The reason he had been able to so quickly jump two ranks was not only because he disregarded everything and drained energy from the Deep Sea Demonic whale, it was also the pressure Tang San faced from the Deep Sea Demonic Whale which helped to stimulate his own potential. Grandmaster once mentioned, on the verge of life and death was where Spirit Masters had the best opportunity to power up. Of course one had to pass the crisis otherwise it would be for naught.
This saying also meant that in order to obtain the largest benefit, the risks were also the largest. Tang San somehow managing to barely survive was a blessing in disguise, after the sixtieth rank, jumping up a rank requires an extremely large amount of Spirit Power. This experience should have at least saved him a year’s worth of struggles.
However, if given the choice, Tang San would certainly not want to do this again. He did not believe that he would be so lucky as to survive another encounter with something as horrifying as the Deep Sea Demonic Whale.
Lightly getting off the bed, although he had not had any physical activity in awhile, he had been cultivating his whole body, so although he was slightly dizzy, the feeling he felt the most was his hunger.
Inside his Twenty-four Moonlight Bridges there was quite a lot of food, without bothering about others, he sat by the desk in the hut and started to replenish the nutrients he lost. After his body recovered, the next step for him was to come up with a plan to find his companions.
* * *
[1] Ji Xiang - (吉祥) “Lucky”
Chapter 212: Divine Doctor Pays His Respects To Master
After eating, Tang San stretched before walking out the wood cabin.
Just as he exited the cabin, he could see fifty six people walking in his direction. These people all seemed fairly tall, their garments all adorned purple, with somewhat fierce expressions, two of them even had bloodstains on their clothes.
“Kid, who are you? Where is doctor Ji Xiang?” Very quickly they had arrived nearby, one of the tall men fiercely staring at Tang San,sizing him up.
After leaving the log cabin, Tang San realised that the cabin was located not far from the beach, and it also happened to be the only log cabin here. Ahead of it was a beach, whereas behind it was a large forest. Except that it was currently late autumn so the green in the woods had mostly faded.
“Doctor Ji Xiang is not in.” Seeing these people, he was once again reminded of the conversation Dr. Ji Xiang had with another person the time he first woke up, resulting in the words Purple Pearl arising in Tang San’s mind. Could it be, this is actually the Purple Pearl Island Haider spoke of? He had actually unexpectedly arrived at the pirate’s nest.
However, at the moment Tang San had already practically fully recovered, protecting himself would definitely not be a problem. Compared to the Deep Sea Demonic Whale, how could these pirates even be worth considering.
“Not in? Where did he go?” That burly pirate fiercely stared at Tang San revealing his impatience.
Tang San shook his head, saying: “I too have no idea.” Although he was currently wearing the coarse cotton shirt, his handsome face was partially obscured by his grown out beard, but his elegant disposition was something that could not be hidden.
The pirate carefully looked at Tang San before clearing his throat. “Brat, where are you from? Are you a spy?” While saying so, he extended his arm to grab Tang San’s collar.
At this point, a cold voice could be heard, “If you want me to save your friend then stay your hand.”
The pirate somewhat skillfully stopped his hand just in front of Tang San’s chest. Turning around, he saw Ji Xiang walking over while holding a small fishing basket.
Ji Xiang was shorter than Tang San, but had really wide shoulders, coldly his gaze swept past those pirates, indifferently he said: “Bring the injured person forward. You come help assist me.” This last sentence was directed towards Tang San.
Help assist him? Tang San did not refuse, he was smart so he could immediately tell that Ji Xiang did this to help him establish a legitimate identity. Although he didn’t need to, he still walked in.
Two injured pirates were placed onto the bed where Tang San was previously resting on. Of these two pirates, one had an injury on his chest, the other on his thigh, both were flesh wounds but were still fairly serious. Especially the one with the injured thigh, the main artery had already been cut apart. If not for the rope tightly constricting the blood flow, he most likely would have already died to blood loss.
The other’s pirate’s wound looked scarier, with the hilt of a dagger sticking out his right chest. Fortunately, at least it did not penetrate through the whole body.
Ji Xiang simple washed his wounds before walking towards the pirate with the thigh wound. Pulling out a wooden box from below the bed, he opened it and handed it it Tang San.
“Whatever I ask for, you just hand it to me.”
Tang San nodded his head.
In Ji Xiang’s hands was a bundle of cloth, opening it revealed a variety of acupuncture needles. His fingers were very long and at the same time very stable. Consecutively piercing seven acupuncture needles into the thigh of the pirate.
Tang San could tell that Ji Xiang was currently stemming the blood flow to this pirate’s leg. Although Tang San did not recognise those acupuncture points, he could see the points all correctly help to stem the bloodflow. After completing this, he carefully loosened the rope tightly bound to that pirate’s thigh.
With a pssht sound, some fresh blood spurted out from the wound, of the seven acupuncture needles Ji Xiang inserted, three had been shot back out.
Ji Xiang’s expression changed. He understood that this person’s thigh had been bound for too long, and the blood pressure had become too high. Under these circumstances, he wanted to re-tie the rope and re-insert the acupuncture needles after the blood pressure had been released. However, a long arm found its way over, only seeing a flash, that hand hand already tapped a few acupuncture points on the pirate’s thigh. The blood flowing out of the wound instantly ceasing.
Ji Xiang’s eyes widened, turning his head to look at Tang San, Tang San just smilingly nodded at him.
Ji Xiang’s following treatment procedure let tang San broaden his horizons. He used slender hair-like needles to suture the cut artery, then joining the muscle and skin together as well, each stitch extremely precise. Which can only be described as having a godly technique.
Tang San could tell, that small needle was Ji Xian’s Spirit Tool, however, he had not the slightest bit of Spirit Power.
Innate zero Spirit Power, trash amongst trash. No matter the spirit tool, a person with zero innate Spirit Power was someone who could never increase his Spirit Power through cultivation. No wonder his expression was so dull, zero Innate Spirit power and his Innate Full Spirit Power were two extremes, when he was young, he definitely was looked down upon.
However, Ji Xiang’s medical skills was the most superb Tang San had seen since he came to this world. The other pirate’s treatment was even more of an eye-opener for Tang San. Ji Xiang operated on him, structuring his lungs in one go, taking only two hours for the entire procedure.
After the surgery was complete, Ji Xiang revealed a satisfied expression. As if treating people was his favourite thing to do.
The originally haughty pirates standing by the side, did not even dare to act proud, their gaze towards Ji Xiang and Tang San now was one filled with respect. Even the pirate who previously wanted to act against Tang San not had a look of gratitude on his face.
After the surgery was complete, Ji Xiang stood up and said a few words to those pirates: “For the one with the leg injury, you can carry him away. However, the other one will have to stay here for observation. After operating his chest, it is easy for it to be infected, I still need to mix some medicine for him.” His operation today was much more relaxing that usual, because of Tang San. Tang San stopping the blood flow with his acupuncture techniques had allowed him to work without having to u
se his acupuncture needles further, saving him time and effort.
“Dr. Ji Xiang, thank you for saving my younger brother.” The burly pirate fell on his knees with a thud, heavily kowtowing thrice to Ji Xiang. Apparently, the one stabbed in the chest was his younger brother.
Ji Xiang did not did not hold back, “If you want to thank me, then the next time you come back, help me gather some medicinal herbs.”
“Definitely, definitely.” The burly pirate stood up, no longer having that fierce attitude towards Tang San. “Brother, I apologise for what happened earlier. My younger brother was injured and I was impatient. Next time if we have the chance, let me treat you to a drink.”
Tang San was momentarily stunned, the impression left on him by Haider’s gang was not good, but this pirate’s actions was surprisingly forthright instead.
After they all already left, Ji Xiang was silently tidying up the room while chatting with Tang San: “You should have been able to tell that they were pirates. But pirates are still human, also not all of them are vile people. This is also the reason I am willing to stay behind here.”
Tang San replied: “Is this Purple Pearl Island?”
Ji Xiang nodded. “You know about the Purple Pearl?’
Tang San bitterly smiled, saying: “My companions and I ended up falling into the ocean due to the Purple Pearl pirates. If not for you saving me, I would probably already be dead.”
Hearing Tang San’s words, Ji Xiang slowly straightened his back, seeing Tang San’s expression turn strange he asked, “That should mean you were an aristocrat? The Purple Pearl only targets aristocrats, normal fishermen only have to pay a small sea tax and they would be fine.”
Tang San smilingly said: “It is as you said, pirates are not all bad people, could it be aristocrats are all bad people?”
Ji Xiang was stunned, looking at Tang San, he could not come up with a way to reply him.
Tang San turned around and looked outside, “In this world, the victors are king, while the losers are bandits. The difference between good people and bad ones is also the same. Can you update me on the situation here?”
Ji Xiang no longer tidied up the room, instead he walk to Tang San’s back, for some unknown reason he felt that there was a strange charm coming from this revived person. An irresistible charm, every word that he said seemed to follow a unique melody.
“Perhaps you are right, there may be good people amongst the aristocrats. These years, the purple pearl have been robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. While struggling to survive, they also share the wealth they stone with the vast majority of poor fishing villages. This is the reason I choose to stay behind. I am the Purple Pearl Pirate group’s only doctor.”
Tang San turned around, looking at Ji Xiang up close. Without continuing on the previous conversation, he asked: “Are you willing to learn the technique I used to stop his blood flow?”
Ji Xiang was briefly stunned, his calm demeanor suddenly become dim, “I cannot learn it, your method requires spirit power, if I had spirit power, even just using my needles, I can do the same thing to stem the blood flow.”
Tang San lightly smiled, saying something that made Ji Xiang unable to keep his calm, “What if I can allow you to have Spirit Power?”
“Wha-what did you say?” the shocked Ji Xiang stared at Tang San, even if he was a calm person, he was after all just a seventeen year old youth. Since the time he was a child, because of the fact that he had no Spirit Power, he had to experience a lot of pain and grievances. Oh how he longed to have Spirit Power! Even though he had medical skills others could not even hope to attain, he very clearly knew that if he had Spirit Power, he would once more be able to make a breakthrough in his medical skills. Whatsmore, the fact that having Spirit Power was something he had been dreaming off since he was a child.
Tang San said: “I have a special cultivation technique, although it may not completely be suited for you. At the very least, I believe that it will allow you to become a Spirit Master.”
Although Ji Xing is considerably more mature than others the same age, but after hearing Tang San’s words, he was unable to contain his excitement. This calm eyes letting out a hint of longing.
Tang San said after pondering: “I can teach you that acupuncture technique as repayment for saving my life. However, the cultivation technique belongs to the Tang Sect. I don’t have the right to privately teach it to you. Ji Xiang, are you willing to accept me as your master?”
Ji Xiang was stunned once more, take him as teacher? Tang San’s words were very straightforward, in Tang San’s eyes also did not have any hint of ulterior motive. After hesitating for a while, he asked: “If you are really able to make me a Spirit Master, I agree. Only, I am already seventeen, can I really become a Spirit Master?” regardless, this was perhaps his only chance at becoming a Spirit Master in this life.
Tang San calmly smiled, “I am eighty percent sure, are you willing to give it a try?”
Ji Xiang took a deep breath before falling to his knees in front of Tang San, forcefully, he kowtowed thrice, “Master.” He did not want to give up this opportunity, although he knew that after taking Tang San as master. From now on he would have to follow his instructions. However if he gave up on this chance, then he would regret it for the rest of his life.
After accepting Ji Xiang’s kowtows, he helped him up from the floor. “Admittedly you are slightly old, but if you were to work hard, you will still become accomplished. Here swallow this.”
Reaching into his Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, he withdrew a completely golden ginseng and gave it to Ji Xiang. As a doctor, Ji Xiang naturally recognized it, surprised he said. “Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng?”
Tang San nodded his head, saying: “Time is pressing, and I have other things I need to do, so I don’t have the time to refine this into a pill. Let me help you prepare a strong cultivation base, alongside its strengthening qualities, it will help you cultivate in the future with half the effort and double the results.”
At this point, Ji Xiang no longer doubted Tang San’s words. The Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng was not something that people were able to so easily take out. It was a priceless treasure!
In Tang San’s eyes, the value of the Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng was limited, and had practically no use for him. Compared to the Blood Crystal Dragon Ginseng and the Ten Thousand Year Old Ninth Grade Ginseng King, this Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng was far too inferior. But for someone like Ji Xiang, it was perfectly suitable for him.
Ji Xiang ate it extremely carefully, using his nails he punctured the surface of the ginseng, then gently sucking it from that hole. Quickly, all that remained of the Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng was its exterior husk, the essence inside all absorbed into Ji Xiang. Ji Xiang carefully put away the surplus husk, after all it could still be refined into many valuable medicines.
“Sit.” Tang San pressed down Ji Xiang’s shoulder. Although the Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng was not a divine herb, it was still not something normal people could absorb. Normal people after eating it would not be over nourished and their blood vessels would burst killing them. Of course, Ji Xiang did not think that Tang San was after his life, afterall who would use this kind of priceless herb to kill a simple doctor like himself.
In the time it took for him to sit down, Ji Xiang’s face already turned completely red, clearly the Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng’s effects were horrifying.
Similarly, Tang San sat cross-legged behind Ji Xiang, “Defend the dantian. Try to feel the spirit power I am channeling in your body, remember the path it takes.”
While saying that, he pressed both his palms on Ji Xiang’s back, Ji Xiang could feel a clear energy current flooding into his body. The Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng’s extremely hot sensation immediately felt more affable.
Under the guidance of Tang San’s Mysterious Heaven Skill. The Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng’
s essence was completely absorbed, and was circulating along with the Mysterious Heaven Skill.
A drop of water shall be returned with a gushing spring[1]. As gratitude for saving his life, Tang San had already decided to take Ji Xiang as his disciple, truly he had no other motive. Only wishing to repay his debt of having his life saved. He was ready to teach his Mysterious Heaven Skill for the first time. If not for this reason, he would not have needed to have Ji Xiang take him as his master. Tang Sect teachings could never be leaked out, that was an ideal long since ingrained in Tang San’s heart.
As such, Tang San currently helping Ji Xiang circulate his qi was not for something as simple as helping him absorb the medicinal properties of the herb. He actually had three objectives, the first was to help him absorb the medicine, and help him solidify his cultivation. The second was to allow Ji Xiang to feel the Mysterious Heaven Skill’s circulation path, then let him practice according to this method. The third point was to draw support from the medicine to help Ji Xiang clear his eight extraordinary meridians. This way, he could alleviate the detriments for starting his cultivation at such an age.
As a person practiced in the field of medicine, when he felt his first meridian clear, he understood Tang San’s intention. After all even with the help of the Ten Thousand Year Old Emperor Ginseng, to clear the meridians of someone else also required large amounts of Spirit Power. When Tang San was helping him clear his meridians, Ji Xiang’s heart had finally truly accepted Tang San as a teacher.
After the first meridian was opened, Ji Xiang felt the internal qi flowing within him grow significantly, the speed which Tang San circulated his Mysterious Heaven Skill also increasing. Just as he thought it was going to end, Tang San already started attacking the second meridian.
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 371