C20 He Cleaned up

Elder Qi was forthright, urgently explaining, "In my youth, while traveling abroad, I encountered a sage who took me under his wing. I learned the rudiments of cultivation and received guidance in the Apricot Forest Technique. His name eludes me, as he had no intention of taking on disciples."

Soong Fei inquired, "Was it this master who guided you when you were saving someone?"

Elder Qi nodded, "I already had a foundation in Xuan Yuan traditional Chinese medicine. Indeed, I managed to save an elderly man, and that's when I met the master."

A realization dawned on Soong Fei—it appeared that Elder Qi's ancestors had practiced cultivation. Elder Qi's own kindness and generosity had earned him the chance to be guided by the master.

Cultivation depends on innate talent, and Elder Qi's talent was evident, though the master had only offered guidance without taking him as a disciple.

For Soong Fei, however, talent was not an issue, thanks to his collection system.

He was well aware of Elder Qi's esteemed reputation, and he had no doubts in his mind. Taking such a person as a disciple was indeed a meritorious act.

He addressed Elder Qi, "I'm willing to take you as my disciple, but let's not publicize it, shall we? I've grown fond of a quiet life—understand?"

Elder Qi replied with joy, "Understood," and immediately bowed deeply in gratitude.

"Master, I'll arrange a ceremony tomorrow to formally accept you as my teacher and present you with the traditional tea offering."

Helping Elder Qi to his feet, Soong Fei chuckled, "Let's skip the pomp and circumstance. Today, you are my disciple. Given your advanced years, I'll tailor a cultivation technique for you in a couple of days. As for the Apricot Forest Technique, I'll pass it on once your combat abilities have improved."

Just then, the system chimed in, signaling the completion of a collection: 50 points of spiritual energy gained.

Soong Fei felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Many thanks, Master," Elder Qi said, bowing deeply in gratitude.

Soong Fei spoke with ease, "Remember, our relationship should remain a secret to outsiders."

Elder Qi nodded earnestly in agreement.

"Master, I have a favor to ask."

"Go ahead."

"My old friend Hong Shantao of the Hong family in Jingjiang City has been both a benefactor and a friend to me. He suffers from a chronic illness. I've tried to treat him, but to no avail. I implore you, Master, to lend your aid."

Soong Fei gave a nod. "If he's an old friend of yours and a benefactor, I'll join you for a visit when you have the time."

"Thank you, Master. Would tomorrow work?"

"That's fine."

"And what about Lyi Yu, Master?"

"A gentleman's word is his bond. You've committed to making an exception to treat him, so go ahead and help him out."

Soong Fei wasn't fond of Lyi Yu, but that wasn't going to make him give his new disciple a hard time. Besides, Elder Qi couldn't heal Lyi Yu's condition.

Soong Fei was confident in his own abilities.

Elder Qi set off to find Lyi Yu, while Soong Fei made his way to the hospital ward.

Upon reaching the ward, Soong Fei was greeted by the sight of his sister, Soong Li, her face ashen and tears streaming down her cheeks.

Seeing the man next to her, Soong Fei's mood soured further.

The man, Soong Li's husband Ou Liangjian, had a swollen, red right eye and his face was marred with bruises. A high school teacher in the county, he was the quintessential intellectual, and it was clear he had been severely beaten.

Upon spotting Soong Fei, Ou Liangjian managed a radiant smile. "Fei, you missed out by not coming with me."

"You would've seen me in action. The Wong family relies on their numbers to bully others."

"I took on dozens of their strongmen single-handedly, sent them running scared. See? I only suffered some minor scrapes, while several of them ended up in the hospital."

He flaunted the money in his hand. "See this? In the end, the Wong family compensated me with 40,000 yuan."

Soong Li was weeping silently on the side. She knew her husband's capabilities all too well to believe his story.

Soong Fei, looking at his brother-in-law's injuries, felt a surge of anger. In a low tone, he asked, "You withdrew the money from the bank, didn't you?"

Soong Fei had a hunch about what had transpired. His brother-in-law had sought out the Wong family to settle things and had been beaten for his trouble. A man who valued his reputation, and not wanting to cause their father concern, he had taken out the money, claiming it was reparation from the Wong family.

Ou Liangjian was livid as he spoke, "That's absurd. I earned this compensation through my own efforts and martial arts. If I can't go see Dad myself, take this money to him and tell him the Wong family is paying up. He needs to get it checked out immediately."

Soong Fei's gaze hardened on Ou Liangjian, his anger intensifying.

Without the system, what would their fate have been?

They would have been forced to swallow this bitter pill in silence.

Turning to Soong Li, he inquired, "Where exactly is the Wong family located? What's the name of the person who hired Dad?"

Ou Liangjian, growing impatient, urged, "I've reclaimed the wages. Don't stir up trouble. Just take this money to Dad, quickly."

Soong Li regained her composure and advised, "Heed your brother-in-law's words and give the money to Dad. It'll ease his mind."

"Sis, I've always said I wouldn't stand for you or the family being wronged. Some injustices are intolerable."

"I'm capable of protecting us from harm now. You saw me treat Dad earlier. Trust me, I'm not the same Soong Fei I used to be."

Soong Li had sensed her brother's transformation, and his words confirmed that he had indeed changed significantly.

Yet, the Wong family was not to be trifled with lightly.

She cautioned him, "Sis, I realize you've come into your own, but please, let's put an end to this matter!"

Ou Liangjian, somewhat bewildered, asked, "Little Li, what's this about Soong Fei treating Dad's illness?"

After she recounted the recent events, Ou Liangjian turned to Soong Fei and said, "Soong Fei, I hadn't realized you possessed such skills. Dad's doing fine now, so let's just drop it. Approach this calmly."

Knowing Soong Fei's temperament, he was bound to confront the Wong family.

But his sister and brother-in-law preferred to downplay the situation. He resolved to hold off on dealing with the Wong family for the moment, but he planned to pay them a visit later.

"As for that old man, Soong Yuangui, which hospital room is he in? Step aside and let me handle it."

Just then, a torrent of curses erupted from outside the door.

Soong Fei's brow furrowed at the sight of a familiar face.

Liao Bilin!

Was Liao Bilin here seeking out his father?

What was this all about?

In that moment, Ou Liangjian approached the intruders with a composed demeanor.

"Wong Xinzhong, haven't you gone too far? My father got injured working for your family. Instead of offering compensation, you show up at the hospital to wreak havoc?"

Upon hearing Ou Liangjian's words, Soong Fei fixed his gaze on the man known as Wong Xinzhong. Was this the Wong family?

Did the Wong family know Liao Bilin, or was it merely a coincidence? Had Liao Bilin come here specifically to trouble Soong Fei, and the Wong family just happened to be here stirring up conflict too?

Confronted by Ou Liangjian, Wong Xinzhong turned to Liao Bilin and spoke with a sycophantic tone, "Uncle, this nobody talking is Soong Yuangui's son-in-law. He came to my place demanding compensation and got a beating for his trouble. Soong Fei must be at the hospital."

With a glance at Ou Liangjian, Wong Xinzhong added, "That Soong Fei had the audacity to challenge my uncle."