At The Beginning Of The Novel, The Villain Forced The Protagonist’s Step-Mom To Bear His Children

The Western doctor who had been planted there was waiting for this exact moment.

If Shennong Hall failed to treat the patient, he would swoop in and take her away.

With so many reporters and media outlets present, if Shennong Hall botched the treatment while Western medicine succeeded, it would deal a fatal blow to the clinic's reputation.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

The middle-aged doctor from Shennong Hall glared furiously as the Western medical team rushed into the emergency room and loaded the unconscious girl onto a stretcher.

"What does it look like?"

The Western doctor sneered.

"A medical accident happened in your clinic, and the patient is still unconscious. If TCM can't cure her, we will."

"Unless… you'd rather let her die here?"

His words were a direct insult—implying that TCM was utterly useless.

The Shennong Hall staff were furious.

"Who said we can't cure her?! Head Physician Feng hasn't even treated her yet!"

One of the employees, still unaware that Feng Zixuan had already tried and failed, spoke up indignantly.

The Western doctor smirked.

"Oh? Then why did she come out of the emergency room without saying a word? Face it—she couldn't do anything."

This patient had been specifically chosen for this purpose.

Even with Western medicine, her condition would take weeks to treat.

TCM stood no chance.

"Impossible!"

The Shennong Hall staff turned to Feng Zixuan in disbelief.

To them, she was a legend.

At a time when TCM was being suppressed by Western medicine, and even century-old clinics like Shennong Hall were struggling to survive…

Feng Zixuan had single-handedly revived its reputation.

She could cure almost anything—earning her the title of "Goddess Physician."

Similar incidents had happened before, where Western doctors tried to discredit TCM, but Feng Zixuan had always shut them down effortlessly.

But this time…

Why wasn't she saying anything?

Their hearts sank as Feng Zixuan remained silent.

She had already tried—twice—using the legendary Taiyi Divine Needles, yet the girl still wouldn't wake.

Seeing her hesitation, the Western doctor grinned triumphantly.

"Even your so-called 'Goddess Physician' can't treat her, and you still won't let us take over?"

The Shennong Hall staff fell silent.

Meanwhile, the reporters were ecstatic—this was huge news.

Previous clashes between TCM and Western medicine had always ended in Shennong Hall's favor.

But this time…

The situation was different.

If Western medicine succeeded where TCM failed, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Sir, does this prove Western medicine is superior to TCM? Are you confident you can cure her?"

"Absolutely."

The Western doctor puffed out his chest.

"TCM is just superstition—smoke and mirrors. Western medicine is rooted in science. If TCM can't heal her, we can."

Every word was a deliberate jab at TCM.

The Shennong Hall staff seethed.

"What a load of crap! They'll stoop to any low to discredit us!"

"Western medicine's so great? They just run endless tests and cut you open at the first sign of trouble!"

"And how many medical accidents has Western medicine had? Why single us out?!"

"Are they trying to wipe out TCM entirely? What's their damn problem?!"

Even some patients who had been treated by TCM before spoke up in protest.

But their voices were quickly drowned out.

One reporter asked the Western doctor:

"Some are saying your presence here is part of a deliberate smear campaign against TCM. How do you respond?"

"Ridiculous."

He scoffed.

"A patient of mine told me his friend was duped by TCM's exaggerated claims, so I came to see for myself."

"And what I saw was… disappointing."

"As a professor at Harmony Hospital, I couldn't stand by and let these frauds endanger lives."

The moment he revealed his title as a professor, the reporters buzzed with excitement.

Some turned to Feng Zixuan for a response, but she stayed silent.

She wasn't stupid—this was clearly a setup.

If this man truly cared about the patient, he wouldn't be giving interviews.

He'd be rushing her to the hospital.

After thoroughly humiliating Shennong Hall and TCM, the Western doctor finally left with the patient.

The incident left the remaining patients hesitant.

Who knew if they'd be the next "medical accident"?

Though no one was seeking treatment anymore, the crowd inside the clinic kept growing—most were just there for the drama.

Feng Zixuan's expression was grim.

A storm was coming.

Just as the Shennong Hall staff were struggling to maintain order…

Xu Hao arrived.

The moment the billion-dollar tycoon stepped in, the reporters went wild, scrambling to interview him.

But Xu Hao simply smiled and declined, walking straight into Shennong Hall.

The noisy lobby fell silent.

No one dared to cause trouble in front of him.

With a single remark—"Don't disrupt their business"—the crowd obediently backed off.

(Though they lingered outside, unwilling to miss the scoop.)

"Mr. Xu… I'm afraid you've caught us at an embarrassing moment."

Feng Zixuan greeted him with a bitter smile.

"Miss Feng, what's going on? It seems you've run into some trouble."

Xu Hao feigned ignorance.

As if he hadn't been the one pulling the strings all along.

The subtle familiarity in their exchange made it clear they'd met before.

(Of course, that "coincidental" meeting had been orchestrated by Xu Hao himself.)

They had discussed medical theories, and the conversation had gone… surprisingly well.

He'd first learned about this saintly female lead from Liu Yiran, the police beauty he'd already "conquered."

Turns out, Liu Yiran was the second disciple of the same master as Xu Qingxue (his fourth daughter).

After hearing about Xu Hao's "misdeeds" from her junior sister, Liu Yiran's initial impression of him had been… less than favorable.

But now?

She was already in his pocket.

And Feng Zixuan?

She was the eldest sister of the quartet.

Xu Hao's lips curled slightly as a status panel materialized in his mind.

[Character]: Feng Zixuan

[Identity]: Head of Shennong Hall, "Goddess Physician," Female Lead of "Disciple, You're Already Invincible—Now Go Wreak Havoc on Your Junior Sisters"

[Charm]: 95 (Max 100)

[Strength]: 158 (Hidden Force – Initial Stage)

[Constitution]: 84 (Average: 10)

[Spirit]: 62 (Average: 10)

[Favorability]: 10

Not bad.

His eyes gleamed with a predator's patience.

Another "disciple" to collect.

And this one…

**Might just boost his "attack speed" in more ways than one.

It seemed their last meeting hadn't just dispelled Feng Zixuan's initial dislike—it had even boosted her favorability slightly.

Feng Zixuan let out a bitter laugh.

"Trouble? This is more than just trouble. I feel completely powerless this time."

She quickly explained the situation, including her suspicion that someone had rigged the patient's condition.

Xu Hao feigned surprise.

"What kind of illness was it? Even your Taiyi Divine Needles couldn't cure her?"

Feng Zixuan glanced around—this wasn't the place to discuss medical details.

She invited Xu Hao to her office.

As they walked, she explained further.

She knew Xu Hao was also skilled in medicine—perhaps even more so than her, judging by his insights.

She wanted his opinion.

Maybe he had a solution.

As for the Western doctors taking the patient away?

She didn't care.

Not to sound arrogant, but if even her Taiyi Divine Needles failed, Western medicine stood no chance.

Inside the office, Feng Zixuan brewed tea for Xu Hao.

True to her TCM heritage, her tea ceremony was impeccable.

"Mr. Xu, your medical skills surpass mine. Do you have any ideas for treatment?"

Her eyes shimmered with hope.

Xu Hao took a sip, then spoke calmly.

"The condition you described is unusual, but I'm certain acupuncture can cure it."

He paused.

"If Taiyi Divine Needles didn't work… what about the Nine Celestial Needles?"

Feng Zixuan had been about to take a sip herself.

At his words, her hand jerked—tea splashed onto her clothes.

But she didn't even notice.

Her head snapped up, eyes wide with shock.

"Mr. Xu… what did you just say? You know the Nine Celestial Needles?!"

Her heart pounded.

Why such a strong reaction?

Because she came from the Celestial Medical Sect.

To be precise, her master was a descendant of the sect.

The Celestial Medical Sect was an ancient medical lineage—one that had faded into obscurity over time.

By her master's generation, only two members remained: her master and his senior brother.

After the sect leader's death, the Celestial Medical Sect vanished entirely.

Her master's senior brother disappeared without a trace.

And the Nine Celestial Needles?

That was the sect's ultimate technique—far surpassing the Taiyi Divine Needles.

But it had been lost for decades.

Neither her master nor his senior brother knew the complete method.

Her master had taught her fragments—far more profound than the Taiyi Divine Needles.

So how did a billionaire like Xu Hao know about it?

Struggling to steady her breathing, she asked,

"How… how do you know the Nine Celestial Needles?"

Xu Hao smiled faintly.

"I told you before—I once stumbled upon an ancient medical legacy."

Feng Zixuan barely accepted this explanation.

Her shoulders slumped.

"If we had the complete Nine Celestial Needles, we could definitely cure her. But it's been lost for so long… My master only taught me fragments."

Xu Hao's lips curved.

"I can teach you."

"…What?"

Feng Zixuan froze.

For a moment, her brain refused to process his words.

Then—her pupils dilated in disbelief.

"Mr. Xu… you… you know the complete Nine Celestial Needles?!"

Xu Hao set down his cup and nodded.

Then, he recited key principles of the technique.

Feng Zixuan listened, her jaw slackening.

Every word matched exactly what her master had taught her.

He really knew it.

The lost art of the Celestial Medical Sect.

How was this possible?

A storm of emotions raged inside her.

If Xu Hao knew the Nine Celestial Needles, what did that make her and her master?

Then—a realization struck.

Her eyes lit up with excitement.

"Mr. Xu… could I ask for your help?"

"Go on."

"Please save that patient. If you're willing… I'll do anything in return."

"Anything?"

Xu Hao's gaze swept over her.

Of course, he didn't take her words at face value.

If saving a patient was enough to make a female lead throw herself at him, he wouldn't mind helping.

But he knew better.

This wasn't that kind of world.

So why bother with such a thankless task?

For him, curing the patient was simple—after all, he was the one who poisoned her.

A single antidote would suffice.

"I won't save her."

He shook his head.

"Mr. Xu—!"

Feng Zixuan panicked.

Xu Hao cut her off.

"Miss Feng, think about it. This is clearly a trap set by Western medicine to ruin Shennong Hall."

"Even if I step in, it won't restore your reputation."

Feng Zixuan stiffened.

He was right.

The Western doctor had already given interviews, publicly humiliating TCM and Shennong Hall.

Even if someone cured the patient later, the damage was done.

"But Mr. Xu… that patient is innocent. Please, help her…"

She bit her lip, eyes pleading.

This female lead was too kind-hearted—her "Bodhisattva" nickname wasn't for nothing.

And Xu Hao had counted on that very trait when setting this trap.

If this were someone like Yan Wumei, her reaction would've been:

"Who cares if they die?"

Xu Hao chuckled.

"Didn't I just say? I'll teach you the Nine Celestial Needles. Then you can save her yourself."

"…Huh?"

Feng Zixuan blinked, stunned.

After a long pause, she whispered,

"Mr. Xu… you'd really pass on the Nine Celestial Needles to me?"

This was a priceless treasure—something anyone else would hoard selfishly.

Yet Xu Hao was offering it freely.

It felt unreal.

"Of course. Once you master it, you can cure the patient yourself."

"Not only will you resolve Shennong Hall's crisis, but you'll also elevate TCM's status."

Feng Zixuan's heart raced.

That would be the perfect outcome.

But…

"Mr. Xu, I already have a master."

After a struggle, she forced out the words.

Xu Hao raised an eyebrow.

"What does teaching you a technique have to do with having a master?"

Feng Zixuan stared blankly.

She'd assumed Xu Hao wanted to take her as a disciple in exchange.

Had she misunderstood?

The truth was simpler—

Xu Hao just wanted to get closer to her, harvest emotional energy, and add another "subordinate" to his collection.

What ulterior motives could he possibly have?

Though…

Taking her as a disciple wouldn't be bad either.

It'd add another identity buff—and boost his "attack speed" even further.