Chapter 35: Undercurrents... and Uninvited Chaos
Several days later...
News of "Uncle Wang's" miracle spread throughout the capital city like wildfire! The story of him saving the dying boy in the middle of the street and reviving the Eldest Young Master of the City Lord's Manor was retold until it became a legend!
From an unknown "country doctor," the name "Uncle Wang" had now become a symbol of hope and miracles. People traveled from all directions, crowding the streets daily to beg for treatment.
But Wang Cheng did the unexpected... He hung a sign outside that read: "Temporarily Closed for Treatment"!
He gave his reason to the pleading villagers: "Treating the Eldest Young Master consumed a massive amount of my life force. I require time to recuperate and brew tonics to restore my body."
This action not only failed to diminish his reputation but actually made his image appear even more noble, mysterious, and unreachable!
But behind the tightly closed doors... Wang Cheng was enjoying his peaceful life to the fullest.
"Master... This is the 'Phoenix Jade Hairpin' and this is the 'Crescent Moon Bracelet'... The City Lord sent so many gifts for me!"
Liu Yuexin was happily trying on the precious jewelry sent from the City Lord's Manor. Her face was wreathed in smiles like a child with new toys. Her old, shabby clothes had been replaced by fine silk, making her look as beautiful as a young lady from a noble clan.
Wang Cheng sat sipping tea nearby, watching her with a gentle smile.
"Do you like them?"
"I like them very much!" she answered without hesitation, before blushing slightly. "But... these things are too valuable for me."
"Nothing is too valuable for my top disciple," he said. "Accept them. Consider it a reward for your bravery and sacrifice."
Just as the atmosphere was warming up, the shop's butler walked in to report with a humble demeanor.
"Master... Manager Su of the Ten Thousand Treasures Chamber of Commerce requests a meeting."
Not long after, Su Meilan's slender figure in her tight-fitting crimson dress walked up to the second floor with her usual elegance. She swept her gaze over Liu Yuexin, who was noticeably better dressed, with an unreadable expression before turning to give Wang Cheng a seductive smile.
"It seems my Uncle has become quite popular. Even the City Lord has to bow to you."
"Manager Su teases me," Wang Cheng said humbly. "I merely performed my duty as a doctor."
"A duty... that brings a City Lord's son back to life and transforms a disciple into a beauty... truly a miraculous duty indeed," she said, glancing meaningfully at Liu Yuexin.
"Anyway... I won't waste your time," she cut to the chase. "The auction is in one week. I have spread the news of the 'Legendary Pill' throughout the realm. Now, experts and influential figures from all directions are flooding into our city... including some uninvited guests."
Her expression suddenly turned solemn.
"I received intelligence that... people from the 'Blood Cloud Valley' have infiltrated the city... It seems they are searching for a missing disciple... and investigating the source of the rumors regarding the 'Nameless Alchemist'."
The name "Blood Cloud Valley" drained the color from Liu Yuexin's face!
Wang Cheng frowned slightly. 'Sigh... more annoying troubles,' he thought.
"Let them investigate... There is no evidence that can lead back to us."
"I hope so," Su Meilan said. "But what worries me more is... the 'VIP' arriving tomorrow."
"Who?"
"The Third Prince... 'Guan Wuchen'."
The name caused Wang Cheng, who was about to sip his tea, to freeze mid-motion! The smile vanished from his face instantly.
"Why is he coming to our small city?"
"He claims to be visiting the City Lord, who is a distant relative," Su Meilan replied. "But my sources report that... his true target is your 'Legendary Pill'... and the 'Divine Doctor' who created it."
The atmosphere in the room instantly became heavy!
Wang Cheng set his teacup down gently on the table before letting out a massive sigh... so long that both Liu Yuexin and Su Meilan had to look at each other.
"Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh..."
He used one hand to massage his temple gently. The eyes that usually looked calm were now clearly filled with weariness.
'The Third Prince... just the name sounds like a headache,' he groaned inwardly.
'I just want to live quietly, brewing pills day by day, having the Little Girl serve and pamper me by my side... maybe visiting Manager Su at her manor for a 'check-up' occasionally... What is wrong with living a simple life of a rich old man surrounded by beautiful women...?'
'Why do big problems keep running towards me endlessly!?'
He looked at Su Meilan with a slightly pleading gaze.
"Manager Su... could you please go tell this Prince that there is no Divine Doctor... only an old man with a bad back who just wants to rest?"