Jiang Qiao smiled, especially when she saw the old man's unusually tense expression, which made her feel much happier.

"Master Hou, let's not talk about the fate between us. To tell you the truth, I'm a beginner and don't know how deep I am, but I want to give it a try."

The situation we're about to face might be worse than we imagined. You know my and Chunming's abilities, and we'll have to rely on you to carry the load here.

So, I want to try it on Chunming first. If he's okay, then I'll give you the injection.

Chunming had absolutely no objections. He originally thought that all he knew in his life was some martial arts skills, and if he were to catch up with his master, he would probably have to wait until his next life. Now that this opportunity had come, it was impossible for him to give it up.

"Master, let me try it first. If it works, then I'll let you experiment with it, okay?"

Hou Diankui didn't believe Jiang Qiao's statement that she wasn't confident; she genuinely had no idea what to expect. He thought that whatever the girl said, she must have a plan.

He waved his hand and said, "Let me try first. I'm so old. Even if it doesn't work, you'll still take care of me in my old age. If you can't do it, you're still young. If there's really a problem, then don't try it."

"If it's alright, you can come later, girl, let's go now."

Since Hou Diankui had spoken, Jiang Qiao didn't waste any more words. "I'll rest for a while first. You guys wash up first, and wait for me—"

Hou Diankui also knew how arduous the journey had been, and that Jiang Qiao needed to adjust her state of mind; otherwise, she could easily make mistakes in a rush.

Song Shutian never expected that while he was out on business, Jiang Qiao and his apprentice Hou Diankui would pull off such a big stunt at the guesthouse.

When he returned, he saw Hou Diankui sitting on a chair by the door with his eyes closed, resting. From inside the house came Chunming's howling, looking very painful.

He wasn't worried about Jiang Qiao's safety. The old man was guarding the door, so he knew that someone inside was probably receiving treatment or something. He also knew it wasn't appropriate to disturb the person inside at this time.

As for Hou Diankui, he didn't know whether he should speak or not, but he wisely chose to stand beside the old man and remain silent.

Hou Diankui knew that Song Shutian had arrived, but he had just broken through to a higher level of cultivation and was still consolidating his progress, so he didn't have time to chat with Song Shutian.

After the process was completed, Hou Diankui opened his eyes. A glint flashed in his eyes, and if Song Shutian hadn't been watching the old man closely, most people wouldn't have noticed anything.

"Master Hou, you've broken through?"

Hou Diankui chuckled, "You're quite something, kid. You even know this stuff?"

Song Shutian was quite excited. There must be something fishy about the fact that the old man was able to break through at this time. He was curious, especially with Chunming's loud shouts inside, which kept reminding him that perhaps the old man's breakthrough was related to the little girl in the room.

"Is that Jiang Qiao?"

Hou Diankui didn't hide it from Song Shutian. Knowing Jiang Qiao's temperament, once this person became familiar with the job, Song Shutian would definitely benefit as well.

"Yes, girl, open up Chunming's meridians."

Upon hearing this, Song Shutian became excited. He knew Chunming's level very well. How old was that kid when he started studying with Hou Diankui? If Chunming could do it, then maybe he could too?

Excitement and trepidation coexisted, and her gaze towards the old man became much more eager. "Master Hou, do you think this is alright?"

Hou Diankui smiled and patted his arm. "Young man, don't worry. This is a perk Jiang Qiao gave us. If we can do it, so can you. However, opening up your meridians is only the first step. The next step is up to you to practice."

Although Chunming is not particularly talented, he is very diligent in his studies and practice. If you can do that, you should have no problem achieving something in your skills.

However, we also need to consider the girl's physical condition. You should know what's needed to open this up. Jiang Qiao just learned it and used the two of us as test subjects. If you think it's feasible, I'll talk to the girl in a bit.

Qiao'er also feels that the group of us facing those people seems a bit weak in terms of strength. I'm not talking about numbers; sometimes, having more people doesn't necessarily guarantee victory. You understand what I mean, right?

Song Shutian understood, of course, that what he lacked when he asked Jiang Qiao and Hou Diankui to come over was not manpower, but experts.

Jiang Qiao must have thought of his thoughts when he did this today. For the time being, he can't go to those experts anymore. He doesn't know if these people have any secret dealings with those enemies. The only people he can trust are these three.

Leaning against the wall, he looked at Hou Diankui and said, "Master Hou, to be honest, I am very lucky to have met a few of you in this life."

Hou Diankui smiled and said, "If we're talking about it, we all have to thank Jiang Qiao. Nobody can explain fate. But our group is just so strange. The old are old and the young are young, but we get along very well. That's quite rare."

"Little Song, if Jiang Qiao opens up your meridians, then as your elder, I will also give you a gift: I will teach you our sect's internal energy cultivation method. This way, your progress will be very rapid."

Song Shutian squatted down in surprise. "Master Hou, are you sure it's true?"

Hou Diankui patted Song Shutian's head and said, "You brat, when have I ever lied?"

"So, do I have to become your apprentice? What do I need to prepare?"

Hou Diankui smiled. The young man, who usually seemed quite shrewd, was now acting a bit clueless.

"No need for the apprenticeship ceremony. We're already destined to be together. From now on, just take care of these kids for me, and drop the title of 'master'." Speaking of which, my son isn't much older than you. Seeing you reminds me of my son—

Song Shutian scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Um, Master Hou, I know about your son. He's in the army."

Hou Diankui nodded. "I know, that's why I'm relieved."

Inside the house, Chunming's voice had stopped. When Jiang Qiao pushed the door open, she saw Song Shutian squatting down talking to Hou Diankui.

"Hey, Brother Song's back! What's the situation now?"

There is no news yet.

"You're back just in time. Hold out your hand, let me take your pulse—"

Jiang Qiao's action thrilled Song Shutian. "Jiang Qiao, can I do it too?"

Jiang Qiao grinned and said, "Aren't you excited? Actually, it's nothing. It's not as amazing as the rumors say. I'm just an assistant. The most important thing is still yourselves. Even if I open up your meridians, you won't make any progress if you don't practice."

"Master Hou, you can't hold back now. No matter what, even if my brother Song learns something good, it's all for catching more bad guys, don't you think?"