Qingque grinned sheepishly, rubbing her head, only to have Sylvia reach out and gently ruffle her forehead as she explained.
"Nothing of the sort. The other day, I ran into someone at the Alchemy Commission who gave me a free prescription. She mentioned she often spends her time at Synwood Pavilion, so I thought I'd go thank her."
"Man or woman?"
"Woman!"
"Ah… boring."
Sylvia shot a glare at her card-playing friend, whose enthusiasm instantly deflated. She ordered everyone a round of Immortal's Delight Tea, reminding them to save her a seat before she left.
This time, she didn't run into anyone else she knew.
As she walked, Sylvia suddenly remembered there was still one adorable Xianzhou native she hadn't met yet.
That new Dragon Lord of the Vidyadhara, the so-called "Healer Lady"—they'd never crossed paths.
Last time she visited the Alchemy Commission, she missed the Dragon Maiden but ended up meeting Dan Shu.
Thinking about it, life had its funny little coincidences.
But this Dragon Maiden was known for sneaking out and had quite the appetite. Sylvia rarely bought snacks around the Exalting Sanctum, so chances were slim she'd bump into her by accident.
She couldn't help but wonder—those dragon horns and tail of Bailu's… she really wanted to see what they felt like.
Sylvia's fingers twitched almost involuntarily.
"I remember Tingyun always visits Bailu for a massage after returning from merchant trips. Maybe I should ask Tingyun about it."
Bailu was a healer, and on top of that, a Vidyadhara Dragon Lord.
Who knows, she might even get to witness the Cloudhymn Art.
Lost in thought, Sylvia soon found herself near Synwood Pavilion.
With light, brisk footsteps, a gentle voice called out from within the pavilion:
"You're here? Your steps sound cheerful—you must be in good spirits. Was the prescription I gave you effective?"
With her back to Sylvia, Dan Shu gazed into the distant sea of clouds and the Ambrosial Arbor, her voice as calm and steady as ever.
"Thank you for the prescription, Miss Dan Shu. My hands have felt much better since using the herbal soak. Your diagnostic skills are truly remarkable."
"There's no need to thank me. It's simply a physician's duty."
As she spoke, Dan Shu turned slowly, her beautiful eyes still vacant.
"Thank you for coming all the way to Synwood Pavilion to see me, little friend Sylvia. Why not sit down and have some tea? Allow me to examine you again to check on your recovery."
Guided by touch, Dan Shu seated herself beside a table where a cup of fragrant tea steamed gently.
Although Sylvia had indeed come specifically to see Dan Shu, how had she known, being blind?
Curious, Sylvia couldn't help but ask:
"What if I said I was just passing by?"
Dan Shu paused briefly, then lightly traced the rim of her delicate teacup, her fingertips brushing over the moisture clinging to it.
"You jest, little friend. Had you been unwilling, you need not have stopped before me. Whether by chance or by design, your willingness to pause is thanks enough."
"Alright, you've got me. I did come specifically to see you, Miss Dan Shu."
Despite the… complications surrounding this woman, there was no denying that listening to Dan Shu speak had a way of soothing even the most restless mood.
Her gentle voice was a balm to the soul.
Setting aside her identity as a member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, Dan Shu was, without a doubt, a skilled physician.
A faint smile touched Dan Shu's lips as she faced Sylvia's direction.
Though she couldn't see, her hands moved with surety as she poured Sylvia a cup of tea.
Sylvia watched her complete the graceful ritual, then accept the faintly scented cup with a smile.
"Thank you for preparing the tea, Miss Dan Shu."
"It's no trouble. Since you've come, the least I can offer is a cup of tea."
Without rushing to drink, Sylvia instead extended her hands.
"Would you mind examining them again, Miss Dan Shu?"
"You are an eager one, little friend."
Dan Shu smiled slightly, then carefully took Sylvia's hands in hers.
Her slightly calloused fingers pressed and probed the muscles of Sylvia's palms and fingers with practiced precision.
Occasionally, she guided Sylvia to bend a finger, tracing the pathways of her meridians.
"You've recovered faster than I anticipated. It seems even without my prescription, your hands would have healed on their own in time. I may have acted presumptuously, causing you unnecessary expense."
Sylvia had used Qingque's Master Diviner Commission employee discount for the herbs, so the cost hadn't been much.
And Dan Shu was being far too conscientious about it.
"You're too kind, Miss Dan Shu. A faster recovery means your prescription worked. For a patient, healing sooner is always better—how could that ever reflect poorly on the physician?"
Hearing this, Dan Shu seemed quietly pleased. She gave a slight nod and let the subject drop.
"Do you have plans later, little friend?"
"I'm just here on the Xianzhou for leisure, so my time is free. Do you have another patient to see, Miss Dan Shu?"
"There is someone, but not a patient, and no examination is needed."
Dan Shu shook her head, not waiting for Sylvia to ask before continuing.
"Besides enjoying the tranquility of Synwood Pavilion, I also come to the Exalting Sanctum to provide consultations and remedies for certain comrades. I had planned to deliver medicine today—I hadn't expected to meet you here, little friend."
She took a small, unhurried sip of tea, as though they were simply sharing a casual chat.
"In that case, I've interrupted your duties, Miss Dan Shu."
"It's no interruption. I'd call it a pleasant surprise."
With that, Dan Shu poured herself another cup.
"I quite enjoy our conversations, little friend. It's like sitting down with an old friend who doesn't need many words—just tea and quiet company. But the time for delivering the medicine is nearing. If I don't go soon, I'm afraid I'll keep them waiting."
She paused, a hint of hesitation crossing her expression.
"If you're free, little friend, might I invite you to accompany me to the Court of Tranquility?"
Dan Shu's invitation piqued Sylvia's curiosity. What was she meant to see?
The blind Xianzhou girl from the original game, or someone else entirely?
Would this lead to an attempt to recruit her?
Intrigued, Sylvia replied with a light laugh:
"You didn't charge me a single credit for the consultation the other day, Miss Dan Shu. How could I possibly refuse your invitation today?"
"Then I'll trouble you a little further. We'll set out after we finish these two cups."
--+--
The Court of Tranquility and Synwood Pavilion were located almost at opposite ends of the Exalting Sanctum.
The route between them passed through the district's largest open-air plaza.
Having crossed nearly the entire Exalting Sanctum, Sylvia and Dan Shu finally arrived near the Court of Tranquility.
Though blind, Dan Shu walked with steady, confident steps, navigating the crowds with ease even without Sylvia's guidance.
She hardly seemed sightless at all.
But it was likely her usual composure. Along the way, occasional healers from the Alchemy Commission or former patients would greet her warmly.
--+--
T/N: 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.