Zhu Yanyi was not naive. She understood Yan Aohan’s meaning immediately.
"Ani, time flows differently here. Three days here equal one day in the mortal world. Three years here equal nine years there. You have nine years to study."
Yan Aohan looked at Zhu Yanyi seriously. "This world offers you nine years of learning. After that, you will return to the mortal realm. Once you finish your tasks there, we will take you to the true cultivation world."
For Yan Aohan, bringing Zhu Yanyi to this plane served two purposes. First, to access the books in the Sage Academy’s library. Second, to help her adapt to future life. This place was a buffer zone for her.
Zhu Yanyi did not need to cultivate in the traditional sense, as she could ascend to the Immortal Realm at any time. However, her path was unique, and experience was crucial. Yan Aohan wanted her to feel the atmosphere of the cultivation world.
In fact, she hoped she would visit various worlds to understand their conditions. This would greatly aid her breakthroughs.
Zhu Yanyi had no objections to this arrangement. "But didn’t you say a calamity will strike my mortal world in about thirty years?"
"Yes. That is why you must cherish this time. Cultivate hard. Become a Medical God early. Heal the heavens." Yan Aohan smiled at her. "It is not an easy title."
"Does healing the heavens require divine power?" Zhu Yanyi asked. She sensed something odd in her words.
Yan Aohan chuckled softly. "You must find your own understanding. Your path is yours to walk. If I explain too much, but you do not comprehend, it is useless."
Zhu Yanyi half-understood. She knew Yan Aohan meant well. She nodded. "Okay. I understand. Let nature take its course."
Sometimes, pretending to understand is worse than letting go. Eventually, clarity would come.
She did not worry too much about the mortal world’s fate. Overthinking might cloud her judgment. It was better to set it aside and let things unfold naturally.
Yan Aohan and Zhu Yanyi walked on the mountain until half an hour before midnight.
"Oh my, I thought you two had eloped," Zhan Diting teased when he saw them.
Yan Aohan glanced at him. "My wife and I are together openly. Why elope? Are you bored? Treating this as a game?" He sneered. "Besides, even if we eloped, we have partners. You, a single dog, should not speak of such things."
Zhan Diting pointed at Yan Aohan, then at himself. After a moment, he said angrily, "Do not underestimate me. I will find a suitable partner. I refuse to believe I cannot."
"Then hurry. If you do not, the Buddha Realm might come to fetch you as a mascot." Yan Aohan said calmly.
"What did the Buddha Realm do?" Zhan Diting asked, surprised.
"Nothing much. Recently, many there are interested in your superior’s position. They want to oversee it and visit the Underworld to accumulate karmic merit. Since you have held that position for years, they want to recall you to the Buddha Realm as a mascot. Then they can interfere in Underworld affairs."
"Boss, you won’t let them interfere, will you?" Zhan Diting frowned. "Those bald monks think clearly because they have no hair. They leave no retreat. Do not let them interfere. They might try to usurp your position."
"They cannot usurp my position," Yan Aohan smiled. "Our Dao and their Buddhism are similar but different. Interference is impossible. However, they might come for a vacation. The quota is limited. I worry they are plotting against you."
"Rest assured, Boss. I know how to handle them." Zhan Diting felt more confident.
Yan Aohan saw his resolve. "I only remind you." He looked around. "Where are the children?"
To Yan Aohan, Yi Yunfei and the others were still children.
"They are waiting at the field. I sensed your return and came to greet you," Zhan Diting said seriously.
Yan Aohan nodded and led Zhu Yanyi over. Yi Yunfei stood up as they approached.
"We have enough time. Change clothes first," Yan Aohan said.
The evil cultivators’ clothes were loose black garments that covered them from head to toe. They were easy to wear.
After everyone dressed, Zhu Yanyi took out three bottles. She gave one to each person. "Each bottle has seven pills. Take one daily. The effect lasts one day. It makes black smoke rise from your body. If you do not want the smoke, take the antidote." She handed them small boxes containing the antidote.
She took a pill herself. Black smoke rose around her, resembling an evil cultivator.
"Does it look like it?" Zhu Yanyi asked Yan Aohan playfully.
"Yes." Yan Aohan smiled indulgently. He had many ways to make them look like evil cultivators, but he did not mind his small tricks. The effect was the same.
"Remember my words. Return after one round. Do not worry about us. Zhan Diting will wait at the passage. Adjust for a few days, then return. As for Yanyi, I will send her back a few days later," Yan Aohan instructed seriously.
"We remember," Yi Yunfei and the others nodded seriously.