Fame Through Battle
"Ha ha, I harbor no suspicions toward anyone present," Yang Fan replied leisurely, "But why, dear Hu Bansian, do you react with such fervor?"
In truth, he held no doubts; he was one hundred percent certain that the poisoner was none other than Hu Bansian himself.
Hu Bansian's face bore an unflattering expression; having just suffered a mental blow, he now exerted his magical powers to force some of his blood to the surface, resulting in a visage that appeared flushed but remained unnaturally pallid.
"Master Yang is jesting…"
Liu DeGui chuckled nervously and quickly interjected, "Hu Bansian, could you confirm whether Master Yang has successfully cured my daughter's ailment?"
He then turned to Zheng the Apothecary, a respected elder in the room, seeking validation, "Zheng the Apothecary, and all esteemed colleagues, you are witnesses to this matter and are welcome to share your insights."
Hu Bansian approached the bedside, casting a cunning glance at Liu Manxiang before stating slyly, "I can confirm that her condition has stabilized, but the true assessment should ultimately come from Miss Liu herself."
Following this, Zheng the Apothecary stepped forward, meticulously examining Liu Manxiang's pulse.
Moments later, his wrinkled countenance registered a hint of astonishment, and he sighed, "Master Yang's medical prowess is indeed extraordinary; he has eradicated the toxins with such thoroughness. This method and skill are beyond my own capabilities."
As soon as this statement was uttered, shockwaves rippled through the gathering, disbelief written across the faces of those present.
The other apothecaries regarded Yang Fan with a mixture of skepticism, awe, and jealousy. At merely eighteen years of age, he had achieved a level of medical expertise that even seasoned practitioners like Zheng the Apothecary could not match, showcasing his remarkable talents.
Yet some held a sliver of hope, believing Zheng's words might stem from humility and flattery; how could a mere fledgling in the medical field possibly surpass a veteran apothecary?
With Zheng the Apothecary's endorsement, the remaining practitioners hastily completed their examinations, lavishing praise on Yang Fan's skills:
"Zheng the Apothecary speaks true; such talent in youth is rare indeed—Master Yang's skills are exceptional."
"Master Yang is truly gifted; to eliminate such poisons in so short a time leaves us feeling inadequate."
"Miss Liu has fully recovered; this level of expertise is astounding, a testament to the new generation surpassing the old."
…
In that moment, Yang Fan basked in a resplendent glow, reminiscent of a celestial healer gracing the mortal realm. Outside, the townsfolk and citizens gazed in admiration and wonder, their whispers filled with reverence.
Such a scene only served to darken Hu Bansian's countenance further, while Yang Guang and Li Pangzi wore expressions of silent dismay.
Lin Zhong sat composedly in the hall, a gentle smile upon his lips. From the very beginning, he had harbored unshakeable confidence in Yang Fan, and the outcome was hardly surprising.
Today was destined to be the day Yang Fan would earn his renown in battle. It was foreseeable that his name would echo throughout the nearby realm of cultivation, drawing the attention of various apothecaries and cultivators alike.
"Thank you for your kind words, esteemed seniors; I am but a novice in the medical field, unworthy of such grand accolades. Were it not for the guidance of extraordinary individuals and the inheritance of esteemed masters, I would not have been able to rise so swiftly as an apothecary…"
Yang Fan humbly replied, subtly revealing fragments of his "secret history."
The eyes of several apothecaries sparkled with intrigue.
An inheritance from extraordinary masters?
No wonder this young man possessed such miraculous skills; he must have had a formidable mentor and a stroke of fortune.
Even Zheng the Apothecary exhibited a tinge of envy, his gaze dimming slightly.
Yet fortune and destiny were elusive; they could not be forcibly claimed, and mastery over them remained one of the most challenging aspects of a cultivator's journey toward enlightenment.
"Cough, cough…" Hu Bansian interjected abruptly, "Ultimately, the true result rests with the patient; Miss Liu, may I inquire how your body feels? Is there anything amiss? Do you believe your ailment has been resolved?"
"Indeed, indeed! Let us leave the final verdict to Miss Liu, as this is the essence of our gathering 'to make friends through medicine,'" others echoed in agreement.
No matter how exceptional one's skills, the only true testament to the effectiveness of the treatment would come from the patient herself.
Once again, the parlor fell into silence, all eyes turned toward the delicate form behind the sheer curtain.
"Manxiang, speak freely; how do you feel?"
Liu DeGui prompted.
All awaited the patient's final verdict with bated breath.
Hu Bansian squinted slightly, casting a fleeting glance at Yang Fan, a smirk curling at the corners of his mouth.
Even if your skills are extraordinary, what does it matter? The patient is under my influence; regardless of the process, the final outcome will be the same.
At long last, amid the expectant gazes, Liu Manxiang spoke:
"Yang the Apothecary possesses unparalleled medical skills; his methods are nothing short of divine. My condition improved within moments, surpassing the abilities of any physician I have encountered before... I am eternally grateful to you, Master Yang; this debt of gratitude will remain with me for a lifetime."
Her voice was soft and melodious, brimming with sincerity and appreciation.
A chorus of exclamations erupted throughout the hall, the townsfolk and citizens outside overwhelmed with heartfelt emotion and relief, unable to restrain their applause.
"I told you so! Brother Fan would surely succeed!"
Iron Bull beamed with pride from outside, standing tall and triumphant.
In that instant, Yang Fan felt as though he had returned to the days of yore, that of the family's first prodigy, basking in the adoration and praise of many.
However, he remained undisturbed by glory or disgrace, exuding an air of calm confidence, his heart stirring with the slightest turbulence, yet devoid of arrogance or self-satisfaction.
He understood that this was merely the first step in his return to the realm of cultivation, and many arduous paths lay ahead that required his navigation…
"This…"
Hu Bansian struggled to digest the reality, his body trembling, his expression fluctuating as disbelief washed over him.
Just last night, he had successfully coerced Liu Manxiang, ensuring that regardless of the process, the outcome of the competition would smear Yang Fan's medical reputation, bringing him to ruin.
Yet now, the outcome stood starkly before him.
Not only had Yang Fan triumphed, but he had also seized the opportunity to elevate his standing immensely.
This result cast a pall over Yang Guang and Li Pangzi, who had come to lend support; their faces fell, and they departed hastily, unable to mask their displeasure.
Hu Bansian, in his dismay, even neglected to bid farewell to Town Leader Liu as he slipped away in defeat.
"Bring forth the offerings!"
Liu DeGui, overwhelmed with excitement, instructed his servants to present several hundred taels of silver, silk cloth by the dozens, and various jewels.
"Please accept these gifts, Master Yang; I know you are not of this mundane world, and these treasures are but a token of my appreciation. This evening, I invite you to my home as a guest; there will be more substantial gifts awaiting you."
Liu DeGui grasped Yang Fan's hand, insistent that he accept the offerings.
"Very well, since that is the case, I cannot decline the town leader's goodwill."
Yang Fan relented, casting a glance at the retreating figures of Hu Bansian, Yang Guang, and Li Pangzi, refraining from issuing any objections.
In truth, he had the opportunity to expose Hu Bansian's true nature, but he ultimately lacked complete certainty, especially with Yang Guang, a consummate practitioner of Qi Refinement, present.
"Having re-entered the realm of cultivation, I have taken a momentous first step. One day, I will make this world tremble at the mention of my name…"
Beneath Yang Fan's innocuous and serene exterior lay a fierce ambition that none could fathom.
Patience and concealment.
He felt that the day of emergence, the dawn of his ascendance, was not far off…