After a moment of stunned silence, Xie Lianhuan slowly spoke.
"Zhang Tian, while I admit his strength is formidable, surpassing that of other families, he is not a shaman."
"If he were to practice medicine indiscriminately, wouldn't that be..."
Xie Lianhuan left his words unfinished, implying his deep distrust of Zhang Tian. If he had trusted him, he wouldn't have sent Er Yuehong to manage the Nine Gates in Zhang Tian's stead. Clearly, Xie Lianhuan, at heart, still didn't trust or acknowledge Zhang Tian's authority. People who survived in that era carried a sense of pride; it was difficult for them to bow to a junior.
"But, we are currently..."
Before Er Yuehong could finish speaking, a knock echoed from nearby. A middle-aged man resembling a steward, with a smile on his face, looked down at the two.
"Patriarch, someone is here to see you. He calls himself Zhang Tian."
The steward bowed his head, his voice respectful. Er Yuehong and Xie Lianhuan exchanged glances.
Well, this was just like Cao Mengde – no sooner had they spoken of him, and he arrived. This was faster than a little cow on a rocket.
"Please invite him in."
Xie Lianhuan glanced at Er Yuehong and then waved his hand. The steward, upon hearing this, quickly moved towards the door.
"Since he's already here, there's no reason not to see him. It's a good opportunity to see if Zhang Tian possesses the strength he claims."
Xie Lianhuan spoke softly. Having navigated the jianghu for so many years, he understood the intricacies of human relationships. Moreover, he hadn't closed the door completely. Er Yuehong nodded; he was also eager to know Zhang Tian's current level.
When Zhang Tian had dared to confront all the families of Beili and propose a merger, nearly everyone had objected. However, the Xie family and Er Yuehong, owing Zhang Tian a favor, had agreed so readily. Consequently, Zhang Tian's prestige within the Xie family was not very high.
The door opened. Zhang Tian and Hu Bayi stood at the entrance. Their eyes scanned the interior, and upon seeing Xie Lianhuan and Er Yuehong welcoming them, Zhang Tian's face broke into a smile.
"Haha, Second Master, Patriarch Xie, long time no see."
"Let me see, it's been several months since we last met, Patriarch Xie."
Zhang Tian tilted his head, as if counting.
"Yes, Brother Zhang, it has indeed been several months. However, Brother Zhang, your cultivation seems to have advanced further."
This statement from Xie Lianhuan raised many questions. Firstly, he didn't address Zhang Tian as "Sect Master" or use any equivalent honorific, simply "Brother Zhang." This was telling; it indicated he didn't acknowledge the Xie family's subservience to Zhang Tian. Secondly, by mentioning Zhang Tian's cultivation, he was clearly probing for information.
Zhang Tian smiled slightly.
"You flatter me, Patriarch Xie. However, perhaps you are forgetful. The Xie family has already merged with our Nine Gates. You should address me as Sect Master. Of course, of course."
"You are also my elder, so you can simply call me Xiao Tian. It's just been a series of fortunate encounters recently, so my cultivation might have increased a bit."
Zhang Tian spoke without arrogance or subservience. Xie Lianhuan's brow furrowed. This was the first time a young man had spoken to him with such audacity, yet he found himself unable to retort. After all, every word Zhang Tian uttered was reasoned and logical. Most surprisingly, Zhang Tian had even provided him an out, humbling himself.
While inwardly cursing Zhang Tian as an old fox, Xie Lianhuan smiled and said, "Sect Master Zhang, please come in."
Xie Lianhuan said this, and Zhang Tian smiled, then looked at Er Yuehong.
"Second Master, why do you look so downcast?"
Zhang Tian asked. Er Yuehong gave a wry smile and remained silent.
Soon, within the grand hall of the Xie family. Zhang Tian sat to one side, with Hu Bayi seated close behind him. Xie Lianhuan occupied the patriarch's seat. After all, Zhang Tian was on his territory, and being overly oppressive would be inappropriate. Zhang Tian understood the need for discretion.
"I heard that Young Master Xie is gravely ill?"
As Er Yuehong and the other watched Zhang Tian, Zhang Tian suddenly spoke, his words causing a stir. The two exchanged glances, and Xie Lianhuan spoke.
"Sect Master Zhang's network is truly efficient. Indeed, you are correct. Yu Chen is ill."
Xie Lianhuan replied calmly, his tone steady, showing no sign of the urgency one might expect from a father whose son was critically ill. Zhang Tian remained equally composed.
He spoke softly. "We consider Young Master Xie a close friend. May we visit Young Master Xie?"
Zhang Tian's request left Xie Lianhuan with no room to refuse. After all, Zhang Tian had spoken politely, and as the saying goes, one doesn't strike a smiling face. Xie Lianhuan genuinely couldn't refuse.
"Of course. Since you are Yu Chen's friend, you are welcome to visit. However, Yu Chen is currently very weak. Please do not agitate him."
Xie Lianhuan said this, revealing his concern for Xie Yuchen. Zhang Tian nodded slightly, then followed Xie Lianhuan as they walked outside.
"His strength is strange. I can no longer discern it."
Xie Lianhuan whispered to Er Yuehong beside him. In the past, when Zhang Tian visited, he could faintly sense his power. Now, not only could he not sense it, but even if Zhang Tian stood right there, he wouldn't be able to feel anything.
"His strength is beyond our comprehension."
Er Yuehong also chimed in, glancing at Zhang Tian from the corner of his eye. He always felt that Zhang Tian possessed a unique, almost magical aura, exuding a sense of mystery at all times.
"This is the room."
"Since Yu Chen contracted this strange illness, his temper has become exceptionally violent, and he is very cold towards others. He hasn't eaten for days."
Xie Lianhuan explained the situation.
"It's alright, we understand all of this."
"Patriarch Xie, please wait outside. We will be in and out shortly."
Zhang Tian said this, and Xie Lianhuan paused, surprised. Good heavens, who ever heard of someone entering another's home and ushering the host out? It felt like the neighbor's husband chasing the actual husband away, which was incredibly awkward. However, facing Zhang Tian, Xie Lianhuan found it difficult to object.
Er Yuehong also glanced at Xie Lianhuan and spoke softly, his voice having a peculiar, slightly shrill tone.
"You two go in. We will wait here. If there is an opportunity for treatment, please try."
Er Yuehong said this, and Zhang Tian nodded slightly before entering the room with Hu Bayi.
The door was pushed open. Xie Yuchen had his own private room, so after entering the main door, there was another wooden door.
"What a strong smell of urine."
Zhang Tian sniffed the air. Indeed, a faint odor of urine lingered in the air. The smell was quite strong, definitely not human urine, but animal. Even an elderly person wouldn't produce such a powerful scent.
"A demon is at work," Zhang Tian suddenly said, his voice laced with a hint of coldness.
"This smell, boss, it feels a bit familiar."
Hu Bayi frowned slightly. At this moment, Zhang Tian also sensed something amiss.
"This smell, could it be..."
"A weasel! x2"