Chapter 107: Warming the Bed, Fortune Keeps Coming

Li Chao flicked his fingernails and said with supreme confidence, "Because you cannot cure the patient, but I can!"

Sun Xinglin burst into laughter, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "Young man, you are far too arrogant! For this patient, a seventy percent recovery is the best possible outcome! As for a full cure? Ha! Even if a deity descended, they couldn't achieve it!"

As one of the most respected miracle doctors in Zhongzhou, Sun Xinglin firmly believed his current treatment plan was optimal. He completely dismissed the idea that this young man before him could fully heal the patient.

Li Chao smiled, his tone brimming with assurance. "One shouldn't speak too definitively! What a deity cannot do, I can!"

In the past, Li Chao would never have dared to be so bold. But things were different now. With the *Xuantian Medical Classic* in his possession, treating such complex and difficult ailments was as easy as turning over his hand.

As he spoke, he stepped forward and placed his hand on the wrist of Luo Ying’s mother. Seeing this, the look of contempt on Sun Xinglin’s face deepened.

Standard pulse diagnosis required three fingers—the middle finger pressing the radial artery at the *guan* position, the index finger at the *cun* position, and the ring finger at the *chi* position—all aligned in an arched, level line. One would then use the three methods of "lifting," "pressing," or "searching" to assess the illness.

Yet, Li Chao ignored these conventional methods entirely. He simply rested his hand gently on the woman's wrist and closed his eyes, as if engaging in some mysterious communion with the patient’s body. This scene left everyone present shocked and bewildered.

Facing the sarcastic remarks from Sun Xinglin and his apprentice, Li Chao merely shook his head and smiled. He looked at Sun Xinglin and proposed a bold wager: "Since you claim to be a miracle doctor, do you dare to bet with me? I wager that I can fully cure her with acupuncture. If I win, you will acknowledge me as your master!"

Originally, Li Chao only intended to help Luo Ying’s mother out of kindness, but the thought of the progression value in his mental ancient tower prompted him to target Sun Xinglin. If he could take him on as a disciple, he might be able to increase his experience points within the tower.

Sun Xinglin sneered. "Very well! Since you insist, I will take this bet! But what if you lose?"

Li Chao smiled faintly and said confidently, "If I lose, I will submit to your disposal without a word!"

Sun Xinglin stroked his beard, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Good! Then we shall wait and see! Let us see who is truly 'wielding a broadsword before Guan Yu'!"

Luo Ying listened, trembling with anxiety. She didn't know if Li Chao was truly capable, but seeing his unshakable confidence brought her some comfort. She prayed silently, hoping Li Chao could truly heal her mother and show this arrogant doctor that there is always someone better.

"I will make you give up all hope," Sun Xinglin said coldly. He paused, then added, "If I lose, I will become your disciple! If you lose, you shall never practice medicine again for the rest of your life!"

Sun Xinglin truly looked down on Li Chao. With him watching, the patient would be safe, but if this fellow went out to treat others, he might harm countless people. He would rather win this bet to nip this quack in the bud.

Hearing this, Li Chao laughed. "Deal! A promise is a promise!" He then turned to the apprentice. "Lend me your silver needles."

The apprentice reluctantly opened the medicine chest and produced the needle pouch. As he handed it over, he couldn't resist a jab: "Just wait to be made a laughingstock!" Having studied under his master for a long time without daring to use needles lightly, he certainly didn't believe Li Chao was any better.

Li Chao ignored him, picked up a silver needle, and began to study the patient. As for Luo Ying’s mother, though initially hesitant, the prospect of a full recovery gave her a glimmer of hope. After all, who wouldn't want to be completely healed? Let him try.

Sun Xinglin sat to the side, sipping his tea, watching how Li Chao would proceed. He saw Li Chao open the pouch, pick up a needle, and strike. His movements were light; the needle caught a sliver of white light and accurately pierced the *Shenting* acupoint. The tail of the needle vibrated slightly, emitting a faint humming sound. It was incredibly profound!

*Pfft!* Sun Xinglin spat out his tea, staring in horror as he cried out, "The Fuxi Needle Technique!"

Acupuncture has countless variations. Even simple techniques require specific skills. A commoner might not understand, but as a renowned miracle doctor, Sun Xinglin recognized the method the moment Li Chao struck. This was clearly the "Fuxi Needle Technique" recorded in the *Pharmacopoeia*, a method long thought lost. Even he only knew of it in theory and had no idea how to perform it. Where did this young man learn it?

The apprentice, though confused, asked in a low voice, "Master, what is this Fuxi technique? Is it that impressive?"

"Shut up!" Sun Xinglin scolded. The apprentice trembled and fell silent. Sun Xinglin’s eyes remained wide, fixed on Li Chao’s hands, not daring to blink for fear of missing a single second.

Luo Ying stood by, holding her breath, afraid to disturb the treatment. Under everyone’s gaze, Li Chao plucked another needle and placed it into the *Tiantu* acupoint. Then the third, the fourth, the fifth...

Li Chao’s hands moved with practiced ease. What seemed like dangerous needles in his hands appeared like embroidery, possessing an indescribable beauty.

Sun Xinglin’s gaze followed Li Chao’s every movement, growing more horrified by the second. As a titan of traditional Chinese medicine, Sun Xinglin knew acupuncture, but he could never achieve such effortless mastery. The techniques being used were unheard of in their profundity.

In the blink of an eye, Li Chao had inserted all nine needles. Afterward, the tails of the needles shone with a white light, looking like constellations in the night sky—breathtakingly beautiful. Everyone was stunned, and even Sun Xinglin could not help but exclaim, "Truly a miraculous hand that brings the dying back to life!"

Wisps of white vapor emanated from the needles and vanished into the air. Sun Xinglin, looking dazed, muttered, "Is this... the damp toxin accumulated in the patient’s body?" He watched intently for a moment longer before sighing, "Using the needles as a guide to draw it out! Amazing! A true miracle doctor!"

This feat sounded simple, but was as difficult as ascending to heaven. Setting aside the lost "Fuxi Needle Technique," Sun Xinglin knew he could never guide dampness out of the body using silver needles alone.

After finishing, Li Chao clapped his hands and looked at Sun Xinglin. "Master Sun, how was my medical skill? Am I still a shameless and ignorant person?"

Sun Xinglin’s face flushed red. He waved his hands hurriedly. "Miraculous! It was my eyes that were dim!"

The apprentice, still carrying the medicine chest, was unconvinced. "Master, you don't have to be like this! He just poked a few needles in! It’s not certain she’s actually cured." He felt resentful. He had worked so hard to reach his position, accompanying a miracle doctor on calls, yet this guy who looked younger than him was acting so arrogant.

Li Chao said calmly, "Whether she is cured or not, you will see in a moment!"

A few minutes later, the patient’s breathing improved significantly, and her complexion turned rosy. The moisture on the nine needles had stopped, clearly indicating it had been completely drained. The scene left everyone stunned. Even the apprentice couldn't help but marvel, "This is incredible! I have never seen such magical medicine!"

Li Chao retrieved the needles, packed them into the pouch, handed it back to the apprentice, and asked Luo Ying’s mother, "How do you feel?"

Luo Ying’s mother exhaled a long breath, her eyes regaining their luster. She tried moving and managed to sit up on her own. "I’m better! I’m really better!" She moved her arms and legs, her face filled with the joy of recovery.

Luo Ying burst into tears at the sight. Her mother had been bedridden and weak for days; she never expected Li Chao to solve it with just a few needles! "Thank you! Thank you, miracle doctor!"

Luo Ying’s mother ignored Sun Xinglin’s presence and tried to climb out of bed to kneel in thanks, but Li Chao stopped her. "Auntie, don't move around yet! The dampness is gone, but your body is still weak and needs a few days of rest." She nodded eagerly.

Sun Xinglin’s expression was complex. The apprentice, still unwilling to give up, pointed at Li Chao and shouted, "Don't be smug! Who knows if you did some trick to create this illusion? Only my master can decide if she’s truly cured!"

*Slap!* Before he could finish, Sun Xinglin stood up and slapped his apprentice across the face. "A loss is a loss! Admit it with grace! Using such tactics to cheat—if this gets out, it will be a laughingstock! You lack patience and integrity. I am punishing you to start over from the beginning. Don't follow me in practicing medicine until you have tempered your character!"

The young apprentice stood stunned. He had spent three years of toil and two years of study just to earn the right to carry the medicine chest, and now... he was back to square one? He felt bitter and regretful, but he could not argue with Sun Xinglin’s words. He could only silently accept the punishment and begin his medical journey anew.

Afterward, Sun Xinglin walked to Li Chao, bowed deeply, and said with utmost respect, "I was a frog in a well, blinded by my own arrogance! In the future, I will never dare call myself a miracle doctor in your presence!"

He then went to the side, poured a cup of tea, and knelt before Li Chao. "I accept my defeat! Disciple Sun Xinglin offers tea to his master!"

Everyone was dumbfounded. The apprentice, in particular, had never expected things to go this far. Sun Xinglin was of grandfatherly age and highly respected in Huaxi City, a guest of honor to countless elites. He had expected an apology at most, not a public apprenticeship. Most importantly, he had inadvertently been demoted in seniority. Would he have to call this guy "Grand-Master" in the future? He lamented to himself, "This is too hard!"

Even Luo Ying and her mother found the scene surreal. But Sun Xinglin was entirely sincere. To the older generation, age was secondary; talent was everything. He who learns the truth first is the master. Even without the bet, seeing Li Chao’s impossible needle technique would have made him want to apprentice. He knew there was always more to learn in medicine, and Li Chao had shown him a new height he longed to reach.

Li Chao hadn't expected Sun Xinglin to be so decisive. Seeing an elder kneeling before him felt inappropriate, so he quickly helped him up. "I accept the apprenticeship, but there’s no need for such grand gestures!"

Sun Xinglin shook his head. "The Dao cannot be taught lightly! Ritual is the foundation of inheritance; it must not be neglected!"

Facing such a stubborn old man, Li Chao couldn't argue. He drank the tea, accepted the ritual, and the master-disciple relationship was officially established. Afterward, Sun Xinglin hesitated before leaning in to whisper, "Master, may I ask your name..."

Li Chao was taken aback, thinking, "Has it really been this long without me even mentioning my name? What a mess!" He quickly told him his name, and they exchanged contact information.

Li Chao then taught Sun Xinglin the "Fuxi Needle Technique." To ensure he didn't miss out on experience points, he even wrote down several rare prescriptions for him. Sun Xinglin memorized the needle technique and tucked the prescriptions into his pocket like a treasure before leaving with his apprentice.

Luo Ying and her mother thanked Li Chao profusely and invited him to stay for a meal, but he declined, as he had other matters to attend to. After a brief chat, he rose to leave. Luo Ying hurriedly took money from her purse, intending to pay for the treatment.

Li Chao shook his head. "It was just a simple acupuncture session, and I even borrowed the needles from Sun Xinglin! Why would I charge a fee?"

Luo Ying insisted, "But I can't let you work so hard for nothing!" She looked at him with gratitude, hoping he would accept her gesture.

Li Chao laughed. "I definitely won't take the money! If you really feel bad, just be my maid for a few days!"

"Ah?" Luo Ying’s face turned bright red.

She walked him to the door. To avoid the awkwardness of the arrival, Li Chao led the way this time. While there was still physical contact, it was much better than before. On the way, Luo Ying cautiously asked for Li Chao’s address. When she saw him to his car and he opened the door, she said, "I’ve been thinking the whole way... if you really need one, I... I am willing to be your maid!"

Li Chao shivered, thinking, "Damn! I was just joking, surely this girl didn't take it seriously?"

When he looked back, Luo Ying had already ridden away on her electric scooter. Clearly, she had gathered all her courage to say that. Feeling the lingering warmth from their contact, Li Chao touched his nose and thought, "Is this going to be another romantic debt? Sigh! My charm seems to be blooming a bit too vigorously!"

He drove straight to the Jiangnan Chun Restaurant. By now, he was familiar with the place, and everyone knew he was a shareholder, greeting him warmly. He went straight to the kitchen, found a brand-new clay pot, prepared the herbs, and began to brew.

The kitchen staff were curious but didn't dare to ask, watching from a distance before returning to their work. An hour later, the ointment was ready. Once it cooled, Li Chao put it in a plastic container and headed to the third floor.

Inside, Liu Lele was busy reviewing documents. Li Chao walked in, placed the container on the table, and said, "Sister Liu, the... ointment is ready!"

Upon hearing "ointment," Liu Lele’s face flushed slightly, but she stood up, walked over, and opened the lid. The ointment was a pale green, not only lacking an unpleasant odor but emitting a faint, refreshing fragrance.

"This thing... can it really increase bust size?" Liu Lele bit her lip, asking in a low voice.

Li Chao nodded. "It’s here. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back!"

Liu Lele was speechless. "Why are you in such a hurry! You haven't told me how to use it yet!"

Li Chao explained, "It's simple! Take some, apply it evenly to the area, and wait thirty minutes before washing it off! Do it once in the morning and once at night. You should see results in three to five days!"

He sneaked a glance at her chest and whispered, "Sister Liu, honestly, I think you’re already perfect as you are!" Realizing how that sounded, he coughed, pushed the door open, and slipped out as if fleeing!

Liu Lele looked at his retreating back and unconsciously touched her chest. She thought, "My figure is indeed quite good, but... if it could be a bit bigger, that would be even more perfect!"

"Let's try it! Maybe it really works!"

Over the next few days, the Li family manor became suddenly busy. Liu Lele was efficient; after surveying the manor, she drafted a contract, and the first payment arrived. Zhou Shaofeng was given a new job: building a raw material supply base for the manor. His tasks included repairing roads, building walls, and setting up an office. He understood the importance of this work, as it would directly affect the supply and quality of the restaurant’s materials. He threw himself into the work, ensuring every task was completed on time and to the highest standard.