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Chapter 21: Wen Tingguang!
At the very moment when the Moon Spirit Flower became within reach, a burst of strong wind shot forth from behind.
Swiftly sidestepping, Ling Feng discovered that the force he had sensed earlier wasn't aimed at him. Instead, it transformed into a suction force, inexplicably pulling the Moon Spirit Flower towards it.
“Who’s there?”
Ling Feng's eyelid twitched, a sudden urgency gripping his heart. When he turned around, he saw an elderly man in a green robe with a tuft of goat beard, calmly floating behind him.
Observing his clothing, it appeared that he was not affiliated with the Wenxian Sect.
"May I inquire, senior, who you are, and why did you attempt to seize my Moon Spirit Flower?"
With a furrowed brow, Ling Feng clenched his teeth and spoke.
"What do you mean by 'your Moon Spirit Flower'? In the world of rare treasures, it's a matter of first come, first served," the elderly man in the green robe squinted, smiling. "As an old man, I simply didn't want to be accused of taking advantage of the young, so I thought of compensating you with a few crystal coins or something."
From a ring on his hand, the elderly man in the green robe pulled out a bulging bag and casually threw it to Ling Feng. "Kid, take this. The crystal coins inside are enough to buy two Moon Spirit Flowers. I have some use for this flower, so I can't just let you have it!"
With those words, the elderly man in the green robe swung his sleeves and turned to leave.
"Senior, please wait!"
Ling Feng quickly called out to the elderly man in the green robe, recognizing the allure of crystal coins but realizing that Duanmu Qingshan's condition couldn't tolerate any delays.
The hidden injuries had already penetrated his internal organs. Every additional month of delay increased the risk and might even disrupt the entire treatment plan.
Not to mention that Duanmu Qingshan was his master, even if he were just an ordinary patient, Ling Feng couldn't stand by and watch healing herbs slip away right under his nose when treatment was possible.
"What's the matter, Do you think it's not enough?"
The elderly man in the green robe surprisingly kept his composure and calmly stated, "I've already mentioned that I have other plans for this Moon Spirit Flower. While it may appear to be taking advantage, the crystal coins serve as compensation. What more do you expect? Do you genuinely think I have no temper left?"
"No, sir, that's not my intention." Ling Feng hastily shook his head. "It's just, sir, if the life of a close relative of mine is at stake due to this Moon Spirit Flower, do you believe I should sacrifice that relative's life for a bag of crystal coins?"
"Well, you see..." the green-robed elderly man stroked his beard, "logically speaking, you shouldn't."
"That's exactly it, sir. Since you comprehend the challenges I face, it wouldn't be right to compel me to become disloyal and unfilial." Ling Feng returned the entire bag of crystal coins and declared firmly, "Sir, I only require the Moon Spirit Flower. Even if you present mountains of gold and silver before me, my stance remains unchanged."
"Kid, you've got a bit of filial piety[1] in you." The elderly man in the green robe nodded, actually returning the Moon Spirit Flower to Ling Feng. He shrugged, saying, "Well, the effects of this Moon Spirit Flower are nothing extraordinary. I find you somewhat likable, so I'll give it back to you."
With sincere gratitude, Ling Feng bowed deeply to the elderly man, expressing his thanks.
"Skip the pleasantries," the elderly man muttered, grumbling, "Came all the way for nothing, what rotten luck!"
With that, he turned to leave.
"Senior, please wait!" Ling Feng implored, halting the departure.
"Good grief, are you ever going to stop?" The elderly man in the green robe rolled his eyes, clearly growing impatient with the situation.
Ling Feng waved his hand, expressing gratitude for the returned Moon Spirit Flower. He continued, "I have nothing else to offer, but since you are willing to return the flower, I'd like to reciprocate your kindness. You mentioned needing the Moon Spirit Flower earlier. As far as I know, the flower is often used as a vaporizing agent in alchemy or for suppressing internal toxins. There are also alternative herbs that can substitute for the Moon Spirit Flower, and with your financial means, they should be obtainable from the market."
"Oh?" The elderly man raised an eyebrow, giving Ling Feng a scrutinizing look. "You're knowledgeable in medical principles too?"
"I have some knowledge," Ling Feng replied modestly with a smile.
"Ah, no, no, no..." The elderly man's gaze fixed upon Ling Feng as he rubbed his chin, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, well! Who would have thought that in this modest Wenxian Sect, a “master” like you would be concealed!"
Ling Feng's forehead darkened, and a subtle twitch graced the corner of his mouth. "Senior, your praise is too generous."
"I’m not exaggerating!" The elderly man patted Ling Feng on the shoulder, grinned, and said, "Even our... ahem, the physicians around my master, don't know of any spiritual medicine that can replace the effects of the Moon Spirit Flower. Yet, you, kid, actually know several! Your medical skills are undoubtedly extraordinary."
Ling Feng casually touched his nose and asked, "Is there anything you need my help with, Senior?"
"Actually, I do have a favor to ask, if you wouldn't mind giving it a try," the elderly man in the green robe squinted slightly, saying casually, "I'm Wen Tingguang. By the way, what's your name, young one?"
"Junior, Ling Feng!"
"So it's Ling Feng." Wen Tingguang smoothed his long beard and spoke slowly, "Young one, I currently have some pressing matters to attend to. However, in two months, I'll return. By then, I hope you can join me on a journey to treat a significant individual."
"A significant individual?" Ling Feng's eyes flickered. Thinking that Duanmu Qingshan's injuries would likely be healed in about two months, accompanying the old man on a journey shouldn't be a problem.
"Sure, I promise." Ling Feng nodded.
"Well, you've got guts, kid. You don't even ask where I'm dragging you, yet you're all in. If it were a risky venture, would you still tag along?" Wen Tingguang squinted, a faint smile on his face.
"Since I've already agreed, whether it's a perilous situation or traversing through fire and water, I won't even bat an eye!" Ling Feng stated with a resolute expression.
"Good, very well!"
With a hearty laugh, Wen Tingguang said, "I'm heading out. Take care of yourself, young lad!"
Finishing his words, Wen Tingguang's figure flickered, rising into the sky with the grace of a roc[2] spreading its wings. In a few ascents and descents, he soared into the clouds, swiftly vanishing from Ling Feng's sight.
"Sigh..."
Only when Wen Tingguang's figure had entirely disappeared on the distant horizon did Ling Feng release a long-held breath. Thankfully, Wen Tingguang wasn't an excessively malevolent individual. Otherwise, with his strength, taking Ling Feng's life would have been a simple matter.
"In a world teeming with formidable individuals, a small sect like Wenxian has a rather limited perspective."
With narrowed eyes, Ling Feng swiftly flew towards Little Bamboo Peak, not wasting a moment, and kept a firm grip on the Moon Spirit Flower in his hand.
1. Filial piety is the virtue of exhibiting the proper love and respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors, particularly within the context of Confucian, Chinese Buddhist, and Daoist ethics. ☜
2. The roc is an enormous legendary bird of prey in the popular mythology of the Middle East. ☜