Xu Dongliang

Xu Chenglong also reprimanded, "Dongliang, how can you say that? Young Huo can cure your grandfather's illness—he's a great benefactor to our Xu family. How could he be an outsider?"

Xu Dongliang remained unfazed by the elders' scolding and said indifferently, "If he cures Grandfather, the Xu family will naturally reward him. It's a fair transaction—why be so effusively grateful?"

Xu Dongsen was furious. "Dongliang, have you lost your mind after a few years in the military? Even a drop of kindness should be repaid with a flood, let alone Huo Xuan saving our family!"

The others also berated him, but Xu Dongliang was utterly unmoved. He sneered, "If a hospital doctor cured Grandfather, would you all be this grateful?"

Just as Xu Chenghu was about to scold him again, Huo Xuan set down his chopsticks and said calmly, "You're right. Being a doctor is just a profession—payment for treatment, nothing more."

Xu Dongliang smirked. "At least you know your place." In his mind, someone as insignificant as Huo Xuan wouldn't dare offend a powerful family like the Xus—hence his bold words.

Huo Xuan chuckled. "I didn't mention payment earlier, but now seems like a good time."

Xu Dongsen was taken aback. "Brother, payment is no issue."

Huo Xuan waved his hand. "My master and I don't charge money like other doctors."

Xu Chenglong laughed heartily. "Just name your price, young Huo."

Huo Xuan replied coolly, "In the underworld, there's a 'King of the Central Plains.' I want your Xu family to eliminate him. Do this, and I'll treat the patriarch. Fail, and I won't."

The moment these words left his mouth, everyone's expressions changed drastically—even Xu Dongsen's eye twitched violently. Taking on the King of the Central Plains? Not only did the Xu family lack the power, but even if they succeeded, it would be a pyrrhic victory!

"Brother, are you angry at Dongliang?" Xu Dongsen said. "He was indeed wrong—can you give me some face?"

Huo Xuan let out a cold laugh. "My master once told me: if others look down on you, ignore them. Your Xu family has power and status—someone as small as me can't compare. But a physician has dignity. If you disrespect me, then we'll keep this strictly professional—no need for friendship."

Xu Dongliang hadn't expected Huo Xuan to turn hostile so abruptly, completely disregarding consequences. Panicking inwardly, he shot to his feet and glared coldly. "Kid, don't push your luck! Now that you've stepped into this courtyard, you won't leave unless you cure the illness!"

"Outrageous!" Xu Chenghu roared, striding forward and kicking Xu Dongliang to the ground. "Who do you think you are? Some emperor who decides life and death?"

He then delivered several more brutal kicks.

Xu Dongliang endured his father's kicks without flinching, his voice flat. "Father, I just don't understand why we're making such a fuss over some nobody."

Xu Dongsen gritted his teeth. Everything had been going smoothly until this fool ruined it. He stepped forward and slapped Xu Dongliang twice across the face. "Xu Dongliang, do you think being from the Xu family makes you invincible?"

While Xu Dongliang dared not retaliate against his father, he glared venomously at Xu Dongsen. "You have no right to lecture me! Touch me again and you'll regret it!"

"This is mutiny!" Xu Chenghu roared, moving to discipline his son again, but Xu Chenglong held him back.

Xu Dongsen, livid, pointed at Xu Dongliang. "You know of the King of the Central Plains—have you never heard of the Commoner of the Divine Land? Do you really think Huo Xuan is beneath you? Let me tell you, Hua Buyi's influence far surpasses our Xu family! What gives you the right to look down on others? What gives you the right to act so arrogantly in the Xu name?"

Xu Dongliang froze. Having spent little time outside, his knowledge was limited—he knew of the King in the capital but little else.

Regret began to seep in—he realized today's situation might spiral out of control.

Xu Dongsen sneered. "Don't think I don't know why you're targeting Huo Xuan. Is this about Shangguan Meixue? You'd risk everything over a woman? You're unworthy of the Xu name!"

Cornered, Xu Dongliang snapped. "So what if I like Shangguan Meixue? What's wrong with that? What does this punk have that I don't?" He turned to Huo Xuan. "Listen here—stay away from Shangguan Meixue, or you'll pay!"

Huo Xuan laughed outright, meeting his gaze mockingly. "I merely disliked you before. Now I pity you. Pursuing women is about merit—your family name means nothing to me."

Xu Chenglong shook his head in dismay. "Dongliang, you've disappointed us deeply."

The roots of Xu Dongliang's hostility lay in two matters. First, his childhood friend Jiang Du—a member of Team C in X Unit under Blood Fox's command—had spoken of Huo Xuan's impending challenge. This bred resentment.

Second, learning from Xu Dongsen about Huo Xuan's ties to Shangguan Meixue, whose reactions hinted at intimacy, had ignited jealous fury.

Blinded by these grievances, he'd mocked Huo Xuan despite the stakes—only to provoke an impossible demand. Now he grasped two truths: Huo Xuan's status rivaled his own, and the man feared no family, not even the Xus.

As the Xu family's bickering continued, Huo Xuan grew visibly impatient. He rose abruptly and said coolly, "I won't intrude on your family matters further. Farewell." Without another word, he strode out of the dining room.

The group froze in stunned silence. Xu Dongsen was the first to react, rushing after Huo Xuan and grabbing his arm. "Brother! Whatever faults there are, they lie entirely with our Xu family. You must save Grandfather—no matter what."

Huo Xuan had no choice but to pause. "Dongsen, it's not that I'm disregarding you. But as you saw, your brother's interference makes treatment impossible. Healing requires calm focus—how can I treat such a serious condition when I'm seething with anger?"

"Absolutely, absolutely," Xu Dongsen agreed hurriedly. "Please wait in the parlor. I'll make sure Dongliang apologizes properly."

Huo Xuan's earlier anger had been partly feigned—he never truly intended to abandon the patriarch. Now with an opportunity to de-escalate, he sighed. "Very well. Regardless of others, I'll honor your request, Dongsen."

Relief washed over Xu Dongsen. He exhaled deeply before hurrying back to the dining room to deal with Xu Dongliang.