Chapter 1: The Reclusive Divine Healer Descends into the Mortal World

“If you don’t stop soon, this mountain is going to collapse!” Niu Yichen cursed under his breath, his lithe figure darting like a leopard across the muddy mountain path.

A once-in-a-century torrential rain had transformed the serene, peaceful deep forest into a living hell.

He was no ordinary hiking enthusiast but a living immortal who had secluded himself here—his medical skills were nothing short of miraculous, capable of bringing the dead back to life without difficulty, and he possessed unique insights into the path of immortality.

But in this cursed weather, even a master like Hua Tuo would have to focus on saving his own life first.

The urgent task now was to find a safe place to shelter from the damned mudslide.

Suddenly, a flash of bright red caught his eye.

Amid the rubble at the foot of the cliff lay a woman, her life hanging in the balance.

Niu Yichen furrowed his brows but did not rush down immediately.

He was no saint; saving someone meant ensuring his own safety first.

What if there were traps or another mudslide waiting below? That would be a double disaster.

He carefully surveyed the terrain, confirming no risk of a secondary landslide, before leaping down in a few bounds.

“Tsk, the injuries are serious,” he muttered, squatting to check the woman’s breath—she was still alive.

As his fingertip touched her wrist, he abruptly halted.

A faint golden light flowed from his finger, slowly enveloping her.

This was no special effect but the visible manifestation of his unique internal martial arts technique.

Before his eyes, the gruesome wounds on her body healed rapidly, leaving no scars—a process more effective than any digital retouching.

Withdrawing his hand, Niu Yichen brushed off imaginary dust, adopting the air of a lonely master.

“Ugh…” the woman groaned softly and slowly opened her eyes.

She froze upon seeing Niu Yichen’s ethereal, otherworldly handsomeness.

“Who… who are you?” Zhan Qingxue struggled to sit up but found herself too weak.

“Don’t move,” Niu Yichen said swiftly, steadying her. “You’re badly injured and need to rest.”

“My wounds… they seem much better?” Zhan Qingxue touched her body in astonishment; the excruciating pain had vanished, leaving only a faint numbness.

“How… how is this possible?” Her eyes brimmed with disbelief, as if staring at a magician performing real miracles.

“A minor injury, nothing to worry about,” Niu Yichen said casually, as if he had just helped an injured kitten.

“May I ask your honorable name? I am Zhan Qingxue, and I shall repay your kindness a thousandfold!” Her tone was resolute, her gaze filled with gratitude—and something else.

“Just a small favor, no need to mention it.”

Niu Yichen waved his hand, about to leave.

Why did the girl’s expression feel so strange?

Seeing this, Zhan Qingxue quickly said, “Please wait! You saved my life, and I have no way to repay you…” She bit her lip, a hint of coquettishness flashing in her eyes. “How about—”

“How about… offering yourself to me?” Her voice was soft as a mosquito’s buzz but held an undeniable firmness.

She slowly approached Niu Yichen, the scent of her perfume lingering at his nose like an invisible net ensnaring him.

Niu Yichen’s heart stirred slightly—this girl was really direct.

He instinctively took a half step back and cupped his hands in a bow. “You flatter me, miss. It was but a small favor, nothing deserving such.”

At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.

“Miss! Miss, where are you?” Several black-clad bodyguards parted the bushes and hurried over.

Relieved to find Zhan Qingxue unharmed, their expressions softened.

But when their eyes landed on Niu Yichen, their looks instantly turned wary.

“Who are you? What do you want with our miss?” the lead bodyguard growled fiercely, as if Niu Yichen were a ruthless villain.

“This gentleman saved me,” Zhan Qingxue quickly explained.

“Saved you? Hmph, how do we know you’re not up to something?” The bodyguards clearly distrusted her words, their eyes fixed on Niu Yichen with a barely concealed urge to attack.

Niu Yichen sighed helplessly. What a mess.

He should have minded his own business; now trouble had found him.

He glanced coolly at the bodyguards, thinking: It seems the depths of this wealthy family run even deeper than I imagined...

Surrounded by the guards, Zhan Qingxue prepared to leave.

Before departing, she cast a deep look at Niu Yichen and said, “Please leave your name and contact. I will surely repay your life-saving grace.”

After some thought, Niu Yichen gave a pseudonym: “Niu Yichen.”

He sensed he was about to be drawn into a considerable entanglement.

Once Zhan Qingxue was taken away, Niu Yichen left the mountains.

He hailed a taxi and headed straight for the Zhan family’s mansion in the city center.

He was determined to uncover the secrets hidden behind this wealthy household.

As soon as he stepped through the Zhan family gates, an elderly man dressed as a butler blocked his way.

The old man sized him up with disdain. “Who are you? What business do you have at the Zhan residence?”