In the dimly lit alleyway, Ling sensed something unusual and turned her head, but there was no sign of life. "Probably a cat," she thought, taking a bite of the apple a generous child had "given" her. 'I was starving! And besides, that brat was just wasting it.'
'Hey! What's with that expression! If it weren't for your incompetence, I wouldn't have stolen!' Ling retorted sharply.
'As I said, Fufu is not useless! Host is just weak, incapable, and la-'
'Continue that sentence, and I will never do any of your tasks again, even if I die here today,' Ling threatened, shutting Fufu down.
While they bickered, In the heart of the bustling city, a commotion erupted near a luxurious gated residence, catching the attention of passersby. Ling, a curious soul, observed the ornate gate, immediately recognizing the owner's high status in the Palace. "How useless! If none of you can cure our Miss, what's the use of your supposedly amazing medical skills? Leave and never come back!" a commanding voice boomed, followed by the clanging of heavy metal and hurried footsteps. Five middle-aged physicians, their faces etched with desperation, were cast out, forced to kneel and apologize profusely.
"We apologize for not being able to cure the Miss! Forgive us, General Xiao!" their cries of remorse echoed through the air. The gates slammed shut, shrouding the opulent residence in a veil of secrecy.
Amidst the chaos, Ling's curiosity piqued. "Fufu, what's happening?" she wondered aloud.
[Mission gained!]
¿??
[Mission: Cure the Xiao′s beloved first miss!]
[Reward: 20points!]
'Damn it! Give me a break.'
[Miss is almost on level 4 One more level and you can unlock the Special Unlimited Shop!]
'Geez, you know how to entice me.'
[Hehe, goodluck, host!]
Determined to uncover the truth, Zhao Ling delved into the mystery surrounding the sudden illness of Miss Xiao Xiu. It turned out, Xiao Xiu had returned from a vacation trip to the family's resting residence in another province, only to fall mysteriously ill. Weak and unsteady, she baffled countless physicians, including the esteemed Royal Physician, Chu Junyi. The Emperor, concerned about a recent plague outbreak in the province she had visited, ordered her quarantine until a cure could be found. Only a select few, including doctors, medical advisors, and witch doctors, were allowed near her chambers to ensure the safety of the residents.
Time was of the essence, and General Xiao, a man of honor, was desperate to find a cure for his beloved daughter. Xiao Xiu was the apple of his eye, his precious daughter born from his third concubine, Miss Zhu. Spoiled by her grandfather, father, and brothers, she had grown into an arrogant, yet talented young woman skilled in poetry, music, dance, and arts. Despite her arrogance, the public adored her, captivated by her undeniable talents and beauty.
Now, this once-arrogant miss lay on her bed, lifeless and uncertain of her fate. Yet, in the eyes of her determined father, there was still hope. As long as she breathed, General Xiao would never give up on his beloved daughter, for love knew no bounds, especially in the face of adversity.
Within the grand halls of the Xiao residence, tension hung thick in the air, like a heavy storm about to break. The shattering of glass echoed, a chilling accompaniment to General Xiao's piercing glare as he fixed his gaze on the seemingly inept doctors. His voice thundered through the room, "I will never let our only daughter die! Never!" His words, filled with unwavering determination, resonated like an oath.
Madame Yun, General Xiao's third concubine, couldn't help but give in to her despair. She wept, her voice quivering, "Dear, I don't think we can save Xiu'er anymore. All hope is lost."
General Xiao's eyes, still ablaze with resolve, met Yun's. "Yun'er, do not be disheartened. I will never let our only daughter die, over my dead body!" His words, while firm, held a reassuring undertone.
As the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly strained, the silence was suddenly broken by hurried footsteps. A soldier burst into the hall, urgency etched across his face. "General Xiao, pardon my impulse, but someone claims they can cure Miss Xiao!"
"What?! Bring them in!" General Xiao commanded, his fierce determination undiminished.
"But, General Xiao! Only expert doctors can visit Miss Xiao by the Emperor's order! Who knows what this person might do!" one cautious physician protested.
"I will accept any punishment. If this person can cure my daughter, so be it! But if they harm her, I will make their lives a living hell!" General Xiao's vow cut through the hesitation, cementing his determination.
"Go and bring that person!" General Xiao ordered, and soon, a petite figure in a plain white ancient robe was led into the hall. The girl, Zhao Ling, walked with an air of confidence, drawing all eyes to her.
"Greetings, General Xiao," she said, her voice carrying a soothing, melodic quality that contrasted with the charged atmosphere.
"Can you really cure my daughter?" General Xiao's voice was tinged with a desperate hope.
"Yes," Zhao Ling replied calmly, her unwavering gaze meeting his.
"Who are you? Are you a doctor?" a physician inquired, baffled by this unexpected savior.
"No," she replied, leaving everyone in the room utterly dumbfounded.
What was she doing here if not to offer her medical expertise? General Xiao's anger flared.
"How insolent! Why should I trust you with my daughter's treatment? Leave before I behead you!" His voice was laced with fury, and the tension in the room ratcheted up.
But before anyone could lay a hand on Zhao Ling, she produced a piece of cloth from her sleeve. On it were the words 'Spirit Doctor,' a revelation that left all present in stunned silence.
"Spirit Doctor!? Wouldn't she have a much higher position than any of us? Shadow, escort the young lady to my daughter's room. She has my consent to cure my sickly daughter. Miss, how may I address you?" General Xiao's voice had softened, acknowledging the enigmatic girl before him.
"Zhao Ling," she replied with a slight nod, and then followed the Shadow, leaving the hall and making her way to the room of the ailing First Miss.
[Such a liar. Really shameless... I have such a shameless host... QQ] Fufu, the ever-watchful commentator, couldn't help but shake its virtual head in disbelief.