Chapter Twenty-Eight: Master and Disciple United in Purpose

In the end, Yuan Hongyu finally agreed to accompany Yan Yuanqing. The two quickly arrived at the upper floors of the main building of the Central Hospital, where one floor was packed with people. Even from a distance, it seemed one could hear them discussing something.

And it was all about the same thing.

"Have you heard? There's a local Zhao Family Traditional Medicine Hall here in Cangzhou, and I heard their current head plans to challenge the famed Physician Yuan Hongyu, who's been making waves here lately. Who do you think will win?"

"Of course I've heard! It's a once-in-a-lifetime event—who would want to miss it?"

"But Physician Yuan's reputation precedes him. I'm afraid the Zhao Family's chances don't look good."

"Come on, can't we have a little faith in our local doctors? If they're daring to challenge him, they've surely made special preparations. I expect some real drama today!"

"Look, they're here! That's Physician Yuan from Liangzhou! I've seen his interview on TV."

Yan Yuanqing and Yuan Hongyu stepped into the corridor, immediately spotting the Zhao Family representatives already waiting outside the patient’s room.

"The patient is inside. Next, each of us will receive a complete examination report. Then, we'll draw lots to decide who enters first."

"Each person will have thirty minutes to diagnose and treat, then write out their diagnostic results. Finally, a vote will be held by the senior staff of the Central Hospital."

"For fairness, I've also contacted the directors of several nearby hospitals—they've agreed to participate. Well, is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

Hearing the words of the Zhao Family elder, Yan Yuanqing became even more certain that their preparations were far more thorough than he'd previously imagined.

As for the other hospital directors, Yan Yuanqing vaguely suspected that there might be hidden dealings or secrets between them and the elder. Still, before anything began, Yan Yuanqing would not jump to conclusions. If any shady business did occur, he would not let them off easily.

"Very well, it's settled."

A nurse brought over a cup filled with bamboo sticks. The two drew one each.

The result: the Zhao Family elder would enter first.

"Please."

"Haha, then I'll go ahead!"

"We'll meet again soon!"

Watching the Zhao Family elder enter the room, Yan Yuanqing quietly exchanged a few words with Yuan Hongyu, then left the corridor. No one knew where he went or what he was doing.

Half an hour quickly passed.

Yan Yuanqing returned, as if perfectly timing his arrival, just minutes before the elder emerged. The surrounding crowd paid him little mind, assuming he was simply Yuan Hongyu’s assistant, sent out to handle some errands.

The Zhao Family elder strode out of the room in high spirits, his demeanor showing no sign of fatigue. With a confident air, he seemed already convinced of his victory.

"Physician Yuan, please!"

The elder made an exaggerated gesture of courtesy.

Yuan Hongyu showed no hesitation, entering the patient’s room directly. He was determined to win this contest.

Moreover, Yuan Hongyu appeared more confident than ever before. Just before entering, Yan Yuanqing had imparted some last-minute techniques, including—most thrilling of all—the Taiyi Divine Needle.

Had it not been for Yan Yuanqing's repeated reminders and his own caution not to give himself away, Yuan Hongyu might have already leapt for joy before entering the room.

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he would one day have the chance to use the Taiyi Divine Needle, that legendary instrument!