Chapter 2 The Legacy of Taoist Medicine

• Michael felt his strength drain away completely.
• He couldn't even stand anymore; he collapsed to his knees beside the trolley.
• With trembling hands, he lifted the white cover ...
• Seeing his fragile sister, tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.
• "Sally, why did you do this? Why ...
• "Why didn't you perform the surgery on her? Why ...
• "Did it have to come to this? Is money really more important?"
• The middle-aged doctor, visibly irritated, shot back, "This hospital isn't a charity. You already owe us thousands. Do you expect us to keep losing money? Pay your debt, or we'll have to keep her in the morgue, which will accrue more fees!"
• Michael looked up at the doctor in the white coat, whose expression was devoid of compassion.
• The supposed benevolent figure was heartless.
• Nevertheless, Michael shook his head while sighing.
• He knew the hospital had already been exceptionally patient with his debt.
• Reluctantly, Michael unclasped the pendant from around his neck and handed it to the doctor.
• "This is a family heirloom. See how much it's worth. It's all I have left."
• With no family left, he felt like there was no reason to go on. Keeping the pendant served no purpose.
• Giving it to the hospital was the least he could do to settle his debts.
• As he handed over the pendant, memories of his deceased mother flooded his mind.
• Before she passed, she had entrusted him with caring for Sally and safeguarding the family heirloom.
• Now, he had failed on both counts.
• "Mom, I'm sorry. I let you down ... "
• Grasping the pendant tightly, he felt utterly defeated.
• In his sorrow, Michael didn't notice the sharp edge of the tapered pendant piercing his skin.
• Blood flowed freely ...
• But not a drop fell to the ground; it all soaked into the pendant!
• Suddenly, Michael heard a loud buzzing in his head.
• His vision blurred, and he collapsed onto Sally's trolley.
• An ancient voice echoed in his mind.
• "I am Timothy Shephard. I have concealed the secrets of Taoist medicine within this stone. In times of need, the heir of the Shephards will unlock its wisdom. Embrace my legacy and protect our lineage!"
• A series of images flashed before his eyes.
• Though numerous, they imprinted on his mind in seconds, as if they were his own memories.
• When Michael opened his eyes again, he felt transformed.
• He sensed a potent energy three inches below his navel ...
• But he had no time to dwell on this newfound power.
• He detected a faint pulse still within Sally!
• This meant Sally was alive!
• Michael swiftly applied pressure to several points on Sally's body, preserving what remained of her life force.
• As he prepared to save Sally, his phone rang.
• An unfamiliar voice rang out.
• "Michael? The money has been transferred. Use it to save your sister, but there's a condition. You must agree to divorce Sophia."
• Michael paused, then demanded sternly, "Who are you?"
• The voice chuckled. "I'm with Sophia at a hotel. She's in the shower. Any guesses who I am?
• "Divorce her or lose your sister—your choice. I'm going to enjoy my time with Sophia. Haha!
• "By the way, thanks for keeping her pure during your five years of marriage; it will make my experience all the more perfect."
• The call ended abruptly.
• Michael stood there, stunned.