Chapter Twenty-Six: An Unexpected Visitor, Dragon Scales Knock at the Door

Peaceful days are always interrupted when you least expect it.

It was an ordinary afternoon. I was in the backyard practicing “standing meditation,” the most fundamental technique of the Immortal Palace’s arts, which allows me to better commune with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

The door curtain of “Harmony Hall” was lifted.

Assuming it was a neighbor coming for a consultation, I paid it no mind. But then, a unique presence—heavy as a mountain, tinged with the iron and blood of battle—filled the entire clinic. This was no ordinary visitor.

Two guests stood in the main hall. One, an elderly man of about seventy, wore a faded, old-fashioned military uniform without insignia, his posture ramrod-straight like a pine. Though age had clouded his features, his eyes remained sharp as an eagle’s, as if capable of piercing through one’s soul. Behind him stood a young man in his thirties, his gaze electric, his aura restrained, every muscle on his frame coiled with explosive power—a first-rate warrior, clearly forged by the military’s finest.

“May I ask, are you Mr. Jiang Xiuyuan?” The elder’s voice was deep and resonant, carrying the commanding authority of one long accustomed to leadership.

I nodded. “I am. And you are?”

He did not answer immediately, but his gaze swept over my humble clinic before settling on me, a glint of inquiry and respect in his eyes. “My name is Xiao Jingtian. Forgive our intrusion, Mr. Jiang.”

Xiao Jingtian!

Though I had long withdrawn from worldly affairs, the name was not unfamiliar; I had come across it in the news from time to time. He was one of the last remaining senior generals of the Huaxia military, a legend whose life had been forged in war and whose achievements had become pillars of the nation.

That such a figure would come in person made his purpose all too clear.

It seemed the ripples from that night at the Tianlong Tower had finally reached places they never should have.

“General Xiao, you are too kind.” I gestured for them to sit. “Please, have a seat.”

The young man brought over two stools. Xiao Jingtian sat with calm composure, his eyes shining with intensity. “Mr. Jiang, I believe you already know why we are here. We have investigated for some time. Zhao Tianlong’s downfall appeared to be merely a business matter, but certain details defy explanation.”

I said nothing, quietly pouring tea for them both.

Xiao Jingtian continued, “We have no intention of probing into your past or your secrets. Today, I come with only one request, or perhaps, it is a request made on behalf of the people of this land.”

He rose to his feet and, with utmost solemnity, saluted me in the manner of a soldier.

“I, Xiao, earnestly ask you to lend your aid—to help Huaxia cultivate a new generation of true pillars for our nation!”

The young man behind him snapped to attention, eyes bright with anticipation and excitement.

I lifted my teacup, gently blowing on its surface. “I am but a doctor, a father. Matters of state are beyond me.”

“You are far too modest,” Xiao Jingtian replied sincerely. “The world today seethes with hidden currents. Though Huaxia has risen, the threats we face are far greater than ordinary people can imagine. Some special tasks require special people. We need stronger warriors to defend our country, to protect our people.”

He paused, his tone becoming even more earnest. “To safeguard the millions on this land—people like you and your daughter, yearning for a peaceful life.”

That final remark touched something deep within me.

I looked up at him—this elder who had dedicated his entire life to the nation. There was no pretense in his eyes, only genuine sincerity.

I fell silent for a moment.

For two thousand years, I had seen dynasties rise and fall in books and on television, witnessed the ravages of war, watched countless ordinary people struggle in the tides of suffering. The prosperity of Huaxia today was built upon the blood and sacrifice of countless forebears, each giving their lives and courage so that this land might flourish and its people endure. As a son of Huaxia, the blood in my veins would not allow me to refuse.

Now, someone had come to me in the name of protecting the people.

“I can teach,” I finally said, “but I have three conditions.”

Xiao Jingtian’s eyes lit up. “Please, speak!”

“First, I will not join the military nor accept any rank. I am only an external instructor.”

“Second, what I teach and how I teach it will be decided by me alone. You may not interfere.”

“Third, my identity must remain top secret. Apart from you two, I do not want any other official to know of my existence.”

“No problem!” Xiao Jingtian agreed without hesitation. “We fully accept! We will address you as... ‘Master.’ In the military, those with true skill are called Master.”

I nodded. “Very well. When do we begin?”

“Anytime!” the young man interjected eagerly. “The base is ready. We’re just waiting for your arrival, Master!”

After a brief moment of thought, I replied, “I will come only half a day each week. My daughter needs me by her side.”

“Half a day... that is more than enough!” Xiao Jingtian declared, his eyes brimming with joy.