A Divine Farmer

Chapter 296 - The Acupuncture Technique Was Perfected

“Xuanyuan Needle Technique!” Zhang Xiaolong seemed struck by a sudden realization, as if he had latched onto something significant.

Observing his pensive demeanor, Wang Zhengyi elaborated, “Legend has it that the Xuanyuan Needle Technique was invented by Emperor Huang Xuanyuan. Whether that's true is impossible to confirm. Over time, the technique was lost and fragments scattered far and wide, adopted and adapted by various individuals. This led to the emergence of numerous factions, and inevitably, due to the limited talents and incomplete transmissions, many errors crept in. It was only later that the Needle Saint King meticulously compiled the remnants from a multitude of ancient texts. Today, what has been passed down to me is less than a third of the original.”

“Xuanyuan Needle Technique… Emperor Huang Xuanyuan…” Zhang Xiaolong murmured, his focus deepening as he connected with the image before him. The Divine Dragon depicted seemed poised to leap off the page.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaolong's eyes reflected a myriad of transformations, as if the Divine Dragon had sprung to life, no longer confined to the illustration but soaring freely.

Moreover, the aura and flight path of the Divine Dragon felt eerily familiar to Zhang Xiaolong, reminiscent of something he had encountered long ago.

“Dragon Controlling True Spell?”

A moment of clarity struck Zhang Xiaolong. The Divine Dragon's movements mirrored the Swimming Dragon Step from the Dragon Controlling True Spell.

With this realization, Zhang Xiaolong gazed into the void, becoming increasingly absorbed. His body began to move instinctively.

Initially, his movements were deliberate and slow, but gradually they gained momentum. His limbs cast trailing shadows, and a gusty wind filled the room. Yet, the surrounding environment remained undisturbed, as if all the energy was contained within an aura around Zhang Xiaolong.

Wang Cheng watched, utterly astonished. He could hardly believe that the Divine Dragon Illustration, a family heirloom, could transform someone into a martial arts expert in an instant. Was it possible that it contained a secret technique imperceptible to the untrained eye? It all seemed straight out of a martial arts fantasy.

He wasn't the only one left speechless; Wang Zhengyi was also at a loss. He was convinced that the Divine Dragon Illustration was connected to the Xuanyuan Needle Technique. So, how did Zhang Xiaolong, after just a brief glance, turn it into a martial arts secret?

At that moment, Zhang Xiaolong was the one who truly understood. He felt an exhilarating sense of freedom in both body and mind, as if his power could soar beyond the skies.

To onlookers, he had become a vortex of energy, with even a faint dragon-shaped aura surrounding him. With a mighty leap, he appeared in the courtyard, his roar echoing as if it could penetrate the fabric of heaven and earth.

In the blink of an eye, he was at the desk inside the house, his pen dancing across the paper with fervor.

As the ink spread across sheet after sheet, Zhang Xiaolong's pace quickened, yet not a single page was disturbed, not even by the slightest breeze.

After placing the final stroke, he exhaled deeply and turned to Wang Zhengyi and his son, saying, “I've come to understand that the Xuanyuan Needle Technique is also the Xuanyuan Heart Sutra. The doctor employs acupuncture as a means for the patient to cultivate the Heart Sutra, thereby achieving extraordinary healing effects. I've deduced all the techniques and corrected every mistake. I entrust this refined technique to you, as you are undoubtedly the most deserving of its legacy.”

Wang Zhengyi, with hands shaking, carefully perused the thick stack of papers. Tears began to fall after only a few pages, which he quickly caught, anxious not to smudge the ink with his tears.

“To think that the true essence of the Xuanyuan Needle Technique could once again grace the world. Xiaolong, you are a great benefactor to the Wang family. Our ancestors, if they were aware, would surely be indebted to you for your kindness,” Wang Zhengyi expressed with great emotion.

“You give me too much credit. Even though I haven't formally become your disciple, I see myself as one. Deciphering the needle technique is not only my responsibility, but it also benefits the people of China immensely. There's no need for accolades or gratitude,” Zhang Xiaolong reassured him. “You should avoid excitement in your current state of recovery. This Heart Sutra has revitalized me, and shortly, I'll administer another round of acupuncture. I'm confident that it will further suppress the virus in your body.”

“No,” Wang Zhengyi shook his head, “I can't be your teacher, nor do I feel right about taking you on as a disciple. Instead, if you're willing, I can accept you on behalf of my father as his disciple. From now on, you'll be my junior brother.”

“Ah?” Zhang Xiaolong was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

Wang Zhengyi, well into his sixties with a son in his forties, was now proposing to recognize him as a junior brother. It sounded rather odd, didn't it?

“If you'd rather not, that's fine too. The accomplished lead the way. Your medical skills were once lacking, and I grudgingly took you under my wing, but having seen you complete the Xuanyuan Needle Technique with your own hands, to continue insisting on being your teacher would be a disservice to our ancestors and the Xuanyuan Needle Technique itself,” Wang Zhengyi explained with gravity.

“Then… I'll defer to your wisdom,” Zhang Xiaolong conceded. To argue further might lead the other party to believe he wanted nothing to do with the Wang family.

Pleased, Wang Zhengyi nodded and instructed Wang Cheng, “Take Xiaolong to the ancestral shrine to pay his respects. From today, he is your Martial Uncle. You've had a change of heart, so make sure to heed your Martial Uncle's advice. Following him in the practice of medicine will surely be to your great benefit.”

“I understand, Father,” Wang Cheng replied, then turned to the man twenty years his junior, “Martial Uncle, please, this way.”

“Let's not bother with that,” interjected Zhang Xiaolong. “I'd be more comfortable if you just called me Mr. Zhang.”

Catching his father's disapproving frown, Wang Cheng quickly demurred, “I wouldn't dare. We must honor the traditions of our ancestors, and besides, with your considerable skills, it's only right for me to address you as Martial Uncle.”

Realizing the deep-seated respect for tradition in the Wang family, Zhang Xiaolong decided not to press the issue and went along with them.

After a brief ceremony, he resumed his discussion with Wang Zhengyi about the Ebola Virus.

I no longer have to worry about my body being compromised. Using the Xuanyuan Needle Technique in conjunction with divine power should yield significantly better results. Yet, there's no way to completely eradicate the virus. Plus, some people's bodies have been too severely affected; they likely won't be able to handle the surge of Yang energy from the needle technique. Senior Brother, have you come up with any remedies that can kill the Ebola Virus?” Zhang Xiaolong inquired.

“To be honest, ever since I contracted the virus, I've been testing various formulas, but the regular ones just don't seem to work,” Wang Zhengyi said, gazing outwards. “Our Wang family's ancestors settled in Eternal Light Village because it's adjacent to Shennong Mountain, which is rich in medicinal herbs. Legend has it that deep within the mountain lies a miraculous herb capable of curing any illness. If the legend holds true, it might be worth a try. Otherwise, given my current capabilities, I'm at a loss for any other medicinal solution. We may have to pin our hopes on combining acupuncture with some form of Western medication.”