Everyone was shocked when they learned that the judge for thispetition would be Xander Fielding. He was ranked tenth among the ten best master healers of Dragonia.


    Even though he held thest spot, being one of the top ten was still a prestigious position, especially among those studying traditional medicine. Many considered him a role model. After a while, William returned, looking utterly respectful as he walked beside Xander.


    "Dr. Xander Fielding!"


    Everyone stood up to greet him, including Zara. Regardless of who their masters were or how their skillspared to Xander''s, showing respect to a senior was a given.


    Felix also paid his respects. Even though it wasn''t his first time meeting Xander, he saw no reason to act arrogantly. 1


    Seeing Xander as a potential savior, Timothy wasted no timeining, "You''ve arrived just in time, Dr. Fielding. These youngsters decided on the oue in private without realizing how crucial tomorrow''s event was."


    11


    Although Zara had agreed to follow the process, given her reluctant agreement, there was no guarantee she would fullymit to thepetition. Xander''s presence was now seen as the only way to ensure fairness.


    Xander nodded, then directed his gaze toward the nine nominees. His expression shifted noticeably when his gazended on Felix, and a sense of relief crossed his face.


    Before arriving, he had wondered if Felix would be among the candidates. If he were, then the oue of the event would be secure.


    With a smile, Xander asked, "If I''m not mistaken, the winner you all decided on privately is him, correct?"


    As Xander gestured, everyone was stunned. His guess was spot-on as he was pointing straight at Felix. However, how could Xander have known? Xander''s medical skills were extraordinary, but they didn''t grant him the ability to see the future. "How did you know, Dr. Fielding?" William couldn''t contain his curiosity and spoke up on everyone''s behalf.


    "Well, I''ve met Felix before and have witnessed his medical skills. Since he''s here, there''s no way anyone else would be the winner.


    Such high praise, especiallying from Xander, left many in awe. It wasn''tmon to hear the tenth-ranked master healer speak so highly of someone.


    The only one unhappy was Timothy, who had hoped for support but found Xander praising


    Felix instead. This was infuriating!


    13


    "Since it''s Felix, there''s no need for an internalpetition. I''ll take my leave now. As for tomorrow''s showdown, there''s no need to worry. With Felix on our side, victory is assured.


    With a


    Xander departed, leaving the room inplete silence. If his earlier words had been generous praise for a younger talent, his final remarks were almost over the top. It was as if he no longer considered Felix a junior but saw him as an equal. Otherwise, why would he confidently dere victory? "Well, even Dr. Fielding agrees. What do you think?" William''s words snapped Timothy out of his daze.


    With a cold snort, he turned and left in a huff. What else could he do? He would only embarrass himself if he kept insisting on his stance even when Xander had spoken.


    "Alright! Felix Zeller will represent our nation''s young traditional medicine practitioners in tomorrow''spetition against Guneria. Everyone is dismissed."


    Just as Felix stepped out of the Traditional Medicine Association''s headquarters, he found himself stopped by Zara.


    "Felix, you''ve broken new ground. Among the top ten master healers of Dragonia, each has their own personality, but none of them have ever acknowledged someone of our age group like that. Congrattions!" "Thank you," Felix said, noting that Zara was a decent person-well, that was aside from her less-than-ster looks.


    "Where are you staying? Could we exchange contact information?" she asked.