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
Grace exchanged a quick smile with Seraphine and said, "We won't meddle in your affairs, you youngsters. We'll figure out how to compensate Sylvester for what happened later."With that, she departed.Seeing the situation turning awkward, Sylvia tugged on Eric's arm and whispered, "Eric, let's go. It's time to visit our master."Eric raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Sylvia's sudden urgency. Had she betrayed Sylvester?As they got into the car, Sylvia finally revealed her thoughts. "I never expected Seraphine to be so bold! Last night, I suggested using force, but I didn't anticipate her barging into his room! He cried out in pain this morning, and I suspect she used more than just force!"Eric was taken aback. He had heard a knock on the door the previous night, and when he heard Seraphine's voice, he simply went back to sleep, unaware of what had unfolded. It now made sense why Sylvia had skipped breakfast and had been in such a hurry to leave.-In Sylvester's room.Seraphine cl
Sylvia hesitated to return to the Montgomery residence, worried that the carefree Seraphine might inadvertently reveal her involvement and get her scolded by Sylvester.-It was already past 10:00 p.m., and Rafael grew concerned when he saw that neither Sylvia nor Eric had emerged.He hurried back to the Hernandezes' home to explain the situation to his father."Are you certain Hol. Silver confirmed that Eric isn't an apprentice of Hol. Thornfield?" Javier asked, his brow furrowed.He shared Rafael's concerns about the ongoing feud with Grace, suspecting that if Eric became Orion's apprentice, it could put the Hernandezes at a disadvantage.Javier initially believed that Grace was fighting to protect Eric, but it appeared to be only part of her motive. If that weren't the case, why hadn't the business war ceased once Eric could defend himself?What worried Javier more was the possibility of Eric becoming Orion's apprentice, gaining prestige, and then laying claim to the Hernande