Physicians' Contest: A Promising Young Man, Yao Yin's Appreciation, Heroic Bearing on Full Display

Yao Baishun thought to himself, since it was driven by popular demand and they were determined to organize the competition, why not take this opportunity to spread his medical reputation? The opportunity to advance from a "Hall Physician" to a "Renowned Physician" is often lacking.

Immediately, a large banner was unfurled outside the Miraculous Healers Pavilion to create a buzz beforehand. After a few more days of preparation, Tongji Ward was in an uproar, with much discussion among the residents. On the day of the medical competition, Medical Shop, clinics, and medical buildings in Renhua Ward even sent doctors to observe and learn. Tongji Ward and Renhua Ward were adjacent, and merchants and businesses in the two areas had dealings with each other at the time, so competition between medical practitioners was perfectly normal.

That day.

Outside the Miraculous Healers Pavilion, crowds of onlookers thronged, making it impossible to move. The medical competition revolved around three aspects: "Identifying the properties of medicines," "diagnosing symptoms and diseases," and "treating patients and practicing medicine." There were originally only about twenty Hall Physician the Miraculous Healers Pavilion who were dissatisfied, displeased, or disliked Li Xian. However, once the competition was organized, all the other Hall Physician knew it was a rare opportunity and eagerly participated to gain fame.

Li Xian, being intelligent, knew this was a golden opportunity. Moreover, since Yao Baishun had taken the initiative to invite Li Xian to participate in the competition, he naturally did not refuse. Thus, there were a total of eighty-five people in the competition. Among them were many old doctors in their fifties, sixties, and seventies, with gray hair, full of ambition, and undiminished spirit.

Unintentionally, this event sparked a grand medical affair. Li Xian thought to himself, "You all want to use this opportunity to make a name for yourselves, and so do I. Let's see who has the superior skills. At this opportune moment, I should do my best to showcase my abilities!" The first event was identifying the properties of medicinal herbs. Yao Baishun had previously dispatched his apprentices to process the herbs in a special way, making their properties unpredictable, and then using various methods to interfere with the judgment. For example, a herb called "horse's eye herb" was originally mild and dispelled wind. However, after being fermented and dried for two days, its properties changed to promote qi circulation and blood flow. At this point, stir-frying and processing it in a pan would actually make it toxic.

A single herb may seem ordinary, but even the slightest difference can result in vastly different medicinal properties.

Using this topic to test one's understanding of medicine is the best approach.

The Wonderful Physician Hall was quite spacious, with hundreds of people on both floors, and hundreds more standing outside, making it impossible to move. Suddenly, a sweet voice cried out, "Uncle Shun, why didn't you call me to join in the fun!"

Then Yellow-Skirt Woman walked briskly towards them. She wore a white longsword at her waist, the scabbard embroidered with cloud and water patterns, and the sword tassel was golden. Her hair was thick and bushy, and her dress was below her knees. As she walked, the hem of her dress swayed back and forth, almost revealing a glimpse of her figure, but always just a hair's breadth away. She wore white boots that were tailor-made and fit her perfectly.

Bright and charming, displaying remarkable heroic spirit.

It was the same "Yao Yin" he had encountered at the old Far Traveler Inn.

It turns out that Yao Yin is a member of the Yao family in Jade City, Yao Clan with considerable strength and resources. This Miraculous Healers Pavilion is a business run by the Yao Clan, deeply rooted in the medical profession. The pavilion's chief physician, Yao Baishun, is a member of the Yao Clan. Yao Yin has been interested in medicine since childhood and often sought Yao Baishun's advice. Over time, they became quite familiar with each other.

The Hall Physician laughed and called out, "Miss Yao!" They all recognized Yao Yin. Yao Baishun already knew that Yao Yin had returned to the city, but was staying elsewhere. He stroked his white beard, pretending not to know, and said with a smile, "Oh my, why have you suddenly returned?"

Yao Yin said playfully, "I'm back already. I just didn't go home." Yao Baishun said, "You're always so playful. You just didn't want to go home. Are you afraid your third uncle will scold you?"

Yao Yin put her hands on her hips and said, "I'm not afraid, it's just that you keep going on and on, it's annoying."

Yao Yin chuckled and said, "Don't talk about me, I was just joining in the fun. Uncle Yao, you guys continue." She stepped aside, her gaze sweeping over the doctors, then paused slightly before settling on Li Xian.

Li Xian stood behind the group of doctors, dressed in a simple white robe and hat, calm and composed, his unusual appearance setting him apart from the crowd. Yao Yin pointed lightly with her slender finger and asked in a low voice, "Uncle Yao, who is he?"

Yao Baishun laughed, "You're not the first to ask this. He's Registered Physician, originally from Common Citizen background, but his medical skills are superb. I'm giving him a chance." Yao Yin said, "Just Common Citizen— "

Yao Baishun's eyes gleamed as he said, "Although he's Common Citizen, this boy is different and shouldn't be underestimated." Yao Yin nodded and said, "He is handsome, but as Common Citizen, he's probably not worth looking at with any special attention. If he had some strength and background, he wouldn't have ended up as Common Citizen."

Yao Baishun said, "What makes this person different is this. He has an unusual appearance, indicating he is at least at the First Martial Realm, having undergone Transformed Aspect. Although Jade City has strict rules, it never underestimates visitors. While First Martial Realm in Jade City may not be a formidable expert, if they sincerely come to join us or make good use of their abilities, they will certainly not be reduced to Common Citizen."

"However—this man has an older brother, Li Gui, who once disappeared after borrowing money. The debt fell on him, and he was captured by Jade City to pay off his brother's debt, which amounted to 100,000 taels of silver. Entering Jade City as a debt slave, the difficulties he faced are unimaginable."

Yao Yin stared intently, then exclaimed in surprise, "Ten thousand taels of silver—that's quite a sum! He seems rather young, how did he manage to come up with that? Could it be that Uncle Yao vouched for him?"

Yao Baishun said, "That's the impressive part. He's already paid off his debts, and how he did it will probably shock you. Nizi, do you remember the Deathwish Valley?"

Yao Yin said, "I remember, I saw him when I was young." Yao Baishun said, "This boy won three hundred consecutive matches, thus paying off his debts." Yao Yin was surprised, her gaze scrutinizing him carefully before she asked, "Three hundred consecutive matches? Is that true?"

Yao Baishun said, "I have already sent people to investigate, and it is indeed true. Thus, he escaped from being a debt slave and became Common Citizen. Later, he contracted a strange illness, seemingly seeking medical treatment, but in reality, he was seeking a medical job."

Yao Yin said, "In that case, this person is extremely cunning and resourceful. Can such a person be trusted?" Yao Baishun said, "I have observed him secretly. Although he is cunning, he doesn't seem like someone who harbors malicious intentions. Whether he is trustworthy or not is hard to say. But upon closer examination, he should be trustworthy."

Yao Yin said, "The terrain of the Deathwish Valley is unique. This person would never enter the Deathwish Valley unless he had some powerful backing. So, can he be trusted?" Yao Baishun nodded and said, "That's right. If you need help from such a person, you can get to know him better."

Upon hearing this, Yao Yin blushed and scrutinized Li Xian again, her delicate eyebrows sometimes relaxing and sometimes lifting. She would nod slightly, and sometimes raise her eyebrows slightly.

The physician competition began soon, with the first round being "identifying the properties of medicinal herbs." Yao Baishun had prepared ninety-four kinds of medicinal herbs in advance. After being processed in various ways, the properties of the herbs were unpredictable, requiring the physicians to "touch," "smell," and "observe" them—and determine their properties within three breaths.

Then, the properties of the ninety-four medicinal herbs were meticulously recorded on a piece of paper and handed over to Yao Baishun for review and evaluation. One point was awarded for each correct answer regarding a herb. If the medicinal properties and processing steps could also be clearly explained, two points were awarded.

In this way, once the scores are seen, it will be clear which physician has the most profound knowledge. The onlookers are all amazed, feeling that the competition is difficult. Those with shallower medical skills and less knowledge can only recognize a dozen or so herbs.

Among the onlookers were many doctors from other regions, who marveled at the sight and observed with great seriousness. A region's feng shui nurtures its own medicinal herbs. Medicine is a profession with a strong "regional" attribute; hence, medical schools are often divided by region.

The medical practitioners of Jade City are known as the "Jade City School." Their medical style and medication practices are unique. As a result, doctors from other places cannot integrate into this style and are far less familiar with the properties and effects of local medicines Jade City doctors.

Participating in this competition will lead to immense suffering.

Identifying the properties of medicinal herbs requires extensive experience. An elderly physician, "Liu San," stood with his hands behind his back and took the test first. Ninety-four herbs were arranged in eleven rows, with nine herbs in each row and four herbs in the eleventh row.

Starting with the first herb, Liu San first gently rubbed it with his hand, then carefully smelled it. After that, he raised an eyebrow, immediately wrote down the medicinal properties and the method of processing them. Then, he strode forward to the next herb.

One herbal medicine must be taken with perfect clarity and concentration within three breaths; if the time is missed, no points will be awarded. Yao Baishun is usually kind and gentle, but when it comes to medical exams...

During the medical examination, he was extremely strict. He instructed the apprentices to keep a close eye on everyone and not to slack off for even a moment.

After Liu San identified several herbs and wrote them down on a scroll, the next doctor followed him, stepping onto the medical testing ground to touch, smell, and identify the herbs.

One after another, the physicians proceeded in an orderly fashion. Soon it was Li Xian's turn. He received a blank sheet of paper and a wolf-hair brush. Stepping before the first herb, he thought, "In this step, I was supposed to suffer a great loss. Most of the herbs here are from Jade City, and their properties and names are naturally more familiar to the physicians of Jade City. But I possess the Ghost-Vein Four Absolutes; how can I disgrace the Ghost Doctor Lineage?"

The Medical Ethics Scripture and the Medical Heart Scripture serve as the standard for medical practice. In addition, the Ghost Eye Disease-Breaking, the Ghost Ear Disease-Hearing, the Ghost Hand Soul-Retention, and the Ghost Speech Disease-Cleansing. These are combined with the medical methods passed down by Wen Caishang and the experience gained from recent medical practice.

Before three breaths had passed, he wrote down the medicinal properties, then the process. Li Xian exuded a calm and unhurried, detached air. Although there were many fellow medical examinees, as soon as he took the test, everyone's attention was drawn to him, unable to contain their attraction to his movements.

Yao Yin thought to herself, "This young man seems quite confident, but I wonder if he's just putting on an act or if he really has something to say." She observed him carefully.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, all eighty-five doctors had submitted their examination papers. Yao Baishun reviewed them on the spot and announced their scores. The first examinee, Liu San, scored 243 points.

This immediately drew gasps of surprise. Yao Yin cupped his hands in congratulations, saying, "Doctor Liu's medical skills have deepened considerably; his fame is sure to follow soon. On behalf of my Lineage, I offer my congratulations in advance."

Liu San was flattered and said, "Miss Yao, Liu San flatter me. I owe my success today to the Yao Family's support. If you do not abandon me in the future, I will remain loyal to you for life."

Yao Yin smiled and said, "Please sit down, Doctor Liu." She stepped aside to offer him a wooden chair. Yao Baishun nodded secretly. Yao Yin was one of the best in the Yao Family. She had a natural grace in her dealings with people. Winning people's hearts was a natural thing for her.

This competition contains ninety-four herbs. One point is awarded for describing the properties of the herbs, and two more points are awarded for describing the process. Each herb is worth three points, for a total of two hundred and eighty-two points.

Liu San's score of "243" is truly exceptional. If Yao Yin hadn't flattered and persuaded him to stay, he would have been poached by another medical school in no time. Yao Baishun then reviewed the papers of several other people.

The medical scores mostly fluctuated between 197 and 213. Each time the scores were announced, the doctors were nervous, and the onlookers were also nervous. As time went on, three people with very high scores appeared one after another.

Tie Yuanwang scored 257 points. He Jin scored 249 points. Jin Wanquan scored 261 points.

Tie Yuanwang, now middle-aged, stood tall and proud. Jin Wanquan, though young, came from a distinguished family and possessed remarkable medical talent. He Jin, though of ordinary appearance, had an extraordinary demeanor.

The three doctors displayed their medical skills to the fullest. Bystanders all offered their congratulations and flattery, taking the opportunity to curry favor with them.

Soon they read the scroll with the name "Li Xian".

Yao Baishun raised an eyebrow after looking at it and handed it to Yao Yin to see. After looking at it, Yao Yin glanced at Li Xian. Li Xian felt the gaze and nodded slightly. Yao Yin returned the gesture with a nod.

Yao Baishun announced, "Li Xian, your score is 267 points!"

A murmur rippled through the crowd. All eyes were on him, but Li Xian remained calm, nodding to the crowd. Yao Baishun murmured, "Unperturbed by favor or disgrace, what do you think of this young man?"

Yao Yin said, "After all, they Deathwish Valley. It would be strange if they were alarmed by honor or disgrace in such a situation." Yao Baishun chuckled.

Liu San, He Jin, Tie Yuanwang, and others all came looking towards them.

Jin Wanquan suddenly said, "Master Yao, are you sure you didn't see wrong? He really got 267 points? I'm not questioning you, I'm questioning him." He pointed directly at him.

It turns out that this medical competition was intentionally organized by Jin Wanquan. He was over thirty years old, had a remarkable talent for medicine, and came from a wealthy family. Although not as powerful as the Yao Family, he was still able to make a living and had access to Essence Treasure and martial arts.

He has reached the end of his career as a "Hall Physician" and should now take the step of becoming a "Renowned Physician." Once he reaches this position, he can come into contact with the powerful and wealthy and enter the mansions of truly prominent families. However, "becoming renowned" ultimately requires fortuitous opportunity.

He was distressed by his lack of fame and felt that his medical skills had nowhere to be used. At this time, he suddenly met Li Xian. He saw that Li Xian's reputation was far superior to his own, based solely on his appearance. He was indignant and extremely dissatisfied.

Upon seeing Hall Physician same profession, whose thoughts were similar to his own, he secretly stirred up trouble, using Li Xian's status as a "Common Citizen" to incite discrimination among the other doctors. In the end, the situation changed and evolved into a "doctors' competition."

Jin Wanquan was overjoyed and wanted to make a name for himself through the competition. He was indeed very talented, and his performance in the first competition was quite dazzling.

Yao Baishun said, "I'm not mistaken."

Jin Wanquan thought to himself, "I can't afford to offend Master Yao." He said, "Master Yao, please don't be offended. I have something I'd like to ask this Li Xian."

Li Xian said calmly, "Brother Jin, please ask." Jin Wanquan frowned and said, "I dare not accept the title of 'Brother Jin.' Although I, Jin Wanquan, am not a person of high status or prestige, I have been Jade Citizen for generations. As for your status as Common Citizen, I do not look down on you, but there is some distance between us."

Li Xian laughed and said, "It's alright!" Jin Wanquan suddenly questioned loudly, "Fine, then I'll ask directly. Did you peek into the process beforehand?" He tried to use his momentum to forcefully suppress Li Xian.

Jin Wanquan moved closer, his tiger-like eyes gleaming, and stared intently as he said, "If you tell the truth, you can be punished leniently. My Miraculous Healers Pavilion has always valued those who seek medical treatment with benevolence and upholds the gentlemanly medical ethics. If you dare to admit your mistakes, it can be considered that you have turned back from your wrong path, and there is still room for maneuver."

Li Xian glanced at Yao Baishun out of the corner of his eye and saw the latter standing there with a smile, seemingly observing. Meanwhile, the onlookers were buzzing with discussion, and upon learning of Li Xian's background as a "Common Citizen," they began to raise numerous questions.

Li Xian thought to himself, "This kind of baseless accusation is entirely based on guesswork. If I were to explain it to him seriously, would he believe me? Why should I be so cowardly?" He sneered, "What a joke. If you doubt my medical skills, you can come and defeat me in the next two matches."

Li Xian said calmly, "But I think it's all in vain. With your medical skills, you probably need to practice for another fifty or sixty years before you're qualified to stand three hundred miles away from me."

Jin Wanquan roared, "Common Citizen, how dare you be so arrogant! I will punish you for your disrespect!" He then used both hands to strike at Li Xian. This Jin Wanquan actually possessed the cultivation of "First Martial Realm," and his martial art was "Gale Palm," a basic martial art, but he had already achieved Major Accomplishment mastery.

Jade City is founded on martial arts. Though its Heavenly Crafted Wonders is dazzling and its various paths flourish, ultimately it must rest on the foundation of martial arts. Mortal beings, like Clay Embryo, have short lifespans and cannot bear heavy burdens or uphold dignity.

Li Xian snorted coldly and struck with lightning speed, unleashing the Heavenly Thunder Finger in an instant, striking Jin Wanquan's acupoints on both arms. The "Twin Winds Pouring into the Ears" move of the Gale Palm changed abruptly, comically slapping Jin Wanquan's face instead.

Two sharp "slap" sounds rang out, causing Jin Wanquan's cheeks to swell and turn red, making him dizzy and causing him to fall to the ground. Li Xian hurriedly went to help him up, secretly pressing his acupoint to silence him. After gently lifting Jin Wanquan up, he pretended to slip, causing Jin Wanquan's knees to buckle and kneel in front of him.

Li Xian said with distress, "Brother Jin, it's good to admit your mistakes and correct them. There's no need to kneel in public, you—you mustn't be so polite!"

Jin Wanquan made a "woo-woo-ya-ya" sound. His mute acupoints had been sealed, and he tried to get up. However, Li Xian seemed to be helping him up, but actually pressed down. The Pure Astral Garment was invisibly draped over Jin Wanquan body, making it difficult for him to concentrate his strength.

Li Xian said anxiously, "Brother Jin, I have forgiven you. You—you—get up quickly. If you keep making a scene like this, everyone will laugh at us."

Jin Wanquan was on the verge of tears, remembering the words of his elders. "Even if you one day hold great power and can decide life and death with a single word, if you do not understand martial arts, others will always find a thousand ways to harm you. Therefore—you must not neglect martial arts; the mysteries of martial arts are difficult to convey in words."

The lesson was profound, but it was too late for regrets. In reality, Jin Wanquan's strength was not bad, but Li Xian was several levels stronger. With his Pure Astral-Qi Garment, powerful inner strength, unparalleled power, and unparalleled Peak Mastery, Li Xian could use all his abilities in a variety of ways to make his opponents suffer losses without them even realizing it.

Yao Yin raised an eyebrow, her movements swift and agile, and she flashed to the two men's side in a few steps. At this moment, Li Xian appeared to be supporting them, but in reality, he pressed down, grabbing Jin Wanquan's wrists with both hands. Yao Yin, skilled in martial arts and with sharp eyes, saw the vital point and struck Li Xian's hands with her sword, forcing Li Xian to withdraw his hands. Then, she kicked backward, stepping on Jin Wanquan's chest and sending him flying several feet.

the Unseen kick made Jin Wanquan feel light and agile. He turned around easily and landed naturally on the ground. His previous disheveled state was completely concealed, and the redness and swelling on his cheeks disappeared as his whole body trembled.

Li Xian had seen Yao Yin wield a sword before and knew that she was quite skilled. Curious, he decided to test his skills and struck out with his palm. Yao Yin immediately followed suit, and as their palms touched, a clear, bell-like sound rang out.

Li Xian, with measured steps, immediately returned the palm strike, feigning a three-step retreat to show deference. Yao Yin raised an eyebrow arrogantly, deflecting the force of the palm strike, and then cupped her hands, saying, "Physician Jin, you are a senior physician of the Miraculous Healers Pavilion, having benefited countless people. Yao Yin only knew you for your superb medical skills and youthful promise, but I never knew you possessed such a magnanimous heart. I truly admire you!"

Jin Wanquan's expression was strange. His speech had been released by Yao Yin's kick, and he stammered, "This... this..." He was speechless. He was both pleased and angry at Yao Yin's flattery, and it was difficult for him to lash out. Besides, he had just learned his lesson and was somewhat restrained. Yao Yin continued, "This Brother Li scored points without a doubt. The misunderstanding just now has been cleared up by both of you. Uncle Yao, how about we continue the competition?"

Yao Baishun said, "Excellent, excellent!" They moved on to the next round, "Diagnosis and Identification of Diseases." The Miraculous Healers Pavilion prepared fifteen patients with "difficult and complicated illnesses" for the doctors to diagnose and identify. Those who correctly identified the symptoms would receive one point, and those who correctly identified the cause and nature of the illness would receive two points. Jin Wanquan glared angrily at Li Xian, determined to win this round and finally triumph. Tie Yuanwang, He Jin, Liu San, and others all put in their best effort, trying to close the gap and take the lead.

At this time, although there were many participating doctors, only four or five of them had comparable medical skills. Although Li Xian possessed extraordinary skills, he was humble and dared not underestimate his opponents. He knew that the doctors were experienced and their decades of experience were not trivial, and each of them must have unique expertise. Therefore, he carefully took the pulse of each patient and diagnosed the cause of their illness.

After this round, Tie Yuanwang scored 40 points, He Jin scored 39 points, Liu San scored 41 points, Jin Wanquan scored 42 points, and Li Xian scored 40 points. Jin Wanquan, despite his young age, had already surpassed the veterans in skill, prompting everyone to exclaim that the younger generation was truly formidable. Seeing that his score surpassed Li Xian's, he became complacent and arrogant. Li Xian was also puzzled; diagnosing illnesses was his forte, and a perfect score would have been normal. He thought to himself, "Could it be... that this competition was actually predetermined, and I was just going through the motions?"

With a calm expression, he thought, "So be it. If this path is blocked, I'll find another. To expect fairness is utterly foolish." He ignored Jin Wanquan's provocative words.

The third event is "Practicing Medicine and Curing Illness." A doctor, in essence, is someone who heals the sick. The Miraculous Healers Pavilion has prepared five patients suffering from strange and persistent ailments. Li Xian and the other four will each choose one patient to treat. If the patient experiences minor relief on the spot, they will receive ten points. If the patient experiences significant relief on the spot, they will receive twenty points. If the patient is cured immediately, they will receive thirty points. It all depends on the doctor's skill.

This move truly showcased their Divine Ability. The competition among the healers was only just beginning to unfold its exciting phase. Take Tie Yuanwang, for example; he chose to treat "madness." The patient appeared deranged, flailing his arms and legs, his eyes bloodshot, and possessing immense strength. This illness could be fatal, and the patient was unable to control his body, making it impossible to drink medicine. Tie Yuanwang first lit Soul-Calming Incense to calm the patient, slightly stabilizing him. Then he brought out a snake cage containing a small snake, about the thickness of a thumb, entirely emerald green. It was a common "Short-Bellied Viper" from the South Mountain of Jade City.

The venomous snake, fed with medicinal soup for a long time, had begun to show unusual symptoms. Tie Yuanwang cooked the medicinal soup and fed it to the Short-Bellied Viper. Then, he pinched the snake's head and bit the patient suffering from mental illness. The patient's condition improved significantly, his mind gradually returned, and the light in his eyes returned.

The onlookers applauded and praised the unique and effective method of administering the medicine. Yao Baishun also nodded in approval. He Jin, Liu San, Jin Wanquan, and others each employed their own methods to alleviate the symptoms. The patient chosen by Li Xian was a four-year-old child. He was extremely thin, with hundreds of bony protrusions on his back.

This is "Bone-Growth Disorder," caused by the disordered growth of bones due to some reason. The cause of the disease is complex and very difficult to cure. Even if the bone is flattened, it will grow back disordered in the future. This disease is very troublesome, Tie Yuanwang, Jin Wanquan, He Jin, Liu San and others all avoid it. But Li Xian is determined to face the challenge.

He walked towards Yao Yin and said, "Miss Yao, may I borrow your sword?" Yao Yin asked in surprise, "You know how to use a sword?" Li Xian replied, "Of course!"

Yao Yin hesitated for a moment, then handed over her sword, saying, "For the sake of healing and saving lives, I'll lend you this sword for now." Li Xian took the sword, drew it from its sheath, and skillfully twirled it, the sword flashing frequently, a truly beautiful sight.

Yao Yin's eyes lit up; she could tell that Li Xian was extraordinary. She then saw Li Xian's serious expression as he drank the wine in one gulp, exhaling a white mist that made the sword's edge even more gleaming. Although Li Xian practiced medicine, he now appeared even more heroic, like a young knight-errant who, upon encountering injustice on a narrow path, drew his sword to ask for directions.

The crowd couldn't help but think to themselves, "What a physique, what a fine young man! But how will he be treated?" Yao Yin looked on with curiosity. Yao Baishun stroked his beard and watched.