline. Beautiful women say them. I don’t listen.”

“… ”

Pei Ye smiled: “Come on, Shi Niang, tell me—who’s someone terrifyingly powerful?”

“I won’t say anymore.”

“Just say it, just say it.”

Shi Zanxue said: “There are so many people in Mount Tian, how could I possibly explain them all in a moment? Pei Ye Young Master, you’re currently isolated and weak—knowing won’t help you. Better to tell me first about your situation in the Divine Capital, so we know where to begin.”

“If you won’t speak of enemies, how can we plan where to begin?”

Shi Zanxue fell silent for a moment, then dipped her finger into the wine and wrote a character on the table: “Ye.”

Then she swept her palm over it, erasing it.

Pei Ye poured himself another cup and drank it, gazing at the lake: “In the Divine Capital, I’m not entirely alone and powerless. I have the protection of Prince Jin Yang’s mountain peak and the Immortal Platform.”

“Pei Young Master, in the Divine Capital, you can never escape Li Taizhu’s grasp. As for Prince Jin Yang, before we came from Longnan, we received her letter.”

“Oh? What did it say?”

“She introduced us to the situation in the Divine Capital. After hearing our purpose, she invited Mount Tian to join her in stirring the waves—she has the bearing of a great sovereign,” Shi Zanxue said. “Didn’t Prince Jin Yang tell you?”

“I didn’t know such a letter existed.”

“Then you may ask me anytime.”

Pei Ye smiled: “Thank you.”

Shi Zanxue lifted the wine flask—it held only a little left—and poured it into Pei Ye’s cup.

“What kind of person do you think Li Taizhu is?” she asked.

“A very powerful man.”

Shi Zanxue lifted her gaze to him.

“That’s it—just a very powerful man,” Pei Ye said. “Nine-tenths of what I know about the Western Court Heart comes from Li Taizhu.”

“How does he feel about the Western Court Heart? About Mount Tian?”

“I’m lowly and speak little—I don’t often meet Li Taizhu,” Pei Ye said. “From what I’ve seen, he’s helping me control the Western Court Heart, but says little about Mount Tian.”

“Li Taizhu ignited the Western Court Heart for you,” Shi Zanxue slowly tapped the rim of her cup.

“Correct.”

“Li Taizhu commands the Immortal Platform, seated in the Divine Capital. Those who know his name revere him. Few have seen his face.” Shi Zanxue said, “We’ll meet him this time we enter the capital. Pei Young Master, I don’t know your relationship with him—it may be like serving a tiger—but to control the Western Court, you cannot ignore his stance. If you encounter difficulties, reach out to Mount Tian.”

Pei Ye thought: He’s truly a tiger. He nodded: “Then let’s talk in detail after you’ve met Li Taizhu.”

Shi Zanxue sipped her wine. Silence settled over the table.

“Pei Young Master, can you explain what the Western Court Heart truly is? How does it connect to the Mandate of Heaven?” she asked the youth. “Mount Tian has sought for a thousand years, yet all we know comes from broken phrases and faded fragments.”

Pei Ye shook his head: “I don’t quite understand. Everything I know comes from Li Taizhu. Let’s discuss it in detail after Mount Tian meets him.”

Pei Ye shook his head: “I don’t quite understand. Everything I know comes from Li Taizhu; let’s talk in detail after we meet him on Tianshan.”

Pei Ye looked at her: “Shi Niang, you haven’t told me yet—who’s behind you?”

“Let’s wait until we understand the situation in the Divine Capital better, then I’ll tell you, Pei Young Master.”

Pei Ye thought a moment: “I’ve heard that to ascend the Western Court and truly become its master, it ultimately comes down to the Western Frontier. Mount Tian must know this—what’s the process?”

Shi Zanxue smiled: “I don’t quite understand that either. Let’s discuss it later.”

Pei Ye smiled, picked up his cup, and raised it to the woman.

Shi Zanxue clinked her cup against his. Both tilted their heads back and drank.

A breeze stirred the pond, the spring day languid. Pei Ye stretched high, rose, and pulled back the gauze curtains, letting the bright green sunlight flood in.

Leaning on the railing, he said: “Shi Niang, thank you for the hospitality—this is the best wine I’ve ever drunk. I never used to like wine.”

“Pei Young Master has grown up—drinking a little wine is nothing.”

Pei Ye smiled: “What does that have to do with it?”

“Before you leave, let me know—I’ll get you two more flasks. One for you to drink, one to offer to Prince Jin Yang.”

“Thank you,” Pei Ye turned, his voice softer. “Shi Niang, it’s been a long time. Seeing you here feels warm. In half a year, I’ve met few from the northwest in the Divine Capital.”

“Then thank you.” Pei Ye turned around, his voice softer now. “Miss Shi, it’s been a long time. Seeing you here feels strangely comforting—I haven’t met a fellow from the northwest in Shenyang City for half a year.”

“It’s hard to say for now—maybe this year, maybe two more years,” Pei Ye said. “I’m not unable to return to the northwest—I just can’t easily leave the Divine Capital.”

“Bearing a divine artifact is also a cage.”

“Bearing a divine artifact is also a cage.”

“But besides me, Pei Young Master must have other northwest acquaintances you long to see.”

“But besides me, Young Master Pei should have someone else from the northwest you’d rather meet.”

Shi Zanxue studied him: “Piao Qing doesn’t want to disturb you, but why haven’t you sought her out these past days in the capital?”

Pei Ye fell silent for a moment: “I’m afraid—”

“Don’t laugh at me, Shi Niang… I’m afraid.”

“But you can’t just never see her again.”

“Hmm… where is she?”

“I don’t know, but she’s always in the garden. I won’t keep you any longer,” Shi Zanxue smiled faintly. “Today’s heartfelt talk has eased my heart. In the days ahead, with mountains high and roads long, let us try to walk together.”

“Yes. Let’s try to walk together.” Pei Ye gave a slight bow. “Then farewell.”

“Until we meet again.”

Pei Ye picked up his sword and left the pavilion. He stepped through the gauze curtains; the door creaked open and shut. The waterside pavilion was left again to wind and spring light.

Shi Zanxue sat for a while, then turned her head. A beautiful, elegant woman stood silently before the railing.

She bore a sword on her back, her features cold and sharp, her posture like a pine, gazing down at Shi Zanxue.

She bore her sword on her back, her features cold and sharp, her posture like a pine, gazing down at Shi Zanxue.

“What did he say?”

“Pei Young Master is willing to pursue the traces of the Queen Mother and ascend the Western Court throne.”

Ji Jiuying’s voice was as cold as ice: “Who wouldn’t be?”

Shi Zanxue rose from her seat, gathered the flask and cups, and rinsed them with water: “Many are willing to serve Mount Tian as their master, but only a handful in all the world can reach that throne.”

Shi Zanxue rose from her desk, gathered the teapot and cup, and rinsed them with water: “Many are willing to serve as master of the Western Court, but only a handful in all the world can ascend to that seat.”

“Ji Shijie, you bear the name Shuangcheng—what kind of master do you imagine in your heart? Is he very different from Pei Young Master?”

Ji Jiuying lowered her gaze: “I don’t expect any master.”

“Then you shouldn’t have accepted the name Shuangcheng in the first place.”

“Some withered texts and faded traces are only cherished by Shi Shimei.”

“Ji Shijie, we were both named among the Seven Jewels back then—we sneaked into the library at night to read about the Queen Mother and King Mu, chatting by candlelight until our throats were dry, staying awake all night,” Shi Zanxue smiled, speaking softly. “Though it was five or six years ago, I’m sure you haven’t forgotten.”

Ji Jiuying said nothing, staring at her beautiful sister: “I don’t remember five or six years ago. I only hope that five or six years from now, we’ll still be chatting by candlelight—without either of us turned to rot and bone.”

“If the Western Court has appeared and we stop, retreat, what’s the difference from rot and bone?” Shi Zanxue’s smile vanished; she looked earnestly at Ji Jiuying. “Ji Shijie, I’ll speak plainly: every one of us who bore a name among the Seven Jewels has dreamed of the majestic figure of the Western Court Master—even if not in your mouth, surely in your dreams.”

“Now that the Western Court has appeared, to halt and retreat is no different from rotting flesh and white bones.” Shi Zanxue’s smile faded as she regarded Ji Jiuying earnestly. “Sister Ji, I’ll speak plainly: none who bear the name of the Seven Jewels have failed to yearn for the majestic presence of the Western Court’s master—even if not in your words, surely in your dreams.”

“But in your heart, that figure has always descended from heaven—divine, flawless. You can’t accept that it comes from the earth, from a youth no stronger than yourself.”

Ji Jiuying lowered her eyes: “That’s exactly what I’m saying—what else can he do besides wield a sword?”

“Abilities aren’t written on a man’s face. A youth grows.” Shi Zanxue said. “Didn’t Pei Young Master handle the matter at Yunlang Kongdong very well today?”

Ji Jiuying didn’t refute her, turning instead to gaze at the pond.

“When he stood up, he surprised me,” Shi Zanxue whispered. “A crowd of mediocrities refuse to accept that the Western Court Heart is in an outsider’s hands—they think if it stays with Mount Tian, they’ll have a chance… one by one, who dares step into the pond before the Question Hall?”

“Pei Young Master may still be young, but his vision and strategy can grow. Those who are timid, fawning, and slick from the root are unfit to be a sovereign,” Shi Zanxue sighed. “Ji Shijie, my vision isn’t lower than yours. I too wait for a true genius to lead me.”

Ji Jiuying fell silent for a moment: “If you won’t enter the Feathered Scale Trial, then advance to the Mystic Gate soon.”

Shi Zanxue smiled faintly: “Thank you for your concern, Shijie. I’ll find a day this month.”

Ji Jiuying fell silent for a moment: “If you won’t take the Feathered Scale Trial, then enter the Mystery Gate soon.”

Shi Zanxue smiled faintly: “Thank you, Sister, for your concern—I’ll pick a day this month.”

He Yaoyao sat in the pavilion, flipping through her small sword manual.

She had just found the answer to the sword principle she and Pei Ye had begun discussing at the banquet, but Pei Ye hadn’t returned, so she grew restless.

She hadn’t been told how long Shi Niang would keep him inside—it had already been fifteen minutes. What if it were half an hour? An hour? Even until nightfall?

She couldn’t help glancing around, feeling the pavilion was drafty and too exposed. Sitting alone, she feared someone might approach and speak to her.

Just imagining such a scene made her hiss softly.

But she couldn’t go inside—Shi Niang had told her to wait outside, meaning they were speaking words only two could hear, doing things only two could witness. If she entered and saw or heard, it might be terribly awkward—she had painful memories of exactly that.

After thinking for a long while, she finally decided to lower her head, ignore everything around her, and pretend deep concentration. That way, even if someone saw her, they’d likely not disturb her—after all, sometimes eye contact is the start of a terrible conversation…

But she couldn’t go in—Miss Shi had told her to stay outside, so they must be speaking words only the two of them could hear, doing things only the two of them could do. If she walked in and saw or heard anything, it might be terribly awkward—on such matters, she had ample, painful memories.

He Yaoyao looked up, stunned at the gray-clad girl who had approached without a sound.

“Hello, He Yaoyao, I apologize for the interruption.” A cold voice sounded from above.

He Yaoyao looked up, stunned at the gray-clad girl who had moved without a sound.

She stood by the table, gazing down at her.

“... You, hello.”

“I’m Qu Xin from Mount Tai Herbal Hut.”

“... Hello.”

“What are you doing sitting here?”

“... Sorry, I’ll leave right away.”

“I didn’t tell you to leave.”

“Oh.”

“He Zhaoyao, are you sick?”

“... Sorry.”

“I didn’t insult you.”

“Oh.”

“I’m asking you—do you have a sickness?”

“Do I...?”

Qu Xin pulled out a small brush and a tiny notebook: “I noticed you this morning—do you dare not speak to people?”

“...”

She was so sharp, and so heartless, He Zhaoyao thought blankly.

“Three years ago I noticed people like this—unable to speak to others, struggling to interact normally, rare, but showing uniform traits.”

“We’re just... more introverted...”

“No. Introverted people don’t want to or aren’t skilled at talking to strangers, but they can. You seem to lack this ability entirely.”

He Zhaoyao was momentarily lost: “Really?”

“Yes. Do you only pretend to be someone who can speak by memorizing lines?”

He Zhaoyao stared at her in shock.

“Looks like it.” Qu Xin lowered her eyes and wrote in her notebook. “Don’t worry too much—it’s a congenital mental disorder, barely affecting daily life. Once I develop a treatment system for the Mind Realm, I’ll investigate thoroughly and cure it.”

He Zhaoyao thought for a while, unsure how to reply, and simply stared: “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now you’re officially my patient.” Qu Xin looked at her, gesturing. “I’ve already written your name down.”

He Zhaoyao didn’t really want to, but since Qu Xin had already written her name down, she had nothing to say, so she nodded.

Qu Xin closed the notebook contentedly: “This consultation is free.”

These words made He Zhaoyao’s eyes brighten: “That’s wonderful.”

“Then we’re close friends now.” Qu Xin declared. “Now tell me—where did Pei Ye go?”

“...”

“Where did Pei Ye go?”

He Zhaoyao thought for a moment: “Master Qu, are you and Young Master Pei close friends? If not, I can’t tell you his whereabouts.”

Qu Xin nodded: “Of course we are.”

He Zhaoyao frowned but shook her head: “No. You befriended me just to find out where Young Master Pei is—that’s manipulating friendship to extract information. If you were truly his close friend, you wouldn’t need to befriend me—I’d tell you anyway.”

Qu Xin fell silent for a moment, then corrected: “We’re already close friends. You shouldn’t doubt me.”

He Zhaoyao fell silent too, then said: “Master Qu, I think... you have the same illness as I do.”

Qu Xin looked down at He Zhaoyao; He Zhaoyao looked up at Qu Xin.

At that moment, Pei Ye stepped out of the waterside pavilion.

He came to the pavilion with some surprise.

“Young Master Pei, I’ve discovered

someone secretly asking about your whereabouts.” He Zhaoyao gathered courage. “It’s her—she even claims to be your good friend.”

Pei Ye blinked, then smiled: “This is Qu Xin of Mount Tai Herbal Hut, the Little Herbal Lord—she truly is my good friend.”

Since their parting at Zhu Jingdian, Pei Ye hadn’t seen this girl in a long time. In the palace, she had treated his wounds several times and gifted him a qianji puppet worth over twenty taels. His opinion of her had risen greatly.

“What are you here for today—you don’t even practice swordplay much, do you?” Pei Ye smiled.

“Doing business,” Qu Xin replied vaguely, shifting her gaze and lifting her chin to glance at He Zhaoyao at the table. “Now do you believe it? You’re sick—you can’t tell truth from falsehood at all.”

He Zhaoyao lowered her head, slightly hurt. She resented it, but at that moment, she had no way to refute it.

Pei Ye glared: “What are you talking about? What illness does He Zhenchuan have?”

“Who’s the physician—you or me?”

“... You are.” Pei Ye had never doubted her medical skill; now he remembered. “Why are you here? Looking for me?”

Qu Xin paused, then said seriously: “Pei Ye, I’m here to do good.”

“...”