Everyone called out, "Hol. Silver!"Astrid Silver nodded and headed toward the villa's front gate. But just as he was about to step inside, Orion's guards stopped him. He furrowed his brow and asked, "What's going on? Won't you let me in?"In King City, Astrid boasted a reputation nearly on par with Orion. Many even preferred dealing with him due to his youthful vigor. "Apologies, Hol. Silver," the guard said. "Hol. Thornfield issued orders that no prominent figures from King City or any holistic physicians shall enter before his retirement."Astrid's expression soured. "What a pretender! I've heard he's using Blossom Needling to treat people. Despite his age and the desire to retire, others might be fooled, but I see right through him! I'm here to save his life!"The guard hesitated."Step aside!" Astrid commanded, and the group of guards reluctantly moved.Inside the house, Orion sat on the sofa, sipping tea. Upon spotting Astrid's arrival, he spoke softly. "I knew my peopl
No matter what Astrid said, Orion continued to shake his head, filling Astrid with anger."I can give it to you, but the book isn't here. On my retirement day, you can come to collect it," Orion said.Astrid's face lit up with joy, and he nodded. "You've finally accepted it. I promise to carry forward our master's medical skills. I'll learn all the techniques you couldn't."He chuckled heartily and left.On the sofa, Orion sighed and shook his head. "After all these years, his temperament hasn't changed a bit."They hadn't been in touch for decades, all because of an acupoint technique manual. It wasn't that Orion didn't want to give it to Astrid, but the latter's temperament wasn't suitable for learning the techniques. Perhaps Eric could help change his junior brother's temperament.-Meanwhile, outside.A large crowd surrounded Astrid."Hol. Silver, is Hol. Thornfield really retiring?""Hol. Silver, my family member is seriously ill. Could you please treat them?"People as
Orion and Astrid's master had passed down some valuable items. One of the most precious things was a manual of acupoint techniques that had various extraordinary methods. These techniques were so profound that even a skilled holistic physician like Orion couldn't fully understand them.However, Astrid was different. He had exceptional talent, even more than Orion, and he might be the only one capable of grasping the methods in the manual.Rafael started to think. He had noticed that Astrid and Orion had conflicts. Both were at the same level. If he could win over Astrid, it wouldn't matter even if Eric or Sylvia became Orion's apprentice. After all, Orion didn't have much time left, while Astrid was the future gold standard in holistic medicine."If Hol. Thornfield takes on apprentices, it might be a threat to you," he said.Astrid glanced at Rafael. He could sense his intentions. His relationship with the Hernandezes wasn't great, and now this person was saying such things to him?
Orion nodded, saying, "Today, I won't introduce any new teachings at the moment. First, complete reading this book."As he spoke, he solemnly retrieved a book from his chest.The book had an ancient look, a testament to its age.Eric examined the cover, which bore the title 'Watson's Acupoint Techniques Compendium'. Judging by its cover alone, Eric discerned that this book held exceptional significance."This compendium has been passed down through generations in my lineage. My master received it from his own master, who served as a royal physician. Given his esteemed position, he amassed acupoint techniques from all corners of the world. Later, my master refined and perfected these techniques, culminating in this comprehensive compendium."I've included a few acupoint techniques in the notes I've shared with you, but they hardly qualify for a place within the Watson's Acupoint Techniques Compendium. I'm entrusting you with this now. You must read it immediately and commit its con
Eric lowered his head slightly, his voice heavy with emotion. "Master, please don't deceive me. After these days of learning and understanding, I've realized that your limit with the Blossom Needling technique is six times."Orion let out a long sigh, his emotions in turmoil. He hadn't expected Eric to grasp holistic medicine so quickly, nor did he anticipate Eric deducing his approaching limit after six Blossom Needling treatments.Eric's medical talent pleased him, but it was risky for Eric to perform acupoint treatments without ample experience, considering his relatively short study time."My limit is six more treatments, and I haven't shared something with you. The Blossom Needling technique should ideally be performed nine times to be fully effective. Regrettably, I doubt I can manage nine times anymore."You're aware of the consequences of errors in acupoint treatments. I'll perform it five times to ensure safety, reserving one for life extension. You can perform the remaini
Next to Astrid stood Rafael, who glanced at Eric and Sylvia in disdain. His expression suggested that it wouldn't be easy for them to leave with Astrid around.Eric certainly wanted to depart. He exchanged a brief glance with Rafael and readied himself to go. He was unfamiliar with Astrid, but considering the distinguished guests who had been frequenting lately, this extravagant reception was hardly a surprise.Just as Eric was about to take a step, Rafael's taunting voice reached his ears. "Hey, Eric! The esteemed Hol. Silver is calling for you! What's this? Ignoring people now? Are you trying to act all important?"Although Astrid hadn't explicitly summoned Eric, he tacitly agreed to it.Eric walked over and greeted, "Mas—" But recalling Orion's prior advice during the meal, he quickly corrected himself, "Greetings, Hol. Silver."During their meal, Orion had noticed Astrid's presence and advised Eric not to reveal their master-apprentice relationship or any details about the com
Sylvester glanced at Seraphine but said nothing.Seraphine spoke up on her own. "I'm heading out for drinks with some friends tonight, so please don't follow me.""Really?" Sylvester was taken aback. He added, "You're the one who's been shadowing me all the time, like gum stuck to my shoe. If it weren't for your scheme, I'd be in Salt City by now."Sylvia wondered if Sylvester had any interest in Seraphine.When they returned to the Montgomery estate, Seraphine left without Sylvester following her, opting to freshen up and go to sleep.Grace looked puzzled and asked, "What's happening with those two? I thought Seraphine was smitten with Sylvester. It's hard to believe she went out without him."Sylvia shook her head. "I'm not sure. They had a disagreement, but no one said why."Grace understood that pushing the matter wasn't wise—forcing a relationship never worked. It was possible that Sylvester didn't truly care for Seraphine.Later, Sylvia received a message from Seraphine,
Sylvia changed into her pajamas and stepped out.Seraphine scrutinized Sylvia from head to toe with a mischievous grin. "Sylvia, your figure is absolutely stunning. I can't believe how exceptional your family's genes are."Sylvia could have been a flawless beauty if not for the scars on her face. She rolled her eyes and asked, "Why are you here so late at night?"Seraphine giggled and led Sylvia to a seat."Sylvia, how can I capture Sylvester's attention? I just returned, smelling of alcohol, and had a handsome companion escorting me home, but he didn't react at all. Does he genuinely not care about me?"She was eager to unravel the mystery of Sylvester's preferences.Sylvia pondered momentarily and advised, "You're going about it the wrong way. You need to be assertive. Remember how effective that was for you previously?"Sylvester is quite distant and aloof. Traditional methods won't work, especially since so many girls in Salt City have tried and failed to win him over. You n