Chapter 49: The Master Who Arrived Late
After we put our clothes back on, I took her hand, and we walked together toward the exit.
At the mouth of the cave, I paused for a moment and lifted my gaze,scanning the surroundings, searching for any sign of another person's presence.
I saw no one.
I let out a quiet sigh.
But before I could say a single word…
I suddenly felt a strange pressure in the air, as if space itself had contracted.
There was someone there.
I raised my head.
And in the sky above us stood an elderly woman, leaning on an ancient staff, her sharp gaze fixed directly upon us.
She sighed, then spoke in a weary tone tinged with irritation: Hah… so you finally decided to come out.
She stared at us for a few moments, then slowly shook her head.
I never expected to find my destined disciple inside a cave… and in such an improper situation.
She sighed once more, her tone growing even more sardonic: It seems I am an unlucky old woman.
For ten thousand years I searched for a disciple… and in the end, I find one like this.
I smiled inwardly, then raised my voice calmly, without haste: And who might you be?
The old woman looked at me directly, then spoke with absolute clarity, without the slightest concealment: I am the Lady of the Medicine Valley.
She paused for a moment, then added as she examined us with a piercing gaze: In any case… you are husband and wife now, aren't you?
She did not wait for an answer.
I can see it.
Her gaze slowly moved between the two of us.
Both of you possess rare talents… in medicine, and in refinement.
She slowly shook her head, as if confirming a thought in her mind.
It seems the prophecy was correct… but not entirely precise.
Then a faint smile appeared on her lips. She lifted her staff slightly and said: Well then… what do you think?
She looked at us directly, without any evasion: Would you like to become disciples of this old woman?
A brief silence followed.
I lifted my gaze to Jiang Chan, then looked back at the elderly woman suspended in the sky.
I moved a little closer to Jiang Chan and whispered in a low voice: My wife… is she truly the Lady of the Medicine Valley?
Jiang Chan nodded without the slightest hesitation, her eyes still fixed on that dignified figure.
She said with calm certainty: Yes, she truly is.
I have seen her portrait before, in my father's study.
She paused for a moment, then added in a firm tone: So I can be certain… she is the very same person in that portrait.
The Lady of the Medicine Valley.
I let out a calm sigh and said,Alright, my wife… this is an opportunity for you. It seems she is serious about taking both of us as her disciples.
Jiang Chan's eyes lit up, and she replied with a voice filled with clear gratitude:
"Yes… it truly is a great opportunity."
She stepped forward, looked at the Lady of the Medicine Valley with respect, then bowed slightly and said: This disciple greets the Master. Please… take care of us from this day onward.
I sighed lightly, then stepped forward as well, doing the same as Jiang Chan.
"This disciple greets the Master.
Please… take care of us from this day onward."
A brief silence followed.
I took a small breath, then raised my head and looked at the Lady of the Medicine Valley with respect, and said: However, Master… this disciple cannot go with you to the Medicine Valley at present."
I paused for a moment, then added calmly:I have a few minor matters that must be settled first."
I continued in a sincere tone, not lacking in appreciation: This disciple truly reveres the Master and cherishes this great opportunity."
I bowed slightly and added in an even calmer voice: Therefore… I hope the Master will grant me permission.
I will come to the Medicine Valley later, at the earliest possible time."
Another brief silence followed.
Her gaze remained fixed on me—sharp, probing, as if trying to read what lay beyond my words.
I waited for her response,saying nothing more.
The Lady of the Medicine Valley sighed, then spoke in a calm tone:
"Ah… very well.
Since you are my disciple, I will not make things difficult for you.
You may have what you wish."
She fell silent for a moment, then continued thoughtfully: In truth, I never considered taking in two disciples at once.
Therefore… I prepared only one gift."
She hesitated slightly, then added: Hm… only one of you will receive it."
Before Jiang Chan could speak, I immediately stepped in: Master, please… give it to my wife."
I paused briefly, then added calmly: I will be satisfied with anything simple.
That is enough for me."
The Lady of the Medicine Valley looked at me, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
She said with evident approval: Very well… you are a good boy.
I like that."
She then raised her hand and took something out of her storage ring.
It was a cauldron.
She said as she handed it to me: Take this cauldron. It is no less valuable than what I originally intended to give."
I accepted it with both hands, feeling its true weight resting in my palms, then said respectfully: Master… hm, what about granting me some formulas and refinement methods as well?"
My words hung in the air,while her gaze remained fixed on me,as though she were reading what lay behind my request.
She looked at me with a meaningful gaze, then said calmly: You are my disciple.
These matters will naturally be taught to you by me."
She paused briefly, then added as she took out several books:
"However… take these books.
They contain many formulas and medical techniques."
She then turned to Jiang Chan and said in a decisive tone that allowed no argument:
"Alright.
I will take you back to the Jiang Family now, and after that we will head to the Medicine Valley to begin your formal instruction."
Afterward, she turned her gaze back to me and said in a steady voice: You… I will wait for you to come to the Medicine Valley.
Do not be late."
She then extended her hand toward me and handed me a jade token.
It felt cold to the touch, yet carried a distinct trace of her aura.
She said in a formal tone bearing special weight: This is the symbol of my acknowledgment of you as my disciple.
You may display it in any medical or alchemy association.
This token… represents my personal presence.
I tightened my grip around it slightly, and in that moment, I understood the value carried by this small object.
It was not merely a token.
It was protection, status, and recognition from the Lady of the Medicine Valley herself.
I bowed respectfully and said in a steady voice: This disciple… will safeguard it well."