Chapter 3: The Art of Sorcery

"Well... the pity of it, naturally, lies in the ailment currently afflicting you, sir." A glimmer of mystery flickered in Luo Qianfan’s spirited eyes.

Feigning a furrowed brow, Luo Qianfan looked down in deep thought before continuing with grave seriousness: "A person of such excellence as yourself—had it not been for that... sorcerous curse upon you, you would surely have been renowned throughout the world, a talent of breathtaking brilliance."

As Luo spoke, they observed Dongfang Yuyue’s expression, catching the fleeting flash of astonishment in his eyes.

It seems I’ve bet correctly. Luo Qianfan chuckled inwardly.

Indeed, the moment Luo spoke, a look of shock washed over the usually serene face of Dongfang Yuyue. He had assumed that only the young master of the Valley of the Nether Healer could possibly diagnose the sorcerous curse plaguing his body. Yet here, an encounter with a random young nobleman on the road had yielded the same result. It was entirely unexpected; this journey had proven far more fruitful than anticipated, and this person was not to be underestimated.

The potency of such a sorcerous curse was such that it was hardly common knowledge. Little did they know that Luo Qianfan was no mere "young nobleman," but the very Young Master of the Valley of the Nether Healer they had been searching for all along!

Meanwhile, hearing the mention of the "sorcerous curse," Guifang and Chiming were both stirred with excitement. If this young master could diagnose their lord’s condition, then perhaps it meant... This was a matter of paramount importance, one that concerned the very fate and future of their lord. Since that incident where they had been outmaneuvered, their lord’s life had been turned upside down. If only this time...

"Dare I ask, sir, is there any method to cure my master’s illness?" Guifang’s demeanor shifted entirely from his previous hostility. He bowed deeply, his hands clasped, asking with the utmost reverence, though his heart trembled. He knew all too well how long he had waited for this day.

Luo Qianfan was momentarily taken aback. They had not expected the man who had been glaring with murderous intent only moments ago to now be so deferential, all for the sake of the master he served. Reflecting on this, Luo glanced stealthily at Dongfang Yuyue. The man’s chilling, bloodthirsty aura remained undiminished—as cold, as detached, and as utterly unromantic as ever. Though Luo was currently dressed in men’s attire and had no need for pity, being held at knifepoint like that was still quite infuriating.

Aside from possessing a face that was practically a crime in its beauty, what exactly did this man have that warranted such devotion from Guifang?

That face!

Wait—could it be... romance? Tsk, tsk! If that were truly the case, then Guifang’s taste was far too shallow, far too shallow indeed...

Beside them, Dongfang Yuyue sensed a burning gaze upon him, as if someone were trying to see right through him. It was an unsettling sensation. He followed the direction of the gaze, but Luo Qianfan had concealed their tracks too well; Dongfang Yuyue caught nothing.

Luo Qianfan withdrew their gaze, inwardly relieved. *Thank goodness I reacted quickly; if that peacock of a man caught me staring, he’d probably get all narcissistic about it.*

"Peacock" was simply a nickname Luo had arbitrarily assigned based on his appearance. A peacock, as the name implied, was beautiful, with its greatest trait being its ability to attract the opposite sex—and occasionally the same.

In truth, looking closely, Dongfang Yuyue’s face was indeed worthy of the comparison. He was all skin and bone with no substance, cold and stiff. One wondered what kind of girl he might even like!

Wait, no, no—the way he is, surely no one would like him. If they did, they’d only be after that face of his. How truly pathetic...

Luo Qianfan had perhaps forgotten that they were currently in male guise; if Dongfang Yuyue were to develop feelings for them now, that would be the truly strange part!

*Ugh, what am I thinking? What that peacock does is none of my business. I must be too idle.*

Luo Qianfan patted their head, shrugged, and turned aside, flashing a mischievous grin. *Though Guifang might be a bit twisted, he is at least capable of bending and stretching. If I can provide some guidance later on and perhaps do a little matchmaking, it’s not entirely impossible for him to become a righteous and upright man.*

With that, their gaze toward Guifang softened with a touch of appreciation.

*Hmm, he’s not a bad lad.*