"It's not a bother, not a bother." Upon hearing Gu He's agreement to her request, Little Medical Fairy's spirits lifted. She quickly responded with a coquettish tone.

For her, just having the opportunity to be close to the alchemist before her was already quite satisfying. In case he's willing to give her some guidance, that would be a great boon.

Little did she know, at this moment Gu He had similar thoughts. The reason he hadn't directly proposed taking Little Medical Fairy as his apprentice was to become familiar with her first.

After all, they were strangers; suddenly offering apprenticeship might be presumptuous. If she rejected it, it would be embarrassing.

To smoothly take her as an apprentice, Gu He aimed to get to know her.

At least make her trust him, truly accept him. Once they formed a connection, she'd understand him better. Then, the apprenticeship would naturally fall into place. Seeing Gu He's approachability, Xiao Yi Xian gained confidence and asked more questions.

Gu He remained patient, answering each one with a smile.

Tap, tap, tap! Footsteps sounded outside the door. Gu He looked, seeing a middle-aged man in blue robes enter.

Seeing him, Xiao Yi Xian's brows furrowed; she seemed unhappy her moment with Gu He was disrupted.

"This is... the esteemed alchemist, right?" As the middle-aged man entered, he fixed his gaze on Gu He and spoke respectfully. "Who are you?"

Gu He was surprised, a bit annoyed by the interruption. Who's this? He was chatting with his soon-to-be disciple; who's this guy barging in?

"Hehe, I'm surnamed Yao, the owner of Ten Thousand Medicine Hall. Upon learning the esteemed alchemist was here, I came to pay respects."

Owner Yao showed extreme deference in front of Gu He, almost excessively flattering. The owner of the medicine hall? Gu He remembered such a character from the original story.

"Mr. Yao, what brings you here?" Little Medical Fairy was worried that Gu He might get upset, so she spoke quickly. "Yi Xian, why didn't you tell me the esteemed alchemist was here at our medicine hall?"

Owner Yao looked reproachfully at her, then smiled at Gu He. "Esteemed alchemist, you must be tired. I've prepared a feast. I hope you'll join us at my residence."

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Despite feeling uncomfortable with owner Yao's flattery, Gu He couldn't reject it outright. He didn't want to sound rude just as he met someone and ruin his amiable image.

"No feast is needed. I'll be in Qingshan Town for a while. Could you help me find quiet lodging?" "Also, I'm surnamed Gu, so call me Mr. Gu."

Hearing repeated "esteemed alchemist," Gu He felt awkward and quickly corrected him. Hearing Gu He's words, Yao hadn't spoken, but Little Medical Fairy lit up. She suggested, "Mr. Yao, you have spare rooms. please prepare one for Mr. Gu."

"Uh..." Upon hearing this, Mr. Yao was briefly taken aback, then quickly responded, "Indeed, Mr. Gu He, you might consider staying in my courtyard. It's very peaceful there, and I assure you it won't disturb you."

Mr. Yao wasn't foolish; if the alchemist before him stayed at his residence... If news got out, who in Qingshan Town would dare to offend him?

After all, in Qingshan Town, no one could withstand the anger of a second-tier alchemist. Even the strongest Wolf Head Mercenary Group wouldn't provoke an alchemist.

"Alright, then I'll stay in your courtyard for a few days." Gu He hesitated briefly before agreeing. After a moment's hesitation, Gu He nodded slightly and agreed.

He remembered that in the original story, Xiao Yi Xian seemed to have lived in the backyard of this "Mr. Yao." If he and Little Medical Fairy shared the same space, it would be advantageous for his upcoming plans.

Upon hearing Gu He's agreement, Little Medical Fairy was also excited. Living in the same courtyard as Mr. Gu, how could she miss this opportunity for future interactions?

A little while later, accompanied by Mr. Yao and Little Medical Fairy, Gu He walked a few streets and arrived at an estate. The estate was quite unique, with a dozen guards stationed at the entrance.

It seemed that Ten Thousand Medicine Hall's influence in Qingshan Town was substantial. After entering the estate, Mr. Yao led Gu He to a tranquil room.

"Sir, take a look at this room. Does it meet your preferences?" Mr. Yao led Gu He to a room and asked with a smile. "It's quite nice, this room will do." Gu He glanced and then nodded in approval.

Little Medical Fairy followed behind, her eyes brightening with a hint of joy. Gu He's room wasn't far from hers, and it seemed her room was situated in a location that Gu He would have to pass through frequently. It appeared even fate was aiding her.

"I'll go prepare some daily necessities for you." With Gu He's agreement, Mr. Yao's face lit up, and he excused himself. "Sir, my room is close to yours. If you plan to gather herbs on the mountain, you can call on me anytime."

After Mr. Yao left, Little Medical Fairy's eyes sparkled as she quickly approached, offering her assistance.

"Alright." Gu He nodded with a smile. "Well then, I'll take my leave." Little Medical Fairy hesitated for a moment. She thought it best to wait until they were more familiar before seeking guidance on alchemy.

After all, they had just met on the first day. Asking too much might cause a negative impression. Watching Little Medical Fairy leave, Gu He's lips curled slightly.

Judging from her behaviour, it seemed she had a favourable impression of him. Perhaps, after they became more familiar, proposing apprenticeship wouldn't be met with refusal. And so, Gu He officially settled in Qingshan Town.