19: Becoming an apprentice

Over the next few days, Qin Feng consolidated his cultivation at the Early Stage of the Martial Apprentice realm, practiced the "Basic Sword Art" and the newly acquired "Flying Leaf Art" movement technique, and waited for his injuries to fully heal and the right time to become a Disciple. The System intelligence refreshed every night was still filled with all sorts of melodramatic gossip within Star South City:

[(White) Boss Zhou, a cloth merchant in the south of the city, took his fifth concubine yesterday. At the banquet, his original wife "accidentally" splashed a bowl of hot soup on the concubine's skirt; the scene was once very awkward.]

[(White) The third Young Master of Wealthy Landowner Zhao's family from the east of the city and the only son of Shopkeeper Qian from the west of the city fought on a painted boat last night over a songstress. Both fell into the water and became a laughingstock.]

[(White) Legal Secretary Liu of the yamen had an affair with his wife's younger sister. Yesterday, during a private meeting, they were cornered at an inn by his wife and her people. In his panic, Legal Secretary Liu jumped out of a second-floor window and broke his leg.]

This messy information left Qin Feng between laughter and tears, and he could only sigh that the world's love, hatred, and grudges were truly everywhere. However, on the fifteenth day, the System finally refreshed a green-quality piece of intelligence:

[(Green) Three feet east of the third old locust tree in the backyard of the City God Temple, half a foot underground, lies a string of "Five Emperors Evil-Warding Copper Coins." Having been nourished by a hundred years of incense Power Of Will, they have a weak restraining effect on evil Qi.]

Green intelligence! Although it was only a "weak restraint," Qin Feng felt it was better to be safe than sorry, recalling the previous intelligence about the evil entity in the dry well. He went there quietly at night and easily found the string of ancient coins tied with red string, covered in green patina but faintly exuding a peaceful aura, and carefully put them away.

This afternoon, there were fewer patients at Huichun Medical Hall. Doctor Chu and Xiao Chun were having a meal in the backyard. Qin Feng adjusted his breathing and stepped inside.

"Doctor Chu, Xiao Chun," he greeted.

"Qin Feng, you're here." Doctor Chu put down his chopsticks, chuckled, and his gaze swept over him.

Xiao Chun raised her head, wrinkled her small nose, and gave a light huff: "Big Brother Qin, where have you been these past few days? Your body... seems to have the scent of rouge and powder?"

Qin Feng thought to himself how sharp she was. It had been several days, and she could still smell it? Was this girl part dog? A hint of embarrassment appeared on his face, and he hurriedly explained: "Xiao Chun, don't misunderstand. I went... I went to take care of some serious business. I might have passed through some places and picked it up."

"Ahem," Doctor Chu coughed twice, interrupting Xiao Chun's questioning. With a look of understanding, he stroked his beard and said, "A young man, full of vigor—it is only normal. A bit of casual fun, as long as you don't get addicted and neglect your duties, there is no need to be harsh. Qin Feng, you don't need to explain too much."

Qin Feng: "..." He felt the misunderstanding was getting deep, but it seemed the more he tried to explain, the worse it got, so he could only laugh awkwardly.

Doctor Chu got down to business, his expression becoming a bit more serious: "How is your injury?"

"Reporting to Doctor Chu, I've almost completely recovered." Qin Feng took a step forward.

Doctor Chu gestured for him to reach out his hand, placed three fingers on his wrist pulse, and sensed carefully. A moment later, a hint of surprise flashed through his eyes again. He let go, looked at Qin Feng, and said slowly: "Your pulse is steady and powerful, your blood and Qi are abundant, even more vigorous than before you were injured... Qin Feng, you suffered heavy blows in succession but were able to recover so quickly, and your Foundation seems even more solid. This kind of Physique is indeed different from ordinary people. Perhaps... you truly possess some kind of special recovery Physique."

Qin Feng's heart stirred. He knew this was mostly due to the subtle changes brought by the "Sword Bone," making his physical body far exceed those of the same rank. Naturally, he would not point it out and only said respectfully: "Perhaps it is this Junior's good luck, combined with your divine medical skills."

Doctor Chu was noncommittal, gave him a deep look, and finally asked: "Then, Qin Feng, are you sure you want to join my sect and learn Medical Dao and martial arts? Once you become a Disciple, you must respect the Master and the Dao, you must not betray the Master or the ancestors, you must not bully the weak with your strength, and you must have a heart for saving the world. Can you do that?"

Qin Feng composed himself, took a step back, straightened his robes, and gave Doctor Chu a deep bow, his tone firm and sincere:

"Disciple Qin Feng confirms his apprenticeship! I am willing to follow Master to learn medicine and martial arts. I will surely respect the Master and the Dao, strictly follow the sect rules, and never fail Master's teachings!"

At this moment, in this other world, he finally had a formal place to stay, a powerful backer, and a clear path to becoming stronger.