Matthew had heard rumors about the Afflictan Sect and the 13 Phantom Needles from Nichs and had always been deeply intrigued by the medical sect. He hadn''t expected the sessor to be a woman, which was a surprise to him.


    Ted smiled and said, "You''ve been treating me with needles and bloodletting for three years. Now it''s my turn to give you a needle."


    With that, he reached out and grabbed Renae''s hand. Renae was startled and shrieked. She yanked her hand away from Ted and stepped back.


    She said sharply, "Ted Powell, what are you doing? It''s broad daylight, and there are patients in the yard. You''d better not mess around."


    Ted nced at Matthew and Trevor at the door with clear annoyance. "Dr. Brown isn''t seeing patients today. Leave, now!"


    Matthew''s gaze was cold as he replied, "I''m here to see Dr. Payne. Whether she sees patients or not is none of your business."


    Ted was surprised by that mention. He then replied impatiently, "Marcus is dead. This is his wife. If you''re looking for Dr. Payne, you might as well go to hell."


    "Dead?" Matthew thought, his face reflecting his bewilderment.


    It became clear to him now. Marcus had died, and his wife had likely continued practicing the medical skills she had learned from him.


    He wondered if she had inherited the Afflictan Sect''s legacy. The Afflictan Sect''s token was the Golden Wisdom Pen, while the medical literature was titled Schrly Tradition.


    He could only hope that Renae, who was holding the three-edged needle inside the house, was the one who had inherited them.


    Matthew said coldly to Ted, "In that case, I''ll see Dr. Brown."


    Ted raised an eyebrow and replied, "Dr. Brown isn''t seeing any patients!"


    Before Matthew could respond, Renae spoke up. "I''m seeing patients today. Don''t leave, and don''t pay any attention to his nonsense." Matthew nodded and said, "Understood. I''m not leaving."


    Ted''s face was filled with anger as


    he walked toward the door and said to Matthew, "Get out! I''m in a


    rtionship with her, and we''re


    having a disagreement. If you''


    want to get involved, then just leave quickly!"


    Matthew raised an eyebrow, his fist trembling slightly. He nced at Renae and, worried about frightening her, decided not to do anything.


    He walked into the room, sat on a nearby chair, and gestured for them to continue. "You go ahead. I''m not in a hurry!"


    Ted was instantly enraged and snapped, "Are you trying to cause trouble? Do you know why everyone else left when I came in for a consultation?


    "It''s because my uncle is a district leader, and they don''t want to offend me. I''m going to count to three. If you''re not out by then, don''t me me for being rude! One..."


    A cold glint shed in Matthew''s eyes as he remained seated, not moving.


    Renae, feeling scared, urged Matthew, "Maybe you should leave for now. He... he might actually do something. Come back in half an hour."


    Matthew''s expression darkened as he stood up.


    When Ted saw Matthew standing up to leave, a look of disdain crossed his face. "What a pain. I have to count to three before you''ll finally get out—" Matthew cut him off mid-sentence with a hard p.


    The p made Ted see stars and stagger. When he came to his senses he covered his face and looked at Matthew in disbelief. "You... you dared to hit me? Are you out of your mind?"


    Matthew responded with another sharp p.


    The p knocked Ted back several steps until he hit the wall, bringing him to a stop. He was absolutely furious. Clenching his teeth, he pulled a dagger from his waist and charged at Matthew.


    "You dare p me? I''ll make you pay for that, you worthless piece of trash!"