The next day.
"Junior Sister, you're awake!" Nalan Yanran looked at the Little Fairy Doctor, who had just woken up, with a mix of surprise and relief on her delicate face.
"Senior Sister... Where am I?" The Little Fairy Doctor opened her eyes, glanced at Nalan Yanran in front of her, and spoke with a hint of confusion.
Nalan Yanran helped the Little Fairy Doctor sit up and explained, "This is your own room. I found you unconscious yesterday and brought you to Elder Gu He."
The Little Fairy Doctor looked around the familiar surroundings and gradually regained her composure.
Recalling the life-and-death battle from the previous day, the Little Fairy Doctor turned to Nalan Yanran with concern. "Senior Sister, are you hurt?"
Seeing the worry in the Little Fairy Doctor's eyes, Nalan Yanran felt a warmth in her heart.
She shook her head and replied, "I'm fine. It's just a minor injury. I applied some healing medicine given by Elder Gu He, and it's already healed."
Hearing this, the Little Fairy Doctor was stunned. "Has the teacher been here?"
Nalan Yanran nodded. "Yes, after Elder Gu He checked your injuries, he left. He instructed me to take good care of you."
The Little Fairy Doctor's expression shifted slightly as she thought of something. "Then... did the teacher find out what happened yesterday?"
At this, Nalan Yanran also recalled the near-death experience from the previous day. Her expression turned somber as she replied, "Elder Gu He was furious. Naturally, I didn't dare to hide anything."
The Little Fairy Doctor's face fell. "Teacher must be very disappointed in me..."
"Of course, I'm disappointed!" At that moment, Gu He's voice sounded from the doorway.
Both the Little Fairy Doctor and Nalan Yanran were startled. They turned to see Gu He entering the room, his figure calm yet imposing as he approached them.
Nalan Yanran quickly stood up, her face tense. "Elder Gu He."
Gu He responded with a light nod, his expression stern. "Yes."
He then turned his gaze to the Little Fairy Doctor on the bed.
Facing Gu He's piercing gaze, the Little Fairy Doctor averted her eyes, her voice soft and hesitant. "Teacher..."
Gu He acknowledged her with a gentle "Hmm," his stern expression softening slightly. "How are you feeling now?"
Feeling the deep concern in her teacher's voice, the Little Fairy Doctor's heart trembled. Her eyes quickly welled up with tears. "Teacher, this disciple..."
"Why are you crying now?" Gu He's voice carried a hint of helplessness as he approached the bedside.
He gently patted her head and comforted her in a soft tone. "It's good that you're back safely."
The Little Fairy Doctor buried her face in Gu He's arms, her tears falling like rain. "Teacher, this disciple knows she was wrong..."
Gu He smiled faintly. "You know you were wrong? Then tell me, what exactly did you do wrong?"
The Little Fairy Doctor was momentarily stunned. She sniffled, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered, "This disciple shouldn't have sneaked out of the sect and put herself in danger, causing the teacher to worry."
Gu He paused for a moment, his hand still resting on her head. He then asked, "When did I ever forbid you from leaving the sect?"
The Little Fairy Doctor was taken aback. Before she could respond, Gu He continued, "When you became my disciple, what did I tell you?"
Gu He didn't wait for her answer. "As long as you don't betray me, you are free to do as you wish. I will not interfere."
Hearing this, the Little Fairy Doctor's expression froze as she recalled the day she became his disciple.
It was true—Gu He had never imposed any restrictions on her. All along, he had silently provided her with countless treasures and resources, never asking for anything in return.
Seeing her silence, Gu He's expression gradually turned serious. "It seems you still don't understand where you went wrong."
The Little Fairy Doctor's eyes flashed with panic. "Teacher, this disciple..."
Gu He spoke sternly. "Tell me, why were you targeted this time? Why did they choose to attack you and not someone else?"
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Little Fairy Doctor dared not be careless. After a moment of thought, she slowly replied, "The reason we were targeted is because we exposed the treasures we were carrying."
She looked up at Gu He with a pleading expression. "Teacher, is that it?"
Gu He's face softened, and he nodded with a hint of satisfaction. "You've finally realized it. When you're away from the sect, the first rule is never to reveal your wealth."
His tone was both instructive and reproachful. "And what did you do? You carelessly displayed your treasures in front of outsiders without a second thought. In the face of such valuables, even those without ill intentions may be tempted to act against you."
Beside them, Nalan Yanran listened to the conversation, a wave of shame washing over her.
She remembered how, at the Mittel Auction House, her constant questioning had led the Little Fairy Doctor to reveal her treasures. The crisis they had faced the previous day was, in part, her fault.
As Gu He scolded the Little Fairy Doctor, Nalan Yanran couldn't help but feel that his words were directed at her as well. Overwhelmed by guilt, she felt almost too ashamed to remain in the room.
The Little Fairy Doctor, however, took Gu He's words to heart. She nodded solemnly. "Teacher, this disciple understands. From now on, I will never reveal my treasures in front of outsiders."
Gu He nodded, a look of approval in his eyes. "Although you made a mistake this time, there are still merits to your actions. At least, when faced with the enemy, you didn't panic. You knew how to use poison and your hidden strength to launch a counterattack..."
As Gu He's tone shifted to praise, Nalan Yanran couldn't help but recall her own panic and confusion during the battle. A blush of embarrassment spread across her face.
Nalan Yanran thought to herself, 'Elder Gu He's words are clearly praising Junior Sister, but why do I feel like he's scolding me?'
The Little Fairy Doctor, on the other hand, beamed with pride. The teacher had actually praised her! It seemed she still held some value in his eyes.
However, before she could revel in the moment, Gu He's expression turned serious once more. "Although you have merits, you still fell short in some areas. In fact, some of your actions were... rather foolish."
The Little Fairy Doctor's smile froze, and she felt a pang of disappointment.
'Teacher, can't you finish your thoughts in one go?'
…
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