Chapter Seventy: Stealing the Spotlight

“What kind of virtue or ability does this young man possess to be worthy of becoming the master of the Divine Physician Yuan?”
“Is this really not a joke? I’ve lived so many years and have never seen anything like this!”
The entire atmosphere of the venue had been utterly ignited by Yuan Hongyu’s earlier words. No one could have imagined that the esteemed Divine Physician Yuan would bow to a young man barely in his twenties as his master.

Many tried desperately to convince themselves that all of this was just Yuan Hongyu playing a prank, simply trying to enliven the mood.
Yet, upon observing Yuan Hongyu’s demeanor and expression, it was clear this was no jest. His awe and reverence for this master were genuine; he regarded this young man with the utmost respect.

Yan Yuanqing knew there was no point in trying to keep a low profile at this moment; every eye in the hall was already fixed upon him, and there was no escape.
He simply stood up, exposing himself fully to the gaze of the crowd.

For a moment, even someone as composed as Yan Yuanqing nearly faltered; the weight of so many stares was almost unbearable.
He felt as if he had become a white mouse in a laboratory, being observed by countless pairs of eyes.

At last, Yan Yuanqing truly understood that the so-called “death by a thousand stares” was not mere fiction.
Someone of weaker character, under such scrutiny, might easily find their composure shattered, their spirit unsettled.

“Master, might I boldly invite you to come to the stage and say a few words? With your level of expertise, even a few casual remarks would no doubt bring immense benefit to today’s forum!”

Every word from Yuan Hongyu revealed his profound admiration for his master. This only deepened everyone’s curiosity: just what extraordinary skills did this young man possess?

Yan Yuanqing sighed softly.
At last, under Yuan Hongyu’s expectant gaze, he ascended the stage and looked out at the multitude of faces below him.

The older faces were unmistakably those who had come to attend the forum, while the younger ones, without exception, were their disciples.
Only Yan Yuanqing, so young, stood alone upon the podium.

He pondered for a moment. Indeed, this was an opportunity to make a name for himself.
Yet, he was not one to seek the limelight excessively; by nature, he preferred to remain understated.

His first thought was to display his Taiyi Divine Needle—just revealing it would suffice; he need not say a word, and he could step down.
But he hesitated, considering the shock such a revelation would cause.
So, he abandoned that idea.

In that case, the “Huangdi’s External Canon” seemed an excellent alternative.

“Such warm hospitality is hard to refuse. Originally, I hadn’t intended to make an appearance at this gathering. But since Hongyu has spoken thus, if I do not step forward now, would I not be dismissing his regard?”

“So, why not hold a free inquiry session right here? If anyone has questions or academic doubts, feel free to ask me anything.”

“No matter the field or topic, I shall answer every question to the best of my ability!”

Yan Yuanqing believed his proposal was unremarkable, but no sooner had he spoken than the audience’s expressions changed dramatically.

Even Yuan Hongyu couldn’t help but reveal a peculiar look. For Yan Yuanqing to make such an offer was tantamount to challenging all the renowned doctors present—singlehandedly.

Since the founding of this forum, no such challenge had ever occurred. After all, few could claim true mastery in so many disciplines.

“Could it be that Master has gone too far?”
Yuan Hongyu couldn’t help but wonder inwardly.
After all, his master was still so young. Were a few words of praise enough to make him lose his sense of proportion?