Shadows in the Capital

Mo Bei stood at the entrance of his temporary residence, his mind still replaying the system notification from last night.

[Warning: An assassin has been dispatched to eliminate you. Threat level: Medium.]

A grim smile formed on his lips. It wasn't unexpected. He had disrupted too many people's interests, and now, someone had deemed him a threat worthy of elimination.

However, he wasn't just any doctor—he was one backed by the system. If they wanted his life, they would have to try harder.

A Noble Invitation

The morning was surprisingly peaceful. He had spent the early hours tending to patients from the common districts, distributing medicinal herbs, and writing down notes for a future book he planned to publish.

Then came an unexpected summons. A messenger from the noble district arrived, bearing an invitation sealed with an intricate golden emblem.

"The Lady of the Lu Household requests your presence."

Mo Bei recognized the name instantly. The Lu family was among the capital's wealthiest noble clans, known for their vast merchant networks and political influence. More importantly, they had a reputation for keeping their affairs extremely private.

Why would they call for him?

As he stepped into their grand estate, he noticed the sharp contrast between wealth and decay. The mansion was extravagant—exquisite paintings adorned the walls, and servants moved with precision, yet there was an underlying tension in the air. Something was wrong.

A young woman in an elegant but understated robe stood near a balcony, looking out into the garden. She turned when he entered, her eyes sharp yet filled with curiosity.

"You must be Doctor Mo."

Mo Bei bowed slightly. "Lady Lu."

She smiled faintly. "You seem younger than I expected."

"I hear that often."

A small chuckle. "Then you must also hear that you're different from other physicians."

"I hope that's a good thing," he replied smoothly.

She gestured for him to follow. "My father is unwell. We have had the best doctors in the capital treat him, yet his condition worsens. Some say it is the will of the heavens, but I refuse to accept that."

Mo Bei's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was intrigued. The Lu family had access to elite medical experts. If they had failed, then either the disease was highly unusual—or their treatments were making it worse.

He entered the chamber where Lord Lu lay. A quick use of his [Observe] skill immediately revealed the problem.

[Diagnosis: Slow-acting arsenic poisoning. Cause: Continuous ingestion of trace amounts in food.]

[Recommended Treatment: Purging toxins, strengthening internal organs, removing exposure source.]

Mo Bei's gaze flickered. Poison. This wasn't an illness; it was attempted murder.

Healing in the Shadows

He worked swiftly, preparing an herbal antidote mixed with charcoal and rare detoxifying agents. As he administered the treatment, Lady Lu watched him closely.

"You look like someone who knows more than he says," she remarked.

"I only say what is necessary," he replied without looking up.

She tapped her fingers lightly on a nearby table. "And what is necessary right now?"

Mo Bei met her gaze. "Finding out who has been poisoning your father before they finish the job."

Her expression darkened. "I had the same suspicion."

The conversation was interrupted by a system notification.

[System Notification: Major Diagnosis Completed.] [Reward: 100 System Points, Skill Upgrade - Poison Resistance (Intermediate).]

Poison Resistance? Now that was useful. It seemed the system was preparing him for more dangers ahead.

Lady Lu observed his thoughtful expression. "What are you thinking?"

He gave a half-smile. "That I should be careful of what I eat from now on."

Her laughter was light, but there was a knowing edge to it. "That would be wise, Doctor Mo."

Lurking Danger

As Mo Bei left the Lu estate, he felt a shift in the air. His [Special Eye] flickered to life, revealing faint traces of movement in the alleys—figures lurking just out of sight.

[Observe Skill Activated.]

[Hostile Intent Detected. Four Targets. Weapons Concealed.]

Assassins.

Mo Bei adjusted his stride, keeping his movements natural as he mentally calculated his options. The system had warned him. It was time to see how well he could fight back.

Without breaking pace, he turned a corner and disappeared into a secluded alley. The moment he was out of sight, he activated the new skill he had gained.

[Silent Step (Rare) – Temporarily erases all sound of movement. Duration: 30 seconds.]

Moving like a shadow, he circled behind his would-be attackers. They hesitated as they lost track of him—just enough for Mo Bei to strike first.

A swift pressure point attack disabled the nearest man. The second turned in alarm, but Mo Bei's fist found his temple, knocking him unconscious. The remaining two attempted to flee, but a well-placed kick sent one crashing into the alley wall.

The last assassin dropped his weapon, trembling. "W-We were just following orders!"

Mo Bei narrowed his eyes. "Whose orders?"

The man hesitated, then gasped as Mo Bei pressed a sharp scalpel against his wrist.

"You're a doctor! You wouldn't—"

Mo Bei tilted his head. "You're right. But I also know which tendons to cut to make sure you never hold a blade again."

The man paled. "The Governor's rivals… they don't want you alive."

Of course. His growing influence threatened the established power structure.

A system prompt appeared.

[System Notification: Assassination Attempt Thwarted.] [Reward: System Store Expansion – Advanced Medical Tools Unlocked.]

He smirked. Even his enemies were helping him grow stronger.

A New Alliance?

That night, as he reviewed his notes, a soft knock echoed through his residence.

When he opened the door, he found Lady Lu standing there, hooded and dressed plainly.

"Lady Lu?"

She smiled wryly. "I hear you had an eventful evening."

Mo Bei leaned against the doorway. "Word travels fast."

"Not fast enough," she said, stepping inside. "I have information on your enemies. And I believe we can help each other."

Mo Bei studied her carefully. A noblewoman seeking an alliance with a mere doctor? This was getting interesting.

The game in the capital had truly begun.