Miracle Doctor 531 to 540

 Miracle Doctor Chapter 531

Ye Qiu knew Master Du’e wouldn’t say something like that without reason. Could it be…?

“Master, what do you mean by that?” Ye Qiu asked tentatively.

Master Du’e smiled kindly. “Benefactor Ye, that day at the Bai residence, this old monk personally witnessed you in action and even sparred with you. I must say, your martial talent is a rarity seen once in a century.”

“So, I have a thought.”

“I’d like to pass the Six Meridians Divine Sword to you. I wonder if you’re interested in it?”

Of course he was interested.

After all, the Six Meridians Divine Sword was a legendary, peerless sword technique.

“Master, to be honest, I’m very interested in the Six Meridians Divine Sword,” Ye Qiu said, not hiding his true feelings. He continued, “But I do have some concerns.”

“Please, Benefactor Ye, speak freely.”

Ye Qiu said, “As far as I know, the Six Meridians Divine Sword is the supreme martial art of Dali’s Tianlong Temple, a closely guarded secret not taught to outsiders. Why would you pass it to me, a stranger?”

“By doing this, aren’t you afraid of breaking temple rules?”

“And by teaching me, are you hoping I’ll join Tianlong Temple?”

Master Du’e smiled faintly. “Benefactor Ye, you possess a root of wisdom, and it’d be wonderful if you joined the Buddhist path. But I can see you’re entangled in worldly affairs and unable to let go of your romantic ties. Even if I forced you into the temple, it’d be futile.”

“Besides, this old monk has always been guided by compassion and would never force anyone to join Tianlong Temple.”

“You’re quite right, Benefactor Ye. The Six Meridians Divine Sword is indeed our temple’s highest martial art, a secret not passed down lightly. But alas…”

Master Du’e sighed softly, pausing for a moment before continuing:

“Since the Yuan Dynasty—nearly eight hundred years—Tianlong Temple has produced many talents, yet not one has fully comprehended the Six Meridians Divine Sword.”

“My master, the only divine monk of Tianlong Temple in the past two centuries, was exceptionally gifted and boundless in Buddhist wisdom. Yet even he, after a hundred years, only mastered three of the swords.”

“So, years ago, when I took over as abbot of Tianlong Temple, my master did something bold.”

“He abolished the temple’s old rules. Anyone devout and sincere in their pursuit of Buddhism could enter Tianlong Temple.”

“The second thing he did was task me with finding someone with exceptional martial talent to pass the Six Meridians Divine Sword to. He hoped, before his passing, to see the complete Six Meridians Divine Sword reborn, bringing back the peerless sword art that had lain dormant for nearly eight hundred years.”

“That’s why I entered the Dragon Ranking contest all those years ago—to find someone with extraordinary martial talent.”

“Over the past thirty years, I found two such individuals to whom I wanted to pass the Six Meridians Divine Sword.”

“The first was Champion Marquis Xiao Jiu, and the second was the head of Wudang Mountain.”

Master Du’e gave a wry smile. “The Champion Marquis was obsessed with the saber and had no interest in swordsmanship, so he declined.”

“As for the Wudang head, he looked down on the Six Meridians Divine Sword.”

No way—someone actually scorned a peerless technique like the Six Meridians Divine Sword?

Noticing Ye Qiu’s confusion, Master Du’e explained, “Since its founding, Wudang has been renowned across the land, standing alongside Shaolin as one of the twin pillars of the martial world. For a time, it even outshone all other sects, surpassing even Shaolin in glory.”

“And that was all because of one man.”

Ye Qiu immediately thought of a legendary figure.

“Are you talking about Zhang Sanfeng?” he asked.

Master Du’e nodded. “Master Zhang, the founder of Wudang, had mastery over the Dao that reached the heavens and was revered by emperors across generations. Beyond that, he was a martial arts grandmaster.”

“During his lifetime, Master Zhang collected over ten thousand martial arts manuals from across the world and built a scripture pavilion to house them.”

“He also created numerous techniques himself, laying a solid foundation for Wudang’s martial arts.”

“That’s one reason why, after centuries, Wudang has remained ever-prosperous.”

“During that Dragon Ranking contest, I met the Wudang head and offered him the Six Meridians Divine Sword. But he dismissed it, saying, ‘Wudang’s arts are unrivaled. Be it your Six Meridians Divine Sword or the seventy-two supreme skills of Buddhism, how could they compare to Wudang’s techniques?’”

Ye Qiu was astonished. This Wudang head was awfully arrogant!

“Later, I learned he was immersed in studying the arts left by Master Zhang and had no energy to spare for the Six Meridians Divine Sword.”

Master Du’e continued, “After that, I intended to pass it to the then-acknowledged greatest master, Ye Wushuang—Ye Wudi’s older brother.”

“But to my shock, before I could reach the capital, I heard it had been struck by upheaval. Ye Wushuang was ambushed by a crowd and his fate became unknown.”

“That incident left me with deep regret.”

“Since then, I’ve stayed at Tianlong Temple, quietly cultivating Buddhism while trying to comprehend the Six Meridians Divine Sword. Alas, my talent is limited. After all these years, I still haven’t grasped the second sword.”

Hearing this, Ye Qiu roughly understood.

Following his master, Divine Monk Kongjian’s wishes, Master Du’e was seeking a destined one to pass on the Six Meridians Divine Sword, hoping someone could fully master it and revive the long-lost art.

Ye Qiu asked, “Master, if I understand you correctly, I can learn the Six Meridians Divine Sword without joining the Buddhist path, right?”

“Exactly,” Master Du’e said with a smile. “And if one day Benefactor Ye wishes to join, Tianlong Temple would warmly welcome you.”

Dream on. I haven’t even gotten married or had kids—I’m not becoming a monk!

“Master, in that case, I won’t stand on ceremony. When can you teach me the Six Meridians Divine Sword?”

“Right now.”

“Then let’s begin!”

Master Du’e’s expression grew solemn. “The Six Meridians Divine Sword consists of the Shaoshang Sword, Shangyang Sword, Zhongchong Sword, Guanchong Sword, Shaochong Sword, and Shaoze Sword.”

“The human body is primarily governed by the twelve regular meridians and eight extraordinary meridians. The extraordinary meridians include the Ren and Du meridians, while the regular meridians include the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian, and so on.”

“As the saying goes: Heaven is yang, Earth is yin; the back of the hand is yang, the palm is yin; the six yin organs are yin, the six yang organs are yang.”

“The Six Meridians Divine Sword harnesses the six meridians of the hand…”

Over the next ten minutes, Master Du’e meticulously explained the cultivation method for the first sword, the Shaoze Sword.

After listening, Ye Qiu began circulating his inner energy and started practicing.

“Benefactor Ye, once you’ve comprehended the first sword, come find me at Tianlong Temple in Dali. I’ll let you study the complete sword manual then.”

“Also, the path of martial arts requires gradual progress. Don’t rush for quick gains.”

“It took me decades to fully grasp the Shaoze Sword. Benefactor Ye, prepare yourself—it might take you five years, ten, or even decades to master this one sword…”

Before he could finish, Ye Qiu pointed a finger.

Whoosh—

Sword qi burst forth!

Miracle Doctor Chapter 532

Master Du’e was instantly dumbfounded.

He hadn’t expected Ye Qiu to unleash sword qi so quickly.

Though the sword qi bursting from Ye Qiu’s fingertip was only thirty centimeters long and didn’t fully master the first sword of the Six Meridians Divine Sword, it was still astonishing.

After all, it had taken Master Du’e a full three years to produce a mere ten centimeters of sword qi from his fingertip.

Yet Ye Qiu, from starting practice to releasing sword qi, took less than three minutes!

This left Master Du’e both shocked and delighted.

“Amitabha, it seems this old monk has found the right person. Benefactor Ye, your martial talent is truly exceptional.”

Exceptional?

Ye Qiu didn’t think so. On the contrary, he frowned, dissatisfied with the result of this sword finger.

Because that day at the Bai residence, he’d seen Master Du’e point a finger, and the sword qi pierced through the air, appearing over ten meters away in an instant, sharp and formidable.

Then, Ye Qiu pointed several more times in succession.

The results were the same as before.

The sword qi remained at thirty centimeters.

“Too weak. With this little sword qi, I can’t even kill a Dragon Ranking expert, let alone deal with the super experts in the Forbidden City.”

Unwilling to accept it, Ye Qiu continued practicing.

Master Du’e could tell Ye Qiu was eager for quick success and advised, “Benefactor Ye, the martial arts of the world are varied, but broadly speaking, they fall into two categories: fists and feet, or weapons.”

“Fists, feet, and weapons usually have set routines. With hard work, one can become a master.”

“But the Six Meridians Divine Sword is an exception.”

“The Six Meridians Divine Sword is a form of invisible sword qi. It requires profound inner strength as a foundation, exceptional martial talent, long-term comprehension, and a bit of luck to succeed.”

“Benefactor Ye, you have deep inner strength and extraordinary talent. What you need most now is time…”

Whoosh!

Ye Qiu pointed again, and the sword qi stretched three meters.

Master Du’e’s voice cut off abruptly as he stared at Ye Qiu, wide-eyed.

This defied logic!

It took me ten years for my sword qi to reach three meters. How could Benefactor Ye achieve it after just a short practice?

“Benefactor Ye, how did you do it?” Master Du’e couldn’t help but ask.

Ye Qiu replied, “I just followed what you said, Master—circulating inner strength through the meridians and forcing the sword qi out through my fingertip… Master, did I practice it wrong?”

Master Du’e fell silent.

Ye Qiu said apologetically, “Master, have I disappointed you? I’m sorry, my martial talent is actually quite average.”

What? This is called average?

Are you trying to infuriate people?!

If Master Du’e weren’t a monk, he’d have snapped at Ye Qiu, “Surname Ye, can’t you stop showing off or you’ll die?!”

“Benefactor Ye, you didn’t practice it wrong. Keep going!”

Master Du’e decided to say no more, sitting aside to watch Ye Qiu practice.

Time slipped by quietly.

Half an hour, one hour, two hours…

After over two hours of practice, the sword qi from Ye Qiu’s fingertip remained at three meters.

Ye Qiu sighed, sat cross-legged on the ground, and closed his eyes, motionless.

Master Du’e waited another half hour. Seeing Ye Qiu still meditating, he stood up and said, “Benefactor Ye, this old monk must return to Tianlong Temple, so I won’t stay longer.”

“Please remember my words. Once you’ve mastered the first sword of the Six Meridians Divine Sword, be sure to come to Tianlong Temple.”

“At that time, I’ll personally welcome you.”

“Farewell!”

With that, Master Du’e turned to leave.

Just then, Ye Qiu’s eyes snapped open with a “whoosh,” and he pointed a finger.

Whoosh—

A heaven-shaking sword qi erupted.

An invisible sword qi burst from Ye Qiu’s fingertip, slicing through the air and striking a ginkgo tree over ten meters away.

The ginkgo tree, as thick as a washbasin, snapped in half the moment the sword qi hit.

Master Du’e stopped dead in his tracks, turning to look at Ye Qiu. His shocked eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

“Benefactor Ye, you, you…”

Ye Qiu smiled faintly. “Master, it seems I’ve mastered the first sword of the Six Meridians Divine Sword.”

Buddha above, is this still human?

This is a demon!

Master Du’e was at a loss for words to describe his shock. It had taken him a full thirty years to master the first sword.

But Ye Qiu? Three hours.

Truly, comparing people can drive one mad.

While Master Du’e was reeling, Ye Qiu stood up and said, “Master, sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“If my martial talent were a bit better, I wouldn’t have made you wait so long just now.”

“My apologies.”

Master Du’e was speechless.

Ye Qiu’s subtle bragging was like a thunderbolt to his heart.

He wanted to say, “Benefactor Ye, you’re already a once-in-a-century martial genius. Aren’t you satisfied? Do you want to ascend to the heavens? How are others supposed to live?”

Master Du’e stood there, dazed.

“Master, Master!” Ye Qiu called twice before snapping him out of it.

Master Du’e came to, clasped his hands, and bowed slightly to Ye Qiu, suppressing his excitement. “Benefactor Ye, congratulations on mastering the first sword of the Six Meridians Divine Sword.”

“This old monk will return to Tianlong Temple today to share this news with my master.”

“Benefactor Ye, why not come with me?”

Ye Qiu gave a wry smile. “Master, I have some matters to attend to and can’t go to Tianlong Temple just yet.”

“Then when will you be free, Benefactor Ye?”

“Within six months, I suppose.”

“Good. I’ll return to the temple and prepare the manuals for the other five swords, awaiting your visit.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Ye Qiu bowed in gratitude.

“Benefactor Ye, I hope you can come to Tianlong Temple soon. If you can revive the Six Meridians Divine Sword, I’ll have a great treasure to gift you.”

“Farewell!”

With that, Master Du’e turned and left swiftly.

Ye Qiu stood in the courtyard, feeling elated.

“I didn’t expect to learn the first sword of the Six Meridians Divine Sword today. What a pleasant surprise.”

At that moment, Bai Bing emerged from the house. Not seeing Master Du’e, she asked curiously, “Where’s Master Du’e?”

“He’s gone,” Ye Qiu said, turning to her. Suddenly, he stepped forward, scooped Bai Bing up by the waist, and lifted her.

“Ah! What are you doing?” Bai Bing yelped.

“Something fun, naturally. Heh heh~” Ye Qiu grinned mischievously, carrying her into the bedroom and tossing her onto the bed.

Bai Bing blushed, shyly saying, “How about we wait till tonight? It feels weird in broad daylight, okay?”

“Ice Sis, what you don’t know is that daytime’s more thrilling.”

“Wait, Ye Qiu, can you agree to a request first?” Bai Bing said hurriedly.

“I know what you’re going to say. Don’t worry, Ice Sis, I’ll go easy later.”

With that, Ye Qiu pounced.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 533

Though it was summer, the room brimmed with the breath of spring.

Floating flowers and rippling petals.

Bursting with vitality.

Forty minutes later, Bai Bing wrapped her lotus-like arms around Ye Qiu’s neck, frowning as she said, “It hurts~”

Ye Qiu asked, “Should I stop?”

“No—”

…

Half an hour later.

Silence fell.

Bai Bing lay in Ye Qiu’s arms, tracing circles on his chest with a finger. “You’re so silly.”

“How am I silly?”

“For me, you came all the way to the capital and nearly died. Tell me, isn’t that silly?”

“Ice Sis, now that you mention it, I do feel a bit silly. Look at all the sacrifices I’ve made for you. How about you make a little sacrifice too?”

“Sure, what do you want me to sacrifice? Just say it.”

Ye Qiu said, “Call me husband.”

Instantly, Bai Bing’s face flushed red. She pouted playfully, “Hmph, dream on. You haven’t married me yet—I’m not calling you husband.”

“Come on, you’ll have to eventually anyway.” Ye Qiu looked at her expectantly.

“Wait, I’ve got something serious to tell you,” Bai Bing said. “I’ve applied to transfer my job from the hospital.”

“Where to?” Ye Qiu asked.

Bai Bing blinked, her voice soft. “Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll go.”

Ye Qiu was taken aback. “Ice Sis, you’re coming back to Jiangzhou?”

“What, you don’t want me to?”

Ye Qiu felt a headache coming on.

Truth be told, he wasn’t keen on Bai Bing returning to Jiangzhou. Besides Lin Jingzhi, there was Qin Wan there too. With Bai Bing added, it’d be three women in one drama—his future would be full of headaches.

But if she stayed in the capital, he wouldn’t feel at ease either.

This trip to the capital had earned him enemies—not just Bai Yujing, but Xiao Qingdi, the Zhang family, and the Forbidden City. He couldn’t be sure they wouldn’t target those close to him.

“Ice Sis, returning to Jiangzhou isn’t out of the question, but you have to promise me something.”

“You mean Lin Jingzhi, right? I can promise I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Ye Qiu shook his head. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what?” Bai Bing looked puzzled.

Ye Qiu grinned mischievously. “Five times today.”

In an instant, Bai Bing’s pretty face turned crimson. She pounded his chest with her little fists. “Can your body handle it?”

“Whether it can or not, we’ll find out by trying.”

With that, Ye Qiu pressed down again.

Soon, soft moans and gentle chants filled the room.

(Omitted three thousand words here)

…

Afterward.

It was already evening. Ye Qiu not only kept his word but exceeded it by two rounds.

Bai Bing was exhausted, her body aching and drained, lying motionless on the bed.

“Ice Sis, here.”

Ye Qiu handed her a dark pill, bringing it to her lips.

“What’s this?” Bai Bing asked, curious.

“A Great Restoration Pill from Dragon Tiger Mountain. The old man gave it to me,” Ye Qiu said. “It’s way better than those skincare products you buy.”

“You mean it can beautify and nourish?” Bai Bing’s eyes lit up.

No matter how beautiful a woman is, she’s never fully satisfied with her looks, always wanting better skin—just like a billionaire always wants more money.

Ye Qiu said, “The Great Restoration Pill doesn’t just beautify and nourish—it boosts your vitality too.”

“Really?”

Bai Bing took the pill and swallowed it. Soon, her fatigue vanished.

She grabbed a mirror from the vanity and checked her face. Her skin was now rosy and radiant, smooth enough to break with a puff.

The effect was immediate.

Bai Bing was overjoyed. “My gosh, this Great Restoration Pill is incredible! It’s so much better than the skincare stuff I used before.”

“Ye Qiu, go ask Master Changmei for the recipe. We’ll start a company to make these ourselves—it’ll make us a fortune.”

“Maybe it’ll go public in two or three years.”

Ye Qiu gave a wry smile. “Ice Sis, you’re oversimplifying it. The ingredients for the Great Restoration Pill are incredibly rare. Mass production isn’t realistic.”

“What a shame. We could’ve made a killing.” Bai Bing sighed regretfully.

“Ice Sis, just focus on your work and enjoying life. Leave the money-making to me.”

Though mass-producing the Great Restoration Pill wasn’t feasible, Bai Bing’s words sparked an idea.

The Ye family ancestor’s legacy included tens of thousands of pill recipes—some for beauty, others for treating impotence or premature ejaculation. These used common ingredients, were easy to make, and could definitely be mass-produced.

Most importantly, the market was huge. With good efficacy, they’d rake in cash.

Bai Bing gave Ye Qiu a complicated look. “Ye Qiu, I’ve got one more thing to ask of you.”

“You want me to treat your grandfather?” Ye Qiu had already seen through her thoughts.

“Yeah.” Bai Bing said, “No matter what, he’s my grandpa. He was good to me before. If he hadn’t been swayed by Bai Yujing and his son, he probably wouldn’t have agreed to the Pei family marriage.”

Ye Qiu nodded. “I’ll check on the old man later.”

“You’re agreeing?” Bai Bing was surprised. She hadn’t expected him to say yes so readily.

Truthfully, Ye Qiu agreed not just for Bai Bing. There was another reason: Old General Bai had fought on the battlefield and killed enemies—a hero of the nation.

Though he had a grudge with Bai Yujing, that was between them. It had nothing to do with the old general.

Plus, Bai Bing had personally asked him.

“Who can resist when he’s your grandpa?” Ye Qiu said. “I heard from the War God and Tang Fei that Old General Bai is very old and in poor health.”

“Whether I can treat him, I’ll only know after examining him.”

“Ice Sis, you’re a doctor too. You know we’re human, not gods. There are many illnesses we can’t cure, so prepare yourself.”

“But rest assured, if there’s any chance to save him, I’ll give it my all.”

After Ye Qiu finished, Bai Bing stared at him, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Ice Sis, why are you crying out of nowhere? Did I say something wrong?”

Bai Bing shook her head, hooked her arms around his neck, and said, moved, “Ye Qiu, you’re so good to me.”

“Since you know I’m good to you, shouldn’t you call me husband now?”

“Husband~” Bai Bing cooed sweetly.

“That’s more like it.” Ye Qiu laughed.

“Husband, you’ve done so much for me. I want to do something for you too. Can I?”

“Ice Sis, I don’t need you to do anything for me.”

“You do.” Bai Bing suddenly turned assertive, flipping over to sit on Ye Qiu. “Don’t move—I’ll move!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 534

The next morning.

After breakfast, Ye Qiu and Bai Bing went to visit Old General Bai.

Due to Old General Bai’s special status as a national hero, he was housed in the hospital of the Capital Military District’s retirement facility.

The hospital was guarded inside and out by soldiers from the Capital Military District’s security regiment.

After presenting their credentials, Ye Qiu and Bai Bing passed through three checkpoints, each with inspections and questioning, before finally entering the hospital.

As they reached the door of Old General Bai’s ward, four guards blocked their way.

“Sorry, you’re not authorized to visit,” one guard said sternly.

Bai Bing flared up on the spot. “The person lying in there is my grandfather, and I’m not authorized to visit?”

“Sorry, Young Master Bai gave orders: aside from him, General Bai, and the attending physician, no one else is allowed to visit,” the guard replied.

The “General Bai” he mentioned was Bai Yujing’s father, Bai Jianjun.

“Not even me?” Ye Qiu pulled out his credentials and handed them over.

The guard opened them and saw that Ye Qiu was from the Pluto Hall, with the rank of “Colonel” listed. A flicker of doubt crossed his eyes.

It was understandable—Ye Qiu was barely in his twenties yet held a colonel’s rank. It was hard to believe.

The guard passed the credentials to the other three, who, after examining them, showed shock on their faces.

“The credentials are legitimate.”

“It’s indeed a Pluto Hall serial number.”

“The seal’s authentic too—not a fake.”

This confirmed Ye Qiu’s identity was real.

Immediately, the four guards snapped to attention, chests out, and saluted Ye Qiu in unison.

“Greetings, Commander!”

Ye Qiu returned a salute and asked, “Now am I authorized to visit?”

“Sorry, Commander, you’re still not authorized.”

Ye Qiu frowned. He’d thought flashing his Pluto Hall credentials would clear the way, but they still wouldn’t let him in.

If he couldn’t even see Old General Bai, how could he treat him?

“I’ll call Bai Yujing,” Bai Bing said coldly, pulling out her phone to dial. But then a voice came from the side.

“Little Bai, Little Ye, it’s really you! I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.”

Ye Qiu and Bai Bing turned to see Zhang Jiuling, the Saintly Hand of Medicine, approaching.

Zhang Jiuling wore a white coat, looking spirited.

“Greetings, Elder Zhang,” Ye Qiu said politely.

Bai Bing asked, puzzled, “Elder Zhang, what are you doing here?”

“You didn’t know, Little Bai?” Zhang Jiuling seemed surprised. “I’m Old General Bai’s attending physician.”

Bai Bing understood at once. “Bai Yujing hired you?”

“Yes.” Zhang Jiuling asked, “Are you here to see Old General Bai?”

Bai Bing nodded. “I brought Ye Qiu to see Grandpa, but these guards won’t let us in.”

“Oh?” Zhang Jiuling said to the guards, “I’ll take them in to see Old General Bai.”

“Sorry, Elder Zhang, you can enter, but no one else is authorized,” a guard replied.

“Ye Qiu’s my friend, and Bai Bing is Old General Bai’s granddaughter. They can’t visit?”

“No.”

Zhang Jiuling asked, “Why not?”

The guard answered, “Young Master Bai ordered that only he, General Bai, and you are allowed to visit. No one else.”

“What kind of nonsense rule is this? I’ll call Young Master Bai.” Zhang Jiuling, annoyed, pulled out his phone to dial.

“Let them in.”

A deep voice suddenly rang out.

Ye Qiu turned and saw Tang Fei’s grandfather striding toward them.

“Greetings, Commander!”

The guards saluted respectfully.

Ye Qiu’s eyes brightened. Tang Fei’s grandfather was the commander of the Capital Military District, and this hospital fell under his jurisdiction.

The old man marched up to the guards and barked sternly:

“Listen well—you’re soldiers of the Capital Military District, not someone’s house servants.”

“Ye Qiu is here on my orders to treat Old General Bai. Anyone who stops him is defying a military command.”

“You all know the consequences of defying orders. Still want to block him?”

The guards’ faces paled, and they quickly stepped aside.

“Let’s go in.”

Tang Lao pushed open the ward door.

Inside, Ye Qiu saw an unconscious old man on the bed.

He recognized him at once as Old General Bai.

Old General Bai’s white hair had nearly all fallen out, his face etched with wrinkles like the ravines of the Loess Plateau, covered in age spots. He was skin and bones, likely weighing less than seventy pounds.

Tubes were inserted all over his body.

“Grandpa…” Seeing this, sorrow overwhelmed Bai Bing, and tears fell.

Tang Lao said, “Old General Bai’s condition is dire. Over the past two weeks, his heart has stopped multiple times. If not for the experts’ desperate efforts, he’d have passed long ago.”

Zhang Jiuling sighed deeply. “I only recently became his attending physician.”

“I ran a full checkup on him two days ago and found multiple organ functions failing. If this continues, he won’t last much longer.”

“Little Bai, you’d better prepare yourself.”

Bai Bing wiped her tears and turned to Ye Qiu.

She was pinning all her hopes on him now.

Ye Qiu sat by the bedside, took Old General Bai’s wrist, and closed his eyes to carefully read his pulse.

About five minutes passed.

Ye Qiu opened his eyes.

“Ye Qiu, how’s my grandfather?” Bai Bing asked urgently.

Ye Qiu said, “Old General Bai’s pulse is like still water, almost without fluctuation.”

“In traditional Chinese medicine, this is called a ‘dead pulse.’”

“It means he’s beyond cure, with no medicine able to save him. He’s half a step from death.”

“He’s only holding on now by sheer willpower. Anyone else would’ve died already.”

“Then… can he be saved?” Bai Bing’s voice trembled.

Ye Qiu’s expression grew grave. “It’s very difficult.”

Bai Bing couldn’t hold back anymore and broke into sobs.

With her parents gone and her falling out with Bai Yujing, Old General Bai was her only family left in the world.

“Ice Sis, don’t cry yet. Let me finish.”

Ye Qiu said, “From checking his pulse, I can see his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys are severely failing. His vital signs are dropping fast. At this stage, drugs and surgery can’t save him.”

“I have a method we can try. I can’t guarantee success, but if it works, though it won’t fully heal him, it could wake him up and let him move freely like a normal person for a year.”

Bai Bing stopped crying, her face lighting up with joy as she looked at Ye Qiu. “Are you serious?”

Ye Qiu nodded earnestly. “Of course.”

Zhang Jiuling asked curiously, “Ye Qiu, what method are you talking about?”

“Borrowing life from the heavens!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 535

Borrowing life from the heavens.

Hearing these four words, not only Zhang Jiuling was stunned, but Tang Lao and Bai Bing also looked puzzled.

Though they didn’t know what it meant, it sounded impressive.

“Ye Qiu, what does ‘borrowing life from the heavens’ mean?” Zhang Jiuling couldn’t suppress his curiosity and asked.

When he heard those words, he’d searched his memory and found, strangely, that he had no idea what it entailed.

As a descendant of the Medical Saint Zhang Zhongjing, even he hadn’t heard of it, which showed how extraordinary Ye Qiu’s “borrowing life from the heavens” must be.

Ye Qiu said, “To put it simply, ‘borrowing life from the heavens’ means asking the old man in the sky for some extra lifespan to use.”

Tang Lao couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

If you’re so great, why not ask the old man in the sky for some money to spend?

Borrowing lifespan from the heavens—what an absurd claim. Only Ye Qiu could say it with a straight face.

If Ye Qiu were Tang Fei, Tang Lao would’ve slapped him and asked, “Is something wrong with your head?”

Bai Bing also found it hard to believe. “Ye Qiu, you’re not joking, right?”

Ye Qiu smiled and countered, “Ice Sis, do I look like I’m joking?”

Bai Bing nodded vigorously.

Ye Qiu was speechless. Why didn’t anyone believe him when he told the truth?

“Ye Qiu, is this ‘borrowing life from the heavens’ you mentioned the legendary life-extension technique?” Zhang Jiuling asked gravely.

“Exactly, it’s a life-extension technique,” Ye Qiu replied. “Elder Zhang lives up to his title as a Saintly Hand of Medicine—well-informed.”

Zhang Jiuling said, “When I was young, my grandfather told me our ancestor, Medical Saint Zhang Zhongjing, knew life-extension techniques.”

“Later, in a rare ancient medical book preserved by our family, I read a brief mention of it. It said the most skilled physicians could use secret methods to extend a patient’s life at the brink of death.”

“But it’s been so long, and the book only had fragments—no detailed methods were recorded.”

“I always thought life-extension was just a legend. Ye Qiu, from what you’re saying, you know it?”

Zhang Jiuling looked at Ye Qiu as he asked.

Ye Qiu answered, “Life-extension isn’t a legend—it’s real. And I happen to know it.”

Zhang Jiuling’s heart jolted.

As far as he knew, none of the four top Saintly Hands of Chinese Medicine today could perform life-extension. Where had Ye Qiu learned it?

But Zhang Jiuling didn’t ask.

After all, everyone has their secrets.

Bai Bing finally realized Ye Qiu wasn’t lying. She asked, “Ye Qiu, can my grandfather’s condition be treated with life-extension?”

“Why not?” Ye Qiu said. “Didn’t Elder Zhang just say that as long as a patient has a breath left, a physician can use life-extension techniques?”

At that, Bai Bing grew excited. “Then don’t wait, Ye Qiu—please extend my grandfather’s life now!”

“Ice Sis, don’t rush. Performing life-extension requires some preparations.”

“What do we need? Tell me, I’ll get it.”

Ye Qiu said, “I need a large rooster.”

“That’s easy. I’ll buy one from the market,” Bai Bing agreed readily.

“Ice Sis, let me finish. The rooster I need must be pure white, without a single stray feather, or it’s useless.”

Bai Bing frowned slightly. A pure white rooster wasn’t easy to find.

“When do you need it?” she asked.

Ye Qiu said, “Life-extension must be performed at the midnight transition on an auspicious day. Today happens to be one, so we can treat Old General Bai tonight.”

“This rooster must be found before eleven tonight.”

“Alright, I’ll look for it.” Bai Bing resolved to find it no matter how hard it was—her grandfather’s life depended on it.

Ye Qiu continued, “Second, I need a bowl of black dog blood. Like the rooster, the dog must be pure black, not a single stray hair, pitch-black as ink.”

“Would a military dog work?” Tang Lao interjected. “I have a retired military dog at home, pure black.”

“That’ll do.”

Bai Bing breathed a sigh of relief. The second item was sorted.

“As for the third thing, it might be harder to find,” Ye Qiu said. “I need three hundred-year-old ginseng roots.”

Hundred-year ginseng was extremely rare and expensive.

For Ye Qiu, money wasn’t an issue—he could afford it. The problem was finding them.

Sure enough, Zhang Jiuling frowned. “Hundred-year ginseng is hard to come by, and three of them? Even tougher.”

“The ginseng I have at home is only fifty years old. Would that work?”

Ye Qiu shook his head. “No, it has to be hundred-year-old.”

“What about one hundred-year ginseng?” Tang Lao asked.

“That won’t do either, but if you have one hundred-year ginseng plus two other equally aged tonic herbs, that could work.”

Tang Lao asked, “Would two hundred-year He Shou Wu roots and one hundred-year ginseng do?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“I know someone who might have them. I’ll make a trip later, but whether they’ll sell, I can’t say.”

“Thank you, Tang Lao. As long as they’re willing to sell, I’ll buy them no matter the price.”

Ye Qiu added, “I also need a peach wood sword, one imbued with the aura of incense.”

In other words, a market-bought peach wood sword wouldn’t do—it had to be a Taoist ritual tool.

“I can get that,” Zhang Jiuling said. “Changchun Temple has a hundred-year-old peach wood sword. I’m good friends with the temple master—borrowing it should be no problem.”

Ye Qiu was delighted. “Great, thank you, Elder Zhang.”

“Ye Qiu, I’m helping you with a condition,” Zhang Jiuling said with a smile. “Can I watch when you perform the life-extension?”

“Of course.”

“Then it’s settled. No time to waste—I’ll go prepare.” Zhang Jiuling left in a hurry.

“I’ll go find the herbs,” Tang Lao said, but Ye Qiu stopped him as he turned to leave.

“Tang Lao, please wait.”

Ye Qiu walked over to him and said, “I have one more favor to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

Ye Qiu said, “The life-extension ritual can’t be disturbed by anyone, so…”

“I understand. Don’t worry—until you’re done, I won’t let Bai Yujing or his father near Old General Bai, nor will I let them interrupt you.”

“Thank you, Tang Lao.”

“No need for thanks—we’re family.”

Family?

Ye Qiu was confused, not grasping Tang Lao’s meaning.

“You and Tang Fei are brothers. By rank, you’d call me Grandpa,” Tang Lao chuckled and strode off.

Ye Qiu watched his back, inwardly grumbling, “Taking advantage of me, you old rascal.”

“I’ll go find the rooster,” Bai Bing said, about to leave, but Ye Qiu grabbed her hand.

“I’ll have Tang Fei and Long Ye handle that. Ice Sis, come home with me.”

“Home for what?” Bai Bing asked, bewildered.

Ye Qiu wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered with a sly grin, “To make a baby~”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 536

Ye Qiu didn’t take Bai Bing home to “make babies” as planned. Instead, he headed to the streets, stopping by a curio shop to buy forty-nine lanterns, some yellow paper, a brush, cinnabar, and other items.

Afterward, he returned home to rest for the entire day.

Recharging his energy.

At six in the evening, Ye Qiu and Bai Bing had dinner, bathed, changed, and then headed straight to the hospital at the Beijing Military District’s retirement home.

Old Tang had called ahead to the gate guards, so this time Ye Qiu and Bai Bing passed through without any questioning.

As Ye Qiu reached the door of Old General Bai’s ward, he spotted Old Tang waiting.

“Ye Qiu, I’ve got what you asked for,” Old Tang said, handing him a wooden box.

Ye Qiu opened it to find a century-old ginseng and two century-old He Shou Wu roots wrapped in red silk.

“Old Tang, thank you so much! How much do I owe you? I’ll transfer it,” Ye Qiu offered.

Old Tang smiled faintly. “No need for money.”

“Hm?”

Ye Qiu and Bai Bing blinked, looking at Old Tang in confusion.

Old Tang chuckled. “These three herbs were originally part of Old Ye’s collection. When he heard they were needed to save Old General Bai, he told me to bring them over. He said Old General Bai is a national hero, and if these herbs can help, it’s a deed of boundless merit. So, they’re a gift.”

Ye Qiu knew Old Ye’s generosity likely stemmed from giving him face.

Bai Bing, deeply moved, said, “Old Ye sending these herbs now is like charcoal in the snow. Once Grandpa wakes up, I’ll personally visit the Ye family to thank him.”

Old Tang smiled. “Bai Bing, Old Ye specifically said there’s no need to visit. This is just his small gesture. He hopes you’ll work hard and have a happy, fulfilling family life.”

Unaware of Ye Qiu’s connection to Old Ye, Bai Bing simply felt a warm glow in her heart.

Old Tang then turned to Ye Qiu. “Old Ye told me to pass this on: go all out and don’t let him down.”

“Got it,” Ye Qiu replied calmly.

Just then, Zhang Jiuling arrived, holding a sword.

“Ye Qiu, I’ve brought the peachwood sword. Take a look—is it good enough?” Zhang Jiuling handed it over.

The scabbard was made of cowhide, and the three-foot-three-inch blade was a rich brown, etched with a Taiji Bagua symbol. As Ye Qiu drew it, a thick scent of incense hit him, and his eyes lit up. “This sword’s excellent.”

Zhang Jiuling grinned. “The head of Changchun Temple asked if I was using it to suppress evil. I said it was for healing, and he wouldn’t believe me.”

Bai Bing found it hard to believe. “A wooden sword can suppress evil?”

“It’s not just any wooden sword,” Ye Qiu explained. “The *Taiping Yulan* says: ‘The peach tree is the essence of the five woods, an immortal tree used in ancient times to subdue evil qi. Its spirit resides at the Ghost Gate, controlling all ghosts. That’s why peachwood swords are made to ward off evil.’ In ancient times, peachwood was called Dragon-Subduing Wood, known for protecting homes and repelling evil. During the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao suffered headaches from paranoia, untreatable by normal means. His strategist suggested crafting a peachwood sword from the finest trees in the Central Plains and hanging it indoors. His headaches vanished, paving the way for his conquests and the founding of Wei. Of course, ordinary peachwood swords don’t work—they need to be consecrated or imbued with incense qi to be effective. If I’m not mistaken, this one’s made from century-old peachwood and has been enshrined in a temple for at least two centuries. It’s a top-tier artifact.”

Ye Qiu smiled. “With this, I’m even more confident in performing the life-extension ritual.”

“Right, where’s the rooster?” Zhang Jiuling asked suddenly.

“I asked Tang Fei and Long Ye to find one. They should be back soon…”

Before Ye Qiu could finish, Tang Fei and Long Ye burst in, panting.

Long Ye carried a snow-white rooster, about seven or eight pounds, with a vivid red comb and sharp, gleaming claws—a majestic specimen. Tang Fei held an insulated bucket; when opened, the sharp smell of blood wafted out, revealing a bowl of dog blood inside.

“I bought the rooster from a cockfighting enthusiast for thirty thousand. No need to pay me back—it’s my contribution,” Long Ye said.

Tang Fei added, “The dog blood’s from Grandpa’s military dog. You don’t owe me anything, Ye Qiu, but you’ll need to get some supplements for the dog later. It lost a lot of blood—it’ll take time to recover.”

“No problem,” Ye Qiu agreed readily.

“Everything’s ready now. We just need the right moment—midnight—to perform the life-extension ritual for Old General Bai,” Old Tang said.

Ye Qiu glanced at the time. It was only eight.

“We’ll start at eleven sharp. For now, I need to set up the site,” Ye Qiu said. “Old Tang, can I borrow the hospital rooftop tonight?”

Old Tang nodded. “Yes.”

“Tang Fei, Long Ye, help me out.”

Ye Qiu led the two to the rooftop, where he arranged the forty-nine lanterns in a Taiji Bagua pattern. Then, mixing cinnabar with the dog blood, he used the brush to draw talismans on the yellow paper.

He completed seventy-two talismans in total.

By the time he finished, it was past nine.

With only the three of them on the roof, Tang Fei spoke up. “Ye Qiu, Old General Bai is the pillar of the Bai family. If he wakes, Bai Yujing and his son will benefit most. Are you sure you want to save him?”

“Of course I’m sure,” Ye Qiu replied. “Why else would I go through all this trouble and ask for your help?”

“What if he wakes up and sides with Bai Yujing and his son against you?” Tang Fei warned. “Old General Bai has huge influence in the military and a good relationship with the top leader.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not afraid of him.”

Ye Qiu had already considered the consequences. Whether Old General Bai became an ally or an enemy upon waking, he was fearless.

Time slipped by quietly.

Ten fifty.

Ye Qiu wheeled Old General Bai out of his ward, and with Tang Fei and Long Ye’s help, they carried him to the rooftop.

Now, Old General Bai lay still on the bed, encircled by the forty-nine lanterns.

“Ye Qiu, what do we need to do next?” Old Tang asked.

Ye Qiu replied, “You’ve all helped me prepare everything. For now, there’s nothing more needed, but during the treatment, keep two things in mind. First, no matter what happens, don’t interrupt me—or let anyone else do so. Second, stay back and keep yourselves safe.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ye Qiu checked the time.

Eleven oh-nine.

“It’s almost time. I’m starting the treatment!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 537

The Bai Family Villa.

In the study.

Smoke hung thick in the air.

The Bai father and son sat across from each other, both smoking, their expressions dark.

Bang!

Bai Jianjun suddenly slammed his hand on the table, furious. “That bastard Ye Qiu ruined my plans. I really want to kill him.”

“Forbidden City told me to hold off for now, saying if I get myself killed, they won’t protect me,” Bai Yujing said. “It’s all because my master’s dead—otherwise, Ye Qiu wouldn’t still be breathing.”

“That bastard wrecked our marriage alliance with the Pei family, and now my future’s done for.”

Bai Jianjun fumed, “This afternoon, I got word that Old Pei’s subordinate has taken a post at Jinling Military District as deputy commander.”

“My plan to join Jinling Military District is toast. Not only that, I can’t even go back to the Northwest.”

“Long Haisheng called me, saying my position’s been reassigned and told me to rest at home for a while.”

“Rest? This isn’t rest—it’s stripping me of my rank!”

Bai Jianjun gnashed his teeth. “I’ve worked my ass off for decades, climbed to where I am, and was this close to the next step. But because of that bastard Ye Qiu, it’s all gone.”

“Half a lifetime of effort, and it’s all for nothing. Damn it!”

His face twisted with rage, as if he’d tear Ye Qiu apart right then and there to vent his hatred.

“Father, get ready. We’re leaving in a couple of days,” Bai Yujing said.

“Leaving?” Bai Jianjun blinked. “To where?”

“Abroad,” Bai Yujing replied. “I’ve already moved our assets overseas through secret channels.”

Bai Jianjun frowned. “Yujing, I don’t want to go abroad. I’m not familiar with it, and I don’t speak the language—I’d be helpless there.”

“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll get you a professional translator. Language won’t be an issue.”

“Even the best translator can’t be with me all the time. At my age, learning a new language isn’t realistic.”

Bai Yujing glanced at him. “Father, it’s not really about the language, is it? You’re still clinging to hopes for your career, aren’t you?”

“Yujing, I’ve fought for decades to get here. To walk away now—I’m not reconciled!”

“Everyone has their ups and downs,” Bai Jianjun argued. “Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu, started with nothing, built his legacy, faced surveillance and exclusion, then rose again to become emperor. And Ming Yingzong, Zhu Qizhen—emperor at nine, captured by the Wala, reduced to a prisoner, then after returning, locked up by his brother for seven years. Yet he staged a coup, reclaimed the throne, and ruled again. If the ancients could stage comebacks, why not me?”

He chuckled. “Sure, I’m sidelined now, but with your help, I’m confident I’ll be back in the military soon—maybe even holding real power.”

Bai Yujing gave him an odd look. “Father, where’s this confidence coming from?”

“At this point, you’re still dreaming of wielding power? Are you out of your mind?”

His tone was sharp. “The War God, Ye Wudi, the Tang and Long families, Dragon Gate, even the top leader—they’re all on Ye Qiu’s side.”

“As long as they’re alive, do you think you’ll ever hold power again?”

“Let me tell you, putting you on leave is just step one. Step two is dismissal. Step three, they’ll lock you up.”

“If we don’t leave, you and I will spend the rest of our lives in prison.”

Bai Jianjun brushed it off. “Yujing, aren’t you exaggerating a bit?”

“Exaggerating? Heh…”

Bai Yujing sneered. “Father, how much money have we pocketed over the years—don’t you know?”

“And how did Bai Bing’s parents die? Have you forgotten that too?”

Instantly, Bai Jianjun’s face paled.

Bai Yujing pressed on. “Years ago, to consolidate the family’s support behind you alone, I helped you stage that car accident to kill Uncle and Aunt. If that gets uncovered, neither of us will survive.”

“They… they can’t find out, right?” Bai Jianjun’s voice trembled.

“Father, don’t kid yourself with wishful thinking. We’ve got one path left—going abroad.”

“Only by leaving can we save our lives.”

Bai Yujing’s stance was firm.

“Yujing, if we go abroad, can we ever come back?” Bai Jianjun asked.

“Of course,” Bai Yujing said. “When the Forbidden City crew comes out, that’s when we return to the capital.”

“Once they’re out, they’ll deal with the War God, Ye Qiu, Ye Wudi, and the rest.”

“Then we can make our comeback.”

Bai Jianjun’s mood lifted slightly. “When will they come out?”

“Latest word: a year at most, six months at least.”

Not too long—manageable.

Bai Jianjun sighed. “It’s a shame. If the old man could’ve held on a few more years, we wouldn’t have to leave.”

“Father, drop that idea. The old man’s in bad shape. Zhang Jiuling told me he could die any moment…”

Beep beep beep!

Suddenly, the phone on the desk rang urgently.

Bai Yujing picked it up, listened for a few moments, then hung up, standing silently by the desk.

“Who was it?” Bai Jianjun asked.

“The hospital,” Bai Yujing replied. “That bitch Bai Bing took Ye Qiu there. They’ve even wheeled the old man up to the rooftop.”

Bai Jianjun’s brows shot up. “What are they up to?”

“Looks like they’re trying to save him,” Bai Yujing said.

“Ridiculous!” Bai Jianjun barked. “The old man’s condition is terrible—I’ve consulted countless famous doctors, and none could help. Bai Bing’s letting that kid treat him? That’s nonsense!”

“Hahaha—”

Bai Yujing burst into laughter.

Bai Jianjun, confused, asked, “Yujing, what’s so funny?”

“Father, our chance to deal with Ye Qiu has come.”

Bai Yujing explained, “Grandpa’s a three-dynasty elder, a founding hero. If Ye Qiu screws up and kills him, the blame falls squarely on him—he’s a dead man.”

“But if Ye Qiu somehow manages to save him, Grandpa will side with us. Then, Father, you won’t need to leave the country—you might even get a promotion.”

“With Grandpa’s status, connections, and network, securing you a better post would be no trouble.”

Bai Jianjun’s face lit up. In this scenario, whether the old man lived or died, they’d come out on top.

Bai Yujing snuffed out his cigarette. “Father, let’s go to the hospital.”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 538

Bai Yujing and his father soon arrived at the hospital.

But at the entrance, two guards stopped them.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Bai Yujing snapped from the driver’s seat, his face full of displeasure.

He’d always come and gone freely here—being blocked today was unexpected.

“Sorry, you can’t enter,” the guard replied, recognizing Bai Yujing and keeping his tone polite.

“Are you blind? You dare stop me? Move!” Bai Jianjun roared.

The guard stood firm. “It’s my duty. Please understand.”

Smack!

Bai Jianjun flung the car door open and slapped the guard across the face, snarling, “Get out of the way!”

The guard didn’t flinch, replying sternly, “I can’t comply.”

“You—” Bai Jianjun raised his hand again.

“Father, no need to hassle a soldier,” Bai Yujing interjected, stopping him. “It’s probably Old Tang’s orders.”

“You wait—I’ll remember you,” Bai Jianjun growled at the guard before returning to the car. He lowered his voice. “Yujing, what now?”

“One word: wait,” Bai Yujing said.

“Wait?” Bai Jianjun frowned.

“Mm.” Bai Yujing nodded. “Wait for news. Whether Ye Qiu saves Grandpa or not, we’ll know the outcome tonight.”

“Seems that’s all we can do.”

For now, the Bai father and son sat in the car, waiting.

—

On the rooftop.

Old Tang took a call and whispered, “Bai Yujing and his father are here.”

Tang Fei’s face darkened. “I’ll go stop them.”

“No need. I’ve already told the guards at the gate—no one gets in tonight without my say,” Old Tang replied, his gaze shifting to Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu had begun the treatment.

He started by unbuttoning Old General Bai’s shirt, then spread out his needle kit. Taking three five-inch gold needles, he inserted them into the Qishe, Kufang, and Ruzhong acupoints on the old man’s chest.

Next, he used five more gold needles, piercing the Guanmen, Taiyi, Tianshu, Wailing, and Daju acupoints on the abdomen.

Finally, he took a seven-inch gold needle and slowly drove it into the Guilai acupoint.

After placing all nine needles, Ye Qiu flicked his finger.

*Buzz!*

The nine needles vibrated in unison, emitting a humming tremor. Soon, faint golden streams of qi flowed between them.

Guiding qi with needles!

Zhang Jiuling’s eyes widened, locked onto Ye Qiu’s every move, afraid to miss a single detail.

As the nation’s top physician, dubbed the “King of Acupuncture,” he had an insatiable fascination with advanced needle techniques.

After the nine needles, Ye Qiu rubbed his hands to warm them, then began massaging Old General Bai’s entire body.

Starting at the Yongquan acupoint on the soles of his feet, he worked upward to the Baihui acupoint at the crown of the head.

Twenty minutes later, when Ye Qiu stopped, fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead.

It might’ve looked like a simple massage, but unbeknownst to the others, he’d channeled inner energy through his palms, infusing it into Old General Bai’s body as he worked.

His goal was to clear the old man’s blood vessels.

It’s common knowledge that as people age, cardiovascular issues often arise.

Old General Bai was ancient, and long bedridden without exercise, his vessels were severely clogged. Through massage, Ye Qiu unblocked them, revitalized his meridians, and used inner energy to stimulate dormant or damaged bodily functions.

After the massage, he resumed needling.

This time, he drove a full thirty-six gold needles into Old General Bai’s body.

His movements—picking or piercing—were lightning-fast.

“That’s… the Five Elements Needle Technique!” Zhang Jiuling gasped, recognizing it.

Ye Qiu continued, taking seven more gold needles and inserting them into the old man’s right leg in the pattern of the Big Dipper.

“The Seven Star Needle Technique!” Zhang Jiuling exclaimed again.

But this was just the beginning. Zhang Jiuling’s gasps kept coming.

“That’s the Taiyi Divine Needle!”

“Good heavens, Ye Qiu’s using the Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles!”

“He’s switched again—it’s the imperial secret Dragon Roaming Needle Technique!”

“That’s the Lingjiu Needle Technique!”

“The ancient Three Needle Method!”

“…”

Ye Qiu cycled through over a dozen techniques, all of which Zhang Jiuling recognized.

Yet, while he knew of them, he couldn’t perform a single one.

Only now did he realize Ye Qiu’s acupuncture wasn’t just superior—it outclassed him by a thousandfold.

Zhang Jiuling felt both awe and shame.

“What a disgrace. I call myself the King of Acupuncture, but in front of Ye Qiu, I’m like a grade-schooler.”

“…Huh?”

He let out a sudden yelp.

Ye Qiu had switched to another technique—one Zhang Jiuling not only couldn’t perform but had never even seen in medical texts.

Then came five more unfamiliar techniques.

“Good lord, who did Ye Qiu learn his acupuncture from?”

“How is he *this* good?”

“My skills compared to his are like mud to the sky. He’s the true King of Acupuncture!”

Time ticked by.

Eleven forty-five.

Ye Qiu took three seven-inch gold needles and inserted them into the Shangxing, Shenting, and Yintang acupoints on Old General Bai’s head.

In total, seventy-two gold needles now pierced the old man’s body!

With the needling done, the critical step arrived.

Ye Qiu took a deep breath, drew the peachwood sword, and circled Old General Bai’s bed, chanting incantations as if performing a shamanic dance.

Seeing this, Old Tang frowned slightly, whispering, “Why does this feel a bit unreliable?”

He wasn’t alone—Tang Fei and Long Ye shared the skepticism.

“Hopping around like that—can it really heal Old General Bai?” Long Ye muttered, doubtful.

Tang Fei chimed in, “I’ve never seen a treatment like this. Can he pull it off?”

“He absolutely can,” Zhang Jiuling asserted. “Ye Qiu’s medical skills are top-notch. He’s not messing around.”

Three minutes passed.

With a flick of his right hand, Ye Qiu sent the peachwood sword streaking like a meteor. Its blade sliced through the rooster’s neck, pinning it to the ground.

Oddly, the rooster didn’t struggle—it lay still, eyes open, motionless.

Ye Qiu took the pre-drawn talismans, affixing one to each lantern and arranging the rest in a circle around him.

Time flew.

In a blink, it was eleven fifty.

But Ye Qiu’s next move shocked everyone speechless.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 539

Suddenly, Ye Qiu yanked out Old General Bai’s oxygen tube!

The move stunned everyone present.

“No good—Old General Bai’s been relying on oxygen to survive. Without it, can he hold on?” Tang Fei exclaimed in alarm.

“This is too reckless!” Long Ye added, equally worried.

As a doctor, Bai Bing understood the old man’s condition better than anyone. Seeing Ye Qiu’s action, panic flashed across her face, but she didn’t dare interrupt him. She could only clutch her clothes tightly with both hands.

Old Tang couldn’t hold back any longer. “Ye Qiu, stop—” he shouted.

“Old Tang, let’s wait and see!” Zhang Jiuling cut in, his expression grave.

He, too, feared for Old General Bai’s safety, but after witnessing Ye Qiu’s array of masterful needle techniques, he felt an inexplicable trust in him.

Old Tang’s voice deepened. “We can’t keep going. If Old General Bai dies, Ye Qiu will pay with his life!”

As a founding hero and national treasure, any mistake in treating Old General Bai would bring dire consequences. If something went wrong, Ye Qiu wouldn’t just face death—everyone present would bear the fallout.

“Tang Fei, pull Ye Qiu back. We have to stop him,” Old Tang ordered.

Tang Fei hesitated. “Grandpa, Ye Qiu told us not to disturb him during the treatment.”

“This isn’t disturbing him—it’s saving him! If anything happens to Old General Bai, not even the War God could protect Ye Qiu.”

“This…”

Tang Fei froze, unsure what to do.

“Get him back now. That’s an order!” Old Tang barked, his face stern.

“Alright… fine!”

Tang Fei cast a complicated glance at Ye Qiu and took a step forward.

Then, something extraordinary happened.

The forty-nine lanterns slowly lifted off the ground, floating into the air. In an instant, they lit up.

Then, in the sky, the lanterns shifted, aligning themselves—seven per group—into the shape of the Big Dipper.

Each group occupied a distinct position.

From the ground, each set resembled the Big Dipper. Together, the seven groups formed a massive Big Dipper constellation.

Hovering thirty-three meters above the rooftop, the lanterns hung motionless, as if frozen by some spell.

It was utterly eerie.

Zhang Jiuling stared at the forty-nine lanterns, then suddenly recalled something. “This… this is the Lighting of the Heavenly Lamps!” he cried out.

“No one interrupt Ye Qiu! He’s performing the life-extension ritual!”

Tang Fei halted mid-step.

“Old Zhang, what’s the Lighting of the Heavenly Lamps?” Long Ye asked, curious.

Zhang Jiuling explained, “It’s an ancient life-extension technique, also called the Seven Star Lamps.”

“I don’t get it. Can you explain it clearer?” Long Ye pressed.

“Life-extension methods are deeply mysterious, blending medicine, Taoism, and even witchcraft. It’s hard to explain in a few words. You’ve read *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, right?”

Zhang Jiuling brought up the classic out of nowhere.

“Of course,” Long Ye laughed. “Who hasn’t read the Four Great Novels?”

“Then you should know what Zhuge Wuhou did before he died.”

“He left his last words,” Long Ye replied.

Zhang Jiuling was speechless.

Old Tang chimed in, “Zhuge Wuhou was a master strategist, brilliant and calculating. Sadly, he fell ill and died at Wuzhang Plains at fifty-four.”

“It’s said he foresaw his end but refused to accept it—Shu’s great cause was unfinished. So he tried using the Seven Star Lamps to borrow life from the heavens, but he failed to defy fate.”

“Looks like Old Tang actually read *Three Kingdoms* closely,” Zhang Jiuling said. “During his fifth campaign against Wei, Zhuge Wuhou, worn out and gravely ill, knew he didn’t have long. He turned to the Seven Star Lamps to extend his life.”

“He set up seven main lamps, forty-nine smaller lamps, and one life lamp in his tent. If the main lamp stayed lit for seven days, his life would extend by twelve years.”

“As the saying goes, ‘Wealth and honor are fated; life and death are destined.’”

“Zhuge Wuhou knew astronomy and geography, could predict the future, but didn’t foresee Wei Yan barging in during the ritual, extinguishing his life lamp.”

“He spat blood on the spot, collapsed, and passed away soon after.”

Old Tang looked up at the forty-nine lanterns and suddenly realized something. “Wait—are you saying Ye Qiu’s using Zhuge Wuhou’s Seven Star Lamp method now?” he asked, shocked.

Zhang Jiuling nodded. “It looks that way.”

“But didn’t you say Zhuge Wuhou used seven main lamps, forty-nine smaller ones, and a life lamp? Why’s Ye Qiu only using forty-nine lanterns?” Old Tang questioned.

“I’m not sure about that…”

Before Zhang Jiuling could finish, Ye Qiu pulled a handful of yellow paper from his pocket and waved his right hand.

*Swish swish swish!*

Eight sheets of yellow paper floated around Old General Bai’s body.

Strangely, each sheet hovered about a foot from him, just like the lanterns—motionless, as if under a spell.

The first sheet hung above Old General Bai’s head.

The other seven spread out in different directions, but on closer inspection, they too formed a Big Dipper pattern.

Then, Ye Qiu muttered incantations, his right index and middle fingers forming a sword gesture, pointing into the air.

*Whoosh!*

The eight sheets ignited simultaneously, burning like eight lamps.

Everyone knows paper burns fast—usually turning to ash in seconds or a minute.

But these eight sheets burned slowly, like candles, flickering with faint blue flames.

Zhang Jiuling exclaimed, thrilled, “One life lamp, seven main lamps, plus the forty-nine lanterns—it all matches! Ye Qiu’s using Zhuge Wuhou’s Seven Star Lamp!”

While he was ecstatic, Old Tang’s face grew heavy.

Zhuge Wuhou hadn’t succeeded in extending his life—could Ye Qiu?

Old Tang felt uneasy.

For an ordinary person, he wouldn’t worry so much, but Old General Bai’s status was extraordinary. If Ye Qiu failed, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Yet Old Tang didn’t stop him.

At this point, halting the process was pointless. They could only wait for Ye Qiu to finish.

Time sped by.

In a flash, it was eleven fifty-nine.

Everyone noticed Ye Qiu’s face turn unprecedentedly solemn.

Thirty seconds, twenty, ten, five…

Three seconds.

Two seconds.

One second from midnight.

Ye Qiu snapped his head up, gazing at the sky.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 540

“Boom!”

Suddenly, a thunderclap erupted high in the sky.

Immediately after, a long bolt of lightning tore through the night, streaking straight toward the rooftop.

Swift as a dragon.

The abrupt disturbance startled everyone.

At that moment—

Ye Qiu swiftly muttered an incantation, pointing with his sword-hand gesture.

“Swift!”

In the air, a lantern jolted to life, flying up to intercept the lightning.

“Pfft!”

The lantern shattered under the strike.

At the same time, the lightning vanished.

Zhang Jiuling gaped in astonishment.

“Huh? A little lantern actually blocked lightning?”

“This is unbelievable!”

“There are still forty-eight lanterns up there—does that mean forty-eight more bolts?”

No sooner had he spoken—

Boom!

Another thunderclap roared, followed by a second bolt slicing through the sky, hurtling toward the rooftop.

Ye Qiu repeated his earlier method, chanting quickly and flicking his sword-hand.

“Swift!”

Another lantern shot up, meeting the lightning head-on.

“Pfft!”

The second lantern disintegrated.

Then, above the hospital, thunder rumbled incessantly, and lightning struck without pause.

Without fail, each bolt was met by a lantern that rose and shattered under the impact.

“Boom!”

“Pfft—”

“Boom!”

“Pfft—”

It went on for a long while.

…

Outside the hospital.

The Bai father and son sat in their car, watching the rooftop.

Forty-nine lanterns hung inexplicably in the air above, an eerie sight.

“What are those lanterns for?” Bai Jianjun asked.

Bai Yujing shook his head, equally puzzled.

But then, thunder cracked.

Both looked up as a long bolt of lightning arced toward the rooftop.

“Bad news—Grandfather’s up there!”

Their faces paled as they scrambled out of the car.

Just as they stepped out, a lantern rose and blocked the lightning.

“Pfft!”

The lantern burst apart, and the lightning disappeared, as if it had never been.

“What the hell?”

Thunder and lightning continued relentlessly.

Bai Yujing gazed upward. Stars twinkled, the moon hung bright—no sign of a storm. The thunder and lightning came out of nowhere.

This was downright bizarre.

“Yujing, do you think Ye Qiu’s behind the lightning?” Bai Jianjun ventured.

Suddenly, Bai Yujing recalled that day at the Bai estate—Ye Qiu had done something, and lightning had appeared from a clear sky.

“It might actually be him,” Bai Yujing said.

“He’s supposed to be saving Grandfather—why summon lightning?” Bai Jianjun pressed.

Bai Yujing frowned, uncertain. “Could he be using some dark art?”

“Whatever he’s doing, it’s clearly at a critical stage. We can’t just sit here,” Bai Jianjun said.

“Father, what’s your plan?” Bai Yujing asked.

Bai Jianjun lowered his voice. “We need to stop him from continuing.”

Bai Yujing caught on instantly.

They no longer cared about the old man’s fate—whether he lived or died, they’d come out on top either way.

“Alright, we’ll do it your way, Father.”

With that, they headed toward the entrance.

Soon, guards blocked their path.

“Move!” Bai Jianjun drew his sidearm, pressing it to a guard’s forehead. “Stop me again, and I’ll shoot.”

“Sorry, duty calls. I can’t comply. Shoot if you must,” the guard replied.

“You think I won’t?” Bai Jianjun snarled, cocking the gun.

Just then, “whoosh whoosh whoosh”—a squad of armed guards poured out of the hospital, submachine guns in hand.

In an instant, every barrel pointed at the Bai duo.

Bai Jianjun was stunned and furious. “What are you doing? Staging a coup?”

No response.

“I’m warning you—get out of my sight, or you’ll regret it,” he barked again.

Still, no one budged.

The guards stood resolute, as if deaf to his threats.

Bai Jianjun nearly spat blood in rage.

Bai Yujing fumed too. In the past, who’d dare obstruct them?

But ever since Ye Qiu crashed that wedding, everything had changed.

“Forget it, Father. Let’s wait. I refuse to believe we won’t see Grandfather tonight,” Bai Yujing urged.

“You bastards, just wait—I won’t let this slide,” Bai Jianjun huffed, storming back to the car.

…

On the rooftop.

All forty-nine lanterns had been obliterated by lightning.

The thunder ceased.

The lightning stopped.

Everyone exhaled, their eyes brimming with uncontainable excitement and relief.

“Did Ye Qiu succeed?”

“Looks like it—otherwise, why would the thunder and lightning stop?”

“But why hasn’t Grandfather woken up?” Bai Bing’s words silenced the group again.

“Maybe General Bai’s been bedridden too long and needs time to come around,” Zhang Jiuling suggested uncertainly.

Tang Lao marveled, “I never imagined the life-extension method would be so strange—lightning striking down like that.”

Zhang Jiuling explained, “Life-extension defies the heavens and angers the Dao. The lightning is a punishment.”

“It’s like in cultivation novels or xianxia dramas—powerful figures must face tribulations to advance.”

“Succeed, and their cultivation breaks through. Fail, and they perish.”

“Life-extension’s the same. Success is fine—failure means death, soul scattered.”

He glanced deeply at Ye Qiu. “Xiao Ye’s medical skill is incredible—far beyond mine.”

“Next time they pick the National Medical Sage, I’ll nominate him.”

“Then, we’ll see the youngest Sage in history…”

“Look! General Bai’s moving!” Long Ye suddenly exclaimed.

Everyone snapped their heads up.

General Bai sat bolt upright on the bed, face pale, eyes shut, body rigid.

If he were dressed in a Qing Dynasty scholar’s robe, he’d look like a zombie.

The sight unnerved them all.

Bai Bing’s face drained of color, her heart uneasy.

“This… it’s not a corpse transformation, is it?” Long Ye stammered, terrified.

The changes in General Bai eerily matched tales of the dead rising.

Tang Lao and Zhang Jiuling grew solemn.

As tension mounted, thunder exploded again.

Then, with astonishing speed, a bolt of lightning streaked toward General Bai’s head.