Carson Flores looked at the old man’s warm and encouraging eyes, sighed softly in his heart, and acknowledged that the gentleman was indeed kind-hearted.
Just moments before, Mr. Gong from the Sect of Natural Birth had examined the old man and found himself at a loss, unable to determine the cause of the illness. Even Leonard Reid, who had witnessed Carson’s extraordinary medical skills, dared not claim that Carson could cure him, let alone anyone else believing that Carson would have a way.
Ford Howell had already subtly declined, but the old gentleman took the initiative to ask for treatment, admitting he feared death. Where in truth was the fear of death? It was clearly a way for Ford Howell and Carson Flores to step down gracefully.
He might not believe in his heart that Carson would have a way, but he was willing to accept Leonard Reid’s goodwill and kindly spared Carson Flores any embarrassment.
Of course, Ford Howell wished for his father’s recovery. His earlier hesitation was, in fact, to avoid burdening his frail father with the rigors of a medical examination, which would involve some distress and questions and might pose a burden to his weakened state.
Seeing his father speak in this manner, Ford Howell knew his father’s good-hearted nature was showing through. He could only point to the chair in front of the sickbed and say, "Please... make it quick."
Carson Flores nodded: "Mr. Howell, don’t worry, it won’t take too long. The gentleman can simply lie down."
Ford Howell, seeing Carson’s compliance, relaxed somewhat, gestured for him to proceed, and said no more.
Mr. Gong, who was preparing a prescription, glanced over with a slightly strange look in his eyes and eventually shook his head without making a sound.
Carson’s examination method was similar to Mr. Gong’s, as after all, both were Cultivator Physicians. However, in the end, Carson placed his palm on the old man’s stomach, then closed his eyes, as if a monk entering meditation.
This scene caught Mr. Gong’s attention. He stood up, walked over, and observed Carson’s hand with furrowed brows.
After a while, Carson withdrew his hand and took a deep breath.
Leonard Reid looked expectantly at Carson: "Well?"
Carson smiled: "I found the cause."
Joy immediately appeared on Leonard Reid’s face: "Really? That’s great!"
Leonard Reid was aware of the old man’s condition—a depletion of qi and blood—but the cause had remained elusive, leading to the old man’s current skeletal state over time.
As Mr. Gong had said, without identifying the cause, even with a myriad of skills, one wouldn’t know where to begin treatment.
It was like a bucket filled with muddy water that was impossible to see through. The water level kept dropping, but the leak’s location was unknown. All one could do was keep adding water, but the bucket’s opening was too small, making water addition slow. Thus, no matter how much water was added, the bucket’s level still gradually decreased, eventually drying up.
Leonard Reid trusted Carson wholeheartedly, without a trace of doubt, and he knew Carson’s character well. If he said he had found the reason, it must be true.
Leonard Reid believed, but not everyone else might share his conviction.
Ford Howell’s gaze was full of scrutiny and doubt, lacking the joy one would expect.
Mr. Gong looked at Carson, the corners of his mouth lifting into a cold, dismissive smile.
Clearly, they didn’t believe it.
How could a young man in his twenties surpass the venerable experts of the Sect of Natural Birth, especially when they were unable to find the cause?
Moreover, Leonard Reid, a non-blood relative, had suddenly brought a young physician here, and this young physician conveniently found the cause...
It smelled like a scam!
Mr. Gong’s tone was indifferent: "Is that so? Then can you tell us the cause? Or perhaps, do I need to step out for a moment?"
Through his suggestion to step out, the tone of Mr. Gong’s voice left no room for interpretation other than obvious mockery; he was certain that Carson would ask him to leave.
Attempting to deceive in the presence of a master physician and expecting not to be exposed was laughable.
So, whatever their motives were, in order to convince the old man of their supposed skill and proceed with the deception, they’d naturally try to dismiss Mr. Gong, who was knowledgeable in medicine.
Carson Flores noted Mr. Gong’s tone and responded with an easy smile: "There’s no need for you to leave. If Mr. Gong doesn’t mind, we can discuss it together and consider how to better treat the gentleman for optimal results."
Mr. Gong’s expression became a little strange. Could it be that this young man, whose name he didn’t even know, had really found the cause?
Although his medical skills might not be the very best within the Sect of Natural Birth, he was certainly among the elite. If he couldn’t determine the illness, how could this young man do so?
Absolutely impossible!
Mr. Gong’s tone remained casual but expectant: "Well then, I look forward to hearing your esteemed opinions."
Because Mr. Gong was convinced that Carson couldn’t possibly have found the cause and must be a fraud, his words carried no politeness, only thick sarcasm.
Unperturbed, Carson focused his gaze on Jaiden Howell and asked: "Sir, before you fell ill, did you participate in any ancient tomb exploration activities? Simply put, did you come into contact with an ancient tomb within a month before your illness manifested..."