August Browne’s body trembled, his face contorted in pain.
It felt as if a million ants were relentlessly gnawing at his skin.
Dr. Lee sat by the bedside, having already administered six needles to August Browne, yet the symptoms showed no signs of easing.
Renee was also in the room, her distress evident as she watched her father in agony. If she could, she would willingly bear the pain her father was enduring.
Upon Leo’s entrance, Dr. Lee stood up, wiping sweat from his forehead while holding a bowl of medicine, “Leo, you’ve finally arrived.”
“Leo, please, you have to save my father,” pleaded Renee, grasping Leo’s hand.
Approaching the bed, Leo observed August Browne’s condition and then turned to Dr. Lee, inquiring, “Dr. Lee, what is your diagnosis?”
“About a year ago, August had a fight with a member of the Flying Dragon Business Association and was struck by a punch. Since then, he has been afflicted with this ailment. I am ashamed to admit that I cannot definitively identify the illness or prescribe a suitable treatment,” Dr. Lee explained, a hint of self-reproach on his face.
Leo responded, “Dr. Lee, there’s no need for self-blame. Mr. Browne’s condition stems from techniques employed by martial cultivators. His internal organs have been hutr by internal energy. Conventional acupuncture and medication are ineffective.”
“Internal energy?” Dr. Lee furrowed his brows.
Knowing time was of the essence, and with August Browne’s condition deteriorating, Leo didn’t have the luxury to provide a detailed explanation. He took a seat by the bed, withdrew a silver needle from his pouch, infused it with a bit of spiritual power, and inserted it near the temple.
Immediately, August Browne’s trembling ceased, the pained expression on his face faded, and his breathing became steady, resembling peaceful sleep.
Though mentally prepared, Dr. Lee and Renee were left astounded by Leo’s skill, their mouths agape.
Especially Renee, who could finally release some of the tension that had been building within her.
Leo continued by inserting four more needles into various acupoints around August Browne’s chest and abdomen. These points formed a black handprint that seemed to emanate from the skin, attempting to attack the silver needles.
Leo’s disdainful snort cut through the room, “A feeble attempt to resist.”
Then, he plunged another needle into the center of the black handprint, causing it to vanish instantly.
August Browne’s pale complexion gradually regained its healthy color.
As Dr. Lee observed from the sidelines, he realized that the ailment had been eradicated. Curious, he asked, “Leo, what was that black handprint that appeared just now?”
“It should have been left behind when Mr. Browne was struck by a martial artist. It contains a hidden fire affliction power, which is like a toxin lurking within the body, slowly corroding the vital organs,” Leo explained.
Upon hearing Leo’s words, Renee’s voice turned cold as she remarked, “It was the fire affliction power left behind by the leader of the Red Fire Guards from the Flying Dragon Business Association. He inflicted it on my dad when he attacked him.”
“Red Fire Guards again?” Leo raised an eyebrow.
“The leader of the Red Fire Nine Guards is named Jason. He’s incredibly powerful and had already reached the advanced martial level a year ago,” Ella, who stood behind Renee, chimed in.
Leo nodded. With the fire affliction power removed from August Browne’s body, the next step was to heal his injured internal organs.
Building upon the foundation of the six needles Dr. Lee had inserted earlier, Leo added three more, employing a variation from the Nine Extreme Mystical Needles technique – the Rejuvenation Needle!
After inserting the three needles, Leo formed a hand seal with his right hand, gently tapping the tips of the nine silver needles one by one.
A wondrous scene unfolded. The tips of the nine silver needles emitted a soft white glow, visible to the naked eye. Wisps of mist-like energy began to gather in August Browne’s abdominal region.
The gathered energy spun and swirled, gradually seeping into August Browne’s skin.
Dr. Lee, who had been observing the proceedings, marveled at the scene. Was this what they called spiritual energy?
After several minutes, the gathered energy fully entered August Browne’s body, and the luminous points at the ends of the silver needles faded away.
Leo removed the needles one by one, then rose from his chair, declaring, “The ailment has been eradicated, and his body repaired. He should rest and awaken free from affliction tomorrow.”
“Really?” Renee’s hopefulness bordered on tearful relief.
The torment that had plagued her father for almost a year was finally lifted. How could she not be overjoyed as his daughter?
Leo affirmed with a nod, turning to Renee, “Your leg wound needs rest as well. Have you taken your medicine?”
“I already took it, but it’s so bitter,” Renee replied, her gaze fixed on Leo, sincere and earnest. “Leo, thank you. You’re a savior to our family.”
“Is the external herbal paste ready?” Leo addressed Ella.
Ella gestured towards a porcelain bowl on the coffee table, confirming, “It’s prepared as you requested.”
Leo picked up the bowl, sniffed its contents, and nodded, “Hmm, the temperature control is quite precise. Ms. Browne, let’s proceed with the herbal treatment.”
Renee blushed slightly, hesitating and stammering, “Can Ella apply the paste for me?”
“That’s possible, but using her method may leave scars on your skin,” Leo replied, extending the bowl towards Ella.
Renee swiftly took the bowl from Leo’s hands, her embarrassment mixed with urgency, “You do it, please.”
With that, she hurried out of the room.
Leo requested a roll of bandages from Dr. Lee before entering Renee’s bedroom.
Renee had already reclined on the sofa, her damaged stockings discarded. In Leo’s presence, her legs were exposed – two long, fair, and flawless limbs.
Finding a small stool, Leo took a seat beside Renee.
This was the first time he had observed a woman’s legs from such close proximity. His heartbeat quickened involuntarily, and he instinctively swallowed.
Leo’s preoccupation was not lost on Renee, who was secretly pleased to have caught his attention.
Her legs were indeed comparable to those of an international model, and she was determined not to leave any scars on them.
Coughing lightly, Renee prompted, “Mr. Bloomer, what are you thinking about?”
Leo awkwardly chuckled, “Oh, nothing, I was just contemplating how to touch…”
“Touch?” Renee inquired.
“I misspoke; I meant how to apply the herbal paste,” Leo corrected himself, mentally scolding his own mouth for a slip of the tongue.
“Then go ahead and apply it,” Renee’s voice held a trace of shyness.
“Uh, could you lift your skirt up a bit more?” Leo struggled to stay focused and avoid letting his imagination run wild.
“Is this enough?” Renee reached down and adjusted her skirt.
“A little higher, please,” Leo felt his heart rate increasing.
“Is this okay?” Renee queried again.