Chapter 74: Identity Revealed!

Seeing Qin Luo kneel down, a wave of emotion swept through the crowd.

Wang Xiushen quickly pulled Qin Luo to his feet and said, "I can't accept such a grand gesture. I'm not qualified to be your master. My Five Dragons Seeking the Phoenix needle technique was once passed on to Yangxin, but he lacked the necessary insight."

"Qin Luo, you are the most gifted young man I've ever seen. To master this needle technique after just two readings makes you the first in the world. I'm old now, and to find such an exceptional successor for Five Dragons Seeking the Phoenix brings me great comfort. As for the empty title of master and disciple, let's dispense with that."

"Even a single word makes one a teacher. The grace of imparting this skill is something I, Qin Luo, will never forget. If you do not reject me, please accept me as your disciple," Qin Luo insisted stubbornly.

He understood well what Wang Xiushen's actions signified.

Both the world of traditional medicine and martial arts were entrenched in deep sectarian divisions. In martial arts, it was common for one sect to challenge another, often resulting in fierce battles. Medicine was less violent, but not much better.

For Wang Xiushen to abandon these divisions and impart his secret skills would have a profound effect on the world of traditional medicine.

No longer would practitioners shut themselves away, guarding their own treasures. Instead, they would adopt an open attitude, discussing and advancing together.

Traditional medicine would no longer be a mysterious, secret art, but an open science.

Everyone could learn, everyone could use it. Only then could traditional medicine flourish and stand toe to toe with Western medicine.

Moreover, Qin Luo understood the brilliance of Five Dragons Seeking the Phoenix.

The navel is one of the body's vital gates; a single misstep could spell disaster. The technique demanded extreme precision in force, speed, steadiness, and acuity in locating acupuncture points. This was why Wang Yangxin could launch three needles simultaneously but never master the Five Dragons Seeking the Phoenix.

Its effect might not be as legendary as the Taiyi Divine Needle, but it remained a coveted skill for needle practitioners.

The Taiyi Divine Needle emphasizes channeling qi through the needle, which for most is an insurmountable barrier. There may not be another person in the entire country capable of learning it.

Even for Qin Luo, it was extremely taxing, requiring immense physical and mental energy. This explained why, after curing thirty children with cholera, he had collapsed from exhaustion.

Now, whenever his strength failed, he could use the Five Dragons Seeking the Phoenix to compensate for his physical shortcomings.

For Qin Luo, it was another extraordinary method for saving lives.

Wang Xiushen shook his head resolutely. "Qin Luo, it's not that I don't want you as my disciple. It's that my medical skills simply don't measure up to yours. How can a master be inferior to his disciple? Though I'm a few years older, let's regard each other as equals."

"If I don't call you master, how could I ever use the Five Dragons Seeking the Phoenix?" Qin Luo replied with a smile. "Master, please don't refuse any longer."

Seeing Wang Xiushen still hesitant, Old Zhuo, who had been watching, interjected, "Old Wang, don't refuse. Take him in. We old men who've dedicated our lives to medicine rarely get the chance to accept such a gifted student. It's a blessing we can't ask for. Why push it away?"

"Exactly. If you don't want him, I'll snatch him for myself! My fire cupping technique needs a successor too," Guo Xusheng said with a laugh.

Even the usually stern Gu Bai Xian was smiling. "Take him in. Then today, we'll witness a story worth telling."

Little did Gu Bai Xian know, his words would prove prophetic.

It was thanks to Wang Xiushen's decision to impart his skills today that Qin Luo would later draw from many traditions and become a master of his generation.

The tale of Wang Xiushen passing on his art would be told and retold, becoming a legendary story in the medical world.

Wang Xiushen looked at his old friends, then at Qin Luo's determined expression, and felt moved.

To refuse such a talented young man was like a lecher being forced to let go of a stunning beauty—a torment that gnawed at his heart.

"Grandpa, just accept him. Otherwise, you'll regret it," Wang Yangxin, seeing through his grandfather's thoughts, urged with a smile.

Qin Luo's becoming his grandfather's disciple delighted Wang Yangxin. In the future, he could seek Qin Luo's guidance and improve his own skills.

"Alright, let's establish the master-disciple relationship," Wang Xiushen agreed, grinning. "But I've only got this one skill, which I've already taught you. There's nothing more I can teach."

"You've already taught me so much, and I'll benefit for a lifetime," Qin Luo replied.

To Qin Luo, Wang Xiushen had imparted not only medical techniques but also medical ethics and character.

Like the sea embracing all rivers, greatness lies in tolerance. The generosity with which he suddenly imparted his needle skills alone was enough for Qin Luo to call him master.

Becoming Wang Xiushen's disciple also made it easier for him to return the Divine Needle King's plaque. They were now of the same school, and outsiders would have no cause for gossip.

Wang Xiushen had sacrificed so much for him; naturally, Qin Luo wanted to repay him.

Qin Luo had always been this way: if someone showed him an inch of respect, he would return a foot. If someone stepped on him, he would cut off both their feet.

"So now I have to call you senior brother?" Wang Yangxin said, laughing as he patted Qin Luo's shoulder.

"When did I say you were my disciple?" Wang Xiushen barked.

Wang Yangxin was flustered, and the onlookers burst out laughing.

"Now that your master-disciple relationship is settled, can we finally feast our eyes?" Old Zhuo asked eagerly.

Wang Xiushen nodded and turned to Qin Luo. "Qin Luo, these old fellows mainly came to see your miraculous Taiyi Divine Needle. To be honest, even I'm curious. If it's convenient, would you demonstrate it for us?"

"Of course," Qin Luo agreed readily.

He retrieved a silver needle from his box, disinfected it with an alcohol swab, then channeled his internal energy to his fingertips, transmitting it to the needle. The tip of the silver needle began to tremble ever so slightly.

The vibration was subtle, barely visible—a blur to the naked eye. If one were nearsighted, they might think the needle's movement was due to their own blurry vision.

"Who wants to try the needle?" Qin Luo asked with a smile.

Wang Yangxin's eyes darted around. "I'll do it. As a junior, I should be of some use."

Qin Luo nodded, and the silver needle swiftly pierced Wang Yangxin's wrist.

"What does it feel like?"

"Tight," Wang Yangxin replied.

"And now?"

"Sore. Something's flowing, like an ant crawling. It's itchy, but comfortable. Cool."

"That's the chill that penetrates the heart," Qin Luo said, suddenly withdrawing the needle. After disinfecting it again, he struck once more, this time at Wang Yangxin's lumbar point.

"What does it feel like?"

"Tight."

"And then?"

"Hot. A bit hot. How can it be so miraculous?" Wang Yangxin exclaimed, experiencing the wonders of the Taiyi Divine Needle for the first time.

"That's the burning mountain fire," Qin Luo said with a smile.

"How many needles are there in the Taiyi Divine Needle?" Wang Xiushen asked.

"There are five. They're called Burning Mountain Fire, Chill That Penetrates the Heart, Guanyin's Hand, Ghost's Dread, and the legendary Taiyi Needle that is said to bring the dead back to life. Each needle has countless variations; I only know twelve variations of the first three. Ghost's Dread and Taiyi Needle are far too difficult. I can't control them yet."

"A marvel," Gu Bai Xian said, his face full of longing.

"It makes one's heart itch. Sadly, we can't use it ourselves," Old Zhuo lamented.

"If this art were truly lost, it would be a tragedy for medicine. Fortunately, we have Qin Luo."

Wang Xiushen patted Qin Luo's shoulder. "Qin Luo, the road ahead is long and arduous."

"I understand what you mean. I will do my best," Qin Luo said solemnly.

"Excellent. Excellent," Wang Xiushen nodded repeatedly. He had said "excellent" countless times that day. "If you ever need us, just ask. We'll be your strongest support."

"Thank you, Master. Thank you, Elder Gu. Thank you, Elder Zhuo. Thank you, Elder Guo," Qin Luo said gratefully.

"No need for thanks. We're all family," the plump Old Zhuo waved it off. "By the way, there's a seminar in the traditional medicine community in a few days. Why don't you join the expert group?"

"A traditional medicine seminar? Is it the one being held at Yan Garden?" Qin Luo asked, puzzled.

"Yes, that's the one. Have you heard of it?" Old Zhuo nodded with a smile.

Qin Luo smiled bitterly. Earlier at school, he had fought tooth and nail for a spot, but failed to secure a place. Unexpectedly, after a single outing, he was invited to attend—and not as a junior teacher, but as part of the expert group.

When the likes of Teacher Zhu saw him at the conference, would they be shocked?

"I just heard of it," Qin Luo replied. He was too embarrassed to admit he'd failed to secure a place at school.

"All the better. I plan to discuss with the other elders and have you represent us as the expert group's speaker. Prepare yourself, Qin Luo," Old Zhuo said.

Qin Luo was speechless. He recalled a line from his idol Tang Yin in "Flirting Scholar": The ups and downs of life come too quickly—it's truly exhilarating.

Since he had promised Lin Wanxi to dine together that evening, Qin Luo politely declined Wang Yangxin's invitation to dinner.

As they descended the stairs, a swarm of reporters with cameras and microphones rushed toward them.

"Mr. Wang, is it true that you are competing in needle techniques with the successor of the Taiyi Divine Needle today?"

"Mr. Wang, who do you think is more skilled—you or the successor of the Taiyi Divine Needle?"

"Mr. Wang, can you reveal any information about the Divine Needle successor? Are they male or female? How old are they?"

Qin Luo was surprised to be accosted by so many reporters, despite having come quietly.

At the front, Wang Yangxin glanced at his grandfather, saw him nod slightly, and suddenly pointed at Qin Luo. "He is the successor of the Taiyi Divine Needle—Qin Luo."