Elder Li's residence was not extravagant, nor particularly large. It was a simple, modest house with a small courtyard enclosed by a two-meter-high, half-meter-thick earthen wall. A crescent-shaped archway was carved into the wall facing the road, and through the half-open wooden gate, Han Li could see a crowd gathered inside.
Once inside the courtyard, Han Li realized that the number of visitors was far greater than he'd initially thought. Groups of three or four people had gathered, speaking in hushed tones about Elder Li's condition.
Han Li had heard of Elder Li's reputation as one of the few kind-hearted high-ranking members of the Seven Xuan Sect. He was known for his easy-going nature, rarely showing anger, and for avoiding power struggles. His popularity was immense, and now that he was in a critical condition, it was only natural that many people—whether out of sincerity or politeness—would come to visit him. The courtyard was thus filled with people trying to show their concern.
As Han Li entered, he was immediately recognized by the crowd. Lower-ranking individuals such as protectors quickly surrounded him, eagerly greeting him.
"Han Shenyi, good to see you!"
"Han Daifu has arrived!"
…
The greetings came in waves, and no matter how much Han Li tried to tune them out, the voices were unrelenting.
With a bright smile plastered on his face, Han Li greeted each person, showing politeness, though inwardly, he found the empty pleasantries to be quite draining. Fortunately, the higher-ranking individuals, like the vice-hall masters and attendants, were more reserved. They merely nodded at him from afar, showing some respect without crowding around.
This subtle distinction made Han Li feel a bit more at ease. At least he wouldn't have to deal with too many overbearing people.
Ma Rong, due to his lower status, couldn't interject into the conversations and could only watch anxiously as Han Li chatted with the others. He rubbed his hands together nervously, clearly on edge.
Finally, after Han Li had greeted the last person, Ma Rong couldn't hold himself back any longer. He rushed over and grabbed Han Li's arm, pulling him toward the house. This somewhat rash behavior caused a few people who had hoped to gain favor with Han Li to frown in dissatisfaction.
Outwardly, Han Li chuckled softly, but inwardly, he was relieved to be rid of the endless formalities.
Ma Rong led Han Li directly into the guest room.
Inside, there weren't many people—besides a few family members, there were two elders and the vice-leader of the sect. To Han Li's surprise, however, Li Feiyu was also in the room.
This caught Han Li off guard. As far as he knew, Li Feiyu and Elder Li didn't have any direct connection, so why was he here?
Before he could dwell on the question, Han Li noticed that Li Feiyu was standing next to a young girl who appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old. She had a tear-streaked face and a petite frame, and Li Feiyu seemed to be offering her comfort in a way that was unusually tender. This was a stark contrast to the indifferent, aloof manner he usually displayed with others, including Han Li. The change in Li Feiyu's demeanor was so obvious that it was impossible to ignore.
Han Li's eyes widened in realization, and he couldn't help but find the situation rather amusing. It was clear that Li Feiyu had fallen for this girl, and it was the girl who had wrapped him around her little finger.
Curious about the girl's looks, Han Li examined her more closely, wondering what kind of beauty could so completely captivate someone like Li Feiyu.
The girl had a delicate, sweet face, with two small braids of black hair falling behind her back. Her eyes were red from crying, and her overall appearance made her seem fragile and vulnerable, like someone in need of protection. She was dressed in a light green dress that complemented her petite figure, and she wore a jade hairpin in her hair. Her pitiful expression made it easy to feel an overwhelming urge to hold her and comfort her.
"Wow, she really is a beauty," Han Li thought to himself, somewhat envious of Li Feiyu's situation. It seemed understandable that someone like him, usually so reckless and unrestrained, would fall for a girl like this. Han Li couldn't help but feel a twinge of both envy and jealousy, wondering when he might find someone who could make him feel the same way.
Just as Han Li was contemplating this, Ma Rong hurried over to him and began introducing the others in the room.
He started with the familiar faces—Ma Menmaster and Elder Qian. Han Li had met both of them before, so he greeted them warmly.
"Ma Menmaster, Elder Qian, it's good to see you!"
"Ah, Han Xiaodafu is here!" Ma Menmaster said with a smile, exuding warmth and friendliness. He didn't try to play the role of an imposing sect leader.
Han Li couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly at the formality, thinking to himself, Why add a 'little' to my name?
Elder Qian, on the other hand, nodded coldly, his demeanor as distant as always. Han Li knew that Elder Qian practiced a unique internal technique that required emotional detachment. His coldness was not personal; it was just his way.
Then, Ma Rong introduced a third elder, a burly, red-faced man who was unfamiliar to Han Li. His hands were rough, and his fingers were short and thick, indicating that he had a strong martial background.
"This is Elder Zhao, a close friend of my master. He's just returned to the mountain after overseeing the work of the Jubaotang outside the mountain," Ma Rong explained.
Elder Zhao gave a dismissive grunt and eyed Han Li with a skeptical look, clearly doubting the young doctor's abilities. Han Li didn't pay much mind to this, choosing to keep his greeting polite but neutral, not wanting to engage with someone who seemed intent on questioning his skills.
With a few more exchanges of pleasantries, Han Li found himself wondering how long he would have to stay in this situation, but there was little he could do for now. The scene in front of him made it clear that the dynamics in the room were more complicated than they appeared at first glance.