These people, led by Master Wang, were already arrogant and looked down upon the disheveled Old Jin.
Guo Guo also seemed to be not very intelligent, which made them even more contemptuous and disdainful of Old Jin’s Rejuvenation Hall.
Lu Yan, at this moment, was unsure which side to take, but his heart still leaned towards Master Wang.
After all, Master Wang came from Yanjing. His status and reputation were countless times higher than Old Jin’s. There was simply no comparison between the two!
Lu Yan introduced, “This is Master Wang Zhongtian, a successor of ancient medicine renowned both at home and abroad. Master Wang is not only famous domestically but also practiced medicine overseas in previous years, receiving considerable acclaim abroad!”
This Wang Zhongtian was not humble at all.
Under Lu Yan’s flattering introduction, he remained silent, his character exuding extreme arrogance.
Upon hearing that Wang Zhongtian was also an ancient physician, Old Jin felt a sense of camaraderie.
After all, after so many years, ancient medicine was no longer trusted by people. As long as Wang Zhongtian was not from an ancient medical sect that harbored deep animosity towards the Qihuang sect, Old Jin wouldn’t mind befriending him.
So, Old Jin stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said, “My name is Jin Xiu, everyone calls me Old Jin. May I know which sect you are a successor of?”
This was the first time Yan Shouyi had learned Old Jin’s real name. He hadn’t expected that while Old Jin’s appearance was casual, his name was quite refined.
Xiuer, is that you?
Wang Zhongtian glanced at Old Jin, lifted half his mouth, revealing a dismissive smile.
His disciple immediately said, “What do you think you are, to be worthy of asking my master’s sect?”
Old Jin frowned, “When ancient physicians meet, is it improper to state one’s sect?”
“It is improper!” the disciple sneered. “What is our master’s status? His every word carries weight, and you are not qualified to make him speak!”
Facing the aggressive demeanor of Wang Zhongtian’s disciple, Old Jin couldn’t help but frown.
How did ancient physicians become like this now?
In the past, ancient physicians carried a medicine chest on their backs, traveled the world barefoot, and answered every question from those seeking medical help, regardless of whether they were rich or poor.
But nowadays, ancient physicians were as frugal with words as they were with medicine. They were unwilling to even speak a word themselves, and their disciples were more aggressive than one could imagine. If one didn’t know better, they would think they were part of the underworld!
Yan Shouyi couldn’t stand it any longer. He couldn’t bear to see his friend being bullied like this.
So, he patted Old Jin’s shoulder and said regretfully,
“Old Jin, don’t trouble them. I didn’t expect the renowned Master Wang to be a mute.”
Hearing Yan Shouyi’s words, Wang Zhongtian’s eyes immediately widened.
Old Jin burst into laughter, “It was my oversight, Master Wang. My apologies!”
If others respect me one foot, I respect them ten feet. Old Jin had already been exceptionally courteous by offering courtesy before resorting to force.
Wang Zhongtian couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke personally, “Insolent boy! I am not mute!”
“Not mute, yet unwilling to speak for yourself?” Yan Shouyi sneered. “If your mouth isn’t used, it can be donated to someone in need.”
“You!”
Wang Zhongtian’s face turned red with anger. His disciples quickly moved to support him, intending to help Wang Zhongtian retort.
However, Old Jin preempted them, saying, “Master Wang is so easily angered, and his blood rushes to his face. This is a sign of a poorly functioning liver and spleen! How about I prescribe you a formula, and you can go back and recuperate?”
“Presumptuous! Does my master need you to treat him?!” Wang Zhongtian’s disciple retorted angrily.
Yan Shouyi and Old Jin rolled their eyes.
Modern ancient physicians, with few actual skills, only knew how to boast and feign profundity.
Guo Guo clapped her hands in delight seeing Yan Shouyi and Old Jin corner Wang Zhongtian into silence.
Lu Yan, on the other hand, looked embarrassed. After all, he was the one who invited Wang Zhongtian. Who knew he would be subjected to such humiliation upon arrival.
“Stop laughing!”
Wang Zhongtian, having regained his composure, immediately barked, “I am a successor of the Dongyuan sect of ancient medicine. What is your background?”
Old Jin touched the few strands of hair left on his head and replied, “I am a successor of the Hanshang sect of ancient medicine!”
Hanshang sect?
Not the Qihuang sect?
Yan Shouyi glanced at Old Jin and immediately understood Old Jin’s intention.
Old Jin, unsure of Wang Zhongtian’s depth, did not want to easily reveal his Qihuang sect identity. He casually stated his allegiance to the rival Hanshang sect.
When Wang Zhongtian heard that Old Jin was from the Hanshang sect, his expression changed instantly. “You… are you truly from the Hanshang sect?”
“How could it be false?” Old Jin snorted coldly.
The naive Guo Guo whispered, “Master Jin, didn’t you say we are Qi…”
“Hush!” Old Jin quickly covered Guo Guo’s mouth.
Besides not wanting to reveal his identity, there was another reason for using the name of the Hanshang sect.
As ancient medical sects developed, although most had declined, the Hanshang sect was an exception.
After acquiring some unique skills from the Qihuang sect, the Hanshang sect collaborated with capital merchants to sell expensive elixirs.
For example, heart-saving pills, qi-boosting pills, wound-healing ointments, and so on.
These prescriptions were not particularly significant within the Qihuang sect, and their actual production costs were not high.
However, due to the Hanshang sect’s monopoly, these medicines became exorbitantly priced. Medicines that common people could afford in the past had now become luxuries.
Consequently, the Hanshang sect amassed immense wealth. Their influence spread across various regions, showing signs of dominance.
Other ancient medical sects that could not sustain themselves bowed to the Hanshang sect. Even if they didn’t pledge allegiance, they recognized the Hanshang sect as the leader.
Therefore, when Old Jin declared himself a physician from the Hanshang sect, Wang Zhongtian was somewhat surprised and fearful.
Wang Zhongtian remained silent, but his disciples did not believe Old Jin:
“Master, don’t be fooled by him. How could the Hanshang sect have such a shabby successor? He probably knows some inside information about ancient medicine and is claiming to be from the Hanshang sect to intimidate you!”
Wang Zhongtian felt that his disciple had a point. The Hanshang sect was now dominant and had amassed vast wealth. Their successors were already living lives of luxury and indulgence.
They only treated the wealthy and charged exorbitant fees.
How could there be a successor like Old Jin, living in this dilapidated Rejuvenation Hall and treating the poor?
Wang Zhongtian sneered, “My disciple is right. I have never seen such a shabby successor of the Hanshang sect. Who are you trying to scare? Do you really think we will fall for your trick?”
Yan Shouyi raised an eyebrow and said,
“Whether you believe it or not is not important. The most important thing now is to figure out whose medicine Lu Yan’s father took that caused his condition. Am I right?”
Lu Yan nodded repeatedly, saying anxiously, “A person’s life is at stake! Please quickly present your prescriptions for discussion, so we can find a way to save my father sooner!”
Old Jin was a man of integrity and medical ethics. He immediately returned to his shop, took out paper and pen, and wrote down the prescription he had given to Lu Jingshan.
However, when it was Wang Zhongtian’s turn, this scoundrel actually sneered:
“Prescriptions are the secret techniques of our Dongyuan sect, and I will not write them down.”
Old Jin was stunned: “If you don’t provide the prescription, how can we discuss the cause of the illness? Is Lu Jingshan’s life not going to be saved?!”
Wang Zhongtian shook his head, “That has nothing to do with me. A mere human life cannot compare to the prescriptions of our Dongyuan sect. Furthermore, our prescriptions are absolutely flawless. If there’s a problem, it’s with your prescription!”
Guo Guo stomped her feet in anger, questioning,
“If you don’t intend to research the cause of the illness, then why did you travel so far?”
Wang Zhongtian’s disciple replied, “Naturally, it is to prevent some unknown individuals from damaging my master’s reputation! I tell you, you can eat whatever you want, but you cannot say whatever you want. The problem with Lu Jingshan’s illness is definitely with you, and has nothing to do with our Dongyuan sect!”
“You!” Guo Guo gritted her teeth. She had never seen such an unethical physician!
Every medical student, upon enrollment, was required to take an oath: Health is tied to me, life is entrusted to me. I will save the dying and heal the injured, without shirking hardship!
However, the so-called Master Wang Zhongtian, who had returned from Yanjing and even gilded himself abroad, completely disregarded the patient’s life.
He only cared about his own reputation!
Old Jin’s face also darkened completely.
He could tolerate others looking down on him, but he absolutely could not stand idly by when faced with scum like Wang Zhongtian!
It was precisely because of people like Wang Zhongtian that ancient medicine was becoming increasingly weak and being abandoned by the times!!