Chapter 6: The Ambiguity of Treating Diseases - After I Left, I Became Their Obsession.

The next morning, Chen Li went to find Ning Yanxi, but the maid who was waiting for him mentioned that Ning Yanxi had business to attend to outside and wouldn't be back for a while. With matters piling up in Ningguo, Ning Yanxi was likely busy since the previous day. Chen Li understood and was about to leave when a graceful figure approached—it was Ning Wanyin. Today, she was donned in a formal white palace gown, its intricate patterns impressive but not overwhelming. The lingering essence of her past illness had completely vanished, allowing her natural grace to emerge effortlessly. "If Young Master Chen seeks Yanxi, it might be worthwhile to wait a moment," Ning Wanyin suggested with a gentle voice, the hem of her skirt swaying elegantly. Chen Li smiled, "Seeking you is just as beneficial, Princess. If you’re available, we can begin the treatment now." Surprised, Ning Wanyin asked, "Is there no need to gather rare herbs first?" "We'll need those later as supplementary," Chen Li nodded, explaining, "But I prepared a bit last night, enough for initial treatment. We can first stabilize your foundation now." "Alright," Ning Wanyin agreed quietly. Unlike Ning Yanxi, she placed substantial trust in Chen Li. While Ning Yanxi insisted on addressing Chen Li as 'Senior,' she affectionately called him 'Young Master Chen.' For the treatment location, Ning Wanyin suggested her own room. After their previous experience yesterday, she no longer felt nervous or shy about being alone with Chen Li. Chen Li began, "The primary goal is still to strengthen your physique. Only with a robust foundation can you hope to conquer the Nine Yin Terminal Meridians." "Conquer?" The word lightly stirred Ning Wanyin’s heart. "Indeed," Chen Li continued, his gaze steady. "The Nine Yin Terminal Meridians has been sapping your vitality, but this constitution is revered as divine. If harnessed properly, you could cultivate up to the Ninth Realm—an aspiration for countless practitioners." Ning Wanyin was momentarily speechless, her lips parting slightly. For years, this illness had been her burden, a constant source of pain. Yet now, Chen Li suggested this torment was instead a grand opportunity. Feeling a certain bewilderment, Ning Wanyin realized how true the saying was—the line between misfortune and fortune was thin. "Of course, whether you can truly walk this exalted path depends on you," Chen Li added. Ning Wanyin raised her eyes to him, "Young Master Chen… why support us so?" She didn’t doubt Chen Li; she merely felt a twinge of unease at the generosity they were being shown. With a teasing tone, Chen Li replied, "Perhaps I'm just someone who enjoys meddling in others' business?" Ning Wanyin was taken aback, then her cheeks lit up with a delicate dimpled smile, "Young Master Chen is indeed a good person." "Princess," Chen Li pulled out an ancient-looking needle pouch, "Shall we begin?" Ning Wanyin’s voice softened, her gaze lowered slightly, "If it’s not too much trouble, you can call me Wanyin." "Alright, Wanyin," Chen Li agreed smoothly, his tone becoming earnest, "This initial treatment requires gold needles to pass through acupuncture points and smooth the qi channels. It’s crucial there are no obstructions, please... remove your upper garment." "Ah…?" ... After a moment of deliberation, Ning Wanyin turned away, her slender fingers gently trembling as they undid the intricate ties of her gown. Chen Li had already turned his back. The soft rustle of fabric was particularly distinct in the still room. Soon, Ning Wanyin's voice, with an effort to suppress her embarrassment, broke the silence, "Alright…" Chen Li turned to face a scene of serene beauty: a smooth, jade-like back with elegant shoulder and neck lines descending into the waist, concealed beneath the bedspread. This in itself was a captivating image. Ning Wanyin clutched the quilt close to her chest, tightly covering her front, her petite ears flushed crimson, revealing the tumult of her emotions. With a focused gaze, Chen Li approached the bed, opened his needle pouch, and exposed slender silver needles as fine as hair. "I shall begin now." "…Mm." Ning Wanyin muffled into the quilt. This technique, named the Bifang Needle, derived from a fortuitous inheritance of Chen Li, a legacy from a medicinal master who reached the ancient tenth realm over a millennium ago. Chen Li had the privilege of acquiring a third of this knowledge. It was undoubtedly a premier medical legacy. Currently, Chen Li was likely the only practitioner capable of utilizing the Bifang Needle. The first needle, almost imperceptibly light, entered precisely into a critical conduit point on her back. As coolness met her skin, Ning Wanyin shivered, and Chen Li sensed her tension. He addressed her softly, "You haven’t begun cultivating yet, but do you aspire to delve into the practice of cultivation?" Ning Wanyin steadied her breathing, her voice a touch unsteady, "I've always dreamed of it—being able to fly freely like a bird, traversing the heavens and the earth." "Is that all?" Without pause, Chen Li inserted the second and third needles in succession. The needle tips carried refined, gentle true essence, seeping slowly into blocked meridians like spring water. "Yes," Ning Wanyin, gradually drawn in by the conversation, allowed her thoughts to wander, "As a child, I saw a bird flying past the window and envied its freedom, the ability to escape from confinement and reach wherever it wished." "It will come true," Chen Li assured softly. Their conversation unfurled uninterrupted, spanning childhood anecdotes, fascinating tales from books, and concerns for Ningguo's future, encompassing everything. Chen Li’s words were gentle yet insightful, nurturing an ongoing dialogue. Ning Wanyin's taut nerves gradually eased, replaced by the joy of conversation. Her words flowed more freely, her smile blooming like a spring flower, bright and alluring. Submerged in this unprecedentedly relaxed ambiance, she nearly forgot the passage of time. "It’s done." Chen Li’s soothing voice drew her back, revealing they had unknowingly spoken for nearly two hours. An unresolved sense of loss crept into her heart, as she found she had much left to share. Chen Li had already turned away. Once she finished dressing, Ning Wanyin glimpsed Chen Li seated cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, meditating—a testament to the toll of the needlework. "Thank you, Young Master Chen." Chen Li opened his eyes slowly, "It’s no trouble. From now on, I'll administer this acupuncture every three days." "Alright." Ning Wanyin nodded thoughtfully, her heart rippling gently. At that moment, the door opened, and Ning Yanxi stepped inside, a slight fatigue upon her brows. She looked at Ning Wanyin and, with a raised brow, inquired, "Were you just receiving a treatment?" Ning Wanyin's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure, "Yes, Young Master Chen just finished the needle treatment; it’s already done." Ning Yanxi nodded, her gaze lingering on her sister's face for a moment before shifting to Chen Li. "I heard you came looking for me earlier. Did you have something to discuss?" By then fully recovered, Chen Li stood up and smiled, "I'd like to talk about the current situation in Ningguo."