After the sky had fully brightened, De-Yi Tang finally opened its doors. Many patients, drawn by its reputation, had gathered early in the outer hall. Yang Lianting was preparing to begin his consultations when he suddenly heard someone ask, "May I ask if Physician Yang Lianting is in?"
Yang Lianting hurried out and saw a man dressed in grey standing there. Upon seeing him, the man quickly cupped his hands in greeting. "This must be the Divine Physician Yang?"
Yang Lianting returned the gesture. "I do not deserve such a title. May I ask who you are...?"
The man drew a green invitation from his robes and said, "I have been sent by the Holy Maiden to deliver an invitation to the Apricot Forest Gathering for Physician Yang. The Holy Maiden specifically requested that you must attend when the time comes."
Yang Lianting took the invitation and said, "Thank you for your trouble. I have long heard of the medical prowess of the Baiyu Sect. I shall certainly attend such a grand gathering of the medical world."
Only then did the man feel at ease. He bid his farewell and departed.
Yang Lianting tucked the invitation away. Seeing the crowd of patients outside, he stopped worrying about Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang and began his rounds of diagnosis.
Leng Feiyan and Zuo Canglang were hardly the type to act like formal guests. Taking advantage of the busy staff, they slipped into the kitchen, knowing no one would disturb them there.
Leng Feiyan refilled Zuo Canglang’s cup and said, "Swallow Tower has already caught the attention of Hidden Sword Manor. Cang Tianqi tried to contact me once."
Zuo Canglang’s expression turned solemn. "Hidden Sword Manor’s position at the head of the martial world is not merely for show. Our killing of Cang Feng last time was a stroke of luck. You must be careful."
Leng Feiyan shrugged. "I’m ignoring him, of course. But do you think he suspects any connection between Swallow Tower and the Lord?"
Zuo Canglang shook her head. "Even if he suspects, it is useless. Without Cang Feng’s body, there is no evidence. Suspicion will always remain just suspicion."
Leng Feiyan stretched. "I have to go. I don’t know when we’ll meet again. Take care of yourself."
Zuo Canglang gave a soft affirmation. Leng Feiyan leaped onto the rafters and vanished from De-Yi Tang without a trace.
In the city of Jinyang, within Taiping Alley, the winter sun cast a pale gold light. Leng Feiyan walked briskly, but just as she was about to exit the alley, a soft voice called out from behind her. "Miss Yan? Why are you here?"
Leng Feiyan paused slightly, then turned to see Cang Ge. He was dressed in a tea-white robe with a black cloak, looking clean and elegant. Leng Feiyan lowered her gaze, instantly transforming into the image of a tender, watery maiden. "Young Master Cang. I..." She glanced back at De-Yi Tang. "Last time on the Jin-Ji Ancient Road, I was fortunate enough to be treated by Physician Yang. Having learned he returned to Jinyang, I came specifically to thank him."
Cang Ge nodded. "It is rare to find a lady as loyal and grateful as Miss Yan. Now that the war in Daji City has subsided and the plague is under control, are you heading off to visit your relatives?"
Left with no choice, Leng Feiyan replied, "Indeed. Now that I have thanked Physician Yang, I shall be heading toward Daji City."
Cang Ge said, "The journey to Daji is long, and it is inconvenient for a lady to travel alone. It so happens I must return to the Jin-Ji Ancient Road; I might as well escort you there."
This was exactly what Leng Feiyan wanted, and she agreed immediately. "Then I shall trouble you, Young Master."
Cang Ge’s trip to the Jin-Ji Ancient Road was undoubtedly to search for Cang Feng’s whereabouts. With Cang Feng missing for so many days, Hidden Sword Manor had begun to realize he had likely met with misfortune. Rumors in the martial world suggested that Cang Feng had died at the hands of an organization called Swallow Tower. However, where was Swallow Tower? Why would they move against Cang Feng? Who were its primary members, and where did they operate? Hidden Sword Manor knew nothing.
They had dispatched many men to gather information, yet they remained empty-handed.
Cang Ge had originally agreed to meet Cang Feng at the small inn on the Jin-Ji Ancient Road. After much thought, he felt his brother must have reached that road, so he decided to search there once more.
But Leng Feiyan had no real intention of going to Daji City. With the affairs of the Swallow’s Nest piling up, did she really have time to run around for fun? It was simply that Cang Ge’s handsome, graceful appearance suited her tastes perfectly, so she decided to play along for a while.
The two set out together. Leng Feiyan remained in the carriage while Cang Ge drove it himself. Though he was helpful, a faint shadow of worry lingered between his brows. He was not talkative along the way.
Leng Feiyan found him quite interesting; his brother had been missing for so long, yet he still had the heart to mind a stranger's business. Throughout the journey, Cang Ge never looked where he shouldn't, and his every word and action were governed by strict propriety.
Upon reaching the Jin-Ji Ancient Road, Cang Ge had to enter the dense forest to investigate. This area belonged to the mountain range of Coiling Dragon Valley; with its rolling peaks and valleys, a thorough search would be no easy task. Cang Ge said, "Miss Yan, I have other matters to attend to and may stay here for several days. I will have the men from Hidden Sword Manor escort you to Daji City to ensure you find your relatives."
Leng Feiyan asked, "Is Young Master Cang looking for something?"
Cang Ge did not say much; Hidden Sword Manor had not publicized Cang Feng’s disappearance. Leng Feiyan said, "I have been under your care all this time. If you do not find me a burden, let me enter the forest and search with you."
Cang Ge frowned slightly. "The forest is likely full of snakes, rats, and insects. You should..."
Before he could finish, Leng Feiyan said, "I was just thinking that when we met on the ancient road last time, you must have been looking for someone or something. If you didn't find it then, it will be even harder to find clues now. But with an extra person and another pair of eyes, perhaps we might find something."
Cang Ge thought it over and found her reasoning sound. "Let us go then," he said.
Leng Feiyan followed behind him as they entered the mountain forest. It was late autumn, and the fallen leaves lay in thick layers. Cang Ge said, "I am looking for someone. He agreed to meet me at the inn on the ancient road, but seven months have passed. There is no sign of him alive, nor a body if he is dead."
As he spoke, the worry in his eyes finally revealed itself fully, like dark clouds drifting across a bright moon. Leng Feiyan asked, "Is it a relative of yours?"
Cang Ge gave a soft hum of affirmation. The two searched carefully through the deep grass and tangled trees. But the mountains were vast and the ancient paths crisscrossed everywhere; after seven months, how easy could it be to find even the slightest trace?
The sky gradually darkened. By the time Cang Ge realized it, they were surrounded by shadows. They were quite far from the main road.
Seeing Leng Feiyan still following him deep into the woods, he felt a surge of apology. "Miss Yan, it is late. I am afraid we must rest in the forest tonight."
Leng Feiyan pulled her clothes tighter. "I’ll go start a fire." She carried a fire-starter with her; she gathered a pile of dry leaves and surrounded them with dead branches. As the firelight entered the woods, the dense forest seemed even darker.
Cang Ge took a bundle from his back, pulled out some dry rations, and offered them to Leng Feiyan.
Leng Feiyan didn't take them—her hands were covered in dirt from gathering firewood. She stood up and asked, "Is there a place to wash my hands?"
Cang Ge stood up quickly. "Yes, the Yi River is nearby. Follow me."
Leng Feiyan actually knew the way, but she followed him obediently. Before long, they reached the banks of the Yi River. The water murmured as it flowed through the forest. Leng Feiyan leaned down to wash her hands. Cang Ge stood not far from her, seemingly afraid she might fall in, yet not daring to get too close.
Leng Feiyan cupped the water in her fair hands. The late autumn water was quite chilly, but to her, it was nothing—who in the orphan camp had ever used warm water to bathe?
After washing her hands, she used a silk handkerchief dipped in water to wipe her face. Seeing this, Cang Ge quickly turned his head away. He was young, after all; though he had frequented places of entertainment, he had never been this close to a girl. Moreover, with Leng Feiyan’s beauty—the occasional glance from her eyes like autumn ripples—it was impossible for him to remain entirely without stray thoughts.
Seeing that he wasn't looking, Leng Feiyan stepped onto a patch of soft sand by the riverbank, cried out "Ah!", and tumbled into the river. Cang Ge was startled and reached her almost instantly, but he was a step too late, only managing to catch her satin shawl.
Seeing her splashing in the water, Cang Ge didn't hesitate for a second. He jumped into the river, pulled her into a half-embrace, and dragged her to the shore.
Leng Feiyan was soaked through. Clinging to Cang Ge like he was the last piece of driftwood, she held him tightly. Cang Ge said softly, "Miss Yan? Do not panic, do not panic." While comforting her, he carried her back to the fire.
Both were dripping from head to toe. When the night wind blew, even Cang Ge couldn't help but shrug his shoulders against the cold. He tried to set Leng Feiyan down, but she gripped his neck tightly. "Young Master Cang! Young Master Cang!"
Cang Ge had no choice but to gently wring the water from the ends of her hair. "Don't be afraid. I need to set up some branches so we can dry our clothes. I won't leave."
Leng Feiyan slowly released him. At that moment, her delicate cheeks were wet with water, her skin more translucent than jade. Her eyes reflected the firelight, holding a warmth and softness that even the most precious jewels could not match. Cang Ge felt his heart race; though his wet clothes clung to him, his heart felt as hot as fire.
He quickly found several branches and built a simple rack by the fire. He then took off his outer robe and draped it over the rack, shielding Leng Feiyan from the wind.
Wearing only his white inner tunic, he looked at Leng Feiyan and said, "Miss Yan, if you wear those wet clothes until dawn, you will surely fall ill."
Leng Feiyan said, "But... but..." In this desolate mountain forest, a lone man and woman... Cang Ge naturally understood what she meant. He sat on the other side of the rack holding the wet clothes and said, "Miss Yan, do not worry. I... will certainly not overstep any bounds."
Leng Feiyan cursed inwardly. *How can this man be so tedious? A total blockhead at such a young age! I’ve already gone this far, and he’s still acting so upright.* Despite her thoughts, her voice remained extremely shy and tender. "The wind is blowing right there, and your clothes are wet too... why don't... why don't you come sit over here?"
Cang Ge replied, "I am a practitioner of martial arts; a little dampness and cold are nothing. You need not worry."
Leng Feiyan was truly defeated by this man. Having no other choice, she took off her outer layers to dry them by the fire. Then, using a fallen log as a pillow, she closed her eyes to feign sleep. The fire crackled beside her ear. Occasionally, she would open her eyes to see the faint silhouette of the man reflected behind the swaying clothes.
Beneath the ancient trees of the desolate forest in the eleventh month, he sat there in his wet clothes, keeping a silent vigil the entire night.
