Chapter Ten: The Wager

Qiao Lan was caught in a dilemma. On one hand, she felt awkward seeing the Li family's attitude; on the other, she worried that Su Zheng might misunderstand her because of it.

"Xiao Lan!"

Just as she was about to leave with Su Zheng, Li Jiangcheng, lying in bed, spoke up.

"Li Uncle is fortunate to have Divine Physician Luo come in person to treat me, and I am about to rid myself of this strange illness once and for all. Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Sit down and have some tea. I still have something to discuss with you later, haha..."

Li Jiangcheng smiled faintly, clearly not wanting Qiao Lan to take Su Zheng away immediately.

Seeing his father speak, Li Yanze dared not say more, but he still shot Su Zheng a resentful glare.

"Divine Physician Luo, your name has reached my ears so many times that they're nearly callused. Haha, meeting you today, you truly live up to your reputation. Thank you for making the trip to treat me personally. Once I recover, I will certainly reward you handsomely!"

Li Jiangcheng, shrewd in his old age, worried that keeping Su Zheng might displease Luo Huichun, so he quickly offered a few words of flattery.

With this, satisfaction and pride surfaced on Luo Huichun's face—Li Jiangcheng was renowned far and wide, and his praise was not easily dismissed.

"Li Elder, you're too kind. Rest assured, after my acupuncture, you'll have your health returned to you. Now, shall we begin the treatment?"

Luo Huichun asked politely.

"Very well, I leave everything to the Divine Physician." Li Jiangcheng nodded in agreement.

He ultimately chose to trust Luo Huichun, whose reputation and experience were well established, and whose medical skills were exceptional.

As for keeping Su Zheng, it was merely because Su Zheng's earlier diagnosis was somewhat similar to Luo Huichun's; he didn't wish to offend him.

"Haha... Li Grandpa, rest easy and accept the treatment. My master's medical skills are renowned throughout the world—not something those insignificant nobodies can compare to. All they can do is boast with empty words!"

Luo Huichun's apprentice, Nie Feng, cast a sidelong glance at Su Zheng as he spoke.

"Feng'er, say no more. Bring me the needles!"

Luo Huichun rebuked Nie Feng, but his expression grew even more proud.

After a cold snort toward Su Zheng, he began the acupuncture treatment for Li Jiangcheng.

Qiao Lan's pretty face turned cold. She wanted to retort to Nie Feng, but Su Zheng stopped her with a wave of his hand.

Words were useless.

Soon, Luo Huichun and his apprentice would pay the price for their arrogance and ignorance.

And Li Jiangcheng would fall into peril because of his wrong choice!

Luo Huichun picked up a silver needle, focused for a moment, and then began the acupuncture treatment in earnest. His technique was practiced and deft, showing that the Huichun Needle Method was ingrained in him.

The Li family watched silently, hardly daring to breathe for fear of disturbing Luo Huichun.

Not until Luo Huichun stood up did they all exhale deeply.

"Divine Physician Luo, how is my father?" Li Yanze asked politely.

"Haha... I have fulfilled my duty. Elder Li's illness has been basically brought under control. When I return from the capital and perform the acupuncture again, he should be fully cured!"

Luo Huichun replied with a proud smile, taking the towel Nie Feng handed him to wipe away his sweat.

Unblocking the body's meridians, even with the Huichun Needle Method, drained a great deal of energy; Luo Huichun was feeling the strain.

"That's wonderful! Thank you, Divine Physician. My whole family will remember your kindness!"

Li Yanze was overjoyed and motioned for the others to stand and pay their respects to Luo Huichun.

Since Li Jiangcheng had fallen asleep during the acupuncture, Li Yanze, the eldest son, led the family.

When everyone saw Li Jiangcheng asleep in bed and his complexion less flushed, they were beside themselves with joy, knowing the treatment had worked.

"Bring the gifts!" Li Yanze waved his hand and instructed the servants at the door.

The servants hurried off, and the Li family eagerly invited Luo Huichun to sit, crowding around him with effusive praise.

Meanwhile, Su Zheng and Qiao Lan sat quietly to the side, ignored by everyone.

"Boy, stunned yet? Weren't you supposed to be impressive? Where are your skills now? Bah!"

Nie Feng took the opportunity to approach Su Zheng, his face full of contempt and ruthlessness, speaking without restraint.

"You're going too far. Though Elder Luo's medical skills are remarkable, it's not your place to be so aggressive,"

Qiao Lan couldn't bear it any longer and rebuked Nie Feng coldly.

Su Zheng had cured her unspeakable ailment and was her guest, so she would not allow others to humiliate him.

"Feng'er! Do you not find it beneath your dignity to engage with him? Come back!"

Luo Huichun heard the commotion and didn't even bother to look at Su Zheng, simply rebuking his apprentice.

"Ah."

Su Zheng shook his head helplessly. His sigh drew attention.

"Using a heated bedding for warmth will eventually exhaust itself; when one's yang energy runs dry, life cannot be sustained. Your Huichun Needle Method is so overused it's decayed!"

"What did you say? How dare you question my master's Huichun Needle Technique? Such arrogant words! If you have the ability, show us! If not, stop your nonsense!"

Nie Feng spun around and shouted angrily.

"Hmph! Since you recognize the Huichun Needle Technique, you should know that no one uses it better than I do. What, are you doubting Elder Li's recovery?"

Luo Huichun's expression grew dark. "I didn't intend to argue with you, but you repeatedly provoke me. Fine, since you question me, let's let facts speak. Whoever is proven wrong must kneel and call the other 'Grandmaster.' Do you dare?"

Truth be told, Luo Huichun still bore a grudge over Su Zheng's earlier claim, "I might be your Grandmaster," and now deliberately provoked him.

"Agreed. I'll wait for your bow." Su Zheng replied calmly, with not a trace of anger on his face, appearing completely composed.

The Li family was furious; if not for Li Jiangcheng's earlier words, they would have thrown Su Zheng out by now.

Qiao Lan glanced helplessly at Su Zheng, surprised that he dared to accept, and with such certainty, leaving her at a loss for how to dissuade him.

At that moment, a servant entered carrying a tray with a bank card and a transparent gift box containing several herbs.

Su Zheng's heart stirred when he saw the herbs in the box.

Li Yanze smiled and stood, respectfully handing the bank card to Luo Huichun.

"Divine Physician Luo, a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it."

"The herbs in this box were obtained with great effort. It's said they can slow aging. This time, we present them to you, hoping you live a long life and benefit more patients, haha..."

Luo Huichun's heart burned with excitement, but he maintained a composed face and signaled to Nie Feng, who took the gift for his master.

Su Zheng squinted at the gift box. He recognized the herbs inside from inherited memories, and they would be very useful to him.

The three fiery-red herbs in the box were called Scarlet Mist Grass in ancient times, known to strengthen the body and replenish vitality.

He now had a rough grasp of the Eighteen Volumes of Heavenly Medicine, which offered many ways to improve his constitution, and for any of them, top-tier herbs were essential.

Just then, Li Jiangcheng stirred in his sleep.