Chen Xing personally fed the wife hot porridge made from treasure fish, then assisted her back to the bedroom, lighting a calming sandalwood incense inside.

The crane's beak exhaled winding smoke, which lingered, forming a floating white cloud, gently inhaled through the nose and mouth, gradually stabilizing chaotic thoughts.

"Master..."

Tears filled the lady's eyes, and Chen Xing's face was full of tenderness, his broad palm covering her lower abdomen, slowly transferring Qi blood, like a warm flow filling her limbs and bones.

This act greatly consumed his vitality, but he did it anyway.

"Zhao'Er's destiny carried this disaster, madam, please take it lightly. I initially thought, sending him to Celestial Water Prefecture and having him work under the Silver Hammer Grand Protector would secure a promising future.

Unexpectedly, he secretly ran to Black River County... Madam, you should have discussed this with me, though the three major True Skills at Tongwen Hall are excellent, Zhechong Prefecture doesn't lack superior legacies either."

The lady's lips trembled as she turned away, her eyes showing deep regret:

"I heard from Ye'Er that the Third Skin Refining Barrier needs tough cultivation of the internal organs, building temples and nurturing spirits, requiring powerful True Skill Root Diagrams to achieve the flawless perfection of 'form' and 'body'. I harmed Zhao'Er..."

She leaned on Chen Xing's chest, grieving endlessly, crying out loud.

"It's all in the past. Zhao'Er calling me 'father', I treat him as my own flesh and blood. How could I not care about his matters, when Zhechong Prefecture's 'Great Sumeru Heaven-Shaking Hammer' and 'Giant Spirit Breaking Fist Position' are top-notch true skills.

I had already prepared, just waiting for Zhao'Er to enter the Third Skin Refining Barrier... That's it, madam, the departed are gone, the living continue as is, don't wear yourself out."

Chen Xing spoke gently, patting the lady's back, letting her fall into a deep sleep.

He sat sideways on the edge of the bed, fixed the blanket corner, wiped away tear traces, quietly gazing at the still serene face, marked with occasional traces of time.

After a while, he got up, opened the door, and said to the waiting old maid:

"Have Lai Fu take a few strands of red ginseng from the storage, chop them up and mix them into the lady's usual soups, porridge, and meals to replenish Qi, preventing excessive grief from harming her internal organs, and leaving a root of illness."

The old maid folded her hands, bowing:

"Understood."

Chen Xing continued:

"I will go to Zhi Xin Temple to visit the Daoist Official and request him to preside over a Water and Land Dharma Assembly to pray for Young Master Zhao's blessings and virtues.

When Madam awakens, attend to her eating. By the way, has Young Master Ye gone out recently?"

At that moment, he seemed to recall something and suddenly asked.

"No, Young Master Ye has always stayed in the backyard's Yangxin Studio, with meals delivered by servants every day."

The old maid replied truthfully.

She always felt a deep tremble whenever facing this master who treated the young lady very well.

"Ask Madam to persuade him more, a man should not be trapped in bed or a wheelchair, wallowing in self-victimization daily is unbecoming. I have mentioned to Daoist Xuanji from Zhi Xin Temple, hoping to spare a place for Ye'Er as a student at the Daoist School.

Since martial arts didn't work out, pursuing Daoism is also a good path."

Chen Xing spoke earnestly, like a strict father, making it hard for anyone to find fault.

"On behalf of the young lady, I thank the master!"

The old maid bowed even lower and sincerely spoke.

"We're family, don't act distant."

Chen Xing waved his hand and strode out of the backyard.

Not long thereafter, this Chen Master, now the leading figure of Yihai Prefecture's martial arts arena, arrived at a majestic Daoist Temple resembling a palace.

Towering red walls stood upright, golden glazed tiles spread out like fish scales, glimmering under the sun, making one's eyes dazzle.

At the gate stood seven or eight agile and neatly dressed robust servants, their temple slightly protruding, evidently skilled in martial arts, comparable to accomplished practitioners.

Below the steps, two lifelike stone-carved qilin added to the impressive grandeur.

"Please notify Daoist Xuanji, Chen Xing wishes to meet."

Even in front of Yihai Prefecture's two major government offices like Zhi Xin Temple, where even the Thirteenth Branch's grand old master would speak respectfully.

"Certainly, Master Chen! Permit me to convey!"

The robust servant recognized Chen Xing, who was a prominent leader in the martial arts field and turned to the side gate to report to the Daoist Child in the front hall.

Less than half an hour later, a red-lipped, white-toothed child, not more than twelve years old, wearing a gray Daoist Robe, led Chen Xing into Zhi Xin Temple.

Crossing the threshold, they entered a grand main hall inscribed with the words "Mystical", containing one hundred and sixty well-crafted nanmu beams, forming the main structure. The front eaves used large timber beams and sparse brackets, solid and grand.

This was where assemblies were held, believers offered incense, and worshipped the Five Emperors in the main hall.

The Xuanji Taoist, appointed by the Dragon Court, was not here, usually meditating and seeking quiet in the rear mountain dwelling, rarely seen by ordinary people.

Zhi Xin Temple occupied a vast area, although not to the extent of riding a horse while offering incense, without several days and nights, it's impossible to see every view.

"The Daoist is at Zhengyi Pavilion admiring plum blossoms, please wait a moment."

After walking for half an hour, the Daoist Child stopped before a plum forest and turned to bow.

"Since Master Chen is here, no need for announcements, please enter quickly to admire the plum blossoms with this poor Daoist."

Before the Daoist Child could report, a gentle breeze stirred deep in the plum forest, carrying a warm voice to the ear.

"Master Chen, the Daoist calls you."

The Daoist Child stepped back to make way.

This plum garden followed the mountain's form, where the plums enhanced the mountain's beauty and the mountain enriched the plum's charm, complementing each other.

Chen Xing walked over a hundred steps, seeing a pavilion inside, with a large stele made of iron and bronze, surrounded by twenty-four flood dragons, containing the newly enthroned Emperor's personally inscribed "Zhengyi" characters.