Chapter 25: Life and Death

Not only were the doctors stunned when they saw Ethan stride leisurely into the operating room, but even Yuyu's mother, Margaret, looked at his back in disbelief, tears streaming down her face.

Damian let out a long sigh. "Let her do as she pleases. If we try to stop her now, she'll fight us to the death. She had a deep bond with her brother. Sigh…"

Ethan knew his current strength wasn't enough to bring back the dead. The Five Soul Chasing Needles could theoretically pull someone back from the brink within forty-eight hours, but only if he had refined spiritual energy in his body. Right now, his Genuine Qi had only just broken through — pitifully little.

Still, there was a glimmer of hope. He didn't have spiritual energy, but he did have spiritual water from the Ring Space! It was precious, but saving a life was worth the sacrifice.

"Yuyu, stay here. Don't let anyone in until I'm done. No matter what." Ethan's voice was steady as he entered the room, a silver needle already in hand.

Outside, the doctors, nurses, and family members crowded the doorway, watching Ethan like he was a lunatic. Geniuses and madmen were often separated by a thin line, and right now, everyone assumed Ethan was the latter.

Inside, Ethan felt a sudden realization — his Genuine Qi had improved! Somehow, that insane high-speed drive earlier had pushed him to a breakthrough. No time to dwell on it now.

"Five Soul Chasing Needles!"

Ethan's wrist flicked. The needles danced through the air, forming a perfect plum blossom pattern as they embedded themselves into Ryan's chest. Gasps echoed from the crowd.

"This kid… might really be a godly doctor," one doctor muttered in disbelief.

Damian's heart clenched with regret. If I'd let him try sooner, maybe my son wouldn't be… No, I blocked his path to survival! What have I done?

Margaret squeezed her husband's hand. "Danian, don't blame yourself. Maybe… there's still hope." Tears glistened in her eyes.

Ethan pressed his hands against the needles, channeling his Genuine Qi into Ryan's acupuncture points. Secretly, spiritual water trickled from his palm, seeping into Ryan's body. He wasn't sure if it would work — but he had to try.

Three minutes passed.

A faint pulse.

Ethan's eyes sharpened. There's still a chance! He poured in a few more drops of spiritual water.

Suddenly, Ryan's body shuddered.

"Cough! Cough!"

Ryan's eyes flew open.

"My brother is awake!" Yuyu screamed, rushing in to hug him, tears pouring down her face. "Brother! You're alive!"

Margaret collapsed in relief, while Damian wiped his eyes, trying to maintain his composure. Behind them, Commander Victor, Zack, and Don stood frozen, mouths agape.

Ethan stepped back, letting the family reunite. The doctors stared at him as if he'd grown a second head. "This… This is impossible!" one whispered.

Ryan looked around in confusion, then spotted Ethan. "You saved me?"

Ethan scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh… don't call me a godly doctor. I just took a chance. Luckily, it worked."

Ryan laughed weakly and extended his hand. "Ryan Tang. Soldier."

Ethan clasped his hand firmly. "Ethan Yang. Vegetable seller."

The room fell silent.

Cough cough… Several doctors choked on their own disbelief. If this guy is a vegetable seller, we might as well start begging for food!

Ethan glanced at Ryan's head injury. The spiritual water had brought him back from the brink, but there might still be lingering damage. He massaged Ryan's scalp, sneaking in a few more drops to help heal the wound.

Within minutes, the wound closed before their eyes. Even Ethan was startled. Did I use too much spirit water? This is almost too miraculous…

Leaning close, Ethan whispered, "Ryan, I don't want to be famous. When you give your report, credit the doctors. Please."

Ryan was no fool. He gave Ethan a solemn nod. Moments later, he pulled his father aside, and Damian quickly gathered the medical staff.

When Damian spoke, people listened. Though the doctors burned with curiosity, they obeyed his quiet orders, casting lingering glances at Ethan as they left the room.

As the family celebrated, Ethan quietly slipped away, blending into the shadows. His job was done.

The vegetable seller had performed a miracle.