The Divine Urban Physician Chapter 3756: Kindness or Malice? (Part 4)

—Young Master Ye, have pity on us!—

In an instant, blood cascaded from the foreheads of two Jiuqing Mountain disciples!

Ye Chen's brow furrowed slightly at the sight. He gazed at the refined young man before him and inquired, —Are you seeking me out?—

Lin Rutian offered no immediate reply, merely a smile gracing his lips as he asked, —Are you satisfied with their apology, Young Master Ye?—

Ye Chen remained reticent upon hearing this.

Lin Rutian’s smile widened. —It appears, Young Master Ye, that you and I share similar sensibilities. Apologies? Begging for mercy? Hehe...—

His tone abruptly shifted, acquiring an icy edge. —Young Master Ye, while the Cloud Clearing Three Techniques can discern a person’s power, they cannot truly fathom the intentions festering within their hearts, can they?—

—No matter how earnest their contrition or regret may seem now, who can ascertain their true thoughts? Perhaps their words are mere pretense, while in their hearts, they harbor a wish for our demise, correct?—

Zhao Chunqi and Song Bai’an felt as though they’d plunged into a glacial abyss upon hearing Lin Rutian’s words. Their bodies grew rigid, their very blood seemingly congealing!

Abruptly, with a flick of Lin Rutian’s wrist, an iron platform materialized upon the street!

This metallic structure exuded a terrifying heat, its surface already glowing a fiery red. Its appearance caused the ambient temperature of Xianying City to subtly climb!

A collective gasp of surprise rippled through the onlookers, their gazes fixed on the iron platform, bewildered by Lin Rutian’s intentions!

Lin Rutian declared impassively, —Words are hollow. Regardless of their sincerity, they amount to naught but hot air. You do not believe an apology is simply a matter of speech, do you?—

—In the Dark Domain, apologies are always demonstrated through deeds!—

Zhao Chunqi and Song Bai’an involuntarily turned their heads towards the incandescent iron platform, their pupils constricting sharply!

Lin Rutian gestured towards the platform. —Kneeling? At the very least, one must kneel and bow upon this searing iron platform to be considered truly repentant, wouldn't you agree? Now, you have two options within three breaths: ascend this platform, kneel, and offer your apology, or accompany me back to the Jiuqing Mountain Punishment Hall!—

A palpable sense of dread gripped the surrounding martial artists. They found themselves swallowing hard, a flicker of fear igniting in their eyes as they regarded Lin Rutian!

To kneel and apologize on such a scorching platform?

The heat radiating from it was surely enough to incinerate flesh in an instant!

And they were expected to remain kneeling upon it?

The Young Master of Jiuqing Mountain, the infamous Qingshan Wolf, Lin Rutian, was utterly merciless!

Yet, Zhao Chunqi and Song Bai’an exchanged a pallid glance, and after a fleeting moment of hesitation, they resolutely stood and advanced towards the iron platform!

The crowd watched in horror. These two appeared to have abandoned all will to live! Stepping onto that platform would likely result in their bodies vaporizing!

However, the disciples knew that compared to the grim fate awaiting them in Jiuqing Mountain’s Punishment Hall, this iron platform was practically a sanctuary!

In the ensuing moment, the two moved with surprising agility, landing upon the heated surface and enduring the intense temperature as they gradually knelt.

—Ahhhhhhh!!!—

Piercing shrieks instantly rent the air, assaulting the eardrums of everyone present!

These two disciples from Jiuqing Mountain gritted their teeth, their knees and palms pressed firmly against the glowing metal. Blood began to seep from the raw wounds, accompanied by a pungent, scorched odor!

The agony they endured was beyond comprehension!

Amidst this torment, their faces contorted, tears involuntarily streaming down their cheeks, yet!

They mustered all their remaining strength to bow deeply towards Ye Chen!

Witnessing this display, the onlookers collectively exhaled in relief. The disciples had seemingly paid their price, and now the ordeal should conclude...

Zhao Chunqi and Song Bai’an, despite the searing pain ravaging their flesh, couldn't help but feel a slight easing of tension on their faces.

But at this precise moment, Lin Rutian’s voice cut through the air once more.

—What is this pretense?—

His words struck everyone’s ears like a biting arctic gale!

Lin Rutian continued with chilling calm, —A single bow, and you act as if you are at death’s door? Is this the extent of your sincerity? Do you not comprehend the gravity of your offense against Young Master Ye? It is sufficient to warrant your demise ten thousand times over, is it not? You do not believe a solitary bow suffices, do you?—

—First, you shall bow ten million times to Young Master Ye.—

...

...

...

A profound silence descended upon the scene!

Utter and complete stillness!

Every individual on the street stared at Lin Rutian as if he were a malevolent demon!

To bow ten million times upon this infernal iron platform!?

Even the cruelest of hearts must possess some semblance of limit, surely?

This was a truly life-threatening task!

Lin Rutian offered a smile. —Rest assured, this iron platform can be considered a Supreme Treasure. While it sears your flesh, it will concurrently mend your wounds. Hmm, with the vitality you two possess, at most, you will be rendered permanently impaired, not dead.—

"An apology tendered to this degree could finally be deemed a proper apology, couldn't it?"

Zhao Chunqi and Song Bai’an were already submerged in utter despair, their gazes gradually igniting with a savage intensity, as if preparing for a futile resistance!

But!

Ultimately, the pair still performed the kowtows, one after the other!

They lacked the courage!

As esteemed Disciples of Jiuqing Mountain, they possessed an intimate understanding of the sect's terrifying might!

Bearing the excruciating pain, their movements were hampered, preventing any swiftness. At this pace, completing ten million bows would undoubtedly consume an eternity...

Lin Rutian intended for the duo to endure unending torment upon this unforgiving iron platform!

Disregarding their agonized cries, Lin Rutian turned his attention to Ye Chen, a smile gracing his features, "Young Master Ye, would this form of apology suffice for your acceptance?"

Lin Rutian's smile was disarmingly gentle, akin to a caressing spring breeze, typically designed to evoke warmth and goodwill. However, at this moment, every observer felt an unbidden chill crawl up their very spines!

Ye Chen offered a slight nod, "It is acceptable."

While Lin Rutian's chosen method was undeniably cruel, it resonated perfectly with Ye Chen's own sentiments. An apology?

In his estimation, mere words of apology held absolutely no intrinsic value.

Lin Rutian chuckled, "Young Master Ye truly lives up to expectations. Might I be so honored as to extend an invitation for dinner to Young Master Ye?"

Ye Chen's eyes gleamed at this proposition. Jiuqing Mountain, a prominent fixture among the six great factions of the Netherworld, and Lin Rutian, the very scion of Jiuqing Mountain!

Such alliances were precisely what he required at this juncture!

Should he secure the backing of Jiuqing Mountain, he could confidently declare the initial stride towards ascending within the Dark Domain as accomplished!

It was even conceivable that he might swiftly locate Xia Ruoxue.

Naturally, embracing such an association would concurrently introduce immense peril for Ye Chen!

Aligning oneself with an individual like Lin Rutian was never an endeavor devoid of risk!

Yet, Ye Chen found himself without any viable alternative!

He lacked the luxury of time to proceed with meticulous caution and systematic planning. Whatever the inherent dangers, he could only steel himself to face them!

With a subtle smile, Ye Chen replied, "Then it would be impolite to decline."

Upon hearing this affirmation, Lin Rutian cast a discerning glance toward Xu Shenglong.

Perceiving this, Ye Chen addressed Xu Shenglong directly, "Await me here."