THE GREEN EYED PRINCESS

"Atop the majestic Lupaka Mountain, there proudly stood a temple that had endured for a century, bearing the name 'Greek.' This sacred sanctuary was under the benevolent rule of Principal Monk Amanthi, a venerable figure who represented the third generation of his monk lineage dedicated to the temple's preservation and the maintenance of its tranquil aura. The temple had garnered a reputation for being a place of devout worship, but it also harboured a closely guarded secret: the ancient knowledge of potent medicinal remedies passed down through the ages. This invaluable wisdom was entrusted to only a select few elders who had earned the temple's deepest trust.

As was customary, an enchanting Courtyard graced the eastern side of the temple, offering an unparalleled panoramic view that stretched out over the lofty mountain peaks. Perched at such a great height, the spectacle was nothing short of breathtaking, especially in the early morning hours. At dawn, an elderly gentleman, his visage etched with the wisdom of years, sat serenely upon a finely crafted wooden chair, quietly enraptured by the beauty that lay before him. The pinnacle of the mountain was veiled in a gentle shroud of mist, and a brisk, invigorating wind rustled through the air, creating a symphony of nature's sounds."

Amidst the tranquil ambiance, a sudden, startling sound resonated through the air. The weathered wooden door creaked open, revealing a man carrying a tray adorned with a solitary cup.

"Master, your tea has arrived," he announced softly, setting the tray down with utmost care upon a diminutive table.

The elderly gentleman cast his gaze upon the cup and offered a warm smile, causing the corners of his eyes to crinkle with age. His long, snow-white beard flowed gracefully, and he extended his hand to cradle the cup, bringing it closer to his nose. The tea's alluring aroma wafted into his nostrils.

"Consistently impeccable," he murmured before taking a sip. The flavour remained as flawless as ever, without a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Master, you've cherished this tea for quite a few years now," remarked the man beside him.

The old man continued to smile, his eyes reflecting a wellspring of memories. "This tea is perfection itself. I savour it daily, yet not once have I found reason to utter a single complaint."

"The master wishes to find fault." The other man inquired, a faint frown creasing his brow.

The elderly gentleman's smile broadened. "No, merely a playful jest, a token effort to tease that woman."

His companion chuckled heartily. "Master certainly knows how to ruffle feathers. But has Master ever succeeded?"

The old man's eyes twinkled with mischievousness. "Not once, my friend, not once."

The old man finished the tea before sighing. He placed the cup back on the tray and leaned back in his chair. "I still remember the day when she said to me that she would brew tea for me every day, and I wouldn't be able to find a reason to complain about lack or hate the day. I am still unable to do it."

But the master also knows it's impossible."

"Yes,yes, I know," the master waved his hand, "that little brat knows how to trick me."

"Master, the Herb Experience Exam is in two days. Who do you want to take charge of it?"

"Is it?" The old man frowned before he looked up to the man standing behind him and said, "Soten, make a note of the list and send them over to Aishi."

The man named Soten frowned. Master, do you want Aishi to take charge? Then..."

The master shook his head "no need. I know she is busy with her own work. So let Aishi take the charge beside that brat, who doesn't even have any envy in her body.

Soten bowed, "As per master's wish," then grabbed the tray before walking out quietly.

The old man sighed and looked towards the view again. For so many years he has been training personally only 3 disciples. Aishi is one of them. He taught them everything he knew about the medical field. And how they use their knowledge is based on their own abilities. His disciples also have many followers under them. When he thought back to years ago, a smile tugged on his lips. The image of a small girl challenging him still lingered in his mind. Since then, she has been brewing him the same tea for years now, and as she said, he still does not find enough reason to complain.

She was the only one who knew whether he liked it or not.The Passion Flower Tea is his favourite. It could relax one's body and give great benefits. But making the tea is not that easy at all, but to his surprise, she was able to do it without any difficulty. Sometimes he really wonders how much ability she holds inside. His favourite disciple is Eisho, though. Eisho pays attention to him and is more like a replica of him.

In the forest of Lupaka Mountain,

The stems of the tree slightly lifted as a man walked past. There was a heavy rain earlier, which made the plants and trees hang their branches low. The water droplets dropping on the wet ground made a sound, and it was somehow slippery. There was someone who was walking slowly and trembling as he clutched his stomach tightly. His clothes were torn, and there were red marks over his whole body, showing how badly he was injured. He stopped, held on to some trees to support his body, and heaved a sigh. It was already dusk, and there was no sign of the sun. The light slowly drifted into darkness. Soon he needs to find a shelter before it's fully dark. Supporting his body again, he started to walk but almost slipped again. His body was aching, and the pain from the injury was adding another layer of torture. He walked for a few more minutes before stopping. He really doesn't know the way of the forest. It is unfamiliar to him. When he looked up, he found there was a cave that was slightly lit up. He assumed there must be someone inside already. He started to step forward and accidentally stepped on some fallen branches, which made a cracking sound, and then it started to rain again. He was about to slip when a pair of hands supported his body.

When he finally managed to lift his weary gaze, the first thing he beheld were a pair of profound green eyes fixed upon him.

"You're injured," the stranger declared with an air of composed concern. His body throbbed with pain, and fatigue weighed down his voice, making it a struggle to respond.

"I've taken refuge in this cave. Your injury appears severe, and it won't hold for long. Come with me," the stranger urged, though he remained rooted in place, paralysed by his condition.

"I mean you no harm; let me lend you my aid," the stranger implored once more. Only then did he agree.

With gentle support, the stranger ushered him into the sanctuary of the cave. The rain outside had transformed into a deluge, accompanied by thunder that resonated like a distant battle cry. Once inside, he was guided to sit, leaning against the cave's rugged wall. A warm, crackling fire already danced in the corner, casting flickering shadows in the dim cave. The night, as it was, seemed to grow windier by the moment. His shivers intensified, exacerbated by the pain from his injury.