The emergency ward was in chaos.
A pale young man lay on the hospital bed, his body trembling uncontrollably.
His breathing was shallow, his heartbeat irregular, alarms screaming nonstop.
"Late-stage liver cancer."
"Multiple organ failure."
"Internal bleeding."
Doctors crowded around, yet no one dared to move.
"This patient won't survive the night," someone whispered.
The family stood frozen at the door, faces filled with despair.
At that moment, Lin Chen walked in.
The noise seemed to fade as he approached the bed.
He placed two fingers on the patient's wrist.
Pulse—
chaotic, broken, on the verge of collapse.
Lin Chen closed his eyes briefly.
The system panel appeared.
---
[Patient Scan Complete.]
Name: Xu Ming
Condition: Terminal-stage liver cancer
Hidden Issue: Blood Meridian Collapse
Estimated Survival: 27 minutes
---
Twenty-seven minutes.
Lin Chen's eyes opened sharply.
"Clear the room."
Dr. Wang laughed coldly.
"You want to take responsibility for this?"
"This patient is already beyond saving."
"If he dies, can you afford the consequences?"
Lin Chen didn't even look at him.
"If I don't act—"
"He dies anyway."
Director Liu hesitated for only a second.
"…Do as Doctor Lin says."
The ward fell silent.
Lin Chen took out a silver needle case.
His hands were steady.
No hesitation.
No doubt.
This was not surgery.
This was domination over life and death.
---
He inserted the first needle.
The patient convulsed violently.
Gasps erupted.
Dr. Wang sneered. "Look at him—he's accelerating the end."
Lin Chen remained calm.
"First needle—stabilize the meridians."
Second needle.
Third needle.
Sweat rolled down Lin Chen's forehead.
[Divine Needle Technique — Beginner Level Active.]
The heart monitor flickered.
Beep—
Beep—
The patient's breathing slowed.
Color returned faintly to his lips.
The room went silent.
Impossible.
This was a patient already declared dead.
---
Suddenly—
The door burst open.
A man in a black suit strode in, his eyes sharp as knives.
"Stop this immediately!"
"Who authorized this procedure?"
Dr. Wang seized the chance.
"Vice Director Chen!"
"This intern is performing illegal treatment!"
Vice Director Chen turned his gaze toward Lin Chen.
Cold. Appraising.
"If this patient dies—"
"I'll personally make sure you lose your medical license."
Lin Chen didn't turn around.
His voice was calm.
"Three minutes."
"If you interrupt me—"
"He dies on the spot."
The room froze.
The countdown had begun.
---