Chapter Thirty-Five: An Opportunity

Luo Feng learned that those who came to trouble Chu Yun were from Wu's Pharmacy, Ten Miles Fragrance Inn, Red Delight House, and Good Fortune Casino, the four major forces in town, and he furrowed his brows. He could easily handle Good Fortune Casino and Red Delight House with his skills, but Ten Miles Fragrance Inn and Wu's Pharmacy were another matter.

Ten Miles Fragrance Inn was somewhat manageable; its owner, Li Duofu, had a father who once served as the chief imperial chef in the Qi royal palace, acquainted with many dignitaries. Wu's Pharmacy, however, posed real trouble. Wu's Pharmacy collaborated with the Sorcerer Physicians' Guild, a group holding extraordinary status within the Great Qi Dynasty—even the King of Qi was cautious not to offend them.

Though a pharmacy in Chu Family Town was insignificant to the Sorcerer Physicians' Guild, fate was unpredictable. For example, the house Luo Feng purchased for Chu Yun, originally an old clinic, was rumored to have belonged to a physician who clashed with Wu's Pharmacy over medicinal business. The Guild intervened, sealing the clinic, and the physician’s entire family perished tragically.

Thus, even though Luo Feng’s own identity was far from ordinary—as the personal bodyguard to the King of Qi and regarded as a nephew by the future king—he still dared not confront Wu's Pharmacy.

"This won't be easy," Luo Feng sighed.

Yet he considered that if Chu Yun could cure the young prince's strange illness, given the prince’s status as heir to the throne, it would be enough to ensure Chu Yun’s safety. Moreover, if Chu Yun truly cured the prince, he would be hailed as a divine healer, and none would dare offend him—not even the Sorcerer Physicians' Guild.

"It seems, after all, Doctor Chu must rely on himself," Luo Feng thought, feeling less anxious.

He was confident in Chu Yun's medical skill. Even though the prince’s illness was peculiar and all famed physicians from the Great Qi Dynasty and neighboring lands had declared it incurable, Luo Feng believed Chu Yun could succeed.

With that settled, Luo Feng knocked on Chu Yun’s door. Yang Liu’er opened it and, seeing Luo Feng, greeted him with a bow. "Master Luo, good day."

Luo Feng smiled. "Good day."

Yang Liu’er then said, "Master Luo, you’ve come at just the right time. Earlier, a group of thugs tried to attack my husband. Fortunately, he’s received true teachings from immortals and managed to drive them off. But I fear they may return. I hope you can help deter them."

Luo Feng answered, "Madam Chu, rest assured. I already know about the trouble and will intervene to ensure those people do not bother you again."

Yang Liu’er replied, "Thank you, Master Luo."

Luo Feng waved off her gratitude, then asked, "Is Doctor Chu at home?"

Yang Liu’er nodded. "He is."

Turning inside, she called, "Husband, Master Luo is here."

Chu Yun had known Luo Feng arrived. He had purposely delayed his appearance, intending to feign serious injury from the earlier attack, hoping Luo Feng would resolve the matter for him. Though he had no real fear of those men, there was no reason not to borrow strength when it was available.

Unexpectedly, Luo Feng already knew everything and had promised Yang Liu’er to handle the issue. Chu Yun could no longer pretend avoidance.

"Understood!" Chu Yun called out loudly and quickly stepped outside.

Seeing Luo Feng, he smiled and approached, "Master Luo, welcome!"

Luo Feng smiled and waved, indicating there was no need for formality. Chu Yun got straight to the point, asking, "Master Luo, what brings you here today?"

Luo Feng replied, "Doctor Chu, do you recall I promised you generous rewards for healing my wounds?"

Chu Yun answered, "I remember. You’ve already given me silver and bought me a house, helping me open a clinic."

Luo Feng smiled, "My rewards for you do not end there." Then, changing the subject, he said, "Doctor Chu, I remember you once said you wished for a noble title and your own estate, correct?"

Chu Yun nodded. "Indeed. But Master Luo, surely you cannot grant that wish?"

Luo Feng replied, "I cannot, but there is someone who can. And right now, you have a golden opportunity. If you seize it, you’ll earn title and land, and need not fear retaliation from Wu's Pharmacy or Ten Miles Fragrance Inn."

Chu Yun nodded, smiling, "Master Luo, it is indeed an opportunity. But it must be difficult to grasp, surely?"

Luo Feng said, "It is difficult for others, but for you, I believe it will be simple. All you need do is cure one person's illness, and I have complete faith in your medical skill."

Chu Yun said, "This person must be of great influence, with a remarkable identity. With such status, he must have already sought help from every renowned physician in the Great Qi Dynasty and neighboring countries. None have succeeded. Yet you trust that I can?"

Luo Feng smiled and patted Chu Yun’s shoulder. "Exactly. All the famous doctors from the Great Qi Dynasty and neighboring lands have failed. But you have received true teachings from the immortals and will surely cure him. If you do, your reputation will soar, you’ll gain title and land, and none will dare trouble you again. After all, everyone falls ill or gets injured. All need the aid of a divine healer; they would not risk offending a physician whose skills are as miraculous as yours."