The Initial Unveiling of Medicine

Suspended pulse diagnosis—a method said to be possessed solely by the legendary healers of the mundane world. To wield this technique, a physician must first possess an unparalleled wealth of experience, mastering the art of pulse diagnosis to an extraordinary degree of finesse. In this regard, neither Yang Fan nor Hu Xiansheng could claim qualification. Both were cultivators, and the time they devoted to healing was limited.

Yang Fan, in particular, was a fledgling in this domain, having embarked on the path of a physician only two months prior. As for Hu Xiansheng, despite his advanced years and some mastery of medical skills, the bulk of his focus remained on the path of immortality, with healing relegated to a secondary concern.

As Yang Fan grasped the delicate thread, his lips pressed together in thought. Closing his eyes, he allowed a veil of ethereal mist to flow through his body, transforming into a cool, gentle stream that traversed the thread to reach Liu Manxiang's form.

Suspended pulse diagnosis? For a cultivator, it was nothing short of farcical.

Hu Xiansheng, observing from a close distance, noticed the subtle fluctuations of spiritual energy, his gaze fixating on the thin thread, his expression shifting to one of astonishment. The notion of channeling spiritual energy through such a slender filament over a length of ten feet to connect with the patient's body was no ordinary feat. This alone indicated that Yang Fan's mastery of spiritual energy had reached a remarkably refined level—one that Hu Xiansheng believed he could not replicate.

The onlookers in the parlor, including the fellow healers and Yang Guang, were also beginning to sense the unusual nature of Yang Fan's actions. 

"Ah, while Yang Gongzi may only possess the cultivation of the Qi Refinement stage, he was once a master of the Spirit Condensation stage," praised Zheng Yaoshi, stroking his beard with a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "His command of power undoubtedly surpasses that of his peers. Through this technique, even if he lacks the extensive experience required for suspended pulse diagnosis, he can achieve equivalent results."

Yang Guang, maintaining a calm demeanor, nodded in agreement. "To accomplish such a feat, one must be at the pinnacle of the Qi Refinement stage. Yang Shidi is indeed no ordinary individual; even as he transitions into the healing arts, his innate talent remains exceptional."

With the two most qualified individuals affirming his prowess, others present began to murmur their approval.

Although Yang Fan already possessed insight into Liu Manxiang's ailments, he remained cautious, continuing his careful examination. After a moment, he exhaled a breath of stale air, opened his eyes, and regarded Hu Xiansheng with a flicker of insight.

Hu Xiansheng met his gaze, a trace of coldness and mockery glinting in his eyes. "What's the matter, Yang Yaoshi? Surely this minor ailment poses no challenge to you. Otherwise, how would you have the audacity to establish a clinic here in Wuliu Town?"

Hu Xiansheng smiled benignly, surveying the room. 

"Yang Fan! If you cannot even cure a mere mortal's ailment, you might as well throw yourself off a cliff for daring to return to the world of cultivation and pursue the healing arts! You amuse me to no end… Ha ha ha!"

The rest of the audience fell silent, their faces inscrutable, but only he remained loud and brash, ignoring the rising tension in the air. The atmosphere turned grave, his laughter echoing, isolating him within a void of silence.

Yang Fan, however, did not even flicker an eyelash in his direction, seemingly disinterested in his mockery. His gaze remained fixed upon Liu Degui, as he spoke in a tone devoid of drama: "The young lady suffers from two ailments. The first is a peculiar cold poison she has recently contracted. This affliction can linger indefinitely and is quite challenging to resolve."

As he spoke, he cast a seemingly casual glance at Hu Xiansheng.

Hu Xiansheng feigned ignorance, but a flicker of unease crossed his features. He was suddenly struck by the realization that Yang Fan's medical expertise exceeded his expectations. Yet, inwardly, he scoffed, maintaining his composure.

"The first ailment is manageable with a few medicinal prescriptions to warm and strengthen her constitution. However, the more troublesome condition lies with the second ailment, which stems from a form of poison placed within the young lady's very being."

**Poison!**

The room erupted in shock, and Liu Degui's expression turned frantic, disbelief written across his features. "Poison?"

Hu Xiansheng's demeanor shifted, and Yang Guang, along with the others, also wore expressions of concern. 

"It appears Yang Fan possesses some skill after all, to discern the essence of her affliction at a glance. Could he genuinely be serious about transitioning to the healing arts?" Yang Guang pondered, his gaze fixed on the composed and smiling figure of Yang Fan, who emanated an air of mystery that eluded his comprehension.

"Indeed, it is poison," Yang Fan stated with calm assurance. "Given this, one might surmise that someone has maliciously conspired against the young lady, administering poison in a heinous act."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the audience, their conversations a blend of shock and curiosity.

"Yang Yaoshi, now that you have identified the cause, can you cure the young lady's ailment?" Liu Degui implored, urgency lacing his tone.

"I believe I have a modicum of assurance in this matter," Yang Fan replied, unhurried yet firm. "However, even if we can neutralize this poison, it remains a temporary solution." 

"Why is that?" 

"Because even if I remove the poison, the one who poisoned her may continue to administer it. Thus, my treatment would be rendered meaningless."

"Hmph! Yang Yaoshi, you've spoken at length, but all that you have presented are mere conjectures. Why not enlighten us on the nature of the poison afflicting Miss Liu?" Hu Xiansheng retorted with a smirk, concealing his unease.

Zheng Yaoshi, intrigued, chimed in, "I too am curious. Please, Yang Gongzi, elucidate further."

"Very well, it is no secret," Yang Fan replied, his voice steady. "Miss Liu is afflicted with a form of Gu poison. The principle behind this poison involves planting a mysterious 'Gu' seed within the victim's body, allowing it to lie in wait. The perpetrator maintains a secretive connection to the 'Gu' within the victim, enabling them to manipulate its effects at will."

He spoke slowly, deliberately: "The perpetrator can remotely control the victim's fate with a mere thought."

Liu Degui's face drained of color; the danger was too great, with his daughter's life precariously balanced in the hands of another.

"Gu poison?" Zheng Yaoshi chuckled lightly. "I've encountered such poison before; it is indeed troublesome to counteract. Yet, the one who wields such poison is undoubtedly a villain of the highest order, committing unspeakable evils."

"You speak true, Zheng Yaoshi. This poison is indeed fearsome, and the mind behind it must be malicious beyond measure," echoed several other practitioners, nodding in agreement.

Suddenly, Liu Degui fell to his knees before Yang Fan, pleading, "Yang Gongzi, I beseech you, save my daughter…"

"Please, rise, Town Head." Yang Fan quickly helped him up, speaking with an air of calm: "Since I have dared to speak of this poison, I naturally possess methods to counter it."

"Oh?" Hu Xiansheng said, feigning a smile while his eyes twinkled with disdain. "If that is the case, let us witness how Yang Yaoshi intends to unravel this legendary Gu poison technique."

His mind swirled with derision; after a threatening exchange, he had struck a deal with Liu Manxiang the previous day. Regardless of whether Yang Fan could cure her ailment, the outcome would remain unchanged. Yet, Hu Xiansheng still held a shadow of doubt regarding Yang Fan's ability to confront the poison, especially coming from someone who had only recently diverted his path to the healing arts.