Chapter 10: Apprenticeship

"Good, good, good!" Old Man Qian's face was glowing with excitement, not out of embarrassment, but rather exhilaration. However, he was at a loss for words, his mind solely focused on how to extract the information hidden within this young man's mind.

"Doctor Qian, you must be joking," Aunt He finally couldn't help but step forward. "My son, He De He Neng, how could he possibly have the ability to have others pay him respect as a teacher? Nurse Xiao has arrived; let's finish the injection first before discussing further."

It is said that it is fortunate because although this doctor possesses remarkable medical skills, his character is not particularly admirable. There has never been a case of free treatment in the practice of healing and saving lives. However, this individual has a penchant for martial arts, yet does not excel in it. He often seeks to learn a few techniques from martial artists using his medical methods, ultimately leading to a result of insatiable greed and indigestion.

At that time, Xiao Bieli realized that he possessed one of the few transcripts of "The Record of Tongjun Gathering Herbs," which prompted him to seek help. At that time, Xiao Bieli was not yet a renowned hero; his reputation in the martial world was not particularly significant, and Bai Buzhi had not yet taken notice of him.

Bai Buzhi found it somewhat strange. When asked about his views on medical texts, Xiao Bieli merely remarked that they were difficult to understand, stating that meeting someone in person was not as good as hearing about them. Nevertheless, he devoted himself to teaching Bai Buzhi the "Techniques of Capturing Spirits and Demons".

Indeed, the boy on the bed shook his head and said, "I cannot take it out"

What did you say? Nurse Xiao could hardly believe her ears; a veteran traditional Chinese medicine practitioner was taking a half-grown student as his master

The crowd nearly fell over

The last sentence startled Aunt He, leaving her standing there in a daze, "What should we do https://www.hetushu.com.com?"

"What should we do?" Dr. Qian exclaimed, "You are completely wasting money. With such skills, young brother, you could just prescribe some medicine for yourself. Why endure this suffering in the hospital? In a couple of days, when you can walk, just go home and recuperate. By the way, Teacher Lin, you must take me as your disciple before you leave."

"Not bad, I want to take this kid as my master," Dr. Qian said, staring at Lin Yifei, word by word.

In this brief moment, he called others "brother" and "sister" with such familiarity, even shamelessly referring to them as "teacher," which truly astonished everyone.

Dr. Qian, with many years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine, possesses his own collection of secrets that are not passed down. Many of these are recorded notes that he has gathered and organized. At this moment, upon hearing about the legendary "Tongjun Herbal Collection," how could one not feel excited

"Have you really seen it?" Dr. Qian asked incredulously, "But this book has long been lost! It is only recorded in other medical texts that this medical book existed!"

Although there was some surprise in my heart, I did not take the matter of apprenticeship to heart; I only wished for my son's illness to be resolved soon. Having been on an IV for a lifetime, Auntie He still does not fully believe in traditional Chinese medicine

I have seen it," Xiao Bieli pondered for a moment before finally speaking

"Then... then can you let me have a look?" Old Man Qian could hardly contain his inner excitement, almost blushing, with his eyes reddened and heart racing

"Injections, what injections? No need for that." Doctor Qian raised his eyebrows, "Hasn't he already taken his medicine today? How can his body handle another injection?"

How about this? I think I will be fine in a few days. Please come by more often during these days, and I will share everything I know with you. However, I am not sure if you have the time

Tongjun, a contemporary of the Yellow Emperor, is recorded in the "Zhejiang Tongzhi" as follows: "Tongjun lived under a tung tree on the eastern hillside of the county, with other branches and leaves covering several acres, appearing from a distance like a dwelling. When people inquired about his name, he indicated the tung tree, thus he was named Tongjun." His medical achievements were compiled by later generations into a book titled "Tongjun's Herbal Collection," which became one of the earliest pharmacological texts in China with written records, although it has unfortunately been lost to time

Indeed. Dr. Qian's eyes suddenly sparkled; although not with a piercing gaze, they were as fierce as a wolf's. "What did you just say about the 'Tongjun Herbal Collection'? Have you seen it?"

Old Man Qian turned around, as if he had just noticed Nurse Xiao, and muttered, "Who said I was going to take on a disciple?"

Nurse Xiao felt a stir in her heart, as if she were pondering something, but Old Man Qian urgently said: "No, no, I am absolutely certain."

Xiao Bieli regained his composure, glanced at Nurse Xiao, and said lightly: "If I were to say I have seen it, I wonder if you would think I am lying"

"If you are free, if you are free." Dr. Qian repeated, his eyes red and his face flushed. "Teacher Lin, I am free today. I wonder if you... do you have time today?"

Xiao Bieli has gained some understanding; it seems that in this era, not only has traditional Chinese medicine declined, but many classical texts have also been lost. However, the "Tongjun Herbal Collection" from hetushucom.com is something he cleverly came across from the immortal physician Bai Buzhi.

However, he did not realize that this extraordinary memory was not only beneficial for his retention of medical texts but was also absolutely indispensable for his rapid adaptation to this era

If he wishes to retrieve that medical book, he would likely have to return to the Song Dynasty. He has merely sensed the modern era, not even bringing a thread of clothing with him, let alone a medical book

This old man is indeed skeptical. If the "Tongjun Herbal Record" were to come to light, it would be a sensational event in the medical community, a significant matter for the entire nation, and even the whole world. This opportunity must be seized, even at the risk of mistakenly eliminating it; one cannot afford to let it slip away. Even obtaining just a few words would be immensely beneficial.

Bai Buzhi was overjoyed and immediately took out the medical book for him to examine, keeping it close at hand, fearing that he might snatch it away. Although his medical skills were exceptional, his mind was not particularly sharp. If Xiao Bieli truly wanted to take it, what could he do? However, Xiao Bieli also kept his promise and returned the medical book to Bai Buzhi in less than an hour

Upon thinking of this, the old man felt a sudden surge of excitement, "No, I must become a disciple." Old Qian unexpectedly uttered this phrase, yet internally he was contemplating how to first establish a rapport with the young man, then leverage this connection to meet the esteemed figure behind him, and subsequently seek an opportunity to find the "Tongjun Herbal Collection".

Xiao Bieli is not like Bai Buzhi, a person who treasures his own broom. He believes that if medical skills are useful and can benefit the people, then it is all the same as books and illustrations.

Xiao Bieli nodded slightly, set down the medicine bowl, and said, "Not bad"

Xiao Bieli, however, was not surprised at all; Bai Buzhi's shamelessness was indeed comparable, if not superior, to that of this old man Qian. A person of such character could be dealt with effortlessly, let alone the one before him.

After being subjected to Xiao Bieli's "No Escape from the Grasp of Gods and Demons" and being thrown three times, Bai Buzhi finally began to understand a bit and insisted that Xiao Bieli teach him this technique of capture

Because that book... I lost that book. After thinking for a long time, I cannot say that I forgot it during the Song Dynasty, nor that I did not bring it back; I can only say that I lost it

Nurse Xiao was taken aback, "Did you not just mention something about apprenticeship?"

Dr. Qian was greatly disappointed, yet he still attempted to inquire: "Why?" He did not want to miss this opportunity, even though he knew he was approaching a fantasy.

Seeing the boy in front of him silent, Old Man Qian became somewhat anxious, "Have you really seen it?"

His old face flushed slightly, realizing that the young man before him undoubtedly had an IQ exceeding 180, as he had discerned his intentions at a glance. Clearing his throat, he said, "There is no distinction in learning; those who achieve are foremost. Young brother, you are truly more accomplished than I am, and I sincerely seek your guidance."

Nurse Xiao was somewhat surprised and walked over to the old man. "Doctor Qian, a few days ago, Director Zhao asked you to take on a few university students, but you refused. Now, why are you so eager to take on an apprentice? If you are going to take on an apprentice, I want to be counted as one too," she said, half-jokingly and half-seriously. Of course, she did not want to be a nurse for her entire life; if there was an opportunity to learn something, that would be even better.

It has already been concluded that the young man is boasting, yet Old Man Qian still harbors doubts. Just by the prescription he provided, he could discern the two auxiliary herbs he added with a mere sniff. This is certainly not a simple character; perhaps he has received guidance from a master, or maybe the master behind him possesses that extraordinary book

However, Xiao Bieli not only had no illness, but also could not find any patients to attend to at the moment. The only request was for Bai Buzhi to show him the "Tongjun Herbal Collection" for one hour.

"The old gentleman actually does not need to seek a master; you merely wish to learn the whereabouts of 'The Record of Tongjun Gathering Herbs' from me," said Xiao Bieli, unhurriedly.

Bai Buzhi was certainly overjoyed, yet he could not help but sneer at Xiao Bieli's opinion of "Tongjun's Herbal Compendium." He had acquired this book from the mouth of a peculiar individual, and with his abilities, he immediately recognized it as a rare medical classic. He believed that Xiao Bieli did not understand medical texts and was merely indulging in superficial curiosity. However, he did not anticipate that Xiao Bieli was a prodigy; in just a short hour, he had memorized "Tongjun's Herbal Compendium". This would later prove to be quite beneficial for the Northern Expedition of the Yue Family Army.

It was just a matter of yesterday, yet it has become nothing more than a memory. Upon reflecting on this, Xiao Bieli felt a sense of melancholy.

The Lin couple was somewhat surprised; they were unaware of the valuable nature of the "Tongjun Herbal Collection." However, they were concerned that if their son failed to submit any herbal collection, that old man might make things difficult for him.

Although I do not have the "Tongjun Herbal Collection" at hand, I have already memorized it thoroughly in my heart said Xiao Bieli with a smile