Chapter 1937: Peaceful

Scholar Chen readily accepted the two disciples and did not charge them any tuition. Qin Sang didn't dwell on such a minor matter. He offered his thanks and told Xiao Wu and Yu Lang to step forward and perform the discipleship ceremony.

"Meiyan, go fetch two sets of the Four Treasures of the Study." Scholar Chen instructed.

The young attendant acknowledged the order and hurried down the mountain.

The discipleship ceremony took place at the Taoist temple. Scholar Chen held immense prestige among the villagers. Despite the delay in seeing patients, no one grew impatient; instead, they flocked into the temple, curious to watch the two young Taoist acolytes complete their discipleship ritual.

When the panting attendant returned with the Four Treasures of the Study and a few classic texts, Scholar Chen personally handed them over after testing the two boys' knowledge, thereby formally accepting them as disciples.

Xiao Wu, of course, was to enroll in elementary school. Yu Lang had studied before, but the interpretations of classical texts differed slightly between the two regions, so Scholar Chen had Yu Lang stay in the elementary school for a period first. Qin Sang also intended this, temporarily keeping Yu Lang and Xiao Wu together until Xiao Wu adapted to the school environment before separating them.

After an auspicious day for enrollment was set, Scholar Chen and his wife descended the mountain, and Qin Sang continued to see patients.

After a flurry of activity, it was almost noon. The Taoist temple remained overcrowded.

Yu Lang was constantly busy, moving in and out, until he finally found a moment of leisure. He sat beside Qin Sang, helping his senior apprentice-sister pound medicine, and worriedly asked, "Master, what will you do alone after we leave? When will Senior Taiyi emerge from seclusion?" Luohou slept all day, and Zhuque was unreliable, so only Taiyi could help. Xiao Wu also looked very worried.

"Are you two worrying about your master now?" Qin Sang chuckled. These two disciples were more engrossed in their roles than he was. "It's only like this for the first few days; there won't be so many people later on."

On the first day, Qin Sang didn't see the last patient until late at night, when the moon was bright and the stars sparse, before closing the temple gates. Under the dim lamplight, Qin Sang counted copper coins and checked the ledger while Yu Lang, soaking in a tub, vividly described his various experiences at school to Xiao Wu, gesticulating wildly as he spoke.

As Qin Sang had predicted, by the fourth day, most of the patients from Qipai Village had been seen, and those who came merely for the spectacle had grown tired of it. The temple was no longer as overcrowded as before. However, news of a divine doctor, a Taoist priest, arriving in Qipai Village had gradually spread.

Early one morning, facing the dawn glow, a young Taoist acolyte slowly pushed open the temple gates and saw a few people already waiting outside. The autumn dew was heavy and cold. Some people were still wearing patched single-layer clothes, shivering.

"Come in quickly, it's warm inside." Yu Lang skillfully welcomed them. A fire had been lit in the main hall, and the temple was filled with firewood, all enthusiastically donated by the villagers. The path up the mountain had also been repaired a few days prior, and the village chief had even invited a drum and gong troupe, who performed boisterously for the entire morning.

Xiao Wu and Yu Lang each took a broom and swept inside and outside the temple. This was their daily chore, and some of the patients who came up the mountain also lent a hand. By the time they finished, Qin Sang had just emerged from the underground cellar.

"Master!" Yu Lang and Xiao Wu ran hand in hand to Qin Sang. As they bowed, they could barely contain their smiles. Today was the day they would descend the mountain to enroll in school.

"Can't wait, can you? Look what I have here!" Qin Sang smiled at his two disciples, drawing his hands from behind his back to reveal two exquisite small book boxes. The book boxes weren't large, but they were more than spacious enough to hold a student's supplies.

"Wow! Thank you, Master!" Yu Lang's eyes were glued to the book box. He took it, unwilling to put it down, even hesitant to wear it, and tears welled up in his eyes. When he was studying before, very few students in the entire school owned a book box; most used book bags. While he had a book box, drawing envy from many classmates, he, in turn, envied them. That's because his classmates' book bags were sewn stitch by stitch by their parents, whereas he could only make his own book box. This book box was made from firewood from the temple, not a magical artifact; a cultivator could easily make countless more. But this one was crafted by his master's own hands.

Xiao Wu held his book box with far greater care than he did other possessions. He didn't verbally thank his master, but as he caressed the box in his hands, a new expression appeared on his face, one that hadn't been there before.

Qin Sang patted their heads and softly said, "It's almost time. Go on down the mountain." Yu Lang and Xiao Wu exchanged a glance, put on their book boxes, and descended the mountain side by side.

Qin Sang saw them off from the temple, standing by the stone cliff. Watching the two small figures, one taller, one shorter, gradually disappear into the distance, he felt an indescribable emotion. He had never experienced this feeling with his previous disciples.

"Perhaps it's because my previous disciples were already adults when they joined. Is this what it feels like to raise children?" Qin Sang chuckled self-deprecatingly.

In the east, the morning sun finally climbed to the mountaintop, casting a golden glow on Qin Sang's face and stretching his shadow long. Qin Sang looked up, gazing at the stars in the sky that were gradually fading.

If, one day, he truly achieved his wish and ascended to immortality, living a life free from all worries, what kind of life would that be? Would it also be simple and unadorned, a return to original simplicity, just like now?

"This kind of life... isn't so bad either," Qin Sang murmured. Far from having his will eroded by the peaceful times, his fighting spirit was instead invigorated.

"Cock-a-doodle-doo..." The faint sound of a rooster crowing came from down the mountain, and people were once again appearing on the mountain path. Qin Sang turned and returned to the main hall.

Patients came in an endless stream. Qin Sang's reputation as a divine doctor had spread; his fame was also a form of prestige. Even without Yu Lang present, people would queue up voluntarily. Anyone who broke the rules would not only be condemned by others but also fear angering the divine doctor and being refused treatment. Thus, Qin Sang alone could manage things in an orderly fashion.

Treating mortals required very little mental effort; most of Qin Sang's attention was elsewhere, contemplating matters related to the main altar and Taiyi.

"Divine Doctor, Taoist priest, please take a look at me. My chest has been feeling stifled..." The previous patient departed with profuse thanks, and the next immediately stepped forward and sat before Qin Sang.

The man appeared to be around forty, with a prosperous build. His clothes weren't luxurious, but he didn't seem to be from a poor family either. He clutched his chest with his right hand, rapidly described his symptoms, and feigned a pained expression.

Qin Sang put down his brush, looked up at him, and said, "You're not from the three villages down the mountain." North of Qipai Village were two other villages, Beishan Village and Canghe Village, both situated deep in the mountains and inferior to Qipai Village in all aspects.

The prosperous man paused, "No! No! I'm from the town. Have you seen me before?"

"Your accent is different," Qin Sang replied.

"You can even hear that? You truly are a divine doctor!" Unlike some regions where accents change every ten miles, the accents of the nearby villagers were quite similar, so even locals couldn't distinguish them.

The prosperous man was immediately convinced. He extended his arm and said, "Please, quickly take a look at me..."

Qin Sang did not take his pulse. "You don't have any serious ailments; a little recuperation will suffice. Haven't you seen a doctor before?"

"I saw a doctor in town, but then I heard a divine doctor had arrived," the prosperous man chuckled awkwardly.

Qin Sang shook his head. "No need for a consultation. For minor ailments like this, just listen to the doctor in town. Tell others the same when you go back; otherwise, coming to this humble Taoist priest will be a wasted trip."

"What... You don't treat minor illnesses?" The prosperous man was dumbfounded; he had never encountered such an eccentric doctor. How could such a principle exist in the world? If it weren't for the priest's miraculous reputation, with even Scholar Chen reportedly calling him an extraordinary person, he would certainly have challenged him face to face.

"Please return home, benefactor," Qin Sang said, raising a hand to dismiss him.

"I..." The prosperous man felt a bit indignant and was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of a figure striding quickly into the main hall, drawing scolding from other patients. The person's attire was very peculiar: wrapped in a thick padded coat, with a large hood covering their head and face completely. It wasn't that cold yet, was it?

"Huh? This looks a little familiar..." The prosperous man couldn't help but take a second look, only to see the person remove their hood, revealing a familiar face.

"Isn't that Doctor Liu?" The prosperous man exclaimed softly and quickly stood up. This was none other than Doctor Liu, the renowned and well-known physician in town. He had previously consulted Doctor Liu, so encountering him here was somewhat awkward.

Doctor Liu, wrapped in his thick coat, showed no discernible figure. He appeared to be around fifty years old and had a somewhat rigid demeanor.

"My apologies! My apologies!" Doctor Liu, in his haste, had incurred the wrath of the crowd. He repeatedly cupped his hands in apology and quickly approached Qin Sang, bowing deeply. "I am Liu Yuansheng, and I have come specifically to offer my apologies to the Taoist priest."

Qin Sang asked, puzzled, "This is our first meeting. Why do you say that?"

"To be frank, Taoist priest, yesterday I heard that old man Qi from Qipai Village was cured by you, and I also learned that you've opened a clinic here, charging only a meager consultation fee, and your doors are thronged with patients. Feeling somewhat resentful, I came today with the intention of competing with you." Doctor Liu had arrived at the temple early and had been secretly observing from outside. As a professional, he quickly became impressed by what he saw. Hearing the conversation between Qin Sang and the prosperous man, he could no longer hold back and finally rushed in.

"Not only is the Taoist priest's medical skill divine, but he also possesses a benevolent heart towards his fellow practitioners. He is truly a man of great virtue and righteousness. I, with a small-minded perspective, presumed to judge a gentleman's intentions, even thinking that if your medical skills were inferior to mine, I would drive you out of Qinggui Town and forbid you from practicing medicine. I am deeply ashamed! Deeply ashamed!" How could Doctor Liu have known that Qin Sang was a cultivator who had descended the mountain to experience the mortal world? Why would he ever seize a mortal's livelihood?

"I heard that your beloved disciples have been sent to the school run by Scholar Chen to study and learn to read and write, leaving you without assistance. I am willing to close my clinic and serve as a humble medicine boy by your side," Doctor Liu said with sincere earnestness.

His words caused an uproar. Doctor Liu had been famous for a long time and was a recognized divine doctor. People flocked to Qin Sang mostly because of his low consultation fees; those who truly had no money could even pay later. Most of his patients were poor. Few truly believed that this 'wild' Taoist priest's medical skills could surpass Doctor Liu's.

Qin Sang smiled faintly. The man's words were quite earnest, and while he had some personal motivations, they were harmless, and his nature wasn't bad.

"Doctor Liu, there's no need for that. This humble Taoist priest's meager income cannot support many people. Moreover, as a Taoist priest, I must also cultivate the Tao and cannot always be seeing patients all day."

"I..." Doctor Liu wanted to say more, but Qin Sang cut him off with a dismissive wave. "Doctor Liu, if you encounter any uncertain cases in the future, feel free to bring the patients to the temple, and we can discuss them together."

Upon hearing this, Doctor Liu's eyes widened. He knew his own limitations. While Qin Sang called it 'discussion,' in most cases, it would be the latter guiding him through specific cases, which was no worse than serving as a medicine boy. This was an opportunity others could only dream of. He never imagined that in his fifties, he would encounter a true divine doctor. His sincere devotion had not been in vain, and Doctor Liu nearly burst into tears.

This time, Qin Sang did not stop him. He waved his hand and said, "Go then."

"Yes, Master." Doctor Liu respectfully performed the disciple's bow. An old man in his fifties bowing deeply to a young Taoist priest, yet no one found it inappropriate.

After Doctor Liu left, the temple fell silent. Everyone present became even more respectful towards Qin Sang.

"I now believe that you, Taoist friend, are indeed experiencing the mortal world." Suddenly, a low voice resonated in the main hall. The patient before Qin Sang seemed not to have heard it, still nervously watching Qin Sang as he took his pulse. Standing before the altar was a man in white robes, possessing a refined demeanor.

Shortly after Qin Sang began his consultations, this man entered the main hall. He wasn't there to see a doctor; he casually offered incense to the deities in the hall, then stood with his hands behind his back, watching Qin Sang treat patients with keen interest. Villagers came and went, yet not a single one noticed him.

"This humble Taoist priest thought the Earth God wouldn't reveal my identity," Qin Sang replied calmly, without looking up.

The newcomer was indeed the local Earth God, a young, refined man. As the guardian of this region, no disturbance could escape his notice. Learning of the situation, he had come specifically to investigate. Qin Sang hadn't deliberately concealed his identity as a cultivator. Descending the mountain for experience didn't mean he had to become a mortal. If he were to investigate the origin of the main altar later, he might even need the assistance of local deities.

"A tacit understanding is certainly good, but as the Earth God, I receive incense offerings from the people, so I must always clarify matters to feel at ease, lest someone harbors ill intentions and brings disaster." The Earth God gave Qin Sang a deep look. He couldn't discern the Taoist priest's cultivation level, unsure if the other party was too deeply concealed or simply far surpassed him. However, he had secretly observed the two disciples: one had only recently begun cultivating, while the other appeared to still be a mortal.

"Are you at ease now, Fellow Daoist Yue?" Qin Sang asked, seemingly oblivious to the underlying meaning in his words.

"Your benevolent actions benefit the common people, so I, Yue, have no worries. However, as it is my duty, if an extraordinary person appears within my jurisdiction, I must report it to the City God according to the law. When he has leisure, the City God might personally come to visit. I trust the Taoist priest wouldn't mind?" The Earth God decided not to press further and would report directly, leaving the final decision to the City God.

"That is as it should be." Qin Sang's tone remained calm. He pulled out a sheet of paper, wrapped the medicine, and handed it to the patient. The patient departed with profuse thanks.

Seeing Qin Sang's composure, the Earth God frowned slightly and glanced outside. "The Taoist priest is busy, so I, Yue, will not disturb you further. I bid you farewell."

"Farewell." Qin Sang cupped his hands in a distant salute, startling the next patient.

The day, without the disciples' help, passed in a flurry of activity. After half past You Shi (around 6 PM), Xiao Wu and Yu Lang returned to the mountain together. After cleaning the temple, they performed their regular lessons in the main hall.

"Master, I've made several friends! Everyone likes senior apprentice-sister... she learns so quickly, and I think I've also become smarter..." Yu Lang chattered excitedly, recounting the interesting things that happened at school. Xiao Wu simply smiled faintly beside him.

From that day forward, the lives of the master and his two disciples continued, day after day, in tranquil serenity.