Li Meirong rejoiced. She cared less about being accepted, and more about the fact that Shu Qianqian and Mo Jing came back for her. They were alive and well.
Mo Cheng's attentive concern made her feel cherished. He explained that Qianqian and his brother were both recuperating after the test. Since their separation they encountered high level beasts they had to battle without rest up until the point they found her again.
An odd phenomenon.
Li Meirong chose to reserve her words and didn't explain about the aura the demonic cultivator was talking about. She wasn't sure about the reasons for the wildlife avoiding her. She looked around but found no trace of her spirit plant Chou.
She hoped he was alright, he did end up saving her life..
After a brief conversation, the young man took it upon himself to make sure Li Meirong had all her needs cared for. They all passed the test and with his lightning vein attribute, he was already considered an important figure in the sect. Mo Cheng called for one of the attending healers to brew a light meal for Li Meirong. He stepped out to bring her clothes to change into.
She was still dirty, having just rested and had no change of garments. Mo Cheng came back and brought a basin full of warm water and a cotton cloth. His hair was tied in a high bun with a wooden ornament to clasp it in place. His robes were now light blue with a white sash surrounding his waist. With his sun kissed skin and handsome young features, he looked like he stepped right out of an action movie.
"I asked one of the disciples in attendance to draw you a bath and bring a change of robes, later on when you have strength you can clean yourself properly.." Mo Cheng said, he had a light and carefree tone.
He brought a low wooden stool and sat by the side of her mattress. The water basin and cloth were in his hands.
Li Meirong attempted to rise from her seat, sensing his actions, but he quickly held her down by pressing her shoulder lightly.
"Please, allow me. You saved my important people, it's the least I can do! I will be proper, I promise."
Mo Cheng's cheeks took on a pink hue, Li Meirong gazed at her lap, feeling awkward and a little embarrassed. She hadn't noticed his change of expression.
She nodded her head in response.
He dabbed the cloth in the warm water, squeezed it lightly and applied it to her face first, clearing away the dust and the mud.
Li Meirong sniffed the air. The water had a smell of herbs to it.
"It's medicinal water. It will help your skin heal better from cuts or scrapes." Mo Cheng explained as he gently dabbed the cloth back in the water, this time he cleaned her bloody ear.
"Thank you so much. I-I can take it from here" Li Meirong stammered.
Isn't this a little too close??
Mo Cheng laughed "This is what friends are for! I want you to rest well, tomorrow we will be presented with all the divisions in the sect and it would also be the new recruits accepting ceremony for grandmasters who want to take personal disciples under their wing. "
He explained the upcoming events thoroughly while casually ignoring her words. His palms aimed for her swollen feet.
Li Meirong reached for his straying hands and ended up grasping his arm. They stared at each other for an awkward moment.
"Please, there's no need for you to help with that, my feet are so ugly now." Her cheeks heated up.
Feeling Li Meirong's soft hands clenching his arms tightly, Mo Cheng ignored his rising heart beat and coughed slightly, he averted his gaze. Li Meirong let go of his arm.
He hung the cloth on the side of the basin, and rose up from his seat abruptly.
"I will see you tomorrow then! Make sure to rest lots and properly care for yourself, I gave a powder of medicine to the disciple in charge of your meal, it will assist your healing." Mo Cheng spoke quickly, and like the breeze passing by, he vanished.
Li Meirong found the interaction amusing. She was thankful to him but she had to keep her distance.
Especially with Shu Qianqian who was head over heels in love with him.
Best not to step into that landmine.
Li Meirong proceeded to deal with her sore feet. She placed the moist cloth on them and rubbed vigorously. She put the cloth back in the basin and slowly took care of herself, removing dry leaves that were stuck in her hair. She stroked her fingers through her loose locks. It was full of knots!
I'll have to get used to having long hair here..
One of the disciples at the healer's peak went into the pavilion she stayed in. She was a charming elderly woman with long grey robes and a head full of white hair tied neatly in a simple updo.
She carried a tray with a bowl of hearty food. Congee and a plate with sautéed vegetables. Her age caught Li Meirong by surprise.
The elderly woman gave her a warm smile, noticing her surprise.
"Didn't expect to see an old woman like me, did you?"
"I'm sorry, all the other disciples always appeared so young.. You are the first person I see who's aged." Li Meirong responded honestly.
The elderly woman placed the tray on Li Meirong's lap.
"It is true that most disciples in the sect are young, but it is only their appearance that looks young. Most folk here are well passed their eighties.. As for me, I joined the sect fifty years ago on its prior opening. It was by luck that I survived the ordeal at my age, but I had good companions to support me. I haven't aged further, but unfortunately I wasn't able to regain my youth since I am a multiple attributes cultivator." The woman explained patiently, she then proceeded to add "Oh! Silly me, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is doctor Rong. I heard about you saving your friends, you seem like a good girl. If you will ever need help, you're always welcome here."
Li Meirong was speechless. Her fortunes were really changing, meeting more and more considerate and hospitable people. She wasn't able to bow properly, so she hung her head low instead. "Thank you for caring for me, doctor Rong!"
The doctor laughed and ruffled her hair. "There there, be sure to eat your food. That handsome lad brought drinking water in a bucket and placed it by the edge of your bed when you were asleep. Don't drink a lot at once because you've been dehydrated, and it can harm you, and chew your food properly before swallowing it. There is a small bamboo steam room opposite this pavilion where a tub full of warm water has been placed for you. Don't take too long or the water will get cold. Rest well, tomorrow will be a big day for you." Doctor Rong left after speaking her parting words.
It was silent now, Li Meirong took a moment to breathe. All the events from before rushed through her mind.
She was so glad she made it up to here.
She lifted her arm to grab the congee bowl to eat.
'Master I'm hungry too!'