Alimu's expression was similarly a bit gloomy as his icy gaze fixed on Shen Qing.
"Shen Qing, you certainly have a lot of nerve."
"I have practiced medicine in Miaojiang for decades without a single issue, and I am a legitimate descendant of the shamanic medical lineage. How dare you question me like this?" Alimu said coldly.
Hah!
Facing the two men, a sneer crossed Shen Qing's face. He said with disdain, "You might be able to fool others with tricks like that, but did you really think you could fool me?"
"The rune you just drew on Elder Jiang is not a treatment at all; it merely stimulates his life force."
"A method like that creates the illusion of physical improvement, but in reality, it achieves nothing."
What?
This statement came like a bolt from the blue.
Jiang Wenmao immediately looked over at Alimu. "Doctor Alimu, is this true?"
A flash of panic crossed Alimu's eyes, and his expression toward Shen Qing instantly changed.
"Nonsense!"
"You are simply slandering me. What gives a mere layman like you the right to point fingers and claim my runes are fake?" Alimu barked.
Yang Ping chimed in, "Miracle Doctor Alimu is entirely right."
"Shen Qing, you are just an outsider. To dare question Miracle Doctor Alimu's shamanic runes—you are out of your mind."
The corners of Shen Qing's mouth curved into a smile. "Who says I don't understand shamanic runes?"
"As it happens, when I was studying under my teacher, I picked up quite a bit."
Shen Qing looked at Jiang Wenmao. "Elder Jiang, let me show you what true shamanic runes look like."
"You understand shamanic medicine as well?" Jiang Wenmao was quite surprised, then nodded. "Very well."
"Wait."
Alimu immediately intervened. "Elder Jiang, shamanic runes carry certain risks. Letting an outsider treat you like this could lead to any number of accidents."
Jiang Wenmao paused in brief contemplation, his gaze shifting back and forth between Alimu and Shen Qing as he weighed whom to trust.
After just a moment, Jiang Wenmao said, "Young friend Shen, please begin."
"Right!"
"I won't let Elder Jiang down." Confidence shone on Shen Qing's face.
He walked straight up to Jiang Wenmao. Alimu's expression turned decidedly ugly at this sight.
Alarmed and enraged, Yang Ping wanted to dissuade him, but before he could speak, Jiang Wenmao cut him off.
"Enough. I have already decided to let young friend Shen treat me."
"It won't take long anyway; we will see who is genuine and who is a fraud at a glance," Jiang Wenmao said.
Shen Qing was already prepared to begin the treatment. Taking some medicinal powder from Alimu, he began applying it to Jiang Wenmao's back.
Using his fingers as a brush and the man's back as a canvas, in the span of just a few breaths, Shen Qing drew a series of profound and mysterious runes.
Closing his eyes, Shen Qing began chanting a complex incantation.
The chant seemed to carry a certain special melody, full of mystery to the ears of those listening.
As Shen Qing chanted, the runes on Jiang Wenmao's back immediately began to shift.
Faint light radiated from the markings, and the intricate runes slowly began to transform.
"Shen Qing actually understands shamanic arts!" Yang Ping was utterly astonished, and he quickly looked at Alimu.
"Miracle Doctor Alimu, how is Shen Qing performing this technique?"
Turning his head to look, he discovered that Alimu was already struck dumb with shock.
"How is this possible? This is the Spring Rain Incantation from Miaojiang, which has been lost for ages. How does he know it?" Alimu was beyond astonished.
Shen Qing's treatment continued. The runes glowed with a faint green light, slowly seeping into Jiang Wenmao's body.
A look of comfort quickly appeared on Jiang Wenmao's face. As the final trace of green light completely dissolved, Shen Qing opened his eyes.
"The treatment is finished. Elder Jiang can get up now."
Hearing this, Jiang Wenmao stood up from the bed and moved his body slightly. An expression of wonder immediately appeared on his face.
"Such an astonishing effect! I feel much lighter, my heartbeat is strong and steady, and it even feels as though I've grown several years younger," Jiang Wenmao marveled continuously.
"Impossible!"
Yang Ping cried out with an ugly expression, disbelief written all over his face.
Shen Qing gave a playful smile. "Alimu, what do you think of my runes now?"
"I..."
Alimu stammered, unable to speak, his aged face filled with embarrassment and shame.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Shen. You are the true miracle doctor."
"I never expected you to know the lost Spring Rain Rune. I am thoroughly ashamed!" Alimu's expression was stiff.
"I am just a beginner who taught himself some basic shamanic arts. The title of miracle doctor was something I made up..."
Alimu confessed, leaving Yang Ping completely dumbfounded.
"Miracle Doctor Alimu, what on earth are you talking about?" Panicking, Yang Ping broke out in a cold sweat.
Jiang Wenmao's aged face turned gloomy. "Yang Ping, is this the miracle doctor you invited for me?"
Sweating profusely, Yang Ping hurried to explain, "Elder Jiang, I was tricked by him. My intentions were good; I had no idea he was a fraud."
"Enough!"
"If young friend Shen hadn't been here today, I would have been taken in by the two of you."
"Yang Ping, get out of my sight right now, and never show your face in front of me again," Jiang Wenmao roared angrily, having Yang Ping thrown out immediately.
It was over!
Yang Ping's face turned ashen. Having offended a heavyweight like Jiang Wenmao, his days in Pingjiang would likely be very difficult from now on.
"Wait."
"Yang Ping, do you remember our wager from earlier?" Shen Qing walked forward with a smile.
Hearing this, Yang Ping gritted his teeth, looking at Shen Qing with intense anger and resentment.
"Fine, five million it is. I'll give it to you."
Yang Ping's heart bled as he gritted his teeth. Five million was no small sum, especially after having offended Jiang Wenmao today, which made him wish he could skin Shen Qing alive and drink his blood.
Reluctantly, Yang Ping transferred five million to Shen Qing, and then he and Alimu slunk away in disgrace.
"Thank you for stepping in to help earlier, young friend Shen, or this old man would have been completely taken advantage of," Jiang Wenmao said gratefully.
Shen Qing smiled slightly. "Elder Jiang, what are you saying? It was just a small favor."
"Hahaha!"
"Young friend Shen possesses such skill at such a young age; your future boundless prospects are guaranteed."
"I'll have the kitchen prepare lunch right away. Young friend Shen must stay and share a simple meal with me," Jiang Wenmao laughed heartily, his gaze filled with admiration as he looked at Shen Qing.
"Since Elder Jiang extends such a warm invitation, I won't stand on ceremony." Shen Qing gave a slight nod.
...
Two hours later, Shen Qing and Xiao Yuyan left Wenmao Villa, well-fed and satisfied.
"Junior Brother, I have some matters to attend to at my company, so I'll be heading off," Xiao Yuyan said.
Shen Qing nodded. At that moment, he received a phone call from Chen Feng.