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Chapter 44: The Black Beast's Gift
【Acupuncture and Meridian Points Treatise: A book detailing numerous theories on human acupoints.】
【Memorizing this text may grant you a clear and thorough understanding of the body’s vital points.】
【Download?】
After flipping through the Acupuncture and Meridian Points Treatise for a while, Lu Qing saw the prompt appear in his vision—no surprise at all.
Without hesitation, he selected “Download.”
【Downloading… Progress: 1%…】
Lu Qing began turning the pages from the start. As he flipped each one, the progress bar in his vision ticked forward.
【…97%, 98%, 99%, 100%】
【Acupuncture and Meridian Points Treatise downloaded. Begin studying?】
With the final page turned, the Abilities interface confirmed the book had been fully downloaded. Lu Qing immediately chose to learn.
In an instant, a flood of knowledge about human acupoints surged from deep within his mind. He tilted his head back, eyes closed, silently absorbing the information.
After a long moment, he opened his eyes—dazzled.
“This human acupoint system… truly miraculous.”
“As this book states, the major points across the body govern the body’s vital passages and are deeply tied to one’s life force. A skilled physician, if they use the right technique and target the correct point, can eliminate illness—even without medicine—reviving the dead and saving lives in peril.”
At this moment, Lu Qing had fully memorized the entire Acupuncture and Meridian Points Treatise.
But memorization was not mastery.
He still lacked practical experience. Though he now possessed all the theory, he had no hands-on skill. If given a real patient right now, he couldn’t say whether he could heal them—but he knew for certain he could easily wound or even kill someone with a single wrong needle.
To truly master this book, there was still much to learn.
Yet even just understanding its contents had left Lu Qing awed. The field of Medical Skills was indeed extraordinary—whether it was medicine or acupuncture, the knowledge was vast, intricate, and immensely difficult to master.
Without the Abilities, he doubted he’d ever be able to grasp even these two medical texts, let alone fully comprehend them, given only what his master had given him.
Gently flipping through the pages once more, Lu Qing reread the text. Though he’d already memorized it, he still preferred the feel of the book in his hands.
Under the golden glow of the setting sun, he read until the sky darkened and the last light of day faded.
That night, Xiao Yan again waited in vain for the black little beast she so longed to see.
The creature seemed to possess some mysterious ability—always appearing only after she had fallen asleep.
Just as Lu Qing had tucked the sleeping child in, he heard the familiar scratching at the door.
He went to the kitchen, retrieved the freshly caught live fish he’d prepared in advance, and opened the front door.
A black figure leapt back with a nimble motion, then calmly brought its front paws together, sitting upright and waiting silently as Lu Qing placed the fish in the wooden basin.
“You’re getting bolder,” Lu Qing muttered, shaking his head.
He set the fish down, then stepped back.
The black beast immediately rushed forward, diving into the basin and devouring the fish with relish.
Lu Qing watched quietly, not interrupting.
Compared to over ten days ago, the creature had grown slightly. Its demeanor had shifted from suspicion and wariness to calm composure—now it could face Lu Qing without flinching.
It no longer stole a single fish to hide and eat later. Instead, it ate openly, right there in front of him.
Still, Lu Qing couldn’t get close—not even to touch it.
He had no intention of trying, either.
If the little beast suddenly startled, one swipe of its claw could easily shred his hand.
He wasn’t delusional—his flesh and bones were no match for steel or stone, and even those couldn’t withstand its claws.
So he always placed the fish down and stepped back, careful not to provoke the little master.
And every time, after finishing its meal, the beast would leave without a glance back.
But this time… something was different.
After finishing, it turned, leapt over the fence, and disappeared into the night.
Just as Lu Qing reached to pick up the basin, the black shadow reappeared before him.
“Didn’t you eat enough?” Lu Qing asked, puzzled.
That couldn’t be right. He’d actually added a few more fish than usual today. Even if the creature had grown a bit, its appetite shouldn’t have doubled overnight.
The beast looked up at him—its eyes flickering with a strange expression.
Had Lu Qing been paying closer attention, he might have noticed it was not fear or suspicion, but something far more telling: a flicker of disdain.
But he didn’t notice. His focus had shifted to something else.
“What’s that you’re holding in your mouth?”
Now, the black beast had something clenched gently between its teeth.
It was grayish-white in color—but in the dim moonlight, it was hard to make out.
The night sky held only a slender crescent moon, barely casting light.
The beast stepped forward, placed the object on the ground, then stepped back.
“Is this… for me?” Lu Qing asked, surprised.
The creature didn’t move—just stared at him, silent.
But Lu Qing understood. It was indeed meant for him.
“Really… for me?” Lu Qing was genuinely stunned.
After feeding this little beast for so long, this was the first time he’d received a gift in return.
“What is it?” He stepped forward, carefully lifting the object.
As soon as it was in his hands, he recognized it immediately: a root, likely from a plant.
It had a cluster of leaves at the top, thick roots, and still clung to patches of soil.
Under the faint moonlight, he examined it closely.
The more he looked, the wider his eyes grew.
Having memorized the Hundred Herbs Scripture by heart—every line, every verse—he was certain of what he held.
“This can’t be…?”
Before the thought fully formed, the Abilities system responded.
A faint, shimmering glow rose from the root in his hand.
Most strikingly, the glow wasn’t just white—it carried a faint, subtle streak of red.
【Ginseng: A rare medicinal herb, safe to consume, non-toxic.】
【This Ginseng has grown for over a century.】
【Legend says Ginseng possesses miraculous powers. Extremely old specimens are said to develop spiritual awareness, even intelligence.】
Centuries-old Ginseng!
Lu Qing’s eyes snapped wide open.
(End of Chapter)
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