Expressions of disbelief appeared on everyone's faces. They never imagined that Xu Ke was the doctor who had cured Duan Chongfeng. Now, they finally understood. No wonder Ouyang Hao and the doctor Duan Chongfeng had mentioned both happened to be "on the road"... No wonder both men had come alone to wait at the Zhou residence... they were the same person!

Zhou Qingzhi's eyes widened, his expression shifting to one of sheer admiration. He had been puzzled; if Wong Qifu were merely looking for a fling, she could have met with Xu Ke in private without bringing their association into the open. After all, Xu Ke's background was a complete blank slate. But now, he finally understood why Wong Qifu had taken an interest in him.

Wong Qifu had no shortage of martial artists or business talents; one could say her retinue was full of capable people. However, someone with Xu Ke's earth-shattering medical skills was unheard of, not just in the Wang Family but in any other family. That point alone was reason enough for Wong Qifu to choose Xu Ke. With a treasure like him, the Wang Family had just shored up a massive shortcoming. Zhou Qingzhi had to admit, Wong Qifu was incredibly discerning.

Not only were Xu Ke's medical skills extraordinary, but he also came from a clean background. This meant he wouldn't get dragged into the internal strife and scheming so common among the major families—conflicts that were numerous and terribly frustrating. Furthermore, Xu Ke himself was humble and courteous. He possessed exceptional skills yet wasn't ostentatious, and he had a maturity far beyond his peers.

Zhou Qingzhi asked himself. If I possessed medical skills that could bring the dead back to life, I'd probably walk with a swagger.

Thinking of this, he felt a deep sense of regret. Why didn't I meet Xu Ke first? If I had, I would definitely have my daughter engaged to him. What a pity...

"Doctor Xu, you're full of surprises! You've hidden your talents well!" Ouyang Hao exclaimed with a clap of his hands. He felt even more fortunate now, and even a bit proud. I just spoke up for Xu Ke; surely, that must have left a good impression on him.

Xu Ke smiled. "Patriarch Ouyang, my apologies. I didn't mean to conceal it..."

"Doctor Xu, you don't need to apologize! We're the ones who should be sorry," Zhou Xiuyun said hurriedly. "The situation was urgent, and you never had a chance to reveal your identity."

Zhou Qingzhi cupped his fists. "We have offended you, Doctor Xu..."

Just as Xu Ke was about to speak, Zhou Hongsheng interjected. He spoke with a solemn expression, "Alright, Doctor Xu. There's no need to explain to them. Just have them leave."

"We'll be on our way, then," Zhou Qingzhi said, quickly leading the others out.

As they left, Duan Chongfeng cast an appreciative glance at Xu Ke. Wang Qiya, meanwhile, was visibly excited and gave Xu Ke a surreptitious thumbs-up. If the family finds out about this, they'll surely look at my brother-in-law with new eyes!

Only Zhou Yi Yi's face remained frozen in an expression of disbelief.

After everyone had departed, Zhou Hongsheng finally turned to Xu Ke, his voice filled with excitement. "Doctor Xu, are you really the one who cured Chongfeng?"

There had been too many people before, and he hadn't wanted to lose his composure in front of his children and granddaughter. But now, with only Xu Ke and a nearby bodyguard present, Zhou Hongsheng let his reservations go.

Xu Ke nodded, steadying the old man. "Yes, I was the one who cured Brother Duan's illness."

"Then may I be so bold as to ask you something?" Zhou Hongsheng's lips trembled slightly.

Xu Ke smiled. "Of course, please ask. I'll answer anything I can."

"Have you ever met the Medical Saint?" Zhou Hongsheng asked, his words hanging in the air.

The question was startling. Xu Ke was astonished. "How did you know?" In all his time in Tianhai, this was the first time anyone had mentioned his master's title.

"I heard from Chongfeng about your techniques," Zhou Hongsheng explained. "He said they are very similar to the Medical Saint's."

Xu Ke suddenly understood. So that's how! But then a new question struck him. "Does that mean you've seen the Medical Saint's techniques before?"

"I have," Zhou Hongsheng said with a nod. "To be honest, my medical skills were taught to me by the Medical Saint himself."

Xu Ke was taken aback. Could Elder Master Zhou be my senior brother?! Why did Master never mention this?

Zhou Hongsheng continued, "In the past, I was a Barefoot Doctor, traveling around to treat illnesses. One day, I found him, injured and unconscious. I treated him, and to my surprise, he taught me medicine while he was recovering. That is why the Zhou Family is what it is today. After that incident, I made inquiries and discovered that the man I had met was the Medical Saint! Unfortunately, I always wished to formally become his student, but he always refused."

Xu Ke finally understood completely. "I see." He never expected his master to have a connection with Zhou Hongsheng. No wonder Zhou Hongsheng could deduce Xu Ke's relationship with the Medical Saint from Duan Chongfeng's description. A thought also crossed Xu Ke's mind... I wonder what happened to Master all those years ago to leave him so injured he fell unconscious.

At that moment, Zhou Hongsheng asked, "Doctor Xu, was the Medical Saint well the last time you saw him?"

Xu Ke paused for a moment before nodding. "He was very well."

Zhou Hongsheng pressed on. "Then... may I ask, are you his disciple?"

"Yes," Xu Ke replied frankly. He didn't deny it. Since Zhou Hongsheng knew he used the Medical Saint's techniques, he must have already guessed the truth.

Hearing this, Zhou Hongsheng sighed, his expression a mixture of admiration and envy. As he had suspected, Xu Ke was the Medical Saint's disciple. Something he had sought his entire life but could not obtain, another had achieved. Zhou Hongsheng felt a pang of melancholy.

Xu Ke remained silent.

After a moment, Zhou Hongsheng broke the silence with a philosophical smile. "Perhaps this is karma. I saved the Medical Saint in my youth, and now in my old age, I am to be saved by his disciple. I must now trouble you with my treatment. Doctor Xu, rest assured, I will engrave this great kindness upon my heart."

"Of course, no problem," Xu Ke replied with a smile. He then looked at Zhou Hongsheng's hand.

At that moment, the Ruby Ring had grown strangely brighter, almost dazzlingly so. Xu Ke took a deep breath. It seems a ring with Dragon Essence exhibits this phenomenon in the presence of someone who has practiced the Heaven-Defying Fate Change Technique.

That's right. The ring on Zhou Hongsheng's hand possessed Dragon Essence, just like the one Wong Qifu had given him. Xu Ke had spotted it the moment he entered the room. At first, he thought he was mistaken, but upon closer observation, he confirmed it. This was the very Dragon Essence Ring he had been seeking to help him achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation. A wave of elation washed over him. With this ring, I can surely break through to the Innate Middle Stage!

"Elder Master Zhou, I'd like to discuss the cause of your illness first," Xu Ke said after a moment of thought, pulling a chair to the bedside.

"Please, go ahead," Zhou Hongsheng said, his tone like that of a student eager to learn from a teacher. To this day, he still had no idea what was actually wrong with his body.

"The primary cause of your body's problem is this," Xu Ke said, pointing at the Ruby Ring. "I believe you already know that."

Zhou Hongsheng nodded. The reason he chose to trust Xu Ke was that everything the young man had said so far had hit the mark. It was true; his body had started failing after he had taken an object from a tomb. But he still didn't understand. How could wearing a ring cause problems with my body? Could this really be related to feng shui and fortune-telling after all?

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