Chapter 1733

Before he finished speaking, Lily was already beside him, one hand supporting his arm, the other swiftly inserting needles. The silver needles were in place before he could react.

Austin was astonished. The speed was breathtaking; he couldn't tell if the needles had silenced him or if shock had rendered him speechless. He blinked, silently watching her hands move.

Lily worked quietly, focused on her task. Acupuncture was far from new to her; she’d only moved so quickly to startle him. She had meticulously reviewed ancient medical texts and acupoint charts before arriving, and this treatment differed from standard acupuncture. Each silver needle was laced with medicine—a detail she withheld from Austin. She judged that revealing this might unnecessarily increase his anxiety. Initially nervous, Austin relaxed upon realizing he was unharmed. As he relaxed, a warmth spread through his body, distinct from the burning sensation of the toxin. He felt comfortable, almost drowsy.

He closed his eyes, and with a clear mind, a sense of floating tranquility washed over him. His tension eased. Just as sleep beckoned, he mused, Lily does have some tricks up her sleeve.

Then, a sharp pain stabbed his lungs, forcing a cough. He knew the needle must remain in place; movement could misalign it. Despite his efforts to restrain himself, he couldn't.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

He convulsed, trying to warn Lily.

She reacted instantly. Seeing his abdomen heave, she swiftly withdrew the needle. It hadn't penetrated. She watched him writhe, coughing violently.

Dominic quickly stepped forward, placing a basin beneath him. Austin retched, a mouthful of blood spurting into the basin, though some splattered on the floor.

"Ugh..." The coughing subsided, leaving him spent. He lay back, staring at the ceiling, numb.

"How are you feeling?" Lily remained calm, her composure unwavering. It seemed entirely expected.

"I feel like I've died and come back to life," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

"Oh, it's fine. You should be fine if you didn't die," she replied, her expression and tone flat yet somehow reassuring.