At this moment, inside the car, Gu Yuan radiated an air of natural authority that was far more awe-inspiring than Lin Xiangyu, the so-called socialite of Tiannan City.
Although Lin Xiangyu was known as the pride of Tiannan City, her wealth amounted to only a few hundred million. In contrast, the Jiutian Group behind Gu Yuan possessed value beyond measure. Three years ago, Gu Yuan had gone to prison for Lin Xiangyu’s sake. There, he met an extraordinary figure named Lu Jinxian, became his apprentice, and mastered remarkable skills. His medical expertise, in particular, had reached a supreme level. The "Jiutian Group" he founded in secret had already become a shining star in the pharmaceutical industry. If Lin Xiangyu were to find out that the very benefactor she relied on—the Jiutian Group—was established by the ex-husband she had once looked down upon, one wondered what she would think.
On the other side, the Qian Family estate was buzzing with activity. Many wealthy families and medical experts had gathered there because the Qian Family had announced shocking news: they were holding a "Medical Matchmaking" competition. Anyone who could cure the illness of Miss Qian, Qian Ruixue, would become the son-in-law of the Qian Family. This was all because the elder master of the Qian Family had been waiting for the release of Lu Jinxian’s only direct disciple, Gu Yuan, but Qian Ruixue’s condition had deteriorated to the point where he felt forced to take this drastic measure.
Qian Rushan, the head of the Qian Family, promised publicly, "Whoever can cure my granddaughter Qian Ruixue’s illness shall be the son-in-law of my Qian Family."
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene instantly erupted. The crowd murmured and debated until someone asked to see the patient, at which point everyone went quiet. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, a stunning beauty was slowly wheeled out by a maid. Her face was haggard yet beautiful, and her fragile appearance stirred feelings of pity in those who saw her. Once a peerless beauty, she was now confined to a wheelchair, unable to stand or walk. Seeing this, many of the prominent figures present showed expressions of regret. Some attempted to take her pulse, only to be surprised by the unconventional nature of her condition.
"Strange. I have practiced medicine for many years, but I have never encountered a pulse like this!" one physician exclaimed.
Facing this beauty from one of the Four Great Families, the Qian Family, the crowd felt frustrated; despite the gathering of so many renowned doctors, no one could solve the mystery of this illness. The Qian Family, having hoped to select a son-in-law through this medical competition, seemed on the verge of falling into an awkward predicament. Just as the atmosphere grew tense, a voice broke the deadlock:
"Hmph. You so-called famous doctors are nothing more than names without substance. Based on my observation, Miss Qian is not suffering from an incurable disease, but has been afflicted by a certain toxin!"
Hearing such an accusation, the doctors of Tiannan City were all indignant. However, when they turned to look at the speaker, they saw an old man, surrounded by attendants, walking slowly toward them. Those in the crowd with sharp eyes immediately recognized him. "Chen Panyuan! It’s Chen Panyuan from Modu!"
A commotion broke out instantly. Chen Panyuan was the most famous divine doctor in Daxia, having healed countless patients without ever once failing. More uniquely, he never accepted patients for money or status unless he encountered a special situation or was treated with the utmost respect. Seeing Chen Panyuan’s arrival, the Qian Family felt their hope reignite. If he were to lend his hand, Qian Ruixue might still be saved.
Qian Rushan hurried forward to welcome him, cupping his hands and saying, "The arrival of Divine Doctor Chen brings great honor to our humble home."
Before he could finish, the old man waved his hand to interrupt. "No need for formalities. I am here at the request of the Gao Family young master. After I cure your granddaughter, I will return to Shangdu immediately."
Hearing this, the Qian family members managed a bitter smile; it was clear the Gao Family had gone to great lengths to secure a marriage alliance with the Qian Family. Although unwilling, Qian Rushan had already promised that whoever cured her illness would become his son-in-law, and he could not go back on his word. Thus, he gestured to guide Chen Panyuan forward. "Divine Doctor Chen, please."
With Chen Panyuan’s appearance, everyone else present realized they had no chance and cleared a path. As the old man placed his fingers on Qian Ruixue’s pulse, he frowned, confirming his judgment. "Just as I suspected, your granddaughter has indeed been poisoned by a rare substance, causing the meridians in her legs to become blocked, leaving her unable to walk. If not treated in time, she will become completely paralyzed."
The Qian family was shocked, and Chen Panyuan’s presence seemed to bring a turning point. Whispers spread through the crowd.
"Divine Doctor Chen is truly remarkable; he knew exactly what the problem was the moment he arrived!"
"Exactly. Since he can diagnose it, he must know how to treat it."
"It looks like the position of the Qian family son-in-law is settled—it’s destined to be the young master of the Gao Family!"
At this point, the Qian family members pleaded for his help. Chen Panyuan nodded slightly and ordered his assistant to prepare silver needles. "I only need to perform acupuncture on your granddaughter, and her condition will certainly improve."
With that, he prepared to apply needles to Qian Ruixue’s lower legs. Suddenly, a calm voice interrupted him:
"If you go through with that needle, she may never be able to stand again. You are trying to harm her."
Everyone turned to look and saw a young man in simple clothing walking over quickly. Chen Panyuan frowned and asked, "Who are you?"
The young man looked at Qian Rushan and answered with a smile, "My name is Gu Yuan."
Upon hearing this name, the crowd was stunned. Who was Gu Yuan? They had never heard of this person! Only Qian Rushan stroked his beard and smiled, saying with deep meaning, "Little Gu, you’ve finally arrived!"
Gu Yuan nodded and walked quickly to Qian Ruixue’s side, carefully observing her condition, while the two of them scrutinized each other. Could such a young Chinese medicine practitioner really have the ability?
Chen Panyuan explained with displeasure, "Cold Poison is attacking Miss Qian’s legs. I plan to needle the Yanglingquan, Ezhong, Guangming, and Shuiquan acupoints. What is wrong with that?"
Gu Yuan, however, had a different opinion. "Master Chen, you should choose the Huantiao, Guanyuan, and Zhongwan acupoints instead."
As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd burst into laughter. Chen Panyuan turned red with rage. "Nonsense!"
The other doctors joined in the jeering. "Do you even understand Chinese medicine? She has a problem with her legs, so why would you need to needle other parts of her body?"
"This man must be a fraud! He doesn't even know the basics of treating the feet when the feet hurt!"
Facing the questioning, Chen Panyuan looked at Qian Rushan, clearly unwilling to accept any challenge. He said coldly, "Patriarch Qian, please decide: will you let me continue, or will you let him?"
The Qian family members also cast suspicious glances, not understanding what this person who had suddenly appeared was trying to do. This was Chen Panyuan, the divine doctor who had never failed.
Qian Ruixue’s mother, Xiao Qing, said sternly, "Someone, throw this troublemaker out!" She then turned to the old master and said sincerely, "Master Chen, of course this illness must be treated by you. We would not dare let someone of unknown origins lay a hand on her."
"Master Chen, please don't hold it against him. I beg you to save my daughter!" Qian Ruixue’s father also pleaded anxiously.
All the Qian family members present and the onlookers cast angry glares at Gu Yuan. Someone cursed, "Who do you think you are, daring to talk back to Divine Doctor Chen? If you’re really that capable, why don't you become the number one divine doctor in Daxia yourself!"