Chapter 8, Concerns of Bestiality

In appearance, this strange bird does indeed resemble the legendary phoenix; however, the phoenix is not an ordinary bird, so how could it possibly appear in the mortal realm

Qin Xiaoguan sighed, "Years ago, I was harmed by bandits, and like you, I faced death numerous times. My master rescued me from the cliff, not only healing me but also granting me a powerful beastly body. When we saw you on the beach that day, there was a sense of long-lost familiarity, or perhaps it could be called fate. Thus, I did not hesitate to save you and bestowed upon you an almost perfect beastly body, for with your strong character, to have you live in fear for your entire life would be tantamount to killing you!"

Qin Xiaoguan watched the traces of the phoenix flying with an air of indifference and calmly said: "This crow always thinks that the eagle's way of flying is the most impressive, so it 'parrots' the eagle and secretly learns its flying posture. In fact, if you were to equip yourself with a pair of large wings, you too could soar in the sky."

Yang Jia, please come here

Qin Xiaoguan could not be bothered to pay attention to the arrogant crow. He gave it a slap on the head and walked straight towards the center of the room, saying as he walked, "If you, this ugly crow, continue to be so arrogant, I will beat you back to your original form"

The crow, resembling a phoenix, seemed rather displeased that Qin Xiaoguan had tapped its "proud" head, or perhaps it was because its master had disheveled its beautiful feathers. It indignantly turned its head away and said in a strange tone: "Do not call me an ugly crow; I am now a phoenix, a phoenix, the king of all birds. Have you ever seen a crow that possesses such majesty?"

Yang Jiang focused his gaze and saw that the cover prominently displayed "Qing Nang Shou Zha"

The long dining table is exceptionally spacious, likely custom-made by Qin Xiaoguan, as he has nine wives. A regular table would always seem crowded. Thinking of how they usually sit together at the dining table, enjoying their meals in harmony, Yang Jiang couldn't help but feel a sense of envy and longing. Such a life is indeed comparable to the carefree existence of immortals.

Leave a way out

As he spoke, a shadow flashed by, and Qin Xiaoguan had already arrived in another room. When he reappeared before Yang Jiang, he was holding a thick, yellowed handwritten book in his hand

Yang Jiang's expression suddenly changed dramatically, and he exclaimed, "Sir, are you saying that within the organs of these beasts, there still lies a latent beastly nature, which, if unleashed, would lead to unimaginable consequences, correct?"

Yang Jiang glanced into the room, where the arrangement was exceptionally clever. There were no precious antiques or intricate carvings; only some naturally formed tree roots, shells, and corals served as decorations. However, due to their perfectly balanced placement, they naturally exuded a sense of "natural simplicity." Especially from the window on the wall, one could gaze at the blue sky and white clouds, as well as overlook the vast, rolling sea, indeed creating a feeling of great tranquility and refreshment. However, due to their perfectly balanced placement, they naturally exuded a sense of "natural simplicity." Especially from the window on the wall, one could gaze at the blue sky and white clouds, as well as overlook the vast, rolling sea, indeed creating a feeling of great tranquility and refreshment

"Sir, what is this..." Yang Jiang felt a bit anxious; he did not understand why Qin Xiaoguan would pass this extraordinary book, which could alter the very fabric of heaven and earth, to him

The parrot mimics speech; it is not unusual for birds to speak human language. However, a creature of such large size, capable of displaying human expressions, is undoubtedly an exception, and anyone would be compelled to take a few extra glances at it

Qin Xiaoguan nodded affirmatively and said: "This is not mere nonsense. To speak of it without going far, among ordinary people, vegetarians often have gentler temperaments; whereas long-term meat eaters tend to be more violent in nature. Therefore, I choose to live in seclusion here with the ladies, firstly to lead a more peaceful and tranquil life, and secondly, because I am concerned that being entangled in the bloodshed and brutality of the world will turn me into the most ferocious beast. Now, do you understand?"

Yang Jiang was momentarily taken aback, clearly stunned by Qin Xiaoguan's casual remark. If one could soar through the skies like a bird, what a magnificent achievement that would be... However, he quickly regained his composure and said with a wry smile: "If that were the case, I fear I would be regarded as a monster by others, and it would inevitably lead to a situation where I would be besieged by the crowd."

Could this be the remarkable medical book left by the legendary physician Hua Tuo, known to the world as the "Qing Nang Shu"?

Qin Xiaoguan noticed Yang Jiang hesitating a bit, so he took the lead and walked into the room. He tapped the strange bird on the head and said with a smile: "This arrogant crow has been with me for over a hundred years. When I first saw it, it had quite a spirit, so I fitted it with a parrot's tongue to enable it to speak. Who would have thought that this ugly crow has always fancied itself as the phoenix, the king of all birds? I found it somewhat interesting and wanted to test my own skills, so I meticulously transformed it to resemble a phoenix. However, it seems that it truly appreciates its current appearance."

The phoenix was originally following Qin Xiaoguan. Upon hearing that Qin Xiaoguan was about to discuss some serious matters with Yang Jiang, it felt greatly disinterested and said: "I can’t stand men’s nagging the most. I’ll just go to the seaside and catch a few fish to eat."

The "phoenix" indeed fell silent, drooping its head as it followed Qin Xiaoguan away

In front of the dining table in the room, there is a large window. Yang Jiangping looked over and happened to see the floating clouds drifting by

However, the transformation from an ugly crow to a stunningly beautiful phoenix is indeed an extraordinarily fascinating process that is difficult to imagine

Qin Xiaoguan handed the book to Yang Jiang, smiling: "I have always believed that the medical techniques contained in this book of the green pouch are truly products that transcend the times. I have been worried that they might be misused by those with ulterior motives, which is why I have kept it on the shelf, only teaching it to a few of my wives. However, given the current circumstances, it seems that this knowledge should be passed on to you; otherwise, should it just rot away here?"

Yang Jiang bowed and said: "Thank you, sir, for your kindness in saving me. I only regret that I have no way to repay you at this moment"

It is not merely appreciation; it can almost be considered narcissism

Moreover, such a peculiar large bird should evoke a sense of might in people; however, the eyes of this bird seem to be filled with a human expression, which inevitably elicits a sense of both amusement and bewilderment

Upon hearing this, Yang Jiang quickly moved forward

"Sir, such a remarkable book is equivalent to a priceless treasure, and it can be said that no one can remain unmoved by it. However, I am concerned that I know nothing about medicine, and I fear that I may disappoint your high expectations!" Yang Gang said honestly

Yang Jiang carefully observed the bird and was almost certain that, from its appearance, it was indeed a strange bird he had never seen before, radiating a peculiar soft glow. Its feathers were exceptionally beautiful, with a natural gradient of orange and red from its head to its belly, resembling burning flames, while its wings were a jade-like emerald green. The feathers of its long and vibrant tail displayed a myriad of colors. Its beak was sharp and pointed, resembling a cold hook, and was a deep crimson color, while its claws were iron-black, akin to the dark iron spear behind Yang Jiang, evoking a sense of chill.

Qin Xiaoguan nodded and said: "Indeed, therefore, even though your body has now become that of a beast, you must always maintain a human appearance. Otherwise, you will never be able to remain among the crowd again. Do you know that your current body was modified by ten of us over the course of twenty days, and it has nearly reached a state of perfection? Besides your senses and limbs, I have also installed a gill behind your ear, so that you will have a way out."

Qin Xiaoguan said: "Indeed, I have done this to leave you a way out. Even if you encounter misfortune in the future, you will still have a better chance of survival. To be honest, although I have saved countless lives, I have never altered anyone else's body. Do you know the reason behind this?"

This book is of great importance, and Yang Jiang does not dare to accept it lightly, fearing that he may not be able to comprehend the profound medical techniques within it

Qin Xiaoguan said: "When my master taught me medicine, I was merely a bookish scholar and did not understand the art of healing at all. However, after a year or two, I achieved some small success. Yang Jiang, you have a good nature; how could you lack such confidence? Moreover, this book contains my research insights and my expertise in acupuncture. If you wish to learn, even without guidance, you can refer to my annotations. Furthermore, there is a deeper meaning in my passing this book to you: you must understand it thoroughly in order to truly comprehend your own body. In the future, should any changes occur in your body, you will be able to take timely precautions, preventing you from falling into an irretrievable abyss."

To merge the body of a beast with the thoughts of a human is inherently an act against the natural order, and the process itself is extremely perilous. Although I achieved initial proficiency in medical skills in my twenties, it still took me several decades to thoroughly comprehend the underlying principles. This is partly because the version of the "Qing Nang Shu" I studied was not complete, and some aspects were merely inferred. In fact, while the process of body modification is dangerous, it is not what truly instills fear in me. What I genuinely worry about is the impact of these beastly organs on the human body; to be precise, it is the effect on your humanity.

Yang Jiang was taken aback and said that he truly did not understand what Qin Xiaoguan meant by this statement

Yang Jiang somewhat understood what Qin Xiaoguan was worried about. Given Qin Xiaoguan's character, which is indifferent to worldly affairs, he was still concerned about the beastly nature within himself. How much more should someone like him, who was born with a competitive and combative spirit, be worried? It seemed that Qin Xiaoguan was not very optimistic about him. The thought of potentially losing control and transforming into a ferocious beast made Yang Jiang feel a chill run down his spine.

"How can it fly like an eagle?" Yang Gang asked in confusion. The scholar before him, who was nearly two hundred years old, had truly left him in awe. Even this strange bird was enough for him to ponder over.

Qin Xiaoguan waved to Yang Jiang, signaling him to come to the large window, and said: "I know you still have many questions in your heart. While they are preparing the feast, I will explain everything to you in detail."

Sir, are you referring to beastiality?

Yang Jiang calmly said: "Are you worried that one day I might lose my humanity and become a heartless, ruthless beast? However, if that is the case, you need not perfect me; simply saving my life would suffice"

Having spoken, the phoenix leaped onto the window, flapped its wings and flew, then glided leisurely in the air, spiraling down like an eagle hunting, and remarkably, it was able to skillfully retract its tail.

This is the crow that I have transformed using the Qing Nang technique

Qin Xiaoguan noticed that Yang Jiang's expression was unusual and comforted him, saying: "The situation is not as dire as you think; at least you are safe and sound now, aren't you? I just want you to be prepared in advance; otherwise, when you realize this later, it will be too late. Therefore, before that, you must have a sufficient understanding of your body, and you must basically learn the medical skills in this book. By the way, do you know what the flesh on your body is?"

Yang Jiang quickly replied: "As long as it is something I can do, I will definitely give it my all"

Seeing you is like seeing myself from years ago

Although Yang Jiang knew nothing about medicine, he could not help but feel a sudden thrill upon encountering this extraordinary book

Yang Jiang said: "Although I do not know, I can vaguely guess a little. With your esteemed medical skills and abilities, it is hard to believe that you would willingly hide in such a remote place; there must be some hidden circumstances behind this, right?"

Alright! Please wait a moment.

Qin Xiaoguan smiled and said, "No, now you have an opportunity to repay, but you do not know whether you are willing to do so"

As Qin Xiaoguan spoke, he paused for a moment, noticing Yang Jiang's confusion. He said in a deep voice: "Let me tell you a fable: It is said that in ancient times, the higher the intelligence of an animal, the less it could be consumed. This is because the beastly nature within it is difficult to extinguish; if one were to eat its flesh, one would inevitably be influenced. Therefore, when humans consume a hundred beasts, they also inherit the ferocity, greed, cunning, and bloodthirstiness of those wild animals... If the flesh of wild beasts can affect humans, then what about the organs of these beasts?"