Bab 329: Chapter 329: Perfectly Explained, This Is How It Happened
In the desolate wilderness, where villagers once farmed their land, now lay abandoned, the fields barren due to the presence of evil beings. The people had fled, seeking refuge within the city walls.
A slightly dilapidated house stood solitary, emanating a faint scent of blood.
"He's inside. Follow me," Wu Sheng said, pushing the door open. Inside, a group of people greeted him respectfully, "Young Master."
Wu Sheng nodded. Curious eyes fell upon Lin Fan and Old Zhang, and especially on the chicken they carried. Who are they? Where did the Young Master find these people? they wondered.
Lin Fan noticed the haggard faces of those present, as if burdened by some grave matter. He pondered what could possibly cause such distress, but his own experiences seemed simple in comparison, lacking the weight of true hardship.
They proceeded further into the house. On a wooden bed lay an elderly man, his breathing shallow, his body covered in wounds. He was clearly on the verge of death.
"Who is he?" Old Zhang asked curiously. "Oh my, those injuries are severe. If I had those wounds, I'd be in agony. Thank goodness it's not me."
The surrounding clansmen's expressions darkened with anger. Where did the Young Master find this insensitive man? they thought. However, seeing their Young Master's calm demeanor, they held their tongues.
Wu Sheng explained, "Master, this is an elder of our clan. We entered a ruin in Changbai Mountain, hoping to explore, but it contained an ancient power that gravely wounded him."
"Young Master…" a clansman interjected, cautioning against revealing too much information about the ruin they had discovered.
Wu Sheng raised a hand to silence him. "These two are my friends. Say no more." He was inwardly exasperated by his clansmen's lack of awareness. Surely, those I treat with such respect are not ordinary individuals. They're so simple-minded, he thought.
"Lin Fan, Master, please see if you can save our elder. We've tried everything. A strange power is destroying his life force from within, and we have no means of removing it," Wu Sheng pleaded. They had exhausted all their options, even administering life-saving pills from their clan, but to no avail.
Lin Fan and Old Zhang stepped forward to examine the elder.
"Old Zhang, take a look," Lin Fan said.
"You take a look too," Old Zhang replied.
They both nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in problem-solving.
Wu Sheng ordered everyone to be silent and not disturb the masters during their treatment. He remained deep in thought, marveling at the mysterious and powerful art of acupuncture. Even among the numerous star clans he had encountered, he had never witnessed such abilities. He felt fortunate to have arrived on this planet without resorting to arrogant displays of power, which could have had dire consequences.
"I need to remove his clothes," Old Zhang announced.
"Yes, removing his clothes is good," Lin Fan agreed.
Wu Sheng immediately complied, understanding the masters' need to thoroughly examine the elder. He felt a sense of relief, confident in their abilities.
With the elder's clothes removed, Old Zhang peered at the wounds and whispered to Lin Fan, "Look at his injuries. They're terrifying. If those were on me, I'd surely die."
"Don't worry, I'll protect you from any harm," Lin Fan reassured him.
"You're so kind," Old Zhang said, touched by his words.
Lin Fan chuckled, sensing Old Zhang's overactive imagination. He truly didn't want to see Old Zhang suffer any harm and would gladly bear any danger in his stead.
Their hushed exchange reassured Wu Sheng, who assumed they were discussing treatment strategies. Little did he know, their conversation revolved around the severity of the elder's injuries and their hypothetical reactions to experiencing such pain.
Old Zhang then produced his prized needles. The surrounding clansmen watched in astonishment, unsure of what to make of this unfamiliar approach to healing.
"See anything?" Lin Fan inquired.
Old Zhang's expression turned serious. "It's not a big problem. I'm confident."
"I knew you could do it," Lin Fan praised.
Old Zhang puffed up his chest proudly. "Of course. My acupuncture skills are exceptional." He believed that no challenge was too great for him. As long as someone was willing to receive his treatment, recovery was within reach, regardless of the odds. He had unwavering faith in himself, just as Lin Fan had faith in him, and vice versa.
The treatment began. Old Zhang held the silver needles, carefully examining the elder's body, seemingly searching for the correct acupoints, but in reality, he was pondering where to insert them. After exchanging a meaningful glance with Lin Fan, he regained his familiar touch.
The first needle, with a bold yet precise movement, was inserted into the elder's head. The surrounding clansmen gasped, shocked by the unorthodox technique. Wu Sheng, however, remained calm, having witnessed the master's skill before.
The second needle…
The third needle…
"Feel anything?" Old Zhang muttered to the unconscious elder, seeking feedback to guide his treatment. He couldn't claim a 100% success rate. To be honest, it was closer to 99%, with a 1% chance of failure.
"He's unconscious," Lin Fan reminded him.
"I know," Old Zhang replied.
A clansman close to Wu Sheng whispered, "Young Master, are you sure he's reliable?"
"Reliable," Wu Sheng whispered back, confident in the master's abilities.
Old Zhang's speed increased, his needles flashing with precision. Lin Fan stood beside him, offering insightful analysis of the situation, earning Old Zhang's approval.
By the tenth needle, beads of sweat appeared on Old Zhang's forehead.
"How's it going?" Lin Fan asked.
"Fine. His condition is quite serious. The technique I'm using is the culmination of years of experience. It's extremely powerful but also takes a toll on me," Old Zhang explained with a serious expression. Lin Fan and Wu Sheng both believed him, unaware of the true nature of Old Zhang's 1% failure rate.
"Master, please do your utmost," Wu Sheng pleaded, placing all his hope in Old Zhang. The elder's life hung in the balance.
"Don't worry. My acupuncture is very effective," Old Zhang assured him. If One-Eyed Man were present, he would have been appalled by their blind faith.
The eleventh needle…
Old Zhang's pace slowed, as if gathering energy for a final, decisive strike. This display of concentration impressed the skeptical clansmen, who began to believe in his abilities.
Wu Sheng held his breath, his anxiety mounting.
Lin Fan, noticing his tension, offered reassurance. "Don't worry. This is normal."
"I trust the master," Wu Sheng replied.
The twelfth needle… inserted!
Suddenly, the unconscious elder began thrashing on the bed like a fish out of water. The unexpected movement startled everyone, including Wu Sheng.
"Don't panic," Lin Fan said calmly.
"This is normal. Don't be nervous," Old Zhang declared confidently, though he was equally puzzled by the elder's reaction. He racked his brain for an explanation, finally attributing it to his increased acupuncture prowess. Yes, that perfectly explains it, he thought, satisfied with his conclusion.
With renewed confidence, Old Zhang prepared to administer the final needle. My skills have improved. I can do this… he thought.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone