Chapter 1846

Alex and Zachary had already stepped out, leaving only Eric seated quietly by the bedside.

Andrew did not even look back. “Eric, I don’t like distractions when I’m treating someone. Would you mind stepping out as well?”

Eric remained seated, smiling gently. “Don’t worry, Dr. Lloyd. I’ll just stay here silently. I’m more concerned for Dad’s safety than anyone else. I wouldn’t feel at ease if I weren’t nearby.”

Andrew frowned and was about to insist again when Jerome spoke up. “Eric, go on and step out. Don’t worry. Dr. Lloyd’s here. I’ll be fine.”

Only then did Eric rise to his feet and say softly, “Alright, Dad. I’ll step out now. Dr. Lloyd, I’ll leave him in your care.”

Even while walking out, Eric did not forget to politely acknowledge Andrew, warm and courteous as ever. However, Andrew could not shake the discomfort crawling over his skin. Something about Eric always made him feel like a needle was pressed against his back.

Jerome gave a soft chuckle. “Dr. Lloyd, my apologies. Eric’s martial art is a rare one. It naturally comes with a hypnotic influence. His control over it is still limited, so he can’t fully regulate its effects. It tends to influence others even when he doesn’t mean to.”

Andrew said half-jokingly, “Mr. Thornton, I hope you don’t take offense, but he’s clearly a man. Is it really appropriate for him to practice such dark arts?”

Jerome shook his head. “Phantom Mirage is not a dark art. It’s one of the most unique techniques in existence. At first, I didn’t want him to practice it either. Like you said, Eric is a man, and learning this kind of technique comes with a lot of complications. But the technique chose him. When I took him in years ago, he somehow stumbled into it by fate. After that, even I couldn’t stop him. It was meant to be.”

Only then did Andrew understand.

In the world of martial arts, some people were simply born to sync perfectly with certain techniques, as if drawn together by destiny.

Luna was one such martial prodigy. Andrew still did not know the exact technique she used, but she obviously trained in a style that cultivated inner and outer strength.

People like her were basically invincible as long as they kept advancing in martial arts.

His three closest companions were similar.

Aspen leaned into stealth and agility, with an extremely flexible body. Naturally, her technique focused on softer movements. Lauren pursued internal energy cultivation and had a natural resonance with internal arts, while Francesca followed the external martial path, making her perfect for those bold, direct combat techniques.

As these thoughts raced through Andrew’s mind, his hands never stopped moving. He said, “Mr. Thornton, brace yourself.”

The golden needles pierced into several of Jerome’s core pressure points with swift precision.

Usually, Andrew could insert needles into anyone’s pressure points with ease. However, Jerome’s points were as tough as iron. So, he had to use not only skill but force, and even his arms started to tremble slightly from the pressure.

Jerome smiled in appreciation. “Dr. Lloyd, you’re not only a master of medicine, but your martial skills aren’t lacking either.”

Andrew was not surprised. Jerome was ranked eighth on the Titan List and was a true martial saint. It was only natural that he could sense Andrew’s strength through a few movements.

“Compared to the vast ocean of energy running through your body, Mr. Thornton, I’m far behind.”

With a light smile, Andrew began the process of drawing out the poison.

Time ticked by, and before long, a full hour had passed.

Chapter 1847