“Phew.”
Bai Ting’er let out a long breath, patting her not-so-small chest.
“The imperial edict and the Demon Suppression Bureau, I was scared to death.”
The women of Wuxiu Manor had lived outside Yingshan Town for years, rarely even visiting the county town. When had they ever faced such a situation?
Especially Bai Ting’er, the most timid of them all. If not for her cultivation and Lu Zheng by her side, she might have been terrified to the point of collapse.
“What’s there to fear?” Lu Zheng said nonchalantly. “We’re helping the Great Jing Dynasty stabilise the people. Could he really turn against us? Honestly, I think this Emperor Jing is a bit stingy. Just a plaque, no spiritual pills or fruits or anything like that.”
“Mundane matters are settled mundanely,” Liu Qingyan said with a smile. “I was rewarded as a physician, so naturally, the emperor wouldn’t give me cultivation items.”
“I know, I’m just saying,” Lu Zheng nodded. “Anyway, you’re not losing out this time. With this plaque in hand, let’s see who dares to come and subdue demons.”
Liu Qingyan chuckled. “I’m healing people perfectly well. Why would anyone come to subdue me?”
“That’s why I say this script is all wrong.”
Lu Zheng had been half-expecting a monk to show up, preaching about the divide between humans and demons, ready to seal Liu Qingyan under Leifeng Pagoda.
Instead, they met Guangyue, who only wanted to drag Lu Zheng away. Now, because of a vow, Guangyue was planning to spend the rest of his life at Jiming Temple.
Rubbing his chin, Lu Zheng wondered if the light of fortune he had siphoned from Guangyue had been returned to the heavens.
What a sin, what a sin.
Du Yueyao hadn’t been home in months. This time, her mother insisted she stay a few extra days, which was only natural.
So, it was Lu Zheng, Liu Qingyan, and the five women of Hua Yixing who set off, chatting and laughing as they headed home. At the Lushui Riverbank, they saw Zhu Yushan and Li Hanyu waiting at the ferry.
“Brother Lu!”
“Sister Qingyan!”
“My father-in-law has arranged a family banquet at the River God Mansion. Stay there tonight,” Zhu Yushan said, approaching with a smile.
“Politeness is no match for hospitality,” Lu Zheng said, pulling Liu Qingyan forward to greet them.
They all knew each other, so there was no formality. Leading the way, they used a water-repelling technique, parting the river as they went.
…
After staying overnight at the Lushui River God Mansion, they arrived in Tonglin County early the next morning.
The five women of Hua Yixing didn’t follow Lu Zheng into the city, bidding farewell instead.
Over the past two months, they had gained considerable merit and golden light. Besides disaster relief, when they discussed cultivation, Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan offered generous guidance.
Lu Zheng, versed in the teachings of two Taoist schools and multiple techniques, had a deep understanding of cultivation after expending his light of fortune.
Liu Qingyan, as a demon herself, had been taught the *Moon Illumination Scripture* and the *Nine Transformations of Heavenly Demon Blood Refining* by Hu Yijun. While she couldn’t pass these on, she could still guide the women through their cultivation bottlenecks.
So, rather than saying the five women of Hua Yixing helped for two months, it was more like they underwent a two-month study abroad, reaping great rewards.
Now, with everything settled and having consumed the essence of the vermilion fruit, they were ready to return home, digest their gains, and perhaps advance further after a month of seclusion.
Yes, since no one knew the fruit’s name, Lu Zheng called it the vermilion fruit. In China, that name carried immense prestige, exuding grandeur.
The way Liu Qingyan and the others looked at Lu Zheng was odd, though.
Vermilion fruit… a red fruit?
Still, it was Lu Zheng’s spoils, and when he named it with a reverent expression, it somehow convinced everyone.
Thus, the fruit was called the vermilion fruit.
With the five women gone, only Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan remained.
They exchanged a smile, holding hands.
“These two months have been tough. Let’s rest well at home for a few days,” Lu Zheng said.
Liu Qingyan nodded.
With their cultivation, treating common ailments wasn’t tiring, but this was her husband’s care, and Liu Qingyan wasn’t foolish enough to dismiss it.
They strolled leisurely into the city.
Summer had arrived, and the city was shaded with green trees, bustling with hurried passersby. The northern refugees who once crowded the city had long returned home.
Everything in the city was as it always was. The officials in Tonglin County were too low-ranking to know of their return, though the magistrate knew Qingyan was the famed Physician Goddess. Naturally, no one came to greet them.
Enjoying the ordinary street scenery, they returned home with ease.
“Sister! Brother-in-law!”
“Qingyan, Lu Lang.”
Old Master Liu was at Benevolence Hall, leaving only Liu Qingcuan, Madam Liu, and two old servants at home.
“Sister, you’re finally back! Is it true you’re the Physician Goddess everyone’s talking about?” Liu Qingcuan darted forward.
“It’s me,” Liu Qingyan nodded.
“Sister, you’re amazing!” Liu Qingcuan clapped, then turned to Lu Zheng. “Why doesn’t brother-in-law have a title, like Physician Duke?”
Duke, my foot!
*Thwack!* A flick to the forehead.
“Ouch!”
“Why’d you hit me, brother-in-law?” Liu Qingcuan asked, clutching her head, teary-eyed.
“No reason,” Lu Zheng said calmly. “My medical skills are far behind Qingyan’s. Isn’t it normal I don’t have a title?”
Liu Qingyan grabbed Lu Zheng’s arm. “How can Lu Lang belittle himself? Without the peerless medical books you gave me, how could I have developed the *Little Star Hu Four Spirits Malaria Decoction*?”
“Exactly, exactly!” Liu Qingcuan nodded eagerly. “So brother-in-law definitely deserves to be Physician Du—ouch!”
Lu Zheng slowly withdrew his hand. “I have zero interest in being a duke.”
“Why not?” Liu Qingcuan asked.
Do you even need to ask?
Madam Liu pushed Liu Qingcuan aside, ushered the two inside, and said to her, “Go find your father. Tell him Lu Lang and Qingyan are back, and he should come home for lunch.”
“Alright, got it,” Liu Qingcuan said, leaving with a pout.
…
After chatting with Madam Liu, Lu Zheng returned to his own home.
He calmed the excited Uncle Li and Aunt Liu, told them he’d eat at the Liu household, and then slipped into the modern world to buy some fruits and snacks.
No need for wine. Not only did Lu Zheng’s gourd always hold plenty of Wuliangye, but his cellar was stocked with dozens of jars of it.
Carrying the goods to the Liu household, Old Master Liu returned for lunch, and they ate together.
On one side, Liu Qingyan discussed patient symptoms with her father.
On the other, under Liu Qingcuan’s pestering, Lu Zheng recounted their demon-slaying adventures, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
…
In the afternoon, Lu Zheng wanted Liu Qingyan to rest at home, but she refused, insisting on going with him to Peach Blossom Ridge.
After two months of travel, they could finally relax.
Or perhaps, get even more exhausted?
