A Pure Blood Transfusion and a Stern Pavilion Master

Guarded by Ye Di, the group fought their way back to Yifang Hall.

Doctor Luo quickly examined Xu Niantang’s pulse. He then rummaged through cabinets, found some medicinal herbs, and brewed a decoction for her. After she consumed the medicine, Xu Niantang’s complexion improved slightly, a faint blush returning to her pale cheeks. However, she remained unconscious, her eyes tightly shut.

Lei Ling stood nearby, restless and panting heavily.

“How is it, Old Luo? What happened to grand-aunt?”

Luo Yifang completely ignored him, instead calling over a martial arts school disciple.

“Bring the medicine box from the shelf in my inner room,” he instructed.

A quick-witted disciple immediately followed the command, darting into the inner room. Before long, they emerged, carefully carrying a sandalwood medicine chest.

With a soft ‘click,’ Luo Yifang unfastened the lock and lifted the lid. The refreshing scent of herbs instantly permeated the room.

Just then, Ye Di entered, his longsword slung across his back, his clothes caked with blood.

“Doctor Luo, how is the situation?”

Luo Yifang had been about to seek him out, but upon seeing his blood-soaked appearance, he spoke.

“The reek of blood about you is too potent. It might disturb the patient. The young lady is already frail; I fear it would do her more harm than good.”

Ye Di paused, then replied,

“Very well, I’ll wait outside the door. You can explain her condition from within; I’ll hear you clearly.”

Luo Yifang sighed deeply before speaking.

“I am truly sorry. In my youth, I was hailed as ‘the physician whose single prescription could cure all ailments.’ Yet now, facing this young lady’s condition, even a thousand or ten thousand remedies would prove useless. She has no other serious illness, only severe blood loss.”

Perhaps weary from battle, Ye Di’s voice, as he leaned against the doorway, sounded distant.

“If it is blood loss, then find someone to give her a transfusion.”

Luo Yifang shook his head.

“That would ordinarily be the case. However, the young lady’s blood is a rare pure bloodline, one in ten thousand. Unless it is the exact same type, no one else’s blood can be transfused to her.”

Ye Di paused, then asked,

“Pure blood? What is that?”

Luo Yifang replied,

“To explain it all from the beginning now would be too troublesome, and it would waste precious time. I have two ‘Nine-Turn Revival Dew’ pills here. If the young lady takes one every seven days, it will sustain her for fourteen days.”

Ye Di understood his meaning.

“Doctor Luo, are you saying that within fourteen days, she must receive a pure blood transfusion?”

Luo Yifang affirmed,

“Precisely. Furthermore, the ‘Nine-Turn Revival Dew’ merely clings to a person’s last breath, slowing the circulation of qi and blood to reduce unnecessary consumption. Thus, the young lady will likely remain in this comatose state for all fourteen days.”

Ye Di chuckled.

“That’s fine. She’d only annoy me if she woke up; perhaps it’s better if she stays asleep.”

Silence descended upon the room. Lei Ling and his disciples exchanged wide-eyed glances, not daring to utter a sound.

Luo Yifang glanced at Xu Niantang on the divan, his brow suddenly twitching as he slowly began to speak.

“If you trust this old man, you might consider trying Wangjiang Tower.”

Ye Di inquired,

“Wangjiang Tower? What is that?”

Luo Yifang replied,

“To be frank, this old man was once a discarded disciple of Zhaixing Pavilion…”

Lei Ling and the martial arts school disciples nearby were all greatly alarmed by this revelation. However, they possessed enough discernment to know this was not the time to interject carelessly. They stifled their exclamations, their faces flushing crimson.

Ye Di let out an ‘Ah,’ then said,

“Doctor Luo, your words remind me. Wangjiang Tower is located at the border of Quzhou and Luoyang. It was originally a branch of Zhaixing Pavilion, led by Branch Master Qin a century ago, and was considered a major faction within the Pavilion. What do you mean by suddenly bringing this up?”

Luo Yifang was somewhat surprised, having not expected this individual to know so many secrets of the martial arts world. He stroked his beard, then spoke in a husky voice.

“This matter was originally a confidential affair of the Pavilion. If this old man were to reveal it carelessly, I would likely be hunted down by Heavenly assassins in the future.”

Ye Di smiled faintly.

“But since Doctor Luo has spoken, it means you’ve prepared yourself to face death without fear.”

Luo Yifang couldn’t help but crack a small smile.

“You didn’t even try to dissuade this old man, to keep me from speaking.”

Ye Di stated,

“Everyone must die eventually. Dying insignificantly or dying for a cause—there isn’t much difference.”

Luo Yifang nodded.

“You speak as if you have truly died before, seeing things with such clarity. For the sake of the young lady, this old man will tell you this matter. If you go to Wangjiang Tower now, you will likely encounter the Zhaixing Pavilion Master, who is currently traveling the jianghu.”

Ye Di couldn’t help but frown.

“The Zhaixing Pavilion Master? Who is currently in charge of the Pavilion’s affairs?”

He knew Pavilion Master Xiao Wushang from a century ago. The two of them used to spar whenever they had nothing better to do, testing out new techniques on each other. Naturally, they also drank copious amounts of wine, often finding themselves in a state of tipsy camaraderie. Eventually, they transcended their respective positions, becoming close confidants. However, both were inherently reclusive and disliked drawing attention, so this remarkable friendship remained unknown to the jianghu, understood only by a select few.

Before the battle where Ye Di confronted the Demon Lord atop Immortal’s Peak, a century ago, Xiao Wushang had no children, and with no heir to the Pavilion Master’s position, it was highly probable the title would fall to a collateral branch. He wondered if, in the hundred years since his own death, Xiao Wushang had perhaps gloated, finally daring to have a child or two, now that he wouldn’t be ‘corrupted’ by Ye Di’s influence.

Luo Yifang stated,

“Old Pavilion Master Xiao passed away some time ago. The one now holding the reins of power is his own daughter.”

Ye Di had believed that after awakening from his century-long slumber, having witnessed the vicissitudes of the world, his heart would be incapable of stirring even a ripple. Yet, upon hearing the words ‘Old Pavilion Master Xiao passed away,’ his eyelid twitched, and his heart seemed to slowly sink.

‘So, the Zhaixing Pavilion Master—that scoundrel who was always so carefree, so unrestrained, who never once conceded defeat to him in a fight—is truly no longer among the living?’

Ye Di finally couldn’t hold back, speaking aloud.

“Was he assassinated?”

Luo Yifang neither confirmed nor denied it.

“This old man is already a discarded disciple of the Pavilion; I dare not presumptuously discuss its important affairs.”

“No matter.”

Ye Di, his sword cradled in his arms, leaned casually against the doorframe, looking up at the sky.

“Doctor Luo, you want me to go to Wangjiang Tower to find his daughter?”

“Precisely.”

Luo Yifang continued,

“This old man mentioned earlier that the Five Corpse Heart Sutra is a secret manual of Zhaixing Pavilion. The Pavilion possesses comprehensive and detailed records concerning it. Moreover, the Pavilion Master commands the entire Pavilion, and with a single call, thousands respond. Among the countless disciples, a pure-blood individual can surely be found.”

Ye Di chuckled.

“Doctor Luo, what you say is indeed a viable method. It’s certainly better than me blundering about like a headless fly.”

Luo Yifang then said,

“However, our new Pavilion Master… how should I put it… she might be quite difficult to deal with.”

Ye Di grew curious.

“What makes you say that, Doctor Luo?”

Luo Yifang sighed.

“Ah! The Pavilion Master, that venerable lady, is intelligent and insightful, with a keen and perceptive mind. From a young age, she has studied astronomy, geography, history, and classics. Though her martial arts might not be as formidable as the Old Pavilion Master’s, everyone still treats her with utmost respect.”

Ye Di smiled.

“Listening to Doctor Luo, this new Pavilion Master sounds intelligent and diligent. There’s no need to worry about Zhaixing Pavilion’s century-old foundation being ruined under her command.”

“Alas! You are quite right.”

Luo Yifang let out another drawn-out sigh, his beard fluttering with the exhalation.

“But for all the Pavilion Master’s myriad virtues, she possesses one singular flaw: she holds all men under heaven in disdain. She treats her subordinates equally, regardless of gender. Yet, if anyone attempts to approach her with an excuse unrelated to official business, it truly becomes as difficult as ascending to the heavens.”

Ye Di now understood the reason for Luo Yifang’s sigh.

“Doctor Luo, are you worried that the new Pavilion Master won’t take kindly to me, refusing to help with the diagnosis and thereby delaying treatment?”

Luo Yifang nodded.

“Precisely.”

Ye Di smiled.

“My request for her to treat the illness, though a personal matter, carries no ulterior motives. If the new Pavilion Master is truly as reasonable as Doctor Luo describes, she should set aside her prejudices and act to save a life.”

Luo Yifang said,

“What you say is very true. However, the Pavilion Master is famously stern-faced towards men within the Pavilion. Therefore, it would be best for you to be cautious in your words and actions when you meet her.”

Ye Di acknowledged with a ‘Good,’ then poked his head inside.

“Doctor Luo, may I borrow your room to bathe? I’m accustomed to this reek of blood, but I imagine it won’t be pleasant for her. It would be quite unfortunate if she were roused by it.”

Luo Yifang chuckled.

“If the young lady is in a deep sleep, she won’t perceive any scent.”

Nevertheless, he invited Ye Di in and instructed a disciple to prepare a fresh set of clothes for him.

Before long, Ye Di emerged, completely refreshed and looking brand new.

Luo Yifang presented him with a gilded black box, containing the two Nine-Turn Revival Dew pills.

“Starting today, have the young lady take one pill every seven days.”

Ye Di took the box, thanked him, and then went to the divan to observe Xu Niantang’s complexion. It was barely passable.

Several disciples quickly gathered, intending to help Grandmaster’s wife up and carry her on their Grandmaster’s back.

Suddenly, Tan Xianglong’s voice drifted from the doorway, distant but clear.

“Your Excellency, the carriage is ready! Please depart as soon as possible!”

Ye Di paused, then walked out to the door to look. Indeed, a carriage was parked in the courtyard, its deep-blue curtains drawn beside the compartment. Two tall horses, held by reins, neighed incessantly.

The ‘thud-thud-thud’ of marching soldiers’ footsteps echoed from beyond the wall. Ye Di frowned, asking,

“Has the corpse transformation in the city finally been suppressed?”

Upon seeing Ye Di, Tan Xianglong immediately cupped his fists in a salute before replying,

“Precisely! Quzhou is temporarily safe now. If you have urgent business to attend to, feel free to use this carriage!”

At this moment, Lei Ling cursed aloud from within Yifang Hall.

“You, Tan! So this is how you conduct official business! Where did you ‘borrow’ this carriage from, some rich official or local tyrant’s home?”

Tan Xianglong couldn’t be bothered with his nonsense. He simply snapped,

“Just tell me if it was a good ‘borrow’ or not!”

Lei Ling didn’t mince words, immediately declaring,

“Of course it was a good borrow! It was absolutely, goddamn excellent!”

Everyone then came out into the courtyard to bid farewell to Ye Di and Xu Niantang.

Ye Di settled Xu Niantang into the carriage, noting how quietly she slept, curled in a corner. Only then did he poke his head out.

“Words cannot express my gratitude for your great kindness. We part ways here, and I hope we meet again.”

Lei Ling puffed out his chest, patting it vigorously several times.

“Master’s life-saving grace today is something I could not repay even if I were to be reborn as an ox or a horse!”

The disciples of the Lei Clan Martial Arts School echoed him in unison.

“That’s right! If not for Grandmaster today, our immature Guanxi Boxing alone couldn’t have withstood so many corpse puppets.”

“Grandmaster, you must cure Grandmaster’s wife! Otherwise, ‘The Flying Thief Chasing His Wife to the Crematorium: New Revised Edition’ will end badly!”

“Grandmaster, I love you, I want to bear your… *muffled sounds*… *muffled sounds*…”

“Damn it, someone’s trying to steal the show while Grandmaster’s wife is unconscious! Quickly, carry them back and dunk them in the pond to sober them up!”

Ye Di had already leaped nimbly into the carriage.

He grasped the reins, looked to the side, and said,

“The mountains are high, the waters long…”

Luo Yifang, bending slightly, walked over with a trembling gait and chuckled.

“May we meet again.”

Tan Xianglong stepped forward, slipped a glittering golden object into Ye Di’s hand, then took a few steps back and added,

“With this token, you can leave the city as if I were personally present; no one will dare to stop you. I must hurry to Willow Lane’s Emerald Tower now, to apprehend Young Master Li from the bed of one of those courtesans. Otherwise, if Old Master Li discovers his carriage is missing, I’ll have no leverage to threaten them with. I shall take my leave first!”

Ye Di smiled, bidding farewell to the group. He tightened his grip on the reins, shouted, “Hup!” and drove the carriage away.

The carriage rumbled through the streets and alleys of Quzhou, occasionally jostling. Ye Di thought to himself that the uneven road was to blame, not his driving skills. However, fearing he might wake the young lady, he slowed his pace, the carriage proceeding gently along the route.

He saw shocking mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and the desolate solitude where no sounds stirred. He saw the soldiers maintaining order by the roadside, who stopped Ye Di’s carriage.

“Halt! Routine inspection!”

Ye Di flashed the golden token Tan Xianglong had given him before the soldiers’ eyes.

“Golden Blade Constable on official business outside the city. Who dares to obstruct me?”

The soldiers immediately straightened, standing rigidly at attention.

“Lord Tan, may you have a smooth journey!”

Ye Di chuckled inwardly. What ‘seeing the token is like seeing the person himself’? It was simply calling a deer a horse, speaking blatant lies. He nodded to the soldiers, lingering no longer, and raised his whip to accelerate.

Suddenly, a swaying figure in red appeared before him. No, it should have been white, but large bloodstains bloomed across it, making it appear red. She stood in the middle of the road, forcing Ye Di to bring the carriage to a halt with a “Whoa—!”

Just as he was about to ask why she blocked his path, Ye Di’s pupils contracted. He recognized the person before him.

Murong Qihuang lifted her face, her normally cool and beautiful features now covered in blood, making her appear somewhat horrifying.

Ye Di spoke.

“Young lady, I have urgent business. Could you please do me a favor and move aside?”

“Brother Ye, did I do something wrong?”

Murong Qihuang gazed at him unblinkingly. Ye Di was momentarily stunned, but seeing her empty eyes, as if she were looking through him to some distant place, he knew she wasn’t speaking to him directly, but rather to herself. Ye Di decided not to bother with her, intending to go around.

At the very moment he passed her, Murong Qihuang lowered her head, murmuring softly,

“Brother Ye, Huang’er now knows she was wrong. She regrets it.”

Ye Di’s hand, holding the reins, froze in mid-air. He turned to look. Murong Qihuang’s somewhat frail figure stood in the wind, her sleeves rustling gently, like a soft sob. Would she regret it? What did she regret? Her stubbornness, her willfulness, her presumption that caused so many people harm—or was this regret simply to make herself feel better?

Ye Di thought, ‘In truth, Huang’er was not wrong, and Brother Ye does not need your regret. They are both figures of the past. If they continue to cling to each other, they will never find an exit or direction.’

So, as he was about to pass her, Ye Di quietly said,

“You weren’t wrong, I wasn’t wrong, and no one else was wrong either. It would just be better if, one day, Huang’er realizes that she isn’t the only one who is right, that she isn’t the only one who is faultless.”

Upon hearing these words, Murong Qihuang’s previously empty and lifeless eyes suddenly burst forth with captivating light. She spun around abruptly, her slender body trembling uncontrollably in the wind. Yet, in the direction of her gaze, there was only a carriage gradually moving further away, appearing so out of reach in the faint, crimson afterglow.