The 007th encounter of ethereal sounds and enchanting shadows at night, the fairy traces drift mysteriously, just as it is.
At this moment, Mei Xi embraced the warm jade and fragrant scent, yet had no other thoughts, only feeling a chill rising up her back. This was because when Qu Yi Min lunged into her arms, Mei Xi also saw that "thing." A woman lay on the operating table, draped in a white long dress, wearing red leather shoes, her hair cascading down, obscuring her face and making her features indistinguishable, but her figure indicated she was a young woman. Mei Xi clearly knew that there had been no one in the operating room just moments ago; this woman had appeared out of thin air, eerie and terrifying. A woman lay on the operating table, draped in a white long dress, wearing red leather shoes, her hair cascading down, obscuring her face and making her features indistinguishable, but her figure indicated she was a young woman. Mei Xi clearly knew that there had been no one in the operating room just moments ago; this woman had appeared out of thin air, eerie and terrifying
Looking at the old man's expression, it felt somewhat reminiscent of the silent Mei Taigong after performing his spells. Mei Xi knew that if she pressed further, he probably wouldn't say anything, so she changed the subject: "If you don't wish to speak, I won't ask. However, regarding the cultivation realms you mentioned—Five Qi Returning to Origin, Muscle Transformation and Bone Washing, Rebirth, and Transcendence—are they truly real? I have also read some cultivation texts, and they seem to differ from your explanations."
Qu Yimin pouted in dissatisfaction: "So you knew all along, why have you been pretending to be clueless? Are you just teasing me?"
If you are tired, you can lie down for a while in the operating room next door; I will call you if anything comes up. Mei Xi kindly advised Qu Yi Min, noticing her fatigue. Next to the emergency duty room is an emergency treatment operating room, which has doors leading to both the corridor and the duty room. Inside, there is a small bed where one can lie down and rest. With Mei Xi watching outside, Qu Yi Min should not be too afraid.
... ...
"What Xingyiquan? It's just the Five Animal Frolics of Hua Tuo, a form of gymnastics from two thousand years ago. My grandfather taught me, and I see nothing particularly special about it," Qu Yimin replied, pouting.
Professor Qu paced back to his chair and sat down. After taking a sip of tea, he replied: "He approached me first, as if he knew I was coming to find him. As for this person, heh heh, he is a fellow practitioner. It is said that he is over a hundred years old, an old traditional Chinese medicine doctor from the countryside. He shared his medical insights with me without any reservations, and I have greatly benefited from it. I truly feel that this person possesses an extraordinary skill, and I find myself compelled to believe in the legends passed down from our ancestors."
After dark, the emergency department is the only place in the entire outpatient building that is lit. Sitting inside feels somewhat eerie, mainly due to the overwhelming silence. At the end of October, the weather in Beijing is still quite warm, yet it feels a bit chilly in the emergency duty room while wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt. Qu Yimin is the type of person who naturally attracts trouble. When only she and Mei Xi remained in the emergency duty room around ten o'clock, she suddenly remembered that she had left her phone in the surgical operating room.
Are you afraid? Is someone bullying you
Qu Yimin: "Feel free to say whatever you want, I won't be angry with you, sister."
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Library has affiliated hospitals, and not just one. Among them, Jinghua Hospital is the largest, located just two streets away from the school, named after a nearby temple called Jinghua Temple.
The relationship between the medical school and its affiliated hospital is quite unique, with many individuals holding dual identities that do not simply equate to part-time positions. Numerous doctors at the affiliated hospital are also faculty members of the medical school, and many interns are students from the medical school, particularly those under the guidance of well-known professors supervising graduate students. Currently, due to the unfavorable job market for graduates from traditional Chinese medicine universities, securing a position at the affiliated hospital is considered the most ideal outcome, often requiring connections and pathways. However, thanks to Professor Qu's influence, Qu Yimin does not need to worry about these matters; Professor Qu has arranged for her to start as an intern.
Qu Yimin's delicate face slightly darkened: "Meixi, at your young age, how can you speak to me in the same tone as my grandfather?"
Professor Qu chuckled and said: "You little rascal, don't ask me. Even if you do, I won't tell you. However, I will let you know that the Grand Master Zhengyi has some connections with me. He is a disciple of the Medicine King Sun Simiao, and he is a fellow apprentice of our two ancestors from the Qu family, so this person must be genuine!"
Meixi: "How did you become so extraordinary?"
Qu Yimin's expression showed a hint of frustration: "I grew up beside my parents and spent only a few years with my grandfather, perhaps I really didn't learn much... Let's not talk about that anymore. Today, I have brought you a set of techniques and a packet of herbal decoction for you to try out." She handed over several sheets of paper, which depicted human figures in various poses along with explanations. Next to the paper was a vacuum-sealed packet of herbal decoction—nowadays, the herbal decoctions in hospitals are quite advanced, allowing them to be prepared and taken out like this for direct oral consumption.
Meixi smiled: "What I just said was not my own words; it was indeed spoken by your grandfather. I merely relayed it to you."
... ...
From the side view of Meixi, the sky corridor is flanked by large transparent glass panels. Through the reflection of the glass, one can see the direction from which the sound is coming behind him—there is no one there, yet the sound is remarkably clear, lingering about three meters behind him, and it appeared suddenly
Meixi waved her hand: "No, no, at first I didn't know either. Later, as you shared your techniques more, I began to feel familiar with them. Just a couple of days ago, I recalled it... Sister, since you let me call you sister, would you please listen to my advice?"
"How do you know there are seventy-two pieces? I never told you. Did you tell Grandpa? Why are you going back on your word!" Qu Yimin exclaimed in surprise, questioning with evident dissatisfaction.
A woman is afraid of ghosts at night and asks a man to accompany her. Either they have become intimately close without realizing it, or she does not see him as a threat at all. Which situation is it? Perhaps Qu Yimin's most straightforward thought is quite simple: that Mei Xi is a person who is honest and obedient, possesses martial arts skills, and provides a greater sense of security. However, she did not deeply consider whether martial arts has any relation to ghosts.
At that moment, Mei Xi heard the sound of a cart being pushed. In the hospital, nurses sometimes use carts to deliver medication and to transport patients to the operating room, but the clattering sound she heard now was that of a meal cart. The time for the evening meal had long passed; why was there still a meal cart? Moreover, this was not a patient ward, and meal carts would not be pushed here.
The nurses are resting at the nurses' station, while the deputy director on duty has gone to the inpatient department's ward, unsure whether to sleep or chat with another on-duty doctor. Mei Xi and Qu Yi Min are sitting idly in the duty room, engaging in sporadic conversation, with Qu Yi Min gradually yawning. In fact, being on duty in the emergency department is quite dull; there is no need for ward rounds, yet someone must be present, as an emergency patient could arrive at any moment. Often, several days can pass without any incidents.
Mei Xi did not refute but instead smiled and explained: "It is possible that your practice is not methodical, and you have not yet grasped the fundamentals; the old gentleman truly possesses real skill."
If Mei Xi were to encounter such a scene alone, his reaction might be similar to that of Qu Yimin. However, at this moment, holding the frightened Teacher Qu in his arms, he instead became strangely calm, so calm that he could almost hear his own heartbeat. He took a deep breath, gently patting Qu Yimin's back with one hand, and softly said: "Sister, don't be afraid, I see it too. It's alright, I will help you drive it away"
"What? Have you found the successor of the Grand Master Zhengyi? Who is it, and how did you find them?"
Hearing Mei Xi's words, Qu Yi Min quietly turned her head back in his embrace and happened to witness this scene. In her astonishment, she momentarily forgot her fear and grasped Mei Xi's right arm, asking, "What is in your sleeve?"
It is not a person; the hospital is haunted. Qu Yimin lowered her head and finally, very reluctantly, uttered those last two words
Currently, studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in universities requires learning both TCM and Western medicine, especially for graduate students, who must also cover relevant clinical subjects in Western medicine. Therefore, the strengths of TCM may potentially influence Western medicine, but the reverse is quite challenging. Interns often need to spend a period of time in each department, and Qu Yimin initially went to the emergency department.
Professor Qu: "If you read various historical texts, including historical records and materials, not just unofficial histories and novels, you will find that in the records prior to the mid-Tang dynasty, the accounts of immortals and mortals were mixed together, and encountering an immortal was not surprising... However, few people know that during the Tang dynasty, there was a person named Master Zhengyi, who is said to have established the rules and delineated the boundary between immortals and mortals. As a result, very few people have seen immortals since then, and even if they did, they would not know, and if they did know, they would rarely speak of it."
What happened? Mei Xi was startled and immediately stood up
Professor Qu shook his head and said, "I only say this to you; I certainly believe in deities. My ancestors left behind records, and I trust they would not deceive their descendants."
There was no other option; Mei Xi could only volunteer to retrieve it for her. The emergency department and the surgical operating room were not in the same building; there was an aerial corridor on the third floor between the two buildings, allowing passage without going outside. Mei Xi retrieved Qu Yimin's phone and turned to walk towards the outpatient building. The dim, pale light of the aerial corridor was faint and gloomy, and all Mei Xi could hear was the sound of her own footsteps, which seemed to echo from a distant place, sending chills down her spine.
Are the medicinal properties of Wushi San really just these? You haven't left anything out, have you? This was during lunch the next day in the cafeteria's small dining area, where Qu Yimin invited Mei Xi to eat and specifically inquired about the medicinal properties of Wushi San
Do not assume that the affiliated hospital of the Traditional Chinese Medicine University is merely a traditional Chinese medicine hospital. Jinghua Hospital is a large comprehensive hospital that integrates both traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with various departments available, similar to common large hospitals. Jinghua Hospital is particularly renowned for its oncology department, which combines traditional Chinese medicine decoctions with postoperative chemotherapy, achieving remarkable results in extending patients' lives, reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, and improving postoperative quality of life. Currently, there is a shortage of medical resources in society, especially in a place like Beijing, where major hospitals require long queues for registration every day, and hospitalization and surgical arrangements often involve lengthy waiting times. Jinghua Hospital also experiences a bustling flow of patients daily. Jinghua Hospital is particularly renowned for its oncology department, which combines traditional Chinese medicine decoctions with postoperative chemotherapy, achieving remarkable results in extending patients' lives, reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, and improving postoperative quality of life. Currently, there is a shortage of medical resources in society, especially in a place like Beijing, where major hospitals require long queues for registration every day, and hospitalization and surgical arrangements often involve lengthy waiting times. Jinghua Hospital also experiences a bustling flow of patients daily.
Mei Xi still underestimated the situation. Upon hearing the words "operating room," Qu Yimin seemed to be slightly startled, shivering involuntarily and immediately becoming alert, turning her head back instinctively. It is indeed strange; at that moment, a faint "hum" emanated from the operating room, and a subtle bluish-purple glow suddenly appeared on the door curtain.
Is there really a person known as the Grand Master of Zhengyi? Mei Xi suddenly recalled this name; his great-grandfather had mentioned this individual while demonstrating a spell, stating that this person had established certain rules. Why would Professor Qu also mention him? It is truly remarkable! He stepped forward and asked, "Is there really a person known as the Grand Master of Zhengyi? What rules did he establish?"
Meixi: "Then why have I never seen a celestial being? I have also not heard of anyone else encountering a real celestial being"
How fast! Qu Yimin was anxiously waiting, and seeing him return so quickly, she let out a sigh of relief
As he spoke, he waved his right hand, and a slender long whip flew out from his sleeve. The tip of the whip spun in the air, producing a sharp crack as it struck the side of the mysterious woman’s ear. It was as if an illusion had been dispelled; the woman vanished in an instant. Immediately, the slender whip retracted like a spirit snake, disappearing back into Mei Xi's sleeve.
When walking at night and encountering a ghost, draw it! This is what Master Mei Tai Gong once told Mei Xi.
Qu Zhengbo mentioned the Grand Master Zhengyi, which piqued Mei Xi's great interest. Unfortunately, Old Man Mei had instructed him not to disclose what he had initially said to others. Mei Xi pondered in his heart that when he returned home for the New Year, he would ask his grandfather thoroughly, by then he would also be twenty years old. Furthermore, he planned to find a time to cleverly extract more information from Old Man Qu, to see if he could uncover anything else. If the opportunity arose, he also wished to seek out the rumored descendants of the Grand Master Zhengyi.
"Your grandfather said it just like that, and I have told you everything... By the way, Old Master Qu is very skilled; do you know the Xingyi Quan that your family has passed down?" Mei Xi took the opportunity to ask again
Damn, it really is haunted! Mei Xi's pores stood on end, and his blood seemed to freeze in his veins. Yet, he did not scream or look back; instead, he forcefully waved his hand behind him as he walked. A sharp sound of air bursting echoed from over three meters away, and the sound of the food cart vanished. Then, Mei Xi quickened his pace, almost flying toward the outpatient building, rushing down the stairs to the first floor, where he took a deep breath in front of the emergency duty room to calm himself, trying his best not to reveal any signs of distress.
Mei Xi inadvertently let something slip and could only explain: "This is a formula from the 'Zeng Yan Wan Yu Xian Shu', isn't it? It wasn't Professor Qu who told me; my second uncle is just a wandering doctor. We don't have many books at home, but we happen to have this one, and I have read it."
"It is it, it has appeared again, did you see it?" Qu Yimin exclaimed, burying her face in Mei Xi's chest.
Qu Yimin was on the night shift, and asked Mei Xi to accompany her. Upon hearing this, Mei Xi's heart raced for a moment; what could it possibly mean when a beautiful woman asks you to keep her company in the middle of the night? The reality, however, was that she was afraid of ghosts in the hospital, which left Mei Xi both amused and exasperated. Of course, Mei Xi had no improper thoughts about Qu Yimin, as the disparity in their real-life situations was too great. Yet, it is normal for a twenty-year-old young man to occasionally indulge in fanciful thoughts.
Perhaps it was because Mei Xi was present that Qu Yi Min felt a surge of courage. The two walked towards the operating room, one in front and the other behind. Qu Yi Min reached out to push open the door, and with a creak, before Mei Xi could react, she let out a low, startled gasp and turned, throwing herself into Mei Xi's embrace, her hands gripping him tightly. Mei Xi was enveloped by a faint fragrance of a woman's body, and Qu Yi Min's trembling form pressed against him almost without any gap.
Meixi: "I understand your mysterious curiosity about Traditional Chinese Medicine and your desire to prove your abilities in front of Professor Qu. However, merely reading ancient texts is insufficient for learning TCM; ancient prescriptions cannot be applied indiscriminately. For instance, the properties of the Wushi Powder are quite intricate... The classics discuss medical principles and the art of medicine. A good doctor is forged through countless clinical experiences"
Qu Zhengbo stroked his chin and pondered: "If you were to become a monk or a Taoist, the terminology would likely be different, possibly an entirely different set of terms. However, we come from a medical background, and the concepts we discuss are based on changes in the body itself, which is why we say it this way. The processes are probably similar, right? After all, it's all just legend; asking me won't help you."
"I ran over and back, so of course I was fast. I just didn't want you to be scared alone," Mei Xi said, feigning ease, without telling her what had just happened. Even if she wanted to say something, the timing and place were not appropriate.
Meixi: "It's not that I don't believe you, I feel like I'm almost becoming a guinea pig. I haven't even reached the state of the Five Energies Returning to Origin. Even if you find the Yi Jin Jing and the Xi Sui Jing for me, it won't be of any use... Your methods and decoctions amount to seventy-two pieces in total. How long do I have to drink this bitter medicine?"
"It is a UV lamp, and it turned on by itself." Qu Yimin's voice trembled, her face turned pale as she supported herself against the table to stand up
Mei Xi said as calmly as possible: "It might be a poor connection with the switch, just turn it off. Don't be afraid, I will go with you."
Qu Yimin lowered her head, looking somewhat unhappy: "Why didn't you say it in front of me? Actually, I understand. You have already gone to Jinghua Hospital to be an intern, just to accumulate clinical experience... Mei Xi, I have a favor to ask of you, okay? These days, I am on night shifts in the emergency department, and I am scared being alone. I feel embarrassed to tell others, so please accompany me."
Meixi's expression turned bitter: "Sister, could you please stop being like this? I believe this technique is real, but the prescriptions in ancient texts cannot be used directly without verification, not even those recorded in the 'Compendium of Materia Medica'"
Qu Yimin glared: "I am a graduate student in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and I am not ignorant of the properties of herbs. If there is an issue with the prescription, how could I provide it to you? I heard that you practice martial arts, which is why I found various cultivation methods and corresponding decoctions in ancient texts. Am I not helping you with this?"
Professor Qu: "I am not clear about the rules established by the Grand Master Zhengyi; the matter may be legendary, but this person definitely existed. Twenty years ago, based on ancestral records, I went to Wucheng in Jiangnan to seek the disciples of Grand Master Zhengyi, and I truly met one."