The abbess had never expected things to escalate to this point. While An An's health had been poor and she had refused to eat for a few days, her condition had largely recovered after the recent care and treatment. Even the veterinarian had said that with proper rest and avoiding any strange food, An An would be fine within five days. Just moments ago, An An had seemed perfectly fine; how could her condition have worsened so suddenly? She couldn't understand it, truly.
However, as the saying goes, illness strikes like a mountain collapsing. One can fall ill in an instant, and it's the same for cats. Illness doesn't give you advance notice. Seeing An An vomiting and having diarrhea, the abbess was extremely worried. But if she were to call the veterinarian now, and then wait for them to drive from the city, climb the mountain, it would take at least two to three hours. For a minor ailment, two to three hours would be insignificant. The problem was, An An seemed to be critically ill! Judging by An An's state, she could barely endure another second, let alone two to three hours.
"What do I do? What should I do?" The abbess was completely panicked. Despite her usual dignified and composed demeanor, she had only ever practiced meditation and chanted scriptures; she had no experience with crises, let alone handling such a thorny situation. It was easy to guide others, but when it happened to herself, it became difficult.
Master Hui Jing urged her, "Sister, what are you doing? Hurry, go call the veterinarian! An An looks really bad, she can't hold on!"
Lu Ming chuckled and offered, "It's too late. Judging by the condition of that tabby cat, she won't last ten minutes. By the time the vet arrives, they'll only be able to collect the body."
"You shut up!!!" Master Hui Jing lost her composure, unable to accept that someone would say her cat was going to die.
Lu Ming ignored her and walked over, squatting down. He pointed at the cat and said, "Is it enjoyable to deceive yourself? Master Hui Jing, look at An An's state. Don't you know what's happening?"
Hui Jing gritted her teeth, both angry and pained.
An opportunity presented itself! Lu Ming calmly stated, "Master Hui Jing, I can save An An."
"What?" Hui Jing looked at Lu Ming in surprise, her initial joy turning to doubt. "You can save An An? How? Are you a veterinarian?"
Lu Ming replied, "I have also studied medicine, and I can save both people and cats."
Master Hui Jing was overjoyed. "Then quickly save An An, hurry!"
Lu Ming waved his hand and smiled, "I'm sorry, Master Hui Jing, but I have long since retired from worldly affairs and no longer concern myself with the mortal realm. An An is your cat, your business, it's the mortal realm, and I don't wish to be involved. Not only do I not wish to be involved, but it's best if you, Master Hui Jing, also don't involve yourself, as it will hinder your cultivation."
This... was rather awkward! Lu Ming's words were sharp, unforgiving, and he had used Hui Jing's own earlier refusal against her! It sounded quite reasonable.
Jiang Mengxin, standing nearby, wanted to laugh but dared not, fearing she would displease Master Hui Jing. In fact, Master Hui Jing was already displeased. She wasn't stupid; she understood the implication behind Lu Ming's words.
"Hmph!" Master Hui Jing snorted coldly and said icily, "You really hold grudges. Fine, you won't save her, and I won't ask you! If An An passes away, it will only mean her time has come, and there's nothing I can do. Everything is destined by heaven."
Lu Ming smiled, "Master, aren't you being too absolute? I never said I wouldn't save her."
Master Hui Jing was almost ready to curse. Didn't you just say you wouldn't concern yourself with the mortal realm? Now you say you will save her, what do you mean?
Lu Ming directly stated, "Master Hui Jing, you know my intentions very clearly. I merely want to discuss some matters with you. If you can help me, I will help you."
Blackmail! This was blatant blackmail! Master Hui Jing said, "Heh heh, you want to use saving An An to blackmail me, to make me help you deal with my son, to make my son retreat his troops? You're dreaming! If you want me to do these things, I would rather An An die than beg you!"
Truly resolute. She would rather watch her cat die than go down the mountain with Lu Ming. It had to be said, this old woman had a truly stubborn temper. It wasn't surprising; after all, she had abandoned her young son Zhang Ying years ago to become a nun on the mountain, which showed how stubborn she was, like a bull. Once she made up her mind, there was no changing it. Perhaps Master Hui Jing felt guilty towards her son, which was why she was unwilling to go down the mountain with Lu Ming.
However, this was all within Lu Ming's calculations! Lu Ming smiled faintly and said, "Master Hui Jing, aren't you suspecting a gentleman with a villain's heart? When did I ever say I wanted you to come down the mountain with me?"
"What? You don't want me to go down the mountain anymore?"
Lu Ming replied, "I can help you heal An An. In exchange, I only ask for the time it takes one incense stick to burn for a deep conversation with you. When the incense stick burns out, I will leave and will not make any demands of you. I will not ask you to come down the mountain, nor will I ask you to write a letter; I just want to talk with you, chat a bit. How about it?"
These words completely bewildered Master Hui Jing, and even Jiang Mengxin looked utterly confused. Asking for nothing, just to talk? What was there to talk about?
Jiang Mengxin exclaimed, "Lu Ming, are you crazy? Have you forgotten our purpose for coming here?" She wanted to remind Lu Ming that this was a golden opportunity. If they pressured Master Hui Jing now, there was a chance the old master would compromise, though the probability was small, it was still worth trying! But Lu Ming had given up this opportunity. He didn't need it!
Lu Ming looked at Master Hui Jing very seriously and asked, "How about it, esteemed master, are you willing to chat with me for the time it takes one incense stick to burn? If you are willing, I can heal An An right now!"
Things had progressed to this point, so what was there to be unwilling about? It was just a chat, after all, and nothing would be lost. At worst, Hui Jing could seal her ears and not listen to Lu Ming at all, it was that simple. With that thought, Master Hui Jing coldly smiled, "You said it yourself, I'm not forcing you."
Lu Ming nodded repeatedly, "I said it, you're not forcing me. So, is the deal settled?"
Master Hui Jing nodded affirmatively and said, "Settled. Lu Ming, proceed!"
"Good!" Lu Ming immediately began to heal An An.
Both Lu Ming and Master Hui Jing believed they would be the victor, but there could only be one true victor. Who would it be?