Chapter 34: Master!

Right now, Zheng Jiancheng’s emotions were in turmoil. Had he not witnessed it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that anyone could cure a psychiatric patient in under a minute. Judging from the patient’s condition, not only was his mind sharper than before, but even his other physical ailments seemed to have vanished. How could such a thing be possible? How had he managed it in such a short time?

Zheng Jiancheng, who prided himself on his vast experience and knowledge, found himself shaken to his core. He himself would need at least three days to achieve such results, but this man needed only a minute. All the pride he once held seemed to shatter completely in the presence of this individual.

But it wasn’t just about curing mental illness in a minute—he could heal the body as well. Such supernatural medical prowess was something Zheng Jiancheng had to learn. What’s more, by all rights, this master should be quite elderly, yet he appeared astonishingly young. Piecing together all these clues, Zheng Jiancheng was startled by a thought—could it be that this man knew the art of preserving youth, perhaps even the secret of longevity?

It wasn’t entirely impossible. The world is full of strange wonders; legends of reclusive masters and men of miraculous abilities were not unfamiliar to him, though he had never met one before. Today, however, he had seen it with his own eyes.

A storm of awe and excitement surged in his heart. This was indeed a master living beyond the world’s reach. For Zheng Jiancheng, this might be the opportunity of a lifetime—missing it would be cause for endless regret. No matter what, he had to seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

With that thought, Zheng Jiancheng could no longer restrain his excitement and hurried over to Chen Yufeng. Visibly moved, he said solemnly, “This is nothing short of a major breakthrough in the history of neurology—a first in five thousand years. Divine Physician, thank you for opening my eyes today. I have witnessed what it truly means for there to always be someone greater.”

“Oh? And so?” Chen Yufeng looked at him with a smile, amused by such effusive flattery.

“I’m convinced—completely in awe! Please rest assured, I will keep my word and formally kneel to become your disciple. Divine Physician, please accept my bow.” At this moment, Zheng Jiancheng no longer cared about his usual lofty status; his only thought was to learn this miraculous medical art from such a reclusive master. Perhaps then, he too could regain his youth and live for a century.

“Wait—” Chen Yufeng tried to stop him, but Zheng Jiancheng had already fallen to his knees before him with a thud.

This scene did not escape the eyes of He Shihao’s family and the two young nurses—they were all stunned. After all, this Divine Physician was usually a guest of presidents and dignitaries at home and abroad. His status was almost abnormally exalted, and he was received with the highest honors wherever he went. The two nurses clearly remembered that today, in honor of his arrival, all the hospital’s top management had stood outside half an hour early to greet him. When the director himself had rushed forward to shake his hand, the physician had snubbed him entirely, his arrogance almost godlike, disdainful of any flattery.

And now, this all-powerful figure—

Bang! Bang! Bang! In order to show his sincerity, Zheng Jiancheng threw caution to the wind and knocked his head three times on the floor before Chen Yufeng, each blow loud and clear, his forehead swelling from the effort. But if it meant becoming this master’s disciple, anything was worth it.

“Divine Physician Zheng, expert, what are you doing?” Chen Yufeng was speechless; he disliked being worshipped like this.

“Master, your disciple is paying you the formal respects—surely that shows my sincerity!” Finishing his bows, Zheng Jiancheng stood up, beaming, now treating Chen Yufeng with utmost respect. He even began to massage his shoulders and back with practiced skill.

“When did I ever agree to take you as my disciple?” Chen Yufeng asked in confusion.

Zheng Jiancheng hurriedly replied, “Master, didn’t I say earlier that if you cured the patient within a minute, I would apprentice myself to you? Didn’t you agree at the time? Now I’ve kept my word and performed the rites—aren’t you my master now?”

“Yes, you did say that.” Chen Yufeng nodded slightly. “You said if I cured the patient in a minute, you’d become my disciple. I don’t deny that.”

“Exactly!” Zheng Jiancheng was overjoyed.

“But just because you want to be my disciple, does that mean I have to accept you? I don’t recall ever saying that.”

“What? You...” Hearing this, Zheng Jiancheng recalled his three heavy bows moments earlier, only to be rejected as a disciple. He nearly spat blood in frustration. For so many years, wherever he went, he was revered as a living god. Never had he suffered such humiliation. Countless renowned doctors had begged to become his apprentice, and he had always refused them outright. Yet today, after three solemn bows, he was spurned. If word got out, wouldn’t his reputation be utterly destroyed?

He was furious, but what could he do? His skills were no match, and he couldn’t fight the man. He stormed out in indignation, and as he turned to leave, Chen Yufeng muttered under his breath, “How odd. Since when did my standards for disciples become so low? Even stray cats and dogs have the nerve to ask me for apprenticeship?”

Pfft—

That final jab made Zheng Jiancheng’s pent-up frustration burst forth as he coughed up blood on the spot. Everyone in the room was once again stunned, but secretly delighted. Divine Physician Zheng, usually so haughty and aloof, finally got his comeuppance—serves him right.

Chen Yufeng, of course, was thoroughly pleased. In just a few minutes, he had saved a life, won several people’s admiration, and delivered a spectacular blow to someone’s pride. The system had already rewarded him with 45 points. Adding that to the 9 points he had left, he now had a total of 54. Spending 20 points for the miracle medicine, gaining 45 points, and earning an extra five million on top of that—what more could he want? Five million! Unthinkable before, yet now it came so easily. Of course, his goals were no longer merely financial...

After Zheng Jiancheng left, Chen Yufeng prepared to take his leave as well. With both money and reward points in hand, there was no reason to stay.

“Master, please wait,” He Shihao called out, looking at him earnestly. “I’d like to invite you to a meal as a token of my gratitude. Would you do me the honor?”

He was eager to properly thank Chen Yufeng—not only had he cured his wife, he had also saved him ninety-five million. How could he not be grateful? More importantly, he wished to establish a connection with such a remarkable individual. After all, who can guarantee they’ll never fall ill? One day, he might need his help.

“No need for such courtesy. You’ve already paid me generously—let’s leave it at that. Goodbye,” Chen Yufeng replied offhandedly.

Seeing the master about to leave again, He Shihao grew anxious and quickly asked, “Then, Master, may I at least have your name and contact information? Perhaps when you have time, we could share a cup of tea. I sincerely wish to be your friend.”

“I forge friendships by fate alone. I don’t think our connection is strong enough yet. Perhaps we’ll meet again if destiny allows—then tea will not be too late. Farewell!” With that, Chen Yufeng departed like a monk, making no effort to linger.

A moment ago, they had wanted to kill him; now they wanted to be friends? Did they ever consider his feelings?

“This...” He Shihao felt a twinge of displeasure as he watched the master walk away, refusing even his invitation to a meal or the offer of contact details. He was, after all, a famous tycoon in Ninghai—was he not worth that much? But then he reconsidered. A person of such extraordinary ability was bound to have a unique temperament. If he made friends too easily, wouldn’t that cheapen his worth? Thinking thus, he felt somewhat comforted.

Watching Chen Yufeng’s departing figure, he couldn’t help but feel that the man truly had the bearing of a master who, having accomplished great deeds, retreated into obscurity, his achievements hidden from the world.