The Affairs of the Martial World - Vol 4: Chapter 6

Upon arrival, it was clear that Zhang Bing was right; the Xie family’s high walls and large courtyard were much more spacious than the surrounding residences. Even without the money earned by the Taoist, the Xie family’s business would be considered quite successful.

When Zhu Que entered, a servant greeted him, and Zhu Que followed him inside.

Indeed, quite a few people had come in, with several ill sitting in a row of chairs. A person dressed in Taoist robes was treating them one by one. From its appearance, this person in the Taoist robes was Quan Zhengyi.

He was in his forties, tall and thin, with a long, narrow face. He has two wisps of mustache above his lips and a long beard below his chin. Dressed in a blue Taoist robe, he exuded an air of ethereal grace. Just by his appearance, one couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence, resembling the image of a legendary enlightened master.

However, Zhu Que could see that this person’s internal energy was profound. When he treated patients, he often used silver needles, piercing the skin at the acupoints, which was unlike the methods of ordinary doctors. Because the silver needles were soft, they had to be pinched in the middle and twisted with the fingers to insert them. Instead, he held the needle by the tail, keeping it straight, allowing it to pierce directly in. This was possible only because his internal energy was infused into the silver needles.

Next, Quan Zhenyi pressed his hand on the patient’s back and used his internal energy to unblock the obstructed areas of the patient’s body. The effect was remarkable; with his internal energy assistance, the ailing patient quickly became spirited, as if fully recovered.

Zhu Que knew that this treatment method consumed a great deal of internal energy, yet Quan Zhenyi did not seem to mind, indicating that his internal energy was exceptionally deep. However, for the patient, relying solely on acupuncture and internal energy for treatment could only address the symptoms, not the root cause; medication would also be needed as a supplement; otherwise, the condition would quickly relapse.

Quan Zhengyi seemed aware of this point; he also provided some elixirs for every patient he had seen.

Zhu Que saw that many people were coming and, for the moment, found it inconvenient to move forward, so he waited aside.

Bored and idle, Zhu Que got up and looked around, seeing many plaques hanging on the wall, such as “Understanding Heaven and Destiny,” “Miraculous Hands Returning Spring,” and “Immortal Descending to Earth,” among others.

As the sky gradually darkened and people began to disperse, Zhu Que stepped forward. Quan Zhenyi stared at him for a while before finally asking, “May I ask what brings you here?”

Zhu Que said, “I’ve heard that the Taoist Master can calculate a person’s past and present lives; why not calculate why I have come here?”

Quan Zhenyi said, “This kid is here to cause trouble. Someone, get him out of here.”

At that moment, four strong men entered from outside, raising their hands as if to grab Zhu Que. Zhu Que said, “I have come sincerely to seek answers; why does Taoist Quan treat me this way?”

As Zhu Que spoke, the four men behind had already grabbed his arms. Zhu Que shook his hands, throwing two of them away. The other two, still not understanding what had happened, also reached out to grab Zhu Que. Zhu Que slightly bent his elbows back, striking the vital points on their chests, leaving the two standing behind him unable to move.

Quan Zhengyi suddenly struck a palm towards Zhu Que, who met his attack with his own palm, causing both of them to step back.

Zhu Que asked, “Is this your way of hospitality?”

Quan Zhenyi said, “I was just testing your skills to see if they are as rumored. Do you know that your arrival here will ruin my plan and turn months of scheming into nothing?”

Zhu Que asked, “Do you already know who I am?”

Quan Zhenyi replied, “If even the renowned Zhu Que cannot recognize me, how can I possibly stay here?”

He waved away the incoming members of the Xie family and then released the two who had been immobilized by Zhu Que, allowing them to leave. In an instant, only the two of them remained in the room.

Quan Zhenyi said, “Sit down and let’s talk.”

Zhu Que sat down and couldn’t help but ask, “May I ask who are you, Taoist Master?”

Quan Zhenyi said, “Aren’t you doubting that I’m from the Fragrance Cult?”

Zhu Que saw through his thoughts with a single remark and awkwardly said, “I indeed did, but I wonder how you came to know it?”

Quan Zhenyi said, “What else could bring you here and allow you the leisure to seek me out, aside from the reasons related to the Fragrance Cult?”

Zhu Que said, “Who exactly is the Taoist Master?”

Qian Zhengyi said, “I wonder if you have heard of the Four Oddities of Penglai?”

Zhu Que was startled and asked, “Are you the one known as one of the Four Immortals of Penglai?”

Quan Zhenyi said, “That’s right, I am one of the Four Oddities, but I cannot claim the title of the Four Immortals.”

The Four Immortals of Penglai were legendary figures in the martial arts world. It was said that each of the four excels in several unique skills. One was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as in ingenious mechanisms like wooden oxen and flowing horses. One was specialized in architecture, gardening, and the intricate formations of the Bagua. One was well-versed in astrology and possessed profound medical knowledge, capable of miraculous healing. One was erudite, with a wealth of knowledge encompassing all the world’s books, knowledgeable in astronomy, geography, agriculture, and pastoral life, with expertise in every field.

What was even more remarkable was that all four of them possessed exceptional martial skills, almost transcendent, yet they rarely set foot in the Central Plains. Zhu Que always believed these individuals were merely legends, but to his surprise, they truly existed.

What stood before him now was the master of numerology and medicine, Quan Zhenyi. This was truly unexpected; how foolish of Zhu Que to have thought Quan was just a charlatan of the Fragrance Cult.

Quan Zhenyi said, “I have heard that the Fragrance Cult is stirring in the Central Plains. In this time of peace and prosperity, if such a cult were to rebel, I cannot imagine how many innocent lives would be harmed. Therefore, I have decided to test my own strength to see if I can eliminate this calamity. This is also the reason for my cultivation in the world.”

Zhu Que stood in solemn respect, knowing that his search for the people of the Fragrance Cult was not just for himself but for his friend’s sake. While Quan Zhenyi harbored thoughts for the greater good of the public, their realms differed beyond measure. Zhu Que asked, “Why did you say that I would ruin your plan?”

Quan Zhenyi said, “I have been inquiring all the way from Jinan to here and have found out that the leader of the Fragrance Cult, Wang Zhaoxian, is here. I initially intended to use my limited knowledge to gain his favor and then join the Fragrance Cult to undermine it from within. I have been here for over three months, and Wang Zhaoxian has sent people several times to investigate whether I am someone who opposes him. It seems he is still not at ease. Today, among those seeking divination, there are people from the Fragrance Cult. I estimate that someone will come to make contact in the next couple of days. If you appear here, it might raise their suspicions, and my plan will be difficult to carry out.”

Zhu Que finally understood and said with embarrassment, “I was too reckless, almost ruining the important matter of the Taoist Master.”

Quan Zhenyi said, “It’s a good thing for you to help me as long as you act cautiously. I wonder how the Fragrance Cult got you involved in this?”

Zhu Que briefly mentioned the matter of Zhuang Yuxie, and Quan Zhenyi calculated for a moment, saying, “Your friend is temporarily safe. You must not come here for a while to avoid raising their suspicions. I know a place where the guardians of the cult often gather. If you create some chaos there to divert their attention, it will make things easier for me here.”

Zhu Que had long been dizzy from the schemes of the Fragrance Cult and wanted to vent his frustrations. Hearing this, he felt it was just what he needed.

Quan Zhenyi told him the location, and Zhu Que bid farewell and took his leave.