Volume One, Chapter 11: Unwavering Support

“Oh, Old Li… I have a faint recollection,” Fang Tao said with a calm glance.

Li Jianfei was so delighted he nearly jumped up. “Yes, that’s me!”

Then, cautiously turning to the still puzzled Gu Yuanzhou, he explained, “This Mr. Gu’s father is gravely ill. Please, we beg you to save him.”

Only then did Gu Yuanzhou realize that although this man before him didn’t seem like a miraculous doctor, the profound respect Li Jianfei showed must mean he was extraordinary.

“Divine Doctor Fang, please, you must save my father. Whatever the conditions, whatever the cost, the Gu family will agree.”

“Is that so? But I was just kicked out earlier. Returning now would be quite embarrassing, wouldn’t it?” Fang Tao’s eyes flickered with interest at the mention of money, then he added playfully.

“Gu Xinyu!” Gu Yuanzhou suddenly spun around and shouted at his son standing in the doorway, “Come here and apologize to Divine Doctor Fang!”

Gu Yuanzhou glared at Gu Xinyu, his voice low and commanding.

“Dad, what real skill could he possibly have? Don’t be fooled. I know him — Fang Tao. He learned a bit from some ‘master,’ nothing more than superstition. He’s just a con artist peddling tricks to the elderly under the bridge,” Gu Xinyu sneered with contempt.

“You… if you keep talking nonsense, I’ll truly be angry,” Gu Yuanzhou snapped, kicking Gu Xinyu sharply.

Though disgruntled, Gu Xinyu could only grit his teeth and mutter, “Sorry.”

“What did you just say? That if someone invites you in, you’re to call him ‘big brother,’ right?” Gu Yuanzhou stared intently.

Gu Xinyu’s face drained of color. Under his father’s pressure, he had no choice but to say, “Big brother!”

Seeing this, Fang Tao smiled faintly. “Alright, take me to see the patient.”

Entering the bedroom, Fang Tao frowned. The elderly man on the bed looked worn and haggard; his skin was dull and lifeless, and his breath shallow and weak.

Time was critical. Delay any longer, and even immortals might not save him.

“Old Li, was that just now the Eighteen Needles of Heavenly Firmness you applied?” Fang Tao asked.

“Exactly, but I didn’t dare administer the final needle,” Li Jianfei replied, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Good thing you stopped; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been saving a life but causing harm,” Fang Tao said lightly, though Li Jianfei was drenched in sweat.

The three members of the Gu family stood silently, stunned.

Fang Tao regarded Li Jianfei calmly. “I warned you before—the Heavenly Firmness Needle technique is miraculous for many ailments but tremendously powerful. Those with weak constitutions struggle to endure it. It must be used cautiously. Have you learned your lesson?”

Li Jianfei bowed slightly, humbly. Yet inside, emotions roiled. As director of the Central Hospital and a nationally renowned healer, he dared not be careless with complex cases.

“Divine Doctor Fang’s teachings are etched in my heart…” The proud air of the past was gone.

Gu Yuanzhou, who had doubted Fang Tao’s reputation, saw Li Jianfei’s reverence and felt his own doubts dissipate.

Fang Tao slowly opened a wooden box and took out a sheepskin bundle that held eighteen long needles, gleaming brilliantly. Everyone’s eyes brightened.

Li Jianfei’s gaze grew even more respectful.

Fang Tao held three golden needles. With a subtle shake, they emitted a faint humming vibration.

His left hand lifted the blanket while his right hand steadily plunged the three needles into the old man simultaneously, then swept the needle tails with a reverse motion.

The entire sequence flowed like a graceful dance.

Watching the shimmering needles tremble, Li Jianfei’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“The Dragon Breath Needle technique! Wonderful, to witness such mastery again,” he murmured, thrilled.

“Fetch a basin,” Fang Tao calmly instructed.

Gu Yuanzhou swiftly turned and brought a metal basin. Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

Ten minutes later, with a flick of his left hand, the three needles quietly withdrew.

Simultaneously, his right hand gently massaged the old man’s liver and gallbladder area in three rhythmic cycles.

A warm, invisible energy slowly infused the patient’s body.

Suddenly, the old man’s eyes snapped open. Turning sharply, he let out a “Wah” as he expelled the stomach’s foul contents.

The half-filled basin of putrid matter made Li Jianfei frown. Gu Qingshuang covered her mouth and nose, while Gu Xinyu, overcome with nausea, had to leave the room.

After a long three minutes, the old man finally exhaled deeply, half-sitting against the headboard. Gu Qingshuang hurriedly handed him a cup of water. After rinsing his mouth, he whispered, “I feel much better now.”

Tears glistened in Gu Qingshuang’s eyes as she cried out, “Grandfather.”

Gu Yuanzhou dragged Gu Xinyu by the ear into the room. “Dad, fortunately, Qingshuang invited this Divine Doctor Fang, or else you…”

“I heard everything,” the old man nodded, turning gratefully to Fang Tao. “Thank you, Divine Doctor Fang. Without your help, this old life would have ended here.”

“It was nothing. Pay more attention to your diet from now on,” Fang Tao replied briefly.

Gu Yuanzhou’s expression shifted slightly. “You mean…”

“The old gentleman ate something unclean, causing liver trouble. I’ve saved his life; just watch his diet going forward. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

As Fang Tao was about to depart, Gu Yuanzhou hurried after him, respectfully handing over a black bank card. “Divine Doctor Fang, please accept this token—twenty million inside. If you ever need anything, the Gu family will support you fully.”

Fang Tao took the card lightly and said, “Thank you.”

“Xinyu, see Divine Doctor Fang out,” Gu Yuanzhou instructed.

Gu Xinyu looked reluctant, but Gu Qingshuang stepped forward. “I’ll go.”

Gu Yuanzhou nodded. “Good. Ensure Divine Doctor Fang’s safety.” Then he returned inside and scolded Gu Xinyu severely, warning that any further negligence delaying treatment would not be forgiven. Gu Xinyu, though embarrassed, dared not argue.

Gu Zihang lay in bed and suddenly asked Director Li, “What exactly is this Divine Doctor Fang’s background?”

The director pondered before replying, “It’s a long story… He was a disciple of the famous Master Tianyang. Five years ago, I encountered a baffling illness I couldn’t cure despite all efforts.”

“Desperate, I sought Master Tianyang’s help at the old street corner. He was away, and only his disciple was home. In a pinch, I asked this young apprentice to try…”

“To my surprise, he was remarkably skilled! Not only did he cure the patient but also pointed out flaws in my acupuncture—truly a rare talent.”

Gu Zihang listened eagerly, then asked, “What’s his name?”

“Fang Tao,” Gu Xinyu sneered, interrupting.

“You know him too?” Gu Zihang looked at his brother in surprise.

“Of course. Everyone knows he’s the ‘remarkable’ son-in-law of the Wang family, famous throughout Deep City,” Gu Xinyu said disdainfully.