Chapter 146: Treating the Wounded

Chang Ping ultimately and very carefully tucked the test paper away, forcing a bitter smile. “Many thanks, Master,” he said, though his heart bled inside. He had no choice but to smile while suffering.

Meanwhile, Qu Qiuming, having seen this exchange, had a strange look in his eyes. He stepped forward impatiently.

“Weren’t you going to test my medical skills? We’re here already, so let’s get started. Who’s the patient you want me to treat?”

Hall Master Xu frowned slightly, then turned to Chang Ping. “Nephew Chang, this is Fellow Daoist Qu, who will be tested today. Where is the patient?”

Chang Ping froze for a moment. He had heard rumors that a healer surnamed Qu would be coming for assessment today, but he hadn’t expected the sharp-faced, irritated man before him to be that famous “Divine Healer.” He didn’t ask further and answered,

“There are many patients here today—mostly ordinary people injured by demonic energy, though the severity varies. For a fair test, perhaps one of moderate—”

“No need.” Qu Qiuming interrupted, his tone impatient. “Just take me to the worst one. Don’t worry—I can heal him.”

“The worst one?” Chang Ping looked startled, uncertainty flashing across his face. He turned to Hall Master Xu as if seeking confirmation.

Hall Master Xu’s brow furrowed but he nodded. “Take us there.”

Chang Ping hesitated—his healer’s conscience was uneasy—but since Yun Jiao was present, he reassured himself that nothing truly disastrous would happen. He led the group deeper into the Healing Hall, explaining as they went:

“He was just brought in by our disciples. A hunter from the mountains. That area’s been troubled by monsters. When the exorcists arrived, they found him like this—his meridians completely severed, his body invaded by demonic qi. We barely managed to preserve a thread of life and were trying to find a way to expel the corruption.”

When he finished, they had reached the innermost room. As the door opened, everyone froze at the sight on the bed.

The figure lying there could hardly be called human anymore. His body was covered in wounds; blood soaked his entire frame. There wasn’t a single inch of unbroken skin—his flesh was torn open, raw and red, as though someone had peeled him alive.

Yun Jiao, accustomed to seeing grievous injuries, remained calm, but the others were visibly shaken. Qu Qiuming, in particular, recoiled violently, stumbling a step back. His face went deathly pale. Yun Jiao turned slightly and gave him a thoughtful glance.

“Greetings, Master Yun, Hall Master, Sect Leaders.”

Two healers working by the bed immediately stopped and bowed when they saw the group enter.

Chang Ping whispered a few words of explanation, and they respectfully stepped aside, revealing the patient more clearly. Yun Jiao, Hall Master Xu, and Qu Qiuming all had the best view—and Qu’s complexion somehow seemed even paler.

“Fellow Daoist Qu,” Hall Master Xu said, gesturing toward the bed, “can you heal this patient?”

Qu Qiuming glanced briefly at the mangled body, then looked away almost immediately. Clearing his throat, he said, “Saving him won’t be a problem. But I require complete silence to work. All of you need to leave. I’ll heal him myself.”

Hall Master Xu blinked. Had he forgotten this was an examination? How could there be a test without witnesses?

“Fellow Daoist Qu, if you need peace and quiet, we can remain silent—or even set up a sound barrier formation. We won’t disturb your work.”

Qu’s shoulders stiffened, and his expression twisted into another flash of anger. “No! You must leave! Your presence interferes with my diagnosis. I already said I can heal him—just go! I guarantee he’ll be cured within a quarter of an hour. If you don’t believe me, come in after that and see for yourselves.”

Everyone exchanged uneasy looks. Their disapproval deepened.

Finally, Hall Master Xu sighed and gestured for them to step out. “Let’s go.”

Once outside, one of the sect leaders with a fiery temper immediately spoke up. “Hall Master Xu, do you truly think this man is fit to be made an elder of the Celestial Masters Hall?”

“Hall Master, I agree—this requires further consideration. Even if he does heal the patient…”

“Yes, his character is questionable—”

“Hall Master must think twice!”

One by one, the elders and sect leaders nodded in agreement. Refusing to let anyone watch his treatment—it could only mean one of two things: either he was hiding something, or he didn’t want others to learn his methods. Most leaned toward the latter.

So this “healer” was guarding his secrets, even from fellow cultivators. If he was already so guarded, how could they expect him to selflessly teach others or pass on his craft for the good of the sect?

In truth, Hall Master Xu no longer needed convincing. He had regretted his earlier decision back in the main hall. Qu Qiuming’s demeanor was far from what he had imagined. Arrogant to the point of conceit, and with the air of a petty man flushed with newfound fame. Even if his skills were real, his presence could taint the Celestial Sect’s new open spirit—let alone compare with Yun Daoist, who had shared her wisdom freely with all.

He turned instinctively to look at Yun Jiao—only to find she wasn’t beside him. She was standing a short distance away, her eyes fixed on the last person who had exited the room: Caidie.

The others noticed and fell silent. They had almost forgotten about her.

Caidie, oblivious to their conversation, felt a chill crawl up her spine under Yun Jiao’s unblinking gaze. It was too direct, too knowing—like Yun Jiao could see straight through her soul. Her hands clenched tightly, nails digging into her palms. Especially when Yun Jiao spoke softly, just as she stepped out of the room:

“You have at most four days left.”

Caidie froze. A wave of cold terror swept through her body, leaving her completely rigid. Her blood drained from her face as panic surged inside her. Every instinct screamed to lunge forward, grab Yun Jiao by the shoulders, and demand what she meant.

But before she could move, Qu Qiuming’s voice came from inside the room—clear and confident.

“All right, you may come in now.”

Everyone stared. Already? It hadn’t even been half a quarter-hour.

Caidie’s eyes suddenly filled with relief and excitement. She turned first, practically throwing open the door. “Brother Ming—!”

Her voice was bright with joy as she glanced toward the bed. The patient was moving slightly, breathing shallow but steady. Caidie’s eyes widened in astonishment and delight. Turning, she threw herself onto Qu Qiuming’s arm, laughing happily. “I knew you could do it! You really can cure anything!”

Her expression was pure and adoring, her joy so innocent that she seemed even more radiant than before.

“Of course,” Qu Qiuming said with a proud smile, glancing smugly at the group following behind. “Your examination is complete. I’ve finished.”

(End of Chapter)