If they could endure it, who would want to lose face at a time like this?
The Elder from the neighboring Sect, who had been envious just a moment ago, immediately showed a gloating smile upon seeing this scene:
“Oh dear, Fellow Daoist Ku, your favored disciple seems quite ill!”
“Indeed! While you are still young, hurry up and treat him, lest he perish at such a young age!”
“Hey, hey, I’m peeing! I’m peeing! It’s running down onto my shoe…”
“Tsk tsk, young man! Is your physical condition really that poor?”
“Mas… Master, quickly! Hurry and take me away!!” Being humiliated in front of so many people, Ye Han was overcome with shame and anger, fainting on the spot.
He intended to put on a grand show, but ended up soiling his pants. He felt he would probably never be able to show his face in public again.
“That… this old man has urgent matters, so I shall take my leave first. We can chat again next time! Furthermore, I ask everyone present to keep today’s events confidential and not spread them around! This old man would be extremely grateful.”
Ku Chenzi, having completely lost face, had no reason to stay. After saying a few polite words, he snatched up Ye Han and vanished at top speed.
“Hahahaha…” Watching his pathetic retreat, the crowd behind burst into uproarious laughter.
They thought Ku Chenzi had taken in some heaven-defying figure, but this was it?
A clown who couldn't even control his bowels—how dare he bring him out to show off? Wasn't he afraid of losing face!
*
On the way back, Ku Chenzi’s face was as black and foul as cow dung baked under the scorching sun of the dog days.
He had completely lost face today! He never expected Ye Han to be so disappointing, actually messing up at such a crucial moment.
After causing such a scene, he figured he would have to keep his head tucked between his legs whenever he went out in public from now on.
At this moment, his eldest disciple spoke up: “Master, aren't you and the Armless Medical Saint close Old Friends? Why not ask him for help to treat Junior Brother?”
Hearing this, Ku Chenzi slapped his forehead hard: Right! How could I have forgotten him? As long as my Old Iron is willing to step in, any difficult or strange illness is just a passing cloud before him; he could solve it easily with a mere flick of his fingers.
Speaking of which, that Old Iron was also an eccentric fellow. When he practiced medicine in his youth, he killed someone due to poor Medical Arts, and subsequently had both hands chopped off. Later, he strove hard, diligently studying the Dao of Medicine, and gradually made a name for himself… quite inspirational.
Thinking of this, Ku Chenzi waved his hand grandly: “Let’s go, quickly to Black Star Ridge!”
Black Star Ridge was where his Old Iron resided, not too far from there; they arrived in just an hour. As he wished, he found the Armless Medical Saint in a small, dilapidated hut.
Having not seen each other for many years, this Old Friend’s demeanor was even more striking; not only were his hands gone, but both his legs were also nowhere to be seen.
Ku Chenzi looked at the place where his legs were severed with shock: “Buddy, you…”
“Stay calm!” The Armless Medical Saint smiled nonchalantly, “It’s no big deal to make sacrifices for the sake of Medical Arts.”
However, he muttered inwardly: I can’t possibly tell him that a few years ago, I killed a noble family’s young master through malpractice, and they chopped off my legs, can I? Do I still want to keep my reputation?
“Ahem~” He coughed lightly, composing himself, “Tell me, what brings you here this time?”
Ku Chenzi didn't beat around the bush, glancing helplessly at the person in his arms: “My Han’er, for some unknown reason, frequently suffers from Heart-Devouring Pain. Every time it strikes, the agony is unbearable.”
The Armless Medical Saint nodded: “That’s not serious. Put him on the bed, and I’ll take his pulse first.”
Hearing this, Ku Chenzi frowned: “Take his pulse? You don’t have hands or feet anymore, how can you take a pulse?”
“Hmph! Shallow knowledge.” The Armless Medical Saint let out a cold laugh and suddenly stuck out his tongue: “Only a Quack Doctor relies on hands and feet. I am different. I only need to lick him with my tongue, and within moments, I will have a definitive conclusion!”
“There’s such a method?” Ku Chenzi was secretly astonished. This Old Iron’s Medical Arts seemed to have improved even further!
“Hmph hmph~” The Armless Medical Saint’s lips curled up, looking smug, “There’s an old saying in our medical world: the fewer body parts one has, the more superb their Medical Arts become. My title as Medical Immortal isn't just for show.
Alright, enough nonsense, treating the illness is the priority. Put him down first, then carry me over.”
Soon, everything was arranged.
“Whoosh~” The Armless Medical Saint stuck out his tongue and fiercely licked Ye Han’s palm. With a loud “smack,” he immediately frowned.
Damn it, the taste feels weird…
Ye Han, who had been licked, looked ashen: It’s over, I’m contaminated!
“How is he? Can you cure him?” Ku Chenzi asked anxiously.
Ye Han was the future hope of the Tianji Sect; no mistake could be afforded.
The Armless Medical Saint’s eyes darted around: “Oh, a minor illness, guaranteed cure! I’ll prescribe a few strong doses of medicine, and he’ll be fine after taking them. I’ll dictate, and you write it down.”
“Okay.” Ku Chenzi nodded repeatedly. He tore off half a sleeve with a ripping sound, bit his finger until it bled, and wrote while listening.
Soon, a prescription was freshly made. The Armless Medical Saint smiled kindly: “Friendly consultation fee, two hundred thousand Spirit Stones, non-negotiable.”
That’s really not cheap! But Ku Chenzi didn't haggle, nodding, then posed a Soul Questioning: “Buddy, are you sure this medicine is effective?”
Armless Medical Saint: “You still don’t trust me? If it’s not effective, come chop me off anytime!”
“Deal!” In the end, Ku Chenzi chose to believe him. After paying the Spirit Stones, he took his people and left.
Seeing the other party leave, the Armless Medical Saint immediately shouted to his servant: “Quick, pack up! I can’t stay in this place anymore… Damn it, I don’t have any spare parts on me.”
*
The sun set in the west.
Luoyun Sect.
When Miao Miaomiao climbed out of the pool, Shi Wanyue was no longer by her side.
Next to a wooden sign on the shore lay a piece of paper with a line of delicate handwriting: Senior Sister, I have something to attend to, so I shall take my leave first.
“Mm, it’s also time for me to go back and cook for Old Jin.” Miao Miaomiao stretched, and under the afterglow of the setting sun, she walked step by step back to the Ninth Peak.
By the time she finished feeding him, it was already dark.
Looking at the full moon in the sky, Miao Miaomiao decisively picked up the Shovel leaning against the door and went out.
It was time to dig up the treasure Old Jin buried in the Back Mountain.
“?Keep guessing~ guessing~ guessing, and divined another hex~? Fortune or disaster, still filled with fear?……” Miao Miaomiao stepped on the moonlight, humming a little tune, leisurely heading towards the Back Mountain.
After walking for about half an hour, she finally arrived at the maple forest Old Jin had mentioned.
The woods weren't very large, and it was pitch black, making it a bit eerie, but Miao Miaomiao mustered her courage and walked in.
Arriving in the middle of the woods, Miao Miaomiao swung her Shovel while muttering in a low voice: “Sigh, this Old Jin, always looking for trouble! Why would he bury such a good treasure…”
After only a couple of swings, she vaguely heard movement not far away.
“Who would be in a place like this in the middle of the night?” Driven by curiosity, Miao Miaomiao followed the sound.
She hadn't walked far when she saw a Black Shadow flickering among the trees, the sword in its hand dancing with a ‘swish-swish’ sound.
“Who!?” The other party seemed to notice her, immediately stopping their movement, and looked over with vigilance.