172: The General's Decision

"Brother Qin Feng, perhaps I can save him."

Xiaochun's words were like a pebble cast into a still lake, sending ripples through Qin Feng's heart. He immediately understood what she meant—the Myriad Medicine Body might truly be able to save General Li Ju, but the risk of exposure was too great.

"Xiaochun, this is the Valley of Myriad Medicines. Don't you remember what Senior Gray Shadow said? Exposure is very dangerous."

Qin Feng said calmly, "We had better think of a way to have the best of both worlds."

Just as Qin Feng was weighing the pros and cons, a cold voice rang out from the side:

"We can use the pretext of a Secret Acupuncture Technique."

Ji Ruxue had stood by Qin Feng's side at some unknown point, a sharp light flashing in her icy eyes. "We'll say we possess an ancient secret acupuncture method that can temporarily seal the Meridians and stabilize injuries. This will explain the healing effect without revealing the nature of Xiaochun's Physique."

She paused, then continued her calm analysis. "If this method is effective, it will surely attract the attention of the Medicine King Valley. When they ask about the origin of the secret method, we can take the opportunity to mention Master Chu Tianhe's name—saying that the technique was passed down by him. This way, we can draw their attention to Master's whereabouts and gain a chance to enter the valley for negotiations."

"Three birds with one stone," Ji Ruxue concluded, her voice as calm as ever. "We save the man, attract attention, and pave the way to rescue Master."

Qin Feng's eyes lit up, and he turned to look at Ji Ruxue, marveling in his heart: As expected of a top-tier assassin with extensive experience, her thinking is indeed meticulous and calm. She always proposes the most rational plan at the most critical moment!

"Holy crap, Sister Xue is so smart!" Xia Ya couldn't help but blurt out, her gaze toward Ji Ruxue filled with admiration. "To think of such a comprehensive plan in such a short time!"

Xiaochun's eyes also sparkled as she looked at Ji Ruxue with worship. "Sister Xue is so amazing! Why didn't I think of that..."

Being praised so bluntly by the two, a rare and extremely faint blush actually appeared on Ji Ruxue's usually frozen face. She turned her head slightly, her voice still cold. "It's just a reasonable strategic analysis... Don't waste time; the General won't last much longer."

Qin Feng saw this and chuckled inwardly, but he knew now was not the time for teasing. He quickly organized his thoughts and nodded. "Sister Xue is right; this is the best way for now. Xiaochun, can you transmit the healing power of the Myriad Medicine Body through acupuncture? Like how you treated the wounded before?"

Xiaochun thought seriously for a moment and nodded. "I can! Using silver needles as a medium, I can guide the medicinal True Qi into the patient's body. However... this requires extremely precise control. I've never tried it on an injury this severe before..."

"It's alright, we believe in you," Qin Feng patted her shoulder. "And we'll say it's an 'ancient secret method,' so it's understandable if the effect is a bit miraculous. The important thing is to control the intensity—it needs to be effective, but not too exaggerated."

With the plan decided, the four of them immediately went into action.

In front of the Hundred Herbs Hall in Luoxia Town, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron.

Qin Feng stood before the Vice General of the Northern Border Army and produced his identity token. "I am Qin Feng, the court-appointed loyal and courageous gentleman and an Elder of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. I am somewhat proficient in an ancient Secret Acupuncture Technique and may be able to stabilize General Long Teng's injuries to buy some time."

The Vice General looked at the token, then at Qin Feng's young face, the doubt in his eyes still lingering. "Lord Qin is kind. However, the General's injuries are no small matter. We have already decided to follow the Town Head's advice and wait for the valley's approval. Acting rashly might lead to disaster."

"But the General can't wait!" Qin Feng's tone was urgent. "The Town Head just said that the 'Holy Jade Meridian-Protecting Pill' can be used next month at the earliest. Can the General's current condition last until then?"

These words hit the Vice General's sore spot. His face turned pale, yet he still insisted, "Even so, we cannot let someone of unknown origin..."

At this time, several officers who looked like generals gathered around. A bearded Commandant said in a deep voice, "Kid, do you know who is lying on that stretcher? It's General Long Teng, Li Ju! The Great Wall of the Northern Frontier! If something goes wrong because of your acupuncture, can you take responsibility?"

Another younger general also said, "Even the alchemists from the Medicine King Valley said we must wait. Are you more capable than the Medicine King Valley?"

"The General's life is no joke!"

"We would rather wait for the Holy Pill from the valley than let the General take a risk!"

Voices of opposition rose one after another. These generals of the Northern Border Army were all battle-hardened and fiercely loyal to General Li Ju; they would never easily let a stranger get close to their heavily wounded commander.

Qin Feng was anxious, but he also knew their concerns were reasonable. He was thinking about how to persuade them when, suddenly, a faint cough came from the stretcher.

Everyone was stunned.

General Li Ju had opened his eyes at some point. Although his gaze was unfocused and his face remained as pale as paper, he had indeed woken up.

"Gen... General!" The Vice General hurriedly knelt on one knee.

Li Ju turned his eyes with difficulty, his gaze sweeping over the generals surrounding him before finally landing on Qin Feng. His lips moved, and his voice was as thin as silk, yet it carried an unquestionable authority:

"What... is the noise..."

"General!" the bearded Commandant said urgently. "This young man says he wants to perform acupuncture on you. We were worried..."

"Worried... I'll... die faster?" Li Ju actually managed a very faint, bitter smile, followed by a violent fit of coughing, spitting out several mouthfuls of black blood.

The generals were pale with shock.

Li Ju gasped for a moment and said with all his strength, "I... know my own body... I won't last... until next month..."

He looked at Qin Feng, a hint of open-mindedness in his eyes. "Little brother... did you just say... two hours?"

Qin Feng cupped his fists solemnly. "Yes, General. Two hours of acupuncture. I dare not say it will cure you, but it will at least buy you ten days."

"Ten days... that's enough." Li Ju closed his eyes as if gathering strength. When he opened them again, a resolute light flashed in his eyes. "Come... I have spent half my life in battle... I would rather die on the battlefield... than wait here... to slowly suffocate to death..."

"General!" the generals cried out in unison.

Li Ju waved his hand—even this simple movement made him pant incessantly. "All of you... stand down... let him try..."

"But..."

"Military order!" Li Ju spat out two words. Though weak, they carried the authority of the Northern Frontier commander.

The generals looked at each other and finally gritted their teeth and stepped back. However, their hands remained on their sword hilt, staring fixedly at Qin Feng's group, clearly ready to strike at the slightest sign of trouble.

The Town Head also walked over at this time. Looking at General Li Ju's resolute eyes and then at Qin Feng, he let out a long sigh. "Very well... a terminal lucidity, the General is making a final gamble. Young friend, you... do your best."

Qin Feng felt a sense of solemnity, knowing this was the last chance. He turned to Xiaochun and said in a deep voice, "Junior Sister, it's up to you."

Xiaochun took a deep breath and took out the set of specially made silver needles from her medicine bag. Her hands were trembling slightly—not from fear, but from pressure. This was her first time performing acupuncture on such an important figure, and she had to control the power of the Myriad Medicine Body to avoid exposure.

Xia Ya silently stood by her side, her giant shield slightly tilted in a protective stance. Ji Ruxue quietly stepped back half a pace, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Under everyone's gaze, Xiaochun walked to the stretcher and knelt down. She closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them again, only focus remained.

Her fair hand rose lightly, and the first needle descended.

The treatment had begun.