Inside the bedroom.

Guan Xinhe lay on the bed, his body wrapped in bandages that were already soaked red with blood, presenting a chilling sight. His face was the most terrifying part, ashen and gaunt, as if he were a corpse.

It really is him.

Upon seeing Guan Xinhe, Lin Mu nodded to himself. Despite Guan Xinhe's pitiful state, he recognized him at a glance as the middle-aged man he had encountered in the hospital. He had even given him an elixir and a piece of advice. However, it was clear that the other party hadn't taken his words to heart.

Guan Jiaojiao's eyes reddened the instant she saw her father's miserable condition. But with Master Sun and Lin Mu present, she held back her sobs, fiercely wiping away her tears.

"Lin Mu, you have to save my father, please," Guan Jiaojiao begged, clutching at Lin Mu's clothes, her face streaked with tears.

"Don't worry. With Master Sun here, your dad will be fine," Lin Mu replied with a reassuring smile.

Sun Tianyang said nothing, his expression grave as he observed Guan Xinhe's condition. He felt inexplicably nervous under Lin Mu's watchful eye. Thankfully, Lin Mu remained silent, allowing him to slowly steady his nerves and begin a methodical examination.

Guan Chengye and Guan Jiaojiao stood tensely to the side, not even daring to breathe loudly. Lin Mu, meanwhile, watched Sun Tianyang's techniques, nodding to himself in approval.

About ten minutes later, Sun Tianyang finally let out a long breath and wiped the nonexistent cold sweat from his forehead.

Guan Chengye asked cautiously, "Master Sun, how is he?"

Sun Tianyang pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "The patient is gravely injured. Putting aside his severed arm, the more serious issue is that all the meridians in his body are severed, and even his internal organs are displaced."

At this point, Sun Tianyang paused before adding, "Logically, with injuries this severe, he shouldn't have survived until now."

Guan Chengye's expression faltered, and he sighed deeply. Is this simply fate? However, he sensed another layer of meaning in Master Sun's words.

Guan Jiaojiao could no longer hold back and burst into tears.

"However," Sun Tianyang continued, "though his injuries are critical, I can feel a force inside his body that is desperately trying to preserve his life force."

Guan Jiaojiao quickly asked, "Master Sun, you're saying my dad will be alright, right?"

"Jiaojiao," Guan Chengye chided gently before bowing to Sun Tianyang. "Master Sun, please speak frankly."

Sun Tianyang sighed. "To save him... with my current medical skills, it's impossible."

Seeing the disappointment in Guan Chengye's eyes, Sun Tianyang smiled. "Although I can't do it, Young Master Mu can."

"Young Master Mu?" Guan Chengye repeated, startled. He then remembered that Lin Mu was standing right there.

He quickly approached Lin Mu and bowed deeply. "Mr. Lin, Master Sun holds you in such high regard, so you must be a person of great ability. I hope you can save Xin He's life. Whether you succeed or not, the Guan Family will be eternally grateful for your benevolence."

Although Guan Chengye was unfamiliar with Lin Mu's capabilities, he understood the implication. If even Master Sun recommended Lin Mu, and he too was unable to help, then it was simply Guan Xinhe's fate.

Guan Jiaojiao looked at Lin Mu with a face full of anticipation.

Lin Mu ignored the others, his attention focused on observing Guan Xinhe. Just as Guan Chengye and the others were growing anxious, Lin Mu finally spoke. "I can save him."

"Really?" Guan Jiaojiao exclaimed, overjoyed, her voice still thick with tears. This guy! If he had a way, why did he have to scare me to death like that?

Guan Chengye bowed deeply again. "I earnestly request Mr. Lin to take action."

Lin Mu raised a hand. "Elder Guan, there's no need for such formalities. However, before I save him, I have a question I need to clarify."

Guan Chengye's expression turned serious. "As long as it doesn't involve state secrets, I will hold nothing back."

His meaning was clear: if it touched on sensitive issues, he would not speak, even if Xin He's life was on the line. It was his duty!

Lin Mu shook his head. "Actually, he and I have met before. I gave him some advice at the time, but it seems he didn't listen."

Guan Chengye exclaimed, "So you're the expert Xin He spoke of?"

Though Guan Jiaojiao had mentioned it, Guan Chengye hadn't believed her. After all, Lin Mu was too young. Even if Master Sun treated Lin Mu with great respect, it didn't mean Lin Mu was some kind of immortal who could predict fortunes and decide life and death with a single word.

Lin Mu said, "I gave him an elixir that could save his life in a critical moment. It appears he only took half of it; otherwise, he wouldn't still be unconscious."

Guan Chengye sighed heavily, filled with admiration for Lin Mu. "Mr. Lin, your insight is truly monstrous; you were right about everything."

Guan Chengye hesitated for a moment, then turned to Guan Jiaojiao. "Jiaojiao, leave us for now. I have something to discuss with Mr. Lin and Master Sun."

Clearly, what Guan Chengye was about to say wasn't for Guan Jiaojiao's ears.

"Grandfather, I... Okay, I'll wait outside." Guan Jiaojiao had wanted to stay, but seeing her grandfather's stern expression, she silently walked out, making sure to close the door behind her.

"Mr. Lin, Master Sun, I hope you can keep what I am about to say confidential. If this were to leak, it would cause a massive uproar," Guan Chengye said with a grave expression.

"Should I step out for a moment?" Sun Tianyang offered, hesitating.

"That won't be necessary," Guan Chengye replied. "I only ask that Master Sun keeps this a secret."

"Fine. You have my word."

Guan Chengye sighed. "During the era of national conflict, my ancestors in the Guan Family joined the army to fight our enemies and serve the country. Even after the founding of the nation, while our family established a presence for ourselves, we did not simply sit back and enjoy the rewards. Instead, we shouldered a secret duty."

"Guarding River City!"

As he spoke, a hint of pride surfaced on his face. To fight for one's country is to die a hundred times without regret!

"So it's true. Your family is one of the Four Great Sea-calming Needles of Huaxia—the Guan Family, renowned for your loyalty and righteousness!" Sun Tianyang exclaimed with a deep sigh. He then clasped his fist in his palm and bowed to Guan Chengye. "General Guan, please accept Sun Tianyang's bow!"

"You mustn't!" Guan Chengye cried out in alarm, moving to stop him.

But Sun Tianyang was firm. "Old General Guan, although I am merely a physician, who in this land doesn't know of the Guan Family's deeds? The entire Guan Family is filled with loyal martyrs and heroes. Now, only your branch of the family remains. A family that serves the country and its people like yours deserves this old man's bow!"

Guan Chengye's expression turned solemn. The old man, well into his twilight years, suddenly straightened his back and declared in a deep voice, "For the sake of our home and country, we would die a hundred times without regret!"

For the sake of our home and country, we would die a hundred times without regret

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