Aboard the starskiff leaving the Master Diviner's offices, Qingque and Sylvia sat facing each other.
"So you're really going to the Alchemy Commission? I thought you'd head straight to the Exalting Sanctum for a game."
Hearing the surprise in Sylvia's tone, Qingque instead put on a look of someone 'who's been through it all,' replying smugly:
"Surely the Master Diviner knows I'm perfectly fine, and I know I'm fine too. But since she instructed me to go to the Alchemy Commission, even if it's just for show, I have to go and get a prescription. Otherwise, where would that leave the boss's dignity?"
"If you make your superior lose face, wouldn't that just make her remember you? And we can't have that, can we? The art of slacking off isn't about earning merit—it's about avoiding mistakes altogether. That's how you blend into the crowd without drawing attention."
Qingque laid out her reasoning meticulously, but Sylvia pierced right through her facade with a single remark:
"But you're already completely on Fu Xuan's radar. What's the point in worrying about that now?"
"…"
Qingque pouted, shooting Sylvia a look that threatened tears if she said another word.
Then she deflated entirely and sighed in resignation.
"Ah... you're right. Why has the Master Diviner set her sights on me? It doesn't make sense. Anyway... I plan to make a trip to the Alchemy Commission. If you're free, come along with me. After that, we can play a few rounds of Celestial Jade."
Sylvia thought it over.
Wasn't Dan Shu, from the Alchemy Commission, the leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?
If she tagged along to the Alchemy Commission, given the Disciples' particular beliefs, she might even get a chance to meet some of their members.
With that in mind, Sylvia decided not to refuse.
As for those two gacha pulls waiting for her—she could always do them later after getting home. No need to rush.
"Alright, since you're having such a rough time, I'll come along with you to the Alchemy Commission for a stroll."
With Sylvia's agreement, the starskiff veered smoothly toward the Alchemy Commission.
--+--
Following Qingque, Sylvia stepped into the Alchemy Commission.
Compared to the serene quiet of the Divination Commission, the Alchemy Commission was considerably livelier.
After all, with so many people across the Xianzhou, anyone with an ailment had to rely on the healers here.
The moment Sylvia entered, she felt numerous glances fall upon her—though most were just casual observation, without any clear hostility or ulterior motives.
She followed Qingque and joined the end of a random consultation line.
"I'm going to get a prescription for clearing heat and reducing inflammation. Sylvia, why not look around nearby? The scenery here is actually quite lovely."
Considering it was Sylvia's first time on the Xianzhou, and that the Alchemy Commission's landscape was genuinely distinct from other areas, Qingque—while standing in line—suggested Sylvia take a stroll to pass the time.
"You don't want me to stay and keep you company?"
"Hey, it's not like I'm desperate for someone to chat with. But if you'd rather stay, I don't mind either."
Qingque chuckled. Seeing this, Sylvia didn't press further.
"Alright then, I'll take a look around. Message me when you're done."
"Sure thing."
Qingque waved her Jade Abacus, and Sylvia nodded, setting off on her own to explore.
The Alchemy Commission was filled with visitors from other civilizations. Some even had Cloud Knights watching over them—whether due to their important status or because they'd been detained for some offense.
But hospitals weren't exactly cheerful places, so Sylvia deliberately avoided the crowded areas and wandered into the quieter side paths.
Whenever she came across a picturesque alley or a spot with a beautiful view, she'd take out her phone, snap a picture, and send it to Acheron.
She'd attach a few personal thoughts to each one.
[Sylvia: [Image][Image][Image]]
[Sylvia: Went to the Divination Commission and the Alchemy Commission today. The Divination Commission was pretty strict, so I couldn't take photos there. Took a few extra of the Alchemy Commission for you instead.]
[Sylvia: Both places feel really ancient and full of history—probably because they were built so long ago. But Xianzhou natives live such long lives; what feels like history to me might just be scenes from their youth.]
[Sylvia: Kind of funny to think about it that way.]
After sending the messages, Sylvia didn't worry about whether Acheron would see them. She knew once Acheron reached an area with signal, she'd reply.
She continued her stroll.
Then, while turning a corner and arriving at a pavilion that overlooked the consultation area,
Sylvia encountered a Xianzhou woman. Judging by her attire, she seemed to be an alchemist like those in the Commission, yet her robes were somewhat more refined.
Thinking it was just a chance encounter, Sylvia gave a slight nod and was about to leave when the woman suddenly spoke:
"Your footsteps are steady—you don't move like an Alchemy Commission healer. If you're seeking treatment, you've strayed a bit far. You'll need to take the path behind me and circle back around."
Caught off guard by the pleasant voice, Sylvia stopped and took a closer look.
The voice matched its owner—a woman with a gentle and mature beauty.
But the woman's eyes seemed somewhat unfocused. Though she was turned toward Sylvia, her gaze felt distant, as if looking far away.
"Thank you for letting me know, miss. But I'm just accompanying a friend. She said the scenery here is quite elegant, so I thought I'd take a look around while I have time."
"Is that so."
The woman responded neutrally, then changed the subject entirely:
"Now that I think of it, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Dan Shu. I'm a healer here."
Sylvia's eyebrows rose slightly.
So the leader herself had come to meet her? How strange—were the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus really this interested in her?
"I'm Sylvia. Are you on a break, Miss Dan Shu? You've come quite a ways out."
"I am resting, but this isn't far at all. Many healers come here to unwind. As for me... due to my health, I occasionally allow myself a moment of idleness."
Dan Shu's tone was gentle, yet within that gentleness, one could sense a firm, unyielding resilience.
Sylvia's feelings toward this leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were complicated. Pitiable yet reprehensible—perhaps that described someone like her.
"But it's rare to meet an outsider here. If you don't mind, Miss Sylvia, why not sit for a while? We can chat to pass the time."
"An invitation is an invitation—I'd be happy to accept."
So, Sylvia stepped forward and took a seat opposite Dan Shu.
Watching how Dan Shu's seemingly vacant eyes still tracked her movements, Sylvia couldn't help but wonder.
At this point in time—now that Dan Shu had become the leader of the Disciples—could she actually see? Was she only pretending to be blind?
She probably could see.
It's just that now, these seeing eyes could no longer behold the glorious sights she wished to see.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.