Yang Shoukang did not want to lose face.
Xu Ke paid no mind to Yang Shoukang's vague response.
The Seven-Star Exquisite Needle was Yang Shoukang's trademark skill in the dical community. A skill that becos a trademark is often one for which the individual has a natural talent.
Xu Ke suspected that Yang Shoukang had probably learned the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle in even less ti. Now, he was likely keeping quiet, afraid that revealing the truth would discourage Xu Ke.
If Yang Shoukang knew what I was thinking, he'd probably want to spit blood in my face.
Then, he changed the subject and continued his recollection. "Based on the missing parts of the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle, I devised a total of sixty-seven thods for improvent.
"At that ti, I realized the biggest problem in perfecting the technique wasn't creating it, but rather ensuring the feasibility of any new thod.
"So, every ti I tested the needles on my master, I had him record his sensations.
"I also made sure that my own painful symptoms were eliminated..."
Yang Shoukang began to feel sothing was amiss again. "Wait a minute..."
"What's the matter?"
Yang Shoukang hesitated. "Who did you say you were testing the needles on just now?"
Xu Ke said matter-of-factly, "My master, of course. He asked to perfect the technique, so of course I used him as a guinea pig. I couldn't just let him sit idle. Besides, his physical conditioning is also very..."
Xu Ke stopped, realizing he had carelessly let sothing slip.
The private relationship between a master and disciple wasn't sothing to be openly disclosed.
Xu Ke coughed twice. "No, actually I have a lot of respect for my master, and he was the one who insisted I test the needles on him.
"He even said his martial arts were profound and told to proceed without worry."
Yang Shoukang: "..."
You really didn't have to explain...
For the first ti, Yang Shoukang started to doubt Xu Ke's identity. I've never seen a master-disciple relationship like this! If it weren't for his authentic Tenro Thirteen Needles, I'd probably be calling security to throw him out right now.
Xu Ke knew Yang Shoukang certainly didn't believe him and hurriedly changed the subject.
He continued, "Later, after the trials, we concluded that two of the needling routes were viable."
Hearing that Xu Ke and Ren Gu had managed to narrow down the options to just two routes, Yang Shoukang couldn't help but gasp.
Don't be fooled by the drop from sixty-seven to two. The number of problems they must have faced is countless. To say nothing of anything else, just the sheer number of needles Ren Gu must have endured is a staggering thought...
"But we still don't know the specific advantages and disadvantages of these two routes. We haven't had a chance to test them on an ordinary person yet, so it remains unclear.
"I ca to you this ti, Elder Yang, hoping to discuss which of these two remaining routes is the correct one. I hope we can perfect it together."
Upon hearing this, Yang Shoukang, who had been gasping, suddenly lifted his head, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What?"
"Because your understanding of the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle is truly unparalleled, my master also wishes to hear your opinion. I was wondering if you might be available, Elder Yang."
Xu Ke smiled slightly.
Yang Shoukang's body trembled as an expression of wild joy slowly lit up his eyes.
Discuss it with ? Can such a good thing really be happening?!
Yang Shoukang never expected that today's rollercoaster of events would end with him being invited to help perfect a legendary acupuncture technique. Such a monuntal achievent... involves ?
His heart pounded like thunder, overwheld with excitent.
Despite Xu Ke's polite words, Yang Shoukang knew exactly what this ant.
Ren Gu and Xu Ke had already narrowed it down to the final two routes. As long as they could conduct tests in a controlled environnt, they could undoubtedly tune the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle to its most perfect state.
Asking him to join the discussion now seed like a request for his opinion, but in reality, it was a free ticket to share the glory of perfecting a legendary acupuncture technique!
If this succeeds, my na will be recorded in the annals of dical history!
But facing the temptation, Yang Shoukang soon struggled internally and looked up. "Doctor Xu, this is absolutely out of the question."
"Why?" Xu Ke was taken aback.
Yang Shoukang let out a long sigh. "One shouldn't accept rewards without having contributed."
Of course, there was sothing he didn't say. Pies rarely fall from the sky, but pitfalls are all too common. I can't just trust him unconditionally, even if he is the dical Saint's disciple.
"Elder Yang, you're being too modest. If we succeed in perfecting it, you will have made a contribution as well."
Yang Shoukang waved his hand. "What kind of contribution would that be? I'd just be reaping rewards I didn't sow.
"I can offer advice, but as for sharing the credit... this old man would rather pass."
Seeing his reluctance, Xu Ke beca thoughtful. "It's not about the credit. We must be honest about the effort each person contributes to this technique.
"Besides, my master previously ntioned asking you to help perfect it. If you contribute your efforts but refuse the credit, my master will think I'm taking advantage of you when he hears about it."
Yang Shoukang was exasperated by Xu Ke's absurd reasoning. "How could an old man like possibly be bullied by you?"
Xu Ke smiled without saying anything.
And Yang Shoukang imdiately fell into silence.
Xu Ke had several objectives.
Firstly, while all three of them knew the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle technique, his and Ren Gu's practical experience with it paled in comparison to Yang Shoukang's. Yang Shoukang had treated everyone from high-ranking officials to common folk, giving him a wealth of practical experience. Xu Ke, on the other hand, had only ever practiced on his master. By leveraging Yang Shoukang's practical experience, the adjustnts to the technique could be made far more comprehensive.
Xu Ke understood that Yang Shoukang's mastery of the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle was undeniably the best in the country. With his help, their chances of success would be much higher. Ren Gu himself had said as much, which was why he had praised Yang Shoukang in the first place. Otherwise, Xu Ke wouldn't have been so adamant about offering Yang Shoukang such a magnificent gift.
Secondly, Xu Ke wanted to get Yang Shoukang to ally with him completely.
He hadn't wanted to enter the Wang Family's power core before because he didn't want to involve Wong Qifu. But now that she was already involved, he had to find a way to ensure Wong Qifu could gain complete control over the Wang Family.
Therefore, Yang Shoukang, a major pillar of support for the Wang Family, had to be on his side. Previously, Yang Shoukang had co rely to repay a debt of gratitude by saving a life; he hadn't committed any further. Any discerning person could see that while Yang Shoukang resided in the Wang Family Mansion, he wasn't one of Wong Qifu's subordinates.
However, if Yang Shoukang agreed to share the credit for perfecting the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle, outsiders would instantly understand the nature of their relationship. Then, it would naturally an that Yang Shoukang's position in the Wang Family had changed.
While Xu Ke's mind was racing, Yang Shoukang remained silent.
He was stunned to hear that Ren Gu himself had requested his help. Xu Ke had brought up the dical Saint; how could he possibly refuse?
He hesitated. "But... wouldn't this be too unfair to you both?"
"Not at all!" Xu Ke shook his head. "Don't be deceived by the fact that only two routes remain. There are still many subsequent problems.
"My master and I are strong on theory; you are strong on practical application.
"We are doctors, and so are you. We understand the Seven-Star Exquisite Needle, but you understand it even better.
"You should know how many issues are left to resolve...
"Moreover, our goal isn't just to solve the existing problems. If we can optimize the technique even further, that would be for the best!"
Xu Ke didn't finish his sentence, but he had clearly revealed the scale of their ambition.
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