The Great Medical Saint

Tony turned to Benedict and reprimanded, "He's a miracle doctor and my savior, Benedict. Why are you getting him arrested? Do you want me dead or what?"

Benedict hurriedly shook his head. "No, it's not like that. You saved my son's life. I'd never want you dead. At that time, I thought he was fooling around. You don't understand. Even the specialists in Khoitwood couldn't treat your condition. Seeing how young he was, I thought there was no way he could help you, so I called the police."

Tony grunted. "You don't know jack shit. Age doesn't matter for medical skills. Let's take the Afflictan Sect's medical expertise for example. If one has mastered the 13 Phantom Needles, one will be considered a great doctor no matter one's age. I bet he's a distinguished doctor in the Afflictan Sect."

With a sheepish look, Benedict turned to Matthew and said, "Sorry, I didn't know any better. I never expected your acupuncture treatment could bring Dr. Carling back to his senses.

"Your skills are truly something else. I'd like to extend my heartfelt apology. Please don't hold my ignorance against me."

Benedict couldn't believe his bad luck, calling the cops on a whim like that. He had basically shot himself in the foot. When they showed up later, he had no idea how he'd explain it.

Matthew had seen plenty of people mess up, but Benedict was the first to apologize so openly. So, he didn't want to pursue the matter. "Looks like the cops are here. You're on your own with this one."

Smiling, Benedict responded, "Alright. Don't worry about it. I'll make sure not to trouble you."

Several villagers familiar with Tony gathered around him, asking all sorts of questions.

Tony looked annoyed. After chatting briefly, he sent them away and led Matthew toward his house. "Come on, let's head back to my place and have some coffee."

Matthew was more than happy to accept Tony's invitation. "I'd love to visit your place and have a chat, but you don't have to go through the trouble of making me coffee."

Tony eagerly held Matthew's hand. "No way. You're my savior, so I've got to serve you the best coffee and treat you to a meal. Do you enjoy spicy food? How about buffalo wings or jalapeño nachos? I'm pretty good at cooking. One way or another, I'm making you my signature dish today."

Tony was so worked up that he was practically spitting as he talked, unlike a typical old man. He grabbed Matthew's hand like he had found his long-lost son. His excitement was clear as day.

Matthew stayed composed. "How about we skip the meal?"

Tony turned down the idea right away. "That's not happening. You saved my life."

Matthew shook his head. "All I did was clear your mind. I won't go as far as calling it saving your life."

Tony excitedly added, "Living like a madman, I was nothing but a walking corpse. Bringing me back to my senses is as good as you saving my life. I have to make you a proper meal to show my gratitude. Look at that. My house is right up there. Come on in. My best dishes are

baked cod and salmon filet..."

As Tony spoke, he arrived at the front gate and reached out to push the rusty iron gate.

Seeing Tony's enthusiasm, Matthew went along with it. "Alright. If you insist, I'll gladly take you up on the offer and join you for a meal."

With a creak, the iron gate wobbled as it opened.

Upon hearing Matthew agree, Tony grinned and stated, "I'm quite particular with

my cooking. I handpicked the fish myself..."

Tony trailed off halfway through his sentence.

The expression on his face froze, and his eyes were open. He stared in disbelief

at the scene in the yard. Matthew was taken aback as well.noveldrama

Rotting branches and leaves were all over the yard, whereas spider webs filled every corner. Various empty bottles and old cardboard boxes were tossed all over the ground, leaving almost no space to walk in the yard.

A faint trail ran from the middle of the yard to the house, worn into the ground over

the years. It was barely enough to even call it a path.

Feeling awkward, Tony turned to

Matt stated, "I'm afraid I

can't

vel

my word. Given the

situation, I don't think I have any ingredients at home."