Perhaps it was Feng Ninghe's timely assistance that earned Bai Niannian's gratitude and trust, as she readily agreed, "A competition then! If you lose, you must return the jade saber you took from me earlier!"
The dispute between the two drew Feng Ninghe's attention, her delicate eyebrows arching slightly.
She had no interest in the petty squabbles of the younger generation within the Bai family, nor was the fate of the Bai family patriarch's illness her concern.
Just as she was about to depart, Bai Niannian tugged at her sleeve, "Skilled sister, if you can heal the patriarch, I will gift you the jade saber. This jade saber is my most treasured possession. The Bai family is willing to offer one hundred thousand spirit stones and a fortune in gold to heal the patriarch, and also a bead of the Eight-Petaled Immortal Blue."
Eight-Petaled Immortal Blue?
These four words instantly captured Feng Ninghe's attention.
This flower was precious and difficult to find, capable of repairing spiritual roots.
If an ordinary person consumed it, they might even develop spiritual roots and begin cultivating. Her own body's aptitude was not high; if she could enhance her spiritual roots, using her existing spiritual power wouldn't be a torment worse than death.
This medicine would be beneficial for both her and Xin Xin.
Without a second thought, she nodded in agreement, "Alright, I'll give it a try. But why do you trust me?"
Bai Niannian's eyes sparkled, a hint of admiration appearing in them. "Though I didn't get a clear look at what you did just now, I could feel that you are very powerful. Besides, the Valley Master of Medicine Valley does not easily accept disciples, and people flock to visit him incessantly. If he accepted you, you must possess extraordinary abilities."
These words made Feng Ninghe look at the young girl before her with renewed interest.
This girl, though young, had a clear mind and would surely achieve great things in the future.
Xiao Zhao, who was perched on her shoulder, also nodded with slight satisfaction.
Master, this little girl is much more pleasing to the eye than the previous one.
Bai Qianqian paid no mind to their interaction, for she had encountered Qi Mu.
Qi Mu, clad in a green robe, possessed a refined appearance and an elegant demeanor.
He jiggled a bottle of pills in his hand, "These are from my sect; perhaps they will be of use."
Bai Qianqian's arrogant and overbearing expression vanished, replaced by a semblance of girlish charm. She nodded enthusiastically, "Brother Qi Mu, I believe in you. The Qi family has been practicing medicine for generations, and you've been immersed in medical arts since childhood. You will surely be able to cure the patriarch."
Qi Mu's gaze shifted, and he turned his attention to Feng Ninghe, who stood clad in white, exuding a cool aura.
"And who is this..."
He hesitated slightly.
Feng Ninghe's face was veiled, obscuring her features, but her phoenix eyes held a hint of coolness.
Even her eyes alone were enough to ignite one's imagination.
Bai Qianqian glanced dismissively at Feng Ninghe, her eyes arrogant. "A disciple of the Valley Master of Medicine Valley. If the Valley Master himself were to attend, there might be a chance of healing. But a disciple, so young, how much skill could she possibly have learned?"
Feng Ninghe remained silent, her solitary figure radiating an aloof presence.
Qi Mu's eyebrows rose slightly, a flicker of unease crossing his mind.
To be a disciple of the Valley Master of Medicine Valley surely meant she possessed some skill, but how much, he couldn't be sure.
Bai Niannian spoke first, "We'll know how much skill she has soon enough, won't we?"
Bai Qianqian sneered, her beautiful eyebrows laced with arrogance. "Brother Qi Mu has studied medicine since childhood, hailing from the mountain ravine, and is the sole beloved disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine. A disciple of the Valley Master of Medicine Valley versus a disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine; it makes one curious who will prove superior."
Disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine?
Feng Ninghe's delicate eyebrows immediately shot up.
The ravine and Medicine Valley were separated by only a mountain. She had initially established her medicinal manor in the ravine, and later discovered that Medicine Valley possessed more abundant spiritual energy, more suitable for the growth of medicinal herbs, and thus established Medicine Valley.
When she established her medicinal manor in the ravine, she had unintentionally helped many people, thus earning the title of the Old Man of the Ravine.
After moving to Medicine Valley, the ravine medicinal manor was naturally disbanded.
The world did not know the true identity of the Old Man of the Ravine, and people often compared the ravine to Medicine Valley.
However, the ravine had disappeared for many years, long abandoned, leaving only Medicine Valley. Now, someone was impersonating a disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine to swindle people?
Did he think that since the ravine had long since vanished, no one could expose his lies?
Feng Ninghe's gaze shifted, and she looked directly at Qi Mu, her cool eyes like sharp swords capable of piercing the heart. "The ravine medicinal manor gained fame throughout Li Kingdom upon its establishment, only to vanish without a trace half a year later. I never expected to see a disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine."
Whether in the ravine or Medicine Valley, she had never taken a disciple.
Although the ravine medicinal manor had disappeared years ago, to see someone impersonating her and swindling people to their face made her feel deeply uncomfortable.
Qi Mu smiled unhurriedly, politely saying, "I was fortunate enough to become a disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine by chance. My master is no longer in Li Kingdom; he loves freedom and is currently traveling the world."
Feng Ninghe's expression did not change significantly, her eyes flickering slightly. "The ravine and Medicine Valley are not far apart. I once met the Old Man of the Ravine."
These simple words caused Qi Mu's expression to shift slightly. He smiled calmly, "My master founded the ravine for only half a year. He took me as a disciple only after he descended the mountain, and I never had the chance to meet you."
"Brother Qi Mu, the scenery ahead is quite nice, shall we go take a look?"
Bai Qianqian, unwilling for them to converse further, pestered Qi Mu to go aside.
Coincidentally, Qi Mu also did not wish to interact with Feng Ninghe.
The more he spoke, the more mistakes he might make. This woman inexplicably gave him a chilling feeling.
Fearing his identity would be exposed, he quickly followed Bai Qianqian away.
Watching Qi Mu's hasty departure, Feng Ninghe's eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
She was curious to see what surprises this disciple of the Old Man of the Ravine would bring her...
The group continued their journey.
Although the Bai family was located in Li Kingdom, it was somewhat remote. By the time they arrived at the Bai family residence, night had fallen.
The members of the Bai family gathered in a room, their faces somber.
On the bed lay the Bai family patriarch, on the verge of death, his face pale, clearly in a coma.
The room was filled with the pungent, choking scent of herbs.
"You're finally back! Father spat up blood just now, and his pulse is weak!"
As they entered the room, a young man rushed forward, beckoning them urgently.
Bai Niannian's face paled in panic. "Father! Let's hurry and treat Father!"
Seeing the panicked expressions of everyone, Qi Mu spoke first, "Please, do not worry. I have brought precious spiritual medicine from the ravine today, which will surely cure the Bai patriarch."
Looking at Qi Mu, who spoke with such solemnity and conviction, Feng Ninghe felt he was merely putting on an act.
If he truly possessed skill, why would he need to impersonate the Old Man of the Ravine to swindle people?
"And who is this?"
A woman noticed Feng Ninghe, her eyes filled with contemplation.
Bai Qianqian spoke first to explain, "The Valley Master of Medicine Valley is too proud to come in person, so he sent this useless disciple."
The woman then showed a look of understanding. "So you are a disciple of the Valley Master of Medicine Valley. Medicine Valley is renowned, and its medical skills are exquisite. It's just a pity that it is not the Valley Master of Medicine Valley who has come today."
Bai Qianqian snorted, "This Valley Master of Medicine Valley wouldn't even meet me. I wonder how much skill this disciple possesses. It's truly intriguing."