The oxcart, escorted by numerous Silver Moon Guards, returned in a grand procession to the front of the Wei residence.
"Mother, come down."
Wei Zian stepped forward and helped his mother down from the car.
The mother and son looked at the gate of the Wei residence, feeling as if they had been transported to another world.
Their time on the run had taken them through so much.
More than once, they had brushed with death.
It's truly heartbreaking to see them return safely now.
"An'er, come here."
Madam Wei, accompanied by Wei Zian, knelt down before Ma Gu and Lu Qing.
"Thank you, Master Ma. Young Master Lu risked his life to save us, allowing my son and me to return home again."
Madam Wei bowed gracefully, and Wei Zi'an, without saying a word, began to kowtow repeatedly.
"Madam, there's no need for that."
Lu Qing and Ma Gu quickly stepped forward to help him up.
Wei Xinghe and Chief Steward Wei, who were standing nearby, were intrigued upon hearing this.
Some realized that the mother and son had been safe these past few days because Lu Qing and others had been protecting them.
"Thank you, young man, for saving my wife and children's lives."
Wei Xinghe also stepped forward and bowed deeply to Lu Qing.
"Father, and Master too! If it weren't for Master's protection in the first few days, Mother and I would never have seen you again!"
Wei Zian reminded his master that his father had only bowed to Lu Qing to express his gratitude, fearing that it might displease his master.
"Master?" Wei Xinghe was somewhat taken aback.
“That’s right. When we were hiding in the mountains from those villains, I had An’er become Master Ma’s apprentice. On the day we left the city through the secret passage, it was Master Ma who stepped forward and helped An’er and me escape, which is how we managed to survive,” Madam Wei nodded.
Upon hearing this, Wei Xinghe had no doubts and bowed to Ma Guxing in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Master Ma, for risking your life to save me."
When Magu saw the dignified head of the Wei family paying him such a heavy bow, he immediately felt somewhat at a loss.
He waved his hands repeatedly: "No need, no need. I was only asked by those Silver Moon Guards. I didn't actually do much. It was those Silver Moon Guards who risked their lives to stop us, which gave us a chance to escape."
"Master, have Guard Pang and the others returned?"
Madam Wei asked the question that had been lingering in her mind.
"No." Wei Xinghe shook his head.
Madam Wei's expression darkened, knowing that the small squad of Silver Moon Guards was probably doomed.
"Master, the fact that An'er and I were able to return safely is largely thanks to Guard Pang and the others. Please treat their families well," Madam Wei pleaded.
"Of course, every guard and servant who stayed behind to help the manor during this disaster will be richly rewarded," Wei Xinghe said solemnly.
He spoke these words not only to his wife, but also to all the Silver Moon Guards present.
As expected, upon hearing the patriarch's promise, the Silver Moon Guards around them, though still tense, clearly showed a hint of joy in their eyes.
“Alright, let’s go inside. It would be impolite to keep our distinguished guests waiting here,” Wei Shanhai said.
Madam Wei stepped forward and took Xiao Yan's little hand: "Xiao Yan, would you like to come into the mansion with Auntie?"
Xiao Yan had been looking at the tall gate of the Wei family mansion with great curiosity for a long time.
Upon hearing this, she first looked at her brother, and after receiving his permission, she immediately nodded: "Okay~"
Lu Qing handed the reins of the oxcart to a servant of the Wei family: "Old man, this big ox carried us all the way to the county town and did a lot of work. Please take good care of it."
“Of course,” the old servant quickly replied. “The fodder in the manor is the best, so please rest assured, young master.”
Upon entering the mansion, in the courtyard of the Wei residence, which was specially reserved for distinguished guests, after all the other people had left, the old doctor finally took off his straw hat.
"Dr. Chen, it really is you!"
Chief Steward Wei exclaimed in delight.
"Chief Steward, it's been a long time since we last met," the old doctor said with a smile.
"Patriarch, Ancestor, this is the old doctor Chen who treated the young master's injuries last time, and this is Lu Qing, the old doctor's disciple whom I mentioned to you..."
Seeing the head of the family looking puzzled, Chief Steward Wei explained.
Wei Xinghe then realized that these two people had such a connection with the manor.
But his heart was even more shaken.
Based on previous information, the old doctor should only be an Inner Vessel Realm martial artist, and Lu Qing is only a young man with some talent in the Tendon and Bone Realm.
But the master and disciple standing before them now were a powerful Innate Realm expert who could make Wang Cangyi back down, and a peerless genius who could defeat a martial arts grandmaster at the peak of the Inner Vessel Realm with his Bone and Tendon Realm body.
The difference between them is simply too great.
"So it's Doctor Chen and his esteemed student. In that case, I owe you both an even greater debt of gratitude."
Wei Xinghe suppressed his inner shock and thanked him again.
"We were just doing our duty as doctors, Patriarch Wei, there's no need to take it too seriously," the old doctor said, shaking his head.
After another round of pleasantries, Madam Wei finally found her opportunity and spoke:
"Grandfather, the main purpose of the old doctor's trip to the county town this time was actually to see if he could treat the sword wound in your heart meridian. How are you feeling now?"
"How did you know I had a sword wound near my heart?" Wei Shanhai asked in surprise.
The sword wound in his heart meridian has not yet healed. Even those at the Internal Organ Realm cannot see it. Only Wei Xinghe and Chief Steward Wei know about it within the manor.
How did the old doctor and others, living far away in the countryside, find out about this?
"It was His Excellency Zhi Rui who came to inform me," the old doctor explained. "His Excellency Zhi Rui visited Jiuli Village a couple of days ago, and it was from him that I learned that Old Man Wei's serious injuries had not yet healed."
"It was actually His Excellency Zhi Rui who secretly helped us!"
Wei Shanhai suddenly realized.
If it were that person, it would be understandable to see his injuries.
After all, people from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion have always been mysterious and possess unique abilities that ordinary martial artists do not have.
"Old man Wei, I have some experience in medicine. I wonder if you would be willing to treat my injury?"
"Yes, of course I'm willing! I couldn't be happier!"
Wei Shanhai's face lit up with joy.
He was troubled by his injury.
If he doesn't remove the sword energy from his body, he will only have a year to live at most.
As a being in the Innate Realm, one's theoretical lifespan is a full three hundred years.
Having only lived for a little over a hundred years, he didn't want to die so soon.
However, since his injury was to his heart meridian, he needed the help of another completely trustworthy innate realm cultivator to remove the sword energy.
But in such a remote place as Cang County, where could they find a trustworthy Innate Realm expert in such a short time?
Wei Shanhai thought it was hopeless, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better and hope returned.
He certainly trusted the old doctor's character.
Not to mention that the other party is a famous doctor in Cang County with a reputation for benevolence and compassion, his ability to defeat Wang Cangyi and protect the Wei family in this critical moment is enough for him to completely trust him.
The old doctor is a physician who takes treating illnesses very seriously.
Since it's about healing, the sooner the better.
So when he saw that Wei Shanhai had agreed, he immediately offered to treat his injuries.
Wei Shanhai originally wanted to be polite, after all, the old doctor and his companions were distinguished guests. It would be too impolite to ask them to treat his injuries when they had just arrived at his residence and hadn't even had a meal.
It was clear that the doctor insisted, and he also wanted to recover from his injuries as soon as possible, so he nodded in agreement.
Finally, the group chose a quiet room to treat Wei Shanhai's injuries.
"Xiaoyan, how about Auntie takes you to eat something delicious?"
Seeing that everyone was about to get down to business, Madam Wei gently took Xiaoyan's hand and asked softly.
Upon hearing this, Xiaoyan's eyes lit up, and she looked at her brother.
Lu Qing was also going to the meditation room to help his master, and after a moment's thought, he nodded.
"Yes, but you can't be naughty and cause trouble for the ladies."
"No, no, Xiaoyan is a good girl, how could she cause any trouble, right, Xiaoyan?" Madam Wei quickly replied.
"Yes, brother, Xiaoyan will be very good!" The little one nodded repeatedly.
"Also, bring Xiao Li along."
Lu Qing took a small black figure out of the bamboo basket on his back and placed it in Xiao Yan's arms.
It was Xiao Li, who had been hiding in the basket all along.
Because those at the Innate Realm can easily see through Xiao Li's invisibility talent.
This time, Lu Qing specifically instructed Xiao Li not to use invisibility, but to hide it in a dense bamboo basket.
Although the innate realm has strong sensory abilities, it has not yet reached the level of being able to see through objects.
Xiao Li hid in the bamboo basket, making her less likely to be noticed.
"Xiao Li!"
Xiao Yan hugged Xiao Li, looking very happy.
She hadn't been able to play with Xiao Li these past two days because Xiao Li needed to hide, so the little guy was overjoyed to see her again.
"Aww~" Xiao Li also affectionately rubbed against Xiao Yan's face.
"This is?"
Madam Wei was surprised to see Xiao Li.
Wei Zian, standing to the side, stared wide-eyed.
"Its name is Xiao Li, and it's Xiao Yan's playmate. Madam, when you take Xiao Yan out to eat, please prepare some for it as well. This little thing likes to eat fish, so fresh, live fish will do," Lu Qing said with a smile.
"Xiao Li..."
Madam Wei seemed to be deep in thought.
She suddenly remembered what Lu Qing had said when he went to fight that powerful villain.
The way he looked at Xiao Li suddenly changed.
The fact that Lu Qing could say such a thing clearly shows that this little black beast is not as harmless as it appears.
Magu looked at Xiaoli in Xiaoyan's arms with an expression of disbelief.
He had always imagined the mysterious creature beside Lu Qing as something extremely terrifying.
Seeing Xiao Li's true appearance now, it's hard to associate her with that terrifying creature that would tear out people's hearts at the drop of a hat.
"What a peculiar little animal."
Wei Shanhai watched as Madam Wei led Xiaoyan towards the backyard and exclaimed in admiration.
As someone at the Innate Realm, he keenly sensed the strange aura emanating from Xiao Li.
"It is indeed quite strange. This is a small animal that Aqing unintentionally adopted in the mountains a few days ago. It is quite intelligent," the old doctor said with a smile.
"Your disciple is indeed a person of great fortune; even the little beast he raises is so extraordinary."
The group chatted idly and soon arrived at the quiet room.
As the master's deputy, Lu Qing naturally stayed behind, while Wei Xinghe, as the head of the family, also had to see if there was anything he could do to help.
So the four of them remained in the quiet room.
"Old Master Wei, I need to examine the sword wound in your heart meridian to determine its extent."
After sitting cross-legged, the old doctor said.
"It's alright, please take a look."
Wei Shanhai remained calm, completely concealing his defensive true energy.
The old doctor nodded slightly, placed his hand on Wei Shanhai's chest, and a wisp of gentle, water-attribute innate true energy quietly seeped into his body.
This step is extremely dangerous. Now that Wei Shanhai has completely relaxed his defenses, if the old doctor harbors any evil intentions, he can easily destroy his entire heart meridian in an instant.
If it weren't for the fact that he was a senior doctor, Wei Shanhai would never have dared to risk his life like that.
While the senior doctor was diagnosing Wei Shanhai's injuries, Lu Qing also activated his special ability to keep a close eye on Wei Shanhai's condition.
In his field of vision, he could see a faint golden light emanating from Wei Shanhai's body.
【Wei Shanhai: The patriarch of the Wei family, known for his forthright and unpretentious nature, and deep affection for his family.】
【Cultivation Level: Peak of the Initial Stage of the Innate Realm, Fire-attribute Innate True Qi.】
【Possessing several secret techniques, especially skilled in swordsmanship, he once comprehended the Silver Moon Battle Formation from a treasure, thus revitalizing his family.】
【In his youth, he traveled with Wang Cangyi and they became close friends. However, due to incompatible personalities and a dispute over the division of treasures, they became enemies.】
【He was once ambushed by Wang Cangyi, who struck his heart meridian with innate sword energy, leaving him with a severe injury that was difficult to heal.】
Lu Qing nodded to himself as he looked at the information appearing on Wei Shanhai's body.
The young man in plain clothes was not lying; Wei Shanhai's heart meridian was indeed severely injured and difficult to heal.
The old doctor diagnosed Wei Shanhai's injuries in a short time, and soon withdrew his internal energy.
"Doctor, how is it? Can my injury be treated?" Wei Shanhai asked.
Wei Xinghe, standing beside him, also looked concerned.
The old doctor pondered for a moment and said, "The treatment is not difficult, but the process may be a little painful, and you will need to bear with it."
"Haha, I've lived for over a hundred years, what haven't I seen? I wouldn't even flinch if swords were pointed at me. Doctor, please treat me, I don't mind the pain."
Upon hearing this, Wei Shanhai was overjoyed and laughed heartily.
“Since that’s the case, then this old man won’t be coy.” The old doctor said seriously, “Aqing, you will be in charge of the acupuncture. I need to protect Old Master Wei’s heart meridian with my true energy and won’t be able to free my hands. Old Master Wei, please take off your shirt.”
"Yes, Master."
Lu Qing took out the needle pouch, and Wei Shanhai also took off his shirt, revealing a horrifying sword wound on his heart.
Upon seeing this, Wei Xinghe slightly opened his eyes.
He knew that his ancestor's heart meridian was injured, but he did not know that the injury was so severe.
Looking at the sword marks, it's clear that our ancestor was on the verge of death.
No one knows what kind of suffering he went through to escape from Wang Cangyi's clutches.
Unconsciously, Wei Xinghe's resentment towards Wang Cangyi and the others deepened.
"Aqing, I'm telling you, you should insert the needle."
The old doctor placed one hand on Wei Shanhai's chest and said solemnly.
"Understood." Lu Qing replied with a similarly solemn expression.
"Shenmen, Neiguan, Tanzhong..."
The old doctor chanted the acupoints repeatedly, and Lu Qing's hand followed suit, inserting the silver needles without the slightest error.
As the silver needles were inserted, Wei Shanhai felt the sword energy in his heart meridian begin to stir. Under the blockade of the silver needles, it was forced to gather continuously, causing some discomfort to his heart meridian.
But at that moment, a gentle and cool energy protected his heart meridian, making him feel instantly comfortable.
When Lu Qing inserted the last silver needle, the sword energy that had been integrated into his heart meridian was forced out completely and gathered into a ball.
However, the concentrated innate sword energy was also at its most powerful, almost causing Wei Shanhai's heart meridian to burst.
Just then, the gentle true energy that had been protecting the heart meridian suddenly surged into the heart meridian, as if it had become extremely sticky.
It completely enveloped that innate true energy and forcefully pulled it outwards.
Wei Shanhai felt a sharp pain in his chest, followed by an immense sense of relief.
