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Chapter 42: Heir of the Medical Saint!
"Oh? I'm surprised someone of your age has heard my name,"
Duanmu Qingshan, somewhat surprised, couldn't resist casting a few more glances at Yue Yunlan.
After being manipulated by the sect over a decade ago and confined to Little Bamboo Peak, his name, the godlike physician Duanmu, was gradually forgotten within the Tianbai Empire.
Surprisingly, even today, people still come here seeking him under the name of the godlike physician Duanmu.
"Tsk, with our Cangqiong Sect's extensive network, finding information about a physician with Daoist medical skills is a simple task, not just within the Tianbai Empire but throughout the entire Dongling Region."
Qiao Qiao wore a triumphant smile on her face.
"Cangqiong Sect?" Duanmu Qingshan's expression subtly shifted. "Are you from the Cangqiong Sect?"
"Hmph, my young miss is the young lady of the Cangqiong Sect!" Qiao Qiao proclaimed with pride.
Hiss! Duanmu Qingshan inhaled sharply, casting a bewildered look at Ling Feng.
My disciple is truly remarkable; he even knows the young lady of the Cangqiong Sect!
"Qiao Qiao, why are you so chatty?" Yue Yunlan's eyebrows furrowed as she shot Qiao Qiao a disapproving look. She then turned to Duanmu Qingshan and said, "Qiao Qiao is still young and doesn't quite grasp proper etiquette. I hope you won't mind, senior."
"Of course not," Duanmu Qingshan cleared his throat. Originally, he had thought of saying "I dare not," but in the presence of his disciple, he chose a more neutral response.
Internally, Duanmu Qingshan couldn't help but blame Ling Feng. Why hadn't he disclosed Yue Yunlan's identity earlier? Just moments ago, Duanmu had presented himself with the demeanor of a senior expert. Now, the abrupt shift to a more humble stance felt somewhat awkward!
Observing Duanmu Qingshan's face turn bright red, Ling Feng promptly approached, gently laying his hand on Duanmu Qingshan's pulse, and inquired, "Master, what's happening? Is the sword qi acting up again?"
"I'm fine!"
Brushing off Ling Feng, Duanmu Qingshan's face twisted in embarrassment. He wanted to kick Ling Feng's backside a couple of times to vent his frustration.
Giggles... Qiao Qiao secretly laughed on the side, both amused and slightly taken aback. She wondered why Ling Feng, upon learning that Yue Yunlan was the young lady of the Cangqiong Sect, didn't display even a hint of astonishment. He didn't seem to be the type to flatter or fawn over others like everyone else.
It's understandable. Before becoming a member of the Wenxian Sect, Ling Feng had no knowledge of the sect hierarchy and didn't grasp the significance of Cangqiong Sect. Therefore, it's not surprising that he didn't react with shock.
Furthermore, while Ling Feng had a faint awareness that Yue Yunlan undoubtedly had a significant background, he never entertained the idea of gaining any advantages from her. Therefore, why would he bother ingratiating himself or seeking her approval?
Perhaps it was indeed Ling Feng's atypical demeanor that led to her having a slight liking for him, rather than the rejection she directed towards Yun Zheng.
After taking a moment to observe Yue Yunlan, Duanmu Qingshan spoke slowly, "Miss Yue, I've noticed your healthy complexion and abundant vitality. You don't seem to be unwell. What brings you to me all of a sudden?"
"Who told you our young miss is unwell?" Qiao Qiao immediately interrupted, "We are here on behalf of..."
"Qiao Qiao!" Yue Yunlan hastily grabbed Qiao Qiao, shaking her head at her.
The status of the Cangqiong Sect's sect leader was incredibly prestigious. Within the Tianbai Empire, they were second only to one and superior to all others!
It could be said that, as the divine guardian sect, the leader of the Cangqiong Sect was tasked with suppressing the adversity within the Empire.
Hence, if the sect leader of the Cangqiong Sect was afflicted with a peculiar illness, this was a matter that must not be casually revealed.
Otherwise, unrest might prevail both in the empire and among the public.
Sticking out her tongue, Qiao Qiao, known for her straightforwardness and impulsive speech, quickly retreated to the side, refraining from further comments.
"Senior Duanmu, the reason for my visit is to extend an invitation for you to visit the Cangqiong Sect. I hope you can temporarily leave seclusion to treat an illness for one of my relatives."
"Leave seclusion?" Duanmu Qingshan chuckled bitterly. The restrictive array at Little Bamboo Peak was specifically set up for him. Unless he broke through on his own and shattered the array, he could never leave the confines of Little Bamboo Peak.
Perhaps the sect leader of the Cangqiong Sect possesses extraordinary abilities. However, for someone of such stature, would they really step in on his behalf?
"What's wrong?" Yue Yunlan blinked, asking, "Senior, do you have any difficulties?"
"Forget about it, forget about it," Duanmu Qingshan waved his hand, then continued, "Even though I can't personally treat Miss Yue's relative, my disciple surpasses me by leaps and bounds in medical skills! I'm confident that with his expertise, he can cure any peculiar ailment, regardless of its nature."
"Mr Ling?" Yue Yunlan's gaze shifted to Ling Feng, displaying a hint of disbelief.
Considering Ling Feng's age, how could his medical skills possibly surpass those of the renowned goldlike physician Duanmu by a hundredfold?
Qiao Qiao, on the other hand, was more straightforward. She huffed and commented, "Come on, old man Duanmu, if you're not willing to lend a hand, there's no need to bring out your disciple, right?"
"Qiao Qiao, show some respect!" Yue Yunlan quickly stepped in.
Duanmu Qingshan shook his head. "I am certainly not using Feng'er. His medical skills far surpass mine."
While speaking, Duanmu Qingshan chuckled ironically. "I'm not just Feng'er's master; I'm also his patient. I can't heal my own injuries, but he can. Doesn't that speak volumes?"
"Is... is that really true?" Yue Yunlan was initially surprised, then overwhelmed with joy.
If his medical skill surpasses even godlike physician Duanmu's, there's hope for my father!
"Every word is true." Duanmu Qingshan took a sip from the wine flask before continuing. "Since Miss Yue heard of me, you've likely heard of Ling Hanyang, the medical saint whose fame echoed throughout the entire Dongling Region more than twenty years ago, right?"
Yue Yunlan gave a slight nod. "Ling Hanyang, the Medical Saint, was truly unparalleled in the history of physicians. Unfortunately, he has already passed away."
"Wait a moment..." Yue Yunlan's eyes flickered with sudden realization. "Ling Hanyang, Ling Feng... You share the surname "Ling." Could it be that you're the heir of the Medical Saint?"
"Ling Hanyang is my grandfather," nodded Ling Feng. While he wasn't inclined to exploit his grandfather's fame, the undeniable truth remained: the identity of being the medical saint's heir held more convincing power than mere words.
"That's fantastic, absolutely fantastic!" Yue Yunlan had never felt this thrilled before. It was an unexpected delight!
In her heart, she silently celebrated the fortunate accident of rescuing Ling Feng in the past. Otherwise, wouldn't she have missed out on meeting this heir of the medical saint?
"Miss Yue," Ling Feng bowed respectfully, addressing Yue Yunlan with measured words. "I can treat your relative, but I ask for a wait of around two months. Firstly, I must attend to my master's hidden injuries. Secondly, I have a prior commitment with another senior who might seek my help within this timeframe."
"With a person's word being their bond, once uttered, I, Ling Feng, shall stand by it without fail. I hope Miss Yue can kindly wait for about two months."
"Two months?" After a brief pause for consideration, Yue Yunlan finally nodded. "Very well, two months it is."
Given her father's level of cultivation, the peculiar illness wouldn't pose an immediate threat to his life. Two months wouldn't be too long of a wait.
"After two months, I'll come back. Mr Ling, Senior Duanmu, I have some matters to attend to, so I won't overstay my welcome. Farewell!"
Yue Yunlan gave Ling Feng a deep look and then motioned to Qiao Qiao by her side. "Qiao Qiao, let's go!"
Ling Feng calmly stated, "Allow me to accompany the two ladies down the mountain."
"Alright." Yue Yunlan nodded, showing no objection. "That would be good."