Chapter 175 - Successor of the Medicine Hall

Master Lu Song turned away from him and walked to the center of the high dais. Master Gu He, Master Yan Zhen, and Master Su Wen joined him, standing in a unified row.

BZZZZ!

A clear chime echoed across the sanctum as an ancient bronze bell rang above the dais.

Master Lu Song raised his hands, his commanding voice echoing into every corner of the hall. "By our unanimous agreement, we formally accept Physician Bai Qingxian as the Fifth Master Physician of the Heavenly Cloud Sect!"

Master Gu brought forward a deep crimson tray bearing a white jade token and embroidered Master robes.

The four Master Physicians bowed toward Bai Qingxian with utmost respect, presenting the tokens of a Master Physician of the sect.

The grand hall erupted.

Elders and disciples rose to their feet and cheered. In the eastern pavilion, Elder Bai Zhen smiled proudly. Lin Yao jumped with joy, while young Jiang Chen and Wang Tian clapped with deep excitement.

Su Ming finally heaved a sigh of relief.

Before the thunderous cheers could settle, two boundless auras descended upon the Grand Sanctum.

The deafening noise vanished instantly. The air grew still, filled with a soothing fragrance that cleansed the minds of everyone present.

Space above the main dais rippled like water. An elderly woman in simple grey robes stepped out from the void, followed closely by an elder in white robes.

"Grand Elder Gu!"

The elder in white robes was none other than Grand Elder Gu.

The elderly woman carried an ethereal presence. Her face was gentle, yet her eyes carried the profound wisdom of centuries.

’Who is that lady?’ the disciples wondered.

The younger disciples looked at her in confusion, unable to understand how an unfamiliar elder could walk in front of the Grand Elder.

The four Master Physicians turned pale with shock.

Master Lu Song fell to his knees. "Grandmaster Yao!" he cried out. "This junior pays respects to Grandmaster!"

Master Gu He, Master Yan Zhen, and Master Su Wen dropped down beside him in unison.

The entire hall froze.

’Grandmaster Yao?!’

Realization crashed over the crowd like a tidal wave. All of the elders, physicians, and spectators immediately bowed deeply.

Grandmaster Yao paid no attention to the sea of bowing elders. Her warm gaze rested entirely on Bai Qingxian.

"For hundreds of years, I have not accepted a single disciple," Grandmaster Yao said, her soft voice cutting through the silence. "Today, I have found one whose path is pure, courageous, and profound. Master Physician Bai Qingxian, will you accept my tutelage and become my personal disciple?"

A collective gasp swept through the hall.

To become the personal disciple of Grandmaster Yao meant she would be one of the most influential figures in the entire sect. She was destined to become the future successor of the Medicine Hall.

The four masters widened their eyes in disbelief. They knew her skills, but they had never imagined Grandmaster Yao would accept a personal disciple so quickly.

Bai Qingxian clasped her hands and bowed deeply with respect. "Disciple Bai Qingxian pays respects to Master."

Grandmaster Yao smiled warmly, reaching out her hand to help her stand.

A wave of thunderous awe swept the hall, louder than any cheer that had come before.

Amidst the roaring crowd, Bai Qingxian turned her eyes toward the eastern guest pavilion.

Su Ming stood quietly by the wooden railing. Meeting her gaze, he raised his teacup slightly toward her with a smile resting on his face.

***

By the night, the entire White Lotus Peak was filled with sounds of celebration.

Tables of polished darkwood were lined across the open courtyard, decorated with platters of spiritual delicacies that glistened under glowing lanterns. The rich aroma of roasted spirit beast meat, fresh spirit fruits, and steamed spiritual rice filled the air.

Every dish had been prepared by Spirit Chef Master Fan of Silver Savor Peak, one of the sect’s most famous outer peaks. Formerly a disciple of Alchemy Peak, Master Fan had long abandoned pill refining to dedicate his life to the culinary arts. Su Ming had contacted him two months in advance to book his services.

Convincing the culinary master had not taken much effort. Master Fan had caught wind of exaggerated sect rumors claiming Su Ming had slain a Demon King in the southern border. Though Su Ming had clarified the misunderstanding clearly, explaining that he had merely delivered a single sword strike, Master Fan still eagerly agreed with one promise.

Any prime beast meat Su Ming obtained from future hunts had to be sold directly to Silver Savor Peak.

At the center of the main table sat a heavy jar of Hundred Herb Dragon Wine.

The single jar had cost Su Ming eighty thousand sect contribution points, nearly wiping out the remaining rewards he earned from eliminating the demonic ancestor Mo. Yet Su Ming did not mind the expense in the slightest. He was certain he would earn twofold of that soon enough.

Before the first cup was poured, Su Ming laid down a strict rule. Only the elders were permitted to drink the spirit liquor, especially because its potency was far too strong for the juniors. Jiang Chen, Wang Tian, Lin Yao, and Ye Lingxi were each given cups of chilled spirit juice pressed from rare Red Cloud Berries.

The liquor proved to be exceptionally potent. Elder Bai Zhen indulged with hearty laughter, downing cup after cup until his face turned deep crimson. By the time the moon hung high above the peaks, the old elder was thoroughly drunk, rambling about his niece’s talent before being steadily escorted back to his residence.

Lin Yao, Jiang Chen, and Wang Tian also bid their farewells with happy faces. Ye Lingxi helped Su Ming clear the last of the plates, then offered a respectful bow and departed down the mountain.

A quiet night breeze swept across the empty courtyard, rustling the bamboo grove.

Su Ming sat by the low table, feeling a light buzz from the heavy liquor. Beside him, Bai Qingxian looked mostly composed, with only a faint flush brushing her cheeks. She had quietly circulated a specialized technique from Medicine Valley, neutralizing most of the alcohol before it could cloud her thoughts.

Su Ming set down his empty cup and rose to his feet.

Looking at Bai Qingxian under the soft moonlight, he said, "Let’s go now."