Right as we exit the stairway, groups of higher tier nobles stand nearby. Eagerly waiting the entire day just to give their thanks.

… I may not like it, but I should give them some face here by doing some light interactions. It will undoubtedly help later, if something comes up.

I promptly switch gears, working off the inflow of knowledge and positive styles of interactions to fly through the group. Targeting the people who would be beneficial to know, and also those who I need to know of.

“Disciple Delinion, you should stop by my Min famil…” “It’s a pleasure to meet…” “Please take this as a symbol of…” “Our Lin Family’s has been looking to…”

One after another, they come up and make introductions, trying to curry favor with both me and Sister Nuan.

As expected, things are going smoothly since I healed all of these individuals of their major health issues and blockages. Making both them and their families stronger by proxy. Part of the reason that healers and alchemists are so respected in cultivator society.

But, of course, it doesn't all go perfectly.

As I go through this first part of the group, my eyes lock onto one of the elders looking to talk to me.

A Clan Elder of a semi-prominent family, Senior Tu. His specialty?

Finding and selling fallen cultivators and individuals. Slavery by another name.

This is the tough part. Getting to know both the good and bad while making connections with them. Keeping it quiet that some of them are unquestionably my enemies for the future. Not that they know that.

“Senior Tu, I’ve heard much about you. Many speak of your great knowledge and expansive networks.”

“Hmm… I’m glad to hear I’m known by such an outstanding member of the new generation. I too, look forward to getting closer to you, as well.”

We eye each other, and despite my words matching what I should say, my actual emotions flicker out a little. Something easily caught by a cultivator of his discernment and realm, with him being a Late-stage Foundation Establishment.

He stares at me for a little longer, the surroundings just starting to quiet, as others realize something might be happening. But before it can turn into something else and gather more attention, he gives an astonishingly full laugh.

“Ha. I suspect you and my son would get along well. You seem to share a similar temperament to him. “

His laugh defuses any wayward curiosity and others go back into their inner conversations, preparing for their own personal impressions. Others, however, move closer. Ears closely perked in our direction.

Which means there is something special about his son.

Out of curiosity, I look up his son to see why he would consider such a thing. Strangely, it’s a little difficult to discover. But not enough to cause issues.

I see.

His son’s against how his family does business. But that’s not a commonly known fact.

That also means he already knows that I’m predisposed against him and his family. Dangerous.

He leans in a bit. Sister Nuan just watches curiously, her eyebrow raised and apparently not worried in the slightest.

It seems that despite his role; he is considered not a threat by her. A reassurance in its own way.

“If you ever have need of it, my family’s capabilities are at your disposal. Considering your abilities, I’m sure there are plenty of those that could use the help of a righteous cultivator like yourself.”

He locks eyes as he says this and discretely flickers them past the crowd and out to the doors.

Is he referencing the slaves in the carriages? How much does he know already about the situation?

And does this mean he’s offering to find other slave groups for me to heal and release?

… this is a dangerous slope. But I can’t show all my cards and thoughts here. Though, I’ll still draw a line.

“Thank you for the offer. We’ll have to be in contact later, especially with your son there.”

To my surprise, he seems relieved and gives a smile.

“We’re looking forward to it. Thank you for your time.”

…

Things move rapidly after that, with several people helped by the healing, reaching out and providing expensive gifts throughout.

Just as I’m getting through the last of the group, a commotion in the halls starts, with the healers of the hospital running all over the place.

Is there another rush coming? I know there has been a continuous flow of people coming since it was spread about my being here.

A loud, familiar voice dispels that thought.

“Healing staff, assemble in the entrance hallway.”

Master Flowing Waters, the Assistant Head of this Fortress of Healing, speaks out and directs the entire staff of healers to both sides of the hall.

The group around me moves out of the way as all the healers move in unison to the walls, staring straight ahead. It is strangely reminiscent of a military action.

Though, I shouldn’t be surprised by that in this society.

Simultaneously, they all bow and yell out, as if this was practiced.

“The healers of the Fortress of Healing thank you for your great contribution. We pay honor to the Esteemed Elder Song and Disciple Delinion for their great generosity!”

Right. I didn’t just heal the patients, but also the staff and everyone that was in the building. Even as healers, there are things that they are going through that can’t be easily healed.

But something feels a bit off.

The group appears to be generally grateful for the healing. But I sense a small layer of awkwardness.

While there is certainly gratefulness there, this formation also seems like an alternative way to show us out, while paying the right amount of respect.

I feel my mind turning toward the Assistant Head, wondering what he had said to them prior to this.

The Assistant Head comes forward, while the others keep their heads bowed.

He gives a slight bow of respect to Sister Nuan who does the same, before turning to me.

“I must say, Disciple Delinion, I am pleasantly surprised that you managed to complete the Patriarch’s request. And in such a short time.

“Our sect is certainly blessed to have such a prodigious disciple, growing in the ways of healing. I fear that even our best cannot hope to match up against your techniques.”

His words sound normal. Respectful.

Why am I getting the feeling he is making it seem like a comparison rather than a ‘we are all on the same team’ situation?

Unless…

He feels threatened by my presence and actions. Even if he is grateful for the healing, jealousy is a powerful thing. There must be something going on in the background that I’m not aware of yet.

However, I have bigger fish to fry at this point.

Even so, I decide to leave a parting word with my fellow healers. To help those who are feeling discouraged to feel a bit better. While still maintaining the dignity of my master by not demeaning myself, of course.

“I appreciate the kind words, Master Flowing Waters. Though, what I’ve done is only a piece of the larger whole.

“All of you here have been the ones that have been keeping these people alive. Taking the steps, to make sure that they ultimately become well.

“If it wasn’t for all of you doing the amazing work that you have been, they would not have made it to the moment where they could be healed. For that, I thank all of you for the pain and struggles you have suffered to save these patients.”

I give a deep bow to both Master Flowing Waters and the group, some of whom have stiffened in surprise.

I’ve said what I could.

I know that this Assistant Head doesn’t like all of it, but he doesn’t seem like a bad person.

Just a bit jealous. I think he can feel my sincerity from this and will hopefully back off a bit.

… probably not, but one can hope.

There are a few more words exchanged between Sister Nuan and the Assistant Head, but there’s not much else to do here, so we hurry ourselves outside.

To deal with the next problem.

The slaves.

With only a few steps, the sight of Long Chao fidgeting in front of the carriages irritates me.

I suppress it and begin my approach.