C7 Contract.

Upon hearing those words, everyone felt as if they were privy to the world's greatest joke, for the idea of the Miracle Doctor failing was inconceivable.

Elder Gu, a towering figure in the realm of modern Traditional Medicine, held an esteemed position. Now, someone had the audacity to challenge his expertise. To onlookers, the notion was downright preposterous.

Instantly, all eyes in the ward turned to the speaker—Hsiao Rann, who stood on the periphery of the crowd.

Observing Hsiao Rann's youthful demeanor, Godly Doctor Gu's brow furrowed in slight consternation as he inquired, "Who might this young individual be?"

Although his question was directed at Hsiao Rann's identity, Godly Doctor Gu conveyed his bewilderment to the Soong family, evidently mistaking Hsiao Rann as one of their own.

"Godly Doctor Gu, he is not of the Soong family. He's a patient from your hospital. Before your arrival, he discerned that Xiao'er's ailment stemmed from an obstruction in her meridians," someone informed Elder Gu, echoing Hsiao Rann's earlier diagnosis.

For Hsiao Rann to articulate insights akin to those of Godly Doctor Gu was no small feat. Even the previously haughty Soong family members couldn't help but regard Hsiao Rann with newfound respect.

Upon the Soong family's introduction, the look of aversion and displeasure vanished from Godly Doctor Gu's face. He turned to Hsiao Rann, his curiosity piqued, and questioned, "Since you've identified the root of her condition, may I ask why golden and silver needles cannot be employed? Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Medicine. Is it possible that even this time-honored practice fails to remedy an illness rooted in the meridians?"

Godly Doctor Gu posed his burning question without reservation, indifferent to the presence of others in the ward or Hsiao Rann's youth.

In his view, Hsiao Rann's age was immaterial. The young man had pinpointed Xiao'er's condition and had the temerity to challenge his conclusions. This was testament enough to Hsiao Rann's formidable medical prowess. Hsiao Rann had earned the right to engage in a frank exchange with him.

Yet, to the astonishment of all present, Hsiao Rann chose not to respond directly to Elder Gu's probing inquiry.

He replied with gravity, "I am not versed in acupuncture, yet I recognize it as the quintessence of traditional Chinese medicine. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all remedy for every ailment."

In that moment, despite standing face-to-face with Elder Gu, Hsiao Rann remained composed.

He went on to say, "If I'm not mistaken, Elder Gu, you're considering acupuncture to clear her meridians and enhance the flow of her Innate Vital Energy, aiming for a curative effect. But I'm certain this approach will not save her. In fact, it will only deplete her Innate Vital Energy more rapidly."

Having practiced medicine for many years, Elder Gu understood the gravity of Hsiao Rann's words. The faster Xiao'er's Innate Vital Energy was consumed, the quicker she would succumb. This realization sent a shiver through his slender frame.

It was unexpected for Elder Gu that Hsiao Rann had not only diagnosed Xiao'er's condition but had also deduced his intended treatment plan—a plan that Hsiao Rann deemed utterly futile.

"Why is that?" Elder Gu murmured, his question escaping almost reflexively before he quickly regained his composure.

Each physician has their own unique perspective, particularly in the realm of Traditional Medicine, where diagnoses are formed through proprietary techniques. To pose such a blunt question in the Traditional Medicine World was an absolute faux pas.

After a brief pause, Elder Gu brought his fists together in a traditional salute towards Hsiao Rann.

"Please, enlighten me."

It was a remarkable sight—Godly Doctor Gu seeking wisdom from a junior.

The onlookers in the ward, not all versed in Traditional Chinese Medicine, might not have grasped the full significance of Elder Gu's gesture. Yet, the surprise was evident on their faces.

Even Hsiao Rann hadn't anticipated such a humble act from Godly Doctor Gu.

"Senior, your humility is profound," Hsiao Rann responded, his respect for Godly Doctor Gu deepening.

To be honored with the title of Miracle Doctor, Elder Gu was undoubtedly a master of his craft. But what Hsiao Rann admired even more was his character.

It's rare to find someone willing to seek advice from those of lesser status, but Godly Doctor Gu did so without hesitation. Hsiao Rann's admiration for him was, therefore, well-earned.

After assisting Elder Gu to his feet, Hsiao Rann offered an awkward smile.

"Senior, since you've posed the question, I'll certainly share the answer with you."

Relief washed over Hsiao Rann as Elder Gu refrained from bowing again. Being shown such deference by the Miracle Doctor himself, especially under the watchful eyes of the crowd, had been overwhelming. Thankfully, having recently received the Pill Sovereign's legacy, Hsiao Rann found his mindset slightly altered.

Furthermore, Hsiao Rann wasn't steeped in the Medical Dao. For him, sharing treatment methods wasn't a matter of secrecy, and he was more than willing to discuss them.

"Acupuncture is typically the best approach for most patients suffering from Qi and blood stagnation. But this young girl's case is an anomaly."

"The fuller her Qi and blood, the more harm it brings to her body. Thus, we can't resort to standard treatments for her condition."

Throughout the conversation, Hsiao Rann never brought up the Blood Tapeworm as the cause of Xiao'er's illness. It wasn't a matter of reluctance; rather, he simply couldn't articulate the peculiarities of such an unusual parasite to Elder Gu. Even Hsiao Rann's knowledge about the Blood Tapeworm was limited to what he'd learned from the Pill Sovereign's teachings, and it was far from complete.

Elder Gu, aware that Hsiao Rann was withholding details, didn't press the issue. He was profoundly thankful for Hsiao Rann's insight into the flaws of his own treatment plan and had no intention of demanding more information.

After a lengthy contemplation, Elder Gu's gaze returned to Hsiao Rann. "Are you capable of curing this disease?"

The rest of the ward's occupants listened in astonishment.

It was beyond their expectations that Elder Gu would seek the expertise of the youthful Hsiao Rann for such a medical challenge.

"At present, I lack the necessary ability," Hsiao Rann admitted, his expression grave. Although Xiao'er wasn't in immediate danger, her condition was set to deteriorate.

The Blood Tapeworm had advanced to her shoulder, perilously close to her heart, putting her life at risk at any moment.

Despite having inherited the Pill Sovereign's wisdom and mastering the Qi Gazing Technique, Hsiao Rann remained a mere mortal. Only with Vital Energy at his disposal could he hope to eradicate the Blood Tapeworm.

Upon hearing Hsiao Rann's words, the expressions of the Soong family members in the hospital room fell into utter dismay.

They believed that with Godly Doctor Gu's treatment plan dismissed and Hsiao Rann lacking the ability to heal Xiao'er, it seemed inevitable that Xiao'er was doomed.

But as they were gripped by anxiety and began to seek alternative remedies, Godly Doctor Gu picked up on something crucial in Hsiao Rann's statement.

He inquired, "You mentioned you currently lack the ability to treat the illness. Is there something you need to prepare?"

Before Godly Doctor Gu could finish speaking, every member of the Soong family in the room turned to Hsiao Rann, full of hope, particularly Elder Soong. Elder Soong was on edge, dreading a negative response from Hsiao Rann.

This time, however, Hsiao Rann did not disappoint.

He explained, "Indeed, I am not yet equipped to handle such a complex disease. But given some time to further my studies, I believe I could potentially cure it."

Godly Doctor Gu was somewhat incredulous at this revelation. He pondered, "Hsiao Rann is merely a college student. Who could he possibly learn from? Despite his youth, his diagnostic skills surpass mine. Could he have an even more formidable mentor?"

Despite racking his brain, Godly Doctor Gu couldn't fathom anyone within the Medical Dao capable of mentoring a disciple like Hsiao Rann.

Truth be told, even if Hsiao Rann were to claim Pill Sovereign as his teacher, Godly Doctor Gu would likely be skeptical.

After much deliberation, Godly Doctor Gu remained at a loss as to the identity of Hsiao Rann's mentor. Nevertheless, he harbored no doubts about Hsiao Rann. Based solely on Hsiao Rann's prior demonstrations, he was convinced that Hsiao Rann was no ordinary individual. It wouldn't be surprising for Hsiao Rann to have a master unknown even to him.

For a physician, delving into someone's secrets is less pressing than saving a life. Thus, after momentarily losing focus, Godly Doctor Gu pressed on, "How much longer do you need to be able to cure Xiao'er's disease?"

In fact, Hsiao Rann was aware of the formula for the Vitality Nurturing Pill, but he had not yet secured the necessary medicinal ingredients. Moreover, he was uncertain whether the pill would indeed grant him the Innate Vital Energy required for cultivation.

Yet, seeing the hopeful faces in the hospital ward, Hsiao Rann found it difficult to let them down. Despite the skepticism he had faced from the Soong family, he gave a nod of agreement after a brief pause.

"If all goes well, I should be able to master the treatment for this complex condition within two weeks," he stated.

Upon hearing Hsiao Rann's two-week timeline, Elder Soong, who had been quiet, showed a flicker of concern. Before Elder Soong could voice his thoughts, Hsiao Rann added, "Two weeks is the quickest I can manage."

He had to gather herbs, craft the pills, and consume them before he could even begin to cultivate. These were significant challenges for Hsiao Rann, necessitating at least a fortnight.

Hsiao Rann considered requesting medicinal herbs from Godly Doctor Gu but quickly dismissed the thought. The herbs were tied to the pill formula, and he was adamant about keeping his possession of such a potent recipe secret to avoid future complications.

He resolved to procure the herbs independently. Only if he was still missing ingredients after two weeks would he seek assistance from the Soong family or Godly Doctor Gu.

Witnessing Hsiao Rann's resolve, Elder Soong could only exhale a resigned sigh. He understood that even skilled physicians might not always save a patient, and now, the well-being of his cherished granddaughter rested in Hsiao Rann's hands.

"I can only hope you'll begin preparations soon," Elder Soong expressed. "Should you succeed in healing my granddaughter, rest assured, I will reward you handsomely."

Hsiao Rann swept his gaze over Elder Soong and the others, replying with a hint of scorn, "Your generous reward is unnecessary. I offered to help out of pity for the girl. If you wish to thank me, better discipline your offspring. Teach them not to cast baseless doubts on others."

Upon hearing Hsiao Rann's remarks, those standing behind Elder Soong promptly bowed their heads in awkwardness.