On Butterfly Mountain, Master Zu Gushion and Master Chang Shi were overseeing the examination of the medical department's disciples.
Each student held an open scroll in their hands, searching for the listed ingredients.
On every scroll was recorded a disease, its cure, the herbs required, and the exact method of preparation.
The students were giving their all, pouring their hearts and strength into the exam.
Yet, the two masters, though standing amidst the test, were hardly paying attention. Their eyes wandered constantly to the sky. They seemed eager to return as quickly as possible, for the weather kept shifting unpredictably....
dark clouds a moment ago, and now bright sunlight.
It was as if the heavens themselves were playing with the trees.
The examination lasted only a short while longer.
Then, Master Zu Gushion's thunderous voice roared out, shaking the air like a bolt of lightning striking the earth.
"Students… cease your work! The allotted time has ended. Whatever ingredients you have gathered, you must now use them to prepare your medicine back at the academy!"
Even as his words still lingered in the air, another voice followed.
Master Chang Shi announced the order to return.
The disciples immediately began packing their materials, readying themselves for the journey back.
…Time passed.
At the Legacy of Peach Blossom Academy...
The halls lay silent. Curtains swayed softly in the wind, and the atmosphere was utterly still.
Until, suddenly, the quiet was broken.
The chattering voices of students, the rustle of footsteps, and the laughter of the returning disciples flooded in like a stream of life. The academy, once slumbering, stirred awake again. Liveliness and joy returned as the disciples entered, filling the grounds with their youthful spirit.
The two masters stepped into the assembly hall. But it was empty.
Master Zu Gushion let out a long breath, then, with a wide smile, turned to Master Chang Shi and spoke:
"It seems everyone has already departed. Now, we too must prepare to witness the next stage of the examination."
At his words, Master Chang Shi burst out in hearty laughter.
The two walked away side by side, speaking cheerfully, as if they had narrowly escaped a calamity.....
a calamity they had never even witnessed.
They knew not what storm had raged and passed only moments before.
Meanwhile…
Deep within the sacred sandalwood forests, someone lay unconscious.