Imperial Physician Xue, at this moment, no longer cared about his beard; he was simply overwhelmed by the unprecedented pulse he had just felt.
Imperial Physician Xue had practiced medicine his entire life and had even taken the pulse of many legendary martial arts masters.
But no matter how vigorous a strong person's Qi and Blood Power were, their pulse remained within the realm of normalcy. While different from ordinary people, it never shocked Imperial Physician Xue to this extent.
However, Ankang's pulse…
"How strange, how strange!"
Imperial Physician Xue reluctantly withdrew his hand from taking the pulse, feeling that a few of his fingers had gone completely numb.
Yet, even so, the tremor that had shaken his soul earlier remained unforgettable.
"Even the Upper Three Ranks experts do not possess such a powerful pulse."
"Moreover, Ankang's feverish symptoms also seem to be subsiding."
Imperial Physician Xue reached out and touched Ankang's forehead, confirming his hypothesis.
"How is it? Did you find anything?"
Li Xuan patted Imperial Physician Xue's shoulder and asked.
Imperial Physician Xue sighed deeply and shook his head:
"This is the first time I've encountered such a situation."
"Ankang's body has undergone some special change, rapidly stimulating her physical strength."
"Now, this process of change is slowly receding…"
As he spoke, Imperial Physician Xue didn't know what else to say.
This miraculous change filled Imperial Physician Xue with confusion.
Li Xuan frowned, not expecting that even Imperial Physician Xue, with his extraordinary medical skills, would be so amazed by Ankang's transformation.
He had originally thought Imperial Physician Xue would be able to discern something.
"Where exactly does the coldness within Ankang come from?"
"Has this power always been hidden within her body?"
What Li Xuan wanted to figure out most now was how Ankang's body was becoming increasingly powerful.
Although he had been absorbing the coldness within Ankang's body, he knew nothing about the source of this coldness.
Especially since, up to now, he had absorbed the coldness from Ankang ten times, yet this coldness seemed boundless, continuously emerging from Ankang's Dantian, as if it could never be fully absorbed.
After completing the Yin Yang True Extremes Art, Li Xuan had a much deeper understanding of power, knowing that the law of energy conservation also applied here.
Normally, Ankang was very normal, with no energy fluctuations on her body.
Li Xuan, who spent every day with her, was most aware of this.
Only when Ankang was emotionally agitated would the coldness within her body occasionally dissipate.
This situation had only occurred once before, during the Autumn Hunt competition, when Ankang head-butted the Sixth Princess.
At that time, a trace of coldness remained on the Sixth Princess's forehead, directly causing her, an Eighth Rank martial artist, to fall unconscious.
This dangerous coldness was what concerned Li Xuan the most.
According to the current situation, the most reasonable conjecture was that Ankang's body contained immense energy sealed by unknown means.
Otherwise, Li Xuan could not explain the source of this coldness.
Although he believed this coldness might be related to the Cold Tide that engulfed Northern Liang, he had no evidence whatsoever.
Inviting a professional like Imperial Physician Xue was also to obtain more corroborating evidence.
Regrettably, from Imperial Physician Xue's current reaction, he also knew nothing about the coldness within Ankang's body, merely being astonished by such a miraculous change.
This inevitably made Li Xuan feel a bit disappointed.
Li Xuan's questions only made Imperial Physician Xue shake his head regretfully, unable to answer.
"Li Xuan, when Ankang was little, I also treated her several times."
"I always thought it was due to congenital deficiency, leading to a weak and sickly constitution."
"But from today's signs, the reason for Ankang's poor health must be attributed to this peculiar coldness."
Imperial Physician Xue had witnessed the eruption of coldness firsthand, which also made him recall many of Ankang's past ailments.
"I do have a conjecture here."
Seeing that Li Xuan seemed a bit too disappointed, Imperial Physician Xue smiled slightly and said so.
Ankang sat up from the bed and pulled Li Xuan into her embrace.
The Three Little Ones all looked at Imperial Physician Xue, their hearts unconsciously growing anxious, fearing it might be bad news.
"Ankang, this might not be a disease, but rather a talent."
"Talent!?"
The Three Little Ones were all stunned.
"Precisely!"
Imperial Physician Xue said, then got up and began pacing.
"I once read in a medical text about a physique called the Yang Flame Body."
"Infants born with this physique would have their meridians wither and die within a hundred days."
"It required using water-attribute heavenly treasures as a guide to refine a lost elixir, which was the only cure."
"Children who were cured would possess an extremely strong talent for fire-attribute True Qi, and could even retain a trace of innate Yang Qi, which would later give rise to powerful Yang Flame, with infinite power."
"Before that elixir was refined, the Yang Flame Body was an incurable disease."
The example of the Yang Flame Body made the Three Little Ones' eyes light up.
"The coldness within Ankang's body is very likely a similar physique."
"As the saying goes, misfortune and fortune are intertwined, life and death are neighbors."
"This could very well be a powerful innate physique of the ice attribute."
Imperial Physician Xue analyzed seriously and rigorously.
The Three Little Ones looked at each other, finding Imperial Physician Xue's possibility quite plausible.
"Talent, huh…"
Ankang muttered, feeling somewhat unreal.
She had never anticipated that the illness that had tormented her for over a decade might actually be an innate talent.
And Li Xuan, connecting this to how he had just used Yin Yang True Qi to convert into Five Elements Fire to weaken the coldness, couldn't help but believe Imperial Physician Xue's words even more.
"Then, following the solution for the Yang Flame Body, is it possible to use fire-attribute heavenly treasures to…"
Li Xuan hadn't finished speaking when Imperial Physician Xue waved his hand and interrupted him:
"Li Xuan, refining a new elixir isn't as simple as you think."
"Especially when it's to resolve such a rare physical condition."
"But it is indeed a promising direction to explore."
Imperial Physician Xue was afraid Li Xuan would desperately try anything, so he first made him understand the difficulty of the matter before saying it could be attempted.
Li Xuan immediately understood he had been too hasty and nodded, indicating his understanding.
Yuer, on the other hand, felt a stir in her heart. She had recently been studying alchemy and was finding it increasingly difficult, but now hearing that alchemy might cure Ankang's illness, a surge of strength immediately welled up within her.
"Imperial Physician Xue, then why did the elixir for treating the Yang Flame Body become lost?"
Yuer asked.
Regarding Yuer's sudden question, Imperial Physician Xue did not find her rude; instead, he patiently explained: "The power of the Yang Flame Body was once known to all."
"Later, some discovered that through bloodline control, the Yang Flame Body could be passed down, thus families controlling the Yang Flame Body began to emerge."
"But virtue not matching one's position leads to disaster. The power of the Yang Flame Body was wielded by those who shouldn't have it, leading to immense catastrophe."
"After paying a terrible price, the families of the Yang Flame Body who had wreaked havoc upon the world were annihilated, and the elixir formula for the Yang Flame Body also disappeared in that disaster."
"This event occurred before the establishment of Great Xing; I stumbled upon it in an ancient medical text, and it's estimated to be one or two thousand years ago."
Hearing that the elixir formula for treating the Yang Flame Body was lost, Li Xuan couldn't help but feel regret.
If that formula were still around, perhaps it could offer some insight.
"Of course, these are all just my conjectures; we will need to verify them further in the future."
Imperial Physician Xue said sincerely.
Li Xuan slipped out of Ankang's embrace, then respectfully bowed to Imperial Physician Xue, lowering his head slightly.
Imperial Physician Xue, seeing Li Xuan thank him, couldn't help but laugh heartily.
Ankang also got off the bed and stood up, bowing to Imperial Physician Xue:
"Please continue to trouble Imperial Physician Xue in the future."
Imperial Physician Xue immediately returned the bow to Li Xuan and Ankang:
"I will do my utmost."
Imperial Physician Xue also had considerable interest in the coldness within Ankang's body.
Especially the process of Ankang's body continuously growing stronger, which Imperial Physician Xue could not ignore.
If he could thoroughly research this process, Imperial Physician Xue believed that many difficult and complicated diseases in the world might have hope of self-healing in the future.
Witnessing the process of absorbing the coldness today made Imperial Physician Xue's trip worthwhile.
"Li Xuan, in the future, also pay more attention to various heavenly treasures; don't necessarily only look for fire-attribute ones."
Before leaving, Imperial Physician Xue instructed Li Xuan.
Li Xuan noted this, knowing that Imperial Physician Xue was preparing to try and solve the problem of the coldness within Ankang's body from a medical perspective.
Currently, Li Xuan would welcome any method that could weaken the coldness within Ankang's body.
After all, this thing was like a ticking time bomb, capable of harming Ankang at any moment.
No matter how many benefits this coldness might bring in the future, Li Xuan still hoped to find a way to completely resolve the coldness, in exchange for Ankang's lifelong peace.
With matters here concluded, Yuer escorted Imperial Physician Xue out of Jingyang Palace.
Li Xuan and Ankang, meanwhile, returned to bed to rest for a while longer.
Although they weren't tired today, both the human and the cat were too lazy to move, wanting to properly digest the information Imperial Physician Xue had brought.
"Li Xuan, do you think the coldness within my body could really be a talent?"
Li Xuan nodded, feeling that this possibility was not small.
Ankang let Li Xuan lie on her, one hand holding Li Xuan's tail and playing with it, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought.
And Yuer, while escorting Imperial Physician Xue out, also took the opportunity to ask some questions about alchemy.
Imperial Physician Xue was somewhat surprised to find that while Yuer's questions were basic, they weren't aimless.
"Yu'er is studying alchemy?"
"I've only read books, never practiced."
Yuer's pretty face flushed slightly, and she replied with some embarrassment.
"That's thoughtful."
Imperial Physician Xue nodded, expressing his appreciation for Yuer.
"How about this, if you have questions in the future, you can come to the Imperial Hospital to find me."
"If it's inconvenient, I also come over once a month under the pretext of regulating Ankang's body; you can organize your questions then and ask me all at once."
Upon hearing Imperial Physician Xue say this, Yuer was immediately overjoyed.
How famous Imperial Physician Xue's medical skills were in the palace was common knowledge.
"Then I truly thank Imperial Physician Xue."
"Haha, no problem, no problem." Imperial Physician Xue laughed, waving his hand, and continued: "It seems I have a connection with your Jingyang Palace."
Recalling his first encounter with Li Xuan, Imperial Physician Xue never imagined their relationship would develop to this extent.
At that time, if it weren't for his disciple Fang Muyang's incident, he wouldn't have met Li Xuan, and subsequently wouldn't have established a connection with Jingyang Palace.
"Everything is fated."
Imperial Physician Xue sighed to himself, exited the main gate of Jingyang Palace, and returned to his Imperial Hospital.
His observations of the coldness within Ankang today would provide him with plenty of notes to write.
Shortly after Imperial Physician Xue left, Li Xuan and Ankang also got out of bed and started moving around.
Before, it was always Ankang who looked radiant, while Li Xuan was as drained as if he had been squeezed dry.
But today, this situation finally changed.
Li Xuan took a deep breath, noticing that the energy consumed within his body was rapidly recovering, and the damage to his meridians was continuously being repaired.
At this rate, he would be a healthy cat again tomorrow.
Walking into the courtyard, Ankang had already begun to try out the Light Body Skill she had just learned today.
Her physical fitness had once again improved, and it seemed to far surpass previous levels.
Ankang pushed off the main hall's pillar, soaring upwards, almost directly reaching the roof of the main hall.
The main hall of Jingyang Palace was now seven or eight zhang high; this was certainly not a height a beginner in light body skill could climb.
Moreover, Ankang failed to reach the top because the pillar ended, and the eaves appeared, leaving her with no leverage.
Ankang panicked, suddenly realizing how high she had climbed. Her legs gave out, and she screamed as she fell.
Yuer, who had just returned from seeing Imperial Physician Xue off, saw this thrilling scene as soon as she came back. She quickly took out the silk ribbon from her sleeve, intending to catch Ankang.
But before Yuer could act, a small black shadow flashed, and Ankang's descending figure suddenly froze in mid-air.
Li Xuan stood steadily on the pillar, as if standing on solid ground, defying gravity.
He held Ankang by the scruff of her neck, lifting her entire body with ease.
"Your Highness, you scared me to death!"
Yuer rushed to their position below, reaching out to catch Ankang.
Li Xuan also looked at the reckless little girl with exasperation.
"You just learned light body skill and you're already climbing recklessly."
Ankang turned around to meet Li Xuan's exasperated gaze, and couldn't help but chuckle, a little embarrassed.
She seemed to understand Li Xuan's look and quickly defended herself: "I didn't know how I got up there, and it was so high, I almost died of fright!"
Ankang said, feigning a pitiful expression.
Li Xuan walked down the pillar step by step, then gently placed Ankang on the ground.
Ankang breathed a sigh of relief once she was back on solid ground.
It was the first time in her life she had climbed so high, and thinking about it now still made her feel a little scared.
"Take it slow, adapt step by step, don't rush."
Li Xuan stood on Ankang's shoulder, lightly tapped her with a paw, and admonished her.
"Oh~"
Ankang, having just been rescued, could only honestly respond.
Under Li Xuan's supervision, Ankang was sent to the courtyard to practice her light body skill, not allowing her to go near buildings.
Seeing Ankang safe and sound, Yuer also let out the breath she had been holding.
She merely turned back to look at the height of the main hall and quietly swallowed her saliva.
Yuer's current strength would allow her to climb up, but she certainly couldn't do it as easily as Ankang, who could leap up in a few steps; she would have to rely on her silk ribbon to climb up little by little.
"Your Highness is getting more and more formidable now."
Yuer felt proud of Ankang's rapid progress, but also couldn't help but worry about her own cultivation.
"I wonder when I'll break through again."
Yuer had already developed a taste for the feeling of a martial artist breaking through realms, eagerly anticipating that day's early arrival.
Li Xuan sat on the stone table in the courtyard, watching Ankang practice her light body skill. Seeing her gradually master it, he felt relieved.
He raised a paw, and with a thought, a chilling aura immediately emanated from it, with a white glow on the claw blades.
Li Xuan's eyes narrowed, and he continued to condense the remaining Ice-Cold Breath within his body.
The next moment, frost formed on Li Xuan's claw blades, solidifying into ice.
"Hmm!?"
"Qi Manifestation!!!"
At the same time, an excited tiger roar suddenly came from the backyard!
"Awooo~~~"