"Mr. Chu, you are truly incredible, having carved this Thousand-Handed Guanyin so vividly to life. It seems like the first prize in the jade carving competition is undoubtedly yours."
Chu San rubbed his eyes and said humbly, "That's not necessarily true. There are many hidden dragons and crouching tigers among our country's jade craftsmen; there are plenty who are stronger than me."
"Dad, you're just too humble. Anyway, this Guanyin is the best jade carving I've seen. It's simply perfect. I refuse to believe anyone could surpass you." Unlike Chu San, Chu Yu had tremendous confidence in her father.
"Yes, Master, I think so too," Qi Tianyu also said from the side.
Chu San wiped his eyes and said, "What you guys think doesn't matter; it's up to the judges to decide if it's good or not."
After speaking, Chu San forcefully blinked his eyes. Since their encounter, Chu San had been frequently making this gesture, clearly indicating great discomfort in his eyes.
"Mr. Chu, what's wrong with your eyes? Are they uncomfortable?" Ling Zhenfei asked curiously.
At that moment, Chu Yu hurriedly said, "Don't even mention it; it's all because of carving this Thousand-Handed Guanyin. My dad has been working day and night, ruining his eyes."
Ling Zhenfei looked at Chu San's eyes and said, "Mr. Chu, I have some understanding of Medical Arts. Let me give you a thorough check-up."
"You know Medical Arts? You seem to know quite a bit," Qi Tianyu laughed from beside them.
Ling Zhenfei was taken aback, "What's wrong with knowing Medical Arts? Is there a problem?"
Qi Tianyu said with a chuckle, "Look at you, where do you resemble a doctor? Just don't pretend to know and end up harming someone."
Upon hearing this, Ling Zhenfei became angry. This was the second time today he had been looked down upon. What's with people nowadays, judging others purely based on appearances?
"Tianyu, what kind of way is that to speak? Mr. Ling is just trying to be helpful," Chu San was somewhat displeased with his own disciple's comments.
Corrected by Chu San's rebuke, Qi Tianyu no longer dared to speak.
"Mr. Ling, please don't take offense. Young people don't know how to speak properly. If Mr. Ling knows Medical Arts, it would be more than we could ask to have you examine me," Chu San expressed deep respect for Ling Zhenfei, his words and deeds flawless.
Ling Zhenfei nodded his head then sat next to Chu San to examine his eyes, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Mr. Ling, what's wrong, what's the condition of my eyes?" Seeing Ling Zhenfei's expression, Chu San quickly asked.
"Old gentleman, your condition is very serious and needs immediate treatment."
Ling Zhenfei saw that Chu San's problem wasn't just eye strain; a hidden chronic illness that hadn't surfaced in a day or two was now becoming apparent due to his relentless carving, accelerating the exposure of the disease.
"Ah, is it really that serious? How is that possible!" Chu Yu and Qi Tianyu exclaimed in surprise.
"What I said is true, treatment is needed right away. If Mr. Chu doesn't mind, I would like to administer the treatment right here," Ling Zhenfei felt that Chu San's situation was very dangerous and could not be delayed any longer.
"Mr. Ling, you can not only diagnose but also treat? And you can do it in a place like this?" Chu San said with some surprise.
"Yes, I can treat," Ling Zhenfei said firmly, hoping to gain Chu San's consent.
"Since Mr. Ling is able to treat him, then…" Just as Chu San was about to agree, Chu Yu suddenly interjected, "I'd still prefer to take my father to the hospital for a thorough examination. We appreciate Mr. Ling's kind offer."
Ling Zhenfei was taken aback upon hearing this. He hadn't expected that even Chu Yu didn't trust him. Chu San's condition wasn't something that any hospital could cure.
Perhaps noticing the change in Ling Zhenfei's expression, Chu San quickly added, "Mr. Ling, please don't misunderstand; Xiao Yu doesn't doubt your Medical Arts. It's just that one of my good friends happens to work at the hospital, so it's more convenient to seek treatment there."
No matter whether Chu San was telling the truth or not, Ling Zhenfei didn't want to say anything. It wasn't his problem if people didn't appreciate his goodwill in offering treatment. He had extended his kindness, and if it was rejected, he was quite happy to be left in peace.
"It's okay, my medical skills are average, and it's really best to go to a big hospital for a comprehensive check-up."
After saying this, Ling Zhenfei didn't bring up the matter of treatment again, focusing all his attention on the jade carvings. Such exquisite crafts caught the eye and were a delight to behold.
After discussing the upcoming competition with Chu San, Ling Zhenfei noticed it was getting late and thus excused himself and left the Jade Shop.
As the sky began to darken, the antique market transformed into a different scene altogether. Lanterns hung high, bathing the ground in a pinkish glow, and the typically quiet market suddenly buzzed with life.
The sound of vendors calling out was incessant. Originally intent on leaving, Ling Zhenfei paused when he saw this bustle and decided to explore the night antique market.
The daytime stalls were fixed, but at night the spaces were free, making it even more vibrant—it resembled a night market.
Amidst the clamor, Ling Zhenfei was immediately drawn to a medicinal herb stall, for he spotted a Night Sleeping Flower.
This Night Sleeping Flower was an odd plant from ancient times, known for aiding sleep. Just a tiny bit of the flower could provide insomniacs with a sweet night's rest.
However, the flower had another, more nefarious use—it could be turned into Soul-Enchanting Incense. Combined with a few common herbs, it could greatly amplify the flower's effects, causing anyone who smelled even the slightest whiff to fall into a deep, unwaking slumber.
Although this Night Sleeping Flower was magical, it had been extinct for a long time, so seeing one here greatly surprised Ling Zhenfei.
The stall owner was a bearded man in his forties, tall, strong, and with an imposing air about him. Ling Zhenfei could sense a trace of Northern Spiritual Energy emanating from the man, not from cultivation, as he was not a Spiritual Cultivator.
Just like Chu Yu, who, from daily dealings with jade, carried the essence of jade upon him, this big man's spiritual energy must have come from consuming some heaven-sent treasure.
"Hello, how much for this herb?" Ling Zhenfei asked, pointing toward the Night Sleeping Flower.
The bearded man glanced up at Ling Zhenfei and said, "Young man, my items aren't just for looking. Do you know what this is used for? Don't just buy it and eat it recklessly. If you get sick, I won't take responsibility."
Ling Zhenfei smiled slightly and replied, "That's okay, rest assured I wouldn't ask if I didn't know its use. Of course, I wouldn't just eat it randomly."
The big man hesitated briefly, "You know what this flower is for? I've been selling this flower for over half a year—seen hundreds, if not a thousand people—and yet no one has been able to name it, let alone know its use."
Ling Zhenfei smiled and responded, "Just because others can't name it or state its medical properties, it doesn't mean I can't either."
"Then go ahead and tell me the name of this flower. If you get it right, I'll give it to you for free," the big man said, still skeptical that someone as young as Ling Zhenfei could know the origin of the flower.
"Are you serious?" Ling Zhenfei was genuinely surprised that the big man would make such an offer. Getting a flower for free was indeed a good deal.
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