NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: First-Rank
Chapter 20: First-Rank
Old Meng’s words left Ji Wutong slightly surprised.
She hadn’t expected this one-armed man to be a martial artist.
But his cultivation level probably wasn’t too high—otherwise, how could he have lost an arm?
And as for Old Man Li, he was likely even weaker than Old Meng.
Ji Wutong mused silently.
“Stay at the clinic tonight. I’ll have Old Man Li come over, and we’ll all have a meal together,” Lin Mu invited Old Meng with a smile.
Unlike Xianyun and Yehe, Old Meng and Old Man Li were among the few close friends Lin Mu had in Yanshan City.
The only problem was that these two always treated Lin Mu as their benefactor.
Their excessive respect in daily interactions often annoyed him.
“Then I’ll gladly accept your hospitality!”
Old Meng’s face lit up with delight, and he quickly nodded in agreement.
Just then, two more people entered the clinic.
Gu Xing immediately went to greet them.
Ji Wutong also glanced at the newcomers, a faint smirk curling her lips.
“It’s your ex-fiancée~”
“And an old nun—probably Elder Ku Die~”
Her voice was soft, audible only to Lin Mu and Old Meng.
Lin Mu didn’t react much, his expression remaining calm.
But Old Meng was instantly intrigued by the mention of a “broken engagement.” Only now did he recall that Lin Mu had once been betrothed—to a young lady from one of Yanshan City’s wealthy families, if he remembered correctly.
“What happened?”
“Divine Physician Lin, you got your engagement annulled?”
Old Meng whispered, his eyes involuntarily flicking toward Ji Wutong.
Did Lin Mu fall for another woman?
But Ji Wutong doesn’t seem like that kind of person!
“It was because of my eyes,” Lin Mu chuckled, guessing Old Meng’s misunderstanding. “And truthfully, I was also inclined to end it, so I agreed to the Gu family’s request.”
“I see!”
Old Meng nodded, though he didn’t fully believe Lin Mu’s explanation.
Knowing Lin Mu, it was possible he had wanted to break off the engagement.
But the real reason was undoubtedly the Gu family looking down on Lin Mu for his blindness.
At that thought, Old Meng snorted coldly, his gaze toward Gu Yueling and Elder Ku Die turning frosty.
“Master, this reverend says she needs to speak with you.”
Gu Xing had already led the two women over, emphasizing the word reverend to ensure Lin Mu knew who it was.
Elder Ku Die wore a polite smile, her eyes scrutinizing Lin Mu and Ji Wutong.
The one-armed Old Meng barely registered in her mind—she assumed he was just another patient.
So this blind man is Lin Hetong’s successor? He’s got a handsome face, at least.
But for Lin Hetong to choose a blind disciple… he must’ve lost his judgment in old age.
Still, this works in my favor. A blind man with limited horizons should be easy to persuade into joining Prince Qi’s faction.
And this woman… her aura is refined and unworldly, unlike someone from the Demon Sect.
Xianyun probably wasn’t lying—she really must be the daughter of an old friend here for treatment.
In just a few seconds, Elder Ku Die had formed her first impressions, growing even more confident in her mission.
Meanwhile, Gu Yueling was also studying Ji Wutong.
Compared to their first meeting at night, Ji Wutong seemed less coldly aloof in daylight, and appeared more approachable.
Yet her beauty remained just as breathtaking—enough to make any woman feel inadequate in comparison.
Her clothes look new… Did Lin Mu buy them for her?
Gu Yueling’s eyes dimmed for a fleeting moment before she composed herself.
No one noticed the shift—except Ji Wutong.
Sip~ Ah~~~
Ji Wutong smirked inwardly as she leisurely drank her tea.
Just a blind fool of a woman. Not worth my concern.
“What brings you here, Reverend?” Lin Mu asked politely, his eyes still closed.
“I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, so I hoped Divine Physician Lin could examine me.”
That much was true.
Elder Ku Die’s sleep had indeed suffered due to the Demon Sect affairs.
Lin Mu didn’t refuse. He checked her pulse briefly, then instructed Gu Xing to prepare three packets of medicine, handing them to Elder Ku Die.
The entire consultation took less than five minutes.
“Divine Physician Lin’s skills are truly miraculous!” Elder Ku Die praised, holding the medicine. “Just the scent alone makes me drowsy!”
“That’s because I added sedatives,” Lin Mu replied bluntly.
“Uh…”
Elder Ku Die’s smile froze, her grip tightening on the packets.
She wanted to lash out but couldn’t find a valid reason.
She couldn’t sleep, so he gave her sedatives.
Technically, it’s the right prescription.
Meanwhile, Old Meng burst into uproarious laughter, tears nearly streaming down his face.
“Divine Physician Lin, I bow to you!”
“This is priceless! Hahahaha!”
“Old nun, hurry back with your medicine! It will guarantee to knock you out till sunrise!”
He didn’t know why Lin Mu had treated Elder Ku Die this way, but mocking her was too fun to resist.
Yet Elder Ku Die was no ordinary person. Years of chanting Buddhist sutras had honed her patience.
Taking a deep breath, she forced another smile and said, “With skills like yours, Divine Physician Lin, staying in Yanshan City is a waste of talent.”
“Prince Qi is currently seeking exceptional individuals. If you’re willing, I could recommend you to him.”
“That way, you could carry on Lin Hetong’s legacy and elevate his medical arts to greater heights.”
“What do you say?”
The moment Elder Ku Die mentioned the former clinic master’s name, Lin Mu’s brow furrowed.
The old master had despised dealings with the imperial court. How could Lin Mu ever serve Prince Qi?
“Thank you for the offer, Reverend, but I must decline.”
“Gu Xing, see them out!”
Lin Mu had no interest in further discussion and issued the dismissal outright.
Elder Ku Die’s composure finally shattered.
“Lin Mu, don’t be ungrateful!” she snapped, her voice rising.
“Even if Lin Hetong rose from the dead, he wouldn’t dare refuse Prince Qi’s recruitment!”
“You—”
“Old Meng!!!”
Before Elder Ku Die could finish, Lin Mu cut her off with a shout.
Old Meng understood immediately. He surged to his feet and struck out with a palm.
Elder Ku Die reacted swiftly, meeting his attack with her own.
BOOM!
The collision of internal energy erupted like thunder within the clinic.
A split second later, Elder Ku Die’s body was sent flying uncontrollably—through the door and straight into the street outside.
Cough—
Blood sprayed from her lips as she stared in horror.
First-Rank!!!
This one-armed man… was a First-Rank Martial Artist!