Qin Liuxi was also attentive to Feng Xiu’s reminder; the Heavenly Dao never stood by her side. If karma were to strike during a duel, she’d be suppressed.

Thus, after dealing with the Tiansheng Sect affairs, Qin Liuxi traveled to several epidemic areas, prescribing more effective remedies, before returning to Qingping Temple.

By the time she made it back to the Daoist temple, the Time Gate had reached the sweltering end of July. She witnessed many dead souls, offered them guidance, rescued many lives, and heard countless tales from ghosts.

Rumors like Princess Consort Ru in the Imperial Palace was demoted because of the Tiansheng Sect’s money hoarding scandal, and demoted to concubine status by the Third Left Imperial Censor, enforced by the Saint.

Meanwhile, Qi Qian was credited for his relief efforts and elimination of rebel forces, elevated to Prince Rui and granted a mansion, while the Saint also appointed Qi Yu as the Heir of Prince Ning Mansion.

In other words, Qi Qian would not inherit Prince Ning Mansion. He was taken out to open a new mansion, signaling a threat felt by the Dragon Sons.

Given Qi Qian’s princely elevation, he could rightfully aim for higher positions if he continued to succeed, which seemed to be the plan for those scheming to push him forward. Unsure about others’ intentions.

When Qin Liuxi returned to the front hall, she saw a family of three; the couple she guided at Tiansheng Sect, alongside them stood a frail-looking boy resembling Zhang Ziyin.

"It seems you’ve achieved your wishes." Qin Liuxi smiled.

Zhang Ziyin knelt with his family, excitedly exclaiming, "Thank you, Immortal, for your guidance! We followed your steps, walked on the road, bowed every five miles, and reached Qingping Temple’s mountain. This child just happened upon us. He resembles me, but we doubted until seeing the hidden birthmark, allowing our reunion. Truly, you’re an Immortal descended."

Qin Liuxi stated, "Your piety and good-heartedness paved the way. Besides spreading wealth, you’ve likely saved refugees, resulting in karma returning goodness to your family reunion."

Zhang Ziyin’s eyes moistened, bowing thrice with his wife and child.

Qin Liuxi had them rise, saying, "Now reunited, return home, continue good deeds for blessings."

"Certainly." Zhang Ziyin nodded immediately.

Watching them depart, Qin Liuxi headed to the Daoist School’s rear. From Qing Yuan, she learned that due to repeated disasters, after curing the mountain foot plague, Daoist Lin and others had ventured elsewhere, but Daoist He remained.

"Daoist He aims to be our temple’s disciple," explained Qing Yuan. "His medical skills are good. What do you think?"

"You know I no longer accept disciples," Qin Liuxi pondered before replying. "He has potential; arrange it as we need skilled Daoists."

"I agree, as he’s keen to shave and cultivate here, becoming a Daoist doctor. Eventually, we’ll gain a talented addition." Qing Yuan smiled, suggesting, "Though he’s here for you, offering some guidance is welcomed."

"As temple master, it’s my duty, assure him confidently," said Qin Liuxi.

Qing Yuan shared the temple’s state: North and South face disasters, fields yield reduced harvests. Grain prices increased by 20%, sustaining temple needs only, future almsgiving must be minimal.

Qin Liuxi replied, "Attempt donations through consultations or divinations; those unaffordable adhere to major festival charity as before."

"Understood." Qing Yuan grinned, "Devotees claim we’ve marked our name as genuine Demi Immortals. Master, you’re remarkable!"

Qin Liuxi smirked, "Such flattery, hurry back to work."

Turning away, she glimpsed a Paper Crane approaching, her smile waning as she caught and read it, frowning.

Noticing her shift, Qing Yuan inquired earnestly, "What is it?"

Qin Liuxi replied, "Qinglan Temple sends an aid request, Master Qing Lan isn’t well, inviting me over." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Qing Yuan’s heart tightened, urging, "Hurry."

Master Qing Lan being close to Chi Yuan, his troubles prompted Qin Liuxi not dismiss it.

Qin Liuxi retrieved medicines from the Medicine House, packing essentials into Qiankun Bag while Qi Huang eyed her wistfully, before journeying via Yin Road.

Qinglan Temple’s mountain gate resembled Qingping’s, surrounded by refugees and beggars.

Unlike Qingping, Qinglan’s Daoists appeared gaunt, unfed.

Qin Liuxi’s presence excited Qinglan Daoists, who informed Managing Daoist Brother He Ming.

He Ming hurried, his eyes brightening at Qin Liuxi, offering a ceremonial bow, "Haven’t seen you in years, Uncle, your aura is stronger, indeed joyful."

Qin Liuxi commented, "He Ming, you’ve matured, progressing, clearly diligent."

He Ming awkwardly responded, considering his own seniority and Qin Liuxi’s elevated rank, traditionally surpassed by her predecessor.

"Can’t compare, Uncle," He Ming respectfully noted.

Qin Liuxi handed him a refined Thunderstruck Jade Talisman, "A gift."

Upon receipt, sensing its potent energies, He Ming recognized its value, solemnly bowing, "Uncle, this artifact is too precious."

"Keep it, personally crafted, priceless. As a senior offering, it’s rightful." Qin Liuxi added, "Lead the way and explain Master Qing Lan’s situation?"

Grateful, He Ming led her and explained, "Grandmaster suffered severe backlash fighting, elixirs couldn’t heal him; your medical skills surpass ours, thus invited, amazed by your swift arrival."

Qin Liuxi frowned, "Fighting? With whom, for what purpose?"

"Grandmaster little revealed, advised avoiding it. He intervened for Qing Province’s former Empress Feng family, their Qi Fortune flowed away, clan perished!"

Qin Liuxi paused, her gaze sharpened, murmuring, "Qi Fortune again?"