Upon hearing this, Song Hao said excitedly, "How could I not want to dedicate myself to medicine? It's just that I'm currently unable to do so."
Chapter 59 Becoming an Apprentice (3)
Xiao Boran nodded and said, "It's good that you have this idea! Don't rush things, I have my own arrangements. I will find a way to divert the attention of the various sects in the martial arts world from you. Just tell me the story from the beginning, without omitting anything, so that I can sort things out and solve them one by one. Don't worry, I don't have any other great abilities. In the martial arts world, I, Xiao Boran, will always be respected and given some face wherever I am."
Hearing this, Song Hao felt somewhat relieved and began to recount his story of leaving Baihe Town with his grandfather, Song Zihe. He recounted how he and his grandfather had met Dou Haiqin of the Golden Needle Sect on the train, who entrusted him with a crucial matter. Later, he was kidnapped by the Tang family in Penglai, but was secretly released by Tang Yu. There, he met Luo Feiying, befriended Wu Qiguang, the "Ice and Fire Divine Needle," and a mysterious figure who suddenly used the Thunderbolt Needle Technique to subdue the Gate of Life and Death. He then encountered the Ji family, grandfather and grandson, and was again abducted by the Ghost Doctor Sect. During his exploration of the Yuehe Copper Mine, he obtained miraculous medicinal seedlings and stalactites, escaping death from the depths of the earth. He met Luo Feiying again, met Luo Beichen, and finally arrived at the Shangqing Temple. He recounted the whole story, making it sound like a fantastical tale.
"Truly amazing!" After hearing Song Hao's account, Xiao Boran clapped his hands in amazement. He exclaimed, "I never imagined that the Song Tiansheng Acupuncture Bronze Figure, a medical treasure lost for nearly a thousand years, would be secretly passed down by the Dou family of the Golden Needle Sect, and that it would reappear in the modern era, causing this series of events. The Dou family is truly admirable! The treasure is searching for its owner; that bronze figure is indeed destined for you."
"Tang Yu from the Tang family can capture you and then release you; she's quite an extraordinary woman! I've heard of Wu Qiguang, the Ice and Fire Divine Needle. He can create both ice and fire sensations with his needles, controlling the temperature himself; he's truly a medical prodigy!"
“Master is right. Senior Wu Qiguang taught me the Ice and Fire Divine Needle, and now I can feel the cold and heat on my own body,” Song Hao said.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Boran exclaimed with delight, "That's your good fortune!"
"Also, that Miss Tang Yu is currently at the clinic outside the mountain," Song Hao added.
“Okay! Bring her to see me later,” Xiao Boran nodded.
"As for the Tang family, the Luo family of the Demon Needle Sect, the Ghost Doctor Sect, the Ji family, and that Wind and Fire Hall, none of them are worth worrying about. What I find strange is why they were able to lure out the Gate of Life and Death as well?" Xiao Boran asked blankly.
Song Hao said, "This disciple also finds it strange. This mysterious figure from the Gate of Life and Death has saved me several times and seems to have no ill intentions, but I don't know him at all! This Gate of Life and Death is very strange. Master, do you know its origins?"
Xiao Boran said, "The Gate of Life and Death was founded at the end of the Tang Dynasty and occasionally appeared in the early Ming Dynasty. It reappeared in the martial arts world during the Republic of China period, causing a stir, before disappearing again. This gate adheres to the principle of acting on behalf of Heaven and punishing evil and promoting good. Its members are elusive and skilled in both internal and external offensive and defensive techniques. Occasionally, they use the 'Life and Death Decree' to force people to submit, and no one can resist it. Although that acupuncture bronze figure is priceless, it wouldn't have attracted the Gate of Life and Death so easily; there must be other reasons. By the way, you just said that you used the Thunderclap Needle Technique to subdue that mysterious figure from the Gate of Life and Death. This is originally a unique skill of the Lu Clan, and no one but the sect leader, Lu Yanping, can learn it. How did you learn it?"
Song Hao said, "That was many years ago. Senior Lu happened to pass by and saw that I had extraordinary needle skills, so he taught me the secrets of practicing the Thunderbolt Needle Technique."
“I see. It was because Lu Yanping saw your potential to learn the Thunder Needle Technique that he made an exception and passed it on. You must have been lucky,” Xiao Boran nodded.
"By the way," Xiao Boran asked again, "Is the Ghost Doctor Sect really demanding some 'miracle cure without medicine' from the Ji family?"
"Disciple must have heard correctly, what they are arguing about is indeed the 'miracle cure without medicine'!" Song Hao replied.
"So there really is such a 'miracle cure without medicine' in the world!" A glint flashed in Xiao Boran's eyes.
Song Hao asked blankly, "Without medicine, how can a prescription be made? And how can it cure diseases?"
Xiao Boran said, "This is originally a legend in the medical field. There must be a reason why the Ghost Doctor Sect and the Ji family are fighting over this. I will investigate this matter later, so let's put it aside for now. Also, you said that you accidentally put those strange medicinal seedlings and stalactites into your mouth and let them dissolve, thereby stimulating the energy of your entire body's meridians. Furthermore, you found ancient relics deep underground, with human meridians carved on the stone walls, which proves that the human body is born with meridians."
Song Hao said, "That's right. I wonder what kind of substance that stalagmite is, that it can stimulate the body's Qi."
Xiao Boran nodded and said, "There is indeed a legendary medicine that can make people clearly feel the changes in their meridians and blood circulation after taking it. It is the elixir sought after by those who practice health preservation and cultivation. The medicinal seedling and stone pillar must belong to this. Heaven and earth produce miraculous medicines, often in unexpected ways. Your encounter with this wonder is truly another stroke of good fortune!"
The master and disciple talked for a long time, as if they were kindred spirits, and didn't notice the time passing. It wasn't until Wuchen came in to bring tea and food that they realized it was already evening.
When Wuchen learned that Song Hao had become Xiao Boran's disciple and one of his junior brothers, he was overjoyed and congratulated Song Hao. He then ran out to inform everyone, causing a stir and filling the entire temple with joy. The Taoist priests all came to pay their respects, addressing each other as "senior brother" and "junior brother" repeatedly.
Afterwards, Xiao Boran kept Song Hao in the study for a long talk.
Xiao Boran said, “As your teacher, I will impart to you orthodox medical methods and the true essence of medicine. First, you must re-study the *Huangdi Neijing*, the orthodox medical text. Although you have read it thoroughly before and may have gained some understanding, you are still far from its true meaning! This book is the source of medicine and the classic of all texts. It is the ancient sages who revealed the great way to the world, but how many people throughout history have truly understood it? However, those who comprehend even a few of its true words can become a grandmaster of their generation.”
"This classic text was written during the Spring and Autumn Period and laid the foundation for traditional Chinese medicine theory. However, the date and process of its writing have been the subject of much debate in later generations, and there are indeed some aspects that remain puzzling. This classic clearly explains the relationship between heaven and man, and created the theory of Zang-Xiang (visceral manifestation), especially emphasizing acupuncture. The theory of the classic has guided the practice of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and it is not only still applicable today, but also has profound aspects that remain to be understood. It is likely that even thousands of years from now, it will still be a mystery."
"The Zang-Xiang system established by the *Neijing* is different from the physiological and anatomical system we understand today. You should pay special attention to this point and never apply it blindly. The functions of the five Zang organs explained in it cannot be equated with the five Zang organs in physiological and anatomical terms. Of course, the two cannot be separated either. Those who study theory today often fall into this misconception. Only medical practitioners know that the relationship between them can be distinguished but cannot be separated."
"The theory of Zang-Xiang (visceral manifestation) encompasses the essence of life, namely, Shen (spirit), Hun (soul), Po (corporeal soul), Yi (intention), and Zhi (will). The function of this system is manifested through the meridians that connect the upper and lower parts of the body. Meridians are the root of life and death, and ordinary people can only regulate them through acupuncture. Therefore, half of the Inner Canon of Medicine fully explains the way of acupuncture."
"Before the *Neijing*, there was not a single mention of its text in any other classic texts. It seems to have appeared out of nowhere, because the theories it expounded far exceeded the wisdom and thinking of people of that era. Its unique and complete theoretical model should not be the product of compiling the words of many schools of thought. How the *Neijing* was written and who wrote it is truly a mystery. There is also a possibility that it was a book from outer space!"
"Later generations of physicians used this text as a theoretical foundation to gradually improve the theoretical systems of various disciplines, and further developed them. Various schools of thought and theories emerged, creating a vibrant and diverse landscape, and ultimately forming a unique culture of traditional Chinese medicine..."
...
Xiao Boran spoke eloquently about the ancient and modern medical practices, outlining the origins and development of various schools of thought, seemingly integrating the vast and complex field of traditional Chinese medicine. Song Hao listened with rapt attention.
"Master," Song Hao stated, "Traditional Chinese medicine uses all things as medicine, combining medicine with intention. While treating illness, its emphasis is on regulating the body, balancing the internal and external, and harmonizing Yin and Yang. On a small scale, it can protect one's health and preserve life; on a medium scale, it can help the world and save lives; on a grand scale, it can reveal the Way of Heaven. It is a medicine that unites Heaven and humanity. Physicians who practice their skills only know medicine but not the 'Way.' Although they can cure a disease temporarily with a single prescription or medicine, they cannot broaden their understanding of the wonders of medicine, let alone explain its mysteries. The current debate between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine stems from a lack of understanding of the fundamental differences between the two medical systems. Western medicine is like a general leading an army to attack a mountain peak, using chemical weapons. If handled carelessly, there is a risk of mutual destruction. Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, is like a general who strategizes the overall situation and commands all things in nature. It uses herbs as weapons, wielding the invisible weapons of the Five Elements, subduing the enemy without their knowledge, or even subduing them without a fight."
"That's a brilliant point!" Xiao Boran nodded in approval.
Song Hao continued, “Science is advancing rapidly these days, while traditional Chinese medicine, with its millennia-old heritage, is ancient and mysterious, often incompatible with modern concepts, leading to its gradual decline. I believe that to revitalize traditional Chinese medicine, we must inherit its fundamental principles to truly develop and promote it. This applies not only to medical practice but also to the development of its culture, allowing people to rediscover the immense potential inherent in ancient Chinese medicine. This requires us physicians to concretely and sensorily demonstrate the mysterious and intangible aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, enabling people to understand not only what it is but also why it is so. Only in this way can traditional Chinese medicine move rapidly forward on its stagnant path.”
“Well said! With your ambition, you can give hope to the revival of traditional Chinese medicine, which, although still existing, has declined. This is the responsibility of you young medical students, and it is also the true purpose of my search for a disciple like you. If traditional Chinese medicine continues to stagnate and has no successors to inherit and carry it forward, the great principles will be lost and the various skills will disappear, leaving only a mere formality.” Xiao Boran sighed.
"Song Hao, the art of traditional Chinese medicine is vast and complex, with countless classic texts. Even a lifetime of study wouldn't be enough to learn everything. However, by grasping the fundamentals, one can gain a comprehensive understanding. You've already achieved some success in medicine; with further systematic study and training, you'll be a renowned physician. My advice is to first devise a learning plan for you, sharing all my insights and experience in medicine. Then, you should travel to various places, visiting renowned masters to refine your knowledge. I will select several extraordinary medical figures for you to study their specialties, preventing you from aimlessly wandering and wasting time. After completing your studies, choose a suitable place to establish a medical clinic to help people and promote Chinese medicine—that would be a great act of merit! I will fully support you then," Xiao Boran said solemnly at the end.
"Disciple will obey Master's orders!" Song Hao bowed again excitedly. His master, Xiao Boran, had set a goal for his development, and he had also found his direction in life. What could be more exciting than this?
The sun had already risen in the east, and the master and disciple talked for a whole day and night, neither of them seeming to tire.
"Alright, you can rest now. Tomorrow, we'll begin the formal learning phase," Xiao Boran said kindly, waving his hand.
"This disciple takes his leave!" Song Hao bowed and withdrew.
Chapter Sixty: Becoming an Apprentice (4)
Seeing that Song Hao had left, he came in, greeted Xiao Boran, and said, "Master, this Junior Brother Song Hao is the person you are looking for."
Xiao Boran nodded and said, "That's right, it is indeed him. Song Hao comes from a family with a long history of medical knowledge and is a descendant of a famous family. His understanding and comprehension of medicine are far beyond that of ordinary people. He is a rare talent with great potential! He has the qualities of a great physician. You fellow disciples have been studying medicine and martial arts for many years. Although you each have your own strengths, you are indeed somewhat inferior to him in terms of medical comprehension."
"Congratulations, Master, on finding your true successor!" Wuguo exclaimed excitedly.
"Yes!" Xiao Boran nodded and said, "There are many people in the world who have achieved success in medicine, but they only make a living by practicing their skills, benefiting one family or region, and gaining fame for a lifetime. The only one who can truly promote and glorify Chinese medicine and benefit the world is Song Hao, who has learned from physiognomy, his temperament, and the lofty ambitions and insights he has expressed in his words. The rest are all mediocre people and are not capable of accomplishing this great thing."
"Master's ability to judge people is infallible! It is fate that brought Song Hao here unintentionally," Wuguo said.
"It is the will of Heaven! How fortunate I am! How fortunate the Chinese medical profession is!" Xiao Boran exclaimed.
Song Hao went to the kitchen to find something to eat, and then easily made his way to the clinic outside the mountain, where he met Tang Yu. He told Tang Yu about becoming Xiao Boran's apprentice, which greatly surprised Tang Yu.