Chapter 7: The Divine Healer Returns, A New Peril Emerges

In the dead of night, Niu Yichen stood by the window, gazing at the distant, flickering neon lights while his heart remained perfectly still.

The recent battle had allowed him to secure his footing within the Zhan family. The relatives who once looked down on him now regarded him with awe and reverence. Yet, a trace of unease lingered in his mind; he couldn't shake the feeling that a pair of eyes was watching him from the shadows.

"Forget it, overthinking won't help," Niu Yichen sighed softly, turning to return to his room.

Instead of following his usual routine in the Zhan household, he began placing small, intricate traps around the premises—devices only he understood. Though they appeared inconspicuous, they were capable of providing warnings at critical moments.

Early the next morning, Niu Yichen went to the Zhan family garden as usual. Zhan Qingxue was already waiting for him there. Today, she wore a pale blue dress that made her look even more ethereal and refined.

"Yichen, what was wrong last night? You seemed to have so much on your mind," Zhan Qingxue asked with concern.

Niu Yichen smiled faintly and replied dismissively, "It's nothing, just not quite used to the environment here yet."

Zhan Qingxue nodded gently, not pressing him further. She knew that Niu Yichen had his own thoughts, and sometimes, he didn't need to offer much explanation.

"Oh, right, Yichen, there is a family banquet tonight. You must come," Zhan Qingxue said, suddenly remembering and looking excited.

"A family banquet?" Niu Yichen furrowed his brows slightly, but then relaxed. "Alright, I will go."

Seeing him agree, a brilliant smile lit up Zhan Qingxue's face. The two chatted for a while before Zhan Qingxue departed.

Niu Yichen strolled through the garden alone, his unease growing with each step. He recalled the sensation from the night before; that strange aura seemed to be lingering nearby.

"It seems I truly cannot afford to let my guard down," Niu Yichen muttered to himself, deciding in his heart to bolster his defenses. He placed more traps in every corner of the garden, even reaching the outer perimeter of the Zhan estate.

As night fell again, the Zhan residence was brightly lit, and the family banquet proceeded as scheduled. Niu Yichen sat beside Zhan Qingxue near the head of the table. The banquet went smoothly; everyone was smiling, and everything seemed perfect. Yet, Niu Yichen’s heart remained tense.

"Yichen, you look incredibly handsome today!" Zhan Qingxue whispered in his ear, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Thank you," Niu Yichen smiled, though his gaze continued to scan the surroundings as if searching for something.

At that moment, an inconspicuous trap was triggered, and Niu Yichen’s eyes turned sharp. He took hold of Zhan Qingxue's hand calmly and whispered, "Qingxue, there is trouble."

Zhan Qingxue nodded immediately, a flicker of nervousness crossing her eyes.

Niu Yichen stood up, offered a slight smile, and said to those around him, "Forgive me, everyone, I must step out for a moment."

The guests expressed their understanding, and Niu Yichen led Zhan Qingxue briskly out of the banquet hall. Once outside, he took her hand and hurried toward the garden.

"Yichen, what is it?" Zhan Qingxue asked in a low voice, her tone filled with anxiety.

Niu Yichen did not answer; his gaze was like a torch, fixed firmly ahead. Suddenly, he stopped, narrowed his eyes, and whispered, "They're here."

At that instant, a group of dark figures appeared silently on the outskirts of the Zhan estate. Niu Yichen’s expression turned solemn. He took a deep breath and said firmly, "Qingxue, no matter what happens, do not go near them."

"I understand," Zhan Qingxue replied, gripping his hand tightly, her eyes full of trust.

Niu Yichen nodded slightly, his gaze piercing as he took a firm step forward to meet the shadows.

A siren pierced the silence of the night, and the Zhan mansion was instantly illuminated, bright as day. The infiltrators were like startled birds, their stealth replaced by frantic scrambling. They had never expected that the seemingly calm Zhan estate was rigged with such sophisticated traps.

"Hmph, cheap parlor tricks," the leader of the dark figures said with disdain, though a hint of panic flashed in his eyes. He waved his hand, and the remaining men quickly gathered into a defensive formation.

The Zhan family bodyguards moved at the sound, surrounding the intruders with well-trained precision. A fierce battle was about to break out.

Niu Yichen stood beside Zhan Qingxue, his expression indifferent, as if all this had nothing to do with him.

"Niu Yichen, do you think these pieces of trash can stop us?" the leader pointed at him, his tone arrogant. "You've ruined our plans; today you will pay the price!"

Niu Yichen chuckled, a trace of mockery in his voice. "Just you lot of bottom-feeders? You think you’re worthy?"

"You!" The leader, embarrassed and enraged, was about to order an attack when he suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure that left him unable to move. He looked at Niu Yichen in horror, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"You... what did you do?" the leader managed to choke out.

Niu Yichen’s lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Nothing much. I'm just letting you experience what it means to be... desperate." He slowly raised his hand and pointed casually at the leader. "Your complexion is dark, your footing is unstable, and you suffer from occasional stabbing pains in your left leg. These are signs of cold toxins accumulated over years invading your heart meridian. If not treated immediately, within three months, you will..." Niu Yichen paused, his voice deepening, "...be in agonizing pain."

The leader’s heart jolted; the symptoms Niu Yichen described were exactly correct!

He forced himself to stay calm, masking his internal panic with bravado. "Nonsense! Stop your ghost stories!" But inside, a storm was brewing. Who exactly was this Niu Yichen?

Niu Yichen laughed lightly. "Believe it or not, it’s up to you. Leave now, and I might consider treating you. Otherwise..." He dragged out the end of his sentence with a meaningful tone.

"Insolent! Who do you think you are? Men, attack!" The leader, driven by rage and knowing he couldn't afford to delay, ordered the assault.

The men swarmed forward, but Niu Yichen was unfazed. His movements were ghostly, weaving through the attackers with ease. He struck out with palms that appeared casual but landed with precision on his opponents' pressure points.

Several of the leading attackers instantly felt their legs give way, collapsing to the ground as if their bones had been removed, wailing in pain.

"Pressure point strikes? This is..." The remaining men looked at each other, caught in a dilemma. They had never seen such bizarre martial arts and dared not move further.

Niu Yichen stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over them like a king looking down upon his subjects. "Now, shall we continue?"

The leader’s face turned ashen. He hadn't expected Niu Yichen to be so formidable. It seemed the situation tonight would be impossible to salvage. He gritted his teeth and whispered, "Retreat!"

The men, as if granted amnesty, scrambled to escape. Niu Yichen did not pursue them; he knew these were mere pawns, and the true mastermind was still in the shadows.

He turned to look at Zhan Qingxue, a flicker of imperceptible gravity in his eyes. "Qingxue, let's go back."

Zhan Qingxue nodded gently and tightened her grip on his hand.

Back in the banquet hall, the guests were all stunned, clearly having heard the commotion outside. Niu Yichen offered a calm explanation before taking Zhan Qingxue and leaving.

Once back in his room, Niu Yichen stood by the window, gazing into the night, and murmured to himself, "This is only the beginning..." Suddenly, he turned, his gaze piercing as he stared at the shadow behind Zhan Qingxue. "Who's there?!"