The Underground Healer

Author: Damon Reid

Chapter 1: Aiden Smith

Words : 1844 Updated : Jun 12th, 2025

Greenwood Mountain, Vonard Village. A small yard with a picket fence. "I can't take it anymore!" Under a tree, an old man stood on a stone stool, looping a rope over a branch, about to hang himself. "I beat you ten times in chess. Is it that serious?" said a twenty-year-old man. The young man leaned casually against the tree, a piece of foxtail grass dangling from his mouth. Dappled sunlight played across his face, highlighting the faint smirk at the corner of his mouth. The old man clung to the rope, his eyes filled with grievance as he glared at the young man. "Aiden! You ungrateful brat! How dare you! I've taught you everything I know, but you won't let me win a game!" The young man, Aiden, replied earnestly, "Old man, you're the one who taught me to give it my best." "You!" "How did I end up with such a blockhead for a disciple? I've lost all my dignity! I can't live like this!" Looking hopeless, the old man started to put his head through the rope. Creak! At that moment, two Ford Sedans sped up and screeched to a stop at the gate. First out were a pair of long legs, followed by a stunning young woman. She wore a black bodycon dress. With killer curves and stunning features, she had an aura that set her apart. The old man quickly jumped down from the stone stool, hands behind his back, assuming the air of a legendary master. "Amelia Larson of the Larson family from Stridora, here to greet Mr. Gerald." The young woman, accompanied by several bodyguards, entered the courtyard and respectfully bowed to the old man. The old man, Gerald Brown, examined Amelia, his eyes brightening slightly. "So, you're Amelia Larson, Wade Larson's granddaughter? Haven't seen you in over ten years, and you've turned out so impressive. How's your grandfather doing these days?" Amelia responded with respect, "Grandpa is critically ill, and I have come to humbly request your aid in saving him." Gerald made a few cryptic gestures with his fingers and said indifferently, "I've been retired for a long time. Other people's lives aren't my business anymore. Your grandfather's time isn't up yet. Someone else will save him." "Where is the person who will save my grandpa? Please guide me, Mr. Brown." Amelia's eyes sparkled as she bowed again. "The person is right here, and he's your fiancé." With that, Gerald gestured for Aiden to step forward. "Hey brat, get over here and meet your fiancée!" Aiden limped forward. "Mr. Brown, you must be joking," Amelia's eyebrows furrowed instantly. "What are you talking about?" Aiden was also dumbfounded. Gerald pulled out an old envelope and tossed it to Aiden. "Take a look for yourself." Aiden opened it to find a marriage contract. "Old man, why didn't you ever mention this to me?" Aiden scratched his head. "The time wasn't right." Gerald stroked his beard and said, "I foresaw that your opportunity would come today when you would leave the mountain, so I prepared everything. I lost ten games in a row to put you in a good mood to leave the mountain." Aiden rolled his eyes. Gerald's face turned slightly red as he turned to Amelia. "Girl, Aiden is your fiancé and the one who will save your grandfather. Take him back to the Larson family." Amelia snatched the envelope from Aiden's hand, her eyes widening at seeing the handwriting. It was indeed her grandfather's handwriting, complete with his seal. The marriage contract was valid. "My fiancé is... him?" Amelia stood frozen, her gaze complex as she looked at Aiden. He wore washed clothes, his shoes old and tattered, utterly shabby. Moreover, he had a limp. He looked like a loser. Aiden stepped forward, about to greet Amelia, when a bodyguard blocked his way from behind her. The bodyguard sneered, "My lady is not only at the top of the Stridora Beauty List but is also known as the Business Beauty!" "And you, who has a disability, dare think you're worthy to be her fiancé?" Smack! Before he could finish, a slap landed on his face, sending him flying to the ground. Gerald stepped forward, his voice icy. "My disciple isn't for you to mock!" The bodyguard didn't dare utter a word, shamefully retreating behind Amelia. Gerald looked at Amelia, his voice cold. "If you hold Aiden in such contempt, then leave." "Mr. Brown, Ivan Yorke is my chauffeur. He didn't know better. I apologize on his behalf, I... I will take Aiden back to the Larson family," Amelia hurriedly apologized. Gerald grunted, slipping a black and white ring onto Aiden's finger. "Old man, isn't this your treasure? Why are you giving it to me?" Aiden's lips curled into a smile. "You rascal, I'm getting old. It's time to take over the Horizon Sect and seek your vengeance. Leave the mountain." "Remember, don't reveal your true abilities unless you master the seventh stage of the Primordia Origin Technique," Gerald advised solemnly. Seeing his concern, Aiden couldn't help but feel touched. "Don't worry, old man, I've already reached the seventh stage." "What?!" Gerald's eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost. "Since when?" "Just a few days ago," Aiden replied with a smirk. Smack! Gerald slapped his forehead, looking up to the sky with a long sigh, tears of joy streaming down his face. "I'm embarrassed to live!" He had prided himself on his talent, taking over fifty years to reach the seventh stage of the Primordia Origin Technique, while Aiden had achieved it in just fifteen years. Moreover, Aiden's medical skills, fortune-telling, and talisman techniques were now on par with his own, if not better. Gerald jumped back onto the stone stool, attempting to hang himself once more. Aiden held him back, comforting him, "Alright, old man, don't take it too hard. I'll teach you chess from now on." "Get out! Just get out of here!" With a shove and a kick, Gerald sent Aiden into Amelia's car, tossing a package into his arms, cursing, "Don't come back until you've given me a bunch of disciples and grand-disciples! Get lost!" The two Ford Sedans roared away, leaving Vonard Village behind. Amelia sat next to Aiden, her face was expressionless. After a long silence, she glanced at Aiden's limp leg and asked coldly, "Sorry to ask, but since you studied under Mr. Brown, your medical skills must be amazing. How come your leg is still limp?" Aiden replied calmly, "It's not a disease, it's an old injury. When I was five, someone broke my bones and tore my tendons. I almost died. Mr. Brown saved me." Amelia's eyebrows knitted slightly. "Even Mr. Brown couldn't fix your leg?" "To fix my leg, I need two rare ingredients: Dragon Vein Vine and Arhat Bone to make the Dragon Bone Pill. Not even Mr. Brown could do anything without those," Aiden explained serenely. Amelia's beautiful face showed a hint of curiosity. "Who could be that vicious? Who would do that to a five-year-old?" Before Aiden could answer, the screeching of brakes pierced the air. Screech! Their Ford was forced off the road by a bunch of SUVs. A dozen big guys jumped out, swinging bats and clubs, looking ready for a fight as they closed in.

The Underground Healer

Chapter 1: Aiden Smith

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