Youning nodded with amusement. "His name is Wuli. He's an explorer from the Pioneer Association, but he doesn't come to Jinzhou often, so we rarely see him."
"I heard he took a long leave a few months ago… and left with Fuling."
Rover quickly asked, "Who's Fuling?"
Earlier in the cave, Wuli had kept muttering about someone waiting for him—could it be this Fuling?
"Fuling is his lover. She came with him to Hongzhen this time and is staying at the inn over there."
"Fuling came by earlier asking about him. She seemed really worried."
"By the way… is Wuli alright? He seemed a bit off just now…"
Lucian and Changli exchanged a glance, confirming their suspicions. Wuli had entered the mountains days ago.
His goal was likely tied to that legend about "immortality," and his reason for doing so was probably related to Fuling as well.
Youning pointed out the inn where the two were staying.
Before Lucian could even step inside, he heard Wuli's excited voice: "I have great news… I found it! I found it!"
Turns out, the two weren't inside the inn but on the terrace of the leisure area below it.
Lucian looked over and saw Wuli speaking animatedly, while across from him sat a young woman wearing a white knit cap. She had delicate features but appeared somewhat frail.
The three of them didn't interrupt immediately, quietly listening to their conversation instead.
"I found a way to truly slow the progression of your illness. From now on, you won't have to suffer anymore. We can… stay together forever!"
Illness? So the young woman was sick. And Wuli had used the word "slow," implying her condition might be incurable.
But that was no obstacle for a "Divine Healer" like him—after all, he'd even cured the Sentinel's injuries.
Yet Fuling's reaction wasn't as overjoyed as Wuli had expected. She hesitated, looking doubtful. "You mean… that legend… is real?"
Wuli, confused, asked, "Fuling… aren't you happy?"
Rover nudged Lucian's shoulder. "Lucian, isn't this your cue?"
Lucian smirked. "Piece of cake. But after the treatment, we still need to find out what Wuli meant by 'finding eternal life.'"
With that, he stepped forward. Behind him, Changli watched his retreating figure and mused, "How peculiar…"
Rover glanced at her. "Peculiar how?"
Changli pondered. "He doesn't understand medicine, yet the energy he emits can cure any ailment."
"Even some Resonators who've awakened healing abilities can't compare…"
Rover wasn't fazed. She planted her hands on her hips proudly. "That's just how amazing my fiancé is!"
She deliberately emphasized the first few words.
Changli thought to herself, I never said Lucian wasn't impressive. Is she trying to make a point?
Seems Rover's possessiveness is anything but ordinary…
"And you are…?"
Fuling, having been ill, hadn't kept up with outside news and didn't recognize Lucian.
Wuli hurriedly introduced them. "This is Intelligence Officer Lucian, and these two are Rover and Counselor Changli."
"Mr. Lucian, you're here because…?"
Lucian shrugged and didn't answer directly. Instead, he looked at Fuling. "Is your illness serious?"
Fuling nodded faintly. "Ahem… yes. Wuli has searched everywhere for a cure, but nothing has worked."
Lucian waved a hand and turned to Wuli, speaking like a seasoned elder. "You're not a kid anymore. Why the rush? Did you forget who just treated your injuries?"
Wuli froze for a moment before his eyes lit up. He grabbed Lucian's hands excitedly. "M-Mr. Lucian… you mean… you can cure her?"
Noticing the nearby townsfolk turning to stare at Wuli's outburst, Lucian coughed lightly and pulled his hands back. "…Don't do that, it's easily misunderstood."
"Ah…" Wuli laughed awkwardly. "Sorry, I got too excited. Mr. Lucian, what you just said—"
Lucian gave a slight nod. Wuli, overwhelmed, stammered, "Th-that's… amazing…"
Then his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.
"Wuli—!"
Fuling panicked, but Lucian waved her off and helped Wuli into a nearby chair.
By then, Changli and Rover had also approached. "I've already called for a physician," Changli said.
Fuling relaxed slightly. "What happened to him? I've never seen him like this…"
Lucian explained, "His mental exhaustion must've hit its limit. He just needs proper rest afterward."
Fuling sighed in relief. "That's good… ahem…"
"Alright, relax. I'll treat you now. Once it's done, you'll need to tell us about Wuli's trip into the mountains."
Fuling replied weakly, "Of course… if this really works, I'll tell you everything."
Over the past six months, Wuli had visited countless clinics, but none could help. Deep down, Fuling had already given up hope.
A faint glow emanated from Lucian's hands, enveloping Fuling's body. She felt a strange, soothing energy coursing through her.
Changli and Rover, standing to the side, were already used to this.
After a moment, the light faded. Fuling felt completely refreshed, as if she'd never been ill at all…
"This… it's like…"
She was at a loss for words. Just then, an elderly physician arrived and, at Changli's request, checked both their pulses.
"This young man is severely overworked. Hasn't slept in days, has he?"
"As for the young lady… hmm… perfectly healthy. No issues at all."
Tears of joy welled up in Fuling's eyes. "Thank you… Mr. Lucian…"
Lucian waved it off. "No need for thanks. I came for the 'immortality' Wuli mentioned."
Rover stepped forward, grabbing Lucian's hand proudly. "As expected of the man I chose."
She whispered in his ear, "Lucian, if I ever get sick, you'll heal me too, right?"
Lucian: "Don't be ridiculous…!"
Rover narrowed her eyes. "?"
Lucian gently nibbled her earlobe before whispering, "…How could I ever let Rover fall ill?"
Rover shot him a look but smiled in satisfaction. "That's more like it."
Changli: "…"
Seeing them flirting again, she stepped forward and recounted their encounter with Wuli in the cave.
Fuling looked surprised. "Wuli said he'd only been in the mountains for half a day?"
"…But I've been waiting here for almost seven days…"