Qiantang City, Ten-Mile Langdang.
Hidden within the dense mist was an academy, where two men sat by the window sharing a drink.
"It's said that two interesting friends have recently arrived in Qiantang," remarked the elder of the two, stroking his thin beard as he placed a piece on the board and took a sip of tea.
The younger scholar smiled. "Qiantang City sees countless people come and go every day, many of whom are quite interesting. But most of them can hardly be called friends."
"That female healer—she cured Lord Li's illness as soon as she arrived. You and I both examined Lord Li's condition before, and the verdict was clear: incurable. Yet such an exceptional healer turns out to be a young and beautiful woman. Isn't that interesting?" the elder asked.
The younger scholar placed a piece on the board. "So, Master has already sneaked off to see her and knows she's young and beautiful?"
"Ah, no, no," the elder waved his hand dismissively. "Shan Tang mentioned it to me the other day."
"Did Shan Tang also tell you that this Miracle Healer is accompanied by a man who always carries an oil-paper umbrella? A man who bears a striking resemblance to a certain legendary figure. And if that man has entered Qiantang City, he is most certainly not our friend," the younger scholar said gravely.
The elder sighed. "You should go down the mountain and take a look. But I suspect that if the man from the legends has come with a purpose, given his abilities, he wouldn’t let us discover him so easily."
"This…" The younger scholar gave an awkward laugh. "Master isn’t going?"
"You go first. What if they mean no harm?" the elder chuckled.
The younger scholar’s cheek twitched slightly. "And if they do mean harm, I might not make it back."
"Who is this legendary figure you're talking about?" A white-robed scholar carrying a book chest and a sword at his waist appeared outside the window. Though he addressed them, his eyes were fixed on the board. He frowned slightly. "The white pieces have lost. There’s no need to continue this game."
The elder laughed heartily. "Since Nephew Xie says I’ve won, then I’ve truly won! No need to continue, no need!"
The younger scholar waved his hand in frustration, then turned to the man outside the window. "Senior Brother Xie, are you leaving today?"
The white-robed scholar nodded. "I’ve read most of the books in the Academy, so it’s time for me to go. Since I’ve benefited from the Academy’s knowledge, I should also do something in return. Who is this person at the foot of the mountain? I can go and find out."
"Senior Brother Xie, have you heard of a killer from Dark River who always carries an oil-paper umbrella, codenamed Umbrella Ghost, and prefers to kill on rainy nights?" the younger scholar asked.
The white-robed scholar froze. "Su Muyu?"
The younger scholar nodded. "Exactly! Judging by your reaction, Senior Brother Xie, do you know him?"
The white-robed scholar nodded. "You could say we have some history."
The elder clicked his tongue. "History? Nephew Xie, as expected of someone who’s read all the books and traveled all the roads—you even have friends in Dark River."
"Most people from Dark River are detestable, especially that little mustached one. But Su Muyu is an exception," the white-robed scholar said with a smile as he turned away. "Where are they at the foot of the mountain?""At the southern end of the city, at the intersection of Luo Huai Street, there's a large estate with the sign 'Crane Huai Pharmacy.' Su Muyu is there," the elder gentleman said slowly. "Just ask him if he came here to kill. If that's the case, then the Academy will have no choice but to intervene."
"With the Academy overseeing Qiantang City, no one has dared to cause trouble here since the founding of the northern kingdom. Rest assured," the white-robed scholar replied, shouldering his book chest as he left the courtyard and headed down the mountain.
Crane Huai Pharmacy.
Su Muyu sat on a wooden stool, grinding herbs, while in the distance, Bai Hehuai lethargically conducted consultations. A long line of young women waited, all stealing glances at Su Muyu and whispering among themselves.
"Though I love money, this way of earning it is downright shameless," Bai Hehuai muttered under her breath before raising her hand. "You're pregnant."
"Oh, I'm pregnant," the woman replied absentmindedly before suddenly realizing. "What? I... I'm not even married yet!"
"Just kidding. You've been too irritable lately. Go get some herbal tea from Young Master Su and brew it at home," Bai Hehuai said with a yawn.
At that moment, the courtyard gate creaked open again. Su Muyu paused his grinding, his hand instinctively moving toward his waist.
Bai Hehuai glanced up impatiently. "The sign outside says we only take thirty patients a day. Today's quota is full. If you want to see Su Mu—er, if you want a consultation, come earlier tomorrow! Huh? A man? Young Master Su, your charm knows no bounds!"
The white-robed scholar scanned the room before his gaze settled on Su Muyu. He smiled faintly. "It's been a long time."
Su Muyu withdrew his hand and stood, bowing slightly. "Master Xie."
"This white-robed gentleman is quite handsome too, isn't he?" someone in the line whispered with a giggle.
Bai Hehuai blinked, then waved dismissively. "No more consultations today! Everyone, take the tokens you received and come back tomorrow in order!"
"Why stop now?" someone grumbled.
"This man is here for treatment—he has a highly contagious disease. If you don't leave now, you might catch it!" Bai Hehuai declared loudly.
"Ah! Why didn't you say so earlier?" The "patients" who had just been admiring the scholar's elegance immediately covered their noses with handkerchiefs, skirting around him as they rushed out.
Once the crowd had dispersed, Su Muyu turned to Bai Hehuai. "This gentleman is the current overseer of the Mountain Front Academy—Xie Xuan."
Bai Hehuai gasped. "The Confucian Sword Immortal?"
"And this lady is—" Su Muyu began introducing Bai Hehuai, but she had already dashed forward, stopping right in front of Xie Xuan, her face alight with excitement. "You're Xie Xuan, the Confucian Sword Immortal who never practiced swordsmanship but drew his sword with the grace of a Sword Immortal on his first try! I've long admired you! I'm Bai Hehuai, the Miracle Healer of Medicine King Valley, Xin Baicao's grandmaster's junior!"
"Grandmaster Xin's junior?" Xie Xuan looked startled.
"Yes, yes! No deception here!" Bai Hehuai raised her hand as if swearing an oath.
Xie Xuan hastily bowed. "I am of the same generation as Sikong Changfeng, who is half a disciple to Grandmaster Xin. That makes you two generations above me. My deepest respects, Miracle Healer Bai!"Su Muyu smiled as he pulled Bai Hehuai aside: "I didn't expect to meet Mr. Xie in Qiantang City. Did you come here specifically to find me?"
Xie Xuan nodded: "At the request of a senior, I wanted to know your purpose for coming to Qiantang City."
Su Muyu said calmly: "It's not for killing."
Xie Xuan turned away: "Then there's nothing more to discuss."
"No hurry, it's rare for us to meet." Su Muyu smiled. "Why not stay for a meal?"
Xie Xuan frowned slightly: "It's quite unusual to see you smile..."
Bai Hehuai suddenly grabbed Xie Xuan's hand: "Run!"
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