Although the medical hall had rules about not disclosing patient information, there were always exceptions. The purpose of a medical hall was to save lives, and they couldn't let a rigid rule cause someone to lose their chance at survival.
With the compassionate heart of a healer, the hall didn't only rely on medical skills and medicine to grow into the largest clinic in Heaven Dou City. Their reputation for being responsible toward patients was key to their continued success.
As for Huo Yuhao, after several interactions, the doctor was certain that this young man's knowledge of medicine was on par with theirs. Letting him take a look wouldn't hurt, and who knew—maybe he really had a solution?
"If you can save her, we'll give you half of the medical fees that the little girl has paid so far. How about that?"
They were somewhat familiar with Jiang Nannan's family situation. As a medical clinic, it was common to encounter families struggling financially, so they naturally helped where they could.
Besides, Jiang Nannan was someone talented enough to get into Shrek Academy as a civilian. It wouldn't hurt to befriend someone with such potential.
"No need for payment. I'm just glad I can help. Please, lead me to the patient."
Given his past connection to Jiang Nannan, Huo Yuhao didn't hesitate. He glanced over at Gu Yue, who was standing beside him.
"Do you want to head back first?"
Gu Yue shook her head. "I'll wait here for you."
"Alright," Huo Yuhao nodded, then turned to the middle-aged man. "Let's go."
"This way, young man."
The two of them walked down the hall and soon arrived at the entrance of a room. The door was open, revealing a simple setup: just a bed, a cabinet, and a stool, likely for the doctor to sit on during examinations. Jiang Nannan was sitting on the stool, her back facing the door.
Looking past Jiang Nannan, Huo Yuhao could see a beautiful woman in her thirties lying on the bed, her eyes closed. Her pale face didn't detract from her beauty but instead gave her a delicate, frail appearance.
Hearing footsteps, Jiang Nannan turned around and, upon seeing the doctor and Huo Yuhao, looked confused.
"Doctor, is something wrong?"
"This young man here is very knowledgeable in medicine, so I brought him to see if he could help your mother. Maybe he can find a way to treat her."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nannan's gaze shifted to Huo Yuhao. Though surprised by how young he was, she trusted the medical hall's reputation. She immediately stood and moved aside.
"Thank you for your trouble, doctor. And, um, young brother, please, help my mother."
"Just call me Huo Yuhao."
As he spoke, Huo Yuhao sat down on the stool. Seeing the patient up close, he realized where Jiang Nannan had inherited her beauty. Her mother's mature grace added an extra layer of elegance and charm.
Huo Yuhao gently took the woman's hand and infused a strand of soul power into her body to begin a thorough examination.
It didn't take long for him to confirm the diagnosis. As the doctor had said, her heart's congenital defect caused inadequate blood flow. When she was younger and healthier, the symptoms were mild, perhaps just occasional dizziness. But as she aged and her physical condition worsened, the symptoms became more pronounced.
Fortunately, the situation wasn't too dire yet. If they waited another year, it could still be treated, but her heart would become more fragile, making the treatment much riskier.
Right now, the treatment wouldn't require too much sacrifice, but...
Huo Yuhao hesitated, glancing at Jiang Nannan. Her worried expression made his heart tighten.
"Is there a way to cure my mother?" Jiang Nannan's eyes were filled with hope.
Huo Yuhao hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding. "There is a way."
"Really?"
Jiang Nannan's eyes lit up. Seeing Huo Yuhao's hesitancy, she thought he might be looking for some compensation. Without a second thought, she pulled out a bag of gold soul coins from her storage device and handed it to him.
"Please, save my mother. I know this may not be enough, but I'll get the rest as soon as I can. Or if there's something else you want, just let me know."
"It's not about the money. Let me explain."
Huo Yuhao gently pushed the bag back and began explaining his method.
Her heart condition wasn't hard to treat. The process required soul power to be infused and guided into the heart to clear the blockage. While it sounded simple, in practice, it was very difficult. The heart was so vital that even the smallest mistake could be deadly.
But Huo Yuhao had his Spirit Detection ability! With that, he didn't even need to do it himself—he could guide Jiang Nannan through the process, and everything should go smoothly.
If all went well, her heart would improve, and with the right medicine, she could fully recover.
So why was Huo Yuhao hesitating? Because, similar to a previous experience where he saved the master of the Dilong Sect, the Spirit Detection ability would give him an incredibly detailed view of Jiang Nannan's mother. It wasn't something easily ignored.
"I agree."
Jiang Nannan's resolute voice interrupted his thoughts. Huo Yuhao blinked in surprise, while the middle-aged man who had brought him coughed lightly before excusing himself from the room.
"I suddenly remembered I have other patients to attend to. I'll take my leave."
With a soft click, the door closed behind him.
"..."
The room fell into a strange silence. After a moment, Huo Yuhao nodded.
"Well then, let's begin."
Since Jiang Nannan had already agreed, there was no point in hesitating. Huo Yuhao's eyes began to glow with golden light, and a deep purple spirit ring appeared around him. As Jiang Nannan stared in awe, she was pulled into the shared Spirit Detection.
The incredible power of the ability left Jiang Nannan wide-eyed. Whatever remaining concerns she had melted away, replaced by excitement.
There's hope!
Huo Yuhao's voice brought her back to reality.
"Get used to it first, then we'll begin. Remember to follow the path I guide your soul power along."
Jiang Nannan nodded earnestly. "I understand. Thank you."
As she familiarized herself with the Spirit Detection, she took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. However, the more time passed, the faster her heart raced, and her nervousness grew.
Even though she was mature for her age, she was still only twelve. The thought that one mistake could cost her mother's life filled her with fear.
She quickly sat by the bed, pulling the covers off and carefully unbuttoning her mother's clothes. As the garments were removed, the mature, pale body beneath was exposed to the cool air.
Throughout the process, Jiang Nannan's hands trembled uncontrollably.
Seeing this, Huo Yuhao frowned. If she was in such a state, even with his guidance, mistakes could happen. He tried to reassure her, knowing they couldn't afford an error.
"Don't be too nervous. Follow my instructions, and everything will be fine."
Jiang Nannan realized her nerves were getting the best of her. But now that Huo Yuhao was here, it seemed too late to back out. Could she really ask him to return another time?
After a brief pause, she looked at Huo Yuhao.
"Maybe... you should do it?"
"...?"
(End of chapter)