Chapter 23: Save One, Kill One

"Save one, kill one!?"

This eccentric rule immediately reminded everyone present of a legendary figure from the past.

"The Lethal Medical Saint!"

Bai Weiwei, Zhao Wanting, and Hua Guodong exclaimed in unison.

"Oh? You’ve heard of my master?" Ye Feng was taken aback. He hadn't expected his Fifth Master to be truly renowned; it seemed the old man wasn't just boasting. Whether that reputation was for good or ill, however, was a matter of opinion.

"The Lethal Medical Saint is actually your master, Hero?" Hua Guodong clicked his tongue in wonder. "No wonder your methods are so extraordinary."

"I thought the Lethal Medical Saint had already passed away..." In Bai Weiwei’s memory, she hadn't heard news of this miraculous doctor for many years. Of course, she hadn't left the villa in all that time; perhaps she was simply ill-informed.

"To save my grandfather... must we really kill an innocent person?" Zhao Wanting asked, clearly troubled by the requirement.

"A rule is a rule," Ye Feng nodded. "Raising the dead is an act that defies the heavens. Therefore, to bring your grandfather back to life, someone else must die in his place."

"Otherwise, when the King of Hell comes looking for his due, the one who performed the miracle would suffer divine retribution and a shortened life."

To comply with destiny, balance life and death, and avoid incurring karmic debt, the Lethal Medical Saint’s method was always to kill one to save one. That way, even the Heavens had no grounds for complaint. It was precisely by adhering to this rule that Ye Feng’s Fifth Master had lived past the age of one hundred, remaining in robust health. Unfortunately, while he had settled his accounts with the King of Hell, the mortal sins he committed in reality eventually piled up, leading him to end up behind bars.

"Mr. Ye, is there any other way?" Zhao Wanting asked pleadingly. "My grandfather would absolutely never allow such a thing as murder."

Ye Feng shook his head. "The rules cannot be broken."

"My grandfather lived a life of integrity and served as an upright official. If he knew he had to harm another innocent person to survive, he would rather die than accept it." Zhao Wanting knew her grandfather's character well.

At this moment, Bai Weiwei interjected, "Elder Zhao was once the Minister of Revenue, in charge of the national treasury. Although he has retired to civilian life, he still has many protégés and students, and his influence in the official circles remains strong. If our family company is to be relaunched, we might be able to use the Zhao family's help."

Hearing this, Ye Feng felt Bai Weiwei made a fair point. For the Bai family’s company to make a comeback, having money alone without political backing would be an uphill battle. At the same time, Ye Feng realized that if he wanted to reclaim the Ye family, he might also find the Zhao family's influence useful.

Seeing this, Zhao Wanting hurriedly added, "As long as you can save my grandfather, the Zhao family will do everything in our power to assist you, provided it is within the bounds of the law."

Ye Feng pondered for a moment before relenting. "Fine. Let’s go see your grandfather’s condition first."

With that, Ye Feng prepared to leave immediately. Zhao Wanting was overjoyed.

Hua Guodong muttered, "I thought you said the rules couldn't be broken?"

"Heh..." Ye Feng gave a faint smile. "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Even the greatest rules must be managed with discretion. Besides, saving a few extra lives occasionally won't make the King of Hell blink; he won't hold it against me."

As they spoke, the group descended the mountain, boarded Hua Guodong’s car, and sped toward the hospital.

Meanwhile, another military vehicle slowly pulled up to a villa at the foot of the mountain.

"Strange. I thought I saw that bastard Ye Feng coming out of the Yunshang Fenghua villa earlier, getting into that Audi and driving down the mountain?"

Jin Luyi stepped out of the car, glancing toward the villa halfway up the slope with a puzzled expression. "I must have been mistaken. Or perhaps it was just someone who looked like him."

Shaking her head, Jin Luyi pushed the door open and entered her godfather’s home.

"Godfather, why did you call me here so early?"

As soon as she walked into the hall, she saw the old man sitting upright, dressed in his military uniform.

"You're here." Li Yubai stood up and said, "I wanted to bid you farewell before I leave."

"Godfather, are you returning to the military?" Jin Luyi guessed the reason immediately.

"Yes," Li Yubai nodded. "My mission here is complete. It is time to return."

"Godfather..." Jin Luyi felt a pang of sadness, her eyes reddening.

"Haha, what are you crying for? It’s not as if we’ll never see each other again." Li Yubai patted his goddaughter’s shoulder. "After I leave, this villa—and the entire city of Yanjing—is in your hands! If anything goes wrong, don't blame me for being heartless."

"Understood!" Jin Luyi stood at attention, her expression solemn.

Li Yubai nodded in satisfaction. The girl from the Bai family at Yunshang Fenghua now had support, and his own goddaughter had matured under his guidance over the years. Li Yubai could finally leave without any lingering concerns.

"Godfather, let me see you off!" Jin Luyi said.

"Very well!"

The two walked out side by side.

"Oh, that's right!" Just before leaving, Li Yubai pointed toward the Yunshang Fenghua villa on the hillside. "Keep an eye on that place. A mysterious neighbor has moved into that villa, and his strength is extraordinary. I paid him a visit last night and traded a palm strike with him; I barely managed to hold my ground. Haha, I never expected to encounter such a worthy opponent in this mundane city. Truly remarkable!"

Li Yubai looked at his right hand. Even after all this time, he could still feel a faint numbness.

"Someone who could match you, Godfather? Is he really that strong?" Jin Luyi was shocked.

"That is why I want you to keep an eye on him," Li Yubai said. "It would be a pity for such talent not to serve the country. You should try to get to know him. If you can bring him into the military, that would be for the best."

"Understood!" Jin Luyi nodded. "I will pay him a visit another day."