"Qin Ming, can you persuade the healer in the Imperial Academy team to come and treat Xiaogong?"
Hearing this, Qin Ming froze. Memories surfaced, he had left the Imperial Academy without even informing the team, he had guided for so long. Now, to return and ask for their help… he did not know how to face them.
He hesitated.
Flender saw his struggle. He knew how difficult this was for Qin Ming, but seeing Liu Erlong crying so helplessly, he could not bear it. He pleaded softly.
"Please, Qin Ming."
Qin Ming's expression hardened.
"Dean, I will do my best."
After speaking, he sighed deeply and left for the academy to persuade Ye Lingling.
Meanwhile, Liu Erlong went to her father, Yu Luomian, and begged him to save Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Luomian nearly spat blood in fury. Because of that bastard, his daughter's life had been ruined. Every time he thought of it, he wanted to kill that trash. But since the man had become his nephew, he had no choice but for sake of his elder brother face, he had to swallow his rage.
Seeing her father expression, Liu Erlong knelt before him, begging desperately.
Yu Luomian's heart ached for his daughter. Though furious, he finally nodded and agreed to summon the clan's healers.
"Thank you, Father."
Liu Erlong's face lit up with relief, while Yu Luomian sank deeper into depression at the reason of her happiness.
…
In a large courtyard, Wu Lan's new house.
After returning, Wu Lan found the place empty. He freshened up, then left for Lamba Academy.
He too was eager to see Yu Xiaogang's condition.
Soon after arriving, he spotted Qin Ming walking alongside Ye Lingling toward the academy. Wu Lan was puzzled to see her here.
"Lingling."
Ye Lingling turned at the familiar voice. Her eyes brightened upon seeing Wu Lan, and she walked over quickly.
"Wu Lan!"
"What are you doing here in Lamba Academy?"
"I came to heal someone at Teacher Qin Ming's request," Ye Lingling replied, though her tone was less than happy. It was clear she would not have come at all if not for Qin Ming's insistence.
Wu Lan cast Qin Ming a strange look.
Qin Ming flushed with embarrassment under his gaze and quickly changed the subject.
"Let's go quickly. Everyone is waiting."
With that, he led the way toward Yu Xiaogang's residence, while Wu Lan and Ye Lingling walking slowly behind him, chatting.
As they arrived,
"Brother!"
"Brother Lan!"
Xiao Wu and Zhuqing rushed toward him. But halfway there, both halted when they noticed Ye Lingling by his side. Their eyes met, and in an instant, they reached a silent truce, this new girl was an enemy. Together, they stared at Ye Lingling with hostility.
Seeing their expressions, Wu Lan chuckled. Ye Lingling, however, grew nervous and unconsciously moved closer to him.
"Rabbit, Kitten, stop that. You're making her uncomfortable." He lightly knocked them both on the head.
Both girls clutched their heads with pitiful expressions.
"Brother, we know we're wrong, don't be angry."
Acting in perfect sync, their voices softened, eyes glistening with mock sorrow.
Wu Lan laughed.
"Alright, alright. Enough acting." He rubbed both of their heads gently.
Instantly, Xiao Wu and Zhuqing forgot about Ye Lingling, basking in the warmth of Wu Lan's touch.
Ye Lingling, watching this, suddenly felt a pang of loss in her heart.
When Wu Lan withdrew his hands, Xiao Wu and Zhuqing reluctantly pulled themselves out of their daze. Their gazes immediately locked on Ye Lingling again. Both became vigilant, stepping in between Wu Lan and her.
Wu Lan ignored their jealousy and introduced each other.
"Brother, what is she doing here?" Xiao Wu asked.
"She came to heal Yu Xiaogang."
The two looked confused. In their eyes, Wu Lan was the best healer, why invite another?
Wu Lan understood their doubts.
"Her martial spirit, the Nine Heart Flowering Apple, is known as the greatest healing spirit in history."
Xiao Wu and Zhuqing exchanged glances, realizing now. Since they didn't fully know Wu Lan's abilities, others had invited a healer.
Ye Lingling also noticed the implication but chose not to pry into Wu Lan's secrets.
At that moment, Flender and Qin Ming interrupted.
"Ye Lingling, please heal Yu Xiaogang," both requested urgently.
Ye Lingling nodded, spoke a few words, and followed them.
Wu Lan, of course, wouldn't miss the chance to witness Yu Xiaogang's misery.
…
They soon arrived at the sickroom. Yu Xiaogang lay pale on the bed, being carefully spoon-fed by Liu Erlong. Yet his face carried an expression of reluctance, as if he had no choice.
Anyone else would have felt bliss having such a beautiful woman care for them, but this scumbag—Flender clenched his fists in jealousy at the sight but quickly recovered.
Wu Lan was also unhappy when someone cared for this scumbag.
Yu Xiaogang, since you show reluctance toward Liu Erlong, then I will help you.
As Wu Lan entertained that thought, Flender hurriedly explained Ye Lingling's abilities to Liu Erlong. Hope immediately lit her eyes.
Stepping aside, Liu Erlong looked at Ye Lingling with desperate expectation.
Ye Lingling summoned her martial spirit and began the treatment.
"Brother, what do you think? Can she heal him?" Xiao Wu whispered.
Wu Lan's gaze sharpened and analyzed his condition.
All of his meridians are destroyed. His body has been devastated by the energy overload. Only constant healing is keeping him alive.
"No. Not with her current level," Wu Lan concluded.
If she possessed the completed martial spirit and greater soul power, there might be hope. But with her current strength, regenerating such a ruined body was impossible.
Meanwhile, under Ye Lingling's healing, Yu Xiaogang's pale complexion grew slightly rosy. Liu Erlong's face lit with joy, but it lasted only moments.
Ye Lingling quickly exhausted her soul power, her face paling. Her body swayed, and she lost her balance. Just as she was about to collapse, a firm hand supported her.
She looked up, only to see Wu Lan so close.
Her cheeks flushed scarlet at his touch.
"Are you alright?" Wu Lan asked softly.