The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Chapter 3

While Xena loved Curtis dearly and had tried every means to cure him, a troubling thought crept into her mind: she hoped he wouldn't wake up at this moment.

That was because Felix was insufferable. Not only was he useless, but he also dared to act superior in front of a goddess of war like her. He clearly had no idea who he was dealing with.

Felix didn't respond to her condescending remarks. Instead, he rushed over to check Curtis' pulse, his expression growing serious. "It's the Phantom Poison. No wonder."

Xena frowned. "Are you saying Grandpa's been poisoned?"

"That's right. It's the most potent Phantom Poison there is. If it had been detected earlier, I could have neutralized it immediately. But it's been over a year, and it has become more complicated.

"We need some rare herbs to treat it. Thankfully, the master healers you contacted did a decent job. Though they couldn't remove the poison, they managed to keep him alive."

Xena's expression twisted with a mix of emotions. "Looks like I misjudged you. You're not just a mediocre village doctor. You're a delusional one. Your act is almost impressive."

She didn't know much about medicine, but she had consulted countless renowned master healers for Curtis. Who did Felix think he was to judge them?

Felix stood up and faced Xena. "I know you look down on me, but I'm not lying about your grandfather's condition."

To be honest, Xena couldn't help but marvel at his shamelessness. It was truly unparalleled.

"Now that you know Grandpa can't speak, can you leave? As I've said before, destroy the marriage contract. We come from different worlds, and the gap between us is unbridgeable. You should know your place."

Xena's tone was firm and unyielding. She'd had enough of Felix's impudence and wanted him to understand the true status of the first goddess of war in Dragonia.

"I'll gather the herbs and return to treat Mr. Summers Senior," Felix stated and promptly took his leave. It was as if Xena's stunning beauty held no allure for him at all.

Xena glanced at Curtis with a complex look, then shut the door. Her phone rang just as she turned away.

"Dr. Fielding, what can I do for you?"

Xander Fielding, a renowned traditional medicine practitioner in Dragonia, was one of the top ten healers in the country and the last doctor to treat Curtis.

"Lady Summers, after consulting numerous ancient texts and seeking advice from several senior experts, I finally understand why your grandfather remains unconscious."

Xena's heart leaped with hope. Her bond with Curtis was profound and irreplaceable.

"Please, tell me."

"Your grandfather isn't ill. He's been poisoned. And it's the most potent Phantom Poison."

Xena's eyes flashed with a cold glint, and she spoke through gritted teeth, "Please, Dr. Fielding, treat him. I will reward you generously!"

However, Xander sighed deeply. "The delay has made things very difficult. I'm afraid I'm powerless. But…"

His pause rekindled Xena's hope.

"But what?" she asked urgently.

"But there's one person who can cure your grandfather—the legendary miracle doctor. With his help, he can even bring the dead back to life."

Xena knew of the miracle doctor, but he was elusive, having vanished years ago. His nine Miracle Cards had become rare treasures, and obtaining one was difficult, even for someone of her status.

"Please, Dr. Fielding. Help me locate the miracle doctor. I will also mobilize all my resources."

After hanging up, Xena suddenly froze in her tracks. "Wait! Felix also mentioned Grandpa was poisoned with the Phantom Poison. Could he actually be skilled?"

But then she shook her head with a chuckle. "No way! It must've been a lucky guess."

…

Felix felt a bit helpless upon leaving Silverwood. The herbs needed for Curtis were rare and nearly extinct, but he would usually have no trouble finding them.

The problem was he didn't have contact with any of his fellow apprentices, as Gerald had ordered him not to rely on them too easily.

Therefore, he had no choice but to depend on himself. "I wonder how Uncle Warren is doing. Since I'm back, I should pay him a visit."

Avesburgh was his hometown, after all. He had many connections there.

…

Meanwhile, at the mansion of the wealthiest family in Avesburgh, Wendy and Vincent were anxiously waiting for someone.

As a Mercedes-Benz pulled up, the two hurried over.

"Mr. Kinsley, this is Dr. Fielding."

An elderly man and a young man stepped out, and Vincent and Wendy became extremely excited.

"Thank you for coming all this way, Dr. Fielding."

The elderly man was Xander, a difficult master healer to reach.

"Lead the way. The patient's health is paramount."

Wendy followed behind, walking alongside the young man, Hugo Lambert.

"Hugo, thank you so much for your help."

Hugo was from another wealthy family in Avesburgh, and he had long been infatuated with Wendy.

"Don't mention it, Wendy. My grandfather had some connections with Dr. Fielding. Otherwise, it would've been impossible to get him here. I just hope he can help your grandfather."

Hugo had been yearning for Wendy's attention for a long time, and considering the Kinsley family's immense wealth, getting together with her would significantly benefit his family. Hence, he had spared no expense in bringing Xander over.

Ten minutes later, Xander lifted his hand from Bernard Kinsley's wrist after reading his pulse.

"Dr. Fielding, how's my grandfather?" Wendy asked anxiously.

Xander, accustomed to such reactions, shook his head slightly. "It's too late. Your grandfather's condition is due to an old internal injury. His lungs have been damaged for over a decade.

"The occasional coughing was a warning sign. Perhaps his pride kept him from mentioning it."

Wendy was distraught. “That's impossible! Grandpa has regular checkups. Everything was fine."

Xander snorted. "Are you questioning my expertise? His lung injury involves a subtle, wandering current of air. Such things are undetectable by ordinary medical instruments."

Wendy staggered back several steps, and Hugo hurriedly caught her, his expression just as grim.

If they failed to save Bernard, it would undoubtedly affect his plans.

Just then, Bernard suddenly sat up on the bed and began to cough violently. He spat out a mouthful of blood, struggling to breathe as if in the throes of a severe asthma attack.

"Dad!"

Vincent and Wendy rushed over to him.

Wendy suddenly turned to look out the window. It was already dark.

She recalled Felix's words from earlier that day. He had told them that after sunset, Bernard would cough up blood every hour and have difficulty breathing for about five minutes.

Wendy was struck with realization as Felix's prediction replayed in her mind.

"He was right. He was right about everything!"