do you know the Tan family?”

The elder nodded slightly. I continued, “Do you know if they killed my parents and my family?”

The elder paused briefly and then asked, “What’s your name?”

Hesitating a moment, I replied, “My name is Ba Qiyun.”

The elder seemed to recall something, then asked, “Do you want to seek revenge?”

I nodded vigorously, thinking that this elder was probably even more powerful than my grandpa since he could save me at such a critical moment.

Before I could finish my thoughts, the elder interrupted, “With your frail body, you can forget about revenge.”

After a moment’s contemplation, I grabbed the elder’s sleeve, pleading, “Grandpa, can you teach me martial arts?”

The elder closed his eyes and replied, “You’re too filled with animosity; you’re not suited to be my disciple.” He flicked his hand, causing me to let go of his sleeve.

At that moment, a middle-aged man loaded with herbs climbed up, sweating profusely. Seeing the scene, he called out, “Master, what’s going on here? Who is this child?”

Without turning his head, the elder said, “I just saved him by the roadside.”

The middle-aged man hurried over to help me up, warmly asking, “What’s your name, child? How did my master end up saving you?”

I narrated the events that had occurred, then looked back at the elder. The middle-aged man seemed to grasp something and glanced at the elder as well. The elder, seeing this, said, “Very well, from now on, you will study medicine under me.”

Overjoyed, I kowtowed, “Master, please accept my bow.”

“Get up. No need to be so formal. Treat this place as your home.”

The middle-aged man introduced himself, “My name is Minhua. From now on, you are my junior brother.”

“Senior Brother!” I exclaimed.

Minhua laughed, “Let me show you to your room.”

As we walked, the elder sighed softly, “Hopefully, this child won’t let hatred cloud his judgment.”

I arrived at a medium-sized room, large enough to accommodate a bed and a table. I thanked Senior Brother Minhua, “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

He smiled, “No need to be so formal. We are brothers now; consider this place your home. Rest well, and call me if you need anything.”

I nodded and sat on the bed, my mind replaying the scenes involving my grandpa and the Tan family. A deep pain gripped my heart—Grandpa, please be safe. I resolved silently that I must avenge the destruction of my family. With these thoughts, I drifted into a deep sleep.

Suddenly, I was awakened by a knock. Groggily, I opened the door, “Senior Brother Minhua.”

“Qiyun, it's time for dinner.”

My stomach growled loudly in response, and I sheepishly remarked, “Senior Brother, you arrived just in time.”

Minhua laughed heartily, “Come, have a taste of my cooking.”

We walked to the dining area, and a delightful aroma f

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