Chapter 15: The Spirit Granddaughter

"Um... young friend, do you know who I am?"
"Didn't we just say? You're Zhang Quan, the head of the Ancient Medicine Sect."
Zhang Quan nodded with pride.
"That's right, I am Zhang Quan, the famed healer who has saved countless lives!"
"Oh, never heard of you."
Zhang Quan's triumphant smile froze on his face; he never expected this young man to give him no respect at all.
How utterly insulting!
No matter what, I am a renowned medical sage; even if you have some skills, you shouldn't be so arrogant!
"Give me something of real value, don't bother with empty promises. I'm not interested."
Ye Cheng had finished packing up his clothes. As long as Zhang Quan couldn't offer satisfactory compensation before his parents woke up, whether the old man lived or died had nothing to do with him.
Zhang Quan's face darkened. Usually, whatever he wanted, the younger generations would line up to provide. For a moment, he couldn't think of any treasure that would catch this young man's eye.
"This..."
"Grandpa!"
Just as Zhang Quan was about to speak, a clear, crisp voice called from the doorway.
Disaster.
Zhang Quan covered his face, as if he didn't want to face his suddenly appearing granddaughter.
"Grandpa?"
Ye Cheng looked toward the door in confusion, and at that glance, he was deeply shocked.
Yes, even someone as cold and emotionless as him, who had never let his feelings show before outsiders, was captivated by the girl standing before him.
She was in the bloom of youth, her cheeks rosy and adorably lively, radiating vitality and energy. She appeared to be of college age.
But what caught Ye Cheng's attention wasn't her beautiful face or shapely figure, but the concentration of spiritual energy around her.
So young, yet already possessing innate mastery? Could she have a remarkable opportunity, just like himself?
Ye Cheng knew little of the martial artist system—having spent his days on the mountain, practicing until he broke through to the cultivation world—so he wasn't familiar with worldly martial artists.
If Xiao Jun hadn't fainted, seeing this girl would have made him laugh his head off.
Another innate spiritual body!
Zhang Quan knew about his granddaughter's condition, which is why he always found her so troublesome.
He wanted to teach her, but though she didn't know any techniques, every punch and kick carried the energy of an earth-level cultivator; he wasn't sure he could beat her.
If he didn't teach her? Just like today, wherever he went, she followed.

"Grandpa, why did you sneak down the mountain again without saying a word? Didn't you promise to contact me as soon as you got to River City? I could show you around!"
Hearing his granddaughter, Zhang Quan was nearly in tears.
Oh my dear granddaughter, you don't actually want to show me around! Who lets the young take a seventy- or eighty-year-old man on roller coasters?
After several rounds of torment from her, Zhang Quan began avoiding his own granddaughter. Every time he descended the mountain, he never dared notify her, fearing she'd drag him along for another round of chaos.
But when he looked up, Zhang Quan saw the astonished expression on Ye Cheng's face.
Eh? Why is this boy staring at my granddaughter?
Could it be... he's interested in her?!
Seeing Ye Cheng's gaze grow more intense, Zhang Quan suddenly had a bold idea.
If this young man really likes my troublesome granddaughter, wouldn't that be perfect?
He'd cure my illness and quickly marry off my granddaughter—a blessing from heaven!
Excited by the thought, Zhang Quan spoke up at once.
"Xiaoyue, come here. Grandpa will introduce you to a master of contemporary medicine, whose skills in traditional medicine surpass even mine!"
"Oh?"
His granddaughter, Zhang Wen Yue, blinked her big eyes curiously, meeting Ye Cheng's gaze. Instantly, her cheeks flushed crimson.
This man... his eyes are so bright!
It was as if they held a sea of stars, shining deep and mysterious!
And her grandfather, who never praised anyone, claimed this man was an even greater healer than himself—perhaps she really had met a master!
"Zhang Wen Yue of the Ancient Medicine Sect, greets the senior!"
Her eyes were lively and endearing, making Ye Cheng feel as if he were looking at the girl next door.
"Mm, hello."
Ye Cheng nodded slightly, prompting Zhang Wen Yue to secretly grumble.
He looks about my age; why is he acting so stiff, like an old man? It's really off-putting.
"Hey, handsome, could you stop wearing that deadpan face? I checked your bone structure; if you shave and tidy up, you'd be really good-looking!"
"Xiaoyue, that's enough!"
Seeing his granddaughter speak so freely, Zhang Quan was anxious.
Anyone capable of defeating Xiao Jun, an advanced martial artist, couldn't possibly be ordinary. If his granddaughter really provoked this expert, he might not be able to stop him!
Outside the ward, the crowd drew sharp breaths.
This girl... truly fearless in her ignorance!

They'd seen Ye Cheng's ruthless methods firsthand—every move was sharp and deadly. The girl looked so delicate; she might be slapped to death in an instant!
"It's fine, I rather appreciate this young lady."
Ye Cheng smiled slightly.
If she could learn some techniques for a while, with her earth-level energy, she might soar in River City.
Having such a powerful disciple to help would give him far more influence than pitiful martial artists like Zhao Wuji.
With that, Ye Cheng finally had a reason to treat Zhang Quan's illness.
"Let the girl step outside. Treating your illness won't take long."
Zhang Quan was overjoyed, his excitement overflowing.
At last!
His illness would finally be cured!
After coaxing his granddaughter out the door, Zhang Quan sat down in front of Ye Cheng.
"Doctor Ye, I entrust my life to you. Don't worry, no matter how much pain, I won't utter a sound!"
Ten minutes later.
"Ah!!"
"I—I really—I really am dying from the pain, Ye, you never said you'd stab the philtrum! Ah!!"
Zhang Quan's screams echoed endlessly, while Nie Xian and the others outside wore complex expressions.
Is this... is this really our esteemed master?
"Nie junior brother, shouldn't you go in? I feel like master is screaming like a slaughtered pig."
Director Wu Qingyun shrank back; he dared not interrupt the two now, lest Ye Cheng slap his head off.
"Er, it's not appropriate for me to go in; my status doesn't fit. Little junior sister should go."
You sly old fox, don't want to go yourself and push me instead!
"Fine, I'll go. If this handsome man harms grandpa, I won't let him off!"
Cheeks puffed in indignation, Zhang Wen Yue kicked the door to pieces and then... she witnessed an utterly absurd scene.
This... why is that handsome man climbing on top of her grandfather?