The Almighty Martial Arts System - Chapter 195

It was Cui Xiuping, the inheritor of the “Thirteen Ghost Needles” technique, who escorted Jiang Fei back to Jishi Hall.

After today’s three rounds of competition, Cui Xiuping was utterly convinced of Jiang Fei’s prowess. Gone was his former arrogance, and any resentment he once held had completely dissipated.

Like his grandfather, Cui Xiuping held a deep passion for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and was dedicated to its revival. He was a man of ideals and ambition, and he genuinely respected physicians with exceptional skills and high moral standards.

Now, in Jiang Fei’s presence, he could no longer act superior.

It was as if the Monkey King had been pinned under the Buddha’s Five-Finger Mountain—Cui Xiuping knew he was outmatched. Compared to Jiang Fei, his medical skills fell short. Faced with a superior doctor, his hostility melted away.

“Jiang Fei, you’ll be attending the Sino-Western Medical Exchange in half a month, right?”

Cui Xiuping, who was driving, glanced back at Jiang Fei, who sat comfortably in the rear seat. There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

In the past, Cui Xiuping had been brimming with confidence, believing it was his duty to lead TCM’s resurgence and take center stage at the exchange. But now, with Jiang Fei in the picture, he willingly stepped back, ready to play a supporting role.

This wasn’t cowardice or shirking responsibility—it was a pragmatic choice.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Since Jiang Fei was the more capable one, it was only right for him to take the lead. Forcing himself into the spotlight would be nothing but vanity, and it might even harm TCM’s chances against the aggressive Western medicine representatives.

Hearing the once-proud, robe-wearing man speak so nervously, Jiang Fei was momentarily surprised before smiling. “Of course I’ll attend. I gave your grandfather my word, and I won’t go back on it. Even though I’m not part of your TCM association, I’m still a practitioner. I run a TCM clinic, and since I make my living from it, I ought to contribute when our field is under threat.”

His tone was calm and matter-of-fact, devoid of grandstanding, but Cui Xiuping was visibly moved. “That’s great! The exchange is still two weeks away. Will you stay in Beijing until then?”

Jiang Fei shook his head. “No. I’ll only be here for two more days—just enough to help my girlfriend settle into a new place. After that, I’m heading back to Jincheng. I’ve got unfinished business there. I’ll return to Beijing when the exchange begins.”

He did have reasons to return.

His time in Beijing had shown him how families like the Cuis had turned TCM into a lucrative enterprise. He couldn’t wait to discuss with Lin Molly how to implement similar strategies and lay the foundation for their future “medical empire.” The sooner, the better.

There was also the matter of the eagle. Old Man Jibuni had called yesterday—his son Dunzhu had returned from the plateau to Jincheng, bringing with him a live eagle. Jiang Fei needed to retrieve it personally. A wild, untamed eagle required a master’s touch, and as a Beast Tamer, he couldn’t delegate this task.

As for Old Man Jibuni’s health, the acupuncture sessions had already stabilized his condition. The physicians at Jiang’s clinic could handle his follow-ups, and with Jiang Fei’s prescribed medication, a full recovery was imminent.

But Jiang Fei had another thought: his medical skill was currently at Level 7, with 96% proficiency. Although leveling up grew harder with each stage, he was confident he’d reach Level 8 within half a month. That would unlock deeper insights into the “Divine Needle Eight Techniques,” potentially elevating his skills to the pinnacle of TCM—perhaps even surpassing Old Man Cui himself.

With the system’s assistance, he’d crush any challenge Western medicine threw his way during the exchange.

“I won’t keep you if you have things to handle in Jincheng,” Cui Xiuping said. “But if your girlfriend needs help finding a place, I can assist.”

His enthusiasm was a far cry from yesterday’s grudging politeness.

Though Jiang Fei found the sudden warmth a little awkward, he couldn’t deny the convenience of having the Cui family’s influence. With generations of connections in Beijing, they could get things done in minutes.

“Thanks,” Jiang Fei nodded.

“Isn’t your girlfriend at a newspaper office? Their headquarters are near North Third Ring, right? What kind of place are you looking for? A villa? Apartment? Or maybe a siheyuan? I could arrange that too,” Cui Xiuping offered casually.

Jiang Fei nearly choked.

A siheyuan? Those traditional courtyard homes were rare and exorbitantly priced—even a modest one would cost millions to buy, let alone rent.

“Just a decent single apartment,” Jiang Fei said quickly. “No need for anything extravagant.”

Cui Xiuping caught his hesitation and added, “Don’t worry about cost. Even for a siheyuan, I can get it for cheap—or even rent-free.”

Rent-free?

The Cui family’s clout was no joke.

Tempting as it was, Jiang Fei declined. “An apartment’s fine. My girlfriend wouldn’t like a huge place anyway.”

Bai Ruoxi wasn’t the type to crave luxury. She’d chosen journalism—a demanding, modestly paid profession—over more lucrative careers. A cozy apartment suited her far better than an empty mansion.

By the time they returned to Jishi Hall, the sun was still up. Bai Ruoxi, back from work, was reading in the courtyard—a tranquil oasis in the bustling capital.

Cui Xiuping tactfully excused himself, leaving the couple alone.

Jiang Fei took a sip from Bai Ruoxi’s teacup and admired the garden.

“How was the meeting?” she asked, closing her book. “What did they want?”

“To save Chinese medicine,” Jiang Fei replied.

“Really?” Her eyes widened.

In the past, she’d have thought he was joking. But after witnessing his recent feats, she knew better.

“Yep. They tested my skills today, and I blew them away. Now they’re begging me to represent TCM at the exchange. Didn’t you notice Cui Xiuping’s attitude shift?” he bragged.

Bai Ruoxi zeroed in on the key point. “So you’ll stay in Beijing for two weeks?”

The old Bai Ruoxi wouldn’t have been so clingy—her decision to work abroad proved that. But after seeing the women around Jiang Fei now, her confidence had wavered.

“I will, but I need to go back to Jincheng first. I’ll return for the exchange,” he said, sensing her unspoken wish for him to stay.

She pouted.

Grinning, Jiang Fei scooped her up onto his lap. She squirmed, cheeks pink. “Let go! Someone might see!”

He kissed her. “So what? Tomorrow, Cui Xiupi’s handling your apartment hunt. Let’s go car shopping instead—you’ll need one for work.”

“A car? That’s unnecessary.”

“Of course it is,” he argued, twirling a lock of her hair. “My gorgeous wife can’t be crammed into subways. What if some creep harasses you?”