Chapter 818

Chapter 818: Backlash (Part 1)

The meteoric rise of Caring World Hall in Taiwu City left the populace utterly astounded.

Almost overnight, the reputation of this new clinic spread like wildfire across the city, particularly in the densely populated lower and middle districts.

Countless common people soon learned of this unique clinic, which not only waived consultation fees but also adjusted medicine costs based on one’s financial situation—the poorer the patient, the less they paid.

Most importantly, the elixirs dispensed by Caring World Hall were remarkably potent; just two or three doses could cure minor ailments or significantly alleviate severe ones. While it couldn’t claim to cure all diseases, its efficacy was enough to draw throngs of people.

In the days that followed, the number of patients flocking to Caring World Hall grew exponentially.

However, the clinic issued a limited number of number tokens each day, prompting some to camp out overnight in front of the clinic, queuing up in hopes of securing a token.

Were it not for the presence of powerful martial artist guards and the oversight of Immortal Masters, chaos would have undoubtedly ensued.

As time passed, the fame of Caring World Hall continued to soar.

Though the clinic was modest in size and could only accommodate a limited number of patients daily, its rapid ascent inevitably unsettled the established interests within Taiwu City.

“This is utterly lawless!”

“What kind of madness is this? Charging medicine costs based on financial status is preposterous!”

“If consultations are free, how are we physicians supposed to make a living?”

“A disgrace to our profession!”

“Master Zhu, you cannot simply stand by and let this happen!”

“Yes, indeed!”

In the grand hall of Huichun Hall, the largest clinic in Taiwu City, over a hundred individuals gathered, their voices rising in indignant protest.

They were physicians and managers from various clinics and pharmacies across the city, united in their condemnation of Caring World Hall.

“Gentlemen, please!”

A portly man clad in a brocade robe sat at the head of the room, his forced smile barely concealing his unease. “I understand your grievances, but you must realize that Caring World Hall is backed by the Mo family…”

This man was Zhu Fengchun, the chief manager of Huichun Hall.

The Zhu Family had been a pillar of the medical community for generations, and Huichun Hall’s renown was unmatched. Zhu Fengchun himself was a respected physician, wielding considerable influence in Taiwu City’s medical circles.

“What does the Mo family matter?”

Before he could finish, a physician from the Zhang family in the middle district slammed the table and rose to his feet. “My family isn’t intimidated by them!”

Zhu Fengchun cast a weary glance at the man and continued, “We need not fear the Mo family, but you must understand that the true mastermind behind Caring World Hall is not the Mo family!”

“This individual’s name is Wang Chen. His origins are shrouded in mystery, and despite his youth, he has already attained the extraordinary state of an Immortal Master. Recently, he joined the Qinyun Alliance. Frankly, I, Zhu Fengchun, dare not cross him!”

The hall fell silent in an instant, the physicians and managers exchanging uneasy glances.

If even Zhu Fengchun dared not provoke Wang Chen, they certainly had no desire to do so.

Those who had been unaware of the situation now hesitated, their earlier fervor dampened.

“From what I’ve gathered, Caring World Hall currently issues only three hundred tokens per day, primarily serving the impoverished. Even without Caring World Hall, there would be little profit to be made from such patients, but…”

Zhu Fengchun rose to his feet, his expression grave. “What truly concerns me is that Wang Chen may not be content with merely this!”

His words sent a ripple of unease through the room, leaving everyone deeply unsettled.

Caring World Hall’s minor disturbances had already encroached upon their interests. If it were to expand widely, recruit more physicians, and open additional branches, where would they find their livelihood?

Did Zhu Fengchun’s concerns hold any merit?

Absolutely!

This business was on the verge of being monopolized by Caring World Hall!

Someone couldn’t help but ask, “Master Zhu, what do you suggest we do?”

“First, extend courtesy; then, if necessary, resort to force!”

Zhu Fengchun spoke in a deep voice, “I will first gauge the stance of Immortal Master Wang. If he can assure us that he will not expand the scale of Caring World Hall, then we can turn a blind eye.”

Unless absolutely necessary, who would dare to oppose an Immortal Master?

“But what if he refuses?”

“Refuses?”

A cold glint flickered in Zhu Fengchun’s narrow eyes. “Then we must unite. There’s no need for violence; after all, he requires medicinal materials to refine and sell elixirs, doesn’t he?”

The realization dawned on everyone, and they nodded in agreement.

Zhu Fengchun acted swiftly. After reaching a consensus with his peers, he personally visited Caring World Hall the very next morning to request an audience with Wang Chen.

Upon hearing the servant’s report, Wang Chen pondered for a moment before saying, “Please have him wait in the side hall. I will join him shortly.”

As expected, the confrontation was inevitable!

Soon, he met Zhu Fengchun in the side hall of Caring World Hall.

Wang Chen had heard of this manager of Huichun Hall, but today marked their first face-to-face encounter.

He was somewhat taken aback to see that this manager, who appeared to weigh three to four hundred pounds, actually possessed the strength of an innate-level fighter!

Wang Chen had only ever seen one other innate strong fighter who was so corpulent; he must have cultivated some unique technique.

Perhaps he could unleash his power by burning calories!

“Greetings, Immortal Master Wang.”

Facing the young Wang Chen, Zhu Fengchun was exceedingly polite, even bordering on humility. When he smiled, the fat on his face squeezed his eyes into mere slits. “I apologize for the intrusion today.”

“No need for formalities.”

Wang Chen gestured for him to take a seat and asked directly, “Master Zhu, what brings you here?”

“Ahem, ahem!”

Zhu Fengchun cleared his throat and said, “Immortal Master Wang, I deeply admire how Caring World Hall provides free medical care and medicines to the impoverished of Taiwu City. However, some of my colleagues in the city have raised concerns. I wonder if your hall plans to expand further?”

“Indeed.”

Wang Chen answered without hesitation. “Currently, Caring World Hall has only five practicing physicians. I intend to recruit more, possibly dozens or even hundreds.”

Zhu Fengchun was clearly unprepared for Wang Chen’s forthrightness. He paused briefly before forcing a bitter smile. “Immortal Master, you’re cutting off our livelihood!”

“Let me propose this.”

Wang Chen smiled and said, “Since you’ve come to seek an explanation, you must be aware of our rules at Caring World Hall. Out of respect for you, I am willing to amend them.”

Zhu Fengchun’s spirits lifted immediately. “I am eager to hear the details!”

Wang Chen continued, “From now on, Caring World Hall will only treat ordinary and impoverished families. We will not accept patients from well-off families and above. Does that satisfy you?”

Zhu Fengchun was momentarily stunned.

He had to admit that Wang Chen’s proposal was quite constructive. A significant portion of their clinics’ revenue came from patients of well-off families.

But ordinary families constituted the majority!

The thought of relinquishing such a substantial portion of their clientele filled Zhu Fengchun with reluctance. “What if we only treated the impoverished families…”

“Master Zhu!”

Wang Chen’s expression darkened. “My patience has its limits!”

He had already made a considerable concession. Instead of showing gratitude, the other party sought to push further; it was truly intolerable!