Shennong Sect

This elder was a retired military heavyweight whose disciples still commanded vast influence. His sons held substantial power across military and political spheres.

Chen Fusheng's deputy provincial-level father paled in comparison. Cold sweat dripped unnoticed down his temples.

Witnessing Huo Xuan's social ascendance—dating Lin Yue, commanding Zhang Wu's respect—had grated Chen's ego. His attempt to flaunt power now collided with Beijing's untouchables.

The bodyguard behind Hua Buyi nodded curtly. "Zhang Wu. We've met."

"Your intervention that day was appreciated," Huo Xuan acknowledged.

"No need for thanks." Zhang Wu's gaze shifted to Chen. "State your business."

"No disturbance intended!" Chen executed a hasty bow before fleeing. Elder Li's circle didn't spare him a glance.

Stumbling mid-retreat, Chen froze. "Hua Buyi? The legendary physician?"

Seated, Huo Xuan broke the silence: "I owe debts to Master Hua and Zhang Wu. State your request."

The golden light in his left eye pulsed—Hua Buyi had discerned this secret during their park encounter. This summons clearly involved healing Elder Li.

Hua Buyi smiled at Elder Li's group. "With your permission, I need to confer with this young man on treatment protocols." He ushered Huo Xuan into an adjacent private room.

Mrs. Li frowned at Huo Xuan's youth. "Wenshan, how can this boy surpass Master Hua's skills? Can he truly eradicate Father's illness?"

"Master Hua must have his reasons," Mr. Li replied, skepticism veiled beneath diplomatic tones.

Elder Li's cane thudded. "Fools! Hua Buyi is a living bodhisattva who's saved thousands. We're here only because he owed your father a debt. Hold your tongues and obey."

The couple fell silent, chastised.

In the secluded room, Hua Buyi gestured to a chair. "Elder Li's condition is critical. I require your unique assistance."

Huo Xuan's face remained neutral. "Specify your needs."

"A spark of vitality from you," Hua Buyi said, "will enable me to purge his systemic decay."

Huo Xuan's pulse quickened. He knows. "Your perception at the park was... thorough."

Hua Buyi leaned forward. "You carry an immortal pulse—an earthly immortal's constitution. Your cellular essence holds regenerative properties."

Earthly immortal? Huo Xuan masked his surprise. Let them mistake golden light for mystical biology—better than exposing his X-ray vision.

"I'll assist." Debt-bound by Hua Buyi's prior rescue, refusal wasn't an option.

Hua Buyi paused thoughtfully. "Your regenerative essence could eclipse my medical mastery with proper training."

Though Hua Buyi had proposed this in the park, Huo Xuan's prior distrust had blocked acceptance. Now the prospect of medical practice intrigued him.

Treating Capital elites... Park resuscitation... His skills are proven. Huo Xuan weighed the apprenticeship's merits.

Reading Huo's thoughts, Hua Buyi smiled. "My lineage traces to Shennong Sect. Unfamiliar? Yet its disciples shaped medical history."

"Who?" Huo Xuan leaned forward.

"Shennong our patriarch. Qi Bo of antiquity, Han Dynasty's Hua Tuo, Tang's Sun Simiao—all our ancestors." Hua Buyi tapped his chest. "I'm the 38th successor."

Millennia-spanning legacy? Huo Xuan's jaw slackened at the temporal scale.

"Twenty's too old for TCM," Huo Xuan said with a bitter laugh. "They say start young."

Hua Buyi chuckled. "Your immortal pulse transcends age barriers."

"This apprenticeship demands lifelong commitment," Huo Xuan stalled. "I need time."

"Consult Zhang Wu when ready." Hua Buyi's tone held infinite patience.

Shifting focus, Hua Buyi detailed Elder Li's terminal-stage liver cancer. "My methods grant three months. Your intervention? A decade."

"Herbal decoctions will suppress the malignancy, acupuncture stabilizes qi flow. Your vitality infusion then reignites his liver's function."

Huo Xuan nodded vigorously, marveling at the medical alchemy. Could I attain such mastery?

With Huo's consent secured, Hua Buyi gestured toward the banquet table. "Treatment commences tomorrow. Tonight—nourishment."

Back in the main suite, Zhang Wu summoned servers bearing Peking duck and maotai. Huo Xuan devoured braised pork shoulders with single-minded haste—Lin Yue's patience had limits.

After ten minutes, he rose abruptly. "Master Hua, Elder Li—please enjoy your meal. I must depart."

Hua Buyi waited until elevator doors closed. "Elder Li, that young man's essence will anchor your crossing."

Elder Li's weathered face showed no fear. "My gratitude, Master Hua."

The Li couple exchanged relieved smiles—their family's political fortress remained intact. Yet beneath their joy simmered bewilderment: What cosmic joke elevated this provincial youth?

In the elevator, Zhang Wu broke protocol: "Xu Bo's been neutralized. My resources are yours."