Chapter 396: Chapter 161: 8 Wisps of Evil Qi, Diseased Skeleton (Part 2)
The Hundred Medicines Valley had always treated Shen Bai with courtesy. This had nothing to do with his status; rather, it was because back in Shengyun County, he had once granted release to a humiliated female disciple of the Valley.
Repaying every kindness was a core principle of the Hundred Medicines Valley. Thus, Shen Bai’s arrival made Lin Yun perk up, not even minding that his reading had been interrupted.
The Hundred Medicines Valley disciple opened his mouth, about to speak, when Lin Yun unexpectedly shot to his feet in a great hurry.
"Forget it, I’ll go ahead. You arrange a group to welcome Lord Shen." Lin Yun headed toward the entrance of the Hundred Medicines Valley.
Seeing his usually calm and composed senior brother become so flustered, the Hundred Medicines Valley disciple shook his head. He had no choice but to follow Lin Yun’s orders and begin organizing the welcoming party.
...
「Outside the Valley.」
The two female disciples guarding the entrance watched Shen Bai, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and adoration.
In the Jianghu of today, Shen Bai was without a doubt the most recent rising star.
Ding Shou of the Observatory, one of the Eight Extremes Young Masters, a genius of the younger generation, dominating the internal exams, Overcoming Adversity and Attacking Upward...
These various titles seemed to cloak Shen Bai in an aura of mystery, making people unconsciously want to draw near.
This was especially true for the female disciples of the Hundred Medicines Valley, who were known for their innocent hearts. Now, upon suddenly seeing Shen Bai in the flesh, their initial admiration, coupled with his gentle and refined, jade-like demeanor, even began to blossom into infatuation.
Admiring the strong was a timeless truth, and the Hundred Medicines Valley was no exception.
Shen Bai looked around and thought to himself, ’The aesthetic taste of the Hundred Medicines Valley is quite impressive.’
For one, the mountain gate was built right into the valley, adorned with all kinds of flowers and plants. Birds and beasts would occasionally vanish into the mountain forests.
Just standing here and taking it all in was a pleasure. ’If this were my past life,’ he mused, ’this place would be swarming with tourists drawn by its reputation.’
As he was lost in thought, a flurry of footsteps interrupted him.
Shen Bai turned to see Lin Yun leading a group of Hundred Medicines Valley disciples, hurrying out from inside the valley.
When they drew near, Lin Yun cupped his hands in a salute to Shen Bai.
"Lin Yun of the Hundred Medicines Valley greets you, Lord Shen. Your presence is an honor for the Hundred Medicines Valley and graces our humble home."
The surrounding disciples from the Hundred Medicines Valley gazed at Shen Bai with worshipful eyes, as if trying to see right through him.
In the Jianghu, Shen Bai’s reputation was so immense that countless Jianghu People wished to befriend him. Just being able to see him today was enough for these disciples to boast about for some time.
Shen Bai smiled. "I said before that I would come to the Hundred Medicines Valley for a visit, but things were too hectic. I’ve only just managed to find the time to stop by."
’Although I’ve come on business this time, the Jianghu naturally has its own code of conduct.’
’You can’t just show up and immediately demand someone’s Deceitful Object. There are certain courtesies that must be observed first.’
Lin Yun gestured for him to enter. "It’s not convenient to speak out here. Lord Shen, please come inside. I’ve already instructed the kitchen to prepare a meal and wine."
Shen Bai nodded. "In that case, thank you for your hospitality."
The two said no more and entered the valley.
...
While outside, Shen Bai had marveled at the scenery of the Hundred Medicines Valley. Upon entering, he discovered it was even more beautiful within.
Amidst the grass and trees stood rows of buildings, perfectly in harmony with the surrounding landscape. They didn’t seem out of place at all, as if they were a natural part of the scenery.
Led by Lin Yun, Shen Bai arrived in a spacious room.
Incense had already been lit in the room, its fragrance pleasant and not at all overpowering.
Stepping inside was a truly refreshing experience.
In the center of the room sat a large table, already laden with a spread of food and wine.
"The Valley Master is researching a new medicine and is unable to step away at the moment. I hope you can forgive us, Lord Shen," Lin Yun said apologetically as he led Shen Bai to his seat.
Given Shen Bai’s current status, for him to visit the Hundred Medicines Valley and be received by Lin Yun alone would be a loss of face for the Valley if word got out.
Only a personal reception from the Valley Master would be fitting for someone of Shen Bai’s stature. But circumstances were inconvenient, so Lin Yun had no choice but to take this course of action.
Shen Bai shook his head. "That’s not necessary. I am not one to be bound by formalities."
A nearby disciple from the Hundred Medicines Valley poured them some fine wine.
Lin Yun raised his cup. "This toast is to thank you, Lord Shen, for granting our disciple release."
Shen Bai clinked his cup against Lin Yun’s and drained it. "It was nothing, just a small matter. Not worth mentioning."
They shared some food, drank a few more cups of wine, and exchanged pleasantries.
Seeing that the time was right, Shen Bai stated the purpose of his visit. "Actually, I’ve come here today on a specific matter."
As if he had known all along, Lin Yun didn’t seem surprised in the least. "Please, speak freely, Lord Shen. If it is within the power of the Hundred Medicines Valley, we will certainly not refuse."
’Shen Bai is such a busy man these days. I wouldn’t have believed it if he’d really come to the Hundred Medicines Valley with no purpose in mind.’
Shen Bai set down his cup. "I have come for the Divination Deceitful Object. Moving about the Jianghu, I have offended a great many people. I heard that the Hundred Medicines Valley possesses such an item, which is why I made this special trip. Please, tell me what the Hundred Medicines Valley would require in exchange. As long as it is within my power to provide, I will not hesitate for a moment."
He went straight to the point, wasting no words.
’The topic is on the table now. If they’re willing, that would be for the best. Even if it requires an equivalent exchange, I will find a way to procure it.’
’If they are unwilling, then so be it. I’m not one to force others.’
Lin Yun was taken aback.
He had considered that Shen Bai might be here on other business, but he had never imagined he would come for the Divination Deceitful Object. A troubled expression crossed his face.
’To be honest, that Deceitful Object had once saved the Hundred Medicines Valley. The Valley Master cherishes it as a treasure.’
