"I... I don't think that's necessary, is it?" Duan Chongfeng's lips trembled. The pride of an Innate Expert? He didn't want it anymore. If he had to endure that needling again, and even more intensely... wouldn't he be dead for sure?

"That won't do," Xu Ke chuckled. "Otherwise, your blood and Qi won't flow smoothly, and your cultivation won't be as complete."

"Uh..." Duan Chongfeng sucked in a sharp breath. His face, which hadn't changed at all during the acupuncture, finally turned pale. It was from sheer terror.

Seeing this, Xu Ke couldn't help but laugh. "However, if Boss Duan is truly frightened, medicinal treatments are also an option. The only thing is, it will take half a month of conditioning, which is quite time-consuming... and you'll have to abstain from meat and rich foods..."

"No problem!" Before Xu Ke could even finish, Duan Chongfeng eagerly interrupted to agree, his face beaming with joy.

As the owner of the Dapeng Trading Company, Duan Chongfeng's time was extremely valuable. Yet, he was now willing to opt for the more time-consuming medicinal treatment over Xu Ke's acupuncture. This just went to show how terrifying Xu Ke's needle technique truly was.

Seeing how desperately eager Duan Chongfeng was, Xu Ke muttered to himself. This is a bit of an overreaction. In truth, he didn't need a second session. Xu Ke had only said it to scare him and make sure Duan Chongfeng wouldn't take him lightly. I didn't expect... I might have frightened him a bit too much.

After putting away his silver needles, Xu Ke sat down opposite Duan Chongfeng. "Boss Duan, try to feel your True Qi now. Begin to regulate your breathing and recover your strength. If everything is fine, your True Qi should resume its circulation in about half an hour."

Xu Ke had just halted the circulation of Duan Chongfeng's True Qi. Even with the needles removed, it would take some time for it to recover.

"Alright." Duan Chongfeng nodded and sat down cross-legged. Around his heart and its major meridians, only the two masses of True Qi that had formed a protective shield remained; the rest of his True Qi was not flowing through this area. Duan Chongfeng closed his eyes and began to slowly regulate his breathing.

Xu Ke smiled at the sight. This was proof of Duan Chongfeng's trust. A Martial Artist would never allow someone to watch them while they were regulating their breath, yet Duan Chongfeng showed no such reservations.

After regulating his breath for a while, Duan Chongfeng got off the bed.

"I feel so much better." As he stood, a look of astonishment flashed in his eyes before turning into ecstatic joy. How long had it been since he felt like this? Even though his True Qi hadn't fully recovered, he knew that the feeling of stagnant Qi and blood was finally gone.

"That's good," Xu Ke said with a smile.

Duan Chongfeng looked at him and said with great emotion, "Doctor Xu, I really can't thank you enough for this. I don't even know how I can possibly repay you."

Painful as the treatment was, his cultivation had undeniably improved. At that moment, Duan Chongfeng felt like picking Xu Ke up and planting a kiss on him.

"You're welcome," Xu Ke said.

"Let me think," Duan Chongfeng murmured, pondering for a moment before an idea struck him. "Right! With your medical skills, you should have your own clinic in Tianhai. I have a property in the city center; why don't I give it to you? You could set up your practice there. What do you think?"

Xu Ke was taken aback. "I don't have a clinic."

"How is that possible?" Duan Chongfeng was astonished, but then he remembered. That's right, the background check didn't show any property registered in his name. He naturally didn't count the apartment in Huating as anything significant.

Thinking of this, Duan Chongfeng smiled. "Well, in that case, Doctor Xu, why not take this opportunity to open your own clinic?

"With skills like yours, you'd have no trouble earning substantial consultation fees. Plus, during treatments, you could get to know many wealthy and influential people.

"That way, you could build your own network and also help the Wang Family, which is in a rather precarious situation right now."

But Xu Ke's brow furrowed as he latched onto a critical detail. "The Wang Family is in danger?"

Duan Chongfeng looked a bit stunned by the question. Didn't Wong Qifu tell him? He decided not to press the issue and simply answered.

"The Wang Family's situation is not good," he explained. "They are being squeezed from all sides by the Ye and Huang Families. It might not seem like a big deal in the short term, but if this continues, the Wang Family's cash flow will be in serious trouble."

Xu Ke's expression darkened. He knew the Ye and Huang Families wouldn't let things go after the life-and-death duel, but he hadn't expected the Wang Family's situation to become so dire.

Seeing Xu Ke's troubled expression, Duan Chongfeng assumed he was racking his brain over the Wang Family's problem. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. I've got it! If it's Xu Ke, he might actually be able to solve this. He could use this to resolve the Wang Family's crisis!

"If the Wang Family wants to break this stalemate, they'll need outside help," Duan Chongfeng said. "To be honest with you, if my Dapeng Trading Company were to reveal its full strength, we could easily help the Wang Family level the playing field. However, the person backing me won't allow it, so please understand, Dr. Xu."

Xu Ke waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine, Boss Duan. Don't worry about it." He knew the Dapeng Trading Company held a special position. He had never expected them to become an ally, only hoped they wouldn't try to profit from the Wang Family's misfortune. They were able to build their influence in Tianhai City precisely because they didn't compete with the Six Great Families. If they waded into these murky waters, the six families would likely join forces to drive them out first. Their refusal to help was entirely expected.

Duan Chongfeng nodded and continued, "Therefore, if you're looking for outside help, you can only search among the other Great Families. After all, besides us, the other first-rate powers aren't strong enough.

"The Chen Family is one of the Six Great Families and on good terms with the Wang Family, but they are aligned with the Martial Alliance, so they won't intervene. The Qin Family is famous for appraising treasures and is immensely wealthy, but their primary power base is overseas. Aside from protecting their own small patch of turf in the country, they don't get involved in domestic affairs.

"That leaves you with only one option: the Zhou Family."

"What's their background?" Xu Ke asked.

"Coincidentally, the Zhou Family, much like yourself, is famous for their medical expertise," Duan Chongfeng smiled. "Their corporate group specializes in medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. You can find their products in hospitals all over the country."

Xu Ke nodded. "I understand."

"The Six Great Families exist in a state of mutual restraint. If the Wang Family falls and is carved up by the Ye and Huang Families, that balance of power will be shattered," Duan Chongfeng continued. "Originally, we all—including the Ye and Huang Families—thought the Zhou Family wouldn't just stand by and watch. We expected them to step in. But recently, their Old Master has fallen gravely ill. The entire Zhou Family is at a loss. They've lost their pillar of support and are too preoccupied to worry about anything else..."

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