It wasn't the New Century yet, and cars hadn't proliferated like they would later; in a future era, finding parking in this location would have been impossible.

While parking, Zhang Yang called Zhao Min.

Once the car was settled and they reached the main entrance, Zhao Min hurried out to greet them. The personal secretary to the Provincial Party Secretary himself was receiving them, so the guards at the gate didn't stop them, merely confirming their details before waving them through.

In truth, Zhang Yang had many ways to gain entry.

He was already at the fourth layer of Neijin, and his **Technique was already perfected to the point of mastery; any ordinary person without Neijin, even a special forces operative, could not withstand him. If he were to employ the **Technique, no one at the gate would have dared to stop them.

However, the **Technique, being a Neijin cultivation method, carried the shadow of bullying ordinary people when used. If there was another legitimate path available, Zhang Yang would not resort to it easily. This was the difference in mindset between Zhang Yang and other Neijin cultivators; were it someone else possessing the **Technique, they would likely have used it to drive straight into the compound already.

"Young Master, you've returned. Did you find what was needed?"

As he led Zhang Yang inside, Zhao Min asked with renewed urgency.

He knew his boss had been poisoned, but not the exact nature of the toxin. However, he was certain that only Zhang Yang could resolve it, and that a crucial primary ingredient was required.

Zhang Keqin had told him this personally, and it was precisely for this reason that Zhao Min abandoned any thought of persuading Zhang Keqin to seek treatment in the capital.

Whatever decision his boss made, no one could change it; moreover, Zhao Min was well aware that Zhang Yang’s medical skills were truly extraordinary, rivaling even the venerable National Grandmasters of medicine.

Zhang Yang smiled faintly and gave a slight nod. "Found it!"

"You found it? That’s wonderful, truly wonderful!"

Zhao Min paused for a brief moment before breaking into a relieved smile, a hint of excitement flickering within it.

To say Zhao Min hadn't worried since Zhang Keqin was poisoned would be a lie. His entire future prospects rested on Zhang Keqin, and though his boss had made arrangements for his future just in case, the bond built over more than a decade meant he desperately did not want anything to happen to him.

For these past ten-plus years, he had been Zhang Keqin’s constant companion, spending more time by his side than anyone else.

"The Boss is currently meeting someone. Young Master, please wait a moment!"

Upon returning to the office, Zhao Min immediately set about preparing tea for Zhang Yang and Mi Xue, inviting them to wait outside.

Zhang Yang glanced around casually and soon took a seat.

He didn't understand the intricacies of Zhang Keqin’s work, but he knew that when truly engaged in work, no one wished to be disturbed—just as he himself hated interruptions while treating a patient. He understood this completely.

"Secretary Zhao, who are these two gentlemen?"

While rising to refill the tea, the person who had previously been seated there stood up and quietly inquired.

This was the office of the Provincial Party Secretary. Generally, those who managed to reach this point and gain access to see the Secretary were key figures from various departments, top officials from different cities and regions, or individuals with highly specialized roles. It was rare to see someone as young as Zhang Yang, let alone two people.

His curiosity simply got the better of him, compelling him to ask.

"Secretary Miao, they are Secretary Zhang's guests!"

Zhao Min answered the question, but his tone was deliberately measured, and he lifted his gaze slightly to meet the inquirer's eyes.

This Secretary Miao startled visibly, immediately retreating to his seat and closing his eyes. He understood he had trodden on a sensitive boundary; it was not his place to pry into whom the leader wished to see or the status of those guests.

"Secretary Zhao, thank you for today. I'll be taking my leave now. Secretary Miao, I see you are here as well!"

The door suddenly opened, and a man in his fifties, his face wreathed in smiles, carefully stepped out. He first addressed Secretary Zhao, then offered a polite nod to Secretary Miao beside him.

Secretary Miao was named Miao Liuyi, the Party Secretary of Gaoquan City, a significant figure in the local administration. Lieshan County fell under the jurisdiction of Gaoquan.

The person just emerging was Sun Qi, the Director of the Police Department. Changjing’s public safety had improved significantly lately, especially with crime rates dropping during the Spring Festival; he had just received official commendation for this. It was little wonder Sun Qi looked pleased. Who didn't appreciate praise?

"Mr. Zhang, Zhang..."

After greeting the two, Sun Qi's gaze naturally settled upon Zhang Yang and Mi Xue.

The moment he saw Zhang Yang, Sun Qi felt a strong sense of familiarity. After studying the young man closely for a few more moments, recognition dawned: this was Zhang Yang, the son of Provincial Secretary Zhang. The incident a while back where both young masters caused trouble at the police precinct had nearly given him an ulcer; the Police Department had photographs of both sons on file.

"Director Sun, if you have business, please proceed. The Boss is waiting for them!"

Sun Qi’s attempt to speak was cut short by Zhao Min. Zhang Yang's identity wasn't a state secret, but it couldn't be discussed casually here, as this was an official workplace.

"Yes, yes, I understand!"

Sun Qi hastily acquiesced and quickly departed. While Zhao Min's official rank was lower than his, his proximity to power meant his authority here was far greater, and Sun Qi dared not disregard his words.

As soon as Sun Qi left, Miao Liuyi stood up, preparing to enter.

"Secretary Miao, excuse me, please wait a moment!"

Zhao Min called out to stop him again, a slight smile accompanying the interruption. To Miao Liuyi’s utter astonishment, Zhao Min ushered Zhang Yang and Mi Xue in first.

These two newcomers had effectively cut the queue ahead of him. Such an occurrence in the presence of the leadership was exceedingly rare. As a City Party Secretary, Miao Liuyi understood the implications: these young people either held positions of immense importance or shared an extraordinary relationship with Secretary Zhang.

He suddenly recalled that Police Director Sun Qi had seemed to recognize Zhang Yang. He glanced at the office door, thought for a moment, and then hastily hurried back out.

He and Sun Qi were acquainted, not intimately, but their relationship was cordial enough. Catching Sun Qi before he left entirely, he seized the opportunity to gather intelligence on who these two young people truly were.

"Yangyang, you're back?"

Zhang Keqin was reviewing documents when he noticed his son entering after Zhang Yang and the others came in. Zhang Keqin immediately stood up and pulled Zhang Yang over to sit on the nearby sofa.

"I recovered the item. Take this pill, and the lingering poison in your system will be completely cleared soon."

Zhang Yang nodded lightly and produced another jade bottle from his person. This bottle held a Detoxifying Holy Elixir.

The Detoxifying Holy Elixir might struggle against the acute effects of the Purple-Eyed Golden Toad poison, but for resolving the decade-long stagnation of toxins it had caused, it was perfectly capable.

"Yangyang, you’ve been through a lot!"

Seeing the jade bottle, Zhang Keqin did not immediately reach for it. Instead, he looked at his son and spoke with profound emotion.

This was a father’s concern; even facing the medicine that could save his life, his first thought was for his son. He knew perfectly well that finding such a remedy had not been easy for Zhang Yang.

"It was fine. I have other matters these next few days and might not be able to come here. Let me help you take the medicine now!"

Zhang Yang smiled gently. 'Fine' hardly described the ordeal; he had nearly lost his life. But he would never voice these dangers to Zhang Keqin; there was no need.

Consuming a spiritual medicine required different preparation than ordinary drugs to maximize its efficacy.

During the days Zhang Yang was away, Zhang Yuan'an had already made the necessary preparations so that once Zhang Yang returned with the Snow Lotus Root, Zhang Keqin could immediately take it to purge the lingering poison.

The preliminary steps were complete; now it was time for direct administration.

Before giving the pill, Zhang Yang used silver needles to treat Zhang Keqin’s body one last time. Zhao Min stood guard nervously outside the door the entire time, fully aware of the vital procedure his leader was undergoing inside.

An hour later, Mi Xue was the first to emerge.

Shortly after, Zhang Yang followed. Before leaving, they instructed Zhao Min to ensure Zhang Keqin rested well, telling him not to conduct any office business that morning, and they also delivered good news to Zhao Min.

Zhang Keqin’s poison was completely eradicated.

That unfortunate Secretary Miao would have to wait until the afternoon for his audience. Zhang Keqin, aided by Zhang Yang’s acupuncture, had already fallen asleep.

However, Miao Liuyi finally ascertained Zhang Yang’s identity. He caught up with Sun Qi and, after promising numerous favors, Sun Qi finally revealed that the young man was Secretary Zhang's only son. Upon learning this, Miao Liuyi understood why the young man had been allowed to cut the line and expressed no further complaint about having to wait until the afternoon for his meeting.

Back in the car, Zhang Yang let out a heavy sigh of relief.

The Detoxifying Holy Elixir had not disappointed. With its aid, Zhang Keqin’s lingering toxins were entirely removed, and his physical constitution was even improved, leaving him healthier. Although its primary function was detoxification, the Holy Elixir was still a spiritual medicine, possessing many of the common traits of its class.

"Ring ring!"

Before he could even start the engine, the phone in his pocket rang—it was the number for home.

Answering the call, Zhang Yang immediately started driving toward his residence. It was Zhang Daofeng on the line; they had received new intelligence regarding the Huyuan family and needed him back immediately.

Zhang Yang drove at high speed, taking only two-thirds of the time for the return trip compared to his arrival. Soon, the car entered their villa district.

"Young Master, you're back. The Elder Masters are all on the second floor in your study; they asked you to join them immediately upon your return."

Only Qu Meilan was in the living room. Seeing Zhang Yang arrive, she hurried to meet him and spoke quietly. The 'Elder Master' was Zhang Daofeng; after Zhang Yun'an and Zhang Daofeng moved in, she wasn't sure how to address these two seniors, so she settled on calling Zhang Daofeng 'Great Elder Master'.

"I know. Mi Xue, go back to your room and wait for me!"

Zhang Yang nodded. Since they were in the study, the discussion would undoubtedly concern the Huyuan family, matters unsuitable for Mi Xue to hear.

Mi Xue nodded obediently and immediately went to her room.

"Young Master, there is also a new guest in the study. I don't know his name; Young Master Long Feng brought him in!"

Just as Zhang Yang was about to head upstairs, Qu Meilan quickly added. Zhang Yang paused, glancing back at her with slight surprise, before swiftly taking the stairs two at a time.