"Oh!" Song Hao was slightly surprised, knowing that Gu Xiaofeng was not alone.
The two left the restaurant and saw a black Audi sedan parked in front, with a sharp-looking young man standing in front of the car waiting. Upon seeing Gu Xiaofeng, the young man hurriedly and respectfully opened the back door. Gu Xiaofeng pulled Song Hao into the car, and the car sped away, kicking up dust.
"Mr. Gu, I have a question for you. When we first met, you were the one who saved me, right? I thought you had kidnapped me, which is why I took action to subdue you. I apologize for any offense you may have caused!" Song Hao said in the car.
Gu Xiaofeng frowned slightly upon hearing this, then smiled and said, "It's good that you understand. It's alright. I didn't expect you to know the Thunder Needle Technique of the Lu Clan. This is a secret skill passed down by the Lu Clan. Where did you learn it?"
Song Hao said, "It was quite a serendipitous encounter. Several years ago, I met Lu Yanping, a senior from the Lu Clan. Seeing my exceptional needlework skills, he taught me the secrets of the Thunderbolt Needle Technique, which enabled me to master this self-defense technique."
"I see!" Gu Xiaofeng nodded and said, "To subdue me with a single needle by surprise and close-range attack shows that you have brought the Thunderclap Needle Technique to its fullest potential. You are truly remarkable, possessing both literary and martial skills!"
"You flatter me! I just got lucky," Song Hao said.
"Don't say that!" Gu Xiaofeng shook his head and said, "This is a superb technique that combines medicine and martial arts. It's not something you can easily learn. This technique relies on finger strength. The fine needles can penetrate wood and stone. The acupoints are accurately selected. No matter how strong a person is, they can't withstand your sudden needle. I've seen you use it a few times to escape. It's indeed very powerful! It has reduced my troubles."
"You...you've been protecting me from the shadows all along!" Song Hao exclaimed in surprise.
"How could I not do my best to fulfill a friend's request? But now it's all good, you're basically safe. Your master, that old Taoist Xiao, is indeed no ordinary person; he has eliminated about 10% of the danger you faced," Gu Xiaofeng said with emotion.
"Song Hao!" Gu Xiaofeng called out again.
"What is it, Mr. Gu?" Song Hao replied.
"Excuse my boldness, but what is Xiao Boran's intention in accepting you as his disciple?" Gu Xiaofeng asked seriously.
Song Hao said, "You will pass on to me the true principles of medicine and instruct me to establish a medical clinic in the future to help people and promote Chinese medicine. Is there something else behind Mr. Gu's question?"
“No, that’s not it.” Gu Xiaofeng shook his head and said, “Xiao Boran is well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge, especially in Taoism. He advocates Taoist medicine and is a rare figure, with considerable influence in the martial arts world. He has connections with high-ranking government officials and dignitaries in various overseas countries. Twenty years ago, he traveled around the world to promote Taoist doctrines. Then he suddenly disappeared and went into seclusion at Shangqing Temple. This background information was urgently collected by the Tianyi Sect after they learned that you had become his disciple, and they sent it to me so that I could find out his purpose in taking you as a disciple. It turns out that he wanted you to be the successor of his medical lineage. He truly has the insight of a master.”
"Why is the Heavenly Medicine Sect so concerned about me? And why is they investigating the background of my master? What kind of person is this Qi Yannian?" Song Hao felt increasingly confused.
"Hmm! At his level, nothing can disturb his mind, and no profit can sway his will! I misunderstood him before," Gu Xiaofeng muttered to himself.
The car sped along from morning till evening, reaching the outskirts of a city, finally stopping in front of the iron gate of a mountain villa. Upon seeing the villa, Gu Xiaofeng made a phone call. The iron gate opened, and the car slowly drove inside. This large villa, built in a European style, nestled against the mountainside, resembled an ancient castle; judging from its appearance, it was over a century old. It must have been the residence of a wealthy person.
The car stopped in front of the villa's main gate, and a waiting servant opened the back door, allowing Song Hao to get out.
Gu Xiaofeng didn't move. Sitting in the car, he said to Song Hao, "I have something to do, so I'm going back to my place first. I won't get out of the car. You can go in by yourself. The person who wants to see you is waiting inside. But remember, my friend doesn't like those江湖 (jianghu) customs and titles. His current identity is the chairman of Tianyi Group, not the leader of Tianyi Sect."
After saying that, Gu Xiaofeng waved his hand and smiled, then got into his car and left.
"Tianyi Group!" Song Hao was shocked. This was a well-known pharmaceutical company in China and even the world. It turned out that Tianyi Sect was its predecessor.
"Please come in, sir!" The servant took the bag from Song Hao's hand and respectfully invited him in.
Upon entering the hall, Song Hao was immediately struck by its grandeur. Huge stained-glass lanterns hung high in the air, and a large landscape painting adorned the wall opposite, depicting a church nestled amidst meadows and lakes in a European-style setting. Leather sofas lined the living room, flanked by an antique clock. The remaining furnishings included sculptures and other artworks. Combined with the high, domed ceiling, the entire arrangement exuded a majestic and imposing atmosphere, reminiscent of a European palace from a film.
"Please have a seat, sir. The master will be down shortly." The servant brought over the coffee, gently placed it down, and then quietly withdrew.
"This...this is where the Heavenly Doctor Sect is located! It's changed!" Song Hao scratched his head, sat down to the side, smelled the cup of coffee, but didn't drink it.
Just then, hurried footsteps came down the marble staircase beside them, and a radiant middle-aged man in a beige silk shirt descended the stairs. He had a square face, thick eyebrows, a straight nose, and a well-defined mouth; his handsome appearance exuded an air of authority.
Upon seeing his master appear, Song Hao quickly stood up.
"You must be Song Hao!" Qi Yannian exclaimed excitedly, quickly stepping forward and opening his arms as if to embrace Song Hao.
Song Hao was taken aback by the sight, wondering why the other person was so enthusiastic on their first meeting. He stood there feeling awkward and at a loss for words.
Qi Yannian immediately realized his lapse in composure, and quickly reached out to grasp Song Hao's right hand, shaking it vigorously and saying happily, "Welcome, welcome!"
Whether it was the other party's excessive enthusiasm or something else, Song Hao suddenly felt a strange sense of familiarity when he saw Qi Yannian, forgetting whether the man opposite him was the leader of the Tianyi Sect or the chairman of the Tianyi Group.
"Hello, Mr. Qi!" Song Hao greeted him politely.
"Hello, hello! Have a seat!" Qi Yannian noticed that he hadn't let go of Song Hao's hand for a while, so he quickly let go and offered his hand.
"Hmm! Song Hao!" Qi Yannian sat down opposite Song Hao and looked him up and down, nodding repeatedly with a look of surprise and delight.
"Mr. Qi, what brings you here?" Song Hao asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
"Ah! No rush! No rush! Was the journey smooth? Are you hungry? There's fruit and snacks on the table. Have some first, and dinner will be served soon. By the way, what would you like to eat? I'll tell the kitchen to prepare it." Qi Yannian didn't answer Song Hao's question directly, but instead asked about Han Nuan with some eagerness.
"This..." Song Hao was also at a loss for words because of what the other party had done.
"Haha..." Qi Yannian laughed heartily and said apologetically, "Look at me, I was so happy to see you that I forgot everything and made you nervous. Song Hao! Now that you're here, it's like you're at home, so please make yourself at home. By the way, how are Song Zi and the old gentleman?"
“I’ve been separated from my grandfather for almost a year, and I’m on my way back to visit him. I wonder how he is doing now.” Song Hao lowered his head.
"Oh! I forgot about your current situation. Please give my regards to Mr. Song when you see him in the future," Qi Yannian said hurriedly.
"Thank you!" Song Hao replied.
"Song Hao!" Qi Yan called out softly.
"Mr. Qi, what is it?" Song Hao looked up. He saw a strange light in Qi Yannian's eyes, a kind of loving expression, as he deliberately suppressed his excitement.
"Song Hao!" Qi Yannian's eyes welled up with tears, but he pretended to be calm and said, "Don't be surprised why I'm looking for you now. You'll understand some things in the future. Can you promise me that you can stay here for two days? Someone is rushing back from America and will arrive in two days. She insists on seeing you, so please promise me."
"Another person wants to see me!?" Song Hao was confused again.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Qi, I cannot agree to your request. Although I don’t know why you and that person want to see me, I must leave tomorrow because I need to see my grandfather first. It’s been so long since we last met, and I know nothing about the situation. I wonder why my grandfather is so worried about me. Please forgive me,” Song Hao refused. He sensed something strange about the other man.
"You and Mr. Song have a very good relationship, don't you? Yes! You should go and see him first," Qi Yannian said helplessly and awkwardly.
“I lost both my parents when I was young and lived with my grandfather. He is my only relative in this world,” Song Hao said.
"How could you not have..." Qi Yannian hesitated, then nodded and said, "You should be respectful to Mr. Song. He raised you all by himself and nurtured you into a successful person. It was really not easy for him."