STAYING ALIVE CAUTIOUSLY IN THE CELESTIAL REALM AND BECOMING THE STRONGEST

Chapter 818: Chapter 818: Rebound (Part 1)

Mercy World Hall’s rise in Taiwu City was astonishingly fast.

Overnight, the fame of this new medical hall spread through most of the city, especially in the heavily populated Lower City District and Middle City District.

Countless ordinary folks knew that there was such a special medical hall that not only didn’t charge consultation fees but also adjusted the cost of medicine based on one’s financial situation, with the poor paying much less.

What was most important was that the pills dispensed by Mercy World Hall were highly effective. Two or three doses were enough to cure minor ailments or alleviate serious ones. Although they didn’t promise a cure for all diseases, it was enough to make everyone rush there.

Thus, over the next few days, more and more people flocked to Mercy World Hall for medical consultation.

However, the hall only distributed a limited number of tickets daily, and some people would queue overnight in front of the hall in order to secure one.

If it weren’t for the strong martial artists guarding the place, and cultivators residing there, order would have descended into chaos long ago.

As time went on, Mercy World Hall’s fame only grew.

Despite its small scale and the limited number of patients it could tend to each day, its rise inevitably touched the interests within Taiwu City.

“This is utterly without principle!”

“How can they adjust medical fees based on household wealth? It’s preposterous!”

“Free consultations? Then what shall we doctors live on?”

“A disgrace to the profession!”

“Store Manager Zhu, you can’t just stand by and watch.”

“Exactly, exactly!”

In the hall of Rejuvenation Hall, Taiwu City’s largest medical hall, over a hundred people were gathered in a lively discussion, each filled with righteous indignation.

They were physicians and shopkeepers from various medical halls and pharmacies across the city, congregating here mainly to denounce Mercy World Hall.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen!”

A portly man in a brocaded robe sat in the seat of honor, smiling bitterly as he spoke, “I understand everyone’s sentiments, but do you know? Behind Mercy World Hall is the Mo Family…”

This was none other than Store Manager Zhu Fengchun of Rejuvenation Hall.

The Zhu Family, with generations in medicine, had established Rejuvenation Hall, which had a significant reputation. Being a well-known physician himself, he held considerable prestige in Taiwu City’s medical circles.

“So what about the Mo Family!”

Before he could finish, a physician abruptly stood up, slamming the table, “The Zhang Family of Middle City isn’t afraid of them!”

Zhu Fengchun glanced at him speechlessly and continued, “We may not need to fear the Mo Family, but you must understand that the real owner behind Mercy World Hall is not them!”

“This man’s surname is Wang, given name Chen. His origins are quite mysterious. Young as he is, he’s already a Transcendent Immortal Master who has entered the Entry Tao and recently joined the Green Cloud Alliance. Frankly speaking, I, Old Zhu, cannot afford to offend him!”

Instantly, the hall fell silent, and the many physicians and shopkeepers looked at each other.

If Zhu Fengchun could not afford to offend him, then who among them would be willing to do so?

Especially those who did not understand the situation before, were now quickly thinking of retreating.

“To my understanding, currently Mercy World Hall only distributes three hundred tickets a day, mainly treating the commoners. Even without Mercy World Hall, one can’t earn much from them. However…”

Zhu Fengchun stood up, his expression filled with worry, “What I’m concerned about is that this Wang Chen may not be satisfied with just this.”

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was startled.

Mercy World Hall’s small commotion had already affected their interests. Once they expanded on a larger scale, recruited more physicians for consultation, and set up branches, where would they find their livelihood?

Was Zhu Fengchun’s concern reasonable?

Absolutely!

Their businesses were being devoured by Mercy World Hall!

Someone couldn’t help but ask, “Store Manager Zhu, what do you propose we do?”

“Civility before force!”

Zhu Fengchun said in a deep voice, “I’ll first test the waters with Immortal Master Wang; if he can guarantee not to expand the scale of Mercy World Hall, then we might as well turn a blind eye.”

Unless absolutely necessary, who would want to make an enemy of an Immortal Master?

“But what if he doesn’t agree?”

“Doesn’t agree?”

A glint of cold light flashed in Zhu Fengchun’s small eyes, “Then we must stand united. We won’t even need to resort to force; he still needs herbs to refine and sell pills, doesn’t he?”

Everyone suddenly understood and nodded in agreement.

Zhu Fengchun acted swiftly; after reaching a consensus with his peers, he personally rushed to Mercy World Hall the next morning to request an audience with Wang Chen.

After hearing the servant’s report, Wang Chen pondered for a moment and said, “Please have him wait in the side hall; I’ll be there shortly.”

The inevitable had finally arrived!

Soon, he met with Zhu Fengchun in the side hall of Mercy World Hall.

Wang Chen had heard of the Store Manager of Rejuvenation Hall before, but today was the first time he laid eyes on the man himself.

To his surprise, the Store Manager who looked to weigh at least three to four hundred pounds, astonishingly possessed the strength of an Innate level!

Wang Chen had only seen one other Innate practitioner this overweight, probably because the man cultivated some special Cultivation Technique.

Perhaps he could even unleash bursts of power by burning calories!

“I have the honor of meeting Immortal Master Wang.”

In front of the young Wang Chen, Zhu Fengchun was extremely polite, even somewhat humble, his eyes squeezed into mere slits by the fat on his face when he smiled, “I beg your pardon for the impromptu visit today.”

“No need for formalities.”

Wang Chen gestured for the other to sit down and asked bluntly, “Store Manager Zhu, what business do you have with me?”

“Cough cough!”

Zhu Fengchun coughed twice, then said, “Immortal Master Wang, Mercy World Hall provides the poor of Taiwu City with free medical care and medication; I deeply admire that. However, our fellow practitioners in the city have some objections. May I ask if your hall plans to continue expanding?”

“Yes.”

Wang Chen answered without hesitation, “Currently, Mercy World Hall only has five doctors on call, but I plan to recruit more, possibly dozens or even a hundred.”

Zhu Fengchun clearly did not expect such a straightforward response from Wang Chen and, after a moment of shock, he managed a bitter smile, “Immortal Master Wang, you’re cutting off our livelihood!”

“Here’s what we’ll do,”

Wang Chen said with a smile, “Since you’ve come to me seeking resolution, you must have heard about the rules of Mercy World Hall. In light of your visit, I’m willing to modify the rules.”

Zhu Fengchun immediately perked up, “I am eager to hear the details!”

Wang Chen explained, “From now on, our Mercy World Hall will only treat commoners and the impoverished; we will not serve well-off or wealthier families. Is that satisfactory?”

Zhu Fengchun was taken aback.

He had to admit, Wang Chen’s proposal was quite constructive, as a large part of their medical halls’ revenue came from patients who were well-off or wealthier.

But commoners made up the majority!

To let go of such a large slice, Zhu Fengchun felt reluctant just thinking about it, “If it’s only for the poor…”

“Store Manager Zhu!”

Wang Chen’s expression darkened, “My patience has its limits!”

He had already made a significant concession, yet the other party not only showed no gratitude but also wanted more, truly intolerable!

——-

The first update is posted.

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