Chapter 379 378: Speculation
Just as he'd thought, he was completely right.
Murong Qian got straight to the point. "I... Our Patriarch Murong wants to see you."
Upon hearing Murong Qian's words, Lin Feng's pupils constricted slightly as his mind reeled.
He had assumed Murong Qian summoned him this late for another reason; he never imagined it would still be about this.
His gaze gradually grew deep, as if it could see through everything.
After a long moment, he sighed softly. "Your Murong Family is such a hassle. If I'd known it would come to this, I never would have treated you. When does your Patriarch want to see me?"
Hearing Lin Feng's words, Murong Qian's heart pounded in her chest as a wave of euphoria washed over her.
The fact that he would even ask proved he had agreed.
"However..."
Lin Feng looked up at Murong Qian, his tone suddenly shifting. "Your Patriarch Murong doesn't want to see me just to ask me to join the Murong Family, does he?"
"If that's the case, then there's no need for us to meet."
Murong Qian froze for a moment before quickly recovering.
"Rest assured, it's not about that."
"The Murong Family isn't so shameless as to try and recruit every expert we come across."
"The Patriarch wants to see you mainly because of your medical skills."
"Of course, if you were willing to join the Murong Family, it would be our greatest honor."
Lin Feng gave a slight nod.
He had already been planning to leave Jiangnan Province, since too many eyes were on him now.
'But if the Murong Family gets involved, I can use this opportunity to turn them into an ally.'
Lin Feng considered this for a moment, then said, "Fine. I agree."
"Thank you." Hearing Lin Feng agree, Murong Qian let out a sigh of relief.
She had only come to ask on the off-chance that he might help; she never thought he would agree so readily.
"Heh, let's just call it a trade. It's mutually beneficial."
Lin Feng smiled. He wasn't one to be coy, so he stated his intentions directly.
"I know what you're after. If I'm not mistaken, you want to use this as an opportunity to get the Murong Family to back you."
Murong Qian placed a freshly brewed cup of tea in front of Lin Feng and spoke slowly.
"Clever." Lin Feng took a sip of the fragrant tea, shooting her an appreciative glance.
'He did indeed have that in mind. If it worked out, all the better.'
'That way, even if he ran into danger in the future, he would have a powerful backer.'
'Although he could easily play the card of his reputation from Medical Immortal Valley or his title as Young Master Lin, that would be far too boring.'
'Back when he was at the height of his power, the so-called top-tier hidden sects and families—behemoths in the eyes of others—were nothing more than ants to him.'
'Their Patriarchs would have used every trick in the book to curry favor with him.'
'But since he started his cultivation over, he had seen things he'd never witnessed before, which he found rather interesting.'
'Most importantly, this rare chance to start over with a hidden identity was the perfect opportunity to build a power base that was entirely his own!'
"So, what's your plan?"
A faint smile played on Murong Qian's lips.
Lin Feng said coolly, "If the Murong Family wants to work with me, then you'll need to show some sincerity."
"What do you mean?" Murong Qian frowned slightly, not understanding what Lin Feng was getting at.
"How powerful is the Murong Family in Jiangnan Province?" Lin Feng asked.
"The Murong Family is ranked first among the four great families of Jiangnan Province. The other three are the Li Family, the Qin Family, and the Chen Family."
Murong Qian explained, wondering why Lin Feng had suddenly brought this up.
"The Li Family? Are the Chen and Qin Families both Martial Arts Families?" Lin Feng asked.
"They are."
Murong Qian nodded. "The Chen Family has a military background, and the Qin Family is an Ancient Martial Family. Both are ancient families with histories stretching back several hundred years."
As she said this, a grave expression flickered across her face.
"With such a deep-rooted background, why would you think to ask me for treatment?" Lin Feng asked, puzzled.
Murong Qian shook her head. "My father's... ah, that is, Patriarch Murong's illness is rather strange. Conventional medicine has no effect, and his condition has been worsening lately."
Lin Feng nodded.
Murong Qian continued, "Our Murong Family's Physician said that a cure for my father could likely only be found in Medical Immortal Valley, but unfortunately..."
"As powerful as the Murong Family is, we have no way of contacting anyone from Medical Immortal Valley."
"That's why I had no choice but to ask you. I hope you'll consider it."
Murong Qian's cheeks flushed slightly and she lowered her head. After all, her words sounded rather tactless.
'It sounds like I'm treating him as a mere substitute. A more sensitive person might even take it as an insult.'
'But there's no other way. Murong Yitian is the pillar of the entire Murong Family. Nothing can be allowed to happen to him.'
'Even if it meant sacrificing Lin Feng, she had to protect Murong Yitian's life.'
"Medical Immortal Valley?"
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
Murong Qian seemed to notice something and immediately asked, "What is it? Do you know someone from there?"
"You could say we're acquainted."
Lin Feng rubbed his nose and added, "I'm an Ancient Martial Artist, after all. It's natural I'd have heard a thing or two about a top-tier power like that."
Seeing that Lin Feng didn't seem to want to discuss the topic, Murong Qian was tactful enough not to press the issue.
After all, she was the one asking for a favor. Pushing him too hard might be counterproductive.
After a moment of silence, Murong Qian said solemnly, "Since you've made your decision, Young Master Lin, I will arrange for a car to take you to the Murong Family headquarters tonight."
"Once you're at our estate, we'll have to trouble you to do your best, Young Master Lin."
Her tone was apprehensive as she spoke, clearly uncertain whether Lin Feng could actually cure Murong Yitian.
"Mm." Lin Feng gave a slight nod to show he understood.
"By the way, Miss Murong, I want to be clear about one thing. If I save your father, I expect to be duly compensated."
Lin Feng's gaze fell upon Murong Qian.
"You can rest assured on that point."
"If you cure him, then regardless of what the other factions in the Murong Family might do, I will definitely stand behind you."
"My influence may not be that great, but I can guarantee that no one will dare to touch the people by your side."
Murong Qian's expression was solemn.
Lin Feng smiled in satisfaction and gave a casual wave. "I'll be on my way, then. My wife will be staying at this hotel for the time being. As for her safety... I trust you won't disappoint me."
"Mm."