An elderly man with flowing white hair and a long beard that brushed his chest stepped out from the room. Clad in a white robe, his long hair cascaded down to his waist, giving him an almost divine presence that radiated solemnity and grandeur.
He walked steadily, his expression stern, clearly a particularly famous big shot in Seclela.
As the elder entered the crowd, Memphis, shocked, prepared to bow in greeting, but the old man raised his hand to stop him. That simple, effortless gesture spoke volumes about his esteemed status.
His gaze fixated on Kayden, and after a moment, he asked in a voice that resonated like a voice from the top of the world, “Kid, do you think that just because you can use some cold violence, you’re a master in the medical field? Do you even know who I am?”
Kayden looked at the imposing elder, feeling a weight in his heart. The man seemed to possess some level of inner strength. Given how polite Memphis had been to him, it was clear that this elder was someone of significant importance.
Memphis belonged to the East’s elite. His status rivaled that of Fletcher.
However, Kayden didn’t recognize the elder, so he honestly shook his head and said, “I don’t know.”
Upon hearing this, the elder couldn’t help but stroke his long beard and burst into laughter. He tilted his head back, letting his laughter echo through the air.
How ridiculous! To him, it was utterly laughable, a mockery of Kayden’s ignorance.
This made Memphis, who had begun to view Kayden more favorably, feel a twinge of disappointment. He thought he had encountered a genius young man, only to find out that Kayden didn’t even recognize the elder in front of him. It seemed he was just a warrior and not a true medical expert.
Daphne blinked and said, “This is none other than the renowned King of Medicine, Eugene Whitehead, the most prominent figure in Seclela’s traditional medicine! Alongside Sage Doctor Maverick Quinn and Immortal Healer Cael Gabor, he is one of the three great doctors of Seclela. I can’t believe a so-called doctor like you doesn’t know who Eugene Whitehead is! Do you know how old he is? One hundred thirty-six!”
As Daphne introduced him, Eugene basked in the attention, stroking his long beard and wearing a proud smile.
Kayden reconsidered Eugene and replied, “I’ve heard of Maverick Quinn and Cael Gabor, but I’ve never heard of Eugene Whitehead!”
Eugene’s expression shifted dramatically. His cheeks flushed with heat as he felt his dignity being trampled. This kid was blatantly humiliating him, showing utter disregard for his respect. He was a representative figure in Seclela’s traditional medicine, and Kayden had never even heard of him.
He had heard of Maverick and Cael, but not me? This little brat was simply arrogant!
However, Eugene didn’t express his anger. Instead, he chuckled lightly and calmly asked, “No matter. So, from what you say, you’re also studying traditional medicine?”
Hearing Eugene speak so calmly, the respect in the eyes of those around him deepened. Kayden’s words had clearly been an offense, and anyone else would have reacted with anger. But Eugene remained composed, showcasing his immense character.
Kayden looked at Eugene and nodded slightly. “I suppose so!”
Eugene nodded, feeling more confident. He believed that anyone studying traditional medicine at Kayden’s age could never compare to him. Besides Maverick and Cael, no one in all of Seclela could match him.
He then asked Kayden, “Since you’re so confident in your ability to cure Mr. John, do you have a grasp of his condition?”
Kayden shook his head. “I don’t need to know the details to cure him.”
Upon hearing Kayden’s response, Eugene laughed even harder. After a hearty laugh, he gave Kayden a thumbs-up and said, “You’re truly the most self-righteous person I’ve ever met! In my eyes, you don’t understand traditional medicine or medical practices at all. Seclela’s medical principles involve observation, listening, inquiry, and checking the pulse. You haven’t even seen the patient, yet you claim you can cure him? That’s pure nonsense.”
“The traditional medicine of Seclela has a history of thousands of years, and its decline is entirely due to people like you. You pretend to understand traditional medicine, ruining its reputation. I wonder how our ancestors feel about the state of traditional medicine today and how you’ll face them after you die!”
Eugene’s words struck like thunder, hitting every member of the John family hard. As a practitioner of traditional medicine, he truly felt heartbroken over its current state. The external evaluations of traditional medicine had become increasingly one-sided, with hardly any representation in the global medical community. He felt pain-deep sorrow for what had been left behind by his ancestors and despair over the lack of anyone to pass on the ancient techniques of traditional medicine.
Everyone in the room felt a wave of melancholy wash over them as they witnessed Eugene’s lament.
Kayden locked eyes with Eugene and confidently stated, “I don’t need to see much at all. I only need three needles to cure him! As long as I can stick in three needles, as long as the patient still breathes, his three souls will return, and his seven spirits will be in place.”
“You’re talking nonsense!” Eugene replied, adjusting his beard and scoffing. “I’ve devoted my life to traditional medicine and am well-versed in acupuncture. How could I not know of the technique you speak of? You’re merely boasting, slandering Seclela’s traditional medicine.”
Kayden frowned and said, “Then you simply haven’t learned enough!”
“Not learned enough?” Eugene pointed at himself, barely able to contain his laughter.
He shook his head in disbelief. “I’ve been studying Seclela’s medical texts since I was nine. From the moment I learned to read, I’ve been immersed in the writings of famous ancient doctors. Years ago, I published my own book, Eugene’s Medical Treatise, detailing my lifetime of clinical experiences. How dare you say I haven’t learned enough? After one hundred twenty-seven years of daily study, it’s utterly ridiculous!”
This declaration elevated Eugene’s status to a pinnacle, earning him the utmost respect from everyone in the John family, from Memphis to the bodyguards present. In this moment, Eugene had completely overshadowed Kayden. In Eugene’s eyes, Kayden was just a foolish jester.