A Resounding Slap

The moment Yang Fan heard that cultivators had arrived seeking medical treatment, a smile naturally spread across his face.

However, Lin Zhong didn't share the same optimism. His expression was clouded with concern. "Master, these people... they don't seem to have come with good intentions."

"Not friendly, you say?" Yang Fan's lips curled slightly. "Could they have come to stir up trouble, then?"

Simultaneously, Yang Fan activated his "Omniscient Mode," taking in the entire situation within the clinic.

"I'll go and see for myself," he said, his voice calm and composed, as if even the heavens collapsing wouldn't faze him. Lin Zhong, wearing a wry smile, followed closely behind.

As they stepped into the main hall of the clinic, they were greeted by the sight of a young man clad in silver armor, who stood with a cold, haughty air. "So, this is your so-called clinic? Your sign claims you can heal cultivators, but you can't even cure my brother!"

Several of the clinic's regular doctors stood frozen in the face of the armored youth's imposing presence. Next to the young man, two servants carried a stretcher bearing a large, lifeless-looking man with vacant eyes. Behind them stood a girl of ethereal beauty, as if plucked from a fairy tale. She wore a shimmering, sky-blue gown that revealed a glimpse of her slender, porcelain legs. Around seventeen or eighteen years old, she looked like a princess with a soft, gentle demeanor, though there was a flicker of mischief in her bright eyes.

Yang Fan took in the scene, sweeping his gaze over them before offering a calm smile. "Fellow cultivators, are you here seeking treatment? I am the physician of this clinic."

Through his "Omniscient Mode," Yang Fan had already gleaned much about these visitors. The silver-armored youth was a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator, and the armor he wore was an expensive defensive artifact. The two servants were early-stage Qi Refinement cultivators. As for the girl, she was the most formidable of the group—her cultivation had reached the peak of Qi Refinement, nearing perfection.

"Hmph, so you're the famed Yang Fan, the healer everyone's been talking about?" The armored youth's sharp gaze locked onto Yang Fan's face, brimming with hostility.

"Set the patient down. Let me take a look," Yang Fan said, unfazed by the youth's unfriendly demeanor. He spoke with the calm authority of a seasoned healer.

The armored youth's eyes narrowed, about to retort, when a silver bell-like voice chimed in: "Let the physician examine Hu Ren."

The speaker was none other than the girl in the sky-blue gown. Her smile was radiant, dimples appearing on her soft, snow-white cheeks, adding to her already striking beauty. At her word, the two servants hurriedly placed the stretcher down for Yang Fan to examine.

Yang Fan nodded, his demeanor serene, a natural aura of warmth and compassion radiating from him. This gentle presence had an almost magnetic quality, making those around him feel at ease. The girl's crystal-clear eyes sparkled with intrigue.

Squatting beside the patient, Yang Fan placed his hand lightly on the man's wrist, feeling for a pulse. Moments later, he withdrew his hand, his expression contemplative.

The condition of the patient, Hu Ren, was peculiar. His body was functioning normally—organs intact, vitality present—but his consciousness seemed trapped in some strange, comatose state. His eyes were vacant, and his face expressionless, resembling that of a living corpse.

"Yang Healer, we've heard tales of your remarkable skill, and that's why we've come all the way to Wuliu Town. Can you cure my brother, Hu Ren?" The armored youth's tone softened slightly, but there was still an undercurrent of aggression in his words.

"May I ask your names?" Yang Fan inquired, casually diverting the conversation.

"Hmph, what does our identity matter? You are a physician, are you not? Your only concern should be healing. Are you afraid we won't pay? Or are you just unsure whether you can cure my brother?" the armored youth sneered.

By now, a crowd had gathered outside the clinic, curious onlookers watching intently.

Yang Fan, unruffled, shifted his gaze to the girl in blue and said slowly, "If I'm not mistaken, this young lady is the eldest daughter of the 'Rain Mist Manor'?"

A flicker of surprise crossed the girl's face before she smiled and said, "You have a good memory, Yang Gongzi. I am Chu Yuyan. We did meet briefly half a year ago at the Rain Mist Manor."

It turned out that half a year ago, Yang Fan had visited the Rain Mist Manor as a representative of Yang Fortress after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage at the young age of twenty. The two families had long been rivals, but during that visit, Yang Fan had caught a glimpse of Chu Yuyan, though they hadn't spoken.

"This is my senior brother, Chu Yiyun," Chu Yuyan said, pointing to the armored youth.

Chu Yiyun, however, impatiently interjected, "Sister, there's no need for introductions. We're here to have him treat Hu Ren."

Yang Fan's face darkened, and he waved his hand dismissively. "If that's the case, take him away."

"What do you mean?" Chu Yiyun's expression shifted.

Yang Fan sneered. "If you disrespect me as a healer, why should I bother treating your brother? Take him away!"

Without hesitation, Yang Fan turned and began to walk away, his indifference palpable.

The audacity of his gesture left Chu Yiyun stunned. Even in the realm of cultivation, healers were revered, their knowledge of life and death granting them a certain authority. No healer, especially not one as renowned as Yang Fan, would tolerate such disrespect.

"Please, wait!" Chu Yuyan called out, her voice soft but urgent. "Master Yang, if my brother has offended you, I sincerely apologize on his behalf. But a healer should always act with compassion..."

Her words, though gentle, were sharp in their reasoning. She even shot her brother a reprimanding glare, forcing Chu Yiyun to bow his head in silence.

Yang Fan's expression softened. "Since Miss Chu has interceded, I'll make an exception this time. But mark my words, if this happens again, no amount of spirit stones will persuade me to treat him."

After all, the girl before him was a powerful cultivator at the pinnacle of Qi Refinement, and her background was no less impressive. Yang Fan saw no need to escalate the conflict.

"Please, proceed," Chu Yuyan smiled, her voice sweet and melodious, like a lotus blooming after the rain—pure and untouched.

"If you manage to heal him, I will personally offer my apology," Chu Yiyun finally said, his arrogance fading. Seeing Yang Fan's calm composure and unyielding attitude, he no longer dared to underestimate him.

"And who recommended you to come here?" Yang Fan asked, crouching beside Hu Ren once again. "Was it Physician Zheng?"

Chu Yuyan nodded. "Our manor's physician, Lin, is on friendly terms with Physician Zheng of Yang Fortress. They both said this illness is strange, beyond their skill to cure. They suggested we come to Wuliu Town to seek your help."

"I see."

Yang Fan glanced at the lifeless Hu Ren, his eyes narrowing. Without warning, he raised his hand and delivered a sharp slap to the man's face.

*Smack!*

The sound echoed through the clinic.

For a moment, there was stunned silence. The crowd outside stood frozen, mouths agape, too shocked to react.

"You...!" Chu Yiyun stammered, his face red with anger, ready to erupt.

*Smack!*

Yang Fan's hand came down again, striking Hu Ren's face with another resounding slap. Now, two deep, purplish handprints marred the unconscious man's face, stark and shocking.