Half-Truth Assumptions

Overwhelmed by such a turn of events, Zui Qingxing dropped his knees to the floor. His hands clutched his chest as if the gesture could numb the devastation that he felt.

"I have met so many locals after we docked our boat. On our way here... I also took a stop in the main street to look at Master Huan Xue's magnificent mansion. I'm sorry but there were too many locals in that area too!" said Zui Qingxing in a weak tone.

There was no need for these two apothecary figures to waste their time by explaining the details to him. He knew the grave danger of the formations in their arms.

"Ahh! Esteemed guest, please stand! You are just as important as the people in this region. There is no need for you to worry at all. We will cure you in no time. Just tell me everything that happened before you found the abnormality of your boatman," Wang Si spoke in a calm manner. But, the chaos in his old eyes was too hard to conceal.

"Hmmn... Since you've met too many locals, I'll go to Shijian Mansion and report this situation to Venerable Elder Xia. I shall take my leave first. Old physician, I'll be right back to study the cure," Wang Aija did not wait for any response. She hastily left the ward, sprinting out of the apothecary building.

She maintained good poise and fixed her composure before she stepped outside the gate.

"So early and Great Herbalist Wang Aija is already in for an errand??" a familiar voice sounded on the other side.

Before she could step any farther, Wang Aija actually saw Elder Xia walking on the side of the road, going in her direction!

"Hahaha... Venerable Elder Xia is well informed than me! I was just about to go visit your mansion. But, it looks like I don't need to trouble my legs anymore!"

"Hehehe... I woke up due to the abnormal fluctuation of energy that the crimson vines had detected. We were careless last night," Elder Xia expressed.

Despite his vague words, Wang Aija whose expertise was not only in herbs but also in gossiping had immediately connected the missing dots.

"No wonder, the esteemed guest was holding Master Huan Xue's token! Then, Venerable Elder Xia, what do you think of the solution to this situation? These two people from the Boundless Shoreline were afflicted with Hex Mile of Tears."

"Huan Xue's uncle is beyond salvation. But, he was also the savior of Huan Xue... It's hard to deal with the formation he had secretly placed on those guests. We can... only suppress---..." Elder Xia purposely trailed his words when his eyes caught a glimpse of Qiaolian walking leisurely across the street. She had worn the same brown fisherman's robe and her hair was tied in an ordinary bun. Not even a single ornament was placed on her hair. But, her beauty could still surpass any woman on the island.

Perhaps, sensing that someone was gazing at her, Qiaolian looked in the direction of the elder. An attractive curl appeared on her lips as they made eye contact and was followed by a continuous waving of her hand.

"Elder! Hehehe... Ahhhmn... I was looking at the apothecary building the wrong way!"

In a split second, Qiaolian was already standing a few inches away from the elder and Wang Aija.

"I'm worried about the boatman and thought that maybe old Zui had brought him for a check-up. So, after I woke up, I decided to come and visit them! I just searching the place..." Qiaolian give a customary bow at Wang Aija but her tone was too casual as she continued to speak to Elder Xia.

"Hahaha... Your speed is too fast! Look at the Great Herbalist Wang Aija... she almost dropped her jaw when she saw you close the distance in just a split second." Elder Xia chuckled and rubbed both of his palms.

"Elder, don't make fun of my ability. I know you're more adept when it comes to going from one location to another," Qiaolian easily retorted.

For a while, Wang Aija just stood in a complete daze, as if she was trying to recall the identity of Qiaolian. She could sense an extremely familiar essence within her. But, she struggled to determine her identity.

Then, a flicker of understanding crossed Wang Aija's eyes. "You are not from this region... B-but... Ahhh!!!" She then blushed after realizing that she had sensed the primal yang of Huan Xue in Qiaolian's inner core! "You are Master Huan Xue's current dual cultivation partner! I'm sorry not to recognize you directly. The name is Wang Aija, the Great Herbalist of Scarlet Islands."

"It's nice to meet you, Great Herbalist Wang Aija! Well..." Qiaolian hesitated for a moment before she made up a different family name, "I'm from the Xue family. My given name is Qiaolian."

"Ohhh... It's Xue Qiaolian, beautiful name! Hehe, Master Huan is in closed-door cultivation though. Aren't you bored, Miss Xue?"

With all the possibilities that Wang Aija could assume, she was actually thinking that Qiaolian was too close to Elder Xia when they greet each other.

It was perhaps the elder that selected her as Huan Xue's dual cultivation partner. However, their master may have disliked Elder Xia's decision and went directly on closed-door training the day Qiaolian arrived on their island!

With this in mind, she could not help but tease Qiaolian.

"HAHAHA... No, I am very happy to come here! Thank you for worrying me, Great Herbalist!" Qiaolian's smile widened and her eyes brimmed with amusement. How could she not understand the subtle intention of Wang Aija?

Before they could continue exchanging their subtle pleasantries, Elder Xia raised his hand and gestured for them to enter the apothecary building. "Let's check the condition of Zui Qingxing and his boatman."

Wang Aija agreed and planned to slow down her pace to portray her elegance. Yet, just as she took a single step, Qiaolian had already vanished next to her.

The elder slightly laughed after watching the stupefied expression of Wang Aija. He then muttered, "Xue Qiaolian has a very interesting personality! Huan Xue would surely like her. Don't you agree, Great Herbalist Wang Aija?"

"Hmmph! If Master Huan is interested in Miss Xue, he would not be in closed-door training as early as this morning!" Wang Aija turned around with a sour expression on her face and did not speak anymore.