Dashing Student Chapter 1441 - 1439: The First Signs Emerge

Yun Ying, perhaps sensing Chen Nan’s dismissive gaze, immediately puffed up her chest in frustration, hands planted firmly on her hips as she confronted him.

"What, you don't believe me?"

Chen Nan responded with a shake of his head and a smile, "I merely feel that the esteemed Female Knight is treating cultivation as child's play. To achieve the Fifth-Level Golden Core Realm typically requires many years, a feat even prodigies struggle to accomplish.">

With a proud snort and an uplifted chin, Yun Ying declared, "That's precisely why you're my junior brother; your perspective is indeed limited. As for me, your senior sister, I am a genius. Do you even grasp the meaning of the word?"

"It took me a century to enter the Golden Core Realm, yet advancing from the First-Layer Golden Core Realm to the Second-Layer Golden Core Realm? That took a mere three days!"

"Hmm? How is that even possible?" Chen Nan was taken aback; such speed seemed inconceivable, even with external aids.

However, Yun Ying seemed to have no apparent reason to deceive him.

"Hehe, quite surprised, aren't you?" Yun Ying let out a triumphant laugh. "Master bestowed upon me an elixir pill, and after a good night's sleep, I found myself at the Second-Layer Golden Core Realm."

"Master explained that upon reaching the Golden Core Realm, I experienced an awakening, which led to such rapid cultivation. Master possesses numerous elixirs; once I consume them all, I will undoubtedly reach the Fifth-Level Golden Core Realm in no time!"

The more Chen Nan listened, the more peculiar the situation felt. It was no wonder Yun Ying's foundation seemed somewhat precarious; her ascent to the Second-Layer Golden Core Realm was clearly not the result of conventional cultivation.

Could it be attributed to those elixir pills? Indeed, such pills exist that can instantly elevate one's realm, but they can only be taken once in a lifetime.

Moreover, everyone in Moon River Valley appeared to hold Yun Ying in high regard. Chen Nan couldn't fathom why they would permit her to enhance her cultivation through such a forceful method.

"Perhaps I am overthinking this," Chen Nan mused internally.

Having witnessed countless schemes and stratagems within the Cultivation World, he found himself inherently skeptical of all he perceived.

"We've arrived; this is the Medical Hall," Yun Ying announced, gesturing towards a small hut ahead.

The structure resembled a common mortal dwelling, enclosed by a simple fence of branches forming a small courtyard, exuding an unpretentious, back-to-basics aura.

At this moment, several disciples emerged from the hut. Upon spotting Yun Ying, they offered respectful salutations, "Junior Sister."

"Greetings, Senior Brothers," Yun Ying replied casually. "Is Master Mei Gui present in the Medical Hall?"

"Master is within."

"Understood, thank you."

Yun Ying then led Chen Nan into the Medical Hall. Inside, a plainly dressed woman was seated, engrossed in a substantial medical tome.

The woman's attire was simple, her hair neatly tied back, presenting an altogether unassuming appearance. Her expression was typically stern, but upon seeing Yun Ying, it softened immediately into a warm smile.

"Yun Ying? What brings you here? Are you perhaps injured somewhere?"

Yun Ying waved her hands dismissively. "Master Mei Gui, I am perfectly fine. I am merely bringing a disciple to you; he is my junior brother, and I implore you to look after him well."

Chen Nan stepped forward at the opportune moment, cupping his hands in greeting towards Mei Gui. "Disciple Chen Nan greets Elder."

Mei Gui offered Chen Nan a slight nod. "Are you a medical cultivator?"

"Yes, disciple possesses skills in medicine."

"Excellent, then you shall remain in the Medical Hall henceforth."

"Thank you, Elder," Chen Nan replied with a smile.

A sense of relief washed over Yun Ying; she had worried that if her arrangements were not thorough, her only junior brother might abscond. "Junior Brother, rest assured and stay here in the Medical Hall. I will visit you when I have the chance."

"Yes, Female Knight."

Exchanging a smile, Yun Ying then skipped away. Once she had departed, Mei Gui turned her attention to Chen Nan. "Are you injured?"

Chen Nan, though slightly surprised, answered truthfully, "Yes, disciple was pursued. Fortunately, Senior Sister Yun Ying found me; otherwise, I would have met my end outside."

"Hmm, as you are a medical cultivator, you may tend to your own treatment. You are permitted to utilize the spiritual medicines within the Medical Hall, provided you obtain my approval."

Chen Nan recognized this as an excellent opportunity and readily agreed. Without hesitation, he selected several spiritual medicines from the Medical Hall's stock, none of which were excessively rare – all Seventh Grade Spiritual Medicine.

Mei Gui cast a brief glance, then nodded in acknowledgment to Chen Nan before returning to her seat to resume her reading.

Chen Nan proceeded outside the hut, where various implements for brewing medicine were laid out. He immediately commenced his preparation, gathering the herbs into a bowl, which he then consumed in a single gulp, feeling an immediate warmth spread through him.

Following that, he settled himself within the hut, commencing the refinement of the medicine's potency. His efforts focused on mending his meridians, revitalizing his vital energy, and meticulously purging the four Yin Energy threads intertwined within his physical form.

Moments turned into hours, and as evening descended, Mei Gui rose and stretched. Noticing Chen Nan still deeply engrossed in cultivation, she departed the hut without a word.

"From this point forward, you shall reside within this hut, while I remain outside. Should you face any predicament beyond your capacity to resolve, seek me out."

Chen Nan's eyes fluttered open, and he offered a nod. "Understood, Elder."

Beyond the hut lay several humble grass dwellings. Mei Gui entered one of them, clearly intending for Chen Nan to assume responsibility for the hut's upkeep.

"I have already encountered two Elders and the Sect Leader. All three are in the Ninth-Layer Golden Core Realm. This crucial information Yun Ying neglected to mention. Could it be they deliberately concealed their true cultivation, leaving even Yun Ying unaware?"

Chen Nan increasingly suspected that Moon River Valley harbored hidden depths and secrets.

Nevertheless, his primary objective remained the restoration of his cultivation, and thus, he resumed his healing practice.

The subsequent day, Mei Gui adhered to her word and did not visit the hut, granting Chen Nan a period of tranquility. However, shortly after midday, several disciples approached the hut with considerable haste.