At the time, Ling Zhenfei vehemently denied it, but later he learned that the three elder Shanlingzi was actually Tian Ming's father. It's clear that Shanlingzi was probing into Ling Zhenfei's affairs, surely seeking revenge for his son.
The frustration in Ling Zhenfei's heart was unparalleled. He was about to safely leave, but who knew that Shanlingzi would catch up just when it was time to head home, indicating that someone had discovered Ling Zhenfei's identity.
If Shanlingzi caught up, it would be difficult for Ling Zhenfei to escape.
These were a few strong moves aimed at Muler, who had never seen Ling Zhenfei make a move, only witnessing him use Medical Arts, thus naturally assuming Ling Zhenfei had weak combat abilities.
But now, with action taken, Muler was shocked and finally realized why Ling Zhenfei showed no signs of worry back then. It wasn't due to a good mindset; it was because he possessed genuine strength right there.
Muler, considered a master among the younger generation, commanded battles as a minor official. However, when facing Ling Zhenfei now, he found himself trailing in both Northern Spiritual Energy thickness and Technique.
Ling Zhenfei said, "Brother Muler, you just agreed to let me go, and now you're going back on your word?"
Muler said, "Quit the nonsense, old man, you've deceived me. With your strength, you must be a significant figure among humans, yet you tricked me into thinking you were a Doctor and even toured the Supreme Divine Palace. You think our Palace is a place you can come and go as you please?"
Ling Zhenfei responded, "Even the Flower God trusts me, indicating I am indeed a doctor. And who told you doctors can't fight?"
Muler replied, "Cut the crap, wait until the Third Elder arrives."
Whoosh!
A fierce wind blew through, and the Third Elder appeared before both of them.
Ling Zhenfei had nearly reached the middle, quite far from the palace walls, yet within the span of a few words, Shanlingzi had arrived close to them, highlighting his incredible speed.
Upon Shanlingzi's arrival, Ling Zhenfei and Muler ceased their skirmish, and Muler asked, "Third Protector, why are you holding this kid back?"
The Third Protector looked Ling Zhenfei up and down, saying, "Why did you attempt to let him go again?"
Muler answered, "The Flower God ordered it. This kid found a way to treat the Flower God. However, he's missing some herbs, so we allowed him to go find them."
Shanlingzi asked, "Will he really return after leaving?"
Muler responded, "The Flower God planted the Flower God's Barrier within him. If the kid doesn't return, he'll certainly die, so he should come back."
Shanlingzi laughed upon hearing this, saying, "The Flower God is always kind-hearted, probably deliberately letting him go, unrelated to treatment. There is no barrier within him."
Muler turned to Ling Zhenfei, "Kid, is what the Third Protector said true?"
Ling Zhenfei laughed heartily upon hearing this, "You guys are really interesting. Whether this matter is true or not, don't ask me, just ask the Flower God. Anyway, the Barrier within me wasn't planted by me."
Muler remarked, "That's not the point. If there's no Barrier within you, then you're a major liar. I won't need to wait for you here, since you won't return, I might as well kill you."
Ling Zhenfei said, "Please, don't be impulsive. If you're intent on curing the Flower God's illness, it seems no one else truly has this ability apart from me."
Ling Zhenfei knew Muler held the Flower God in high esteem, or perhaps even had a deep-seated love.
Such admiration was like how a man might love a favorite female celebrity—an idol once glorious, now slowly fading.
And Muler was like such a man; he was unequivocally enamored with the Flower God.
As the original formidable ruler of this realm, the Flower God was unquestionably lofty; however, over time, she had declined, remaining within the Supreme Divine Palace for over twenty years.
Twenty years was enough for many things to occur, innovations to emerge, and replacements to be made, a period of immense change.
Young generations born during these twenty years were completely unaware of the existence of someone called the Flower God.
But Muler knew of the Flower God—not only did he know, but he had seen her, seemingly touched by her beauty and unique aura.
Muler was similarly enchanted by the Flower God, which was why he immediately thought of having Ling Zhenfei treat Muler's illness.
As long as Ling Zhenfei could cure the Flower God's illness, Muler would give anything, yet now it seemed Muler was somewhat skeptical of Ling Zhenfei.
Muler said, "Kid, are you still trying to fool me?"
At this moment, Shanlingzi spoke, "Enough, I don't care whether you can cure the Flower God's illness or not, let's move on. Do you know someone named Ling Zhenfei?"
Ling Zhenfei looked at Shanlingzi. When Shanlingzi arrived, he was aggressive, seemingly ready to cleave Ling Zhenfei in two.
However, upon arriving, he seemed different—much more courteous.
Ling Zhenfei had no idea what the situation was now; he didn't know if Shanlingzi recognized him as Ling Zhenfei.
Shanlingzi sought revenge against Ling Zhenfei, so Ling Zhenfei prayed Shanlingzi wouldn't know who he was.
Ling Zhenfei was deeply worried but still had to maintain a composed demeanor.
"Third Protector, as I've said, old man, I really have never heard of this person."
Shanlingzi said, "Oh, you really don't know who Ling Zhenfei is, then who might you be?"
Ling Zhenfei felt increasingly uneasy; it seemed Shanlingzi might truly have recognized him.
Ling Zhenfei said, "Third Protector, my name is Zhang Zhenlin."
Shanlingzi laughed, "Ling Zhenfei, are you still pretending at this point? I've called out the name already; do you still want to act dumb?"
It wasn't that Ling Zhenfei didn't wish to respond; Shanlingzi's power was too great. One glance, and it was clear Shanlingzi was beyond what Ling Zhenfei's current strength could handle.
In this situation, Ling Zhenfei could only deny it.
Ling Zhenfei said, "Third Elder, what do you mean by that? I am Zhang Zhenlin."
Shanlingzi angrily said, "You think you can deceive me so easily? I'd rather kill wrongly than let go. Regardless if you're Zhang Zhenlin or Ling Zhenfei, you won't escape today. Prepare to die."
Ling Zhenfei quickly raised his hand, "Elder, please hold your wrath, there's something I'd like you to hear."
Ling Zhenfei's words made Zhang Zhenlin pause for a moment.
Ling Zhenfei spoke, "I don't want to speak much, but there's one thing I must say: I can truly cure the Flower God's illness, and for me, it isn't difficult.
So you may choose not to believe me, but you must trust the Flower God. If I die, no one will be able to save her."