Chapter 43: The Benevolent Physician Can Also Subdue Evil

The scene before her completely overturned Yu Xin’s perception of Li Chao. The young man she had cared for more than half a year had always appeared gentle, refined, and highly skilled in medicine. Yet at this critical moment, he revealed an unexpectedly commanding side.

Li Chao approached slowly, his steps light but somehow each one seemed to press down on Xie Long’s heart, like the relentless beat of a war drum, instilling an unprecedented pressure that left Xie Long nearly breathless.

“You come to my clinic to stir up trouble, and even dare to harass my sister-in-law!” Li Chao stood before Xie Long, looking down with cold, resolute eyes.

Xie Long’s face was drenched in cold sweat; he knew he had committed an unforgivable mistake. At this juncture between life and death, he chose the most ruthless way to punish himself, hoping for a slim chance at survival.

He drew a dagger and, without hesitation, stabbed it into his right leg. Blood gushed out, making Yu Xin squeeze her eyes shut in fright.

Despite the agony, Xie Long didn’t utter a single cry. Clenching his teeth, his voice trembled as he asked, “Big brother, will this suffice?”

Li Chao regarded him, raising his brows slightly. He had to admit, though Xie Long’s character was despicable, his fierce determination was astonishing. If he hadn’t been powerful enough, and if not for Ye Wuji’s reputation, perhaps even he wouldn’t have been able to subdue Xie Long.

After a moment’s silence, Li Chao said calmly, “Remember this lesson.”

His voice was utterly unperturbed, as though speaking of something entirely commonplace.

Xie Long nodded repeatedly, relieved to have escaped with his life. He understood that surviving today was the greatest mercy Li Chao could show him.

Yu Xin, meanwhile, couldn’t calm her heart. Looking at Li Chao, she was filled with gratitude and admiration. She knew that, had Li Chao not arrived in time, she could not imagine what would have happened.

Li Chao’s actions allowed her to glimpse another side of him—not only a doctor of extraordinary skill, but a man of courage and responsibility.

Li Chao looked at Yu Xin, feeling a surge of emotion. He realized today’s events had frightened her. Determined to be more cautious in the future, he resolved to protect those around him. His sense of responsibility grew heavier—not only to heal his patients’ bodies, but to let them feel safety and warmth.

Yu Xin opened her eyes, gazing at Li Chao with renewed respect and gratitude. She had never imagined that the young man she’d cared for so long would step forward at such a moment, safeguarding her and the clinic.

Now she deeply understood that Li Chao was not only a skilled physician, but a hero capable of confronting evil and protecting the weak.

Li Chao watched Xie Long’s act of self-mutilation and pondered silently. Now that the event had occurred, rather than let Xie Long harbor resentment, perhaps a blend of kindness and authority could yield unexpected rewards.

He turned and instructed Yu Xin, “Sister-in-law, please bring me the silver needles and scissors.”

Though still shaken and uneasy, Yu Xin immediately obeyed Li Chao’s request, returning with the needed items.

Li Chao approached Xie Long, examined the wound carefully, and shook his head gently. “That stab was too deep. If not treated promptly, you may lose this leg.”

Xie Long’s heart trembled. He knew the wound, though meant to save his life, had been dealt too impulsively. Hearing Li Chao’s words only heightened his fear.

Without another word, Li Chao took the scissors and cut away the fabric around the wound. He then picked up the silver needles and precisely inserted them near the injury.

Swish, swish, swish! Three needles in quick succession formed a triangle around the wound.

Xie Long watched Li Chao’s deft movements in awe. He had thought himself familiar with Li Chao’s medical skills, but now realized his understanding was far from complete.

He thought privately, “Li Chao truly has remarkable abilities. If he can heal my leg, I will be indebted to him.”

As Li Chao worked, he instructed Xie Long, “Don’t move. I’ll treat your wound now. It will hurt, but bear it.”

Xie Long nodded, gritting his teeth and enduring the pain.

Li Chao continued, inserting more needles around the wound, then took out herbs from his medicine box and applied them.

His movements were skilled and gentle, as though handling a precious work of art.

Xie Long’s admiration grew. He knew he had encountered a true master. Without Li Chao, his leg would have been ruined.

He secretly vowed to repay him once his leg recovered.

Even more astonishing, after the three needles were placed, the bleeding stopped. Xie Long was dumbfounded—he had never witnessed such miraculous medicine.

“Never expected you to be a miracle doctor, big brother!” Xie Long exclaimed, “I’m convinced!”

Li Chao ignored the praise and simply instructed, “Don’t walk for a few days. Let the wound heal. If you feel unwell, come find me.”

Xie Long nodded repeatedly, his reverence for Li Chao deepening. He realized he had met a true expert—not only had he kept his life, but gained a rare chance for treatment.

From then on, he dared not show any disrespect to Li Chao or anyone at the clinic.

Li Chao had again proven his medical prowess and strength, winning more admiration from Yu Xin and the villagers.

In Li Family Fort, this small mountain village, Li Chao’s reputation grew brighter—he was now spoken of as a miracle doctor and a hero.

When reflecting on his own admiration, Xie Long was filled with awe. He sighed inwardly, “This brother is truly hidden and unfathomable! I was so ignorant before, so disrespectful—thankfully he didn’t hold it against me. From now on, I must do everything I can to repay his kindness!”

Without hesitation, Xie Long took out a business card and carefully placed it in Li Chao’s hand.

He bowed respectfully and said, “If you ever need anything, just ask. I, Xie Long, will do my utmost for you!”

“No matter when or where, at your command, I will never refuse!”

Xie Long thought to himself, “I must build a good relationship with this brother. Perhaps one day I’ll have the chance to follow him!”

Indeed, Xie Long was clever and astute. With just a few slender silver needles to stop bleeding, this brother was a miracle doctor of unmatched skill.

For someone who often hovered between life and death, befriending such a physician and forging a bond was like adding an indestructible shield to his life.

Even more, this miracle doctor not only possessed extraordinary skill, but also had a deep connection with Ye Wuji—a powerful figure behind him.

After the bleeding was stopped, Xie Long, supported by his men, staggered away, struggling with each step.

Compared to his arrogant, overbearing arrival, he now left with humility and respect. The dramatic change stunned the villagers watching nearby.

Xiang Xue, anxious and worried, rushed into the clinic like a gust of wind.

Seeing Li Chao safe and sound, she finally relaxed, a weight lifted from her heart.

After collecting herself, Xiang Xue began to think. She frowned and asked Li Chao suspiciously, “Did Xie Long come this time to take revenge for what happened the other day?”

Li Chao shook his head, his gaze steady and confident. “I don’t think he’ll trouble me again.”

Hearing this, Xiang Xue patted her chest, finally at ease. She comforted Li Chao, “That’s good! Otherwise I’d feel guilty—the whole thing was partly my responsibility.”

Li Chao glanced at her gratefully, and suddenly she remembered something.

“By the way, you really helped me out last time in the county town. I haven’t had the chance to properly thank you. Would you come to my house tonight? Let me show a little gratitude.”

A bright smile bloomed on Xiang Xue’s face. She invited warmly, “Let me prepare some delicious dishes for you! I promise you’ll eat your fill.”

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, already imagining the evening’s joyful moments.

Li Chao hesitated, torn about whether to accept her invitation. He knew Xiang Xue’s offer was purely out of gratitude and friendship, but worried it might cause her unnecessary trouble.

“Thank you for your invitation, sister, but I still have some urgent matters to handle. I’m afraid I really can’t visit tonight,” Li Chao replied gently.

Xiang Xue’s expression dimmed, disappointment flickering in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, understanding Li Chao’s reasons.

“That’s alright. If you have free time later, you’re always welcome to visit and spend time together!”

She responded cheerily, her tone full of warmth and concern, “No matter what, I’m truly grateful for your help and support before. If you ever face difficulties or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”

Li Chao nodded, smiling to express the depth of his appreciation for this friendship.

He knew that in this tiny village, having someone who always cared for him was an incomparably rare and precious happiness.

Just as Li Chao was about to reply, a sudden, intense stabbing pain shot through his arm.