"Grandpa, did I... did I just space out?" Xena furrowed her brows, feeling like something had been off previously. However, she couldn't quite put her finger on it. It all felt very strange.

Curtis took a step forward. "Come on, let's talk about it when we get back. I've already

made

up my mind.

He understood how much his father sacrificed for this marriage arrangement. Felix's master was such a powerful figure. However, they still needed to consider the realities of the present world. Still, Curtis swore not to disappoint his father. As soon as Felix stepped off the plane in Yartford, someone came up to greet him.

"Mr. Zeller, I'm with the headquarters of the Traditional Medicine Association. You can call me Howard. If you need anything today or tomorrow, just let me know."

Felix nodded. "Thanks for your help, Howard."

Howard Xavier, who was relatively young, was genuinely surprised by Felix's demeanor. Felix was the last of the nine young, renowned doctors to arrive. The others had already gotten there.

A member from the Traditional Medicine Association headquarters was assigned to greet each of them. The private group chat of the ushers was full of complaints as the doctors were either arrogant or had a bad attitude.

However, the fact that they were selected from all over the country proved their skills in traditional medicine, so a bit of pride was to be expected.

It seemed there was only one other person whose attitude was as polite as Felix's-a

woman.

"Mr. Zeller, do you have any dietary restrictions?" Howard asked while walking, sensing that Felix seemed approachable enough for small talk.noveldrama

"No, just arrange whatever you see fit. The competition is in the afternoon, right?"

"Yes, and you are free to do as you wish in the evening," Howard replied. There was something he didn't mention. Out of the nine participants, only one would emerge as the winner.

The eight who lost could either stay to watch the next day's competition against the modern medicine practitioners from Guneria or leave. It was up to them. So far, no one could say for sure who would win.

"Is there someone among us who's considered the favorite?" Felix asked.

Howard hesitated for a moment before speaking up. If Felix had been like those arrogant. doctors, he wouldn't have dared say a word.

"Well, the one getting the most attention right now is a woman named Zara Morgan. Rumor has it that she's a disciple of Silas Grayson, but who knows if it's true."

Felix knew that name. Silas Grayson was the second-best master healer in Dragonia. Anyone talented enough to become his disciple must have been incredibly gifted, so it made sense that she would be so highly regarded. Just then, Howard's phone buzzed with a call. Without checking who it was, he hung up. Since he was in the middle of an important task of welcoming a VIP, he couldn't afford any mistakes.

He couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated. Ever since he started studying traditional medicine, he had even fewer friends, and his phone rarely rang. He hadn't bothered setting it to silent, which led to his current situation. However, less than ten seconds later, his phone buzzed again.

"Go ahead and take it. I'm just an ordinary person. It might be something important," Felix said.

Hearing that, Howard finally pulled out his phone. Seeing that it was his mom calling, he hesitated momentarily before answering.

"I'm busy right now, Mom! What's going-What? How dare he? That bastard!"

After hanging up, Howard's face darkened, and he pressed down on the accelerator.

"Trouble at home?" From the backseat, Felix didn't need to look at Howard's expression to figure out the general situation.

"N-No, it's nothing, Mr. Zeller. I'll take you to the headquarters of the Traditional Medicine Association first."