Chapter Six: Trouble Arises (Part One)
Then, as the crowd mocked him, Yan Yuanqing’s expression had already grown grave.
With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, his fingers manipulated the needles at a speed that defied the naked eye.
The technique was called the Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles because it required internal force; the practitioner had to channel inner energy into the needles, demanding rich experience, precision, and rapid execution. All thirteen needles had to be inserted simultaneously, piercing the body at once to achieve the optimal life-saving effect.
Yan Yuanqing chose this method because the condition of stagnant blood could only be treated in this way; any other approach would only cause the vital energy and blood to scatter chaotically.
As the silver needles fell together, they instantly blocked the rampaging qi and blood, guiding it smoothly.
Once Yan Yuanqing finished his needlework, even Lian Yixian relaxed, and everyone present was left dumbfounded, gazing at him in disbelief.
That speed and technique—surely, it was the Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles!
“A genius, truly a genius!” someone among the guests exclaimed, and the hall was filled with astonishment.
Even Yao Xinghuai and Shi Tianhe looked at each other in surprise. They had never expected to witness the Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles again under such circumstances.
Their hearts were shaken to the core.
Yet, at the same time, several pairs of eyes in the hall remained fixed on Yan Yuanqing.
“A mere useless wretch, and he knows the Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles?”
...
“Tianle, it seems our glory at Grandfather’s birthday banquet has been stolen today!”
“Hmph! That worthless thing will have his reckoning soon enough!”
Meanwhile, a stream of scripture flooded into Yan Yuanqing’s mind, making his head suddenly swell. Abruptly, he saw an image of a silver needle appear in his mind.
“The Divine Taiyi Needle?”
Yan Yuanqing was overjoyed.
He knew that by saving lives this time, he had surely received another reward from the Dragon Pattern Jade Pendant!
Shi Tianhe’s birthday banquet was a great success, and news of Lian Yixian’s hidden illness being cured spread throughout Cangzhou City.
Coincidentally, Fan Yongfeng, who had been away seeking medical advice, returned to Cangzhou and heard of the matter, prompting him to inquire.
“You mean Lian Yixian’s illness was truly cured after visiting the Shi family?”
His subordinate replied respectfully, “Yes, Chairman, everyone in Cangzhou knows about it!”
Hearing this, Fan Yongfeng smiled with delight.
“After all these years searching, it turns out the remedy was right under our noses!”
“Go, pass on my orders—invite the Shi family patriarch to the manor for consultation!”
“Yes, sir!”
Meanwhile,
The Shi residence was bustling when the steward suddenly reported, “Master Shi, someone from Jingtong Group requests an audience!”
Shi Tianhe’s face darkened at the news.
Jingtong Group!?
“Let them in!”
It was the foremost enterprise in Cangzhou, with formidable financial resources! Yet Shi Tianhe had another reason to meet them: Fan Yongfeng possessed connections to the capital. He had learned of this relationship during his time as the provincial governor.
Having ties to the capital meant that the Fan family’s ancestors were likely linked to higher authorities.
Therefore, by any measure, it would not be wise for the Shi family to offend the Fan family!
Entering the central hall, the envoy sent by Fan Yongfeng greeted him.
“Master Shi, has your health been well lately?!”
Shi Tianhe replied with a smile, “Let’s dispense with the formalities—speak your purpose directly!”
Fan Xin nodded. “Chairman Fan heard that the Lian family head suffered a relapse of his hidden illness at the birthday banquet but was saved by a great expert! He’s now full of vitality—how wonderful!”
He frowned.
“Unfortunately, Chairman Fan’s daughter suffers from the same hidden illness as the Lian family head. So today, we specifically visit you, humbly requesting your aid. The fee will be whatever you ask!”
At this, Shi Xueyi sneered, “Too bad that great expert isn’t here!”
Unfortunately, Fan Xin heard her, his eyes filled with doubt.
“Could it be that someone else cured the Lian family head?”
Shi Xueyi was startled and hurried to explain.
“No, no, not at all!”
She knew all too well how much her grandfather cared about his reputation.
Thus, compelled by circumstance and pride, Shi Tianhe was reluctantly escorted out of the Shi residence.
Shi Yurou, worried that her grandfather might not know the Thirteen Ghost Gate Needles and something might go wrong, decided to follow along, hoping to observe the situation closely so she could inform Yan Yuanqing afterward.