Chapter One: Sisters Like Blossoms

“My dear disciple, my time in this world is nearly up. Soon, I won’t be able to accompany you anymore. It’s time for you to leave the mountain and make your own way in the world.”

“Over ten years ago, I arranged a marriage contract for you with the Xie family in Luocheng. Make sure you pay them a visit…”

“And there’s one more thing. Over the years, I’ve nurtured a small power. If I’m gone, you’ll be my successor.”

Xiao Nan sat in a gray Porsche, watching the scenery rush by outside the window, his mind in turmoil.

He wondered how his master was doing now.

There were two women in the car with him—one mature and poised, the other young and beautiful.

The younger woman had rosy cheeks, a youthful glow, and wore a form-fitting skirt. Her long, slender legs pressed on the accelerator.

The mature woman sitting beside him had a graceful figure, with a fuller, more alluring presence than her younger sister.

Through their earlier conversation, Xiao Nan learned that the two were sisters—Lin Ziqing, the younger sister, and Lin Shuyun, the elder.

On their way back to Luocheng, the sisters had seen Xiao Nan standing in the middle of the highway, waving for their attention.

The sight had startled them, leaving cold sweat on their brows. They thought they were seeing a ghost in broad daylight and quickly slammed on the brakes.

After some questioning, they discovered Xiao Nan was also headed to Luocheng and simply wanted a ride.

At first, the younger sister objected, but at the elder’s suggestion, they let Xiao Nan in.

Since getting in, Xiao Nan had been sitting quietly in the back, gazing at the passing scenery.

Lin Ziqing glanced at him in the rearview mirror.

“Some people are wolves in sheep’s clothing, I can tell. Who stands in the middle of the road unless they’re trying to pull a scam?”

Her sister Lin Shuyun cleared her throat.

“Ziqing, don’t be rude.”

Then Lin Shuyun asked, “Mr. Xiao, are you going to Luocheng to find work?”

Xiao Nan’s simple attire made it easy to mistake him for a migrant worker traveling for a job.

“To be honest, I’m here to fulfill a marriage contract,” Xiao Nan replied truthfully.

“You? Fulfill a marriage contract?” Lin Ziqing scoffed, unable to hide her mockery.

Even Lin Shuyun was surprised. “Mr. Xiao, you’re so young. You already have a marriage contract?”

“Yes. I’m here to marry Xie Meina, the eldest daughter of the Xie family,” Xiao Nan nodded slightly.

“What?!”

At his words, Lin Ziqing slammed on the brakes, nearly sending the car flying.

“Are you kidding? The eldest daughter of the Xie family is a classic beauty—wealthy, proud, and out of reach. Why would she look twice at a country bumpkin like you?”

Lin Ziqing’s meaning was clear.

Though the Xie family wasn’t as prominent as theirs, they were still a renowned family in Luocheng.

How could Xiao Nan possibly have a marriage contract with the Xie family’s heiress?

“I wouldn’t know. I’m just here to fulfill the contract,” Xiao Nan said with a smile.

The sisters exchanged glances and said nothing further.

Seeing their odd expressions, Xiao Nan knew they didn’t believe a word he’d said, but he didn’t bother explaining.

An hour later, the Porsche pulled into the heart of Luocheng.

“Mr. Xiao, we’re in Luocheng now. Here’s my card. If you need anything while you’re here, feel free to contact me,” Lin Shuyun offered, handing him her business card.

She didn’t believe his story, but as a fellow traveler, she was willing to help.

Just as Xiao Nan was about to take the card, Lin Shuyun suddenly clutched her chest, her face turning pale, breath coming in short gasps, wracked with pain.

“Sis, what’s wrong?” Lin Ziqing cried, quickly pulling the car to the curb.

Lin Shuyun wiped the cold sweat from her brow and waved her hand weakly. “It’s nothing, just a bout of angina. I’ll be fine after a rest.”

“Sis, hang on. I’ll take you to the hospital right now—”

“There’s no time. If you wait, your sister might not make it to the hospital,” Xiao Nan said suddenly.

“What do you mean by that? Are you cursing my sister?” Lin Ziqing’s brows furrowed in anger.

Xiao Nan replied calmly, “This is a sign of sudden cardiac arrest. She’s been having these symptoms for at least half a year. At her current rate, she won’t last ten minutes.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Lin Ziqing glared at him furiously. “It’s just her heart acting up. How could it be that serious?”

Lin Shuyun looked at Xiao Nan in disbelief, deeply shaken. “Mr. Xiao, how did you know about my heart condition? I’ve been to the hospital, and the doctors did mention it.”

“I know a little about medicine,” Xiao Nan said quietly.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me how serious it was?” Lin Ziqing’s eyes welled up, nearly in tears.

Seeing her sister’s distress, Lin Shuyun reached out to stroke her hair, but the movement triggered a violent cough and her face turned deathly pale.

“Sis, don’t scare me!” Lin Ziqing was on the verge of tears.

“Let me try,” Xiao Nan said. “I can’t promise a cure, but I can ease her symptoms for now.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he reached for Lin Shuyun’s chest.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Lin Ziqing snapped, her almond eyes cold and voice sharp. “I’m warning you, don’t try anything with my sister! She’s not someone you can touch!”

Xiao Nan smiled helplessly. “Miss Lin, there’s no need for such hostility. Your sister’s heart is the problem, so that’s where treatment must begin. I wouldn’t take advantage of someone in distress. Your sister’s condition is critical—are you sure you want to delay any longer?”

Lin Ziqing hesitated, torn.

With no time to lose, Xiao Nan formed his fingers like a sword, channeled his inner energy, and pressed a point on Lin Shuyun’s chest.

The first thing he felt was a soft fullness, gently quivering at his touch, which made his heart flutter.

Lin Shuyun parted her lips with a melodious, ethereal moan, her cheeks flushed, her expression suggestive.

Even Lin Ziqing blushed at her sister’s enchanting cry.

Seeing Xiao Nan’s impassive face, she finally relaxed her guard.

Xiao Nan pressed a few more key acupoints on Lin Shuyun’s chest.

This was a secret technique from the “Medical Sage’s Classic” his master had taught him—the Hand of the Celestial Healer.

After several points, Lin Shuyun’s rapid breathing eased, and color returned to her cheeks.

“It’s done. Your sister’s out of danger for now, but her heart’s innately weak and needs careful care,” Xiao Nan said. “I’ll take your card. Thank you for your kindness, but if there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”

Having resolved Lin Shuyun’s crisis, Xiao Nan did not linger. He opened the car door and slipped away.

Not long after, Lin Shuyun slowly awakened from her daze. As soon as she opened her eyes, she asked, “Where’s Mr. Xiao? Where is he?”