Chapter One, the swallows return as if we have met before

Since I took up the profession of a doctor, I have preferred to address issues directly and straightforwardly. When encountering a patient, regardless of the medication used, as long as it effectively cures the ailment, that is sufficient

I stood there, gazing at that figure, a feeling of extreme familiarity surged in my heart, yet I could not recall who he was

The master chuckled while pinching my nose, saying: "The 'Records of the Ten Continents' mentions that in the ancestral continent's Qiong fields, there grows a herb known as the Spirit Nourishing Herb. If a person dies, they can be revived within three days by covering them with grass; consuming it can grant one longevity. When you grow up, I will take you out to sea on a boat to gather the Spirit Nourishing Herb for you to eat as vegetables"

Wangcai is a fox; I found it when I was about seven years old

I was secretly puzzled. In order to maintain the mysterious and lofty image of a divine doctor and a reclusive master, my teacher rarely invited outsiders. The vast abode was hardly occupied by anyone other than the three of us, along with a sea eagle named Nayan and a fox named Wangcai. Why, today, was there suddenly an interest in inviting someone over as a guest

Galo is located by the East China Sea, where the water is azure and the air is clear. On the island grows a flower called Morning Glory, known for its miraculous ability to stop bleeding. This flower blooms only at the moment when the sun rises in the fragrant month of April, and it withers in the blink of an eye, as fleeting as a flash of light.

The dream was filled with jolts, as if I were on a boat out at sea. In a daze, I lost track of how much sea route I had traveled. Suddenly, the seawater became clear and transparent, calm and undisturbed, resembling a crystal that had gathered the essence of heaven and earth, exquisite and translucent, vast and boundless. Amidst it floated a green island as emerald-like, with clouds steaming and rosy clouds swirling, where the sun and moon shimmered, and strange flowers and rare grasses thrived among the blue stone reefs.

I covered my nose with one hand and waved the other hand, saying: "Ah, no, no, no, I respectfully decline, I respectfully decline"

He picked up the tea, took two sips, and set it down, smiling at me. The smile was light and casual, yet it was vividly captivating.

You are the esteemed guest mentioned in Master Xin's letter? I felt as if I were being hypnotized, the voice was surprisingly gentle

The old fox, however, laughed and said, "Linglong, I will not die."

Ah, we are not ill, farewell.

The man who gives her gifts may not have a donkey cart but has a basket full of them, yet she has never been this happy. It seems that the key lies in who the giver is. If it is someone she does not like, even the wealth of a city would be as worthless as dirt. However, if it is someone she cherishes, a handful of moonlight would be enough to intoxicate her on a fine evening

I calmly took the gift from her and placed it in her hands, "The young master's kind intention, I cannot refuse, so please accept it. Quickly, take a look at what it is"

She hurriedly gathered her long hair into a bun, bent down to perform a deep bow, her soft and graceful figure resembling a willow waiting for the east wind after a long winter

He smiled and said, "Your master said that the one who is beautiful is called Meiwu"

As I stepped out the door, I suddenly had a feeling that Master had invited Rong Chen to the island as a guest, perhaps to introduce her to a suitable partner for a matchmaker's visit.

I cried until I saw stars, and only then did I realize how important my master truly is. Not only is he good-looking, but he is also very useful. He absolutely must not die

The emerald green gauze skirt was held in hand, revealing the inner layer of long and short peach-red pant legs. It would be one thing for the clothes to be disheveled, but why was the hair not tied up? She must have just been called up from the bed by the clouds. Fortunately, her long hair was smooth and jet black, flowing in the wind, rising and falling gracefully, which was quite beautiful

I heard from your master that you have an interest in disguise and cosmetic surgery; these will surely come in handy

Look at how beautifully the peach blossoms are blooming, she stands gracefully beneath the tree, perfectly embodying that line of poetry, the human face and peach blossoms reflecting each other

I took two steps back, not wanting him to close in another two steps

He took a step closer, his smile exceedingly sincere: "No worries, no worries, for a physician has the heart of a parent."

I opened my eyes in a disheveled state and saw Mei Wu swaying before me, smiling like a celestial being

"Take care, no need to see me off." I smiled and waved my hand, casually brushing off a few fallen petals from my sleeve, and walked towards the Apricot Grove.

In one's lifetime, there will be countless encounters with numerous individuals. Some will merely brush past you, their faces barely discernible, while others may share a fleeting connection, only to be forgotten in the vastness of the world. Yet, there are those whom you may only glance at unintentionally, and they will be etched in your memory for a lifetime

As I leaned against the cool pavilion and looked down, I saw a boat docked beneath the small spiritual platform. The sail, facing the morning sun, shimmered with golden light, embroidered with a large character "Mo." Could it be that the master has returned

It is rare for this gentleman to use so many idioms to describe beauty in one breath, which indeed shows a certain literary flair. I couldn't help but slow my pace, wanting to hear what comes next

In fact, I do not mind at all. Over the years, every time I accompanied my master on outings, men were astonished by her beauty and avoided me. She was surrounded by admirers, while I was left with no one around. After being so blatantly undermined for so many years, I have long since cultivated an indestructible heart.

esteemed guest

I tugged at the corner of her garment and said, "Mei Wu, this is Young Master Rong Chen, a distinguished guest mentioned in the master's letter."

Her brows are delicate, and her face is flushed: "He is bathing behind."

The indoor windows are bright and clean, giving a fresh appearance. Mei Wu sits in front of the rosewood table, thoughtfully cradling her face in her hands, looking quite profound.

The letter did not mention a return date, only that he has a close friend coming to Jialuo, and that we should prepare the Fuxue Tower to host this esteemed guest

I let out a heavy sigh, heartbroken: "Master is that old fox, and I am that little fox. If you were to die, who would cook for me? Who would make my clothes? Who would spend the money for me?"

He set down the box in his hands and drew a silk handkerchief from his sleeve

The jade-white fingers cradled the brocade box, and it seemed as if faint wisps of plum fragrance were wafting from the sleeves. I believe no one could assume a posture that exudes such boundless elegance.

My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a warm surge flowing through my nasal cavity

With a loud cry, I wept even more freely, displaying a determination akin to that of mountains collapsing, earth splitting, and seas drying up, refusing to relent.

Although he used a question, his tone was extremely assertive, which made me curious: "How do you know?"

I was taken aback; why does this scene resemble my dreams so closely? For a moment, I even began to doubt whether I was still in a dream. A feeling of reunion across lifetimes surged towards me, as if an old acquaintance from a past life had traversed mountains and seas to fulfill a promise in this life

I suddenly recalled a line of poetry: "When the golden wind and the jade dew meet, it surpasses countless encounters in the mortal world"

He entered the room without glancing around, and his fingers casually wiped across the rosewood table, as if checking for any dust. It was evident that he was a person with obsessive cleanliness, which was quite similar to his master; indeed, like attracts like.

He stood up, pointed behind me, and smiled gently, saying, "That one, is she the crazy girl?"

What are you talking about? He is certainly a man

Rong Chen emerged from behind, changing into a plain white long robe, truly resembling the morning sun and the bright moon of dusk

The eagle spreads its wings, ready to soar. With a graceful sweep of his wide sleeves, he rises into the sky, and a clear, crisp cry of the eagle pierces the clouds.

This is indeed the case; as the saying goes, prolonged illness leads to expertise. Mei Wu has seen her fair share of those love-at-first-sight gazes, and she is quite experienced. Under her influence, I have also developed a pair of eyes that shine with brilliance. Rong Chen's eyes are clear and pure, deep and wise; when he looks at Mei Wu, he certainly does not exhibit the fervent passion, obsession, or wildness that some men do. Instead, he is calm and composed, unperturbed by the waves.

The golden crow has yet to rise in the east, and the sea surface is enveloped in an endless expanse of azure blue, resembling the primordial chaos at the dawn of creation. Gradually, the first light of dawn begins to reveal itself, and the sky unfolds. Before long, a magnificent sun rises majestically from the sea, casting a radiant glow that blankets the heavens and spills over the surface of the ocean.

Even Lian Wangcai has noticed it

I firmly believed in my master's words and immediately stopped my tears. From that moment on, I thoroughly tore apart that book "Records of the Ten Continents." As a mere mortal, everyone has a heart that fears death

Sometimes having too good of hearing is not necessarily a good thing. Thus, I stopped in my tracks, standing under the tree, waiting for the two behind me

That day, because I had overeaten, my master took me for a leisurely walk to aid digestion. As we walked, we suddenly saw a little fox lying on top of an old fox by the roadside, crying mournfully. I asked my master what was happening, and he said that the old fox had died

I smiled without answering, but in my heart, I was also very curious about the identity of this esteemed guest, for my master has always regarded even the current Emperor Chang with indifference. What kind of person could possibly have caught his attention and be worthy of the title "esteemed"?

"Ah, pfft, you lecher!" Mei Wu's face turned red with shame as she stomped her foot and walked away

I could not help but ponder in my heart, whether his calm demeanor was a result of having experienced countless trials, a distortion of aesthetic perception, or perhaps a disinterest in women. Upon considering the latter possibility, I was filled with righteous indignation; if such a man were to sever ties with women, it would be utterly intolerable.

I stared blankly at a cluster of orchids on the silk scarf, and suddenly felt as if a warm stream was flowing through my heart

Unexpectedly, a sudden gust of wind came, whoosh...

The eagle child brought a letter from the master

He laughed again: "Oh right, he also said, one is a dead girl, and the other is a crazy girl"

The tide surged and splashed against the hem of his garment, and he finally turned around. At that moment, a few sudden thunderclaps rang out in the clear sky, knocking me to the ground...

On the deck stands a person, dressed in a fiery red garment that glows in the twilight. Behind him stretches an endless expanse of sea and sky, as if the light of the rising sun converges upon him. His brilliant red attire resembles a blazing flame, poised to ignite the clouds above.

Indeed, he is a person with obsessive cleanliness

Ah, that young lady in front is likely the one; just look at her silhouette, so graceful and elegant, walking as if stepping on lotus flowers, with a charming demeanor, like slender willows swaying in the wind, and delicate flowers reflected in the water

He placed the chest on the table, and after opening it, took out a red brocade box and handed it to Meiwu, saying: "I have been troubling you for several days in Jialuo, this humble gift is not a token of respect, I hope you will accept it graciously."

I looked down and saw ... . ... In fact, I had just gone to the vegetable garden to water the plants. I think the black dress is more resistant to dirt, as water stains and mud are not very noticeable on it.

Mei Wuhuan joyfully opened the brocade box, revealing an exquisitely crafted set of knives, with various types totaling more than twenty.

Three days later will be the first day of April. Before dawn, I got out of bed.

Two clouds of red rose on her face, this was the first time I had seen her blush

Mine is rather imposing and majestic, with a broad expanse of dark markings from the forehead to the nasal bone, exuding a magnificent aura, akin to an ink wash painting

Mei Wu returned a knowing glance, but regretfully shrugged her shoulders and said, "However, he did not fall in love with me at first sight."

I cannot describe his appearance; I only feel that such a visage in this world is worthy of such a stride and such a posture. In that moment, I forgot to breathe

The master chuckled and said, "Of course, you haven't eaten."

He is evidently the latter. I have never seen such a pair of eyes; looking into them feels as if one is bathed in the spring light of March.

He walked over casually, as if everything in the world was beyond his notice

Thank you, young master

The master has always been extravagant and wasteful. The "Records of the Ten Continents," which I had torn, he did not throw away but instead wrapped it in silk cloth and placed it on his bookshelf. In front of the small window, the bright sun of March generously poured its warm rays onto the table, and as I sat at the table, I casually flipped through a few pages. Unable to resist the drowsiness of spring, I unexpectedly fell asleep.

He smiled gently and said, "I did not mean to imply that you are ugly."

The master couldn't help but chuckle and said, "I don't understand?"

The sea breeze greeted me, and the white sand grains were slightly abrasive underfoot, causing me to halt my steps

The corners of his lips curled slightly, and a teasing smile blossomed in his eyes

At the center of Meiwu's brows, there blossomed a small, crimson beauty mark, charming and resplendent, vibrant and alluring, like a hint of longing resting upon the tip of her heart

The peach blossoms in the jade vase bloom brilliantly, as she sits there in a daze, her eyes reflecting a cluster of peach blossoms

He slowly stepped down from the platform, as if descending from the clouds

So many people are amazed by her beauty, heartbroken for her, and seeking life and death for her, yet I have only seen her feeling awkward and shy in front of a man. It turns out that the timing was just not right. Just like the morning glory in the mind's eye, it only blooms at the moment when the spring sun rises in early April.

Upon reconsideration, I understood. I entered the field eight years earlier than her, and although I am half a year younger, in terms of seniority, I am her senior sister. With the master absent, guests should ideally present gifts to me, the "acting host." However, Rong Chen only presented gifts to her and not to me, likely because she was concerned about my feelings and thus felt embarrassed to accept them.

I watched him as he walked right up to me

Thus, Mei Wu is a beautiful young woman, and I can be considered a beautiful, yet fearsome creature. For many years, I have felt a sense of guilt towards Mei Wu, as she presents me with a captivating and enchanting visage every day, while I, in turn, show her a face that is strikingly terrifying.

Passing through the bamboo forest, one arrives at the Snow-laden Pavilion, which is quietly and elegantly concealed behind a lush expanse of green. This is a small white building constructed by the master in the style of traditional Yunnan residences. It is worth mentioning that Rong Chen is the first guest.

I leisurely boiled a kettle of snow water, brewed a cup of Kunlun snow chrysanthemum, and carried it in a pair of white jade cups to the Snow-laden Pavilion

On a day that was unexpectedly beautiful, we encountered each other on a narrow path. He pinched my cheek and gritted his teeth, saying: "You little brat, I have been looking for you for twenty years."

In a state of ecstasy, I lifted my skirt and rushed onto the beach, in my haste losing one shoe, with no time to retrieve it

I squeezed out an innocent smile: "Ah, did I say that? It seems the young master misunderstood, didn't he?"

I am quite concerned about the progress between the two of them, and I asked curiously, "What did you talk about just now?"

Master Mo Gui, known as the Divine Doctor, lives in seclusion by the shores of the East Sea in Jialuo to maintain his profound and enigmatic image. As the two gentlemen have mentioned, he indeed has two female disciples, Meiw and I.

He pretended to pull at his belt, wearing a smile that was neither fully a smile nor entirely serious

My tears abruptly ceased: "Why?"

I went to the Fuxue Building, filled with a belly of confusion and charm, carefully cleaned the room, and arranged freshly bloomed peach blossoms in the jade vase on the table

Facing the sunlight, he slightly squinted his eyes and gave me a gentle smile, as if a warm and tender breeze emanated from his smile, instilling a sense of languor deep within me

I clung to my master's neck, crying even harder, "Master, you don't understand."

Upon hearing this, I couldn't help but be taken aback. When has she ever feared that Master would be displeased? She would be delighted if she could provoke him to be unhappy every day.

Gradually, a wave of warmth quietly surged in my ear, and I rubbed my face, forcing out a dry smile: "Young master, is there something wrong with my face?" I remember having washed my face early in the morning, and when I touched the corner of my eye with my finger, there was no trace of sesame paste.

After a moment of surprise, Mei Wu revealed a look of delighted shyness, yet she did not take the brocade box. She simply said, "Young master, you are too courteous. Since you are a distinguished guest of my master, we extend our warmest welcome and would not dare to accept a gift. If my master were to find out, he would surely be displeased."

I hesitated whether to turn back and take a glance at this talented young man

I felt a secret joy in my heart, eager to ascend the mountain to pluck that celestial herb. Suddenly, I saw a figure standing on the rocky shore, with an eagle perched on his shoulder. Amidst the mist and haze, that silhouette exuded a remarkable presence, standing apart from the world, framed by the vast sea and sky behind him, with clouds and mountains, as if he had been standing there since time immemorial.

It is said that the female disciple of the renowned physician Mo Gui possesses a beauty that could make fish sink and birds fall, a grace that could overshadow the moon and make flowers shy, an ethereal elegance, and a charm that could captivate an entire nation

The two talented individuals behind me are getting closer and closer

Yes, my name is Rong Chen, and you must be Ling Long

Mei Wu appeared somewhat melancholic: "As soon as you left, he went to take a bath"

The two "talents" were instantly taken aback, dumbfounded, and speechless

I pointed to the inner room and asked, "Have you seen it?"

The two individuals rushed forward, their steps swift and hurried, moving with great strides.

The eloquent gentleman just now and the dashing young man must have come here drawn by the reputation of the library, with intentions beyond mere enjoyment of wine. Unexpectedly, due to bad luck, they encountered me instead. Such is fate and fortune, which cannot be forced.

Before Master set out to sea, he instructed me not to forget to gather. So, early in the morning, I hurried to the seaside's small spiritual platform.

I wisely took a few steps ahead and picked up the shoes on the beach to put them on properly

Tears well up in my heart ... ? ... Master, are you truly our beloved master

In his childhood, he often told us: My two disciples cannot be lost, for they bear marks between their brows

In my moment of melancholy, I found myself somewhat surprised. Generally, when men encounter a charming woman, they tend to cherish time as if it were precious, wishing they could stretch a single sentence into ten. I deliberately left time for the two of us to be alone, yet he, lacking in romantic sensibility, went off to take a bath for some reason

I turned around and smiled kindly, saying: "Are you two here for a consultation? I am the female disciple of the renowned physician Mo Gui."

Linglong, Master has mysteriously gone out to sea this time, could it be that he has gone to Yingzhou? It is said that it is the dwelling place of immortals. What do you think, could the esteemed guest that Master mentioned be an immortal?

Mei Wu blushed and pouted, saying: "How annoying! I am not the kind of person who secretly watches men take a shower, unlike you"

The master squatted down to comfort me: "All things have a lifespan, and the cycle of reincarnation is ever-present, just like the blooming and withering of flowers, the waxing and waning of the moon; there is nothing to fear"

Mei Wu was taken aback: "How did you know?"

Upon reaching Xinglin Garden, Wangcai ran up to Rongchen with a few barks. He bent down and patted its head. Strangely, Wangcai did not flinch, avoid, or show any signs of fear.

He stands against the light, with an eagle perched on his arm, his features obscured. That breathtaking red seems to be the only brilliance at the horizon where the sea meets the sky

I am increasingly curious, "So how do you know I am Linglong?"

I shamefully took out a handkerchief from my sleeve to wipe the profuse sweat from my forehead, only to realize afterward that it was the handkerchief that had been used to wrap my feet

The peach blossoms are in full bloom on the tree, and as a gust of wind blows, a few petals fall and drift onto the collar, intertwining with a colorful butterfly embroidered on the spring garment, creating a contrast of movement and stillness that is quite charming

I leaned close to her ear and asked, "Do you like him?"

I turned around and saw a slender figure running over in a manner that was anything but graceful

Mei Wu rushed to the front and suddenly stopped

The green gauze skirt silently slipped from her hands, covering her ankles. She seemed oblivious, gazing at Rong Chen as if her soul had been captivated, her eyes shining with a light I had never seen before

I : `` ... ... ''

The white sand is as pure as snow, and the red attire is vibrant. I have never seen anyone walk with such carefree elegance, as the sea breeze billows his garments, resembling dancing clouds

Mei Wu picked up those exquisite knives, unable to part with them, her eyes and brows curved in a smile

"Be careful of the sand hurting your feet." He bent down and unexpectedly held my foot. In extreme shock and surprise, I felt as if I had been enchanted and was unable to move, allowing him to tie a knot with a silk handkerchief on my foot.

My calf trembled, but never mind, I should walk a bit faster

At this moment, footsteps were heard coming from behind the screen

The most poignant sentiment is that I was born before you, and by the time you were born, I had already passed away.

The silk handkerchief that was wrapped around his feet is currently quite inappropriate, so I stuffed it into my sleeve, intending to wash it before returning it to him

I patted Meiwu's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, how could there be a man in this world who doesn't like you? Unless he is not a man."

He looked at me with a smile: "Just now I heard that there is no man in the world who does not like beautiful eyebrows, unless he is not a man."

Upon entering the Apricot Grove, a scene of extraordinary liveliness greets the eyes. At first glance, petals dance playfully with the willow catkins, and the vibrant purples rival the charming reds. The spring scenery fills the garden, presenting an endless beauty. However, in the absence of the master, an unspoken sense of desolation arises, even the dog Wangcai, lying under the peach tree, appears listless.

A familiar eagle's cry echoed from below the cliff, it was indeed my master's Haidongqing soaring through the clouds

I hesitantly said: "How about you bring the tea inside? By the way, ahem, you don't need to take his clothes away, just take off your clothes..."

That is why I took the opportunity to visit Doctor Mo while he was at sea. Do you think a young talent like me, who is both handsome and charming, would capture her heart at first sight?

In the practice of medicine and treatment, it is inevitable to encounter the male body. Therefore, women like me, who possess a tough exterior, are indeed rare. However, encountering a man who is as handsome as a beautiful woman is even rarer.

I am amazed by the blossoming of Mei Wu, and even more surprised by the calmness of Rong Chen. He did not have a sparkle in his eyes, nor did his lips part slightly, and his gaze did not fixate on her face. It was only Mei Wu who stood there in a daze, her eyes shining brightly, as if she were radiating light.

Brother Zhou, I have never seen a woman in a black dress who is so beautiful and captivating; she truly has exceptional taste

I calmly said: "I do not peek either; I am looking openly and honestly."

How do you know

At first, I thought he was looking at the dark mark between my eyebrows, but later I realized it was not; every inch of my skin seemed to have been brushed by a strand of serene moonlight

This encounter, whether it is fate or misfortune, remains uncertain. However, regardless of whether it is fate or misfortune, to meet the destined person at the peak of one's youth is indeed a blessing of three lifetimes

The thoughts of Mei Wu were laid bare, so I understandingly said: "Mei Wu, you talk with the young master, I will go boil water and brew tea"

I cannot bear to look any longer; however, the master's introduction is indeed quite accurate.

The cloud flew to my side, circling around with a low hum, and then headed towards the Misty Smoke Pavilion

I cleared my throat and said seriously: "Mei Wu, I am not mocking you. I believe the master is trying to find a suitor for you to meet. Then, well, you understand."

I : `` ... ... ''

I sat up excitedly and asked, "When will the master return?"

I leaned close to Meiwu's ear and said: "Do you know the story of the Seven Fairies and Dong Yong?"

The plain long shirt features a simple design, with the belt casually tied in a knot, and the collar is loose and sagging as if it could open at any moment

He said with utmost seriousness: "I have consumed the elixir of immortality"

I steadied my steps and forced a benevolent smile: "Since it is this way, then I shall... not stand on ceremony."

Do you know what happened?

He pressed his lips together in silence, casually leaning against the rosewood table. His long, slender fingers tapped on the surface of the table as he raised an eyebrow and smiled at me: "Why don't you come and take a look yourself"

I exerted great effort to shift my gaze from him to the tea tray, managing to squeeze out a smile: "Young master, please enjoy."

She shot me a glance, "I naturally know."

I broke into a smile: "That's great." After a while, I felt something was off, wiped my nose on his chest, and asked eagerly: "Master, what about me?"

Indeed, she is a peerless beauty; just by looking at her silhouette, one feels a sense of confusion and infatuation, utterly captivated.

In the brilliant morning light, morning glories bloom fiercely, their green petals glistening with dew, exuding a captivating fragrance that soothes the soul. I swiftly pluck the flowers and place them on a golden plate. This rare flower can only yield about one hundred blooms in a month, barely enough to produce a small box of ointment, making it truly priceless

I wonder where my beloved is. It is rare for me to ponder this question, and countless possibilities flash through my mind

Your master said he has two disciples, one named Linglong and the other named Meiwu

I inquired with concern: "May I ask what discomfort you two are experiencing?"

That was the first time I truly felt the reality of life and death, and in that moment, I clung to my master's leg and wept uncontrollably

I set down the tea tray and looked around, "Where is he?"

Due to issues of appearance, I feel that the possibility of melancholy far exceeds that of beauty. Before me stands a pair of exquisite individuals, with ethereal grace and jade-like complexion, set against the backdrop of a sky filled with rosy clouds and an endless blue sea, creating an indescribable harmony that is captivating.

I believe there is not a single woman in the world who can withstand his penetrating gaze. That look is clear and transparent, pure and captivating, like the water from a deep well, evoking an inexplicable desire to stir up ripples.

Oh dear, how annoying, mocking others again

I did not expect that there was only Meiwu in the room