A Divine Farmer

Chapter 295 - The Original Name Was Xuanyuan

In China, many traditional practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have been traditionally passed down from master to disciple. Particularly esoteric secret techniques are not shared lightly, only in dire circumstances when absolutely necessary.

This custom has its shortcomings, but it also stems from a fear of imparting knowledge to those with ill intentions. Only after thorough consideration would a master impart the most profound aspects of their craft to a disciple, taking responsibility for both the student and the secrets being shared.

This method of passing down knowledge has led to the gradual disappearance of many ancient secret techniques. Some have been completely lost, representing a significant loss for all.

Wang Zhengyi, an inheritor of the Wang Family Needle Technique, was well aware of the pros and cons of this traditional approach. Although he was still uncertain about Zhang Xiaolong's character, Zhang had saved his son's life and roused him from a deep coma. Without a doubt, Zhang was a doctor of exceptional skill.

Passing the Wang Family Needle Technique to Zhang Xiaolong might very well be the best outcome for the legacy. Otherwise, given the current state of affairs, the technique might only accompany Wang Zhengyi to his grave.

Expecting Wang Zhengyi to produce another book, Zhang Xiaolong was surprised to find that despite his frailty, Wang insisted on orally passing down the technique.

Zhang Xiaolong listened intently, cross-referencing the needle technique with ancient methods he recalled, and engaged in continuous deduction.

After half an hour, Wang Zhengyi paused, but Zhang Xiaolong remained deeply engrossed in his deductions.

Another hour passed without any sign of stopping. Wang Cheng noticed Zhang's complexion worsening and attempted to intervene, but Wang Zhengyi stopped him.

“He's fully immersed in his deductions, which is incredibly draining. Interrupting him now could undo all his progress and potentially harm him,” Wang Zhengyi explained. “Let's wait a bit longer.”

Fifteen minutes later, Zhang Xiaolong slowly opened his eyes and murmured, “It seems I'm still missing something…”

He attempted to rise, but his body shook violently. Thankfully, Wang Cheng was there to steady him, preventing a fall.

“Why is he so weak?” Wang Cheng checked his pulse and found him to be even more frail than after his last treatment.

“It's nothing,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a wry smile, shaking his head.

He had utilized the Hundred-grass Spring Coming Arts to draw spiritual force from a large tree to administer acupuncture to Wang Zhengyi. However, this approach was unconventional, and once the spiritual force was depleted, his body would suffer a backlash, leaving him significantly weaker than before.

But such an explanation seemed too esoteric to share with others.

“Do you practice witchcraft?” Wang Zhengyi suddenly inquired. “You appear to have been affected by a witchcraft backlash, damaging your essence. It seems treating an old man like me has taken its toll on you.”

“Oh?” Zhang Xiaolong's eyes brightened. He hadn't expected Wang Zhengyi to discern so much. “I'm not sure if it qualifies as witchcraft, but it's certainly not the same as ordinary Qi Gong.”

“Definitely not Qi Gong, but don't worry about it. Witchcraft isn't inherently malevolent. Moreover, I can't say for sure whether what you've learned is witchcraft or merely bears some resemblance. But you've depleted your essence to extend my life with acupuncture, and for that, I owe you a great debt,” Wang Zhengyi sighed.

Wang Cheng, listening nearby, sensed his father's genuine relief.

The continuation of the Wang Family Needle Technique was a positive development, but the character of the successor mattered greatly. If Zhang Xiaolong had ill intentions, their gamble would have been disastrously lost.

Now, understanding that Zhang Xiaolong had sacrificed his essence to heal him, solely to master more of the technique and help heal others more quickly, Wang Zhengyi felt truly at ease.

“Dr. Wang, there's no need for such formality. Your medical expertise is exceptional. By saving you, many others are given renewed hope. A slight depletion of my essence is a small price to pay, and I can recover swiftly. It's a worthwhile exchange, one that even farmers can appreciate. Please, don't give it another thought,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile.

“Farmers?” Wang Zhengyi's curiosity was piqued. “Are you saying you're a farmer?”

Indeed, I'm just a humble farmer from Clear River Village in Qingyuan County. My medical knowledge came to me quite by chance,” Zhang Xiaolong introduced himself. “I've come to Eternal Light Village because my friend, Su Mei, is stranded here. I never anticipated the severity of the plague, which is why I've sought you out, taking quite the risk.”

Wang Zhengyi regarded Zhang Xiaolong with increased interest. “The Medicine Ancestor Shennong was also a farmer. If you're a farmer too, then surely you can become as legendary as he was—a divine farmer, indeed.”

Dr. Wang, you're too kind. I simply couldn't stand by and watch so many people suffer without trying to help. If I did nothing, I'd never be able to live with myself,” Zhang Xiaolong replied earnestly.

“A true doctor's compassion,” Wang Zhengyi said with a smile, making an effort to rise from his bed. Wang Cheng moved to assist him, but a glance from Wang Zhengyi halted him. Finally sitting up with difficulty, he continued gravely, “I must confess, the needle technique I've shared with you is not the entirety of my knowledge. You might think me old-fashioned, but I'm bound by the traditions of my ancestors, and I'm reluctant to break them lightly. Would you consider becoming a part of the Wang family?”

His proposal was not without self-interest. Zhang Xiaolong's talents and temperament greatly pleased him, and finding such a successor for the Wang Family Needle Technique in his twilight years would indeed be a stroke of fortune.

Zhang Xiaolong hesitated briefly before nodding decisively. “The opportunity to learn the ancestral Wang Family Needle Technique and to help the many villagers outside is something any doctor would covet. It would be ungracious of me to refuse. If you agree, Dr. Wang, I am ready to perform the rites of apprenticeship right now.”

“Very well, very well,” Wang Zhengyi said, his laughter reflecting his delight, and it seemed to ease his discomfort. “There's no need for formalities at the moment. You must stay strong. I will impart the final part of the Wang Family Needle Technique to you. I'm confident it will be beneficial.”

Zhang Xiaolong perked up and nodded earnestly.

Wang Zhengyi commenced his explanation once more. As he concluded, he directed Wang Cheng to retrieve an antique small box from a particular desk.

“What is this…?” Xiaolong couldn't quite figure it out and instead focused intently on the box as he inquired.

“Take out what's inside,” Wang Zhengyi commanded. “Though I can't decipher this diagram myself, our ancestral teachings state that only those who have seen it are truly considered part of the Wang family.”

Upon hearing this, Xiaolong approached the task with even greater solemnity. He cautiously opened the box to find a piece of leather, its material a mystery.

He unfurled the leather to reveal the image of a sinuous Divine Dragon in flight.

The Divine Dragon was depicted with a lively spirit; each scale rendered with incredible precision. Yet, it was unclear how this image related to any needle technique.

“The Wang Family Needle Technique is originally known as the Xuanyuan Needle Technique,” Wang Zhengyi revealed at that moment.