Chapter 142: Entering the Manor, Treating the Wound

The ox cart, escorted by a large contingent of the Yin Yue Wei, arrived back at the Wei Family Residence in grand procession.

"Mother, come down now," Wei Zian said, helping his mother descend from the carriage.

Mother and son stood before the imposing gates of the Wei Family Residence, a sense of disbelief washing over them—as if they’d stepped out of a nightmare and into a long-forgotten dream.

The past days had been a blur of relentless flight and narrow escapes. They had danced too close to death on more than one occasion. Now, after everything, to return safely… it was more than relief—it was overwhelming.

"An Er, come here," Wei Fu Ren said, taking Wei Zian’s hand. Together, they knelt before Ma Gu and Lu Qing.

"Thank you, Master Ma, and Master Lu, for risking your lives to save us. Thanks to you, my son and I have been granted a second chance to return home."

Wei Fu Ren bowed deeply. Wei Zian didn’t hesitate—he dropped to his knees and banged his forehead against the ground three times.

"The Lady of the Wei Family, please don’t—!" Lu Qing and Ma Gu hurried forward, trying to lift them up.

At that moment, Wei Xinghe and Wei Da Zong Guan exchanged glances. A sudden understanding dawned on them. That was why the mother and son had survived—thanks to Lu Qing and the others.

"Thank you, young master, for saving my wife and son," Wei Xinghe said, bowing deeply to Lu Qing.

"Dad," Wei Zian added quickly, "those first few days… if it weren’t for Master Ma’s protection, I’d never have seen you again!"

"Master?" Wei Xinghe blinked, surprised.

"Yes," Wei Fu Ren nodded. "While we were hiding in the mountains, fleeing those villains, I had An Er formally take Master Ma as his teacher. And when we escaped through the secret passage, it was Master Ma who stepped forward and led us to safety. Only because of him did we survive."

Wei Xinghe nodded, accepting the explanation without doubt. He turned to Ma Gu and bowed again. "Thank you, Master Ma, for risking your life to save us."

Ma Gu, taken aback by the head of the Wei Family bowing so deeply before him, felt flustered. "No, no, please—don’t! I was merely acting on the request of the Yin Yue Wei elders. I didn’t do much. It was their courage and sacrifice that gave us a chance to escape."

"Master," Wei Fu Ren asked softly, "did Pang Huhui and the others return?"

"No," Wei Xinghe replied, shaking his head.

Wei Fu Ren’s expression darkened. She knew—those few warriors had likely not survived.

"Master," she pleaded, "An Er and I made it back alive, thanks to them. Please, treat their families with kindness."

"Of course," Wei Xinghe said firmly. "This time, the family has suffered greatly. Every servant and guard who stood by us, who did not abandon the estate, will be rewarded handsomely."

He spoke not just to his wife, but to the entire group of Yin Yue Wei present. His words were clear, and the effect was immediate.

Though their faces remained tense, the men’s eyes betrayed a flicker of hope.

"Enough," Wei Shanhai said. "Let’s go inside. It’s improper to keep our honored guests waiting."

Wei Fu Ren reached for Xiao Yan’s hand. "Xiao Yan, would you like to come with Auntie and enter the manor?"

Xiao Yan, eyes wide with curiosity, had been staring at the grand gates. She glanced at her brother for permission. Once he nodded, she beamed. "Yes!"

Lu Qing handed the ox’s reins to a servant. "Old man, this large ox carried us all the way from the countryside. It’s done a great deal of work. Please take good care of it."

"Of course!" the old servant replied. "We feed our animals only the finest hay and grain. Don’t worry, little master."

Inside the manor, after clearing the courtyard of servants and guests, Old Doctor finally removed his Doubli.

"Chen Laodaifu! It really is you!" Wei Da Zong Guan exclaimed in delight.

"Da Zong Guan, long time no see," Old Doctor smiled.

"Master," Wei Da Zong Guan turned to Wei Xinghe, "this is the very same Chen Laodaifu who treated the young master last time. And this is Lu Qing—my student, the one I told you about."

Wei Xinghe’s eyes widened. He now understood their connection to the family.

But more than that—he was shaken.

Previously, he’d believed Old Doctor to be only a Nei Fu Jing cultivator, and Lu Qing merely a promising Jin Gu Jing youth. But now, standing before him, was a Xian Tian Jing so powerful that even Wang Cangyi had backed down, and a prodigy who had defeated a Nei Fu Jing Wan Man Wu Dao Zong Shi with nothing but his own Jin Gu Jing cultivation.

The gap between what he’d thought and what he now saw was staggering.

"Ah, so you are Chen Laodaifu and your esteemed disciple. Then my debt to you grows even deeper," Wei Xinghe said, forcing calm into his voice.

"We did only what any healer must do," Old Doctor waved it off. "The Wei Family need not burden yourselves with gratitude."

After a few more pleasantries, Wei Fu Ren seized the moment.

"Ancestor," she said, "Master Chen came to County Town not just for the journey, but to see if he could treat your Heart Meridian sword wound. How are you feeling now?"

"How do you know I have a sword wound in my Heart Meridian?" Wei Shanhai asked, startled.

No one outside the family knew of that injury. Not even a Nei Fu Jing cultivator could detect it. And yet, here was a man from a remote village, claiming to know.

"Zhi Rui Ge Xia informed us," Old Doctor explained. "He visited Jiu Li Village just two days ago. It was from him that I learned of your grave condition."

"Zhi Rui Ge Xia…?" Wei Shanhai’s eyes widened. "So it was him who helped me all along."

Now it made sense. If he had been the one to send word, then yes—his ability to perceive such wounds was understandable. After all, those from Tian Ji Lou were always enigmatic, blessed with powers beyond ordinary cultivators.

"Old Doctor," Wei Shanhai said, "if you are willing, I would be honored to let you treat me."

"Of course!" he added quickly. "I’ve been suffering for months. If I don’t expel the Sword Qi from my Heart Meridian, I have less than a year to live."

As a Xian Tian Jing, his natural lifespan was three hundred years. To die at only a hundred and something… was unthinkable.

But removing Sword Qi from the Heart Meridian required another trusted Xian Tian Jing to assist. And in the remote Cang County, where could he find such a person?

He’d given up hope—until now.

And now, with Old Doctor standing before him, he knew he could trust him. Not only was the man famed across the county for his healing skill and compassion, but he had already proven his loyalty by repelling Wang Cangyi in the family’s defense.

Old Doctor was serious about healing. Time was precious.

Seeing Wei Shanhai’s willingness, he immediately proposed beginning treatment.

Wei Shanhai hesitated—after all, the man was a guest. It wasn’t right to demand treatment the moment he arrived.

But Old Doctor insisted. And so did Wei Shanhai. He wanted to recover as soon as possible.

Finally, they chose a Jing Shi room for the procedure.

"Xiao Yan, would you like to come with Auntie? We’ll go eat something delicious," Wei Fu Ren said, gently taking the girl’s hand.

Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up. She looked to her brother for approval.

Lu Qing, who had intended to help Master in the healing ritual, paused. Then he nodded.

"Yes, but no mischief, okay? Don’t cause trouble for The Lady of the Wei Family."

"Of course not!" Wei Fu Ren assured. "Xiao Yan is very good, isn’t she?"

"Yup! I’ll be super good, Brother!" Xiao Yan promised, nodding rapidly.

"And bring Xiao Li too," Lu Qing said, pulling a small black shape from the bamboo basket on his back.

It was Xiao Li.

For days, the little creature had been hidden inside the basket—because a Xian Tian Jing could easily detect its invisibility ability. This time, Lu Qing had instructed Xiao Li not to use its power. Instead, it would remain safely concealed within the dense bamboo weave.

Xian Tian Jing senses were sharp, but they couldn’t see through solid matter.

Xiao Li was safe, unnoticed.

"Xiao Li!" Xiao Yan hugged the small creature, beaming with joy.

She hadn’t played with it in days, ever since it had to stay hidden. Now, seeing it again—she was over the moon.

"Awooo~" Xiao Li nuzzled her cheek affectionately.

"Who’s this?" Wei Fu Ren asked, surprised.

Wei Zian stared, mouth agape.

"This is Xiao Li," Lu Qing said. "Xiao Yan’s companion. Auntie, please bring some food for her too. She likes fish—fresh, live fish is best."

"Xiao Li…?" Wei Fu Ren murmured, thoughtful.

Then it clicked.

She remembered the moment Lu Qing had spoken of that one man, the one he faced—his voice had been calm, almost… protective.

Now, looking at Xiao Li, her expression changed.

To make Lu Qing say such a thing… this little creature was far more than just a harmless pet.

Ma Gu, watching Xiao Li in Xiao Yan’s arms, looked utterly stunned.

For so long, he’d imagined Lu Qing’s mysterious companion as something terrifying—something that could rip out a man’s heart with a single claw. But this… this tiny, harmless-looking black creature?

It was hard to reconcile.

"How peculiar," Wei Shanhai said, watching them head toward the back garden. "There’s something… unusual about that little beast."

"Indeed," Old Doctor chuckled. "A Qing found it in the mountains a few days ago. It’s quite intelligent."

"Your disciple truly has great fortune," Wei Shanhai said. "Even his little pet is extraordinary."

As they chatted, they reached the Jing Shi.

Lu Qing, as Master’s assistant, remained. Wei Xinghe, as family head, stayed to lend support.

So the four—Old Doctor, Lu Qing, Wei Shanhai, and Wei Xinghe—were left inside.

"Old Doctor," Wei Shanhai said, settling into a meditative posture. "I’ll allow you to examine my Heart Meridian. Please tell me how severe the injury is."

"Of course," Old Doctor replied. "I’ll need you to lower your defenses completely."

Wei Shanhai nodded. He let his protective Qi fade away.

Old Doctor gave a slight nod. Then, gently, he placed his hand on Wei Shanhai’s chest.

A soft, water-elemental Xian Tian Qi seeped into his body.

This moment was perilous. With his defenses down, a single malicious thought from Old Doctor could shatter his Heart Meridian instantly.

But Wei Shanhai trusted him. He had no choice.

As Old Doctor examined the wound, Lu Qing activated his Abilities, monitoring Wei Shanhai’s condition in real time.

In his vision, a faint golden glow appeared around Wei Shanhai.

【Wei Shanhai: Ancestor of the Wei Family. Honest, bold, deeply devoted to his clan.】

【Cultivation: Xian Tian Early Stage Peak, Fire-elemental Xian Tian Qi.】

【Master of several Secret Techniques, especially skilled in swordplay. Once learned Yin Yue Zhan Zhen from a treasure, reviving the family’s legacy.】

【Once close friends with Wang Cangyi. Bond broken due to conflicting personalities and a dispute over treasure.】

【Ambushed by Wang Cangyi, struck in the Heart Meridian with a Xian Tian Sword Qi. Wound is fatal and nearly incurable.】

Lu Qing nodded. The Cloth-Clothed Youth had told the truth. Wei Shanhai’s injury was indeed severe.

Old Doctor didn’t take long. After a few moments, he withdrew his Qi.

"Well?" Wei Shanhai asked, eager. "Can you heal me?"

Wei Xinghe watched, heart pounding.

Old Doctor paused. "The healing itself is not difficult. But the process will be painful. You’ll need to endure it."

"Ha!" Wei Shanhai laughed. "I’ve lived over a century. I’ve faced swords, fire, and frost. I won’t flinch at a little pain. Proceed, Doctor."

"Then I won’t hesitate," Old Doctor said, straightening up. "A Qing, you’ll handle the needles. I must use my Qi to protect the Heart Meridian. Wei Ancestor, please remove your top."

"Yes, Master."

Lu Qing opened his Zhen Nang. Wei Shanhai unbuttoned his robe, revealing a jagged, horrifying scar across his chest—the mark of the Sword Qi.

Wei Xinghe’s eyes widened.

He knew his Ancestor had been injured. But he hadn’t realized it was this bad.

At that moment, Wei Shanhai had been hanging by a thread.

How much pain had he endured to escape Wang Cangyi?

Wei Xinghe’s hatred for the man deepened.

"A Qing, I’ll call the points," Old Doctor said, hand pressing firmly on Wei Shanhai’s chest.

"Understood."

"Shen Men, Nei Guan, Tan Zhong…" The names rang out one by one.

Lu Qing’s hands moved with precision, driving silver needles into each point without error.

As the needles sank in, Wei Shanhai felt the Sword Qi within his Heart Meridian stir. Trapped by the needles, it writhed, pressing against his nerves, making him wince.

But then—warm, soothing Qi enveloped his chest.

A gentle, cool presence shielded his Heart Meridian, bringing instant relief.

When the final needle was placed, the Sword Qi—once buried deep—was forced out, gathering into a single, pulsating mass.

But that was its most dangerous state. The concentrated Xian Tian Sword Qi strained against his body, threatening to burst his Heart Meridian.

Just then, the protective Qi surged inward—thick, sticky, like a net.

It wrapped tightly around the Sword Qi and pulled.

Wei Shanhai felt a sharp pain in his chest—then, a wave of overwhelming relief.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end