But the young man urgently said, "Maria, you have to attend, too.

Mrs. Jenkins specifically requested your presence."

Mr. Barnes had specifically requested Maria's presence. He hadn't known Maria was the female medical expert in the video Jaxon had shot.

Mr. Barnes wanted to see Maria because the latter was the one he performed Ancient Martial Arts Organ Transplant Methods on twenty years ago. He found it hard to believe she was still alive. She was supposed to have met her demise decades ago.

He vividly remembered Barbara, born with a heart condition that should've taken her life early. With Barbara's heart in Maria's chest after the surgery, how could Maria grow up healthily to now?

Mr. Barnes suspected some medical master had performed Ancient Martial Arts Organ Transplant Methods on Maria once again, granting Maria a healthy heart.

However, only a few medical masters could do that. Mr. Barnes didn't think any of those unapproachable medical masters qualified for the surgery would perform Ancient Martial Arts Organ Transplant Methods for Maria. He found it puzzling.

This mystery made Mr. Barnes even more curious about Maria. He wanted to watch her closely and discover her secrets.

"Maria, danger comes without warning. Stay near me later. I'll protect you as best I can," Canaan murmured to Maria, who gave a slight nod, her eyes meeting Mr. Barnes' for a moment.

“That's Maria? Oh my!" Mr. Barnes was so shocked at the sight of Maria that he almost jumped up, his hand hitting the table hard.

As a medical master, Mr. Barnes wasn't attracted by Maria's beauty.

The moment he saw her, he realized she was indeed the little girl he had operated on.

Two decades ago, even when Maria was a little girl, Mr. Barnes could still detect her talents in martial arts. Her talents amazed him even now.

“Mr. Barnes?" Barbara, seeing Mr. Barnes' interest in Maria, became worried.

"Relax," Mr. Barnes whispered, barely audible.

“I appreciate her for her unique talents. It's like how you see a valuable herb used in medicine."

Hearing this, Barbara froze and then smiled slightly. The jealousy she had moments ago faded, replaced by a sense of sympathy for Maria.

With the crowd gathered, Reuben took the stage as the host. Reuben commended Mr. Barnes for his lifelong dedication to the ancient martial arts. Reuben then expressed gratitude for Mr. Barnes' visit to the Jenkins' residence and his generosity in sharing his insights into medical practice with the young members.

Reuben's speech, clearly well-prepared, praised Mr. Barnes as a major figure in the world of martial arts, even more so than the leading experts in the Pill Alchemist Association.

“It's distasteful," grumbled Canaan, his face showing clear disapproval.

“Such excessive praise is not our family's way."

Maria quietly agreed with him. In the world of martial arts, it was uncommon to shower someone with such praise, particularly when they were still alive.

The Jenkins family, despite their struggles, seldom stooped to such flattery toward Mr. Barnes.

Even Mr. Barnes seemed surprised by the over-the-top speech, but he quickly composed himself and accepted the praise with a smile, not particularly moved by the compliments.