Chapter Twenty-Three: The Twin Lotus, Sudden Mutation

The Hall of Benevolence faced the street. Aside from the resident physician, it sold common medicines such as remedies for injuries, hemostatic powder, antidote pills, and the like. Business was thriving. With so many people venturing into the mountains, most would purchase their supplies here; if they fell ill or were injured, they would come as well. There were even more than ten sickbeds in the back, fully prepared for emergencies. The establishment also included several courtyards for residence. When the Hall of Benevolence first arrived, it had bought the land at great expense and rebuilt everything.

Yang Fan was led into one of these side courtyards. The Nangong siblings, Manager Liu, and Steward Wang were all present. There were three others as well; the aura of blood around them was intense, especially one middle-aged man whose internal energy had condensed into a compact mass, compressed to the extreme, like a small sun. If Yang Fan hadn’t been within fifteen meters, he might not have noticed it at all.

“This man is a master, an absolute master,” Yang Fan thought. He couldn't determine the man’s exact level, but he was certain it far surpassed the eighth rank. Still, Yang Fan didn’t look again, pretending not to notice.

“Nangong Brother!” Yang Fan showed a shy expression, as if the attention from so many people made him uneasy.

“Xiao Fan, you have an extraordinary talent in medicine. Everyone is eager to see how you fare in martial arts as well. Would you like to give it a try?” Nangong Wentian approached, smiling warmly, as if he was genuinely amiable.

“Alright!” Yang Fan nodded earnestly. He moved to the center of the courtyard, demonstrated his footwork, and executed Fierce Tiger Fist. As his fists struck, the wind howled, like a tiger descending the mountain. His internal energy surged, noticeably stronger than three days prior. This was the ‘locked energy’ state, revealing only a portion of his strength.

“In just three days, he’s achieved proficiency in Fierce Tiger Fist. Such talent truly deserves the title of genius,” Manager Liu exclaimed in admiration. The others revealed expressions of delight.

“When I practiced Fierce Tiger Fist, it took me a full month to reach proficiency,” Nangong Wenxin said with a hint of envy.

Nangong Wentian glanced sideways at her, thinking: You had already trained in several foundational fist techniques before tackling the Fierce Tiger Fist, with daily guidance, analysis, sparring, and observation of tigers, barely managing to achieve proficiency.

Yang Fan’s abilities were given even greater attention. His status rose significantly. His daily tasks were simple: every morning, Manager Liu would spend an hour teaching him medical theory—diagnosis, observation, and the principles of differentiation—then provide him with prescriptions to memorize, medical cases to study, and so forth. The rest of the time was his own to arrange, focused mainly on cultivation. He was supplied with ample meat, specially prepared blood-tonifying dishes. As Steward Wang privately remarked, “We know his background well: young and immensely talented. If we neglect to nurture him, we’ll be struck by lightning for sure.”

Yang Fan’s life was full and fulfilling. One day, the school declared a rest day, as they were to enter the mountain for special training the following morning. Yang Fan, Da Hu, and Han Li strolled through the street, clearing their minds and relaxing. They bought snacks, sampled treats, feeling at ease. At the same time, they prepared for the mountain expedition.

At that moment, a group appeared ahead. At the forefront was a young man dressed in white, holding a folding fan, exuding elegance and charm, with a touch of mature steadiness. At his side walked a wolfdog, half as tall as a man; passersby gave way wherever they went.

“That’s the eldest son of the county constable, Liu Yuan Ying,” Han Li murmured. “Since County Constable Liu Kaizong left, he stayed behind to oversee Taifeng Tower. He’s ruthless and cunning, repays every slight, so best not provoke him.”

“As the county constable’s eldest son, shouldn’t he have a brighter future? Why remain here?” Yang Fan asked, casting extra glances at the dog, feeling inexplicably uneasy.

“I don’t know,” Han Li shook his head. “But for Nanshan Town, it’s more curse than blessing.”

Yang Fan nodded silently. If a figure like this caused trouble, it would be no ordinary problem for the town.

“Fan, do you know why we’re suddenly being sent into the mountain?” Da Hu asked. “It shouldn’t be this way. We haven’t even finished the basics—what’s the point?”

“I don’t know either,” Yang Fan frowned.

“Don’t look at me, I’m just as confused!” Han Li quickly shook his head under their gaze. “It shouldn’t be happening, maybe something changed. After all, there’s still the horned wolf pack.”

Yang Fan knew all too well how dangerous the horned wolves were.

The three parted ways and returned home. Evening came. As Yang Fan finished his training, someone knocked on his door. Lin Xiaoyu pushed open the gate and entered, calling sweetly, “Brother Fan, I brought you something good!”

She was already in the courtyard, placing her bundle on the stone table.

“What is it?” Yang Fan asked, sniffing the air and laughing. “Something to eat?”

“Yes!” Lin Xiaoyu’s eyes curved into crescent moons. “You’re heading into the mountain tomorrow, so I baked some flatbreads—they won’t spoil easily and will last several days! There’s jerky too. Oh, and your water pouch was old, so I got you a new one.”

“Thank you, Xiaoyu!”

“Brother Fan, don’t thank me—this is what I should do.”

“Alright, then I won’t thank you. When I return from the mountain, I’ll bring you something good.”

“Really? You better not lie to me!”

“If I lie, I’m a puppy!”

“Hehe, bark for me first!”

“Woof woof…”

“Haha…”

Lin Xiaoyu left, laughing. Yang Fan brought the bundle inside and resumed his cultivation.

The next day, at dawn, Yang Fan was already up. He carried the Black Cloud Blade on his back, a small bundle, and a new water pouch embroidered with twin lotuses at his waist. A short sword was tucked into his breast.

After meeting up with Da Hu, they hurried to the northern edge of town, where a crowd had already gathered in small groups, waiting. Eventually, the Nangong siblings arrived, accompanied by three martial artists, clearly assigned for their protection.

Manager Liu and six or seven others were also present to ensure their safety.

“This mountain trip is special training. Stay close to the group, no straggling, no wandering; only operate within permitted areas. Otherwise, you’ll be expelled from the Hall of Benevolence!” Manager Liu’s tone was stern. After seeking approval from Nangong Wentian, he waved his hand and led the way forward.

Everyone followed.

“Nangong Brother, why are we going into the mountain?” Yang Fan asked quietly.

“There’s word that the Blood Wolf Bandits are active nearby, possibly targeting the Hall of Benevolence. We’re not worried for ourselves, but we fear the apprentices might get caught up. So we’re heading into the mountain to avoid trouble, and will return once the situation is resolved,” Nangong Wentian whispered. “Don’t tell anyone.”

“Alright!” Yang Fan nodded. “What about the horned wolf pack? If we run into them, it could be dangerous.”

“They’ve already been dealt with.”

“Dealt with?”

“Yes! It’s just a pack of wolves.”

“Why not deal with the Blood Wolf Bandits as well?”

“They’re elusive, possibly with connections behind the scenes. Don’t worry—the Blood Wolf Bandits are ruthless, but they rarely massacre common folk, only targeting merchants and prominent families.”

“That’s good.”

By the time the sun rose, they had reached the foot of the mountain. After a brief rest, they pressed onward. Da Hu was excited, rushing to the front, eager to be a trailblazer. Clearly, this mountain expedition was different from previous ones—at least, safety seemed assured.

Han Li came over, pulling Yang Fan to the rear of the group.

“Han Brother, what is it?” Yang Fan asked.

“There’s something I only heard last night. I’m not sure if I should tell you.” Han Li hesitated, then smiled wryly. “I thought it over for a long time, but decided I should tell you, so you won’t blame me later.”

Yang Fan’s heart skipped; he felt a sudden unease. “What is it?”

“Liu Yuan Ying is planning to forcibly seize your neighborhood,” Han Li said gravely. “Last night, he met with the town mayor—rather, he pressured him to submit. He intends to evict the residents in your area by force, possibly within the next couple of days.”

“Really?” Yang Fan’s eyes flashed coldly.

“It’s the truth,” Han Li nodded.

“Thank you!” Yang Fan said, then hurried to Nangong Wentian’s side and whispered, “Nangong Brother, something urgent has come up at home. I need to return and can’t join you in the mountain.”

“Return?” Nangong Wentian was startled and frowned. “Xiao Fan, we’re already in the mountain and will be back in a few days. Is it necessary?”

“Yes, it’s urgent. I must go,” Yang Fan’s tone was firm. “Brother, sorry—I can’t go with you. Please look after Da Hu in the mountain. If he asks about me, just say I’m acting alone.”

“Very well.” Nangong Wentian hesitated, but seeing Yang Fan’s determined gaze, he nodded. “If you run into trouble, go to the Hall of Benevolence and find Steward Wang. Remember, you’re part of the Hall now—we’re not afraid of trouble.”

“Thank you!” Yang Fan bowed deeply.

He also gave Han Li a few instructions, glanced at Da Hu ahead, then turned and left.

“Han Li!” Nangong Wentian called, “Others may not know your identity, but I do. What did you tell him to make him rush home so urgently?”

Han Li smiled bitterly. Watching Yang Fan’s receding figure, he hesitated for a moment, then sighed, heading into the mountains. He said to Nangong Wentian, “Something might happen in town.”