https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-10-Discovery-of-Combat-Technique/13688143/
Chapter 11: Herbs, Needling
“Is it true, Xiao Yan, that you could tell Chen Ye Ye was practicing martial arts?” Chen Laodaifu asked with a warm smile.
“Nope,” Xiao Yan shook her head. “It was Brother who told me. He said Chen Ye Ye was training, so I shouldn’t talk and disturb you.”
“I’m sorry, Chen Ye Ye,” Lu Qing said, his voice tinged with apology. “We didn’t know you were practicing.”
“No harm done,” Chen Laodaifu waved a hand dismissively. “Just some old man’s farmwork-style movements—nothing fancy, really.”
“But I think Chen Ye Ye’s form looks really good!” Xiao Yan said earnestly.
“Hahaha! After a lifetime of practicing this set, to hear a little one like you say it’s beautiful—it’s more than worth it!” The old doctor chuckled heartily.
Seeing the elder’s joyful expression, Lu Qing finally relaxed. He’d been genuinely worried—what if Chen Laodaifu had some unspoken rule against being watched during training? If so, he and Xiao Yan would’ve unknowingly trespassed on sacred ground.
“Come on, let’s go inside. I’ll start your acupuncture now,” Chen Laodaifu said, lifting Xiao Yan into his arms and turning toward the house.
Lu Qing followed respectfully as the old man led him across the courtyard.
As soon as they stepped in, Lu Qing was immediately drawn to the rows of herbs laid out to dry under the sun.
He glanced over them quickly and recognized one—Ox Bone Grass. It was the same plant that grew in his own backyard.
But time was short, and he couldn’t examine each herb in detail.
“Chen Ye Ye,” Lu Qing asked, “are all these herbs dried here?”
“Indeed,” Chen Laodaifu replied, a hint of surprise in his voice. “You know herbs?”
“Not really,” Lu Qing admitted. “But I noticed one that grows near my home.”
“Which one?”
“The one in that basket over there.” Lu Qing pointed.
Xiao Yan peered closely at the plant with its tiny blue flowers and nodded vigorously. “Yes! Yes! We have lots of them outside our yard. Niuniu even likes to eat them!”
Chen Laodaifu glanced over. “Ah, yes. That’s Ox Bone Grass. A very common herb.”
“Ox Bone Grass,” Lu Qing repeated softly, then asked, “What’s it used for, Chen Ye Ye?”
“Primarily for treating bruises and injuries from falls or blows,” the elder replied casually, eyeing Lu Qing. “You’re interested in herbs?”
“Yes,” Lu Qing said honestly. “Xiao Yan told me you cured her illness with just one herbal formula. It amazed me—how something so simple, just a few wild plants, could ease suffering and even save lives.”
“You want to learn medicine?” Chen Laodaifu didn’t laugh. Instead, he spoke with quiet patience. “It’s not easy. You need courage, sharp focus, a clear mind, and—most importantly—must be able to read. You’ll need to study medical texts.”
“I do know some characters,” Lu Qing said quickly. He wasn’t lying.
In his memory, the original owner of this body had known a few characters. And when Lu Qing tested them, they matched the ancient Chinese script he remembered from his past life—though slightly more intricate in stroke.
“Wait—you can read?” Chen Laodaifu looked genuinely surprised. In these remote villages, finding someone who could read was rare.
Lu Qing, an orphan, reading? That was unexpected.
“Grandfather taught me a few characters before he passed,” Lu Qing explained. “But I was slow, and after he died, I forgot some. I can recognize them, but I can’t write.”
Chen Laodaifu’s expression softened. He now understood.
Rumors said Lu Qing’s grandfather had been a scholar, fleeing hardship and arriving here with the villagers. But he’d died before settling in, so Chen Laodaifu had never met him.
And he’d heard stories—Lu Qing’s father had been restless, never interested in books. He’d driven his father to despair, and eventually gave up education altogether.
Yet it was the young boy, Lu Qing, who had quietly absorbed a few words.
What a pity the grandfather had passed so early. Otherwise, perhaps the Lu family might have produced another scholar.
Chen Laodaifu sighed inwardly, his gaze now kinder than before.
No wonder Lu Qing’s speech carried a quiet dignity unlike most country boys. It must have come from the old man’s teachings—and even the father’s rough influence.
“Since you’re interested,” Chen Laodaifu said, “every time you come for your acupuncture, I’ll let you help me dry herbs for half an hour. How much you remember depends on your own insight.”
“And you,” he added, gently stroking Xiao Yan’s hair, “come with your brother from now on. I’ll prepare some medicinal porridge for you. A body this frail can’t keep going like this.”
Lu Qing’s eyes lit up. “Thank you so much, Chen Ye Ye! Xiao Yan, say thank you!”
“Thank you, Chen Ye Ye~” Xiao Yan chirped, though she didn’t understand what “medicinal porridge” meant. Still, she was obedient—she’d do as her brother said.
“Don’t thank me,” Chen Laodaifu said, his voice full of gentle concern. “Look at you—your frame’s so thin, it breaks my heart.”
Inside the house, Chen Laodaifu set Xiao Yan down and reached for his needle case.
“Lie down on the bed,” he told Lu Qing. “Take off your shirt.”
Lu Qing obeyed, removing his tunic and lying down on the wooden bed.
The old man studied his thin, bony chest in silence before pulling out a silver needle.
Xiao Yan, seeing the long needle, flinched slightly with fear. But she knew Chen Ye Ye was healing her brother. So though her heart trembled, she stayed quiet, not making a sound.
“Don’t be afraid. Don’t move,” Chen Laodaifu said calmly. “I’m going to needle you now.”
Lu Qing nodded. He wasn’t afraid.
In his past life on Blue Star, he’d experienced acupuncture before. He was familiar with the practice.
The old man held the needle between his fingers and gently inserted it into a point on Lu Qing’s body. There was no pain—just a smooth, effortless glide. The needle sank three inches deep into the flesh.
Without pause, Chen Laodaifu pulled out another needle and plunged it into a different acupoint.
Before long, eighteen needles had been placed across Lu Qing’s upper body.
Xiao Yan, meanwhile, had covered her eyes, too frightened to watch her brother turn into a human pincushion.
When the last needle was inserted, Chen Laodaifu didn’t let go. Instead, he held the base and gently twisted it.
Then—something miraculous happened.
Lu Qing felt a warm, flowing sensation beneath the needles. A tingling, soothing warmth spread through his body, making him feel deeply relaxed.
A wave of drowsiness washed over him. His eyelids grew heavy, and soon, he slipped into deep sleep.
“Chen Ye Ye,” Xiao Yan whispered, peeking through her fingers, “has Brother fallen asleep?”
“Mm-hmm,” Chen Laodaifu nodded. “Your brother’s body is too weak. This Gu Ben Pei Yuan Needle technique will let him rest deeply.”
“Oh,” Xiao Yan murmured, still not fully grasping what that meant.
Chen Laodaifu stood. “Come on. Let’s go outside. Your brother can sleep here for a while.”
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Chen Ye Ye will make you something delicious,” he said with a gentle smile.
(End of Chapter)
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