The capital.
In a vast manor on the western outskirts.
Everyone from the Qi family was present, all staring intently forward.
In the very center of the hall, on a large armchair, sat an elder with white hair and beard, and a tall physique.
"Today, I have gathered you all here because I intend to announce something."
"From this day forward, the position of the Qi family patriarch will be inherited by Lianshan!"
As the elder finished his announcement, a stir went through the hall.
The elder in the armchair was Qi Songlin, the current patriarch of the Qi family.
Under his leadership, the Qi family had grown from an obscure minor family to one with a foothold in the capital; Qi Songlin was the greatest contributor.
Not long ago, family members had heard bits and pieces that Qi Songlin was unwell.
However, these were only discussed in private. Today, Qi Songlin gathering everyone to announce his abdication caught them all by surprise.
Logically, as Qi Songlin's only son, no one would object to Qi Lianshan becoming the patriarch.
It was just that there had been no prior indication, so this sudden decision left everyone somewhat astonished.
"Father! This is not advisable. The Qi family still needs you to steer the ship."
Qi Lianshan, who had a vague premonition of what was to come, quickly stepped forward to object.
Unlike the rest of the family, Qi Lianshan knew very well that his father's actions were akin to making final arrangements.
Although Qi Lianshan had not founded the Qi family, its current prosperity and reputation had been built by Qi Songlin.
Qi Lianshan knew he was far from his father's caliber and was not yet capable of carrying the heavy burden of the Qi family.
"One must accept old age. I am old, and it is time for you young people to take over... cough! Cough! Cough, cough, cough!!!"
Qi Songlin coughed uncontrollably midway through his sentence, and the coughing fit could not be stopped.
"Pfft!"
Towards the end, Qi Songlin even spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Father!"
"Patriarch!"
"Patriarch!"
Qi Songlin's sudden spitting of blood sent everyone in the Qi family, including Qi Lianshan, into a panic.
Qi Lianshan, being the closest, darted forward and supported his father, who was about to fall to the ground.
Immediately after, he hastily helped his father back to his room, and the gathering had to be adjourned.
The others dispersed amidst their discussions.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Don't worry, this old bone of mine won't die anytime soon."
Qi Songlin's face was pale now, unlike his demeanor in the hall earlier.
Beside him, Qi Lianshan said with a wry smile, "Father, at a time like this, you still say such things. Yuntian called a couple of days ago, saying he found medicine that could cure you and is rushing back."
Hearing Qi Lianshan mention his grandson, a smile flickered across Qi Songlin's face.
"I must say, the most successful thing you've ever done is to father a son like Yuntian. But don't try to cheer me up. Seven-star lotus is a top-tier medicinal herb, guarded by a beast. Even if Old Gui goes with Yuntian, he's no match for that brute."
Although Qi Songlin knew his son was trying to comfort him, he had never liked deceiving himself.
So he sighed and a look of despair crossed his face.
Qi Lianshan understood this perfectly and remained silent.
For a moment, the room was deathly quiet.
After a long while, Qi Songlin's voice spoke again.
"Lianshan, I know you are indifferent to fame and fortune and dislike handling family affairs. But you are well aware of my health condition.
"The Qi family is at a precarious juncture. No matter what, you must step up and shoulder this responsibility."
Looking at his father's earnest gaze, despite his reluctance, Qi Lianshan forced himself to rally, "Father! Don't worry, I will not disappoint you. But you shouldn't despair either. As the saying goes, there's always a way out. Some time ago, I met a doctor with exceptional medical skills, whose acupuncture was superb. He promised to treat you, perhaps..."
"Good, then your father will await the arrival of your skilled doctor. Now, I am a little tired and wish to rest. You may leave now."
Qi Songlin held no real hope, as he had already consulted all the renowned physicians in the capital.
However, he could not bear to let his son's good intentions go unacknowledged, so he outwardly agreed.
Qi Lianshan nodded and then withdrew from his father's room.
...
"Young master, I know you are eager to return, but we are not in a rush for this moment."
Old Gui and Qi Yuntian appeared at the entrance of the capital airport.
Qi Yuntian kept craning his neck, looking for the Qi family driver.
After several such attempts, Old Gui could not help but speak.
Upon being addressed by Old Gui, Qi Yuntian could not help but scratch the back of his head, a look of embarrassment on his face.
A few minutes later, the Qi family car arrived, and Qi Yuntian and Old Gui quickly boarded.
"Brother Fu, did anything happen at home while we were away?"
After the car started, Qi Yuntian asked casually from the back seat.
Qi Fu, who was driving, could not help but glance at Qi Yuntian in the rearview mirror, his expression conflicted.
Qi Yuntian quickly noticed Qi Fu's unusual behavior.
His expression immediately tensed, "Brother Fu, did something happen?"
"Afu, just tell us directly, don't beat around the bush."
Old Gui, sitting next to Qi Yuntian, also wore a serious expression.
Although Old Gui was not part of the Qi family, his position within it was unique. Moreover, he had risked his life for the Qi family over the years, earning the respect of everyone.
"Young master, Old Gui, the situation is as follows..."
Since the young master and Old Gui would naturally learn of the recent events upon returning to the Qi family, Qi Fu felt there was no need to hide anything.
So he recounted how Qi Songlin had gathered everyone for a meeting, only to start spitting blood midway through.
"What!"
Upon hearing that his grandfather had spat blood, Qi Yuntian cried out in alarm.
If not for Old Gui holding him back, he would have probably lunged for the front passenger seat.
Although Old Gui's expression was grave, he had weathered countless storms. He urged Qi Yuntian to calm down and asked Qi Fu to finish his story.
After Qi Fu finished, both men in the back seat looked extremely somber.
Especially Qi Yuntian, his face was filled with grief and sadness.
"Young master, we did gain something this time. Once we return home, using the artificial core of the giant python, along with some auxiliary herbs, the old master's condition can be stabilized," Old Gui said, trying to comfort Qi Yuntian.
Qi Yuntian nodded, but his heart ached, wishing he could sprout wings and fly home immediately to see his grandfather.