MD 631 to 640

 Miracle Doctor Chapter 631

Li Chunfeng was greatly shocked.

When he grasped Old Master Qian’s wrist to check his pulse, he was astonished to find that the old man’s rapidly fading vital signs had completely stopped declining.

Given the current situation, Old Master Qian could not only last until tomorrow morning but might even hold on for another half year.

After his shock subsided, Li Chunfeng let out a long sigh:

“Little Ye, the three of us old fellows were helpless, yet you solved it with just two golden needles. Truly, the younger generation surpasses us!”

Nie Xue Liang, puzzled, asked, “Old Li, what are you talking about?”

“Old Qian’s condition has stabilized. His vital signs have stopped fading,” Li Chunfeng said. “In my judgment, even if we don’t find the suppression object, Old Qian can maintain this state for at least half a year.”

Hearing this, Nie Xue Liang gave Ye Qiu a deep look, his eyes unable to hide his astonishment.

As for Qian Jinglan and Qian Weidong, their faces lit up with joy.

“Ye Qiu, will this compass do?”

Qian Bowen took an ancient-looking compass from Old Master Qian’s desk drawer and handed it to Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu took the compass, glanced at it, and smiled, “It’s actually a Song Dynasty compass. Not bad.”

“Song Dynasty?” Qian Bowen was surprised. He hadn’t paid much attention when he’d seen his father leave it casually on the desk.

Qian Weidong asked, “Ye Qiu, do we need to prepare anything else?”

“No need. This compass is enough,” Ye Qiu smiled. “It’ll help us find the suppression object.”

Everyone was somewhat amazed.

Li Chunfeng asked, “Ye Qiu, how can a compass find the suppression object?”

Ye Qiu explained, “The head of Dragon Tiger Mountain is my friend. He once taught me some methods to locate suppression objects.”

“In that case, let’s get started. The sooner we find it, the sooner Father can wake up,” Qian Bowen said.

“Alright.”

Ye Qiu held the compass, fiddling with it for show, then pushed open the door.

…

Outside the main room.

A crowd waited anxiously.

It had been nearly half an hour since Ye Qiu and the others went in, with no news, leaving them on edge.

Governor Han said worriedly, “I wonder if this divine doctor Zhang found is reliable enough to save Teacher.”

Secretary Wang replied, “Zhang wouldn’t gamble with Teacher’s life. That kid must have some skill.”

“I’m not optimistic about him,” Mayor Zhao said. “He’s too young. Even if he started learning medicine in the womb, how good could he be?”

Director Tian chimed in, “Mayor Zhao’s right. I’m worried Teacher could’ve held on a bit longer, but if that kid messes up, he might not even make it to tomorrow morning.”

“That’s a real possibility.”

Qian Rong suddenly spoke up, “Leaders, do you know who this Ye Qiu really is?”

Governor Han and the others responded:

“What’s his background?”

“Isn’t he Teacher’s grandson?”

“Zhang said he’s a divine doctor.”

“Divine doctor, my foot!” Qian Rong scoffed. “He’s just a junior doctor at Jiangzhou Hospital, only recently made permanent.”

What, just made permanent?

Governor Han and the others were furious.

“What’s wrong with Zhang Jiuling? Letting a freshly permanent doctor treat Teacher?”

“Isn’t this nonsense?”

“Calling someone like that a divine doctor—has Zhang gone senile?”

Seeing the leaders’ anger, Qian Rong felt smug and continued, “I’ll say it plain, even if you laugh: Ye Qiu’s a bastard.”

“Over twenty years ago, Qian Jinglan got tangled with some man and gave birth to Ye Qiu. Later, she was kicked out by Grandpa.”

“For over two decades, that mother and son have harbored resentment toward Grandpa. I suspect they came back this time to take revenge.”

“Ye Qiu’s treating Grandpa now—maybe he’ll use this chance to do something underhanded and hasten Grandpa’s death.”

Governor Han and the others, seasoned and sharp, could tell Qian Rong had a grudge against Ye Qiu.

But they couldn’t ignore it.

After all, the man dying inside was their mentor. Better safe than sorry.

And Ye Qiu’s age didn’t scream “divine doctor.”

Exchanging glances, they fell silent, clearly weighing their options.

Then Cao Chunmei spoke up.

“Rong’er’s right. Qian Jinglan and her son hold a deep grudge against the old man. I kindly went to greet them at the gate earlier, but that bastard slapped me and Rong’er three times.”

“The handprints on my face are proof.”

“Think about it, leaders—if that bastard hits his aunt and cousin, would he spare the old man?”

“As for calling him a divine doctor, that’s a joke. Three national medical sages couldn’t help—what can he do?”

“I’m not looking down on him, but give that bastard a hundred years, and he still wouldn’t find the cause…”

Creak!

The main room’s door swung open.

Ye Qiu stood at the threshold, holding the compass, giving Cao Chunmei a half-smile.

For some reason, that look—like an eagle’s—sent a chill through her, making her shiver involuntarily.

“Aunt, if I heard right, you just said even a hundred years wouldn’t be enough for me to find the cause, huh?”

Ye Qiu grinned, “Sorry to disappoint, but I’ve already found Grandpa’s cause.”

What!

Everyone froze.

Cao Chunmei couldn’t believe it, “How’s that possible?”

“Don’t spout nonsense,” Qian Rong sneered. “You say you found Grandpa’s cause? Then tell me, what is it?”

“Rong’er, don’t mess around,” Qian Bowen said. “Ye Qiu really did find the cause.”

Qian Weidong added, “I can vouch for it.”

“I can too.”

“Ye Qiu’s telling the truth.”

“He really found it.”

The three national medical sages spoke one after another.

Instantly, Qian Rong and Cao Chunmei felt their faces burn, as if slapped again.

Zhu Xuemiao asked Qian Weidong, “Weidong, what’s Father’s cause?”

Qian Weidong replied, “Father’s cause is…”

“Second Uncle!” Ye Qiu cut him off, “Let’s handle the main task first.”

“You’re right, business first.”

Holding the compass, Ye Qiu muttered under his breath and headed toward the back courtyard.

Qian Bowen, Qian Weidong, Qian Jinglan, and the three medical sages followed.

Governor Han and the others trailed behind, curious.

In truth, the compass was just a prop—his real tool was a tracking talisman.

A wisp of black qi, finer than a hair, floated before Ye Qiu’s eyes. He followed it, circling the Qian family estate inside and out, until it lingered in the inner courtyard, refusing to dissipate.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 632

Ye Qiu’s eyes narrowed. The cursed object was in the house?

Could it be that the one cursing Grandpa was a family member?

Who could it be?

Ye Qiu glanced around, noting the inner courtyard had over a dozen rooms.

“Uncle, who’s living in these rooms?” Ye Qiu asked casually.

“For now, just me, your aunt, and Rong’er are here. Your second uncle bought a place outside, so he doesn’t stay in the old house,” Qian Bowen said with a smile. “There are plenty of rooms, I’ll tidy up a couple for you and Jinglan later.”

“Thanks, Uncle.”

Just as Ye Qiu finished speaking, he saw that wisp of black qi pause at a room’s door.

Counting from the left, it was the third room.

Ye Qiu memorized it silently, turning to head back to the rear courtyard, but then the black qi moved again, drifting to another door and stopping.

Counting from the left, the fifth room.

Ye Qiu’s brow twitched.

Cursed objects in two rooms?

Did that mean there were two culprits?

Qian Bowen had just said only he, Cao Chunmei, and Qian Rong lived in the inner courtyard. Ruling out Qian Bowen left Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong.

But why would they harm the old man?

What was their motive?

Suddenly, a word flashed in Ye Qiu’s mind—inheritance!

Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong had traveled all the way to Jiangzhou to get Qian Jinglan to sign a pledge, their sole aim: securing Old Man Qian’s inheritance.

Clearly, they cared a lot about it.

Ye Qiu thought, if that’s true, murdering the old man for the inheritance was beyond ruthless!

After all, he was their kin.

“Ye Qiu, did you find something?” Qian Bowen asked, seeing him stand still, lost in thought.

“Not yet,” Ye Qiu replied, feigning exhaustion. “Uncle, I’m a bit tired, I’d like to rest.”

Qian Bowen looked worried. “But my father…”

“Don’t worry, Uncle, Grandpa’s condition is stable for now, he’ll be fine for a while,” Ye Qiu assured.

Zhang Jiuling chimed in, “Little Ye used up a lot of energy treating Old Qian earlier, he needs a break.”

“Alright, then rest first. I’ll prepare a room for you,” Qian Bowen said, starting to leave.

“Uncle, no need to trouble yourself, I’ll just sit in Grandpa’s room for a bit, staying near him puts me at ease,” Ye Qiu said, then added, “Uncle, you’re not busy, right? If not, chat with me, I’m new here and everything’s unfamiliar.”

“Sure.” Qian Bowen turned to Qian Weidong. “Look after Governor Han and the others, don’t neglect our guests.”

“Got it,” Qian Weidong nodded.

Then Ye Qiu, Qian Bowen, Qian Jinglan, and the three medical sages returned to the main room.

Before entering, Ye Qiu said to Zhang Jiuling, “Elder Zhang, you and the other seniors came from afar for Grandpa, enduring a long journey, it’s been tough on you.”

“With me here now, Grandpa’s condition is under control, no need to worry.”

“So, seniors, take a rest too!”

Li Chunfeng said, “I’m not tired…”

Before he finished, Ye Qiu cut in, “Elder Li, rest up, when I find the cursed object and wake Grandpa, we’ll need your help.”

“Little Ye’s right, I’m a bit worn out, Old Li, let’s rest,” Zhang Jiuling said, winking at Li Chunfeng.

Li Chunfeng caught on, nodding, “Fine, call us if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

Once the three sages left, Ye Qiu, Qian Jinglan, and Qian Bowen entered the main room.

Ye Qiu locked the door behind them.

Qian Bowen sensed something, asking, “Ye Qiu, you sent them away, do you have something to tell me?”

“Uncle, don’t rush, let’s sit and talk.”

After they sat, Ye Qiu asked, “Uncle, was Grandpa on bad terms with the family?”

“Why do you say that?”

Qian Bowen looked puzzled.

Ye Qiu pressed, “Uncle, who lives in the third and fifth rooms from the left in the inner courtyard?”

“The third is Rong’er’s, the fifth is your aunt’s,” Qian Bowen paused, adding, “In recent years, your aunt and I haven’t gotten along, so we don’t share a room.”

It was them!

Ye Qiu’s eyes flickered.

“Ye Qiu, why ask this?” Qian Bowen grew more confused.

Ye Qiu said gravely, “The cursed objects are in Cousin’s and Aunt’s rooms.”

“What?” Qian Bowen shot up, incredulous. “How’s that possible?”

“Qiu’er, could you be mistaken?” Qian Jinglan couldn’t believe it either.

“I’m not mistaken, the cursed objects are there,” Ye Qiu sighed. “Too many people were around earlier, I sent them off to tell you privately, Uncle.”

“I… I can’t believe it,” Qian Bowen struggled, “Why would Chunmei and Rong’er harm Father? He’s been good to them, they’ve no reason!”

“Ye Qiu, maybe check again, what if you got it wrong?”

“Suppose you’re mistaken?”

Qian Bowen’s reaction was as Ye Qiu expected.

Anyone would balk at their wife and daughter plotting against their father.

“Uncle, I’m certain, the cursed objects are in Aunt’s and Cousin’s rooms.”

Ye Qiu hesitated, then said, “Uncle, when Aunt and Cousin came to Jiangzhou, they didn’t ask Mom to come back, they brought a pledge to forfeit inheritance rights for her to sign, and she did.”

Qian Bowen looked at Qian Jinglan.

She knew hiding it was pointless now, nodding, “Big Sister-in-law and Rong’er never asked me to return, just to sign away my inheritance rights.”

Instantly, Qian Bowen’s face paled, aging a decade in a heartbeat.

Ye Qiu said, “I still have one question, why would Aunt and Cousin do this? Just for Grandpa’s inheritance?”

“If it’s them, their goal must be Father’s estate,” Qian Bowen said. “Chunmei and Rong’er owe a lot outside, I don’t know the exact amount, but it’s at least ten million.”

Ye Qiu and Qian Jinglan were stunned.

What had Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong done to rack up such debt?

Miracle Doctor Chapter 633

“Big Brother, what’s really going on at home?”

“Why do Sister-in-law and Rong’er owe so much money?”

Qian Jinglan asked.

Qian Bowen fished a cigarette from his jacket pocket, trembling as he put it to his lips, his shaky hands fumbling with the lighter, failing to spark it after several tries.

Ye Qiu lit it for him.

Qian Bowen took a deep drag, then spoke, “Ye Qiu, do you think your aunt is harsh, rude, like a shrew?”

“Don’t you wonder how, in a scholarly family like ours, I ended up with a woman like that?”

Ye Qiu nodded.

From the moment he met Cao Chunmei, he’d found it baffling—how could someone like her enter the Qian family?

“Truth is, Chunmei wasn’t always like this.”

“She used to be refined, virtuous, a perfect wife and mother who kept everything in order.”

“But Father never approved of her, all because she bore a daughter, not a son.”

“Father’s old-fashioned, obsessed with male heirs, believing a century-old scholarly lineage like ours needs a boy to carry on.”

“As the eldest son with no son, I’m a dead end in his eyes.”

“Because of this, for decades, Father never gave Chunmei a kind look, yet she bore it without complaint, serving him dutifully.”

“Until ten years ago.”

“Ten years back, Chunmei got pregnant, a checkup showed it was a boy, Father and I were thrilled.”

“But she was over forty, an older mother, at seven months, she went into premature labor, the child didn’t make it.”

“That hit us hard, especially Chunmei, she nearly lost her mind, crying all day, dazed.”

“Worried she’d break, I had Rong’er take her to unwind, they went to Macau, and both got hooked on gambling.”

“They burned through our savings, then secretly sold off Father’s students’ antique gifts, losing millions over time.”

“That’s when Chunmei and Rong’er changed, like different people.”

“Father was furious, wanted them out, I begged him, promised to cure their addiction, and he relented.”

“I locked them in the house, had people watch them, for six months they didn’t step outside.”

“For a few years, they stayed clean.”

“But last year, they found a gambling app on their phones and dove back in.”

“It’s my fault too, I thought they were just messing around, didn’t pay attention.”

“A month ago, I came back late from a trip, saw Chunmei’s light on at midnight, heard her and Rong’er arguing, I listened outside and learned they weren’t just gambling—they were deep in debt.”

“I stormed in, pressed them, and found out they’d maxed out a dozen credit cards, cashed out nearly two million.”

“They took small loans too, at least another million.”

“And borrowed three million from loan sharks, with interest now likely over ten million.”

“They made Jinglan sign that inheritance waiver, probably to sell the old house and pay it off.”

“They… they…”

Qian Bowen choked on his rage, growling low, “They’ve got guts, plotting against Father.”

“I want to strangle them.”

He stubbed out the cigarette, cradling his face, sobbing and blaming himself, “It’s all my fault things got this bad.”

“If I hadn’t let Chunmei get pregnant, she wouldn’t have changed, wouldn’t have gambled.”

“If I hadn’t sent Rong’er with her, Rong’er wouldn’t be hooked too.”

“If I’d had the means to clear their debts, they wouldn’t have angered Father or borrowed from sharks.”

“I hate myself, I hate…”

Smack, smack, smack!

In his anguish, Qian Bowen slapped himself hard.

Ye Qiu hadn’t expected this backstory, sighing softly, gambling ruined heroes and beggared the rich— even vast wealth couldn’t survive it.

The Qian family wasn’t even that loaded.

“Uncle, how do you plan to handle Aunt and Cousin harming Grandpa?” Ye Qiu asked. “The Qian family’s a century-old scholarly house, if this leaks, it’s a disgrace.”

“I suggest keeping it quiet, only we three know the truth, if we don’t talk, no one else will.”

“Ye Qiu, thanks for thinking of me,” Qian Bowen said, pained. “But can this stay quiet?”

“They plotted against Father, that’s unforgivable, if I shield them, I’m the unfilial one.”

“When Father wakes, how do I face him?”

“Even hiding it from him, I’d lose sleep every night.”

“Besides, their gambling’s too deep, sparing them won’t change them.”

“Let’s find the cursed objects, get the full story, then let Father decide once he’s awake!”

Tears welled up again as Qian Bowen trembled, “Knowing Father, he’ll turn them over to the police.”

“They’re my wife and daughter, if that happens, their lives are ruined.”

“Jinglan, when the time comes, plead with Father for me, anything but the police, okay?”

Qian Jinglan, her heart a mess, nodded slightly.

…

Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong stood in the courtyard.

“Mom, that bastard and Dad have been in there forever, why aren’t they out?” Qian Rong asked. “Did he find something?”

“What could he find?” Cao Chunmei scoffed. “He’s waving that compass around like some fraud.”

Qian Rong fretted, “He said he found the cause, could he…”

“Don’t buy his nonsense, the old man’s not even sick, how could he find anything?”

“Then why’d the three medical sages back him up?”

“Those old geezers are no good either, probably in cahoots with him.”

Cao Chunmei added, “I don’t know why, but that kid gives me a bad vibe, we need him out of here fast, no complications.”

“Yeah,” Qian Rong agreed.

Just then, the main room’s door opened.

Ye Qiu, Qian Bowen, and Qian Jinglan stepped out.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 634

Seeing Qian Bowen emerge from the main room, Cao Chunmei hurried forward, “Bowen, what’s—”

*Slap!*

Qian Bowen’s hand cracked across her face, his voice a roar, “Why did you do it?”

The loud smack drew eyes—Qian Weidong, Governor Han, and the others turned toward the commotion.

Panic flickered in Cao Chunmei’s heart, but her face feigned confusion, “Bowen, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”

Qian Rong bristled, “Dad, talk it out, why’d you hit Mom?”

*Slap!*

Another slap landed on Qian Rong’s face, Qian Bowen’s fury boiling over, “And you! Why did you plot against Father?”

The crowd froze.

Qian Weidong jumped in, “Big Brother, are you mistaken? How could Sister-in-law and Rong’er harm Father?”

“Besides, Father’s under a curse—how would they know such dark arts?”

He didn’t notice the flash of panic on Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong’s faces as he said “curse.”

Ye Qiu, watching them closely, sighed inwardly.

It was them, no doubt!

Qian Bowen bellowed, face stern, “Cao Chunmei, explain yourself—why did you and Rong’er target Father?”

“I didn’t target him!”

Cao Chunmei jabbed a finger at him, unleashing a tirade, “You, Qian Bowen—Father’s dying, you can’t find the cause, so you frame me and Rong’er? Is that human?”

“Are you trying to use this to kick me out and bring your son home?”

Son?

Big Uncle had a son?

Ye Qiu’s face registered shock.

The others gaped, dumbfounded.

Everyone knew Qian Bowen had two daughters—Qian Rong and Qian Shiyu, the younger mysteriously absent despite the old man’s illness.

Now a son popped up?

What was going on?

Qian Bowen’s face darkened, “Cao Chunmei, enough!”

“Enough? How’s this enough?”

She sneered, “Since everyone’s here, I’ll expose you, Qian Bowen, you fake gentleman, for what you are.”

Turning to the crowd, she declared, “You don’t know, do you? The esteemed Professor Qian, a beast behind closed doors, messing around with women.”

“Years ago, he kept a mistress—a student of his.”

“And she bore him a son.”

“I don’t know where you’ve stashed them, but that boy’s about three now, right?”

Pointing at his nose, she raged, “Qian Bowen, you’re vile!”

“To protect that mother and son, you frame me for harming the old man—are you even human?”

“For years, I’ve taken so much grief in this family—don’t you know?”

“Decades of toil, and this is my reward? Qian Bowen, have you any conscience?”

All eyes turned to Qian Bowen.

“Big Brother, is… what she said true?” Qian Weidong asked, incredulous.

In his mind, his brother was a learned, upright professor—how could he stoop so low?

Qian Bowen said coldly, “I’ll explain later.”

“Explain what? I’m stating facts,” Cao Chunmei shot a glance at Qian Jinglan, laughing, “Twenty years ago, Qian Jinglan brought back a bastard.”

“Now you’ve got one too, Qian Bowen.”

“Tell me, if the old man weren’t unconscious, wouldn’t you two have pissed him off to death?”

“A century-old scholarly family, riddled with scandals—how ironic!”

Qian Bowen’s voice was icy, “Cao Chunmei, I wouldn’t frame you, nor do I need to.”

“And Rong’er’s my own flesh and blood—why would I frame her?”

“If I say you plotted against Father, I’ve got proof.”

Cao Chunmei smirked, “Proof? Where?”

“You want proof? I’ll show you.” Qian Bowen stormed toward the inner courtyard.

The others trailed behind.

Soon, they reached the courtyard.

Qian Bowen kicked open Cao Chunmei’s door, strode in, yanked open her wardrobe, and found a hidden compartment, pulling out a wooden box, inside it a ten-centimeter puppet.

The puppet’s face mirrored Old Man Qian’s, lifelike, pierced with dozens of embroidery needles.

Qian Bowen barked, “Cao Chunmei, what do you say now?”

Her face went pale.

That look told everyone Qian Bowen was right.

“To think it was Cao Chunmei who harmed the teacher.”

“Pure evil!”

“Such an act—treasonous, unforgivable!”

Governor Han and the others fumed.

Cao Chunmei asked, “I hid that puppet so well—how’d you know?”

Qian Bowen snorted, “If you don’t want it known, don’t do it.”

Qian Rong panicked, “Dad, this—”

“Shut up!” Qian Bowen marched out, entered her room, flipped over her bed, and pulled a box from underneath, revealing an identical puppet, also riddled with needles.

*Slap!*

He spun and slapped Qian Rong, roaring, “You unfilial wretch, trying to kill your own grandfather—where’s your conscience? Eaten by dogs?”

Qian Rong collapsed, face ashen.

The three medical sages, alerted, arrived and pieced it together.

“Tell me why!” Qian Bowen demanded, fury blazing.

Tears streaming, Qian Rong said, “Mom and I gambled online, lost millions.”

“We borrowed from loan sharks to pay it off, but the interest snowballed—principal plus interest, nearly thirty million now, we can’t repay it.”

“The sharks said if we hand over the old house, the debt’s wiped, or they’ll kill us.”

“To get the house, we had no choice, we didn’t want to hurt Grandpa, but without this, Mom and I are dead.” She sobbed, “Dad, we don’t want to die…”

“You damned wretch, I’ll kill you!” Qian Bowen raised his hand again.

A hand darted in, grabbing his wrist.

He looked up—Ye Qiu. “Ye Qiu, don’t stop me, I’m beating this wretch to death today.”

“Uncle, hold off, I’ve got a question first.”

Ye Qiu fixed on him, “Why did you try to kill Grandpa?”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 635

Qian Bowen trying to kill Old Man Qian?

Impossible!

Qian Jinglan was the first to challenge Ye Qiu, “Qiu’er, what nonsense are you spouting?”

Qian Weidong added, “Ye Qiu, stop talking rubbish.”

Governor Han said, “Bowen’s filial, he’d never harm his teacher.”

Qian Bowen straightened, “Born into a scholarly family, I’ve known loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness since childhood—how could I hurt my own father?”

Ye Qiu sighed, “Uncle, I’ve got to say, your acting’s top-notch, almost fooled me, but you slipped up big time just now.”

A slip?

Qian Bowen’s eyes flickered, “What slip?”

“Aunt said she hid the puppet well, yet you walked right in, opened the wardrobe’s secret compartment, and pulled it out,” Ye Qiu said. “How’d you know it was there?”

“Didn’t you say the cursed object was in her room?” Qian Bowen countered.

Ye Qiu smiled, “Yes, I said it was in her room, but did I specify where?”

Qian Bowen replied, “What’s strange about that? This is my house, finding something’s easy for me.”

“Nonsense!”

This time, it wasn’t Ye Qiu but Cao Chunmei who snapped.

“The compartment’s so hidden even Rong’er didn’t know,” she said. “You’re rarely home, hardly ever in my room—how could you know?”

Qian Bowen snorted, “If you don’t want it known, don’t do it. One night, I came back and saw you open it from the window.”

Ye Qiu pressed, “When? Give me a specific time!”

“About half a month ago, I think.”

As soon as he spoke, Ye Qiu grinned, and Qian Bowen backtracked, “Maybe a month ago.”

Ye Qiu’s smile widened, “Half a month or a month?”

Qian Bowen gritted his teeth, “A month!”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“Uncle, you’re lying again.”

Ye Qiu said, “When we entered Aunt’s room, I noticed the window lock’s rusted—hasn’t been opened in at least six months.”

Qian Bowen’s face twitched.

“Aunt, am I wrong?” Ye Qiu asked Cao Chunmei.

She said, “It’s been a while since I opened it, but I don’t recall exactly how long.”

Ye Qiu continued, “And if you saw Aunt plotting against Grandpa a month ago, why didn’t you stop her?”

“I only saw the compartment, not what was inside,” Qian Bowen argued.

“Fine, let’s say you didn’t know. Here’s another flaw.”

Ye Qiu said, “When you went into Cousin’s room, you didn’t hesitate—straight to the bed, flipped out the box, found the puppet.”

“How’d you know it was there?”

Qian Bowen said, “One day, I saw Rong’er hiding something under her bed…”

“Uncle, can you come up with a better excuse?”

Cutting him off, Ye Qiu said, “You saw Aunt open the compartment and Cousin hide something—don’t you think that’s too convenient?”

“Aunt and Cousin plotting against Grandpa would be cautious, careful not to be seen, yet you caught both. Are you that lucky, or are they that dumb?”

Qian Bowen fell silent.

“Uncle, back in the main room, I told you my friend’s the head of Longhu Mountain.”

“Qian Duoduo can vouch for that.”

“He saw me with Longhu’s Master Changmei in Beijing.”

All eyes turned to Qian Duoduo, who nodded.

Ye Qiu went on, “Master Changmei’s a sage, the world’s top diviner, skilled in mystic arts, and he taught me plenty—including aura sight!”

“Aura sight reveals unclean things.”

“Cursed objects are evil, and anyone who’s touched the puppets carries that wicked aura on their hands.”

Instantly, everyone stared at Qian Bowen’s hands.

Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong glanced at their own.

“You can’t see it without aura sight,” Ye Qiu said. “Here, only Aunt, Cousin, and you, Uncle, have it.”

Qian Bowen said, “I just handled the puppets, of course I’ve got it.”

“You’re different,” Ye Qiu replied. “Their aura’s lighter than yours, meaning you touched them before they did.”

Qian Rong shook her head, “No, I bought those puppets from a Taoist—they were freshly made, no one else had seen them.”

“How do you know that Taoist didn’t meet Uncle before you?” Ye Qiu’s words stunned her.

Qian Bowen’s face shifted again.

“Uncle, still denying it?” Ye Qiu asked.

Qian Bowen said, “It’s all your word—nobody else can see this so-called aura.”

“Uncle, what’s the point of arguing now?”

“I don’t know why you wanted Grandpa dead, but it must be because he knew your secret.”

“Now that we’ve found the cursed objects, I can wake him soon, and the truth will come out.”

“Say it now, or wait for Grandpa to speak.”

Qian Bowen’s expression wavered, then he exhaled long and slow, “Jinglan, your son’s sharp!”

Qian Jinglan’s heart jumped, “Big Brother—”

“Don’t call me that!” he snapped. “I don’t deserve it!”

“Ye Qiu’s right—I’m the real culprit!”

What?

The crowd erupted.

No one saw this coming.

Qian Weidong couldn’t accept it—his brother, his role model—roared, “Big Brother, tell me it’s not true! It’s not!”

Qian Jinglan, reeling, asked, “Why, Big Brother? He’s your father!”

Qian Bowen’s face twisted, “I didn’t want to, he forced me!”

“That stubborn old fool wouldn’t listen, insisted I go to prison.”

“Because… I killed someone!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 636

Qian Bowen’s words hit like a thunderclap.

Everyone stared at him, dumbfounded.

A renowned professor, a scholar of vast learning, a murderer—how could this not shock them?

“Big Brother, what happened?” Qian Weidong asked, eyes red. Even now, he couldn’t accept it was Qian Bowen.

Qian Bowen began, “Father’s traditional views were unshakable. After Chunmei’s miscarriage, he hinted repeatedly that he wanted us to have another son.”

“But Chunmei’s body couldn’t handle another pregnancy—it’d endanger her life.”

“Father kept pressuring me, so much I dreaded going home. That’s when a woman appeared.”

“She was my student.”

“She cared for me, understood me, admired me, knew my struggles, and offered to bear me a son, no strings attached.”

“Young, beautiful, gentle—honestly, I was tempted.”

“But then I thought: born into this family, a professor—how could I sleep with my student and still call myself a teacher?”

“How could I face Chunmei?”

“My daughters, my father?”

“The Qian family’s century-old scholarly legacy?”

“So, I refused.”

Cao Chunmei exploded, “Refused, my ass! Don’t think I don’t know—you hooked up with her, and she gave you a son!”

Qian Bowen ignored her, continuing, “I kept my distance, but she was my student—weekly meetings were unavoidable.”

“About four years ago, her class graduated. They held a farewell banquet.”

“I drank too much. When I woke, she was beside me. That’s how it started.”

“She got pregnant fast. I didn’t want it, but a hospital check showed it was a boy—I wavered.”

“Ten months later, the child was born. We both adored him.”

“Things were fine until two months ago.”

“She suddenly demanded marriage and a city apartment. I said no.”

“After that, she turned cold—sometimes a week without contact. Video calls, phone calls, WeChat—all ignored.”

“One time, I went to her rental. Inside, I found her in bed with a stranger, doing *that*, with the kid right there watching.”

Qian Bowen’s forehead veins bulged, fists clenched, a furious lion.

“Ha!” Cao Chunmei cackled. “Qian Bowen, green-hatted! You deserve it, haha!”

“Shut up!” he roared.

“Make me!” she taunted. “She cuckolded you, so you killed the guy in a rage?”

Qian Bowen admitted, “Yes, I killed him!”

A collective gasp.

A famed professor, ruining his future over a woman—such a pity.

“I didn’t mean to,” he said. “I was just so angry. We argued, and that wretch slipped, revealing a secret.”

“The child she bore wasn’t mine.”

“I took the kid’s hair for a paternity test. Sure enough—not mine.”

“Seeing that report, I was livid—like a clown, played by a slut.”

Cao Chunmei sneered, “Reaping what you sowed!”

“That night,” Qian Bowen went on, “under cover of darkness, I snuck into her rental, turned on the gas, and left.”

The room froze.

He’d killed more than one?

“Next day,” he confirmed, “news reported three dead from gas poisoning.”

Governor Han erupted, “Qian Bowen, a professor doing something so depraved! Even if the child wasn’t yours, he was so young—killed by you! Are you even human? You’ll be the death of your teacher!”

Qian Bowen gave a bleak smile. “I knew my sin was monstrous. I was terrified, living in constant dread.”

“Back home, Father noticed something off, thought it was stress. We drank, and I got drunk—spilled everything.”

“He was furious, slapped me hard, demanded I turn myself in.”

“I begged, but he wouldn’t budge—gave me a month.”

“If I didn’t confess, he’d call the police himself.”

“I didn’t want jail. I’m a professor—confessing would ruin me, maybe get me the death penalty. I didn’t want to die!”

“Lost, I met a Taoist who taught me the Art of Suppression. It sparked an idea.”

“Around then, I learned Chunmei and Rong’er were gambling online, deep in debt, borrowing from loan sharks—desperate for cash.”

“So, I teamed up with the Taoist, crafting a plan to kill by proxy.”

“I found a history book mentioning the Art of Suppression, left it for Chunmei to see.”

“Then arranged for the Taoist to ‘bump into’ her on the street, teaching her the method.”

“Chunmei was cautious—didn’t follow up with him directly. She sent Rong’er to get two wooden dolls from him.”

“They followed my script, cursing Father with the art, even hiding the dolls where the Taoist instructed.”

Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong went cold.

They’d thought it was their secret—turns out, Qian Bowen had orchestrated it all.

“After all our years as husband and wife, you framed me? You’re not human!” Cao Chunmei raged.

Qian Rong seethed, “Dad, I’m your daughter, and you set me up? I’ll never forgive you!”

Then Qian Weidong stepped forward.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 637

Slap! Slap!

Qian Weidong landed two fierce slaps on Qian Bowen’s face, then roared, “Big Brother, I’ve always looked up to you as my role model—how could you do something so inhuman? I… I…” He sank to the ground, sobbing into his hands.

“ Weidong, I’m sorry. I’ve let you down,” Qian Bowen said, his face twisted in pain. “I didn’t want this. It’s Father’s stubbornness—he wouldn’t let it go, no matter how I begged.”

“If he’d just turned a blind eye, none of this would’ve happened.”

“I thought it was foolproof, but I never expected Ye Qiu.”

Qian Bowen glanced at Ye Qiu. “You’re a sharp kid—destined for great things. Take your uncle’s advice: don’t follow me. Stay on the right path.”

Ye Qiu felt a pang. His first visit to the Qian family, and it came to this.

“When did you start suspecting me?” Qian Bowen asked.

“In the main house earlier,” Ye Qiu replied. “I mentioned the Art of Suppression—none of the three master physicians knew it, but you did. That surprised me.”

“With my knowledge, knowing about it isn’t odd,” Qian Bowen said.

“True, so I only suspected—not confirmed—back then.”

“Was it the ‘evil aura’ on my hands that clinched it?”

Ye Qiu shook his head. “I don’t know aura-reading.”

“Huh?”

Qian Bowen froze. So did everyone else.

Ye Qiu explained, “In Taoist lore, aura-reading exists—ancient masters, sorcerers, geomancers, physiognomists could use it to judge fortune, even see a person’s fate or the world’s course.”

“But to modern folks, it’s just a legend. I’ve yet to meet anyone who can do it.”

Realization dawned.

Ye Qiu had bluffed.

Cao Chunmei cursed, “You bastard, tricking us! Shameless!”

“If you’d been upright and guilt-free, my bluff wouldn’t have worked,” Ye Qiu sighed. “Too bad you had ghosts in your hearts.”

Qian Bowen wasn’t mad—his eyes shone with admiration. “So young, yet so meticulous, observant, reading people like that. Impressive!”

“You’re too kind, Uncle.”

“Since aura-reading was fake, was waking Father a lie too?”

“No, that was true,” Ye Qiu said. “I’m a doctor—I’d never lie about a patient’s condition, especially my grandfather.”

“When will Father wake?” Qian Bowen asked.

“Soon. With treatment now, one or two hours,” Ye Qiu replied.

“Good thing you came, or if Father passed, my sins would’ve been even graver.”

Qian Bowen gazed at the drifting clouds, memories flipping through his mind like pages.

Moments later, he murmured:

“A lifetime’s work turns to naught, half a life’s fame a fleeting dream. If fate grants another chance, I’d kneel to honor my old father.”

His words fell.

Then he slammed his head into the wall.

Ye Qiu’s foot twitched—he could’ve stopped him with his reflexes—but he held back.

Maybe death was Qian Bowen’s best end.

Thud!

Blood sprayed as Qian Bowen’s head split against the wall, his body crumpling.

The sudden act stunned everyone.

“Big Brother!” Qian Jinglan shrieked, rushing to cradle him, shouting, “Qiu’er, save him!”

Ye Qiu didn’t move.

Nor did anyone else.

Qian Weidong snapped to, grabbing Qian Bowen’s hand, tears streaming. “Why, Big Brother?”

Qian Bowen managed a weak smile. “My sins are too heavy—only death frees me.”

“Jinglan, Weidong—I can’t care for Father anymore. Please look after him.”

“And Chunmei, Rong’er—beg Father for me… spare them…”

Blood gushed from his mouth. He turned to Cao Chunmei with effort. “If life could stay as it began… Chunmei, I’m… sorry…”

His voice cut off.

His breath stopped.

“Big Brother!” Qian Jinglan wailed.

Qian Weidong gripped his hand, sobbing, “Rest easy, we’ll tend to Father.”

Cao Chunmei laughed maniacally. “Good riddance! Good riddance!”

“Don’t think dying makes us forgive you, Qian Bowen.”

“I’m telling you, Rong’er and I will never—sob…”

Her taunts dissolved into wails.

Ye Qiu turned to leave, then spotted a gentle woman in a long skirt at the courtyard gate, resembling Qian Rong, holding a four- or five-year-old girl. Tears streaked her face as she stared at Qian Bowen.

“Who’s she?” Ye Qiu asked.

Qian Duoduo answered, “Uncle’s youngest, Qian Shiyu.”

“Oh.” Ye Qiu nodded faintly. “With this mess, Second Uncle will be swamped. Help him out.”

“Got it,” Qian Duoduo agreed.

Ye Qiu approached Qian Weidong, whispering, “Second Uncle, don’t grieve too much. This might be a release for him.”

“With him gone, you’re the family’s backbone now. Stay strong—handle his affairs.”

“I’ll treat Grandfather now.”

He started to go.

“Wait!” Qian Weidong stopped him, wiping tears. “Can Father wake later?”

Ye Qiu frowned.

“I don’t want him opening his eyes to this,” Qian Weidong said. “Give me a day to settle Big Brother’s affairs.”

“A day enough?” Ye Qiu asked.

“Yes,” Qian Weidong sighed. “The Qian family’s a century-old scholarly line. This scandal would ruin us if it spread. His affairs must stay quiet.”

Ye Qiu agreed it was wise. “If you need help, Second Uncle, just say.”

“Alright.”

That day, Qian Weidong handled it.

The next morning, Ye Qiu returned to the main house with the three master physicians.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 638

Main House

A brazier sat before Old Master Qian’s bed.

Ye Qiu stood at the forefront, the three master physicians trailing him, while the others lingered to the side.

Zhang Jiuling asked, “Little Ye, what do you need us to do? Just say it.”

Ye Qiu smiled, “Nothing for now, seniors. With your experience, once Grandfather wakes, I’d trouble you to check his condition.”

“Alright,” the trio agreed in unison.

Ye Qiu then grabbed the two wooden dolls and tossed them into the brazier. A second later, eerie wails erupted—“Ying ying ying!”—like an infant’s cry, chilling to the bone.

The crowd jolted in shock.

Zhang Jiuling peered in, stunned to see the dolls writhing fiercely in the flames, as if alive.

“This…” Words failed him. In all his years, he’d never witnessed anything so horrifying.

Ye Qiu explained, “The Art of Suppression is an evil craft. These are just wood, but the caster’s tricks make them act this way.”

Li Chunfeng glanced into the brazier, scalp tingling. The dolls thrashed and screamed under the coals, yet showed no damage.

“Little Ye, can they be burned to death?” he asked.

“Of course,” Ye Qiu replied. “Most malevolent things fear fire and heavenly thunder.”

He could’ve blasted them to ash with a Five Thunder Talisman, but with so many eyes here, that’d mark him as a freak. Who could wield lightning without question? Plus, it took effort—fire was simpler, effortless.

Time ticked by.

After half an hour, the dolls were charred black, their cries growing sharper.

Nie Xueliang stared, incredulous. So long, and they still hadn’t burned up?

“Little Ye, how much longer?” he asked.

“A bit more, I suppose,” Ye Qiu said, uncertain—this was his first time torching such cursed objects.

Curiosity drew everyone closer to watch.

An hour passed.

The screams dulled, but the dolls held firm.

“Burning this long without breaking—too creepy!”

“You’d think we were roasting bronze figures.”

“Are they carved from some special wood? How are they still intact?”

“Qiu’er, how much longer?” Voices overlapped.

Ye Qiu’s patience waned. He plunged his hands into the brazier, yanking the dolls out.

Gasps rippled through the room.

The dolls had baked for ages—hundreds of degrees hot—yet Ye Qiu held them, unfazed.

Incredible!

Li Chunfeng and Nie Xueliang exchanged a look: This kid’s something else.

“Step back,” Ye Qiu said.

Everyone retreated.

He pulled two flame talismans from his pocket, slapped them onto the dolls, and—whoosh—fire engulfed them. In a blink, they crumbled to ash.

A collective hiss of awe.

Hours in the brazier did nothing, yet Ye Qiu’s trick finished them instantly.

“Cousin, what was that?” Qian Duoduo asked, wide-eyed.

All eyes turned to Ye Qiu, eager.

“Dragon Tiger Mountain flame talismans,” he said.

Qian Duoduo gaped. “I’ve only seen talismans in books and shows—didn’t know they’re real. Amazing!”

Ye Qiu grinned. “Next time you see Longbrow真人, ask him for some—self-defense. If he refuses, hit him. If he fights back, I’ll handle him.”

“Thanks, Cousin! You’re the best!” Qian Duoduo beamed, oblivious that Ye Qiu’s jest would later lead him to brawl with Longbrow—and nearly die.

Zhang Jiuling glanced at Old Master Qian. Despite the dolls’ destruction, the old man’s eyes stayed shut.

“Little Ye, why hasn’t he woken?” he asked.

“The curse isn’t fully lifted,” Ye Qiu replied.

“So Father won’t wake?” Qian Weidong fretted.

“Don’t worry, Second Uncle. A few needles, and he’ll be fine.”

Ye Qiu drew his golden needles.

With the three masters, Governor Han, and others watching, curiosity sparked as he produced them.

He took three seven-inch needles, sterilizing them with alcohol swabs.

Done, his face turned grave.

The master physicians widened their eyes—showtime.

Swish! A needle pierced the Baihui point atop Old Master Qian’s head. Another stabbed his brow’s center. The third sank into his chest.

Ye Qiu’s palm brushed the needles’ tails.

Buzz, buzz, buzz! They vibrated, golden streams flowing between them.

Five minutes later, another swipe, and he retrieved them.

The next second, Old Master Qian’s eyes fluttered open.

…

Meanwhile, in a five-star hotel room in Suzhou-Hangzhou:

A short, black-robed elder sat cross-legged. His eyes snapped open, blood spurting from his mouth, face paling to a ghostly white.

“Hmph, didn’t expect someone in little Suzhou-Hangzhou to break my curse. Surprising.”

“Whoever you are, I don’t know.”

“But pray I don’t find you—or you’ll have no grave!”

His fists clenched, cold murder glinting in his small eyes.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 639

Qian Family Main House

Old Master Qian’s eyes fluttered open from his coma, landing on a young man before him. Puzzled, he asked, “Who are you?”

“I’m,” Ye Qiu began, but before he could finish, Qian Jinglan rushed to the bedside, her voice thick with concern, “Father, are you alright?”

“Jinglan!” Old Master Qian’s eyes lit up, then he murmured, “This isn’t a dream, is it?”

Qian Jinglan grasped his hand, tears welling, “No dream, Father. It’s really me, Jinglan.”

“Jinglan, it’s truly you? You’re back?”

“I’m back, Father. I’ll never leave you again.”

Old Master Qian sat up, trembling with emotion. He stroked Qian Jinglan’s head, voice heavy, “Jinglan, I’m sorry. Back then, it was my fault, I shouldn’t have cast you out. I was wrong.”

“No, it was my fault,” Qian Jinglan sobbed, tears streaming. She knew her father’s rigid nature, he’d never apologized before. This “sorry” revealed his deep guilt.

“Father, let the past stay past. I’m here now, aren’t I? Oh, this is your grandson, Ye Qiu.”

She shot Ye Qiu a look.

Ye Qiu bowed respectfully, “Grandfather!”

Old Master Qian studied him, nodding, “Jinglan, this son of yours has a commanding presence, a spark of valor in his brow. He’ll achieve great things.”

Ye Qiu grinned, “Grandfather’s got a sharp eye.”

“You rascal, watch how you talk to your grandfather!” Qian Jinglan glared.

Ye Qiu shrugged inwardly, just stating facts.

Old Master Qian chuckled, then scanned the room, noticing the crowd. He recognized family and Governor Han, but not the three master physicians. Still, his seasoned gaze pegged them as extraordinary, “Jinglan, who are these three?”

Ye Qiu stepped in, “Grandfather, this is pharmacology master Li Chunfeng, orthopedics expert Nie Xueliang, and acupuncture king Zhang Jiuling, three national medical saints here to treat you.”

So that’s it.

Old Master Qian cupped his hands toward them, “Saints, I’m a decaying relic with few days left. To trouble you three to come here, it’s my sin.”

“Master Qian, you’re a world-renowned scholar. Treating you is our honor,” Zhang Jiuling smiled.

“You’re too kind,” Old Master Qian said gratefully, “Thank you for healing me.”

Li Chunfeng laughed, “Master Qian, it wasn’t us three who cured you, someone else did.”

“Oh?” Old Master Qian blinked, “Which divine doctor saved me?”

“That divine doctor’s right in front of you,” Nie Xueliang grinned.

Old Master Qian looked, only Qian Jinglan and Ye Qiu stood there. He knew Jinglan had no medical skill, leaving just Ye Qiu.

“You cured me?” he asked, incredulous.

Ye Qiu nodded with a smile.

It really was him!

Old Master Qian’s heart jolted.

Zhang Jiuling added, “Master Qian, you don’t know, Ye Qiu’s medical skill rivals us three saints.”

“Really?” Old Master Qian doubted, Ye Qiu was so young. How skilled could he be?

“Old Zhang’s wrong,” Li Chunfeng interjected.

Old Master Qian thought, I knew it, Zhang’s exaggerating to cheer me up post-coma.

But Li Chunfeng’s next words floored him, “Old Zhang said Ye Qiu’s skill matches ours. I say it surpasses us by far.”

Nie Xueliang nodded, “Old Li’s right. Take your case, we were helpless, but Ye Qiu saved you. His skill outshines ours.”

Zhang Jiuling chimed in, “I’m ashamed. They call me the acupuncture king, but Ye Qiu’s needlework’s a hundred times better.”

Old Master Qian scanned their faces, earnest, no lies. Could his grandson be a prodigy?

“Jinglan, is this true?” he asked.

Before she could reply, Ye Qiu said, “Grandfather, they’re just being modest. Don’t mind them.”

Li Chunfeng grew stern, “Master Qian, no modesty here. Your grandson’s a once-in-a-century medical genius. Soon, he might be the first Medical Saint in three hundred years.”

Medical Saint!

The words hit Old Master Qian like thunder. A Medical Saint was the pinnacle of Chinese medicine, none had risen in three centuries. If Ye Qiu achieved it, the honor would be boundless.

Nie Xueliang nodded, “Little Ye just needs to beat the four national saints to claim it. We three can’t match him, only Xu Liu remains.”

Zhang Jiuling chuckled, “That cranky old Xu Liu, holed up for years. I’d love to see Little Ye take him down.”

Ye Qiu’s eyes gleamed. Beating the four saints to become a Medical Saint? Thrilling.

He laughed, “Seniors, keep praising me, and I’ll blush.”

Old Master Qian’s gaze swept the room, “Where’s that unfilial Qian Bowen?”

Silence dropped like a pin.

“Where’s Qian Bowen?” he pressed Qian Weidong, “Weidong, fetch him now.”

Ye Qiu jumped in, “Grandfather, you just woke, let the seniors check you first!”

The three saints caught his drift. Ignoring Old Master Qian’s protests, they stepped forward to examine him.

Twenty minutes later, they finished, stunned anew. When they’d arrived, he’d been near death. Now, post-Ye Qiu, he was healed, a miracle!

Ding!

Zhang Jiuling’s phone chimed. He checked, a text. His face darkened.

“Old Li, Old Nie, Little Ye, trouble’s coming.”

He handed the phone over.

Li Chunfeng read aloud, “I’ve long heard of China’s vast land, rich resources, and abundant talents, its medical saints renowned. I’ve yearned to test myself. Thus, on Mid-Autumn Day, I challenge China’s four national medical saints and Jiangzhou Hospital’s Ye Qiu. Victory means life; defeat, death. Do you dare accept? Signed, Korean Medical Saint, Li Zhengxi!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 640

Qian Family Main House

Li Chunfeng finished reading the text, his face growing solemn, “What’s gotten into that old fool Li Zhengxi, challenging us out of nowhere?”

“Clearly, he’s out for revenge for his son,” Zhang Jiuling said, “Last time, in the China-Korea Medical Showdown, his son Li Minghan led the Korean team, aiming to crush Chinese medicine. But he didn’t expect Ye Qiu to wipe them out single-handedly, leaving them humiliated.”

“I heard about it too, shame I was tied up and couldn’t follow it closely, or I’d have cheered Little Ye on,” Nie Xueliang said with regret.

Back then, he’d thought the showdown was just kids messing around, so he paid it little mind. Only later did he learn Zhang Jiuling had lost to Li Minghan, and Ye Qiu had turned the tide.

Ye Qiu laughed, “This Li Zhengxi’s got a big mouth, ‘victory means life, defeat means death.’ He wants a fight to the finish!”

“Old Zhang, what’s your take?” Li Chunfeng asked.

Zhang Jiuling pondered, then said, “They’ve thrown down the gauntlet. If we don’t answer, it’s not just our five faces on the line, it’s Chinese medicine’s, even the nation’s honor.”

“So you say we fight?”

“We have to!”

Nie Xueliang nodded, “I’m with Old Zhang.”

“I think we should too, but…” Li Chunfeng hesitated.

“But what?” Zhang Jiuling pressed.

Li Chunfeng said, “Top doctors from two nations sparring is a good thing, but Li Zhengxi wants a life-or-death battle. That feels wrong.”

“Medicine saves lives, it shouldn’t decide them.”

“If we follow his terms, one side pays with blood, a huge loss to the medical world.”

Zhang Jiuling and Nie Xueliang nodded, agreeing.

Li Zhengxi, Korea’s Medical Saint, was their pinnacle—if he died, Korean medicine would reel. Zhang Jiuling and crew were China’s peak—if they fell, taking Ye Qiu with them, it’d be a catastrophe for Chinese medicine. And no matter who won, death would spark hatred. Li Zhengxi’s fall would turn Koreans against Chinese medicine; their loss would make Chinese despise Korean medicine. A death match was indeed off.

Zhang Jiuling thought, then said, “Here’s my plan, I’ll contact the Chinese Medicine Association, have them talk to Li Zhengxi.”

“Hope it’s not too late,” Ye Qiu said, “Korea loves stirring the pot, they might’ve already leaked his challenge.”

“I’ll call and check…”

Beep beep beep!

Before Zhang Jiuling finished, Ye Qiu’s phone rang, caller ID showing Lin Jingzhi.

Ye Qiu answered, “Sis Lin, something up?”

“Honey, when are you coming back?” Lin Jingzhi purred, “I’m so lonely, can’t sleep thinking of you, last night I was dripping, went through a whole pack of tissues…”

Ye Qiu cut in, “Sis Lin, I’m at Grandfather’s, I’ll call you later.”

“Someone’s with you?” Lin Jingzhi, sharp as ever, switched to serious, “You’re in trouble again.”

“What trouble?” Ye Qiu asked.

Lin Jingzhi replied, “The Korean Medical Saint’s challenging you and the four saints.”

“How’d you know, Sis Lin?”

Ye Qiu was surprised, she wasn’t in medicine, how’d she get wind so fast?

Lin Jingzhi chuckled, “It’s public now, trending on Weibo.”

“Alright, Sis Lin, later, I’m hanging up.”

Ye Qiu ended the call, checked Weibo, then told the trio, “Li Zhengxi’s challenge is out, it’s trending.”

“Who posted it?” Zhang Jiuling fumed.

Ye Qiu glanced at the account, “Korean Embassy’s official Weibo, the whole net’s buzzing.”

Nie Xueliang’s voice deepened, “Li Zhengxi’s behind this, he’s dead-set on a death match.”

“Old Li, do we take it?” Zhang Jiuling said, “I’ve never faced Li Zhengxi, but I lost to his son, his skill must be top-tier.”

“Take it!”

The voice wasn’t Zhang Jiuling’s, but Old Master Qian’s from the bed.

Ye Qiu and the three saints turned to him.

Old Master Qian said, “Our grand China, five thousand years of history, over a billion people, how can we fear a Korean doctor?”

“Besides, this is big now, it’s not just medical rivalry, it’s about national pride.”

“So we must fight, and we must win.”

“This battle can show the world the wonders of Chinese medicine, raising our nation’s prestige!”

His words rang out, filling the room with unshakable confidence.

“Master Qian’s right, we must win!”

“No choice but to fight, or Korea will mock us as cowards!”

“Chinese medicine’s waned too long, this is our shot to show its might!”

The three saints chimed in.

“Little Ye, your thoughts?” Zhang Jiuling asked.

Ye Qiu smiled, “He wants war, I’ll give him war!”

Six words, brimming with grit.

Ye Qiu shifted tone, “Grandfather and the seniors are spot-on, our vast China, five millennia of history, teeming with talent, we can only win, not lose.”

“We can use this to showcase Chinese medicine’s power.”

“But just facing Li Zhengxi? Not enough.”

All eyes locked on Ye Qiu.

“Little Ye, what’s your plan?” Li Chunfeng asked.

Ye Qiu said, “Li Zhengxi’s their Medical Saint, if he loses to us alone, Koreans will cry we ganged up, unfair victory.”

“So, you three, and Senior Xu Liu, can sit this out.”

“I’ll take Li Zhengxi solo.”

“Ask the Association to announce I accept his challenge, and I’ll challenge all of Korea’s famed doctors, too, anyone who dares, no matter how many, I, Ye Qiu, won’t back down!”

“Let them see the might of the Celestial Empire! Let them know Chinese medicine’s invincible!”

His words landed, a fierce aura bursting from him, like a drawn sword, its edge unrivaled.