Chapter 9: You Cannot Escape Death!

"I see," Ye Cheng thought to himself. In his eyes, this doctor who had poisoned his parents was already a dead man walking. But with so many people around, and with saving his parents being the top priority, he would have to wait. The doctor would die sooner or later—there was no rush.

Ye Cheng forced a path through the crowd with his protective energy, paying no mind to the shock on the faces of the martial artists nearby. He walked straight to stand behind Ye Mengxue and the other two.

"Master, do you think there's any hope for Xiaoxue's parents?" Lu Moyan asked, his tone natural, without any sign of pretense, which left Ye Cheng slightly puzzled.

Could it be this man didn’t know the so-called master was the one who caused his parents’ illness?

The "master," maintaining his lofty demeanor, had a glint of cunning in his eyes. He strolled over to Ye Cheng's mother's bedside and placed his hand on her wrist.

Ye Cheng still did not act. He wanted to see how far this "master" would take his performance. Still, he let out a faint trace of spiritual energy, just enough to warn the man that a true expert was present, hoping it would restrain any reckless treatment of his parents. But he had overestimated both the vision and intelligence of this so-called master.

The man shook his head naturally, stood up, and turned to Ye Mengxue, about to render his judgment when his gaze inadvertently caught Ye Cheng, who was staring at him intently. At the same moment, he sensed a strong surge of spiritual energy.

His eyes went wide in shock.

This… could it be… an Innate Spiritual Body?

The powerful aura radiating from Ye Cheng left him frozen in place, his whole body trembling as if electrified. An Innate Spiritual Body! Such people possessed vast reserves of spiritual energy from birth, without the need for cultivation—a rarity among rarities.

I can’t believe I’ve run into one!

The master quickly deduced Ye Cheng’s nature: the young man was barely twenty, there was no way he could have developed such potent spiritual energy on his own.

If only I could use this boy’s body to feed my precious little pets… perhaps I could finally raise truly sentient spirit insects!

He laughed maniacally to himself, his plans shifting entirely in that instant. His gaze toward Ye Cheng changed, as if eyeing a fattened pig meant to feed his venomous brood.

Watching this so-called master fall into a strange silence, while casting sly glances at Ye Cheng, Lu Moyan’s expression grew increasingly awkward.

"Doctor Xiao Jun, what’s the situation with Xiaoxue’s mother? Is there any way to treat her?"

He knew full well that cancer was a death sentence, but appearances had to be kept, especially with Ye Mengxue’s parents involved.

Xiao Jun snapped back to reality and patted his chest confidently. "Don’t worry, Mr. Lu. Their illness can be cured within a week!"

"What?" Lu Moyan was stunned. He’d expected the newly returned expert to declare all hope lost, not to guarantee a cure. That would mean, after marrying Ye Mengxue, he’d be saddled with two more dependents.

His gaze toward Xiao Jun turned frosty. Useless fool!

"Is that true?!" Ye Mengxue looked at Xiao Jun as if he were a savior.

"It’s true, but…" Xiao Jun hesitated, glancing meaningfully at Ye Cheng standing behind them.

"But what? As long as you can save my parents, I’d give my life for them!" Tears welled up in Ye Mengxue’s eyes, and Lu Moyan grew anxious.

My fiancée’s life? What a joke!

"Ahem, it’s not quite that serious," Xiao Jun replied hastily. "The cancer cells have already spread into the bloodstream. The only option is a complete transfusion, and only the blood of close relatives can ensure the operation’s success. Time is running out."

"You might as well ask for Xiaoxue’s life!" Lu Moyan was apoplectic. Transfusing both parents’ blood at once—how could Ye Mengxue’s frail body possibly provide enough?

Yet Ye Mengxue was ready to die. If this was the way, she’d trade her life for her parents’ without hesitation. After all… Ye Cheng had returned. No matter how much of a scoundrel he was, he wouldn’t abandon their parents.

"No, no, Mr. Lu, please let me finish," Xiao Jun interjected, pointing at Ye Cheng.

"Don’t forget, this gentleman is also a direct relative."

Lu Moyan was taken aback, whipping around to see that Ye Cheng had somehow ended up right behind him. The memory of his arm being broken by Ye Cheng’s slap yesterday still haunted him, but he soon realized what Xiao Jun was suggesting, and secretly applauded the doctor’s cleverness.

Of course! Not only could he use this opportunity to get rid of someone he hated, but any mishap in surgery would be perfectly excusable. More importantly, Ye Mengxue would owe her loyalty to him—he’d be the one who saved her entire family.

With that, Lu Moyan immediately changed his tune, grabbing Ye Cheng’s hand with feigned excitement. "Ye Cheng! Your return was destined by fate!"

Ye Cheng remained silent, watching Lu Moyan’s clownish act with a cold sneer. Destined, indeed. If not for his return, his sister would actually have ended up marrying such scum.

"Think about it—the master I brought just happened to find a cure the moment you returned. Is this a coincidence? It’s fate—Heaven sent you to fulfill your filial duty and make up for years of absence," Lu Moyan declared, with Xiao Jun chiming in for support. Even the other doctors began to look at Ye Cheng as if he were a paragon of filial piety, ready to sacrifice himself for his parents.

Ye Mengxue said nothing. Though she deeply resented her suddenly reappeared brother, she found herself unwilling to see Ye Cheng die.

"Master Xiao, is there truly no other way? Can’t I take Ye Cheng’s place to save our parents?"

"Absolutely not!" Xiao Jun replied righteously and without hesitation, earning Lu Moyan’s silent praise.

I misjudged you—truly, you understand me!

"Miss Ye, your own blood is too little, and after years of hardship, it’s full of impurities—not nearly enough for the operation. This gentleman is different—look at his robust health, the vitality in his blood is remarkable!"

"If you truly wish to save your parents, then Ye Cheng…"

"Must die!"