Grace Newman sobbed softly, murmuring intermittently, “My poor little sister, if she knew I hadn’t taken good care of Little William, she wouldn’t be at peace even in the afterlife. Little William is only ten years old—if anything happens to him, I don’t want to live either. Anyway, those people in the clan don’t want us to have a good life. We might as well just die together…”

“Shut up!” David Newman shouted angrily. “If you dare say another inauspicious word, see if I don’t slap your mouth!”

“Father, then think of something else!” Grace Newman cried out.

“I’m thinking!” David Newman’s face was grave. “All these years, I’ve devoted myself to the Lingyun Sect. Now that I’m old, I plan to step down. Maybe the immortals of Lingyun Sect will show me some favor and help save William Newman!”

“Get ready. We’ll take William Newman to Lingyun Sect right away. I’ll kneel at their gates and beg them to help!”

“Alright! I’ll arrange it immediately!” Hope rekindled in Grace Newman’s eyes.

She knew very well what kind of miraculous powers those high-level cultivators of Lingyun Sect possessed. If those powerful cultivators were willing to put in the effort, William Newman might still be saved.

“Master! Master! Another physician has arrived—he says he can save Little William!”

Just as David Newman and his daughter were preparing to leave for Lingyun Sect, the maid Julia Harris burst in, shouting loudly.

Chapter 9: The Outsider Physician

“Father, let’s still go to Lingyun Sect. So many physicians have failed—I don’t believe this new one can do it!”

Grace Newman was already at her wit’s end. Deep down, she believed only those lofty, powerful cultivators of Lingyun Sect could cure William Newman’s strange illness.

David Newman also looked hesitant.

It had been three days. Not only in Black Cloud City, but even renowned physicians from nearby cities had come after hearing the news, all bringing out their best skills for the huge reward. Yet William Newman’s condition had not improved at all.

He had always revered the cultivators of Lingyun Sect for their extraordinary abilities, and believed that only Lingyun Sect could help William Newman now.

“Master…” Just as David Newman was frowning in thought, Julia Harris said timidly, “The new physician is a stranger. He said, if he fails, you can deal with him as you wish.”

“As I wish?” David Newman’s expression changed. “He knows all the previous physicians have failed, yet he dares to boast like this. Maybe this person really does have some special method?”

“Pass on my word—have him come at once!”

“Yes.” Julia Harris hurried off.

Soon, a short, dark-skinned old man walked in slowly, carrying a small medicine chest.

From his jaw down to his neck, the old man had a conspicuous, slender scar that seemed to extend deep into his chest, making him look rather fierce and frightening.

His eyes were filled with white spots, and his pupils were very small. Coupled with that terrifying scar, he looked sinister and a bit scary.

David Newman glanced at him and immediately became wary. Secretly using spiritual power to sense him, he found that the old man didn’t seem to be a cultivator—there was not a trace of spiritual energy in his body.

“I am Edward Howard, an old man who has spent years searching for herbs in the deep mountains. Today, passing through Black Cloud City, I happened to hear that there was a child here with a high fever.” The old man introduced himself in a deep, hoarse voice, speaking slowly. “Having practiced medicine for many years, I have some experience with difficult and complicated cases. I believe I can help the child reduce his fever. I hope Head of the Newman Family will allow me to try.”

As he spoke, Edward Howard’s gaze passed over David Newman and Grace Newman, staring intently at William Newman on the bed.

When he looked at William Newman, his sinister eyes—mostly white with little black—seemed to flash with a strange, excited light.

“Are you really confident?” David Newman’s face darkened. “Before you, all the renowned physicians in the area have tried and failed. My grandson’s fever hasn’t subsided. If he can’t be treated soon, I fear he won’t make it. I was just about to set out for Lingyun Sect. I don’t want to waste our precious time because of your incompetence.”

Edward Howard withdrew his gaze, took a light breath, closed his eyes, then suddenly opened them, his face resolute. “If I can’t save him, I’ll leave my head behind!”

“Good!” David Newman was visibly moved.

“Enough talk. Bring me a large wooden tub, fill it with hot water—immediately!” Edward Howard ordered.

“We’ll do as you say!” David Newman nodded heavily and immediately gave orders according to Edward Howard’s instructions.

Outside the door, many anxious The Newman Family servants hurriedly began to bustle about.

Soon, under the guidance of the maid Julia Harris, some servants carried in a large wooden tub filled with hot water and placed it in the center of the room.

“Head of the Newman Family, please have everyone else leave. In this room, besides me and the child, no one else can stay.” Edward Howard raised his head slightly, a look of arrogance appearing on his face. “My unique method cannot be seen by anyone. It’s the means by which I make my living. I hope Head of the Newman Family will understand.”

“Father, how can this be? I have to watch over Little William!” Grace Newman protested.