Chapter 89: Beauty, Her Heart Stirred by Spring Fever

The butcher’s eyes, full of resentment and rage, finally closed in helplessness, becoming an everlasting despair.

His body slumped lifelessly to the ground, and even his last convulsions slowly faded, leaving only a suffocating stillness behind.

This heart-stopping battle thus came to an end in a cruel and direct manner.

Li Chao stood where he was, his empty gaze sweeping over everything around him.

The air was thick with the stench of blood, along with a faint, hard-to-detect chill.

He realized that he had just ended another person’s life with his own hands, and the feeling was both strange and complicated.

“I killed someone...”

Li Chao murmured to himself, his voice low and hoarse.

He had never imagined that he would walk down this path, much less that he would face such an outcome with such calm.

But reality was brutally unforgiving. When survival became the only law, all morality and boundaries seemed to blur.

Li Chao felt neither excessive fear nor regret.

He knew full well that these enemies had come from the very start intent on taking his life.

If he did not strike back, if he did not kill them, then the one who would ultimately fall was him.

In a world where the strong prey on the weak, sometimes things were this simple and this direct.

Only... something still stirred faintly in Li Chao’s heart.

He was not a bloodthirsty man, nor a cold-blooded killer.

He was merely an ordinary person who wanted to protect himself and those around him.

But fate had driven him to such a place, forcing him to face such choices and consequences.

“Ah...”

Li Chao let out a long sigh and slowly lowered the military knife in his hand.

He knew that no matter how hard he tried to return to his former peaceful life, it was already impossible.

From this day on, his life would be filled with the unknown and the dangerous.

But he also understood that only in this way could he better protect himself and those he cherished.

Li Chao took a deep breath and pressed all his emotions down into the depths of his heart.

He turned to look toward Liang Meng and Liu Lele in the distance, a look of resolve and decisiveness flashing through his eyes.

After hearing this, Li Chao’s worry eased somewhat.

He nodded, his gaze carrying a measure of determination.

“You’re right. They’re assassins, and they got what they deserved. Still, we need to deal with the scene as soon as possible and leave no trace behind.”

Liu Lele’s smile faded as well, and she nodded seriously.

“Don’t worry. I’ll have people come clean this place up quickly and make sure not a single trace remains. As for those bounty notices, I’ll also have someone look into them and see whether we can collect the reward. After all, that’s money you deserve.”

Li Chao smiled faintly and shook his head.

“Forget the reward. I didn’t act for that reason. I just hope there’ll be fewer troubles like this in the future.”

Liu Lele looked at him, admiration flickering in her eyes.

She knew that although Li Chao seemed ordinary, he in fact possessed an extraordinary heart.

He had his own principles and bottom line, as well as the resolve and courage to protect himself and those around him.

“All right, then let’s deal with this matter here as quickly as possible.”

With that, Liu Lele turned and began arranging for people to clear the scene.

Li Chao remained where he was, gazing into the distance with deep eyes, quietly considering how he should move forward.

He knew this matter had temporarily come to an end, but the force behind it would not easily let this go.

Liu Lele’s laughter was like a breeze brushing softly through willow tips in spring, carrying a hint of playful understanding. Her eyes shifted as she looked at Li Chao, and in that smile there was the depth of one who saw clearly through the world.

“Look at this world. All things have their destined course. Even you, Li Chao—your medical skill is unmatched, your strength extraordinary. You seek a corner of peace, yet you still cannot escape the net woven by fate.”

Her words were gentle, yet they carried a force that could not be ignored, as if they could pierce straight into the deepest longings and helplessness of the human heart.

Li Chao gave a bitter smile at her words. In that smile there was both helplessness toward the present and a faint worry for the future.

He knew well that his abilities were both blessing and curse, like the brightest star in the night sky: able to illuminate a stretch of darkness, yet all the more likely to draw storm and wind.

Peace, for him, seemed to have become an extravagant fantasy, forever out of reach.

Just as the two of them were lost in their separate thoughts, Liang Meng’s voice broke through the quiet like an unexpected note in a drizzle.

He approached carefully, keeping his voice very low, afraid of disturbing the rare atmosphere of their conversation.

“Little Divine Doctor, your great kindness will never be forgotten by me. It’s just this poison...”

As he finished speaking, he lowered his head, his posture full of supplication and humility, as though bowing before fate itself and begging for a chance to breathe.

Li Chao’s thoughts were pulled back to reality. He let out a soft sigh, and a strange sense of responsibility rose within him.

Yes, a physician’s heart is one of compassion—if one has the ability, how can one stand by and watch death take someone away?

He turned around and looked at Liang Meng with a gentle gaze; that steadiness and confidence instantly seemed to enliven the air around them.

Li Chao slowly reached out, his fingertips lightly touching Liang Meng’s wrist. He closed his eyes and focused. A moment later, his brow furrowed slightly, as though he had already grasped the nature of the illness.

He motioned for Liang Meng to remove his shirt, revealing a well-built body that was nevertheless somewhat haggard.

From his waist he took out an exquisite needle case and gently opened it. Inside were dozens of gleaming silver needles, each one seeming to hold the mystery of life itself.

Li Chao’s fingers moved with deft precision as several needles entered Liang Meng’s body without the slightest error. The accuracy of his movements was astonishing.

Liang Meng only felt a warm current surge in from the tips of the needles, and then his whole body shuddered. It was as if hundreds of thousands of ants were crawling through his insides. After that, a mouthful of black blood suddenly burst from his mouth, and the air at once filled with a pungent, foul stench.

Immediately afterward, the bluish-purple hue on his face visibly faded, replaced by a long-lost color and vitality.

The sight moved everyone present.

Li Chao withdrew the silver needles. A trace of fatigue flashed through his eyes, but more than that was satisfaction and relief.

The poison was indeed gone, like clouds parting to reveal the daylight once more.

Looking at his own gradually returning complexion, Liang Meng was filled not only with the joy of having survived disaster, but also with boundless gratitude and admiration for Li Chao.

That respect, like a tender sprout breaking through the soil in spring, quickly took root in his heart and grew strong.

Li Chao casually roused the driver, who had been knocked unconscious by the butcher’s careless kick. His movements carried an easy composure, as though everything were already under control.

The driver woke in a daze, looked around, and his face was full of confusion and terror. But soon he was guided by Li Chao’s calm, forceful instructions and began carrying out the tasks ahead.

Liang Meng also moved swiftly. With practiced skill, he subdued the flat-haired masked man and tied him up tightly, like a lamb awaiting slaughter, completely without the ability to resist.

He effortlessly threw the man into the trunk, quietly thinking that this would be the key witness for exposing the truth and punishing the wicked.

As for the butcher and the corpse of the blond woman, along with the bloody traces they had left behind, Liang Meng decided to have the driver take the off-road vehicle far from here and find a secluded place to dispose of everything completely.

This was not only to cover up everything that had happened tonight, but also to preserve the peace and harmony of this land.

After all that was done, Liang Meng closed the trunk, turned back to Li Chao, and bowed deeply before clasping his hands in apology.

“Brother Li, today has shown me your extraordinary skill and noble character. I was blind before and offended you with my words. I hope you won’t take it to heart and will forgive my rudeness.”

His words were sincere and heartfelt, revealing his profound respect and gratitude toward Li Chao.

Li Chao smiled faintly and answered calmly.

“Brother Liang, you’re too kind. We’re all working toward justice and peace. If you ever need anything in the future, or happen to pass through West River City, just call me. I’ll do my best to host you properly and arrange everything well.”

Their conversation was like a ray of sunshine in winter—warm and bright.

The misunderstandings and barriers between them vanished in that moment, replaced by a deep friendship and mutual trust.

Liang Meng’s attitude had become extraordinarily humble, utterly unlike his earlier arrogance. This transformation deeply illustrated the decisive role of strength in human relationships.

Seeing this, Li Chao felt no pride at all. Instead, he understood more clearly that true strength was not merely outward power, but inner calm and tolerance.

He smiled and nodded, accepting Liang Meng’s apology. The two not only resolved their earlier misunderstanding, but also forged an unbreakable bond, exchanging contact information and laying a solid foundation for future cooperation and friendship.

Just as this warm and solemn moment unfolded, Liu Lele also walked over lightly, her face bright with a smile mingled with gratitude and joy.

“Xiao Chao, today really was thanks to you. You saved me once again from danger.”

Her voice was full of sincerity and gratitude, as though every word carried a thousand pounds.

“How should I ever repay such a kindness?”

There was a hint of playfulness in her tone, yet also a touch of seriousness.

“In the past, people often said that a life-saving favor should be repaid with one’s whole self.”

Liu Lele suddenly changed the subject. A crafty glimmer flashed in her bright eyes, as if she wanted to see how Li Chao would react.

Before she even finished speaking, Li Chao’s throat moved, clearly flustered by this sudden “joke.”

“Sister Liu, don’t tease me like that.”

Li Chao hurriedly waved his hand, a somewhat awkward smile appearing on his face.

“How could I possibly deserve someone as outstanding as you? Besides, you’re a polished urban beauty, while I’m just a country doctor.”

His answer was both sincere and humble, without the slightest trace of arrogance despite his heroic deed.

At his words, a gentle smile touched Liu Lele’s lips, and her cheeks flushed faintly, as though brushed by the golden light of sunset.

“Xiao Chao, don’t say that.”

She spoke softly.

“Everyone has their own value and charm. You may be in the countryside, but your medical skill and courage are things I truly admire. And besides, how can matters of the heart be measured by status or position?”

At that point, she shifted her tone again, becoming serious.

“Now that the trouble has all been dealt with, you should go back and rest. Take that off-road vehicle and head back to Kaiyuan County. Be careful on the road.”

Her words were full of concern and reminders, and a warm current surged through Li Chao’s heart.

Li Chao nodded, gave Liu Lele a grateful look, then turned and walked toward the off-road vehicle.

Driving west to reveal the truth—Liu Lele and Master Liang journey together to West River.

Liu Lele’s words were firm and resolute. She and Master Liang quickly disappeared into the business van, heading straight for West River City, determined to demand an explanation from Wang Lan.

Her eyes shone with unyielding resolve, as if she had already foreseen the fierce confrontation with Wang Lan.

Before leaving, she did not forget to promise Li Chao that once everything settled, she would thank him in person. Their bond, forged through storm and wind, seemed all the more precious.

Li Chao watched the business van recede into the distance, his emotions tangled and complex.

He knew that his role in this turmoil had quietly changed—from medical support in the beginning to an observer behind the scenes now.

But it was precisely this change that gave him more time to think, and to plan.

He slowly stepped into another business van, one that had once carried the “kingly” dreams of five bodyguards, only to become a joke of failure in an instant.

But in Li Chao’s eyes, it was merely a tool for escaping trouble and moving forward.

He started the engine, and the vehicle slowly pulled away. Li Chao drove this abandoned business van and set off for Kaiyuan County.

On the way, he called Ye Wuji and briefly and forcefully reported the battle that had just taken place.

On the other end, Ye Wuji’s voice carried concern and trust, and their tacit understanding was perfectly embodied in that moment.

“I understand the situation. Be careful.”

Ye Wuji’s words were brief yet powerful, giving Li Chao immense encouragement and support.

Li Chao nodded. Though the other could not see it, he knew that this trust and understanding mattered more than any words.

The vehicle continued onward, and Li Chao’s thoughts began to drift far away.

He recalled everything from the beginning of this journey: from the accidental involvement at first, to now plunging deep into the tiger’s lair. Every step had been filled with the unknown and with challenge.

He also knew that it was precisely these experiences that had made him stronger and more mature.

After hanging up, Ye Wuji still felt lingering shock.

He knew how complex and dangerous this plan had been. What he had thought was an airtight arrangement had instead been thrown into chaos by unforeseen variables, and he could not help but feel grateful that he had someone as capable as Li Chao at his side.

Li Chao’s presence not only strengthened the team, but also saved the situation at the critical moment, bringing everything to a perfect close.

By the time Li Chao returned to Jiangnan Spring Restaurant, his mood was no longer the same as before.

Under the night sky, the city lights were sparse and scattered. Gentle music flowed through the car, and he gazed out the window, yet inside he was surging with unprecedented waves.

This experience had given him a deeper understanding of life and death, of power, and of responsibility.

He began to realize that he was no longer the physician who knew only medicine and took no interest in the affairs of the martial world.

In this world full of the unknown and the dangerous, strength was the only reliance for protecting himself and those around him.

And that strength gave him greater confidence and determination to face the challenges ahead.

“Walk with a sword, and live with freedom in enmity and gratitude.”

Li Chao silently repeated those eight words, as though he had found a new direction for himself.

He no longer feared the burden and terror brought by killing, because he understood that sometimes, for justice and protection, necessary sacrifices and methods were unavoidable.

He was willing to become the one who guarded light in the darkness, using his own strength to uphold order and peace in this world.

After returning to the restaurant, Li Chao gradually calmed down.

He knew this was only one stop on the journey of his life. The road ahead was still long, with challenges and opportunities coexisting.

But he was already prepared to use his medical skill and martial arts to write a legendary chapter of his own.

Li Chao gently placed the business van’s key at the hotel front desk, quietly taking a brief leave of this experience in his heart, then turned and walked toward the Porsche van gifted by the Zhou family.

He started the engine, and the vehicle, like his mood, sped lightly toward Li Family Fort.

As night deepened, Li Family Fort was already close at hand. He steadied the car and parked it at the doorstep, bringing the day’s running about to an end.

Stepping through the door, a familiar and comforting warmth washed over him.

Li Chao quickly removed his clothes and let the cold water wash over his tired body, as if it were also washing away the dust in his heart.

When the last trace of unease and trouble flowed away with the water, he felt an unprecedented lightness and relief.

At last, he could set down the burden in his heart and enjoy this quiet night in peace.

Meanwhile, in the distant city of West River, the atmosphere inside a villa in the Splendid Mountains and Rivers estate was completely different.

Li Zhenhua, a man who appeared leisurely yet had deep, penetrating eyes, stood on the open balcony. The smoke from the cigar in his hand rose in curling wisps and mingled with the night.

He looked at Liu Lele beside him, his tone carrying a measure of reproach and incomprehension.

“Vivian, you were too rash! For something this important, how could you not discuss it with me first? Do you think even I am not worthy of your trust?”

Liu Lele shook her head gently, emotion flickering complexly in her eyes.

“Dad, it’s not like that. I just... wasn’t completely certain it was her. I didn’t want to make things even more complicated because of a moment of impulse.”

Her words carried helplessness and caution. Clearly, this operation had also been a difficult choice for her.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhenhua’s brow furrowed slightly. He knew his daughter’s temperament and manner of doing things well, and he understood her struggle and hesitation at this moment.

He sighed and said slowly,

“Vivian, I know you have your own considerations. But remember, no matter what difficulties you face, family will always be your strongest support. From now on, if anything happens, don’t bear it alone, all right?”

At his words, a warm current surged through Liu Lele’s heart. She understood her father’s concern and love.

“I don’t want to worry you either, and I don’t want you to be pulled into even more suspicion and trouble because of me.”

She replied softly, her eyes full of gratitude and resolve.

Just then, Li Zhenhua’s phone rang abruptly, cutting off their conversation.

He answered, spoke briefly for a few moments, and then hung up.

Turning back to Liu Lele, his tone was now lighter.

“It’s been taken care of. Now you can rest easy. But remember, from now on, no matter what problem arises, you must tell me immediately. We can’t let something like this happen again. Your safety is more important than anything.”

Liu Lele nodded, and the heavy stone in her heart finally fell away.

She knew her father’s capability and decisiveness, and she also understood that she had indeed been somewhat impulsive this time.

But she also knew that it was precisely this impulse that had strengthened her conviction and resolve.

After a pause, Li Zhenhua gave another earnest reminder.

“Vivian, and one more thing. When you go back, make sure you build a good relationship with Li Chao. That boy is extraordinary—not only is his medical skill superb, but he is also meticulous and decisive. With him by your side, I can feel a little more at ease. You young people should talk more. Who knows, maybe something special will spark between you.”