Chapter 3

Mingyue watched as the Mist Valley Sect disciples efficiently, if somewhat gingerly, maneuvered the still-sedated beast onto a sturdy, floating platform. Its size alone was a testament to the sedative’s power. Elder Ling, now looking significantly better, gave her a long, appraising look.

“Shen Mingyue,” he said, his voice surprisingly firm. “Your unique methods are… intriguing. We will transport this… creature to the sect’s Beast Taming Hall.” He then turned his gaze towards the shadows where Jiang Feng lay. “As for your brother, we will help you transport him to the nearest suitable inn. He requires proper care and if you become a disciple, we can help provide some healing under the sect’s care.”

Mingyue nodded, a wave of relief washing over her. This was far better than leaving him in the damp ruins. “Thank you, Elder,” she said, managing a respectful bow she’d picked up from the scattered memories of this body’s previous occupant. Getting Jiang Feng into a proper healing environment was paramount.

The sect disciples carefully fashioned a makeshift stretcher and, with practiced ease, lifted Jiang Feng. Mingyue stayed by his side, her hand resting reassuringly on his arm. Elder Ling directed them towards a small, bustling market town visible in the distance, specifically to the “Jade Lantern Guesthouse.”

As they began their slow procession, Mingyue leaned close to Jiang Feng. His eyes, though still heavy-lidded, flickered open. This time, his gaze was clearer, more focused. He seemed to understand their destination.

“We’re going to an inn,” she whispered, stroking his forehead. “I’ll help you clean up and check your wound.”

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. He raised a hand, surprisingly strong, and lightly tapped her wrist. A small, perfectly polished spirit stone appeared in her palm, radiating a cool, pleasant energy. It was roughly the size of a pigeon’s egg, and glowed with a soft, purple internal light – clearly a unit of currency in this world.

Then, a flicker in his eyes, and a thought entered her mind, clearer than before: “You will need… provisions. And to look… less conspicuous.” Another tap, and a folded bundle of rich, dark fabric appeared next to him.

Mingyue stared at the items, then back at Jiang Feng. He looked exhausted, but there was a hint of something akin to amusement in his gaze.

“Oh,” she said, a little dumbfounded. “Right. Less conspicuous. And money. You know, for a stoic, dying immortal, you’re surprisingly practical.” She leaned in closer. “How much is this rock worth?”

He merely closed his eyes, his breathing evening out. His job done, apparently. Mingyue tucked the spirit stone and the fabric into her pouch, a strange warmth blooming in her chest. An unexpected patron. And a very demanding one, even when unconscious.

The walk to the Jade Lantern Guesthouse was long, but Mingyue didn’t complain. She walked alongside Jiang Feng’s stretcher, keeping a watchful eye on him. The town was indeed lively, and the sight of sect members carrying an unconscious man (and a tranquilized magical beast, which the sect had already secured) caused a stir, but the Elder’s presence kept most curiosity at bay.

The innkeeper, a plump, kindly woman, initially looked bewildered by the procession arriving at her door. But when Elder Ling himself stepped forward and placed a single smaller red-tinged  spirit stone on the counter for Jiang Feng’s room and care, her face transformed into one of eager hospitality.

“A private room for the young master, of course!” the innkeeper chirped, ushering the sect disciples to a well-appointed room on the ground floor. “And a room for his… sister?” she asked, looking at Mingyue’s tattered appearance.

Mingyue quickly interjected, “Yes, we had a slight accident. A room for me as well, please. And a bath. A very, very long bath.” She didn’t offer her own spirit stone yet, deciding to figure out what the Skittle colors of these stones meant.

The sect disciples carefully transferred Jiang Feng to the bed. Mingyue immediately took charge, dismissing the sect’s healers with a polite but firm wave. “He requires specialized care,” she stated, projecting an air of medical authority. “I can attend to him.” They hesitated, but Elder Ling’s nod of approval sealed it. They left, promising to return in the morning to escort Mingyue to the sect entrance trials.

Left alone with Jiang Feng, Mingyue pulled out the spirit stone he’d given her. Its energy was potent and purple. “Taste the rainbow,” she muttered. It felt like it could be worth a significant sum. She decided to use it wisely. She called for a large tub of hot water, clean towels, and a meal for two.

Her room, she realized, was to be a connecting one, separated by a thin wall and a closed door. Practical. She stripped off her filthy rags, cringing at the grime. The jade slip, the egg, and Jiang Feng’s new clothing bundle were placed carefully on a clean table. The egg, still tucked against her, pulsed faintly with warmth, a comforting presence.

The bath was glorious. She scrubbed away days or maybe years of dirt and grime, feeling like a new person with every lather. She could feel the lingering faintness of starvation, but a sense of revitalized energy was already blooming. As the last of the murky water drained, she caught a glimpse of herself in a small, polished bronze mirror.

Mingyue looked approximately fourteen years old, perhaps a year older if her level of starvation was any indication. Her skin, though still pale, was clear and smooth. Her features, no longer obscured by dirt and exhaustion, were surprisingly delicate and refined if a too skinny. High cheekbones, a small, elegant nose, and lips that were naturally full. But it was her eyes that truly stood out – large, intelligent, and a striking shade of deep amethyst, framed by long, dark lashes. They held a keen intelligence and a subtle, almost mischievous spark that had been completely hidden by her previous plight. She ran a hand through her long, dark straight hair, surprised to find it soft and thick.

“Wow,” she murmured, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “Shen Mingyue, not bad. Definitely an upgrade from the last model. I’ve always wanted purple eyes.”

She then unrolled the bundle of fabric Jiang Feng had given her. It was a two sets of robes, simple in cut, but the material was exquisitely soft. One was moonlight white with a gradient of blue, the other a deep, muted indigo that shimmered faintly. The white robe felt like compressed moonlight and was a smaller robe, presumably for her. There were inner garments too, equally fine. This was clearly high-quality stuff, far beyond anything a “beggar” would wear. No wonder he wanted me to look less conspicuous. He probably didn’t want his ‘personal medic’ turning up looking like she’d crawled out of a swamp.

The clothes fit surprisingly well, comfortable and flowing. Nice thing about robes are they can be uni-sex, she thought. They hid the lingering gauntness and subtly enhanced her newfound elegance. She actually looked… presentable. Even beautiful, despite her gauntness.

A knock at the door. “Your meal, young miss!”

Mingyue practically leaped to the door. A steaming bowl of savory broth, fluffy rice, and a small plate of dried fruits awaited her. It was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted. She ate slowly, savoring every bite, her strength visibly returning. She also ordered a smaller, bland broth for Jiang Feng, hoping he’d be able to swallow some later.

Once fed and cleaned, Mingyue pushed open the connecting door to Jiang Feng’s room. He lay still, but his breathing was steady. She approached him, his current robes – the shredded, mud-soaked ones – still clinging to him. She brought over the indigo set of robes.

“Alright, mystery man,” she muttered softly. “Time for a wardrobe change. Can’t have you looking like you just fought a dumpster fire.” She carefully loosened his blood-soaked garments. As she did, her gaze fell upon his face, still pale but less drawn.

She hesitated, a blush creeping up her neck. Even in his weakened state, he possessed an undeniable, almost ethereal handsomeness. Professional distance, Mingyue. Professional distance. She then reached for a clean cloth from the inn, and very deliberately placed it over his eyes.

“No peeking while I undress you, my heart can’t take it,” she mumbled, half to herself, half to him. “I get to look, but you don’t. My reward for saving your life. Don’t make it awkward.”

She then efficiently stripped him of his tattered robes, cleaning the areas around his chest wound, which was now visibly closing thanks to the medgel. She noted the healing progress with satisfaction. Surprisingly fast in fact, but this is a cultivation world, so maybe it is normal. His body, though still appearing weak, was lean and well-muscled, the kind of physique that spoke of immense power. She carefully wiped him down and dressed him in the fresh, muted indigo robes, which settled perfectly on his frame.

As she pulled out his original, bloodied robes, she paused again, examining the faint, almost invisible symbol embroidered near the cuff—a stylized cloud intertwined with a jagged bolt of lightning. It felt ancient, powerful. A crest, perhaps? She wondered why the new robes had no symbol. She carefully folded the robes for him to take back into his space when he had a chance.

With nothing else to do except wait to feed him when he awoke, she pulled out the jade slip. With a full stomach and a clear mind, the concepts from the slip seemed even more understandable. She reviewed the acupuncture points, tracing them on her own arm. She practiced the initial stances for the “Silent Step” lightness skill, feeling a subtle energy respond within her. She was nowhere near mastery, but the basic movements were clear.

She also took out the egg. It continued to emit its soft, internal glow. She held it, feeling its gentle warmth, a silent promise of future companionship. Just you wait, little one. We’ll get through this. And then, maybe, we’ll figure out what kind of magical creature you are.

She looked around the comfortable room. The simple act of cleanliness and a full stomach had revitalized her. The thought of tomorrow’s exam, while daunting, no longer seemed insurmountable. She had always loved cultivation stories and kung-fu movies, having in fact trained in wushu and aikido, but succumbing to pressure from her parents to become a doctor. Now that she was in this world she had a goal, a temporary alliance with a mysterious (and incredibly handsome) immortal, and a bizarre, glowing egg.

She was Shen Mingyue, now a doctor of two worlds, 15 years old.  And this new adventure was just beginning. Maybe she could live the more exciting life than in her previous one. She just needed to figure out how not to accidentally poison herself with local herbs and maybe find a few less dramatic patients.