Chapter 1614

The meridians in the eyes were even finer than those in the tongue. Since visual images had to be transmitted to the brain to restore sight, every single meridian required extreme care to reconnect.

If any of these delicate channels snapped, the surgery would fail. This demanded a higher level of skill from the healer, requiring not just mental focus, but precise physical control.

One eye contained over a hundred meridians; two eyes meant nearly two hundred. Connecting them allowed for zero distraction. It tested Zhu Yanyi’s stamina and mental strength to the limit.

Zhu Yanyi only exhaled when the last meridian was connected and flowing.

"The meridians are joined. Now we must connect the blood vessels." Zhu Yanyi used gold needles to guide the flow. She activated the medicinal array embedded in the eye, using it to control the speed of the blood entering the vessels.

"What is the heart rate now?" Zhu Yanyi asked Yan Ao.

"Sixty-seven."

Zhu Yanyi nodded. This matched her prediction. "When opening the vessels, activate the medicinal array first. Use its resistance to slow the sudden rush of blood. As the array strengthens, the body will gradually accept the flow. Never open the vessels before activating the array, or the surgery will fail."

"Understood." Gu Jingtian and the others memorized every word Zhu Yanyi said.

"The Thirteen Needles of Reviving Wood is an excellent technique. Use it last to fuse the medicinal array with the body." Zhu Yanyi spoke seriously. "By the way, Senior Brother, how many of you can now use the Thirteen Needles?"

"With your supervision, they dare not slack off. Most can perform it, though their control time is still short." Gu Jingtian was pleased. Under Master Yao, they mostly used silver needles. Now, they could handle gold.

Zhu Yanyi smiled lightly. "Good. Practice makes perfect."

She knew her senior brothers were responsible. They would not attempt anything without confidence, so she did not need to warn them to be careful.

Zhu Yanyi’s technique for the Thirteen Needles was incredibly fast, even faster than Master Yao’s. Since she had passed down this technique, her familiarity was natural.

When she placed the final needle, Zhu Yanyi flicked it slightly. The gold needles swayed together, humming with a clear, rhythmic sound. This indicated the surgery was a success.

"Now, bandaging." Zhu Yanyi carefully wrapped Zhu Xinfu’s eyes. These were artificial eyes. The body needed time to accept them. Recovery would take at least seven days.

"Since these are artificial eyes, keep the patient in total darkness for at least seven days after implantation. Wrap the gauze in nine layers. After seven days, remove one layer each day until all nine are gone. Then, wear sunglasses. Choose black lenses, not dark green. Black lenses help the eyes adapt to black and white first. Once adapted, switch to dark green lenses, then remove them entirely. This process must be gradual."

As she spoke, Zhu Yanyi finished bandaging Zhu Xinfu’s eyes.

Zhu Yanyi had estimated the surgery would take no less than ten hours. In reality, it took fourteen hours to complete.

She pushed Zhu Xinfu out of the operating room. Seeing Zhu Shunyao and others waiting outside, Zhu Yanyi removed her mask. Though tired, her eyes were full of joy. This relieved Zhu Shunyao greatly.

Zhu Yanyi smiled and gave a positive answer. "The surgery was successful. He needs slow recovery now. Grandfather cannot eat for a while. He must wait until the tongue functions fully. So, he will need nutrient IVs for now. You do not need to cook for him yet."

"You look exhausted. Go rest first." Yan Aohan noticed the fatigue between Zhu Yanyi’s brows. He felt a pang of sympathy. Given Zhu Yanyi’s cultivation, such tiredness meant she had used her internal energy and special abilities throughout the fourteen hours.

Zhu Yanyi smiled lightly. "It is fine. I am just drained. A nap will fix it. Let me tell Father first."

Zhu Shunyao also felt心疼 (heartache) seeing her state. "Ani, is your body okay?"

"I am fine. Do not worry. I just stood for too long." Zhu Yanyi laughed. "I will sleep when I get back.

Father, Grandfather must sleep for at least twenty-four hours. Do not disturb him. Sleep helps him recover meridian energy quickly. When he wakes, his eyes and tongue will itch. He must not scratch them. This itching means the meridians are healing.

You must watch him carefully then, so he does not scratch uncontrollably. During these twenty-four hours, you can also rest. Only one person needs to watch him. After twenty-four hours, at least two people must be present, as the itching will be hard to control."

Zhu Shunyao nodded. "I will help then. If it is that bad, a man is needed."

"Let Brother-in-law and Aohan take turns helping," Zhu Yanyi suggested. "One man each time, and others can be assigned freely. This will help control the situation."

"How long will the itching last?" Zhu Shunyao asked.

"The first three days are the hardest. After that, it will ease. The itching will disappear completely in about half a month."

Yan Aohan said, "We will take turns then. If Father is alone, his body might collapse."

Yan Aohan knew itching could be more tormenting than pain. It could be unbearable.

Zhu Shunyao did not refuse Yan Aohan’s offer. "Fine. You and Yuanxiang come over. If we need more people, I will find others."

"Find who?" Zhu Yanyi laughed lightly. "Brother Luo and the others can help too." She smiled. Her family was not short of people.

Zhu Shunyao patted his forehead. "True. I was confused. Go rest now. Long surgeries drain energy. Remember to eat something first."

"Okay." Zhu Yanyi, having arranged Zhu Xinfu’s care, did not linger. She left with Yan Aohan.