"A Tang?" Commander Yong rubbed his eyes, hardly daring to believe what he was seeing. The one pushing open the door was truly his wife.
For some time now, she had been bedridden, too weak even to walk. Yet here she was, opening the door and stepping out on her own.
Her gait was still a little unsteady, but she had clearly recovered a great deal. Though she walked with a slight stagger, she was able to move her legs and make her way out by herself.
Most importantly, her face now showed a visible flush of life. The sallow, listless pallor that had clung to her before had faded considerably, replaced by a hint of rosy color.
That rosy hue—the color of a healthy person.
Commander Yong was overcome with joy. He nearly ran to her, but caught himself at the last moment, remembering that the killing intent within his own body had been the root cause of her illness. He stopped in his tracks.
Jiang Chen smiled faintly. "Commander Yong, there's no need to worry. After the cleansing, your wife's body now has a cycle of the five elements in place. As long as you don't deliberately direct your killing intent at her, that trace of it can no longer harm her."
Hearing Jiang Chen's explanation, Commander Yong finally rushed forward and threw his arms around his wife.
"A Tang!"
A Tang's eyes were red as well. "Brother Yong, you found a wonderful doctor."
Commander Yong was ecstatic, laughing aloud. "Yes, yes—I found a wonderful doctor. Young Master Jiang, you truly are this family's guardian star. Our entire family is endlessly grateful to you."
"Mommy! Mommy!"
The two little ones spotted their mother walking out of the house from afar and squealed with excitement, scrambling toward her at full speed.
They hadn't seen their mother out of bed in so long. Now, witnessing her walk out on her own, the children were overjoyed beyond measure.
Seeing the family so happy, Jiang Chen felt a quiet warmth in his own heart. He hadn't come here seeking anything—no money, no power.
Now, seeing this family so blissfully reunited, Jiang Chen felt that everything had been worthwhile.
The family embraced one another, laughing and crying at the same time. After a long while, Commander Yong led his whole family over to Jiang Chen and bowed deeply.
"Young Master Jiang, you are our family's savior. I, Yong, will never forget this debt of gratitude." Commander Yong's voice was solemn and earnest.
Jiang Chen chuckled. "A healer's heart is that of a parent. To be able to save a life is my own good fortune. Now then, with this matter settled, I won't keep you from your family reunion. From now on, simply follow the method I've given you—perform the cleansing each day. In as little as three to five days, or half a month at most, she will make a full recovery. She may even undergo a complete transformation."
Commander Yong harbored not a shred of doubt now. If Jiang Chen said so, then so it would be. This was a man who meant every word he spoke.
"Uncle Jiang, you saved our mommy! Li'er wants to thank you properly—you can't leave yet!" The little girl spoke in her earnest, slightly muffled voice.
Jiang Chen smiled gently. "Uncle has other matters to attend to, and your family has much to say to one another. I won't intrude any further."
With a clasped-fist salute, Jiang Chen turned and headed for the door.
Commander Yong knew he couldn't keep him. He patted A Tang on the back. "A Tang, I'll see Young Master Jiang out. You stay and talk with the children. They've been frightened all this time."
Commander Yong hurried out after Jiang Chen and caught up with him.
Jiang Chen quickly said, "Commander Yong, please don't trouble yourself."
"Young Master Jiang, there's no rush. I haven't even paid your fee yet, and the spirit fluid you gave us must have cost money too. All told, it must add up to a sizable sum. You saved my beloved wife—surely I can't let you foot the bill?" Commander Yong was a man who drew clear lines between debts and favors.
To have his wife saved and then take advantage of the man financially—that was simply out of the question.
Jiang Chen smiled mildly. "Commander Yong, saving a life is not a matter of money. If it were about money, I wouldn't save anyone. This was a simple act—being able to preserve a life is itself a blessing that enriches my own fortune. What need is there for monetary compensation? Please, don't stand on ceremony."
Commander Yong grew anxious. "Paying for medical treatment is a matter of course—anyone would agree. Besides, your skill far surpasses those so-called Dao of Pills grandmasters. I dare say even the Pill Immortal himself might not measure up to you. When the Pill Immortal takes action, the fees are staggering. I'm a bit tight on funds at the moment, but this fee must be paid."
Seeing how serious Commander Yong was, Jiang Chen couldn't help but laugh. "Commander Yong, I know your finances are strained. You have two young children who need to be provided for. Consider this money a gift to your lovely children. To me, it makes little difference. But to your children, to your family—you may need it more than I do."
Jiang Chen was not being coy about it. Had this been a wealthy house, he would have had no qualms about collecting a handsome fee—indeed, he might have demanded ten or even eight times the original amount.
Commander Yong's lips moved, wanting to say something more. But before him, Jiang Chen's figure abruptly dissolved into a streak of light and vanished from sight.
Commander Yong stood there at a loss, staring in the direction where Jiang Chen had disappeared, utterly dumbfounded.
He had heard the city guard mention before that Young Master Jiang's spiritual sense was truly terrifying. Now, witnessing his speed firsthand, Commander Yong was completely speechless.
"What manner of person is this Young Master Jiang? So young, yet possessing such mastery of the Dao of Pills, such spiritual sense, such speed—any one of these would be enough to leave people baffled. How could a young genius like this possibly have been exiled to Winterend Island?"
Commander Yong was utterly perplexed.
From everything he had observed, this young man's talent and cultivation were clearly those of a prodigy from some great power. Perhaps he wasn't even from the Rejuvenation Island Domain at all.
Only the geniuses of the Ten Great Divine Kingdoms, at such a young age, could possibly possess talent this dazzling and extraordinary.