Su Qinglan has been getting closer to the old healer, who treats her like a granddaughter. The old healer also enjoys the company of her three cubs, who surprisingly behave when he is around. As Su Qinglan's due date approaches, the old healer decides to take her out to meet people in Dragon Beast City. Meanwhile, Shi Feng insists on accompanying Su Qinglan, much to Hu Yan's annoyance. Once the old healer leaves, the three cubs seize their chance to sneak out and play.
Especially Xiao Yi and Xiao Er. They immediately raised their tiny paws at the sight of another cub, barely asking any questions. Meanwhile, Xiao San silently watched from the back, anticipating the perfect moment to instigate even greater chaos. The coordination between the three little demons was so natural that Xuan Long occasionally felt a headache just observing them. Merely recalling the recent disasters they caused made him heave a deep sigh. A few days prior, Xiao Yi had gotten into a spat with another tiger cub solely because the other side boasted about their father’s superior strength. Yesterday, Xiao Er resorted to biting someone after losing a race. And Xiao San... Xuan Long’s eyelid twitched. That petite snake had covertly tied the tails of several cubs together while they slumbered beneath a tree, plunging the entire vicinity into pandemonium. The tribe nearly mistook the commotion for an invasion of wild beasts. Due to their antics, Xuan Long found himself spending almost every day issuing apologies, mediating disputes, or cleaning up their messes. He was honestly growing weary.Ahead, the three cubs abruptly halted near a small clearing where several other young beasts were already engaged in play. The instant Xiao Yi spotted them, his eyes blazed with excitement. "Race!" he bellowed enthusiastically. "I'll win this time!" Xiao Er immediately retorted. Xiao San let out a proud hiss before slithering onto Xiao Yi’s head, assuming the posture of a commander preparing for engagement. The nearby cubs instantly adopted nervous expressions upon witnessing the arrival of the notorious troublemaking trio. Xuan Long rubbed his forehead wearily once more. "...Please, let's not start another fight today," he murmured under his breath. Unfortunately... the heavens had clearly not heeded his plea. For, mere moments later, Xiao Yi suddenly puffed out his chest with pride and declared, "My mother is the most beautiful female in all of Dragon Beast City!" Another cub shot back indignantly, "No! My aunt is prettier!" The atmosphere instantly turned frigid. Xuan Long: "..." Oh no, he already foresaw the unfolding chaos.***The venerable Healer slowly guided Su Qinglan through the expansive avenues of Dragon Beast City, with Shi Feng trailing silently behind like a stoic guardian. Along their path, numerous beastmen and females offered respectful greetings the moment they recognized the old Healer. "Old Healer!" "Old Healer, you've finally emerged today!" "Please examine my mate first!" "Old Healer, my female has been rather frail lately!" Voices continuously echoed around them wherever they went. Su Qinglan quietly surveyed the city with a curious gaze. This was, in fact, her first time truly exploring the central hub of Dragon Beast City with careful observation. In contrast to the Fox Tribe, Dragon Beast City was considerably grander and more affluent. Rows of wooden dwellings lined the streets, many beastmen traversed the area carrying spoils of the hunt, and several females gathered in small groups, conversing softly. Yet, even amidst this vibrancy, Su Qinglan could distinctly perceive an unsettling anomaly. There was a notable scarcity of children. Occasionally, after traversing a considerable distance, she would only encounter a solitary cub playing somewhere. Recalling Xuyu's words, her heart grew somewhat heavy. The birth rate here had plummeted to a concerning level, with some years yielding not a single newborn. This was also one of the directives Xuyu had entrusted to her: to elevate the living standards of Dragon Beast City and bolster its survival and birth rates. However, Su Qinglan understood the impossibility of direct intervention at this juncture, as the inhabitants of Dragon Beast City still harbored a sense of otherness towards them. Therefore, she had been patiently awaiting an opportune moment. And now... her esteemed grandfather had directly presented her with a golden chance. Before long, the old Healer led her towards a colossal, ancient tree situated near the city's central square. The area beneath its branches offered cool respite, and a considerable number of females were already congregated there. As soon as the old Healer settled himself beneath the tree with a heavy sigh, the surrounding females eagerly swarmed towards him, their beast husbands in tow. "Old Healer, please examine me first!" "My female has been unable to conceive for many years!" "Old Healer, I've been feeling weak recently!" "Please attend to my mate!" The vicinity quickly became a cacophony of voices. Su Qinglan stood quietly behind the old Healer, meticulously observing everyone present. At this juncture, the old Healer abruptly struck his wooden staff firmly against the ground. Bang! "Silence!" His stern command instantly quelled the entire gathering. Even Su Qinglan was taken aback slightly. The old Healer cast a proud glance around before emitting a snort. "One at a time! Do you imagine this old man possesses eight hands?" Everyone immediately lowered their heads in compliance. Only then did the old Healer nod with evident satisfaction before gesturing for Su Qinglan to approach.
"Come closer, my little granddaughter."
Su Qinglan moved forward obediently. The old healer then proudly lifted his chin, his voice booming with announcement,
"Listen well, everyone. This young lady right here is now my new disciple."
A wave of stunned silence swept through the crowd, quickly followed by an explosion of shock.
"What?!"
"The Old Healer actually accepted an apprentice?"
"This is unbelievable!"
Even Shi Feng allowed his eyebrows to rise slightly in surprise.
The notoriously temperamental Old Healer was known throughout Dragon Beast City by all.
Numerous gifted youths had sought to study the art of medicine under his tutelage in the past, yet every single one was ruthlessly turned away by the old man.
Yet now...
He had unexpectedly taken on an apprentice?
Unable to suppress her curiosity, a woman from the crowd hesitantly inquired,
"Old Healer... why is it that you've suddenly decided to accept someone now? So many people wished to become your disciple before."
The Old Healer's gaze immediately sharpened as he shot her a glare.
"Did they possess any talent?" he retorted indignantly. "This old man only imparts knowledge to those with true talent. I do not waste my precious time on fools who merely chase after fame."
Su Qinglan had to bite her lip to stifle a laugh at his blunt words. This old grandpa certainly didn't mince words or spare anyone's dignity.
However, the Old Healer was completely absorbed in his own self-praise.
He gestured grandly towards Su Qinglan.
"My granddaughter has perfectly inherited my medical prowess. This talent flows through our bloodline. Her exceptional abilities have even astonished this old man himself."
Su Qinglan's expression faltered: "..."
She nearly blurted out a question about when exactly she had inherited his skills, especially since they weren't even biologically related!
But observing the proud, beaming face of the old man, she could only silently endure it, choosing to preserve his pride.
Meanwhile, many onlookers exchanged skeptical glances amongst themselves. Not a single person truly believed the story about her being his "granddaughter."
It was common knowledge that the Old Healer had no children of his own.
And now, this unrelated young woman was suddenly presented as his granddaughter?
Despite their doubts, no one dared to voice their disbelief. After all, incurring the wrath of the Old Healer was not something anyone desired.
Then, abruptly, the Old Healer delivered another astonishing declaration.
"Today, my apprentice will be examining the pulses of everyone present."
