The Supporting Male Characters Who Died Alone All Those Years Later

Indeed, the righteous sect members were displeased. Victory was within reach, yet their enemy suddenly took his own life, dampening their triumph by half. Their feelings were mixed, with some even acknowledging Meng Xiaoyao as a ruthless figure of his time.

“Heh, he was never worthy!” Yuan Changsheng sneered coldly.

“He’s not worthy, not worthy at all! He’s just a big demon! Unforgivable! He deserved a thousand cuts! Dying like this lets him off too easily!” Those who were intimidated immediately changed their tune, speaking cautiously.

“Let’s go,” He Dongchen spoke up amidst the silence. Yuan Changsheng nodded, holding his arm.

The two walked away side by side, leaving the rest of the Demon Cult members behind to handle their own affairs.

They hadn’t gone far when Yuan Changsheng glanced at He Dongchen’s legs, expressing concern, “Are you really okay? Don’t force yourself.”

He Dongchen smiled lazily, “I’m just lazy, my legs aren’t useless.”

However, he furrowed his brows slightly and swayed his body, forcing a smile, “I’m alright.”

‘I’m alright’ meant he wasn’t. Yuan Changsheng understood, then reached out, encircling He Dongchen’s waist, and using lightness technique, they flew forward.

“Miss Yuan,” He Dongchen suddenly spoke, pointing northward, “Money Valley is in that direction.”

“Oh, oh, I’m directionally challenged,” Yuan Changsheng chuckled awkwardly.

The two flew over the grassland like a pair of anxious swallows returning to their nest, with a gentle breeze behind them and a clear sky above.

***

At Money Valley, Yu Zhu and Kong Qing paced anxiously at the gate, straining their eyes and fretting. Nearby sat a wheelchair.

“Why haven’t they come back? Could something have happened to the Valley Master?”

“Yeah, it’s nerve-wracking.”

Suddenly, Yu Zhu pointed ahead, “Look, isn’t that the Valley Master and Miss Yuan?”

Squinting, Kong Qing looked over and, after a moment, excitedly grabbed Yu Zhu and bounced, “The Valley Master is back!”

Then they watched wide-eyed as the Valley Master, held by Miss Yuan, flew directly into the valley.

“This seems a bit odd,” Kong Qing scratched his head. Normally it’s the man carrying the woman. Why is it reversed for our Valley Master?

“Surely the Valley Master must be injured!” Yu Zhu exclaimed loudly, hastily pushing the wheelchair aside and running into the valley. Kong Qing followed belatedly.

But when they arrived, they saw their Valley Master calm and composed, even with a hint of rosy complexion.

“Watch what I do. Lin Changjian and the others will be here soon. You wait outside the valley,” He Dongchen said, then smiled warmly at Yuan Changsheng. “Thank you, Miss Yuan, for bringing me back. Let me treat you to a meal.”

“Do you have wine?” Yuan Changsheng’s eyes gleamed.

“Yes, peach blossom wine.”

So they ate their meal, enjoying it thoroughly.

Lin Changjian was severely injured and carried back to Money Valley. Jiang Xinyue tightly held his hand, tears streaming down her face, heartbroken.

Beside them, Shen Youcai felt extremely sorry, unable to even feel jealous in time.

Yu Zhu, as usual, took care of Lin Changjian’s injuries, treating his wounds calmly. “Our Valley Master is having a meal with Miss Yuan. Please wait a moment.”

“Why can’t it be faster? We’ll pay extra!” Jiang Xinyue anxiously urged.

Kong Qing chimed in, “I don’t think they’ll be quick. Something’s off between them.”

Jiang Xinyue: ??? What’s off?

Finally, He Dongchen arrived with Yuan Changsheng, who was now full of food and drink.

After a few drinks, Yuan Changsheng was slightly tipsy, cheeks flushed, but his steps were steady. Upon entering, he saw Shen Youcai and immediately pulled out the Green Spirit Fruit from his pocket, tossing it to him.

“Hey, be careful,” Shen Youcai carefully caught the Green Spirit Fruit. This small fruit had cost him thousands gold taels, and even he couldn’t help but feel a pang.

“My 50,000 gold taels?” Yuan Changsheng asked, patting the whip at her waist, her gaze threatening.

“I’ve already sent someone to bring it with all haste!” Shen Youcai quickly assured her.

“That’s about right,” Yuan Changsheng said, satisfied.

Jiang Xinyue’s voice trembled as she spoke, “Doctor He, please come and see Brother Lin. He’s not doing well.”

Lin Changjian had been struck hard by Meng Xiaoyao, and then witnessed Yuan Changsheng whipping Meng Xiaoyao away with all his might. He was deeply affected and had now fallen into unconsciousness, his face as pale as paper, his breathing nearly imperceptible.

He Dongchen stepped forward to check his pulse. After a moment, he withdrew his hand and focused his gaze on the Green Spirit Fruit in Shen Youcai’s hand.

Everyone understood instantly. Jiang Xinyue looked at Shen Youcai pitifully, tears welling up in her eyes. “Brother Shen, Brother Lin is in critical condition. Please…”

“No need to say more!” Shen Youcai waved his hand decisively. Then he placed the Green Spirit Fruit into Jiang Xinyue’s hands and said affectionately, “As long as I can help Miss Jiang, I’m willing to risk it all.”

“Brother Shen, I have nothing to repay your kindness in this life, only in the next…” Jiang Xinyue was deeply moved, tears streaming down her face. Then she turned and handed the Green Spirit Fruit to He Dongchen.

“Please use this medicine, Doctor He.”

He Dongchen raised an eyebrow, examining the clear and translucent Green Spirit Fruit. Nonchalantly, he accepted it into his possession in front of everyone’s eyes.

Jiang Xinyue: !!! Money Valley’s master is starting to covet medicinal materials now!

Shen Youcai widened his eyes. Under the threat of Yuan Changsheng’s martial prowess, he could only lick his lips and ask, “Doctor He, what are your intentions?”

He Dongchen glanced at him but said nothing. Slowly, he withdrew a worthless pill from his sleeve, actually exchanged from the marketplace, and finally took out a jade bottle, handing it to Jiang Xinyue, whose eyes were now bloodshot. “This medicine can resolve Young Master Lin’s issues.”

Holding the jade bottle, Jiang Xinyue stared blankly. “Can it also restore his foundation?”

“Yes, it’s a one-step solution.”

At this, Jiang Xinyue became angry. “Then why didn’t you give Brother Lin the medicine earlier? Why did you insist on him fetching the Green Spirit Fruit!?”

He Dongchen was surprised. “The Green Spirit Fruit is my reward. Naturally, I must receive the reward first before I can treat the illness. Any problem with that?”

Jiang Xinyue’s face flushed red with suppressed anger. “Th-then why didn’t you say so earlier!”

“If you had asked earlier, you wouldn’t have been after the Green Spirit Fruit so seriously or confront the Demon Cult directly,” He Dongchen sighed.

Yuan Changsheng crossed her arms, standing aside and watching He Dongchen playfully manipulate people, observing how he had made Jiang Xinyue cry, looking pensive.

Though infuriated by He Dongchen’s antics, Jiang Xinyue hadn’t forgotten about her Brother Lin. Carefully, she poured out a brown pill from the jade bottle and fed it to Lin Changjian.

“The jade bottle must be returned,” a calm voice interjected from the side.

Jiang Xinyue took a deep breath, gritting her teeth. How could there be such an annoying person in this world!

Despite He Dongchen’s playful demeanor, the pill he provided indeed worked wonders. Lin Changjian’s complexion visibly improved, easing Jiang Xinyue’s resentment. She busied herself taking care of Lin Changjian, which amused Shen Youcai to no end as he eagerly joined in the work.

***

With the death of the Demon Cult’s leader and the defeat of many experts, their influence was on the decline. It would be a long time before they could make waves again. The righteous sects were jubilant. Finally, Money Valley took the lead, setting up a banquet outside the valley with flowing food and wine, creating a festive atmosphere.

As the spirits rose, they desired some sparring. Yuan Changsheng particularly enjoyed this part, occupying a stage, cracking his whip, inviting challengers.

However, sparring was nothing to fear for these martial artists, and it was an honor to exchange blows with experts. One after another, they took turns on the stage, making it lively.

He Dongchen, maintaining his façade of weakness, sat in his wheelchair watching Yuan Changsheng display her skills from below the stage.

After 3 days of such revelry, everyone had their fill of enjoyment and began to bid their farewells one by one.

Lin Changjian also woke up from his coma lively and energetic, but seemingly stimulated by Yuan Changsheng, he prepared to return home for closed-door cultivation.

This decision weighed heavily on Jiang Xinyue, who had been waiting for Lin Changjian to express his feelings. Finally fed up, she left with Shen Youcai.

Watching her angrily walking away, Yuan Changsheng raised an eyebrow at He Dongchen. “Are you playing with her like this out of jealousy for her beauty?”

He Dongchen’s stubborn personality was magnified in the presence of Jiang Xinyue and her companions.

“Why would you think that?” He Dongchen was puzzled.

“Otherwise…” Yuan Changsheng squinted, “do you like her and want to attract her attention this way?”

He Dongchen immediately changed his tune. “Yes, I envy her beauty.”

“Tsk, that’s too fake,” Yuan Changsheng scoffed, though her tone lightened a bit.

He Dongchen smiled but said nothing, handing her a bowl of chilled fruit. Halfway through, Yuan Changsheng felt a surge of internal energy and exclaimed in amazement, “Is there Green Spirit Fruit in this?”

“Is it delicious?” He Dongchen smiled faintly.

Yuan Changsheng was at a loss for words. Shen Youcai had spent a fortune on the Green Spirit Fruit, and now it had turned into a bowl of chilled fruit! What a waste!

Fortunately, Jiang Xinyue had left quickly; otherwise, she would have been devastated to learn about this.

Yuan Changsheng wasn’t one to hesitate. Since Doctor He had given her the fruit, she couldn’t waste a single bite. After hurriedly finishing it, she sat cross-legged to absorb its medicinal properties.

Now, the residual toxins in her body were completely eliminated.

***

A few days later, Money Valley fell into complete tranquility.

“Doctor He, I’m also leaving,” Yuan Changsheng said cheerfully, holding a bundle in her hand. “As the saying goes in the Central Plains, all good things must come to an end. Now that I’m healed, it’s time for me to leave.”

“Oh, by the way, the 50,000 gold taels that Shen Youcai sent are the first consultation fee I’m giving to Doctor He,” Yuan Changsheng raised her chin. “Wait for me, I’ll go earn some rewards and come back to repay the debt.”

Without waiting for He Dongchen to respond, Yuan Changsheng leaped onto a tall horse with a swift movement, waving gracefully. “I’m off. Until we meet again!”

The horse galloped away, leaving a trail of dust. The crimson figure disappeared into the green woods in no time.

Watching Yuan Changsheng hurriedly depart, He Dongchen’s smile deepened.

Kong Qing scratched his head in confusion. “Why are you still smiling when she’s gone?”

He Dongchen glanced at him without saying much, then slowly maneuvered his wheelchair back to the valley.

Yuan Changsheng rode hard for 2 hours straight before slowing down, patting her chest. “Thank goodness. I have to challenge everyone under the sky. How can I stay cooped up in a small valley?”

Although she said that, Yuan Changsheng couldn’t help feeling a strong reluctance. She glanced back in the direction of Money Valley, murmuring to herself, “Until we meet again.”

After the battle with the Demon Cult, Yuan Changsheng’s name spread throughout the martial world. Many women imitated her dress style, wearing a red dress with small bells hanging from the hem and a magnificent golden whip around their waist.

Rumors circulated that Yuan Changsheng was directionally challenged, often chasing after pirates and getting lost. It was said she was very fond of money, nearly monopolizing the hefty rewards issued by the government. Rumors also said she was combative, challenging the leader of the Martial Alliance and, afterward, gracefully declining the position.

These rumors gradually reached He Dongchen’s ears over the course of a year.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, he counted the time. It had been about a year.

“Master, Miss Jiang has come again,” Yu Zhu entered to report, looking nonchalant.

“Who did she bring this time?”

“Her cousin.”

In this past year, Jiang Xinyue seemed to be the benefactor of Money Valley, frequently bringing people to seek medical help; different people each time.

Lin Changjian hastily secluded himself, directly cutting off the red thread, and Jiang Xinyue’s admirers came and went like fish crossing a river, almost forgetting about him.

He Dongchen had spare time on his hands, so he went to check on this cousin and, incidentally, collect some money.

A year passed, and Jiang Xinyue became even more beautiful. Her injured cousin was on the verge of losing his arm but kept comforting her not to cry.

He Dongchen watched speechlessly, took the money, treated the illness, and left.

As he was about to enter the valley, he heard the sound of hoof beats behind him. Sensing something, he maneuvered his wheelchair around and saw Yuan Changsheng, who he hadn’t seen in a year, riding towards him.

She gracefully dismounted and landed lightly in front of him, smiling as she said, “I came here following my instincts while chasing a bounty. Doctor He, long time no see. I’ve brought back the consultation fee.”

He Dongchen smiled, “Long time no see.”

One standing, one sitting, they smiled at each other, everything understood without words.

***

Soon after, rumors spread in the martial world that Yuan Changsheng and the master of Money Valley had found happiness together. It was often said that sightings of the two together left others envious.

Jiang Xinyue felt empty inside. She also wanted a divine companion to be envied by others. After turning in circles, she unexpectedly found happiness with Shen Youcai. On their wedding day, Shen Youcai was so happy he couldn’t stop smiling, showering money everywhere.

Yuan Changsheng was restless and couldn’t stay in Money Valley. He Dongchen wouldn’t accompany her on outings and always prepare medicine pills, watching her leave alone.

Yuan Changsheng was naturally directionally challenged but never forgot the way to Money Valley.

They never had children. The succession of Money Valley continued to be chosen from among the orphans, even though 10 years later, two outstanding disciples emerged.

One was Jing Mo, exceptionally gifted but quiet and reserved, treasuring his words like gold. The other was Ling Quan, slightly inferior in medical skills but lively in nature, grasping the essence of He Dongchen’s assertive approach to wealth.

In the past, the successor would undoubtedly have been Jing Mo, as the Valley of Divine Doctors valued medical skills above all else. Yet now, it was Money Valley, and subtly, everyone felt He Dongchen would choose the livelier Ling Quan. Ling Quan himself often thought this way, proudly identifying himself as the future Valley Master.

However, on the day of selection, in front of everyone’s eyes, He Dongchen chose Jing Mo.

Jing Mo, who was pondering medicine formulas in his mind, stood still in place.

Ling Quan exclaimed in surprise, “Why!?”

Others were equally puzzled.

He Dongchen scanned the crowd with a calm expression. “Everyone, don’t forget the original name of Money Valley was Divine Doctor Valley. Divine Doctor Valley treats illnesses and saves lives. I renamed it Money Valley simply to reduce unnecessary trouble, but it has never delayed treating any patient or let anyone die because they couldn’t afford treatment. Whether it’s called Divine Doctor Valley or Money Valley, medical skill is always paramount. Let’s not confuse priorities. Real business is about these principles.”

“Jing Mo’s medical skill and talent rank first among the disciples. I appoint him as the next Valley Master. Does anyone have objections?”

“No,” came the unanimous response, filled with shame.

Ling Quan opened his mouth but his face turned pale.

Later, under He Dongchen’s decision, Ling Quan was released from the valley to prevent further disturbances.

After grooming Jing Mo, He Dongchen relinquished his responsibilities and traveled the rivers and lakes with Yuan Changsheng, promoting justice and leaving behind many legends.

In their old age, they didn’t return to Money Valley but chose a beautiful island with clear waters and blooming peach blossoms, spending their remaining years together.