There was no difference from what Liu Buli had guessed. Not long after Shen Muzhi returned to Medicine Master Valley, news spread that he had become the new Valley Master.
Regarding his position, people in the cultivation world were in a frenzy of speculation. Some said he had killed the elders of Medicine Master Valley to seize power, while others claimed he was inherently virtuous and more suited for the position than the previous elders who used demonic creatures as medicinal ingredients. However, regardless of what others said, Shen Muzhi remained indifferent. In his opinion, since he had become the Valley Master of Medicine Master Valley, he should focus on how to make Medicine Master Valley prosper. As for the rumors outside, they would fade away after a while, so there was no need to care too much.
However, the legends about Shen Muzhi were not limited to this. Besides his sudden rise to power, people were also curious about the person with no spiritual energy who followed him.
In terms of elixirs, Medicine Master Valley's status had always been on par with the Pill Sect. They were the most invincible existences in the cultivation world in this regard. Therefore, even though they were somewhat in decline, the appearance of an ordinary person by the Valley Master's side was indeed a rather conspicuous presence.
"So, in my opinion, you might as well arrange a room for me outside the valley, a little distance away from you, but not too far. If I need anything, I can come to you anytime, and you won't be gossiped about because of me. Such a good suggestion, why don't you want to listen?"
You Siqi sat in the courtyard of the Medicine Master Valley Master, lounging in a reclining chair, swinging his legs, and speaking slowly: "And also, you're too much of a worrier. I'm an adult, after all. I lived alone for several years before coming here. For such a long time, I didn't seem to have any problems. In this world, I don't know anyone, nor do I have any grudges. Are you still worried that I'll have an accident living alone?"
You Siqi thought that after he had said so much, Shen Muzhi would agree to him moving out.
But he never expected that after hearing his words, Shen Muzhi would nod very seriously. He said, "That's right, there are indeed too many wicked people in this world. If I let you go out alone, I would truly worry about accidents. Look, my courtyard is quite spacious, and I'll provide you with good food and drink. Why would you insist on moving out?"
As he spoke, Shen Muzhi picked a grape from the fruit platter beside him, peeled it, and placed it by You Siqi's lips. He smiled and added, "Would you like one? It's very sweet."
You Siqi opened his mouth and ate it.
After all, what Shen Muzhi said was not wrong. He had indeed been well-fed and cared for these past few days. He could lie here every day without thinking about anything else, and life was quite comfortable.
However...
You Siqi swallowed the grape in his mouth and pouted, saying, "I just want to say that I don't want to become your burden. I especially don't want others to think that you're keeping a useless person in your courtyard, consuming the resources of your Medicine Master Valley."
Shen Muzhi stroked his chin.
Recently, there had indeed been similar remarks. However, he himself had not taken them to heart, so he had forgotten to ask You Siqi if he also cared about them.
After a moment of thought, Shen Muzhi suddenly leaned forward, closing the distance between them. Under You Siqi's puzzled gaze, he smiled and said, "Siqi, I think what you said makes sense. If you have no status, it is indeed easy for people to gossip about you staying here. This is something I haven't considered thoroughly."
You Siqi's eyes lit up: "So, I'll go find a nearby village to rent a place today?"
"Wouldn't I have to pay your rent first?" Shen Muzhi said with a smile. "Since that's the case, it's better to stay. It saves rent and food expenses, and the overall cost is less. What I meant earlier was not to ask you to leave. It's just that since you lack a proper title, giving you one would be natural, wouldn't it?"
You Siqi blinked.
He didn't react for a moment and shook his head, saying, "That won't work either. Who would be foolish enough to take a disciple with no spiritual roots? Even if we lie, we'd have to say something... mmm!"
The rest of You Siqi's words were blocked by Shen Muzhi's lips, which suddenly pressed against his.
You Siqi was startled and tried to pull away, but Shen Muzhi cupped his head, turning the originally light contact into a deeper kiss.
You Siqi was so frightened that tears welled up in his eyes.
Shen Muzhi, however, gently moved away slightly, bit his lip, and then whispered, "A disciple might not work, as lacking cultivation is hard to justify. But a wife, that's certainly possible, isn't it? There's no rule that cultivators can't find an ordinary human as a wife."