Miracle Doctor 511 to 520

 Miracle Doctor Chapter 511

What?

The old guy wouldn’t live much longer?

Ye Qiu was shocked and hurriedly asked, “Is it because of the injuries on the old man…?”

Bai Bing nodded, “I heard it’s because Elder Longmei used the Five Thunder Orthodox Technique and suffered a backlash. It’s pretty serious.”

“Is he in the hospital?” Ye Qiu asked.

“Elder Longmei stayed in the hospital for a day and was discharged yesterday,” Bai Bing replied.

“I’m going to see him.” Ye Qiu started to get out of bed, but Bai Bing pressed him back down.

“Your injuries haven’t healed yet. Wait until you’re discharged to visit Elder Longmei… Ye Qiu, what are you doing? Why are you unwrapping the bandages?”

As Ye Qiu unwound the bandages around his abdomen, he said, “The old man’s in this state because of me. If it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have come to the capital, wouldn’t have used the Five Thunder Technique multiple times and suffered this backlash. I need to see him.”

Bai Bing was so anxious she nearly cried, pleading, “Can you please not be reckless? I’ll rebandage your wound, and later I’ll take you to see Elder Longmei, okay?”

“Ice Sis, this little injury is nothing to me. It’ll heal in no time.”

Ye Qiu’s strength had fully returned by now. As he spoke, he discreetly traced a few talismans.

“This is a gunshot wound! If it gets infected, it’ll be a big problem. Please listen to me, I’m begging you…”

Before Bai Bing could finish, she saw the wound on Ye Qiu’s abdomen vanish at a visible pace.

In the blink of an eye, it was gone, not even a scar remained.

Bai Bing’s face was full of shock. “This…”

“Ice Sis, I told you, this injury’s nothing to me. Trust your man.”

“Hmph, you’re not my man.”

“What, you slept with me and now you won’t take responsibility?” Ye Qiu teased.

Bai Bing’s cheeks flushed slightly, still worried. “Are you sure your injury’s healed?”

“Absolutely.”

“You better not be lying.”

“When have I ever lied to you? Last time I said I could go seven rounds in a night, didn’t I deliver?”

“You jerk~” Bai Bing shot him a glare, her face reddening as she recalled his stamina from that night in Jiangzhou.

“Where’s the old man at?” Ye Qiu asked.

Bai Bing said, “Elder Longmei went to the Underworld Hall’s base after discharge. Ask Tang Fei, he should know.”

“Got it.” Ye Qiu added, “Ice Sis, help me with the discharge paperwork. I’m off to find the old guy.”

“Sure! I’ve got a place in the capital. I’ll send you the address later—you can head there after you’re done.”

Ye Qiu nodded.

Bai Bing pulled car keys from her bag and handed them to him. “The car’s in the basement.”

“If I take the car, how’ll you get back?” Ye Qiu asked.

“I’ll take a cab.” She suddenly stood on tiptoe, kissed his cheek, and said, “Stay safe.”

“OK!”

Leaving the hospital, Ye Qiu called Tang Fei, who told him Elder Longmei had gone to Shuimu University.

Shuimu University was the nation’s top institution, famed for producing countless political giants and business tycoons, renowned worldwide.

“What’s the old man doing at a university?”

Ye Qiu couldn’t figure it out.

Twenty minutes later.

Ye Qiu parked at Shuimu University’s entrance. Before getting out, he spotted Elder Longmei.

Dressed in a Taoist robe, a cloth cap on his head, and holding a whisk, the old man sat at the gate like a sage with an immortal air.

Ye Qiu watched from the car for a bit. Every now and then, young students approached Elder Longmei for photos.

The old guy wasn’t shy—if it was a girl, his hands got restless, either around her waist or shoulders.

Yet, with his saintly demeanor, no one seemed to mind.

“This old fraud, when will he drop his conman act?”

Ye Qiu fumed inwardly, parked the car, and strode over.

Seeing Ye Qiu, Elder Longmei’s eyes lit up. He waved, shouting, “Little brat, get over here!”

“What are you doing here?” Ye Qiu asked, his face stern.

“Heh, this spot’s a feng shui treasure.” Elder Longmei sat on the ground, pointing to the space beside him. “Sit.”

“For what?” Ye Qiu was puzzled.

“Just sit, and you’ll see,” Elder Longmei said mysteriously.

Ye Qiu sat beside him, full of questions, eager to see what the old man was up to.

Elder Longmei glanced around, saying, “Little brat, your injury’s fine now, right?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

“Good to hear.”

“How about yours?” From the moment Ye Qiu saw him, he’d noticed Elder Longmei’s ashen face and poor condition.

“Me… Oh, look, here they come!” Elder Longmei suddenly perked up, pointing ahead. “Little brat, check it out!”

Ye Qiu looked up and saw a dozen or so youthful female students approaching.

They were vibrant and stunning, dressed in shirts and short skirts, their slender legs gleaming white in the sunlight.

“Little brat, seeing them, how do you feel?” Elder Longmei asked earnestly.

Ye Qiu said, “Four words: youth is great.”

“Vulgar!” Elder Longmei scolded, lowering his voice. “Little brat, know how I feel seeing them?”

“How?”

“Hard.”

Ye Qiu’s face darkened instantly.

“You shameless old coot, disgusting!” He smacked Elder Longmei’s head.

The cloth cap flew off, revealing a head of snow-white hair.

“Old man, your hair…” Ye Qiu’s heart clenched, words catching in his throat.

“I’m old, hair turns white,” Elder Longmei said with a faint smile, feigning nonchalance.

Ye Qiu knew it was the backlash from the Five Thunder Technique. Otherwise, his hair wouldn’t have turned snow-white in just two days.

He suddenly grabbed Elder Longmei’s wrist.

Startled, the old man struggled, “What’re you doing? Men and women don’t touch, let alone two guys! Let go, little brat! If someone sees, they’ll think we’re gay! Don’t ruin my reputation!”

Ye Qiu didn’t let go, instead pressing his fingers to Elder Longmei’s pulse to check it.

Soon, his expression grew grave.

Elder Longmei’s life force was nearly spent, a lamp flickering out.

As Bai Bing had said, he wouldn’t live long. From Ye Qiu’s diagnosis, Elder Longmei had less than—

Six months!

Miracle Doctor Chapter 512

Ye Qiu didn’t hesitate, channeling a wisp of inner energy into Elder Longmei’s body to try sparking his fading vitality.

It had no effect.

“It’s useless. The backlash injury is like the Great Dao wounds of ancient cultivators—curing it is as hard as climbing to the heavens,” Elder Longmei said.

Ye Qiu refused to accept it. He pulled out three golden needles and performed the Golden Needle Crossing Points technique, inserting them into Elder Longmei’s head.

The result was the same—Golden Needle Crossing Points was powerless against the backlash.

How could this be?

Ye Qiu’s heart sank to rock bottom.

Elder Longmei plucked the three needles from his head himself, saying, “Little brat, don’t waste your effort. I know my own condition.”

“Old man, I’m sorry…”

Before Ye Qiu could finish, Elder Longmei chuckled, “What’re you apologizing for? Life’s a fleeting journey, like grass in autumn—everyone’s got their end.”

“But if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be like this. I caused this,” Ye Qiu said solemnly, looking at him. “Old man, don’t worry, I’ll find a way to heal you.”

“Life and death are fated, riches lie in the heavens. It’s all set in the dark pool of destiny—no need to burden yourself over me.”

Elder Longmei stood up after speaking. “Little brat, ever been inside Shuimu University?”

Ye Qiu shook his head.

“Come take a look with me then. I’ve never seen what the top university in the country’s like inside.”

With that, Elder Longmei led the way into the campus.

The architecture inside Shuimu University was undeniably stunning—elegant, steeped in ancient charm, and brimming with a scholarly aura.

Soon, they reached two delicate, refined pavilions.

A horizontal plaque hung above, bearing the words “Shuimu Qinghua” in bold, graceful strokes. Red pillars on either side displayed a couplet:

*”Beyond the threshold, mountain light shifts through spring, summer, autumn, winter—a myriad changes, all extraordinary; within the window, cloud shadows drift east, west, south, north, coming and going serene—a true immortal abode.”*

What a place!

“No wonder it’s the nation’s top school. The environment’s amazing,” Ye Qiu remarked.

“This couplet’s well-written too, on par with my poetry,” Elder Longmei added.

“Little brat, when you have kids, send them here to study… Damn it, are you even listening?”

Elder Longmei turned, glaring at Ye Qiu, and snapped, “Who’re you putting on that mournful face for?”

“I ain’t dead yet!”

“I’m telling you, keep sulking, and I’ll kick your ass!”

Ye Qiu forced a faint smile.

He’d been mentally sifting through the knowledge left by the Ye family ancestors, but to his dismay, found no cure for Elder Longmei.

It filled him with despair.

Though Elder Longmei could be unreliable, to Ye Qiu, he was a friend—a brother-in-arms he’d trust with his life.

And if not for him, Elder Longmei wouldn’t have suffered such a severe backlash, deepening Ye Qiu’s guilt.

“Let’s check out what’s ahead,” Elder Longmei said, leading Ye Qiu further to the edge of a lotus pond.

The pond stretched before them, lotus flowers blooming like graceful maidens, a gentle breeze carrying their faint fragrance.

Elder Longmei gazed at the scene, silent for a long while.

After some time, he recited aloud:

*”Most I dread to ask my heart’s first wish, great dreams turn to naught.”*

*”Brows and temples age the hero old, sword and armor seal the heavy earth, what talk of dragon-slaying?”*

*”Grand ambitions ride the western wind, gone without a trace.”*

*”Youth soon plays the idle sage, with poetry, wine, zither, chess through days, time hurries on.”*

Ye Qiu’s heart grew heavier, but to not spoil Elder Longmei’s mood, he chimed in, “Good poem!”

Elder Longmei grinned, “I copied it.”

Ye Qiu: “…”

Elder Longmei laughed, “The living are but travelers, the dead return home. Heaven and earth, a fleeting inn, all share the dust of ages.”

“Ye Qiu, I’ll say it first—life and death are preordained, don’t dwell on it.”

“This is my tribulation, inescapable. Even if I hadn’t come to the capital, something else would’ve claimed me.”

“So this isn’t your fault, no need for guilt.”

He smiled again, “But if you still feel bad, how about doing three things for me?”

“Name them.”

Elder Longmei said, “First, dig up a grave.”

“Dig a grave?” Ye Qiu was taken aback. “Whose?”

“Mine,” Elder Longmei replied. “Per Dragon Tiger Mountain tradition, the dead are buried in the earth. After I die, they’ll find a feng shui spot, dig a pit, and put me in it.”

“I’m a free spirit, can’t stand being confined. The thought of being boxed in a coffin underground makes me antsy. So, little brat, promise me—after I’m dead, dig me up.”

“Then what?” Ye Qiu asked.

“Burn my body to ashes and scatter them across every corner of Dragon Tiger Mountain.”

“Even the latrines?”

“Scatter your sister!” Elder Longmei glared, then continued, “Second thing—I mentioned it before—find Dragon Tiger Mountain’s sacred treasures.”

“There are three: the Five Thunder Orthodox Technique, the Celestial Master Sword, and the Celestial Master Token.”

“I’ve mastered the Five Thunder Technique, but my cultivation’s too weak to unleash its full power. Still, that counts as found.”

“That leaves the Celestial Master Sword and Token.”

“No idea where they are. I’ll spend my remaining time searching. If I find them before I kick the bucket, great. If not, I’ll leave it to you.”

Ye Qiu agreed instantly, “I’ll get the Dragon Gate brothers to help search.”

“As for the third thing…”

Elder Longmei paused, his face turning unprecedentedly serious.

Ye Qiu sensed this one wasn’t trivial.

Sure enough, Elder Longmei said, “The third thing is huge for me.”

“I’ll be honest—at my age, I’m still a virgin.”

“Little brat, before I close my eyes, can you take me to… you know, break the seal? Preferably with a foreign fling!”

Damn it—

Ye Qiu had braced for something monumental, only to hear *this*. Anger flared up.

He was about to curse when his phone rang. Pulling it out, he saw Tang Fei’s name.

Answering, he asked, “What’s up?”

“Ye Qiu, are you with Elder Longmei?” Tang Fei said.

“Yeah.”

“Take him to the Baoli Auction House right now. The Celestial Master Token, one of Dragon Tiger Mountain’s treasures, has surfaced!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 513

The Celestial Master Token had appeared?

Ye Qiu’s heart surged with joy. Hanging up the phone, he turned to Elder Longmei, “Let’s go to the Baoli Auction House.”

“No way,” Elder Longmei said. “Stuff there’s way too pricey, and I’ve got no money.”

“You sure you’re not going? The Celestial Master Token’s surfaced.”

Instantly, Elder Longmei’s breathing quickened, his eyes locking onto Ye Qiu in disbelief. “Little brat, you’re not messing with me?”

“You’re just a scruffy old man, worth my time to trick?”

Ye Qiu said, “Tang Fei just told me on the phone—the Celestial Master Token’s at Baoli Auction House. You in or not?”

“In! Let’s move!”

Elder Longmei took off, his urgency rivaling a groom rushing to his wedding night—eager as hell.

They hurried along the path beside the lotus pond, but two minutes in, Ye Qiu stopped dead.

Seeing Ye Qiu lag behind, Elder Longmei asked, “What’re you staring at?”

“A beauty.”

“What’s so great about a beauty? Hurry up.”

But Ye Qiu didn’t budge.

His gaze fixed on a spot not far off.

By the pond, a girl was painting.

She wore a cap and mask, hiding most of her face, her glossy black hair cascading like a waterfall. A white dress couldn’t conceal her graceful curves.

She held a brush, quietly sketching on her canvas, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting soft beams on her profile.

The scene was pure poetry!

For some reason, in that moment, Ye Qiu’s restless heart calmed like still water.

“Little brat, what, never seen a woman before? Move it!” Elder Longmei urged, his mind fixated on the Celestial Master Token.

“Hold on, give me a sec.”

Ye Qiu stepped forward, stopping two meters from the girl, and pulled out his phone.

*Click!*

The girl seemed to sense something, turning toward him. Spotting a stranger snapping her photo, she jumped up like a startled rabbit.

But her foot slipped. With an “Ouch!” she tipped toward the pond.

Ye Qiu darted forward like lightning, grabbing her hand and pulling her into his arms.

“You okay?”

Looking down, he met a pair of starry, crystalline eyes—clear and radiant.

She shook her head. “I’m fine, thanks for saving me.”

Her voice was soft, a gentle breeze stirring the heart.

Ye Qiu was momentarily dazed.

“Uh, could you let go?” she asked shyly.

Only then did Ye Qiu realize she was still in his arms, his hands on her slender waist.

“Oh, sorry!” He snapped out of it and quickly released her.

She sized him up and said, “You don’t look like a student.”

“How can you tell?” Ye Qiu countered.

“You just don’t.”

“Are you a Shuimu student?” he asked.

“Mm,” she nodded. “Art department.”

Ye Qiu’s eyes drifted to her canvas—a blooming lotus, vivid and lush, yet exuding a serene, distant calm.

“You paint beautifully,” he praised sincerely.

“You know art?” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

He shook his head. “I’m a doctor, not an artist. But I can see the detail’s spot-on. You’re observant, and usually, good artists are good-looking too.”

Though her face was half-hidden, Ye Qiu sensed she was stunning.

She giggled. “Didn’t peg you for a sweet-talker. Bet you’ve charmed plenty of girls, huh?”

“No way…” Ye Qiu protested.

“Yeah, right,” Elder Longmei cut in, addressing the girl. “Little miss, this brat’s a flirt, a total player. Don’t let him fool you.”

“Don’t listen to his nonsense, I—”

“Shut it! Move your ass!” Elder Longmei yanked Ye Qiu along.

“Wait, what’s your name?” Ye Qiu called back.

“I’ll tell you next time we meet,” she said, winking.

Next time?

Would there be another encounter?

Ye Qiu, full of questions, was dragged off by Elder Longmei.

The girl watched him disappear, chuckling softly. “Ye Qiu, didn’t expect our first meeting to go like this.”

“Wonder what the next one will be like?”

“I’m kinda looking forward to it.”

She pulled out her phone, made a call, and said, “Come pick me up.”

Two minutes later, a Mercedes van stopped by the pond road. Two tall, black-suited female bodyguards approached her.

“Miss, your orders?” one asked.

“Clean this up. We’re heading to Baoli Auction House.”

…

Baoli Auction House, one of the country’s premier venues.

When Ye Qiu and Elder Longmei arrived, the hall was packed, buzzing with chatter.

“Heard there’s a Wu Guanzhong painting up today.”

“I hear there’s a Song Huizong calligraphy piece too. Love his Slender Gold style.”

“And a Qianlong court glazed vase—don’t you dare bid against me!”

Ye Qiu scanned the room. Aside from the back two rows, only the front row’s center had two empty seats.

He and Elder Longmei strode over and sat down in the prime spots.

The room fell silent.

*Swish, swish, swish!*

Over a hundred pairs of eyes zeroed in on them.

“Little brat, why’re they all staring?” Elder Longmei whispered.

“Maybe ‘cause I’m handsome,” Ye Qiu quipped.

“Can you not be so full of yourself?” Elder Longmei glanced around. “Their looks say we’re in trouble.”

“Who cares?”

A few minutes later, a young man in a suit, cigarette dangling from his mouth, swaggered in.

He looked younger than Ye Qiu, maybe twenty, oozing arrogance, trailed by a few lackeys.

People greeted him warmly.

“Hey, Young Master Zhang!”

“Young Master Zhang, what took you so long?”

“The auctioneer said they’d start once you arrived!”

The youth ignored them, marching up to Ye Qiu and Elder Longmei, glaring. “Who let you sit here? Get lost—”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 514

The young man’s tone was harsh, barking at Ye Qiu to get lost.

Ye Qiu’s brow twitched, his hand itching to slap the kid across the face.

The youth pressed on, “This seat’s mine. Get the hell out now.”

“Your seat?” Ye Qiu sneered. “It doesn’t have your name on it. What makes it yours?”

The youth clearly hadn’t expected Ye Qiu to talk back. He laughed in fury, “Oh, you’ve got guts mouthing off to me. Tired of living, huh? Boys, what do we do with him?”

“Beat him down!”

Instantly, the lackeys behind him cracked their knuckles, ready to pounce.

“Sorry, young master, we didn’t know this was your seat. We’ll move, we’ll move,” Elder Longmei said, tugging at Ye Qiu.

Ye Qiu didn’t budge. He could tell at a glance—these goons didn’t know martial arts, just a bunch of spoiled rich kids.

As for this loudmouth youth, Ye Qiu didn’t give him a second thought.

He’d faced down Bai Yujing and Xiao Qingdi—why would he fear these small fries?

“Little brat, get up!” Elder Longmei glared at him.

Reluctantly, Ye Qiu stood, letting Elder Longmei drag him to the back row to sit. The old man whispered, “Don’t stir up trouble. The Celestial Master Token’s what matters.”

Ye Qiu grumbled, “I’m not the one stirring trouble—it’s that punk picking a fight.”

“He’s just a nobody. Why waste energy on him?”

As the so-called “Young Master Zhang” settled into the front row, the auction kicked off.

A stunning woman in a qipao stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand, and announced, “Honored guests, ladies, gentlemen, friends—welcome!”

*”Rising talent pierces the clouds, bold strokes defy the frost.”*

*”Ink falls, fragrance draws butterflies; paper lifts, colors sing with flowers.”*

“We’re gathered here today for Baoli Auction House’s annual summer-autumn special. I’m your host and auctioneer. Without further ado, let’s begin.”

“Look at the screen, please.”

The big screen lit up, displaying an ink painting.

“This piece is called *Autumn Reflections*, inspired by Yuan Dynasty poet Ma Zhiyuan’s verses. It captures the mood of ‘withered vines, old trees, dusk crows; small bridge, flowing water, homes; ancient road, west wind, lean horse; setting sun, a broken heart at the world’s end.’”

“What’s fascinating is the artist left no signature. Any guesses on who painted it?”

The host paused, teasing the crowd.

The room buzzed with chatter.

“The paper’s yellowed—must be ancient, probably by some old master.”

“The intent’s lofty, composition flawless, lines smooth, bringing autumn’s mood to life. Definitely a masterwork.”

“Ma Zhiyuan’s from the Yuan Dynasty, so the painter’s likely post-Yuan. Judging by style, maybe Ming Dynasty.”

Then Young Master Zhang stood up, declaring loudly, “No need to guess—it’s obviously Tang Bohu’s authentic work.”

His words sparked a wave of flattery.

“Young Master Zhang’s got a sharp eye, spotting Tang Bohu’s handiwork instantly. I’m humbled!”

“I was stumped, wondering who could paint this well. Young Master Zhang’s nudge cleared it up—thank you!”

“Young Master Zhang’s insight is unmatched. We can’t compare—admirable!”

Zhang basked in the praise, grinning smugly.

But then Ye Qiu spoke up.

“It’s not Tang Bohu’s painting!”

The room fell dead silent.

All eyes turned to Ye Qiu.

Zhang whipped around, his face darkening when he saw it was Ye Qiu.

Staring at the screen, Ye Qiu continued, “The paper looks old, but the artist is absolutely modern.”

“If I’m not mistaken, the painter’s young—between twenty and thirty.”

“Everyone knows *Autumn Reflections* is about solitude, but this painting doesn’t show a shred of it.”

“As for composition and lines, two words: childish!”

…

Backstage.

A girl in a white dress, cap, and mask watched the monitor, hearing Ye Qiu’s every word. She huffed coldly.

A female bodyguard behind her said, “Miss, this guy dared call you childish. I’ll go deal with him later.”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t worry, Miss, I’ll keep it light—won’t kill him.”

“I’m worried *you’ll* get beaten.”

The bodyguard: “…”

The girl stared at Ye Qiu’s clear, handsome face on the screen, muttering to herself, “You said you don’t know art when I asked.”

“Now you’re rattling off like an expert?”

“Liar!”

…

In the hall, silence reigned.

The bidders looked at Ye Qiu with pity.

Young Master Zhang said it was Tang Bohu’s, and you contradict him? Looking for trouble?

Sure enough, Zhang’s expression turned sour.

“Kid, let me tell you—art’s not for posers who don’t get it. You’re just embarrassing yourself.”

Ye Qiu ignored him, asking the host, “Am I right?”

The host smiled, “This gentleman’s spot on. It’s not Tang Bohu’s work.”

Zhang felt a sting, like he’d been slapped.

The host added, “He’s also correct about the artist being young—a student, in fact.”

A student?

Zhang’s anger flared. He snapped at the host, “Don’t you auction masterpieces? Why’s a student’s trash up here?”

The host explained with a smile, “Young Master Zhang’s right—we’ve always auctioned works by renowned artists since our founding.”

“But there’s a reason for this piece.”

“The artist requested all proceeds go to charity. We couldn’t refuse such a kind heart.”

“Enough, enough, start already. No one’s buying this junk,” Zhang cut in impatiently.

“Very well, bidding starts now. *Autumn Reflections*, base price ten thousand, increments of at least five thousand. Please bid.”

Silence followed her words.

Seconds ticked by—ten, twenty, thirty…

No bids.

Zhang laughed loudly, “Told you, who’d want this garbage? Next lot—”

“Ten million!”

A voice cut through the room like a thunderclap.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 515

Hiss—

The entire room gasped.

Ten million for a student’s painting? Was this guy out of his mind?

Heads turned, and they saw it was Ye Qiu who’d called out the bid.

Elder Longmei grabbed him, frantic. “Little brat, are you insane? Ten million for this lousy painting?”

“No choice, I’m loaded.”

Before Ye Qiu finished, a mocking laugh rang out.

“Hahaha, what a riot! Where’d this idiot come from, dropping ten million on a painting like that? Did a donkey kick his head?” It was Young Master Zhang.

His lackeys joined in the jeering.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, talk about money to burn!”

“I wouldn’t take that trash if you gave it to me!”

“Ten million? Isn’t that the legendary ‘dumb and rich’?”

“Hahaha…”

The crowd roared with laughter.

The host, thinking she’d misheard, looked at Ye Qiu. “Sir, are you really bidding ten million for this painting?”

“Of course. What, you think it’s too cheap?”

“No, no, as long as you like it!” The host beamed—ten million meant a hefty commission for her.

She raised her voice, “Ten million, first call. Any higher bids?”

Silence.

“Ten million, second call.”

“Ten million, third call.”

Thud!

She struck the table with her gavel. “Sold for ten million! Congratulations, sir.”

Turning to Ye Qiu, she added, “Sir, per the artist’s request, please proceed backstage after the auction. The painter will personally hand you the artwork.”

“Got it.”

Ye Qiu nodded.

…

Backstage.

A flicker of surprise flashed in the girl’s bright eyes.

Her bodyguard said, “Miss, that guy’s got a screw loose! He called your painting childish, now he’s shelling out a fortune for it. Is he stupid?”

The girl shook her head. “A thousand gold for a beauty’s smile—he’s not dumb.”

A beauty’s smile?

The bodyguard caught on. “Oh, so he’s after you, Miss! A toad lusting after a swan—he doesn’t even deserve to look in a mirror!”

…

Soon, the second auction began.

“The first item wasn’t a masterwork, so we didn’t show it physically. Starting now, all treasures will be displayed on stage,” the host announced.

“Please bring out the second item.”

Eight staff members huffed and puffed as they hauled a large wooden crate onto the stage.

It looked heavy.

“This treasure’s quite weighty. Take a look,” the host said, nodding to the staff.

They opened the crate, revealing a rectangular stone stele.

Two meters tall, one meter wide, pitch black, and over a thousand pounds.

Faint traces of carved words marred its surface, too worn to read.

A chilling aura seeped from it, dropping the hall’s temperature by twenty degrees. People shivered.

“What’s this stele’s story?”

“Why’s it got such heavy yin energy?”

“Was it dug up from a tomb?”

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

Elder Longmei’s eyelid twitched. “This stele’s dripping with killing intent. It’s an ill-omened thing.”

“Can you tell its origin?” Ye Qiu asked.

Elder Longmei shook his head.

The host spoke up, “I’m sure you’ve noticed—since this stele appeared, the temperature here’s plummeted, right?”

Nods all around.

“Truth be told, I felt the same way when I first saw it—curious why a stone could exude such a cold, eerie vibe.”

“It wasn’t until I learned its history that it made sense.”

“Let me introduce its background. This is the Killing Aura Stele.”

Killing Aura Stele?

The crowd exchanged puzzled looks.

These were collectors and antique dealers—give them a hint, and they’d usually peg an item’s origin. But this Killing Aura Stele? Never heard of it.

“You’re probably wondering what it is. If I use its other name, you’ll know,” the host said.

“This Killing Aura Stele is also called the Seven Kills Stele.”

The room erupted.

“What? This is the legendary Seven Kills Stele?”

“Wasn’t it said to be a myth? How’s it here?”

“Unbelievable!”

“What’s the Seven Kills Stele?” Young Master Zhang asked his lackey in the front row.

The lackey shook his head. “No clue.”

“You don’t know and didn’t look it up? Moron!” Zhang snapped.

The lackeys scrambled for their phones. Soon, one said, “Found it.”

“Read!”

“Per the Ming History, Emperor Zhang Xianzhong of the Great West was a ruthless killer who erected a stele to declare his intent: ‘Heaven births all things for man, man offers nothing to Heaven—kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill, kill.’ That’s the Seven Kills Stele. But…”

“But what?” Zhang pressed.

“But whether it really existed is debated among archaeologists. Some say it’s fake, others say it’s real but didn’t bear those exact words.”

“Got it.” Zhang eyed the stele, deep in thought.

The host gave a dramatized rundown of its history, echoing the lackey’s account but amping it up to boost the price.

“Now, bidding begins. The Seven Kills Stele starts at five hundred thousand, increments of at least fifty thousand. Please bid.”

“Five hundred thousand!”

“Five fifty!”

“Six hundred!”

“Six fifty!”

Several jumped in.

“One million!”

A loud voice boomed from the front row.

It was Zhang. The others clammed up, and the room went quiet.

Ye Qiu stared at the stele, sensing something off. How could a mere stone radiate such intense killing intent?

Curious, he silently activated his Heavenly Eye.

His gaze pierced the stele’s surface, peering inside.

His heart jolted.

The host scanned the room, announcing, “One million, first call. Any higher bids?”

“One million, second call.”

“One million, third call. If no one else bids, this treasure goes to Young Master Zhang…”

She raised her gavel, about to strike—

“Ten million! It’s mine!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 516

“Ten million, it’s mine!”

Hearing the voice, everyone turned to see Ye Qiu calling out the bid.

In an instant, the room erupted in uproar.

“Ten million for a stone tablet, he must be insane.”

“Insane? More like a lunatic!”

“No idea where this spendthrift came from, first dropping ten million on a student’s painting, now ten million on a tablet, what an idiot!”

“Though the Seven Kills Tablet has a big reputation, its killing aura is too strong, not suitable for collecting, especially since Young Master Zhang had his eye on it!”

“He dares snatch something Young Master Zhang wants, isn’t that courting death?”

Elder Longmei hurriedly said, “Little brat, this tablet’s killing aura is too heavy, it’s an ill-omened thing, what do you want it for?”

“I’m telling you, keeping something like this around is no good.”

“Besides, this tablet isn’t even worth ten million.”

Ye Qiu smiled, “In my eyes, it’s priceless.”

Priceless?

Elder Longmei stared at him, dumbfounded, wondering if the kid’s brain had gone haywire.

“Ten million, first call!”

“Ten million, second call!”

The host, seeing no one else bid, asked directly, “Young Master Zhang, will you raise it?”

“Raise what? This lousy tablet isn’t worth a million to me,” Zhang laughed. “Let that fool have it!”

The host struck the table with the gavel.

Thud!

“Sold for ten million. Congratulations, sir, you’ve won the Seven Kills Tablet,” the host said, adding, “Please have the staff take the tablet down.”

“Wait!”

Ye Qiu stood up, asking, “Once I pay, the Seven Kills Tablet is mine, right?”

“Yes,” the host nodded with a smile.

“I’ll pay now,” Ye Qiu declared.

The room burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, what’s this kid’s deal, doesn’t he know how auctions work?”

“Embarrassing!”

“Clueless and still showing up at an auction, he’s got a screw loose.”

The host, facing this oddity for the first time, said awkwardly, “Sir, per auction rules, after all items are sold, staff will take you backstage to sign the contract and process payment.”

“Rules are rigid, people are flexible, I’m paying now.”

Ye Qiu’s tone was firm.

He wanted the tablet in hand immediately, before anyone else spotted its secret and complications arose.

The host hesitated, “Sir, your case is unusual, I need to check with my supervisor, is that alright?”

“Sure.”

The host stepped aside, made a quick call, and returned to the stage.

“Sir, our supervisor has approved.”

Staff promptly brought a contract and card reader to Ye Qiu.

He signed swiftly and paid the ten million.

The host asked, “Sir, since all formalities are done and the Seven Kills Tablet is yours, would you like us to deliver it, or…”

“No delivery, get me a sledgehammer.”

A sledgehammer?

Ye Qiu’s odd request stunned the host and left everyone else baffled.

“What’s he want a hammer for?”

“Is he planning to smash the tablet?”

“Such a wasteful rich kid!”

Zhang, guessing Ye Qiu’s intent, urged the host, “What are you waiting for? Do as he says, fetch a hammer!”

The host,无奈, had staff retrieve one.

Ye Qiu strode to the stage.

All eyes were on him, curious about his next move.

Taking the hammer from the staff, he gestured at the Seven Kills Tablet, clearly intending to break it.

The host gaped, quickly warning, “Sir, this tablet’s an antiquity, smashing it would be a shame.”

Ye Qiu grinned, “No worries, I bought it to smash it open.”

What?

He spent ten million just to destroy it?

Rich people had such bizarre tastes?

The crowd below, hearing this, erupted in curses.

“The Seven Kills Tablet’s an antique, and he’s smashing it, what a spendthrift.”

“If he were my son, I’d break both his legs, no, all three!”

“Poor soul who raised such a wasteful kid.”

Elder Longmei, in the back, lamented, “This little brat, always reckless, spends ten million to buy it then wrecks it, why bother?”

“Should’ve just given me the ten million.”

“That’s ten million, even with ten foreign girls at once, I couldn’t spend it all before I die, so frustrating~”

…

Backstage.

The female bodyguard said, “Miss, this guy’s gotta be an idiot, spending ten million on a lousy tablet and now smashing it, isn’t that just throwing money away?”

“There’s got to be a reason,” the girl replied.

“Reason my foot, he’s a brain-dead moron. Hmph, a dimwit like that chasing you, Miss, what a pipe dream.”

“It’s not over yet, don’t jump to conclusions, let’s watch.”

The girl’s eyes glinted with anticipation.

…

In the hall.

Zhang laughed at Ye Qiu’s words, “Kid, you don’t think there’s treasure inside this tablet, do you?”

Ye Qiu nodded, “You’re right, there is treasure in it.”

“Hahaha, that’s hilarious, treasure in a stone tablet?”

Zhang’s eyes gleamed, “How about a bet? If there’s treasure, I’ll eat the tablet. If not, you bark like a dog on stage, deal?”

“Deal,” Ye Qiu agreed instantly.

“Great, smash it then, I can’t wait to hear you bark,” Zhang guffawed.

Ye Qiu gave a faint smile, raised the hammer, and struck.

“Clang!”

A loud crash, and a corner of the tablet chipped off.

Truth be told, Ye Qiu could’ve split it with a punch, but with so many watching, he didn’t want to shock the world.

“Clang!”

“Clang!”

“…”

Zhang’s lackeys mocked again:

“Tsk tsk tsk, money to burn and no sense.”

“Buys it for ten million then smashes it, what a weirdo.”

“My grandpa always calls me a spendthrift, but compared to him, I’m frugal.”

“This guy’s a total fool.”

Ye Qiu ignored them, hammering away dozens of times until, “Crack!”—the tablet split open.

Instantly, a staggering wave of killing aura flooded the room!

Miracle Doctor Chapter 517

Did the stone tablet really contain a treasure?

The entire room froze in shock.

Then, all eyes widened, fixated on the stage.

From the shattered Seven Kills Tablet emerged a ring-handled knife adorned with dragon and sparrow carvings.

The blade, unsheathed, gleamed under the lights, its surface reflecting like a mirror.

The overwhelming killing aura emanated from this very knife.

One of Zhang’s lackeys said, “Young Master Zhang, there’s a treasure in the tablet, it’s a knife.”

“Do I look blind to you? Need you to point it out?” Zhang snapped, his face darkening.

He hadn’t expected Ye Qiu to actually uncover a treasure.

And it looked extraordinary.

Ye Qiu grasped the hilt, instantly feeling a chilling killing aura seep into his palm, trying to pierce his skin.

He silently channeled his inner energy, blocking it out.

Then, he examined it closely.

The knife measured three feet nine inches, its design ornate and commanding. The mirror-like blade radiated a cold, foreboding aura, evoking the desolation of late autumn, steeped in murderous intent.

Ye Qiu flicked a finger against the blade.

“Clang—”

A sound like a tiger’s roar.

What a knife!

His eyes lit up, sensing it might be a divine weapon.

Just then, his gaze caught the spine of the blade.

A long string of ancient seal script was etched there.

As Ye Qiu prepared to decipher it, several old men rushed onto the stage.

“Young man, can we take a look at that knife?”

The old men gazed at him eagerly.

“No.”

Their faces turned awkward.

“This knife’s sharp, I’m worried it might hurt you, so I’ll hold it for you to see,” Ye Qiu explained.

His real concern was the intense killing aura—if it seeped into these old men, they’d be done for.

“Alright, thank you.”

The old men pulled out reading glasses and magnifying glasses, hunching over to inspect the blade.

Soon, their attention locked onto the inscription.

“Old Chu, you’re an expert in ancient scripts, what does it say?”

Urged by the others, a white-bearded old man studied it closely.

Thirty seconds later.

“Ah—”

He let out a startled cry.

“What’s wrong, Old Chu?” someone asked.

His lips trembled with excitement. “Do you know what the inscription says?”

“What?”

“It reads: ‘Ancient weapon of renown, Wu and Chu’s Zhanlu, Great Xia’s Dragon Sparrow, famed in the divine capital, it can reach afar, it can soothe the near, like wind bending grass, its might subdues the nine regions, treasured through generations.’”

Instantly, the other old men were struck with awe.

“Good heavens, this is the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow!”

“What, the legendary Great Xia Dragon Sparrow?”

“How did it end up in the Seven Kills Tablet?”

Old Chu said, “I don’t know why it’s in the tablet, but I’m certain this is the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow.”

Hiss—

A collective gasp rose from the crowd below.

Zhang sneered, “Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, what’s that? Worth much?”

His lackeys shook their heads.

“Can’t you look it up, idiots?” Zhang barked.

They scrambled for their phones, searching.

“Young Master Zhang, I found it, the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow is a knife.”

Smack!

Zhang slapped the lackey’s forehead. “You think I’m blind? I can see it’s a knife!”

“I’m asking about its history!”

“Is it valuable?”

The lackey dug deeper. “Young Master Zhang, got it.”

“Spit it out.”

“The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, an ancient knife, forged by King Helian Bobo of the Xia state during the Sixteen Kingdoms period.”

“Legend says it’s exquisitely crafted, with a large ring at the base shaped like a coiled dragon, its head resembling a bird.”

“Li Daoyuan of the Northern Wei wrote in his ‘Commentary on the Waterways Classic’: ‘He also forged five weapons, sharp and refined, tempered a hundred times into a dragon-sparrow ring, named Great Xia Dragon Sparrow. Its spine bears the inscription: Ancient weapon of renown, Wu and Chu’s Zhanlu, Great Xia Dragon Sparrow.’”

“Su Shi wrote in a poem: ‘The treasure knife’s case is gone, only the dragon-sparrow ring remains…’”

“Enough, enough,” Zhang cut him off impatiently. “Skip the fluff, just tell me if it’s worth money!”

“Uh… I couldn’t find that.”

“Me neither.”

“Young Master Zhang, ask Old Chu, he’s a collector, he’d know its value.”

“Useless bunch, can’t even find basic info, trash!”

Zhang cursed them, then shouted to the white-bearded man on stage, “Old Chu, is the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow valuable?”

Valuable?

The word hushed the bustling hall in an instant.

Not just Old Chu, but everyone turned to Zhang, eyes locked on him.

Was this guy a complete fool to ask something so dumb?

Unaware of their thoughts, Zhang ran a hand through his hair, striking what he thought was a cool pose. “Why’s everyone staring at me?”

“Never seen someone this handsome? Hahaha…”

“Old Chu, you haven’t answered, is it valuable?”

Old Chu’s mouth twitched. If not for Zhang’s status, he’d have slapped him and snapped, Ignorant fool!

“It’s valuable,” Old Chu said flatly.

Zhang’s face fell slightly. “How much?”

How much?

Everyone shot Zhang another look, as if he were an idiot.

Old Chu didn’t answer directly, instead asking, “Young Master Zhang, you know the Sword of King Goujian of Yue, right?”

Zhang nodded. “Yeah, I’ve seen it in a museum.”

“Then you know its value?”

“It’s a national treasure, priceless.”

Old Chu nodded. “I can’t pin an exact price on the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, but its value isn’t less than the Sword of King Goujian.”

What!

Zhang was floored.

The other old men on stage chimed in, “Old Chu’s right, it’s one of the ten legendary knives, worth a fortune.”

“A rarity like this can only be called a peerless treasure.”

“If you must put a price on it, it’s at least four or five hundred million, maybe more.”

Peerless treasure!

Four or five hundred million!

Zhang’s face turned stormy.

He’d never imagined Ye Qiu would not only find a treasure but a peerless one at that.

Then Ye Qiu’s voice rang out:

“Young Master Zhang, remember our bet? Eat the tablet!”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 518

Ye Qiu’s words dropped, and the room fell into stunned silence, every eye staring at him in disbelief.

“Is this kid nuts?”

“He’s telling Young Master Zhang to eat the tablet, does he want to die?”

“He’s gotta be tired of living!”

“Talk about a fearless calf taking on a tiger, provoking Zhang, he’s asking for it!”

Zhang’s eyes burned as he fixated on the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, but Ye Qiu’s remark made his brows shoot up.

“Do you even know who I am?”

Zhang glared at Ye Qiu, his tone dripping with menace.

“I don’t care who you are, I just care if you’ll eat the tablet,” Ye Qiu said. “What’s this, you made the bet and now you’re backing out?”

Before Zhang could snap, his lackeys jumped in, pointing at Ye Qiu and hurling insults:

“You bastard, looking to die?”

“Acting so cocky in front of Young Master Zhang, tired of living?”

“Do you know who you’re talking to?”

“Guess you don’t know Zhang’s status, or even with ten thousand guts, you wouldn’t dare act this wild.”

Ye Qiu chuckled, “Sounds like Zhang’s a big deal?”

“Listen up, kid, let me formally introduce Young Master Zhang, hope you don’t wet yourself,” a lackey boasted smugly. “Young Master Zhang is a rising star in the capital, a genius of our time.”

“At just twenty-two, he’s already earned a doctorate from Yale.”

“He’s even been named a century outstanding alumnus by Yale.”

This clown, a doctorate?

Probably bought it!

Ye Qiu barely had the thought when the lackey continued, “Beyond that, he’s got another title.”

“He’s the second son of the Zhang family, one of the capital’s four great clans.”

“Ever heard of the Zhang family?”

“You don’t even know Young Master Zhang, so you probably don’t grasp the Zhang family’s power, let me enlighten you.”

“Zhang’s grandfather once held a high office, wielding immense authority.”

“His uncle’s now a regional governor, ruling a territory.”

“His father’s the chairman of a listed conglomerate, controlling billions.”

“You dared tell Zhang to eat the tablet, aren’t you just begging to die?”

Ye Qiu’s eyes narrowed.

He’d sensed Zhang’s background was hefty, but not this hefty.

Still, his expression didn’t shift.

The Zhangs might be impressive, but were they more impressive than the Ye family?

Besides, he’d beaten Bai Yujing and Xiao Qingdi, so why fear a spoiled brat like this?

Another thought struck Ye Qiu.

Over twenty years ago, among those who ambushed Ye Wudi, many hailed from the capital’s elite families—including the Zhangs.

“Should I start collecting some interest from this punk?”

Ye Qiu eyed Zhang, mulling it over.

Seeing Ye Qiu silent, the lackeys assumed he was scared, grinning triumphantly, “Kid, Zhang’s name scare the piss out of you?”

“Why pick a fight with anyone but Young Master Zhang, isn’t that just suicide?”

“Here’s a deal, bark like a dog on stage a few times, and I’ll convince Zhang to let you off, how’s that?”

“Enough!”

Zhang stood abruptly, scolding the lackey, then smiled at Ye Qiu, “I was just joking about the bet, no need to take it seriously.”

“I’m a Zhang, sure, but I can’t bully people with my status, right?”

“Come down, don’t hold up the auction.”

Zhang played the gracious noble, exuding the air of a great family’s scion.

Yet Ye Qiu didn’t budge from the stage.

“Young Master Zhang, sure you won’t eat the tablet and break your word?”

“Didn’t I just say it was a joke? Even if I go back on it, what can you do?” Zhang smirked, not taking Ye Qiu seriously at all.

Ye Qiu said, “Hope you don’t regret it.”

Threatening me?

Zhang’s face darkened.

His lackeys, seeing their boss’s mood shift, started yelling:

“Kid, don’t push your luck.”

“Zhang’s letting it slide, and you’re still harping on it?”

“Watch how you end up dead.”

Ye Qiu ignored them, took the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow, and returned to his seat.

This only fueled the lackeys’ rage.

“Damn it, where’d this little punk come from, threatening Young Master Zhang, intolerable!”

“Look at his smug face, makes me wanna slap him.”

“Young Master Zhang, say the word, we’ll trash him.”

Zhang glanced back at Ye Qiu, irritation simmering.

“The Great Xia Dragon Sparrow was mine, if you hadn’t butted in, I’d have snagged the tablet for a million.”

“Now you dare threaten me, if I don’t teach you a lesson, how do I keep my rep in the capital?”

“Just wait.”

Zhang muttered, then ordered his lackeys, “Keep an eye on him, we’ll deal with him after the auction.”

“Don’t worry, Young Master Zhang, once it’s over, I’ll snag the Dragon Sparrow back for you.”

Smack!

Zhang slapped the lackey’s head, cursing, “Can you talk right? It was already mine!”

“Right, right, the Dragon Sparrow’s yours, we’ll grab it back later.”

Satisfied, Zhang said, “Get it done, and tonight I’ll treat you all to a wild time at Heaven on Earth.”

“Young Master Zhang, you’ve been abroad too long, Heaven on Earth’s been shut down.”

“Then pick a spot.”

“How about Shengshi Mingliu? Heard they’ve got plenty of girls, high looks, and they’re open.”

…

Backstage.

The female bodyguard gaped, “Holy crap, he actually pulled a treasure out of that tablet.”

The girl smiled, unfazed, as if she’d expected it.

“That kid’s got insane luck, snagging a priceless gem, who knows how many are green with envy,” the bodyguard went on. “But he’s in for it now.”

“Why’s that?” the girl asked.

“Miss, think about it, he’s pissed off Young Master Zhang, no way Zhang lets that slide.”

The bodyguard continued, “I heard Zhang’s been abroad until recently, now back and strutting around the capital with his family’s clout, nobody dares cross him.”

“That kid got a priceless treasure, sure, but I can’t stand him.”

“Why not?” the girl asked.

“With Zhang’s crew cussing him out like that, he didn’t even talk back, total wimp, no guts at all.”

“You think he’s a wimp?” The girl shot her a surprised look.

“Isn’t he?”

“He’s no wimp, just watch, someone’s about to get it.”

Miracle Doctor Chapter 519

Ye Qiu returned to his seat, grinning ear to ear.

Spending ten million to snag a peerless divine weapon, his mood could be summed up in one word—

Sweet!

Elder Longmei’s eyes turned red with envy. “Little brat, you should thank me for getting the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow.”

“How so?”

“If I hadn’t dragged you here, you’d still be ogling beauties at Shuimu University.”

“Hm, seems like there’s some truth to that, what do you want?”

Ye Qiu saw through him instantly—the old man was fishing for a reward.

Elder Longmei’s eyes widened. “Little brat, what do you take me for? Am I the type to chase petty gains?”

“Aren’t you?”

“Of course not,” Elder Longmei said with a righteous air. “I only go for big gains.”

Ye Qiu: “…”

“Little brat, this Great Xia Dragon Sparrow’s killing aura is too heavy, keeping it around’s no good. How about I reluctantly take it off your hands?”

“You want this knife?” Ye Qiu asked.

Elder Longmei rubbed his hands, chuckling. “Little brat, you’ve already got the Emperor Sword, this knife’s just extra, why not give it to me?”

“Dream on!”

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes, shutting him down.

“Damn, so stingy,” Elder Longmei grumbled. “I nearly died helping you, and you won’t even spare a knife.”

Ye Qiu countered, “Like you said, its killing aura’s too strong, if you keep it, you’ll just die faster.”

“This poor Daoist’s already on death’s door, early or late makes no difference.”

“If you’re already a dead man walking, what do you need the Dragon Sparrow for?”

“To slaughter pigs!”

Ye Qiu’s mouth twitched.

Elder Longmei added, “Dragon Tiger Mountain’s got plenty of pigs, I’ll take it back to butcher them.”

Like hell I’d believe you.

“Old man, I’ve got plans for this knife, pick something else,” Ye Qiu said.

“Fine, you little punk, too cheap to part with a knife, hmph, what’s so great about it? I’ll tell you, in front of the Celestial Master Sword, your Emperor Sword or Great Xia Dragon Sparrow are nothing but trash.”

“Have you found the Celestial Master Sword yet?”

Elder Longmei’s face flushed from the jab. “Once I get the Celestial Master Token, I’ll find the sword.”

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow.

Could there be a link between the token and the sword?

Elder Longmei grinned slyly again. “Little brat, since you won’t give me the Dragon Sparrow, how about another condition?”

“Spit it out.”

“Take me to break my fast tonight!”

Ye Qiu’s face darkened instantly.

Just then, the host announced, “Next up, the third auction item, please bring it out.”

The third item was a blue-and-white porcelain vase.

Ye Qiu wasn’t interested and skipped bidding.

Soon, a collector snagged the vase.

Then came the fourth, fifth…

Over a dozen auctions passed, and Ye Qiu sat them all out.

He kept an eye on Zhang, who’d snapped up three items in a row, dropping over twenty million.

“Should I collect some interest?” Ye Qiu’s eyes flickered.

Elder Longmei caught his look. “Little brat, what mischief are you plotting now? I’m telling you, don’t stir up trouble.”

Before Ye Qiu could reply, the host’s voice boomed, “Next, we’re auctioning something quite unique.”

“How unique? I won’t tell you just yet.”

“Here’s a hint, it’s an antiquity, but whether you spot its value depends on your luck.”

The host waved, and staff carried up a wooden box.

Everyone’s eyes widened, eager to see the treasure.

The box opened, revealing a stone brick.

About three feet long, one foot wide, grayish-green, etched with dragon and phoenix patterns.

“I thought it’d be something amazing, it’s just a brick?”

“Looks like a Tang brick.”

“Tang bricks like that aren’t worth much.”

The crowd sighed in disappointment.

The host smiled, “I’m sure you’ve recognized it as a Tang brick, but let me tell you, this one’s special. It’s from a princess’s tomb, with exquisite carvings showcasing the Tang Dynasty’s golden age, a rare gem among bricks…”

“Let’s start the bidding.”

“Base price, one million, increments of at least ten thousand, begin.”

No one bid.

Clearly, no one cared for the Tang brick.

The host’s face grew awkward.

Then—

“Snap!”

Ye Qiu snapped his fingers. “Ten million!”

The room exploded.

“Ten million for a lousy brick, what a spendthrift!”

“I wouldn’t take that Tang brick for free!”

“Maybe there’s more to it.”

“Don’t forget, when this guy bought the Seven Kills Tablet for ten million, we all called him a fool, who’d have thought he’d pull a rare treasure from it?”

“Right, Old Chu said that knife’s worth four or five hundred million, he hit the jackpot.”

“This brick might be special too.”

Offhand remarks, but they landed hard.

Zhang overheard, eyed the brick, and mused, Could it hide a treasure too?

Why else would Ye Qiu bid ten million?

He hesitated, then said, “Ten million ten thousand.”

Cautious, he only added ten thousand.

Unsure if Ye Qiu was bluffing or if the brick held value.

“Twenty million!” Ye Qiu upped the ante.

Zhang’s eyelid twitched, now nearly convinced there was treasure, or Ye Qiu wouldn’t be so determined.

“Thirty million!” Zhang dropped caution.

“Forty million!” Ye Qiu shot back.

“Fifty million!”

In a blink, the brick’s price hit fifty million.

“Sixty million!” Ye Qiu pressed.

“Seventy million!” Zhang countered.

He’d missed the Seven Kills Tablet, he wasn’t losing this.

“Eighty million,” Ye Qiu added another ten.

“Ninety million,” Zhang shouted.

Hiss—

The crowd gasped.

No one expected a brick to skyrocket to ninety million, even the host looked stunned.

Zhang glared at Ye Qiu, taunting, Dare to raise it, I’ll keep going.

But Ye Qiu sighed, “I’m out of money.”

The host jumped in, “Ninety million first call, ninety million second call, ninety million third call.”

Thud!

“Congratulations, Young Master Zhang, you’ve won the Tang brick.”

Zhang couldn’t wait. “I’ll pay now, hurry up.”

Staff rushed over with the contract and card reader, Zhang paid swiftly, then dashed onstage, grabbed the hammer, and smashed the brick in a few swings.

Next second, his face turned livid.

Miracle Doctor Chapter 520

After the Tang brick was smashed open, there was nothing inside.

Zhang instantly realized he’d been tricked.

“You bastard, you dared to scam me!”

Zhang glared at Ye Qiu, trembling with rage.

Ye Qiu smiled serenely. “Young Master Zhang, you can eat recklessly, but you can’t speak recklessly, when did I scam you?”

“It’s just an ordinary Tang brick, if not for you, would I have spent ninety million on it?”

Thinking of ninety million for a brick he’d smashed himself, Zhang’s heart bled.

Ninety million, gone just like that—who could stomach that?

Worse, this would soon spread through the capital, and he, Young Master Zhang, would become a laughingstock.

He could already hear the taunts.

“Look, the second Zhang son’s a fool.”

“No kidding, ninety million for a broken brick, who does that?”

“The Zhangs birthed a wastrel.”

Ye Qiu grinned. “Young Master Zhang, that’s not fair, if you hadn’t raised the bid, this brick would’ve been mine, you insisted on buying it.”

“Besides, all these eyes saw it.”

“You didn’t find treasure in the brick and now blame me, that’s not right, is it?”

Zhang, furious, sputtered, “You—”

Ye Qiu continued, “Young Master Zhang, don’t assume that because I found treasure in the tablet, you’d find some in the brick, if every stone held treasure, why bother with auctions? We’d all grab hammers and smash roadside rocks.”

Hahaha…

The room erupted in laughter.

Ye Qiu added, “Young Master Zhang, if you feel cheated, you can return it.”

Honestly, Zhang wanted to, it was ninety million.

But he’d smashed the brick, no returns possible.

With a small-time auction house, he’d demand the boss refund him or face consequences, but not here.

This auction house’s owner was too powerful, he couldn’t afford to cross them.

Otherwise, he’d have already sent his lackeys after Ye Qiu.

“Kid, you wait, this isn’t over.”

Zhang spat a threat and stormed back to his seat.

It was just a hiccup, the auction rolled on.

…

Backstage.

The girl’s lips curled as she watched Zhang get duped.

“Zhang’s really down on his luck, ninety million for a brick, tsk tsk tsk, what a spendthrift.”

“After today, he’ll be the capital’s joke.”

The bodyguard’s gaze shifted to Ye Qiu. “Thought he was a coward, but he turned the tables on Zhang like that, impressive.”

“For him, this little trick’s nothing,” the girl said.

The bodyguard glanced over, seeing the girl fixated on Ye Qiu on the monitor, her eyes bright and unblinking.

Her heart jolted.

“Miss, you’re not falling for him, are you? I’m telling you, stay away, he’s no good,” she urged.

“Why’s he no good?” the girl asked, puzzled.

The bodyguard said, “Miss, look at him, that pale face, classic bad guy, I grew up hearing village elders say, ‘pale face, dark heart.’”

Pfft—

The girl burst out laughing. “Ever heard this one?”

“What?”

“‘Men aren’t bad, women don’t love.’”

The bodyguard gaped. “No way, Miss, you’ve already fallen for him?”

“Not quite, he’s still under my test.”

…

Two hours flew by at the auction.

“Everyone, please quiet down.”

The host announced, “We’re nearing the end of tonight’s auction.”

“Next up is today’s grand finale—the Celestial Master Token!”

“Some may not know its history, so let me explain.”

“Legend says the Celestial Master Token was carved from thunderstruck wood by Zhang Daoling, founder of Dragon Tiger Mountain, it’s one of the mountain’s three sacred treasures and a holy Daoist relic, enshrined there for a millennium, imbued with the mountain’s incense aura, it repels evil and keeps spirits at bay.”

“Worn long-term, it wards off curses, extends life, and restores youth.”

“Please bring up the Celestial Master Token.”

A young woman in a qipao, wearing white gloves, carried a tray onstage.

On it sat a black token.

Square, about the size of a matchbox, its base bore cryptic runes.

Elder Longmei’s breathing quickened. “No mistake, that’s the Celestial Master Token.”

“Heavens be praised, ancestors’ blessings, I’ve lived to see it before I die.”

“Little brat, you’ve got to help me get it.”

Ye Qiu said, “As the finale, it’ll fetch a sky-high price.”

“No matter the cost, you must get it for me.”

Just then, a middle-aged man in front turned back, whispering, “You want the Celestial Master Token?”

“I’d advise you both to give up.”

“It’s already been reserved!”

Reserved?

Elder Longmei’s face darkened. “By who?”

“Who else? Young Master Zhang, of course,” the man said. “Since retiring, Old Master Zhang’s taken to chanting and fasting, he’s fond of Daoist trinkets.”

“Zhang was abroad but rushed back to the capital for his grandfather’s seventieth birthday.”

“He wants the token as a birthday gift for the old man.”

“Before you arrived, Zhang’s people warned all us bidders, no one’s to compete with him for it tonight, or face the consequences.”

“Take my advice, drop it.”

“The Zhangs are one of the capital’s four great families, we can’t afford to mess with them!”

As they spoke, the host began.

“Ladies and gentlemen, no more delays, let’s start.”

“Celestial Master Token, base price thirty million, increments of at least one million.”

“Begin bidding.”

Right as he finished, Zhang’s voice rang out.

“Thirty-five million.”

Sure enough, no one countered.

Everyone present had been warned by Zhang’s crew, none dared cross him.

Elder Longmei saw Ye Qiu stay silent and panicked. “Little brat, bid already!”

“Why don’t you?” Ye Qiu shot back.

Elder Longmei wailed, “I’ve got no money.”

Damn, what do you take me for, an ATM?

Ye Qiu glared at him, then called, “Fifty million!”

Instantly, all eyes locked onto Ye Qiu.

What’s this kid up to?

Was he challenging Zhang?

“Fifty million from this gentleman, any higher bids?” The host’s gaze flicked to Zhang.

“Fifty-five million!”

Zhang smirked, his face calm.

That sum was pocket change to him, if it pleased his grandfather, the payoff would be bigger.

But—

“One hundred million!”

Ye Qiu’s second bid stunned the room again.

Zhang’s face turned icy, he spun around, staring coldly at Ye Qiu. “My grandfather loves Daoist stuff, if you’re smart, you won’t compete with me…”

“Five hundred million!”

“Kid, you really want to cross me? I’m warning you, messing with the Zhangs won’t end well for you…”

Ye Qiu didn’t even glance at him, dropping the hammer.

“One billion!”