The people surrounding them burst into laughter upon hearing his words.
This kid is spouting nonsense; he's beyond saving. We heard Mr. Shen has abstained from killing for a year out of devotion to Buddhism. It looks like today will be the day he breaks his vow!
Shen Xuanran was also panicked. What's wrong with Jiang Ce? I only said a few words to him, was it necessary to curse someone? This won't do. A man of such exceptional talent absolutely cannot be ruined by my father in a fit of rage.
"Father…" Shen Xuanran tried to plead for Jiang Ce.
But it was too late. Shen Fuli suddenly seized Jiang Ce by the shoulder. Yet, his expression held not a hint of anger, only alarm!
"Lad… no, Friend Jiang, please, let's talk upstairs!"
Shen Xuanran was dumbfounded, and the onlookers were equally baffled. What was happening?
Without further explanation, Shen Fuli hurriedly escorted Jiang Ce upstairs to a private, soundproof room, with Shen Xuanran quickly following. Upon entering, she saw that Shen Fuli was extremely agitated.
"How did you know about my illness? Aside from my most trusted confidants, not even my own daughter is aware."
Shen Xuanran was instantly stunned. "Ah? Father, you're really sick?"
"That's right. For the stability of the Lionheart Association, I haven't told a single soul." Shen Fuli looked at Jiang Ce with a peculiar expression. "Friend Jiang, how exactly did you find out?"
Jiang Ce appeared unaffected. "The face reflects one's inner state, and there are always clues to follow. Your illness is written all over your face. Isn't it obvious at a glance?"
Shen Fuli took a deep breath. He understood now; he had met a true master today.
Recalling his earlier actions, Shen Fuli shook his head. "Xuanran, this friend of yours is named… Jiang Ce, correct?"
"Friend Jiang, I was presumptuous just now. I hope you can forgive me."
"To be frank, this illness has tormented me for nearly a year. I've consulted countless renowned doctors to no avail. Since you saw through it at a glance, you must be a reclusive medical prodigy. If you can cure me, I will reward you handsomely!"
Shen Xuanran's expression was a mixture of shock and delight. She was shocked that her father had been gravely ill for a year without her knowing. She was delighted because now, her father would finally see Jiang Ce's true abilities!
"Heh," Jiang Ce chuckled, his expression unreadable. "Don't be so modest. Weren't you just calling me a worthless bum? How could I possibly be qualified to treat you? Mr. Shen had best find someone more capable."
This man certainly holds a grudge, Shen Fuli thought, his face flushing with embarrassment.
"Uh… well, Friend Jiang, a man must own up to his actions. I was indeed in the wrong just now, and I apologize. How about this? I'll stand right here and let you strike me three times with a whip. That should be enough to vent your anger, wouldn't you agree?"
Shen Fuli actually stripped off his shirt, tore a chain from a nearby fixture, and handed it to Jiang Ce, presenting himself with a righteous, unflinching air.
This famous Underground Emperor is surprisingly earnest, Jiang Ce thought, amused. But since the other party had gone to such lengths, Jiang Ce, not being one to hold petty grievances, saw no reason to make things more difficult. Besides, this was Shen Xuanran's father.
Seeing her father like this, Shen Xuanran rushed over, hastily clutching Jiang Ce's arm with a pitiful look. "Jiang Ce, my dad's getting on in years, don't stoop to his level."
The instant Shen Xuanran tried to rub up against him again, Jiang Ce saw the fire in Shen Fuli's eyes and quickly pulled his hand away. If she keeps this up, Shen Fuli is actually going to kill me.
"Mr. Shen, you're being too serious. I just wanted to remind you not to underestimate anyone."
"Since you're showing sincerity, I'll demonstrate my own as well."
"I knew you were the best!" Shen Xuanran gave a charming smile, but Jiang Ce still couldn't evade the brush of her ample chest.
Shen Fuli's face beamed with excitement. "Excellent! You're really my kind of person. For this treatment, successful or not, I'm willing to be your friend!"
Jiang Ce nodded indifferently. "Mr. Shen, please lie down."
"Sure! Do you need a scalpel, silver needles, or anything like that? I'll have someone bring them right away!"
"No need. You just have to lie down. You can leave the shirt off."
Shen Fuli looked bewildered but still lay down on the couch as Jiang Ce instructed. Having witnessed Jiang Ce's treatment methods before, Shen Xuanran suddenly blushed.
"Lie still, Mr. Shen, and breathe evenly."
After saying this, Jiang Ce stepped forward and placed his hand on Shen Fuli's abdomen, slowly transferring his Inner Strength.
Watching a man press his hands all over him while muttering something with closed eyes, Shen Fuli couldn't help but wear a strange expression. After glancing at his daughter and receiving an affirmative nod, he could only grit his teeth and bear it. This treatment method… is certainly novel.
As streams of Inner Strength flowed into Shen Fuli's body, Jiang Ce activated his spiritual vision and confirmed the man's condition. To his surprise, Shen Fuli's affliction was exactly the same as Shen Xuanran's! Both were poisoned, but the toxin accumulation in Shen Fuli was far more severe than in his daughter.
As a thought occurred to him, a serious look flashed in Jiang Ce's eyes.
Jiang Ce said, "I need a basin of water and a towel."
"Okay." Shen Xuanran immediately complied, having someone bring the items over.
Jiang Ce took the towel, wet it, wrung it into a rope, and then tied it around Shen Fuli's neck.
"This next part might hurt a bit. I need you to hold your breath and tense all your muscles. The towel around your neck will get tighter and tighter. You must hold on until the treatment is complete."
"Mm!" Shen Fuli nodded, his expression resolute, signaling he was prepared.
Even so, the next moment he couldn't help but let out a piercing scream.
"ARGH!!"
Jiang Ce struck Shen Fuli's chest with his palm and shouted, "Hold your breath!"
Enduring the pain, Shen Fuli quickly clamped his mouth shut, his face turning red from the effort. Jiang Ce then had Shen Xuanran continue to tighten the towel around her father's neck.
It was a good thing no one else was present. If anyone saw this, they'd think Shen Xuanran had brought her new boyfriend to commit patricide for the family inheritance.
As the towel tightened, Shen Fuli began to experience extreme oxygen deprivation, his skin turning a dark purple.
Jiang Ce let out a low shout. Holding two fingers together like a sword, he quickly jabbed several of Shen Fuli's acupoints—Baihui, Yutang, and Zhongting. As he did, Shen Fuli's entire body gradually turned the same shade of purple, making him look like a dying man.
"Jiang… Jiang Ce, I'm not going to strangle my dad to death, am I?!"
"Don't worry, this is normal. A little more pressure!"
Hearing Jiang Ce's words, Shen Xuanran could only grit her teeth and exert more force.
At this, Shen Fuli could no longer bear the suffocation. He began to claw at the towel, a desperate, dying growl rasping in his throat. "Let… let me go! Help!"
Seizing the opportune moment, Jiang Ce's energy surged as he decisively pressed a finger onto the Lingxu Acupoint on Shen Fuli's chest. The dark purple discoloration visibly gathered, like little worms crawling toward the spot where his finger was pressed.
In an instant, a black, thumb-sized pustule swelled up on the spot!
"Bring me a knife!"
"A knife? Wait!"
Shen Xuanran immediately flipped up her skirt, revealing a fair thigh.
Jiang Ce looked on, momentarily speechless. The Gangsters' princess certainly lives up to her name. Even in a formal gown, she has a dagger strapped to her thigh.