Back in the capital, one month of the four-month holiday had already passed, leaving less than three months. Zhu Yanyi found herself truly busy upon her return.
She knew this busyness was inevitable. After all, saving lives—whether one person or many—was the greatest mission of a healer.
After their trip to Country R, Sikong Xuran and the others had gained new insights. Unless there was something extremely important, they refused to travel far. Instead, they patiently taught their students, moving only between their residence and the Aoyan Traditional Chinese Medicine Academy.
Yan Aohan began having people monitor everything related to Kunlun Mountain. Finding those demons hiding in human skin would take time. They were lost in the vast sea of people. Even for Yan Aohan, the Venerable Yanluo, finding them without using magic, relying on ordinary methods, required time. Thus, searching for them while monitoring Kunlun became the main task.
With no immediate urgent matters, Zhu Yanyi decided to travel by car, wandering slowly. If she found anyone sick along the way, she would set up a clinic for a few days.
It was a form of training. After thinking it over, Zhu Yanyi told Yan Aohan about her decision.
Yan Aohan pondered for a moment. "Ani, I suggest you spend half a month with your father and mother first. Then, half a month later, we drive slowly. We will take a detour from the capital to Kunlun. It should take about two months to reach Kunlun. Along the way, we can treat those in need, accumulating some karmic merit for you.
Otherwise, if you go directly as planned, you won’t have time to return and accompany your parents."
Yan Aohan knew that after this vacation, Zhu Yanyi would not return for at least two years. So, he couldn’t come back now.
Zhu Yanyi thought about it. She indeed hadn’t spent enough time with her family since returning. She nodded. "Okay, I’ll follow your advice. I’ll stay with my parents for half a month these days. Of course, I’ll also visit Mom and Dad often. We’ll set off after half a month."
"Good. Remember to tell Sikong and the others about this decision. And don’t forget to notify Yu Qingyun," Yan Aohan said.
Zhu Yanyi hummed in agreement.
Yu Qingyun had a six-month opportunity to study at the Sage Academy. This was good news. Master Yao felt full of relief upon hearing it. Another of his disciples could study at the Sage Academy. Although he couldn’t become a formal student, studying for six months was double the time Master Yao had studied himself. It was a rare opportunity.
Master Yao understood clearly that Zhu Yanyi’s path was not just that of a divine doctor, but aimed for the path of a Medical God. Therefore, inheriting her legacy was unlikely for her. She would have to look among the other five disciples. It seemed Yu Qingyun was now the most likely to inherit everything.
"The medical arts at the Sage Academy are highly profound. After you study there, you will find it is a qualitative leap. So, grasp this opportunity well," Master Yao said seriously to Yu Qingyun.
Yu Qingyun nodded. "Little Junior Sister called. She plans to set off in half a month, traveling slowly. She intends to provide free clinics along the way. If she encounters places where people can’t see a doctor, she plans to treat them thoroughly before continuing. So, if I leave in half a month, I won’t return for eight months."
"Stop being sentimental," Master Yao said, knowing Yu Qingyun was reluctant to leave him. "I’m not so old that I can’t move. Besides, you weren’t always by my side here. Sometimes missions took a year or two. Now it’s only eight months. I can’t see what there is to be sentimental about."
"Master, don’t you think that’s wrong? I’m just showing I miss you," Yu Qingyun said with a smile.
Master Yao shuddered. "Get out. You’re so old and still don’t know what modesty means. Hurry up and get out. Seeing you makes me angry."
Yu Qingyun smiled. "If I really leave, it’ll be in half a month. Anyway, I won’t take any missions these half months. I’ll just come to bother Master every day."
"Can’t you go home and spend time with your wife and children?" Master Yao asked directly, though his heart was comforted. These disciples truly cared for him.
"Yes, Master. I plan to bring them here to live. Before, even when on missions, I contacted them once or twice a month. Now, going to the Sage Academy means no news for six months. I worry they’ll worry about me. So, I thought, why not bring them here for you to watch over? What do you think?" Yu Qingyun said this, hoping his children could drive away Master Yao’s loneliness.
Now, the six senior and junior siblings rarely gathered. Although Master Yao was busy every day, he returned home alone. It was unlikely he would find a romantic partner in his twilight years. So, Yu Qingyun planned to have his wife and children stay with Master Yao during his absence, so Master Yao wouldn’t feel lonely.
Master Yao knew Yu Qingyun’s thoughts at a glance. These children were truly wonderful. Having such good disciples in his life, Hua Tianyao felt it was worth it.
After learning of Yu Qingyun’s plan, Zhu Yanyi felt ashamed. She had forgotten that Master Yao was also alone. After thinking it over, she went to visit her.
Master Yao smiled when she saw Zhu Yanyi. "I knew you would come these past two days. Are you worried because your Senior Brother Qingyun wants me to take care of her wife and children?"
Zhu Yanyi smiled lightly. "Why would I be worried? Your health is better than people in their forties or fifties. With me here, it would be hard for you to feel unwell."
Master Yao pointed at Zhu Yanyi and laughed. After laughing, she sighed. "Actually, your Eldest Senior Brother wanted me to go to her house. I refused. You say, is it appropriate for an old man like me to go to a family?"
"Senior Brother Jingtian’s family has only three people. If you go, it would be three generations. Why is it inappropriate?" Zhu Yanyi asked.
Master Yao said, "Actually, I know your thoughts. You’re just worried about me. But there’s nothing to worry about. The Godfather is gone. Who would be interested in an old man like me? I just move between the hospital, school, and home. I don’t go anywhere else. And when I go out, I have protection. Rest assured, I am very safe."
Zhu Yanyi snorted. "Are we worried about your safety? In this capital, who doesn’t know Master Yao is my teacher, Zhu Yanyi’s master? If they dare bully you, they don’t want to live."