Mo Lixia stood frozen.
Although her soul was that of a modern woman in her twenties, she was currently trapped in the body of a child. Still, the intimidating aura radiating from the elder stunned her. She stared blankly at the surroundings, completely lost.
"From that cave over there... I ran for a long time..." Mo Lixia stammered. "Elder? Can I stay here tonight?"
Seeing no response, Mo Lixia lowered her head, disheartened. "It's raining outside, and I don't know where this place is."
Hearing the girl's pitiful voice, Qian Chuan glanced at her. He released his grip on her arm, his hand dropping limply. He closed his eyes and sighed.
"Alright. Since you saved my life today, you can stay." Opening his eyes again, he smiled warmly at her. "You woke me up just now, right?"
Mo Lixia nodded.
"Do you know medicine?"
Mo Lixia nodded again. "I… I know a little." She decided to be honest.
Qian Chuan looked at the eight or nine-year-old girl, covered in wounds and soaked to the bone. He felt pleasantly surprised. A child this young knows medicine? That's promising!
Pointing to the room opposite, he said, "Go to the study and treat your injuries."
Mo Lixia looked suspiciously at the elder's hand.
Seeing her hesitation, Qian Chuan waved his hand dismissively. "That's my medicine cabinet over there. Since you know the craft, it shouldn't be difficult for you to help yourself. Find some clothes in the wardrobe."
Mo Lixia instantly understood. She felt lucky that she had stumbled upon a skilled doctor. Nodding gratefully, she blurted out:
"Thank you… Master."
She picked a long robe from the wardrobe and turned around, just as the elder asked, "What did you call me just now?"
Mo Lixia froze. She looked at him questioningly, wondering what she had done wrong.
Seeing her confusion, Qian Chuan didn't press further. He waved his hand again. "Never mind. Go on."
Mo Lixia breathed a sigh of relief as she walked out with a candle. She realized she had called him "Master" too early—in ancient times, that was a serious title.
In the living room, she looked around. The room connected to the right wasn't a study; it was a pharmacy. There were cabinets full of medicinal herbs, a bookshelf, and shelves filled with bottles. In the center was a long table for making medicine.
Mo Lixia took off her wet clothes. She found herbal powder labeled in traditional characters for external injuries. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she applied the powder to her wounds using a scale wrapped in fabric to reach her back.
Once done, she put on the oversized robe and carried the candle back to the bedroom.
In the flickering candlelight, she finally got a good look at Qian Chuan. He was a handsome man in his prime, but emaciated due to illness.
Mo Lixia's medical instincts kicked in. Hypovolemic shock. Poor blood flow. The elder must love fatty meat, and clearly had heart issues. That explained why his condition was so severe.
As she observed him, she saw him looking back at her. Remembering her earlier mistake, she quickly corrected herself.
"…Mister? I only need a place to rest for a day or two. I won't bother you."
She couldn't help but worry. She was penniless, alone, and had no idea how to survive in this strange world.
"Little girl, what's your name?" Qian Chuan asked weakly.
"I… I'm Mo Lixia."
"Why are you hurt like this?"
Mo Lixia shook her head. "I only remember waking up in the deep mountains. The rest, I don't recall."
Qian Chuan didn't press further. In the world of noble families, messy struggles were common. Perhaps this girl was a victim of one.
With great effort, Qian Chuan sat up, his gaze intense.
Mo Lixia's heart raced. Was she in danger?
"Can you tell what illness I have?" Qian Chuan asked.
Mo Lixia nodded. "You're inactive most of the time, and... do you like meat?"
Qian Chuan nodded in surprise. He was pleased that such a young child could figure it out.
Seeing his approval, Mo Lixia continued, "From now on, eat lightly and exercise regularly. You'll be fine."
Qian Chuan looked at her. He knew he was ill, but he had unfinished business in this world.
"Look at your condition. You seem to be in trouble! Since you don't remember your past, I won't force you to tell me..." He paused. "Do you want to stay? Become my disciple?"
Mo Lixia froze. Disciple? She only wanted a place to sleep!
Seeing her hesitation, Qian Chuan snorted coldly. "Humph. Many people beg to be my disciples. Today I'll take you in because of what you did for me. Are you willing?"
Mo Lixia blinked. She didn't have a choice—she needed a roof over her head.
Thud!
She immediately knelt and bowed three times. "Master above! Please accept my humble obeisance!"
Qian Chuan nodded approvingly. "Alright, it's late. There are blankets in the cabinet. You'll sleep on the floor tonight."
Mo Lixia smiled happily. "Finally, I can rest. This small body can't take much more wandering."
She had planned to wake up early to make breakfast for her new master, not wanting to stay for free. But she was too tired.
When she finally opened her eyes the next morning, the sun was high. She sat up, looking awkwardly at Qian Chuan.
Seeing this, Qian Chuan understood.