Chapter 44 The Wager " You little brat , what did you just say ? " : พร นี Finished Raymond had a frigid expression , while his tone was chilly . As a renowned doctor in Mornwick , he treated countless difficult and complex illnesses , curing them all with his impeccable skill . He was indisputably the top healer in the region , second only to his master . No one could surpass his medical prowess . In Mornwick , everyone treated him with the utmost respect. Even the head of the Halloway family , the most powerful clan in the province , would bow before him , bending over backward to please him . Yet here stood a boy who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere , claiming that he couldn't cure William ? " I'm just stating the facts . Why get so worked up ? " Leander's voice was calm and indifferent . " Your medical skills are decent , but his father's illness isn't something that can be cured by medical expertise alone ." Raymond chose to ignore Leander's words , turning directly to Gale instead . " Who is this kid , Mr. Halloway ? Is he one of yours ? " Gale felt a bit awkward as he shook his head . " Dr. John , this is Mr. Ashcroft , a guest of honor in our family and my daughter Ivy's savior . " Upon hearing this , Raymond let out a sneering laugh . " You addressed him as such ? Has that title become so easy to earn that even a wet - behind - the - ears kid can claim it ? " One must possess extraordinary abilities , master the teachings of the ancients , and serve as a mentor to others to deserve such a title . Mr. Halloway , you've been running the family for six or seven years now . Do you not understand this basic principle ? " His dissatisfaction was palpable as he halted in his tracks . " Out of respect for our families ' relationship , I agreed to descend the mountain to help treat your father . Do you think just about anyone can summon me ? Yet , the moment I arrive , a nobody dares to insult me . If that's the case , I won't treat your father . Go find someone else . " With that , Raymond turned on his heel , ready to leave . Gale , feeling panic rising within him , rushed forward to block his path , bowing in a desperate plea . " Dr. John , Mr. Ashcroft didn't mean it that way . Please , I beg you to show mercy and save my father ! " " Hmph ! " Raymond snorted coldly , pointing directly at Leander . " I'll save him , but only if this 1/7 10:20 Sat Oct 11 Photo 44 The Vagon # Diniched kid leaves I don't care if he's your benefactor or not . If he takes one more step inside the Halloway family's home , I won't lift a finger to help ! " " This ... " Gale froze on the spot , ensnared in an impossible dilemma . He desperately needed to save his father's life , which meant he couldn't let Raymond leave , Leander was a guest of honor , having saved Ivy's life , though . How could he justify forcing Leander out of the family home ? As Gale's expression twisted in helpless indecision , Leander suddenly broke the silence . " Is this the extent of a great healer's composure and character ? You don't need to put Mr. Halloway in a difficult position . If you believe my words were meant to insult you , why don't we make a wager ? " Leander's gaze shifted to the jade pendant hanging from Raymond's neck . " If you can cure Mr. Halloway's father , I'll let you decide what happens to me . But if you can't ... " The challenge hung in the air , heavy with tension . Raymond slowly turned his head , a vicious smile spreading across his face . " You want to bet with me ? " He erupted into loud laughter , a sinister glint in his eyes . Then , he nodded firmly , his grin brimming with malice . " Fine , boy . I'll accept it . Let's just hope that when I make you crawl beneath my feet , you won't go back on your word ! " Leander shrugged nonchalantly . " With Mr. Halloway as a witness , what's there to worry about ? " Raymond waved his sleeve with an air of authority , his voice booming . " Mr. Halloway , lead the way . " He spoke with such arrogance , convinced he had everything under control . Having followed his master for over twenty years and honed his healing skills for more than a decade , he had encountered every ailment imaginable . Even cancer , the deadliest illness in the world , had a seventy percent chance of being cured by him . In his mind , not even the legendary doctors of old could outshine him That this unknown boy dared to question his abilities was not merely an insult to him ; it was a direct affront to the master who had taught him . How could he tolerate such humiliation ? He would cure William and crush Leander until there was nothing left of him . Gale led Raymond to the room where William lay , with Leander following closely behind . 211 19:29 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 44 The Wager : 2 Finished William lay motionless on the bed , his body frigid , a thin layer of frost faintly covering his face . His breathing was shallow , and his consciousness had all but faded , leaving him trapped in a world of darkness . Ivy , standing nearby , quietly wiped away her tears , her heart heavy with concern . Dylan's eyes were red with worry , reflecting the distress that filled the room . When they saw Raymond enter , they hurried forward , urgency in their voices . " Dr. John , you've finally arrived ! Please , save my grandfather ! " Ivy exclaimed , recognizing Raymond immediately from their previous encounter . Her voice trembled with emotion . " Miss Ivy . " Upon seeing the radiant and youthful beauty before him , a flicker of desire ignited deep within Raymond's eyes . " Don't worry ; I'll save Old Mr. Halloway ." He reached out his rough hand as if to help Ivy rise , but instead , he seized the moment to stroke her hand gently . Startled , Ivy jerked her hand away as if in shock , a flush of discomfort rising to her cheeks . Suddenly , the rumors that had long swirled around Raymond resurfaced in her mind . Whispers echoed about his unmatched medical skills and his lecherous nature , a man constantly drawn to the allure of young women . Many had fallen victim to his wandering hands , leaving a trail of hurt and betrayal . Gale stood nearby , witnessing the scene unfold but choosing to remain silent . The Halloway family was in a vulnerable position, and they desperately needed Raymond's expertise . Earlier , he had made a promise to Raymond - if he successfully cured William , he would offer his daughter's hand in marriage as payment . This pact had ultimately convinced Raymond to come to their aid . Though Ivy was precious to Gale , the significance of William to the family far outweighed her value . Gale felt trapped , forced to agree to terms he would otherwise find unacceptable . Raymond greedily eyed Ivy , his gaze lingering on her until an uncomfortable chill ran down her spine . Only then did he turn his attention to the bed , approaching to examine William's condition . He closed his eyes , assuming the demeanor of a revered master . With a practiced touch , he placed his hand on William's wrist , feeling for a pulse . His eyes snapped open after only a few seconds , radiating confidence . " Mr. Halloway , Old Mr. Halloway has been poisoned by cold energy . " 3/7 19:29 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 44 The Wager Finished Upon hearing this , Gale , Dylan , and Ivy exchanged glances , their hearts swelling with hope . In mere moments , Raymond had diagnosed the cause of William's ailment - an impressive feat that had cluded previous doctors . And since Raymond had identified the source of the problem , surely , he could provide a cure . " Dr. John , please , save my father ! Whatever materials you need , just say the word , and I'll have someone gather them immediately ! " Gale bowed , desperation lacing his tone . Raymond waved his hand dismissively , his confidence unshaken . " There's no need for such trouble . To save him , all I require is a silver needle , and his illness will be gone ." As he spoke , his gaze shifted to Leander , a challenge glimmering in his eyes . " Kid , do you remember what you said earlier ? " In that fleeting moment , Gale shifted his gaze toward Leander , a subtle wave of displeasure stirring within him . He had expected Leander to possess genuine skills , yet his hopes were dashed . Leander seemed to be nothing more than a façade of bravado , filled with empty boasts . To make matters worse , he had even attempted to hinder Gale from bringing Raymond along , nearly jeopardizing his father's treatment . With a quiet resolve , Gale decided that this dinner would mark the end of any association with Leander . He would ensure that Leander was blacklisted from the Halloway family , discarding all previous notions of allying with him . Raymond's expression sharpened , revealing his already - formed disdain for Leander's insignificance . Despite the tension , Leander maintained his composure , reclining in his chair with one leg casually crossed over the other . " Let's see what happens once you're finished treating him , " he remarked, his tone steady and unruffled . Raymond sneered in response but chose to hold his tongue . He placed his medical kit at his side . Then , with a firm slap to the box , it sprang open , revealing a roll of gray cloth that he deftly unwrapped . Inside , silver needles of various lengths and thicknesses glimmered in the dim light . With nimble fingers , he selected one , then retrieved a candle from his kit . After striking a match to ignite the wick , he uncorked a bottle of medicinal alcohol , tilting it slightly to let the liquid flow out . In a swift motion , he drew his hand back , allowing the alcohol to meet the flickering flame , and a brilliant stream of fire erupted . With surgical precision , Raymond guided the needle through the flame before deftly piercing it into William's chest and abdomen . 4/7 19:29 Sat , Oct Chapter 44 The Wager 39 Finished The entire procedure unfolded in mere seconds , his movements intricate and mesmerizing to behold . As the first needle settled into place , several seasoned doctors in the vicinity exchanged astonished glances , their expressions shifting to one of disbelief and admiration . " I - Is that the legendary trispike needles ? " one of the oldest doctors exclaimed , his hair a cascade of white that spoke of many years spent in the pursuit of healing . His eyes glimmered with fervor as though he had stumbled upon a rare treasure . His lips quivered with excitement as he spoke . " Dr. Ross , what did you just say ? What are trispike needles ? " Ivy inquired , unable to suppress her curiosity . Dr. Ross , brimming with admiration , replied with a tone of reverence , " The trispike needles are an extraordinary acupuncture technique , one of the most enigmatic methods known to mankind . No other technique can rival its prowess ." " The Divine Farmer created this technique . It utilizes fire to control the needle , allowing it to pierce three inches into the bone . Remarkably , regardless of the ailment's complexity , only three needles are needed for treatment . " Legends claim if the trispike needles are executed flawlessly , they could even bring the dead back to life , regenerating flesh on the bone . I never imagined I would witness the world's most powerful acupuncture technique today . " As Dr. Ross ' words echoed through the room , the Halloway family felt a surge of elation . With Raymond wielding such astonishing skill , it was destined for William's illness to be cured . Hearing someone recognize his trispike needles , Raymond allowed a smirk to play at the corners of his lips . He refocused his attention , placing two more needles with practiced precision , his fingers gently twisting them into place . Minutes later , he withdrew the needles , carefully rolling them back into the cloth , and rose to his feet . " Old Mr. Halloway is fine now . Ensure that light meals are prepared for him with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables . Do this three times a day . In a week , his vitality will be fully restored . " Gale and the others rushed forward to assess the situation , and indeed , the frost that had once enveloped William's body had dissipated , revealing a complexion imbued with a healthy rosiness . He looked peaceful , free from pain , and his pulse and heartbeat had returned to normal levels . " It's a miracle ! This is truly miraculous ! " they exclaimed . Several older doctors quickly bowed to Raymond , treating him with a reverence usually reserved for deities . The illness that had baffled them all had vanished with just three needles 517 19:29 Sat , Oct 11 Chapter 44 The Wager from Raymond's skilled hands . If he wasn't a god , then what could he possibly be ? 39 ) Finished " Thank you , Dr. John , for saving my father . Your kindness and skill will never be forgotten by the Halloway family . Please , allow me to offer my deepest bow ! " Gale declared , his voice filled with respect as he prepared to grovel before Raymond . However , Raymond raised his hand to stop him . " No need for that , Mr. Halloway . Just fulfill the condition I mentioned before , and that will suffice as payment for treating him ." Gale froze at Raymond's words , his face stiffening momentarily . Yet , he ultimately nodded in understanding . The Halloway family had built its reputation in Mornwick on a foundation of honor , and they could not afford to break their word . He resolved to speak with Ivy later , planning to discuss the matter carefully . Raymond reveled in the cascade of praise , his face glowing with pride . The very thought of marrying Ivy and sharing intimate nights with such a beautiful , pure woman lifted him to an ethereal state as if he were floating on air . Surrounded by admiration , he turned his gaze to Leander , looking down on him with palpable condescension . " Kid , I've cured Old Mr. Halloway's illness . Now , as per our bet , I expect you to crawl under my legs and roll out of the Halloway Residence ! " he proclaimed , a cruel glint in his eyes . " If you dare to renege on your word , don't blame me for being ruthless , regardless of your status ! " His tone dripped with malice , and the atmosphere around him grew cold and oppressive . Even Ivy and the others couldn't help but shiver under the weight of his chilling aura . Gale remained silent , acutely aware that Leander had made the bet on his terms . Now that Raymond was demanding his due , there was little he could do to intervene . Leander , however , leaned back in his chair , his demeanor calm and untroubled . " You think you've cured him , huh ? " he asked , a soft chuckle escaping his lips . He shook his head , gesturing toward William , who lay on the bed . " Are you confident about that ? " Raymond's eyes narrowed as he followed Leander's pointed finger . To his shock , William , who had just regained color in his face and whose frost had disappeared , now appeared deathly pale once more . The frost had returned , thicker than before , nearly transforming William into an ice sculpture . At the sight , terror gripped the Halloway family , leaving them frozen in place . They exchanged frantic glances , disbelief etching itself into their features . As for Raymond , who had been brimming with confidence just moments ago , his face turned ashen . Disbelief swirled in his eyes like a tempest . " How is this possible ? " he muttered , struggling to comprehend the sudden reversal .