Chapter 51: Ning Hai's Magical Doctor
After entering Flowing Snake, Ye Mo's Audi stopped before a uniquely designed stone house—a half-circular structure reminiscent of a Mongolian yurt. Multiple windows were tightly fitted between the stones.
Zhuo Aiguo left Xiao Yu and Xiao Lei outside, instructing only Ye Mo to accompany him inside.
The spacious room held over twenty people, each radiating a palpable aura of violence—a "killer's qi" [1] perceptible even to those unfamiliar with chi or qi. Aside from two armed men flanking a ferocious-looking, long-haired man at the head of the room, everyone else carried swords or custom-made knives.
Before the leader could speak, two menacing youths demanded to search Ye Mo and Zhuo Aiguo. Ye Mo effortlessly grabbed one in each hand and tossed them out the door like ragdolls. They exited in perfect synchronicity, propelled with surprising force.
The room's occupants raised their weapons, awaiting the long-haired man's command. He observed Ye Mo's effortless display of strength, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes before he quickly composed himself and signaled his men to stand down. He then instructed, "You two leave. Rock and Shadow stay."
Only Zhuo Aiguo, Ye Mo, the long-haired man, and two subordinates remained. The leader, recognizing Ye Mo's formidable abilities, decided against immediate confrontation. The casual dispatch of two large men suggested he was no ordinary individual. The leader, who hadn't intended to harm Zhuo Aiguo, offered a fist salute: "Boss Zhuo, it's a pleasure. May I ask who this is?"
He glanced at Ye Mo, choosing his words carefully.
Zhuo Aiguo, aware of the leader's apprehension, intervened. "Chairman Fang, don't worry, he's a friend. He's quiet and simply wanted to ensure my safety. I have the item you requested. What about your end of the deal?"
Chairman Fang scrutinized Ye Mo before retrieving a wooden box from a leather bag. Ye Mo sensed an unusual chi emanating from the box—a trace of pure spirit chi. His eyes gleamed; this item felt significant.
"Show me your item first," Fang Nan demanded, holding the box. Before Zhuo Aiguo could respond, Ye Mo subtly waved his hand, and the box telekinetically flew into his grasp.
Fang Nan abruptly stood, his shock quickly masked by a look of deep fear and reverence. His two subordinates and Zhuo Aiguo stared at Ye Mo in disbelief. What kind of ability was this? He had effortlessly retrieved the box from a distance of six to seven meters.
Unfazed, Ye Mo opened the box to reveal a black vine. As he touched it, a faint spiritual wave emanated.
"Purple Heart Vine?" Ye Mo recognized a section of the root of a rare spiritual plant. The presence of such a plant on Earth was astonishing, given the scarcity of spirit chi. He'd been surprised to find Silver Heart Grass; this discovery was even more remarkable. Unfortunately, it was only a small piece.
Zhuo Aiguo, still reeling from Ye Mo's display, stammered, "Brother Ye you" While Ye Mo's previous fighting prowess had impressed him, this telekinetic ability was extraordinary.
"Brother Zhuo, this is valuable to me. Would you be willing to part with it?" Ye Mo explained. While billions of dollars wouldn't have swayed him, this plant, though common in his former world, was exceptionally rare on Earth.
"Ah" Zhuo Aiguo, regaining his composure, replied, "Since Brother Ye wants it, take it. This Dark Purple Root is rare; I found only this small piece in Flowing Snake."
Ye Mo noted the alternate name for the Purple Heart Vine but didn't correct him. Zhuo Aiguo then produced an envelope for Fang Nan. "Here's the check."
Fang Nan, instantly recognizing Ye Mo's unusual abilities, approached him respectfully. "I'm Fang Nan, a minor clan leader. My apologies for not asking your name, Elder Brother." He intended to cultivate a relationship with the clearly extraordinary Ye Mo.
"I'm Ye Mo. I plan to stay in Flowing Snake for a while," Ye Mo responded.
"Excellent! If you need anything, come to me. Consider this Dark Purple Root a greeting gift. Brother Zhuo, please accept this check back," Fang Nan insisted, pushing the check towards Zhuo Aiguo.
Zhuo Aiguo refused. "We agreed on this; it's a gift for Brother Ye. I can't take it back."
Ye Mo intervened, "Chairman Fang, keep the check. You have many brothers and need the funds. Brother Zhuo, why did you need this Dark Purple Root?"
Zhuo Aiguo sighed, "My son, since turning eight, has been mentally disabled. I've consulted countless doctors and specialists, to no avail. An old doctor suggested a Dark Purple Root beverage for three years. I finally learned Chairman Fang had some, so I came here. My uncle was cured by a 'magical' doctor in Ning Hai, but he vanished before I could reach him. I thought that doctor could help my son Alas, it was just a fortunate encounter. The Dark Purple Root may not even cure him; the doctor only said 'maybe.' It doesn't matter if Brother Ye takes it."
"Ning Hai?" Ye Mo repeated, suspecting a connection to a recent event.
"Yes, Li Kang Hospital. My uncle suffered for years, yet this doctor cured him. Sadly, he's impossible to find again," Zhuo Aiguo lamented.
Ye Mo realized the "magical doctor" was himself.
Notes:
- "Killer's qi" is the dark energy cultivated by those who have taken many lives and revel in the act. "Chi" refers to the special energy cultivated by immortals ("Cultivators"). "Qi" is the energy cultivated by Earthly martial artists.