Chapter 326: First Arrival, Healing at Hand

Yu Lin moved like the wind, and in no time he had already reached the outskirts of a small county town at the border of Julu Commandery.

Before entering the town, a heavy air mixed with the scent of herbs and decay slammed into his face.

He strolled into the town and saw the streets deserted and silent, doors shut tight, and the occasional passerby looking anxious, hurrying along.

The once‑bustling market was now a dead, stagnant scene, only the conspicuous Yellow Turbans fluttered against the dull gray backdrop.

The Peace Daoist believers wearing Yellow Turbans were going house to house, some carrying bowls of porridge, others holding prepared Talisman Water, delivering them to the still‑inhabited homes and softly soothing the frightened populace.

Yu Lin's leisurely stride stood out starkly in this county town now shrouded by the shadow of plague.

Soon, a Yellow Turban man who seemed to be a Small Leader noticed him, hurried forward, stopped him, and spoke with urgent concern:

'Brother! Do you know this place is plagued by a deadly epidemic? It's extremely dangerous! If you don't want to contract the disease and die here in vain, you should leave quickly!'

Yu Lin's gaze passed over him and fell on the yellow Talisman Scroll hanging from his waist.

The Talisman Scroll's strokes were simple, its Qi rather weak, but for this ordinary epidemic it was barely sufficient, able to ward off evil, cleanse impurity, and soothe the vital energy.

He lowered his gaze, gave the anxious Yellow Turban man a slight smile, and in a calm tone said, 'Brother, you're thoughtful. I am also a practitioner of refining Qi, and have long heard of the Great Sage Benevolent Master's reputation for saving the world, so I came to pay my respects.'

'No need to worry about my safety; this plague cannot harm me.'

The Yellow Turban man's eyes widened instantly, he re‑examined Yu Lin from head to toe, saw his composure and clear gaze, sensed no deceit, and an overwhelming reverence immediately rose on his face; he stepped back a pace, bowed, and said:

'So you are the Immortal Master! I, Li Chang, was blind as a mole and may have offended you just now; please forgive my transgression, Immortal Master!'

Yu Lin extended his hand in a feigned support and said, 'Brother Li, no need for formalities; you have a good heart.' He then asked, 'May I ask, Brother Li, how is the epidemic situation here now?'

Li Chang, lifted by Yu Lin, was flattered and hurriedly replied, 'In response to the Immortal Master, I, Li Chang, am a Named Disciple under the Great Sage Benevolent Master Sect.'

'The epidemic broke out about three days ago, arriving swiftly.'

'We received the news and came through the night, relying on the Talisman Water and herbs taught by the Great Sage Benevolent Master, we have barely managed to curb its spread, but…'

He showed sorrow and helplessness: 'The number of the sick is too great; the power of the Talisman Water is limited, the medicinal herbs are nearly exhausted, the people still suffer. Each day they fail to recover adds another day of torment! Immortal Master… Immortal Master, your powers are vast—do you have any other way to save them?'

He looked at Yu Lin, his eyes full of pleading.

Yu Lin nodded, extended his hand, and calmly said, 'Give me your Talisman Scroll for a use.'

Although Li Chang did not understand, he did not hesitate at the Immortal Master's words, immediately unfastened the treasured Talisman Scroll from his waist and respectfully handed it over.

Yu Lin took the Talisman Scroll, and a faint, subtle warm glow lit his fingertips; as if holding a brush, he swiftly traced several arcane Runes on the rough back of the Talisman Paper.

Then, pinching the Talisman Scroll between two fingers, he lightly tossed it into the air.

The Talisman Scroll, once released, did not fall but seemed drawn by an unseen force, turning into a faint yellow light that swiftly vanished into the low hanging clouds.

Just as Li Chang was bewildered—

Boom!

A deep rumble of thunder rolled through the clouds without warning!

Immediately after, instead of a downpour, countless fine, dust‑like, crystal‑clear Water Droplets fell from the sky.

They were not rain, for they did not wet the ground upon falling; rather, as if alive, they pierced roofs and windows, precisely sprinkling every corner of the city, especially the bodies of those tormented by illness.

Li Chang was initially shocked, thinking Yu Lin had summoned rain, and shouted urgently, 'Immortal Master! Rain fuels the plague! This…'

His words were cut off.

Because he clearly felt the cool Water Droplets landing on him, not only causing no discomfort but like a spring flowing into parched soil.

The days of weary travel seemed brushed away by a gentle hand; the lingering aches in his body eased with waves of comfort, the pain quickly subsiding until it vanished completely!

He moved his limbs in disbelief, feeling his whole body filled with long‑missed vigor.

Meanwhile, within the city, the change was even more astonishing.

The once‑overlapping, heart‑rending coughs and moans were rapidly diminishing and calming at a visible pace. In each formerly lifeless house, astonished murmurs arose, followed by weak yet delighted conversations.

Soon, some mildly ill townsfolk could lift themselves from their beds, stagger to the doorway, and push open the tightly shut doors.

When they saw Yu Lin standing on the street and the familiar Yellow Turban disciple Li Chang kneeling, shouting toward him with trembling, excited voices, they instantly understood.

Li Chang touched his forehead to the ground, his voice filled with boundless gratitude, echoing across the street as life returned.

'Li Chang, on behalf of all the townspeople, thanks the Immortal Master for his aid!'