Old Madam Zhu acted as though she had not heard a word Sun Bing said and snarled at Physician Sun:
"You wandering quack, go, go! Get out of here!"
But no sooner had Old Madam Zhu spoken than Imperial Physician Liu called out from behind her:
"Madam Li, we would rather believe there is a cure than assume there is none. Since he says he has a prescription that can treat Master Li, please bring it over for me to examine."
Imperial Physician Liu added with a smile:
"If it truly works, wouldn't that be a joyous blessing beyond measure?"
Madam Li obeyed Imperial Physician Liu's every word.
She first nodded repeatedly to Imperial Physician Liu, then turned and fixed Physician Sun with an icy gaze.
"Hand it over!"
The corners of Physician Sun's mouth lifted slightly. He stepped forward and held out the slip of paper in his hand.
The instant he handed over the paper, he pressed his index fingertip against the silver needle and flicked hard, sending it soundlessly into Madam Li's chest.
Madam Li merely shuddered, then took the slip of paper as though she had felt nothing and walked eagerly toward Imperial Physician Liu.
Li Sisi, however, had keen enough eyes to spot the silver needle.
Immediately, she asked Physician Sun in a nervous whisper:
"Upper Immortal Sun, what did you just..."
Before Li Sisi could finish, Physician Sun made a shushing gesture. His eyes fixed on Madam Li as she walked toward Imperial Physician Liu, he said without turning:
"Miss Li, a Dragon-Slaying Person will never harm a Dragon Catcher, nor her family and friends."
At these words, Li Sisi's heart immediately eased.
Still utterly puzzled, however, she asked Physician Sun:
"Upper Immortal Sun, what exactly did you just do to my mother?"
Physician