After Lao Na’s instructions from the Patriarch, he takes a step back, disappearing into nothingness.

I previously thought he was Foundation Establishment, but now it’s clear that he is at least in the Core Formation Realm. Despite his teasing words and near-peer status in the sect, he would be qualified to be an elder.

I will need to be cautious with him.

But that’s not the only thing that will need to be considered.

Why the heck would he send me straight to the infirmary? It really feels like he’s taking adva…

… well, I guess he has me at a disadvantage. He is actively covering up the demi human situation. Even though my ability makes it so it didn’t set off any triggers, the entire sect and even nearby ones might be wiped off the map, if it was discovered.

And as I’ve learned, even in righteous organizations, there is only one priority for most people… themselves. This is the least I can do.

I also will need to prepare a sufficient gift for Big Sis Crane, whom I assume is the ‘Matriarch Crane’ he was speaking of. While she told him about the situation, it seems it was to get ahead of the issue.

It remains to be seen whether that was the right thing.

Either way, I’m stuck in this situation.

Before I can mull over it further, I feel a shiver down my back and sharply look into the distance.

Soon enough, I can detect someone fast approaching on a sword.

…

It’s Sister Nuan.

It takes two seconds for her to cross the distance from the edge of my scan to in front of me and as soon as she touches down, I can barely see her toss down a talisman in front of us.

The moment it touches the ground, the surrounding air freezes in place and expands like a bubble, enveloping us both. Soon enough, it encompasses a small area around us and is clear for us, but opaque for anyone looking outside. Only the sound from outside can come in, but nothing out.

I don’t need my scan to know what this is. A privacy bubble, of sorts. And a high end one, at that.

Before I can even say a word, the look on her face stops me.

She’s biting her lips, and not in the good way. I give her time and try to be silent, for when she wants to speak.

It’s not long before she finds her words.

“Why didn’t you trust me as your master about the demi-humans?”

There are quite a few answers to that. But none that she would like or accept.

But I think I have the one that would work best.

“… I didn’t know who I could with it. I’m still new to… all of this. And even I know how dangerous this is. So, I tried to keep it to only the people who already knew.”

I look away from her eyes, which were staring right at mine.

“While trying to make them as strong as possible, for when they need to take the ‘test’.”

She stays silent for a little, before speaking again.

“Okay.”

And then it’s just quiet. Awkward, sad, quietness.

She’s not coming at this, as the master in this relationship. But as the part that I always knew was there after that kiss with her. As someone who has actually grown to care about me.

…

…

I can’t help but add some more words with this air between us.

“I want to tell you more things, if you are okay with that.

“Admittedly, it’s been lonely and terrifying trying to deal with all this…”

I look back up at her, but there is a bit of surprise and pity in her eyes.

It’s not normal in this culture (or even mine) to be honest about your feelings as a person, let alone a man. Letting down that ‘barrier’ is one way of showing her she is special to me in her own way.

She tries to say something, but then stops. Holding back some words that could come off the wrong way.

Her hand slowly reaches out to mine. A very similar action to how Ai did, not too long ago. Once hers touches mine, I gently hold it in mine. I can see the ghost of a smile appear briefly.

When she speaks again, it’s with much more confidence.

“I understand. It must have been tough to go through that. We’ll do this together from here.”

Her face gets serious as she reluctantly moves her hand away.

“There are a few things we need to discuss. But first tell me what you know.”

Seeing the change in demeanor, I quickly inform her of the same things that Ai and Lin know (exempting my history on Earth). Including the different relationships I have with a few people.

More than the other information I gave her, that seemed to bother her a bit more, which she quickly hid.

…

“So, you’re telling me that in that demi human group, you healed around 60 of them? And most of them are children?”

She shakes her head.

“Well, at least you’re consistent…

“Do you think the adults of the group have potential?”

It’s an easy nod, as most of them will be a higher spirit roots once I return to heal them.

“Okay, when you head back to Monchon City, I’ll be going with you. We’ll be bringing several gifts for both the Matriarch and the demi humans from the sect, after all.”

Excitement builds in my heart, as I realize that they’ll be investing in the demi humans to strengthen them.

So, their goal is the same as mine. For them to become strong enough to handle the challenge.

Though, I don’t think even the Sect Patriarch realized that even if he had killed all of them and myself, if it were ever discovered someone healed them of the curse in this area, they’d still wipe the sect and all its land off the map.

Just to be sure they were clear of the threat.

But that’s only once they confirm that no demi human and allies are up for the challenge. As long as there is at least one, then they’ll let a limited number and strength of allies join. So, even if they aren’t ready… the best choice is to always have them try it out with my support.

“From my… discussion with Patriarch Tao, it seems the Matriarch has been investing into making them stronger.”

I immediately try to verify this information, not seeing any changes from my healing abilities. This leads me to assume that whatever they have been given must not have been applied yet.

Perhaps they need the cultivation methods first? As their bodies are already in a heightened, purified state. While combining both my healing abilities will go further, they soared past most items needed for non-cultivators to prepare for cultivation.

Either way, this only means that I will need to make sure that I am giving them the right cultivation method.

Meaning my plans for the library have just become that much more important.

Luckily for me, I should have something decent to work with.