Chapter 227: A Toast to Tradition and Turmoil

As long as any practitioner of Long Kingdom traditional medicine still cares about it, I don’t think they’d refuse this endeavor. I’m sure many of my old friends will join in, too!

Lin Wenian nodded.

Xu Hao’s words might not seem significant to outsiders, but in that instant, they stirred his blood, a sensation he hadn’t felt in decades.

The last time he felt this way was probably when he first began practicing medicine, many decades ago.

“That’s fantastic! I’ll toast to you!”

Confirming his answer, Xu Hao immediately raised his glass.

There was no need to explain Lin Wenian’s stature in the field—more than half his students now serve as the backbone of several major traditional hospitals in Long Kingdom.

With a single call from him, the future of Taiyi Hospital was all but secured.

And…

Even though Lin Wenian has completely retired, many still seek his expertise whenever they visit Mingsha City. He is, after all, a living legend.

Moreover, Lin Wenian casually mentioned the term “old friends” just now.

Usually, a big shot’s friends are also big shots. Chances are, these individuals are National Medical Masters—or they hold other high titles.

“I hope Taiyi Hospital can finally restore the honor of Long Kingdom traditional medicine and, with this chance, show H Country once and for all whether their Eastern Medicine Treasure or our age-old medical art is more historic!”

Lin Wenian raised his glass as well.

The next day, as the sun rose, Mingsha City buzzed with tourists as usual. By around seven in the morning, visitors began streaming along Qing Brick Avenue toward Oasis 23. Many had only booked a two-day stay at the guesthouse, determined to cover all of Mingsha City in that short span.

As a result…

A saying began circulating online: “Long Kingdom’s Northwest Tour—Two Days in Mingsha First.”

This remark indirectly proved

that Mingsha City couldn’t be fully explored in just two days—far more time was needed than even at Haishi’s famous Dini Theme Park.

Though the tourists rose early, the staff in Mingsha were even earlier.

Employee dormitories.

Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng had also gotten up with the dawn, and they ran into each other as soon as they left home.

“President Luo, are you heading to the Desert Zone?”

Zhu Qiang asked bright and early.

“Yes! Things over there are critical today. The success of Hanging Mountain hinges on this move. Once Hanging Mountain is set, Pansi Cave will be a breeze,” Luo Peng replied.

Luo Peng nodded in agreement.

“By the way, Brother Hao called last night.”

Just as Luo Peng was about to leave, Zhu Qiang suddenly remembered something. “Hmm? What did Brother Hao arrange?”

At that, Luo Peng quickly stopped and turned around to ask.

“Brother Hao said that they’ve already secured the Dean of Mingsha Medical Hospital. When recruiting inheritors from other traditional medicine factions, let’s be careful not to promise any positions. When Taiyi Hospital is officially formed, the roles will be allocated according to each faction,” Zhu Qiang explained.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ve already informed those managers to mention only the benefits and not the positions. By the way, who did Brother Hao choose? He went ahead and finalized the Dean,” he continued.

Luo Peng gestured with his hand, curiosity growing.

“This is a heavyweight figure in traditional medicine—Lin Wenian. He used to be the Vice President of Yan City Traditional Medicine University, and most importantly, he is a National Medical Master!”

Zhu Qiang exclaimed in admiration.

There was no denying it—Xu Hao’s moves, when executed, reduced his opponents to rubble in an instant.

In contrast, the candidates they had invited were largely retired or well-regarded practitioners from various factions. In terms of skill and influence, they were no match for a National Medical Master.

In Long Kingdom, the title of National Medical Master is awarded every five years, with only thirty spots available each time. So far, a total of ninety have been honored.

Just last night, he’d reviewed Lin Wenian’s achievements. As one of the first thirty to earn the title, his skills and influence were top-notch.

Now, major traditional hospitals throughout Long Kingdom are scrambling to secure even one of these ninety masters.

Needless to say,

Su Province’s largest traditional hospital had once tried, but ultimately had to concede, as their rivals were simply too formidable.

If the news spread that Lin Wenian would lead Mingsha Medical Hospital, it would send shockwaves through all the major hospitals in Su Province.

And soon, patients eager to be treated by a master would flock in.

“That impressive? If I recall correctly, even the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guang Province Traditional Medicine University in Long Kingdom employs only four National Medical Masters!

And now we have one?”

Luo Peng was momentarily stunned, sharing Zhu Qiang’s thoughts, his voice a mix of amazement and excitement.

Both the people of Mingsha County and the staff in Mingsha City were truly in for a fortunate time.

In the past, not even ordinary citizens of Mingsha County—or those from Lanshi in Su Province—would have had such a chance to consult a National Medical Master.

“What do you think?”

“Brother Hao is extraordinary; there’s no contest. We still have far to go, so we must continue striving,” Luo Peng added.

“Absolutely! Brother Hao also mentioned that beside the river at Oasis 1, they’ll level a piece of land to eventually build a residential area behind Taiyi Hospital exclusively for these top experts. Also, for now, let’s keep news of the hospital under wraps,” Zhu Qiang added.

To him, that was non-negotiable.

“Understood. Once I wrap up business at Pansi Cave today, I’ll make the arrangements!”

“Alright!”

Tides rise and fall.

Days passed one after another.

As Legend of Swords and Heroes reached its grand finale, netizens not only lamented the bittersweet romance but also buzzed about the upcoming film festival in Ning City, Qing Province.

It wasn’t that they ignored other events—the film festival’s relentless promotional blitz was impossible to miss.

Whether on KuaiDou or on various portal sites, the ads for the festival were everywhere.

The organizers even announced that international film stars would be arriving on July 20 to lend their support.

In no time, the 35th Long Kingdom Film Festival became the hottest topic of the season. With Mingsha City unusually quiet, the festival’s buzz and influence seemed to outshine the city.

On July 10, with exactly ten days remaining until the festival,

most of the Director Association had already arrived in Ning City.

Even though it was the height of summer, Ning City—nestled on a plateau—enjoyed cool evenings, and many residents were seen strolling after dinner.

Inside a hotel,

Ding Xiaoping, Bai Ming, and others chatted casually.

“I must say, holding the film festival in Ning City is a brilliant choice—cool, comfortable summer nights make all the difference!”

Bai Ming glanced out the window and remarked.

“Yeah, that’s the charm of northwest cities!”

Someone nearby added in agreement,

“By the way, when does the live broadcast team arrive?”

At that moment,

Ding Xiaoping set down his teacup and looked at Bai Ming.

“President, the live broadcast team will arrive in Ning City on the morning of the 19th. Their hotel and all other arrangements have been finalized.”

Hearing this, Bai Ming quickly responded.

According to standard practice, every Long Kingdom Film Festival is broadcast live on Long Kingdom TV’s variety channel. At seven in the evening, actors and crews hit the red carpet, and at eight the awards ceremony kicks off.

This time, the main venue is the Qing Province Cultural Center.

The venue’s location and facilities are first-rate.

“That’s great! Have the VIP seats been arranged? Especially for the international guests—they must be seated at the front to capture plenty of camera shots,” he said.

Nodding, Ding Xiaoping added,

“To help restore the Director Association’s reputation, they sent invitations not only to artists from Haofang Culture and Haofang Agency but also to nearly every actor above second-tier status on the golden list.”

The TV stations, excluding those in Yan City, Eggplant, and Yun Province, were all invited as well.

In total, they secured five top-tier leading actors and actresses, fifteen first-tier artists, and over thirty second-tier stars—a lineup glittering with stars and unprecedented in scale.

“Everything’s arranged,” confirmed Ding Xiaoping.

“Then that’s good!”

Ding Xiaoping nodded in satisfaction.

There was no doubt:

Bai Ming now handled affairs much more reliably than Ran Xiangfei once did.

Ding! Just as Ding Xiaoping turned to discuss more about the film festival preparations, Bai Ming’s phone buzzed.

“Hmm?”

He picked it up, his face momentarily registering shock before turning grim.

“President, one of our Director Association staff just sent a message,” Bai Ming said quietly.

After a brief pause, Bai Ming whispered to Ding Xiaoping,

“What’s wrong?”

Seeing Bai Ming’s troubled expression, Ding Xiaoping frowned.

“President, Haofang Culture just released two announcements on their official website, and they’ve already sparked a heated debate online.”

Bai Ming hurriedly relayed the news,

“Haofang Culture made an announcement? What did they say?”

Not only Ding Xiaoping, but other Director Association leaders also turned their attention to Bai Ming.

For them, with the film festival at its critical juncture, no slip-ups could be tolerated.

“One announcement stated that Haofang Culture’s new film will debut in theaters across Long Kingdom on July 15, and the other revealed that on July 19 they will open casting for their next ancient costume light comedy.”

Bai Ming took a deep breath and handed his phone to Ding Xiaoping.

“A film debut on July 15? And casting on July 19? This…”

Swish! In the next moment, Ding Xiaoping’s face darkened considerably.

Everyone knew that with the film festival scheduled for July 20, launching a new film at this crucial moment was a direct provocation from Haofang Culture.

“What’s the name of the film?”

After a long pause,

Ding Xiaoping gritted his teeth and asked,

It was clear his disdain for Haofang Culture had reached its boiling point.

“A Chinese Odyssey”