The utilization of celestial treasures is by no means a simple matter of mere mention. Even when configured into a medicinal compound, proper application must be observed. The Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Pill, while miraculously effective for the severely wounded, can only sustain life temporarily. To fully unleash the Pill’s potency, it requires the assistance of internal energy to guide the medicinal power's dissemination. This elderly gentleman possesses no internal energy, yet he completely absorbed the Snow Lotus Pill. This can only mean someone treated him back then, and moreover, a medical master possessing internal energy, much like Zhang Yang. This is why Zhang Yang was so certain that someone must have saved him.

The old man nodded. “You are correct. I did indeed meet a benefactor back then. With that person’s help, I managed to cheat death and recover.” As he spoke, a wave of sorrow washed over the old man’s face, and he closed his eyes, lying back down.

“That settles it. The Snow Lotus Pill saved you once, but it cannot save you a second time. You suffered another severe injury over a decade ago, didn’t you?” Zhang Yang spoke softly, the previous confusion regarding the pulse having completely cleared up. It was the lingering effect of the Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Pill that had made the old man’s pulse appear so faint, as if his condition were terminal and beyond remedy. In truth, the old man’s body was generally stable; though certainly weakened by age, of course.

The old man opened his eyes again, staring directly at Zhang Yang. Xie Fei and Xie Hui, the two brothers, were staring wide-eyed. More than ten years ago, a massive earthquake struck Taiwan Island. The old man happened to be surveying family business interests in the tremor zone and was struck by rocks rolling down the mountain, sustaining grave injuries. Although he was eventually rescued and many famous doctors were summoned, his life was saved—but only saved; a complete recovery proved impossible. That perilous event also cost the old man a significant amount of vital energy and essence. Without the Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Pill to aid him this time, the ailment dragged on unresolved. Subsequently, he consulted numerous physicians, all of whom stated his vital essence was too depleted, offering no effective cures beyond using ginseng to merely sustain him, though no one knew how long even that temporary measure would last. Over the years, the family spent a considerable fortune just purchasing ginseng. Wherever good ginseng could be found, their representatives were present. It was fortunate they were so relentless; had they not gone to such lengths to acquire ginseng to prolong the old man’s life, he would surely have succumbed long ago, never waiting for Zhang Yang’s arrival.

“There was an incident over ten years ago. Truthfully, I knew my life was meant to end then, but I simply couldn't bear to leave my children,” the old man sighed. Before that danger ten years ago, his health had actually been excellent, showing no outward sign of ever having suffered a life-threatening injury. It could be said the effect of that Snow Lotus Pill kept him as healthy as a normal person, perhaps even slightly better than average.

“Grandpa, please don’t say that. Doctor Zhang, do you have a way?” Xie Hui approached, crouching beside the old man, looking at him anxiously, then turning to ask Zhang Yang. This time, he finally addressed Zhang Yang as ‘Doctor.’ No one had ever told Zhang Yang about the old man’s injury from over a decade ago; Zhang Yang divined so much merely from the pulse. Among all the doctors the old man had seen, Zhang Yang was the first. The others had only learned of the history through questioning. Regardless, Zhang Yang had certainly put on a display, making everyone truly believe in his identity as a physician.

“There is a way, but it will be somewhat complicated,” Zhang Yang nodded. After taking the pulse just now, he had indeed conceived a method. However, the old man was advanced in years, and the illness had persisted for a long time, making treatment naturally difficult. Furthermore, the old man had suffered a major trauma in his youth. Although he recovered with the aid of the spiritual medicine, that vulnerability remained, and the injury ten years ago had brought that hidden risk to the surface. Otherwise, a single injury wouldn’t have been so difficult to treat, requiring ginseng just for maintenance.

“Having a way is what matters; we aren't afraid of trouble!” Xie Hui exclaimed in surprise. None of the other doctors had dared to answer so readily; they had all said they would try their best. Now, finally, they saw hope. “Yes, we aren’t afraid of trouble. Doctor Zhang, whatever you need, just ask!” Xie Fei also stepped forward to add, their hearts lifting as the old man’s long-standing illness finally showed a glimmer of hope.

“I will inform you what cooperation is needed. The old man’s treatment will require some time. I assume there are guest rooms here?” “Yes, we have guest rooms. I’ll arrange the best accommodation for you right away; please feel free to settle in!” Xie Hui nodded immediately. Even without Zhang Yang asking, he would have arranged lodging; it was impossible for Zhang Yang to commute back and forth by car every time he visited. “Good. I will begin treating the old man tonight, but I require absolute silence while I work; no one should be nearby,” Zhang Yang stood up and stated slowly. He could cure the old man’s ailment. Even without the Thousand-Year Ginseng, he could manage it, but it would require a very long duration—perhaps three to five years of continuous treatment. Now, with a celestial treasure like Thousand-Year Ginseng, the treatment time could be significantly reduced. Combined with Zhang Yang’s methods, recovery could be achieved in three months at most.

“Rest assured, we guarantee you the quietest environment possible!” Xie Hui promised again. For them, as long as Grandpa’s illness could be cured, everything else was secondary.

The journey here, though not excessively long, had taken several hours of driving. Zhang Yang was not currently in his optimal state. Resting for a while and beginning treatment that evening would yield better results. After bidding farewell to the old man, Zhang Yang followed Xie Hui to the guest quarters. Xie Hui had arranged a large suite for him, complete with a separate living room, a study, and a spacious balcony offering beautiful mountain views. The mountain air was crisp, and the balcony was open, lending an immediate sense of comfort upon entering the room. Xie Hui led them there and then departed.

As soon as he left, Zhang Yang and Mi Xue seemed to recall something simultaneously and walked into the bedroom. The suite was excellent and quite large, but the main issue was that it only contained one bedroom, which housed a very large, luxurious double bed.

“I’ll go find him and arrange another room!” Zhang Yang offered an awkward smile. They were a couple, yes, but they hadn't reached that stage yet. They always slept in separate rooms, at most cuddling briefly.

“No, no need!” Mi Xue suddenly stopped Zhang Yang, shaking her head at him. As she spoke, Mi Xue’s face flushed again, and she quickly lowered her head, saying, “The living room is quite large. I can sleep there tonight. We just arrived; let’s not trouble them further!” Mi Xue’s voice was soft, as if fearing Zhang Yang might misunderstand, adding the explanation deliberately.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you!” Zhang Yang smiled faintly, dropping the subject of separate rooms. However, the smile on his face seemed strangely knowing, causing Mi Xue to look at him and blush once more. She couldn't quite articulate why she had stopped Zhang Yang just now—or perhaps, deep down, she simply didn't want to be separated from him in an unfamiliar place, or perhaps there was an unfamiliar yearning stirring within her. Whatever it was, she truly didn't know.

Zhang Yang said little else. Curing the old man tonight would demand significant energy; he needed to bring his condition to its absolute peak. Zhang Yang entered the study alone. Inside, he reached into his clothing and retrieved a small box. The box contained three pills. He took one out and placed it directly into his mouth. This was a ginseng pellet compounded by Zhang Yang using the Thousand-Year Ginseng, along with other auxiliary herbs, designed to enhance his internal energy and improve his physical condition. He had intended to save these specific medicinal aids until his condition stabilized later. Today, however, simply resting would not suffice to reach peak state; he needed one of these pellets to maximize his assurance during the treatment. He was treating a war hero, a man who had personally felled more than a dozen Japanese soldiers and caused the demise of hundreds more. Treating such a hero, Zhang Yang allowed no room for error.

At six o’clock in the afternoon, Zhang Yang emerged from the study. His face held a healthy flush, and he appeared exceptionally energized. The medicinal effect of the pellet was working within his body, filling him with vigor. He found Xie Hui and gave him a few instructions before returning to the room. Mi Xue was standing alone on the balcony, gazing at the mountain scenery. Zhang Yang approached her slowly and gently drew her into an embrace from behind.

“Zhang Yang, my home is just over there. If you walk from this side of the mountain, it’s just over one peak!” Mi Xue suddenly extended her hand, pointing toward the distance. Her home was very near here, making her feel a touch of homesickness. “You aren't thinking of climbing over the mountain to run home, are you?” Zhang Yang chuckled lightly, making a small joke. Climbing over would be impossible; the saying goes that looking at a mountain can exhaust a horse, and crossing it would be even farther. Mi Xue’s expression showed a flicker of hesitation. She turned back, her beautiful eyes fixed directly on Zhang Yang. They were standing so close that Zhang Yang felt a strong urge to lower his head and savor that sweet scent. “Zhang Yang, after you help Grandpa Xie get better, will you come home with me?” Mi Xue spoke softly, lowering her head again, her face growing even redder.

Zhang Yang stood there stunned for a moment. Mi Xue was inviting him home—this meant meeting her parents, introducing their relationship to her family. To be honest, Zhang Yang was completely unprepared for this. In both his lifetimes, he had never experienced anything like this. In his previous life, he had known women, but he had never visited any of their homes. Those women, he understood upon being with them, were not the ones he could spend a lifetime with.

“If you don’t want to, it’s fine,” Mi Xue murmured again, pulling away from his embrace, preparing to return to the bedroom. “I want to! I’m just afraid my appearance won’t be to your family’s liking. How could such a beautiful girl end up with someone so ordinary?” Zhang Yang grabbed Mi Xue, stopping her from leaving, and pulled her back into his arms. Zhang Yang lacked experience in romance, but he understood that when a girl invites a man to her home, it signifies a true desire for a lasting commitment. His hesitation stemmed only from being caught off guard, not unwillingness. Hearing the disappointment in Mi Xue’s tone, he reacted instantly. It was a good thing he responded quickly, or Mi Xue would have been genuinely hurt.