Lin Xiaotian took the painting from Zheng Laohu, a bright smile appearing on his face. "Even before opening it, I could feel the profound sense of historical vicissitudes emanating from this painting."
As it was opened, a painting sprang into view.
Its craftsmanship and aura were mechanisms that could not be replicated today.
Lin Xiaotian immediately recognized it as the genuine "Ghost Valley Descends the Mountain" painting.
If this painting were to be auctioned, it would likely fetch hundreds of millions.
His gaze shifted to Old Zheng beside him, a smile gracing his lips. "I'm not afraid to tell you the truth, child. This painting is worth a lot, easily hundreds of millions. Although it's a replica, it was meticulously copied from the Tang Dynasty."
"Furthermore, the artist was a renowned master, and the valuation of hundreds of millions is a conservative estimate."
"If you trust me, I can take you to the auction house right now. We have our own auction house under our company. We can auction this painting and transfer the money directly to you, only charging a small commission."
Upon hearing this, the old man shook his head. After experiencing this ordeal, he had come to deeply understand that money wasn't always a good thing; too much of it could even become a curse.
"Little Immortal, you saved my life. I only hope to receive enough for medical expenses to ensure my wife can be discharged from the hospital in good health."
"And then, a little something left for us old folks for our final years. I don't want any more than that. I don't want to go through such an experience again."
His eyes were filled with a profound weariness. When he looked at Zheng Laohu, only a dull gray remained in his gaze.
Lin Xiaotian smiled, "Alright then, let's head to the hospital immediately. Whether it's for hospitalization fees or for me to help with the treatment, we can discuss it then."
Hearing this, Old Zheng's face couldn't hide his excitement. His trust in Lin Xiaotian had reached its zenith, especially after witnessing the speed of Lin Xiaotian's actions earlier, which seemed beyond human capability.
He had lived a long life, and though he hadn't faced major storms, he knew one thing: he had encountered an extraordinary master today.
In such a situation, he wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.
"Little Immortal, I would prefer it if you could help treat my wife."
"You are so powerful; I believe you can diagnose my wife's illness."
Lin Xiaotian's smile widened, "As long as you agree, I can bring back anyone who isn't dead and even help them recuperate, ensuring you both live long and healthy lives."
He wasn't doing this entirely for the painting. This old gentleman clearly harbored a deep-seated fear of money.
This incident had caused him great emotional turmoil, especially the past trauma.
Some wounds couldn't be healed by money alone; a troubled heart needed a remedy for the heart.
Lin Xiaotian's smile returned, "Old sir, let's not waste any more time. Let's hurry to the hospital!"
"I'll hold onto this painting for you for now. Whether you decide to auction it or sell it to me, I won't treat you unfairly."
They drove to the hospital, and in just over ten minutes, they arrived at the entrance of the intensive care unit, where several nurses were waiting.
"Elder Zheng, you're finally here. They're asking you to pay the medical fees quickly, or they'll have to move your wife out of the ICU."
"We're truly sorry, but we've done all we can. The money we've managed to gather isn't even enough for one day's ICU fees."
The head nurse spoke with a look of helplessness. The patient's condition couldn't be treated in a short time, and any surgical intervention would likely incur exorbitant medical costs.
Old Zheng immediately turned to Lin Xiaotian, his eyes pleading, "Little Immortal, please, save my wife!"
"No problem!" Lin Xiaotian agreed without hesitation.
The door to the intensive care unit was open, and inside lay only the elderly woman.
It wasn't a serious condition; he took one look and understood the general situation.
Though the dense death qi on her body was heavy, it hadn't yet encroached upon her heart's pulse.
For him, such an ailment was easily treatable, requiring little more than a single pill.
The head nurse beside him looked at Lin Xiaotian in disbelief. "What did Elder Zheng just call you?"
Lin Xiaotian chuckled, "I've corrected him several times, telling him not to call me 'Little Immortal.'"
"But he just won't listen, insisting on treating me like a deity. I'm quite helpless about it!"
He spread his hands, a broad smile on his face.
The head nurse looked astonished, but her expression quickly turned to anger. "Elder Zheng is already destitute. He's given everything he has to treat his wife, and you swindlers still want to cheat him out of his money?"
"The old man has no more money for you to scam."
Her gaze towards Lin Xiaotian was filled with disbelief. How could this bright and clean-looking young man, who was smiling so warmly, be a swindler?
When her eyes fell upon Li Tian, she felt a surge of disgust.
Lin Xiaotian chuckled, "Big sister, you're all here watching. If I can't cure the old lady, you can still call me a swindler then."
"Right now, I've only agreed to treat her, and I haven't done anything yet. Isn't it a bit too hasty to assume I'm a swindler? What if I cure her in a moment, and she's walking around, wouldn't you all be embarrassed?"
The head nurse was about to retort.
Elder Zheng, however, spoke without hesitation, "I believe that if it weren't for Little Immortal's help today, my old life might truly be over."
"He is incredibly capable, definitely not a swindler."
"And the surgery fees for my wife, this Little Immortal has also agreed to cover. But I am more willing to believe in Little Immortal's abilities."
"He will surely be more capable than the surgeons and directly save my wife."
"None of you should stop us. Whatever happens, I will bear the responsibility. I only trust Little Immortal."
The head nurse looked on with a sense of resignation. She had seen too many such situations.
Sometimes, those swindlers were truly despicable.
At that moment, Lin Xiaotian flipped his wrist, and a pill the size of a thumb appeared in his hand.
"I don't need to do anything right now. Elder Zheng, please feed this pill to your wife. She will wake up within five minutes at most."