{5} The Xiao Family 1.3

In the wake of the unexpected news, General Xiao remained surprisingly composed as he faced the tearful, kneeling servant before him. Slowly, his gaze shifted towards Zhao Ling, his eyes filled with desperate pleading.

"Doctor Ling," he implored, his voice trembling with a mixture of hope and fear. "I beg of you, please cure my daughter. I will grant you any reward you desire."

"Anything?" Zhao Ling mused, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Now, that's interesting."

"General Xiao," she began, her tone gentle yet firm, "though my title signifies exceptional knowledge of medicine, I am still mortal, not a deity. I cannot bring back the dead."

Her words struck General Xiao's heart, and he sank to his knees before her, his voice quivering as he beseeched her once more, abandoning all pretense of pride and power.

"Miss Zhao, I implore you. Xiao Xiu is my only daughter, my precious child. I have indulged her every whim, and all I wish is for her to live, to be happy, to enjoy her youth. Please, cure my daughter."

The sincerity in the General's voice hung heavy in the air, leaving those who witnessed the scene in stunned silence. All eyes were on Zhao Ling, awaiting her response.

A cynical chuckle escaped her lips, but General Xiao paid it no mind. As long as this enigmatic girl could save his beloved daughter, he was willing to sacrifice anything – wealth, reputation, pride – for her sake.

Zhao Ling's mind wandered back to her own lonely past, reminiscing about the parental love she had never known. At school events celebrating fathers, she had stood alone, watching her classmates revel with their fathers, her heart aching with an indescribable longing.

"Sigh, such a wonderful father," she murmured, her voice tinged with melancholy.

[Host, are you going to save her?]

"Of course! I'm not as heartless as you," she retorted, dismissing her system's claims with a playful smile.

With newfound determination, she turned to General Xiao and declared, "This doctor will do her utmost to treat Miss Xiu. General Xiao, please lead me to her."

The General wasted no time, instructing his loyal subordinates to keep the other doctors waiting outside the courtyard. He led Zhao Ling to his daughter's side with a sense of urgency, hoping against hope for a miracle.

Inside the room, Madame Zhu Yun, Miss Xiu's mother, watched the Spirit Doctor attentively, her eyes brimming with hope. Night after night, she had prayed for her daughter's recovery, and now, a Spirit Doctor stood before her. It felt like the gods had finally heard her pleas.

'Fufu, have you scanned her? What's wrong with her?' Zhao Ling inquired mentally, seeking guidance from her system.

[Fufu successfully scanned the target. Shall I reveal the data?]

'Reveal.'

[Target: Miss Xiao Xiu

Condition: Critical

Problem: Miss Xiu has contracted a deadly virus unique to a specific animal. The virus has infiltrated her nervous system and tainted most of her blood. Remarkably, it disguises itself as a blood cell, eluding detection by countless experts.

Solution: Perform acupuncture near the bridge of the nose and between her first and second toes on the left foot. Utilize potent herbs from your inventory, pressing them onto the needle-inserted areas. Expel the virus forcefully with your spiritual power. Upon success, the virus will exit through the left foot, producing green blood. Trap the blood in a container to prevent further contamination.]

Despite the immense pressure, she meticulously followed the system's instructions. Using the needles she had acquired, she placed five on the bridge of Xiu's nose and another five around her first and second toes on the left foot. Carefully selecting the right herbs from her inventory, she pressed them onto the needle-inserted spots, channeling her spiritual power to forcefully expel the stubborn virus from Xiu's body.

For eight long hours, she persevered. Finally, traces of green blood emerged on Xiu's left foot. However, the virus still lingered in the girl's bloodstream, refusing to relinquish its grip.

Morning light spilled into the room when she finally succeeded, watching with bated breath as Xiu's pulse gradually returned. The girl was alive!

Eager to share the good news, she exited the room and scanned the bustling courtyard below. The General's sons had arrived, adding to the already fervent atmosphere.

Descending the stairs gracefully, Zhao Ling faced the eager crowd, delivering the long-awaited update.

"Miss Xiao Xiu has been cured. I've prepared prescriptions and tonics to aid her recovery," she announced, her calm demeanor drawing admiration from the onlookers.

The crowd erupted in joy, their praises for the talented Spirit Doctor filling the air.

"Miss Zhao Ling is truly remarkable to bring someone back from the brink of death!"

"She's the best doctor in the kingdom, no doubt about it!"

"Long live Miss Zhao! A miraculous doctor, indeed!"

Amidst the celebrations, Zhao Ling's vision blurred, and she stumbled, her strength waning.

'Fufu, what's happening?' she questioned, sensing her weakening state.

[You've overused your spiritual power. Rest now, Host, or you might catch a cold.]

"Ah, is Fufu worried about me?" she teased, her tone playful.

[I'm concerned about your tasks, Host. Don't waste your points due to your weak body.]

"I might need a refund," she mumbled, her energy finally giving in to exhaustion.

Meanwhile, the observant General's Third Son, Xiao Zhu, noticed her condition. Concerned, he ordered his servants to prepare a room for her, insisting that she rest.

Xiao Zhu, renowned for his literary and martial prowess, was not only considered the third most handsome young master in Jiangyan Country but also an infamous playboy. Accustomed to charming others effortlessly, he found himself intrigued by this unyielding Spirit Doctor who resisted his charm.

"Interesting," he mused, contemplating the challenge.

'Fufu, I feel a very dark aura coming from somewhere. Who is following me?'

[Host is currently being followed by the Xiao's hidden guards, the Third son of the General, The Demon's Gate Cult's hidden Black Knights.. And the leader of The Bloody eye Faction, Mo Li.]

'What's their problem?!'

[fufu, cannot sense their intention]

___

"Master, I have followed your orders on observing the young maiden" In a dark hall, somewhere within a large mountain cave. A young man with a jade mask was seated in the throne while looking at the young assassin kneeling in front of him.

"Report. What did she do the whole day?" The masked man asked solemnly.

Feeling the masked man's aura, the young black clothed man hurriedly answered his question.

"The first day that maiden stepped foot in the capital, she stole an apple from a child. Nothing suspicious, besides stopping every once in awhile and zoning out."

"She then went to the Xiao's residence.."

The masked man frowned while hearing the name.

'Xiao residence? Why would she be there?'

"Continue." the masked man ordered.

"She cured the first miss of the Xiao's. It turns out, she was actually a Spirit Doctor" Even the black clothed man couldn't believe what he just said.

But it was true. The young maiden whom he had followed for the whole day, whom he witnessed shamelessly steal from a kid..was suddenly...a infamous Spirit Doctor? He couldn't believe it!

But the masked man showed no emotion as always. He dismissed the black clothed man and he thought to himself for a second.

"Achooo!"

[Host, you should rest to avoid falling ill.]

"Aiya, is Fufu concerned for me? ;-)"

[I'm concerned about your well-being and tasks. Don't waste your points, Host.]

"Ah, I need a refund for my energy," Zhao Ling grumbled playfully, her exhaustion finally catching up with her.