Shen Qiao had initially believed that Yan Wushi's injuries were not serious. After so many days, even if he had not completely recovered, he should at least have been mostly healed.
Yet upon examining his meridians, Shen Qiao discovered stagnant qi, congealed blood, and clear signs of obstruction. The condition was not improving—it had worsened.
Could it be that Xueting's martial arts had reached the level of appearing gentle on the surface while inflicting damage deep within?
But if Xueting's cultivation had truly reached such a realm, how could he have been defeated by Yan Wushi, even to the extent of having his martial foundation destroyed?
Yan Wushi covered his mouth and coughed softly before speaking.
"These past few days, I have been occupied with the affairs of Huanyue Sect. Many of our scattered holdings required attention. I had no time to properly tend to my injuries and did not expect them to worsen."
Shen Qiao's brows drew together.
"This concerns your health. How can you treat it so lightly?"
Yan Wushi merely smiled, unconcerned.
"It is nothing fatal. In three to five days, I will recover."
After a brief silence, Shen Qiao reached into his robes and produced a small porcelain jar, which he gently placed upon the table.
"The inner cultivation methods we practice are fundamentally opposed. I cannot directly heal you. However, Xuandushan possesses many ancient medicinal prescriptions. This medicine was prepared according to one such formula. I recently had it refined at the pharmacy. If you trust it, take three tablets daily to ease your injuries."
Yan Wushi accepted the porcelain jar. It was faintly warm, still carrying Shen Qiao's lingering body heat.
His thumb slowly traced the smooth surface, his expression unreadable.
Shen Qiao paid the gesture little mind. He assumed Yan Wushi's suspicious nature remained unchanged and that the medicine might later be discarded. Such waste would be regrettable—the tablets contained rare herbs and could save lives.
"If you do not intend to use it," Shen Qiao added calmly,
"then return it. Your injuries are not beyond remedy."
Yan Wushi chuckled.
"And why would I refuse?"
Without hesitation, he removed the stopper, poured out three tablets, and swallowed them. Reaching forward, he casually picked up the plum drink before Shen Qiao and drank deeply.
"I already feel relief," he declared leisurely.
Shen Qiao sighed.
"It is not a miracle cure."
Yan Wushi laughed.
"I was referring to the plum drink. It is said that cultivators may even infuse medicine with their own essence. Since you have already tasted this, does it not carry your traces as well?"
Even after enduring Yan Wushi's frequent provocations, Shen Qiao could not prevent a faint flush from rising to his face.
Seeing Shen Qiao move to stand, Yan Wushi caught his wrist.
"Very well. It is the medicine, not the drink. But when did you visit the pharmacy? How did I remain unaware?"
Shen Qiao's expression grew solemn.
"Must I report my every action to Sect Leader Yan?"
"Of course not," Yan Wushi replied smoothly.
"But I worry for you. What if you lacked silver? What if you were deceived?"
"So in Sect Leader Yan's eyes," Shen Qiao said coolly,
"this poor Daoist is truly a fool?"
Yan Wushi smiled faintly, though his thoughts differed.
Aloud, he answered,
"Since leaving the mountain, you have changed greatly. I have witnessed your growth. You are far wiser than before."
Shen Qiao exhaled softly.
"Sect Leader Yan scarcely appears as one burdened by injury. Perhaps if you spoke less, your recovery would be swifter."
Yan Wushi's amusement deepened.
"That would not do. Without Shen-daozhang's medicine, my recovery would surely slow. I hear Yang Jian has granted you silver?"
"That is correct. It is intended for the construction of Xuanduguan."
"Does this mean you intend to remain in Chang'an?"
"That remains uncertain. I must first return to Xuandushan. Should matters there be resolved, and should Xuandushan reenter the secular world, Chang'an would be a fitting place. Yang Jian bears the qualities of a capable ruler—fair and tolerant. This may be an opportunity for the Daoist sects to rise once more."
Yan Wushi's gaze sharpened slightly.
"He acts to win the hearts of the people."
Shen Qiao smiled gently.
"I am aware. Yet there is no inherent fault in such intent."