Chapter 397: The Nine Forms of the Mystic Needle

Chapter 397: Nine Profound Needle Techniques

Everyone on the island today had their own agenda.

Those lured by the *Poison Dragon Alchemy Scripture* were after medical secrets, miracle cures, and alchemy recipes.

Those here for the marriage tournament or the search for hidden treasures naturally sought beauties, legendary arms, or power.

By laying out these two offers, the Lord of Longmu Island precisely hit the mark for both groups.

The ancestral mysterious medical texts—mastering even a fraction would make one a master physician.

Though the claim sounded arrogant, it set their hearts racing in the hearts of the martial arts masters skilled in medicine.

Even if they doubted its veracity, they still had to check it out.

As for the position of Island Master of Longmu Island, it was catnip to those chasing power and fame.

The previous night’s conflict had shown them firsthand the island’s elite fighters.

As enemies, they were terrifying—but if you could command them?

Leading such a force back to the South Sea would undoubtedly make you ruler of the waves!

Every ambitious soul felt their pulse spike.

Yet, as glances were traded, someone spoke up softly:

"Lord of Longmu Island... you mean this?"

"That's too good to believe."

"Exactly. Since when does free loot rain down?"

"First, gifting medical texts, then offering power—you think we're suckers?"

For a moment, doubt buzzed through the crowd.

Yet not a single person suggested leaving.

Then, the voice of the Lord of Longmu Island rang out once more:

"I know... it sounds unbelievable."

"But every word I speak is true, not a word of lie."

"Just... wait and see."

As he spoke, he clapped his hands.

Immediately, a group of servants in blue robes emerged from behind the curtains.

Each carried a wooden tray, its contents hidden under embroidered drapes.

In mere moments, the items were delivered before everyone.

Su Mo glanced at them and flicked his finger, sending a gust of wind to flip open the brocade cloth.

Underneath were several sheets of paper.

The contents written on the pages took Su Mo by surprise.

The first page outlined methods for growing medicinal herbs.

The second page recorded an acupuncture technique that, upon reading, left Su Mo both impressed and skeptical of its legitimacy.

Though he found these things impressive, he couldn’t discern whether they were genuine or not.

He immediately looked toward Little Situ Taoist nearby.

Little Situ Taoist, however, was staring at the text in stunned disbelief.

At that moment, a voice suddenly cried out:

"It’s the Nine Profound Needle Techniques!!

"How is this possible!?"

Su Mo recognized the voice at once—Zhou Wenjing had once mentioned a wandering doctor from the South Sea.

This person was renowned for their acupuncture skills.

His needlework was unmatched.

So the martial world called him "Three-Fingered Divine Needle" Gai Huatuo!

The reason? He used only three fingers for acupuncture.

His lethal flying needle technique, using silver needles, was also executed with just three fingers.

His skill was truly remarkable.

When people spoke of medical masters, they often likened them to legendary healers like Hua Tuo or Bian Que.

But because this man’s surname was Gai,

he earned the name Gai Huatuo.

While the name might sound a bit grandiose, it came from his surname, and his medical prowess was enough to make him famous in the martial world—so it stuck.

Someone blurted out:

"Doctor Gai, what are the Nine Profound Needle Techniques?"

But Gai Huatuo held the page like a priceless treasure, completely absorbed.

At times, he nodded in admiration; at others, he frowned, calling it "nonsense," then suddenly had a revelation and gasped in amazement.

Lost in thought, he ignored everyone’s questions.

For a while, many fidgeted impatiently, scratching their heads in confusion.

Nearly all the physicians present were acting the same way.

Only Little Situ raised her head almost instantly and looked at Su Mo.

The moment their eyes met, Su Mo knew that Little Situ had figured something out.

He immediately nodded slightly, telling her to hold on and observe how the situation unfolded before discussing it in detail later.

Gai Huatuo, however, did not finish reading the Nine Xuan Needle Techniques—not because he stopped in time, but because the paper only recorded five of them.

This was worse than getting hooked on a novel that suddenly stops updating.

Unable to resist, he desperately shuffled through the remaining pages but found nothing. Finally, he raised his head and glared at the Lord of Longmu Island, shouting angrily:

"Where’s the rest of it?"

"There isn't any more..."

The Lord of Longmu Island also sighed helplessly.

"...This is bullshit! Damn it!"

Gai Huatuo’s eyes turned bloodshot as he scanned the surroundings, like he might explode any second.

Seeing this, nobody dared push him further.

But then, the Lord of Longmu Island spoke again:

"Since this medical scripture was passed down, my family's spent generations busting their brains trying to crack this thing.

"Yet, we only managed to uncover three genuine techniques.

"Later, we invited experts to our island to assist in interpreting the scripture, and only then did we obtain two more.

"Now, these five techniques are all we have deciphered so far.

"If this doc wishes to learn the remaining techniques... would you be willing to join us in deciphering the scripture?"

"Hell yes!"

Gai Huatuo agreed without hesitation: "Where is the scripture?"

"Hold your horses, doc."

The Lord of Longmu Island smiled faintly and said, "Since everyone is still puzzled, how about explaining things first?"

"Hmph..."

Gai Huatuo snorted coldly and glanced at the crowd.

He'd caught their questions before but had bigger fish to fry.

Now, with the Lord of Longmu Island’s prompting, he took a deep breath, reined in his temper, and said gravely:

"The Nine Xuan Needle Techniques came from the Hidden Medical Sect centuries ago.

"At that time, a right-hand man of the Great Xuan Dynasty came down with some mystery illness.

"The Xuan Emperor called in every miracle worker in the kingdom to treat him, but nobody could crack it for a long time."

"Someone then said, 'At the peak of the Southern Sea, there is a hidden medical sect with secret arts that might cure this ailment.'"

"Upon hearing this, the Xuan Emperor was overjoyed and immediately sent men to the Southern Sea to seek them out."

"The Great Xuan Dynasty ruled the world, and wherever its sword pointed, countless sects paid homage."

"Though the Hidden Medical Sect kept to themselves, how could they refuse the Xuan Emperor?"

"Thus, they were forced to send a healer from their sect to the Great Xuan imperial court to present themselves before the Xuan Emperor and treat the ailing minister."

"They had thought this would require immense effort, yet to their astonishment, the physician healed the minister in just three needle strokes."

"The very next day, the minister appeared at morning court as if nothing had happened."

"The Xuan Emperor was astounded and called the healer in to ask about the technique used."

"The physician replied, 'This is the Nine Mystic Needle Techniques.'"

Though this explanation did not fully reveal the wonders of the Nine Mystic Needle Techniques, it painted a vivid picture of its wonder.

Just how mighty was the Great Xuan Dynasty?

The Xuan Emperor had called upon the greatest healers from across the land to cure his minister, yet none succeeded.

Then, a single member of the Hidden Medical Sect arrived and fixed him up with three needles.

The skill behind this feat was unthinkable if you really dwell on it.

The more the crowd pondered, the more astonished they became, until someone finally asked, "Then what?"

"Next?" Gai Huatuo sneered.

"When the Xuan Emperor got wind of this needle technique, how could he not want it for himself?"

"Even an emperor is not immune to incurable illnesses."

"He thus asked the healer to stay in the Great Xuan imperial court."

"But the physician refused, reminding the Emperor of his word."

"An emperor’s word is law—how could he break it?"

"Since the physician would not stay, the Xuan Emperor had no choice but to let him leave."

"In the end, however, the Emperor found an excuse to wipe out the entire Hidden Medical Sect."

"All their medical texts and classics were seized and locked away in the Great Xuan Treasury!"

"I had assumed that if this technique still existed, it would surely be within the Great Xuan Treasury..."

"Yet I never expected the medical scriptures of Dragonwood Island to contain records of it."

The crowd reacted in all sorts of ways.

Some sighed in regret, feeling the Hidden Physicians Sect was wronged.

Others railed against the Xuan Emperor for massacring an entire lineage under false pretenses just to seize their healing techniques.

Still others wondered why the medical texts of Longmu Island contained documentation of the Nine Xuan Needle Techniques.

Might it be that Longmu Island had some connection to the Great Xuan Dynasty?

Or perhaps, it was an inheritance from the Hidden Physicians Sect?

These questions were spoken openly, and even Gai Huatuo couldn’t help but turn his gaze toward the curtain, hoping for an explanation from the Lord of Longmu Island behind it.

Yet the Lord of Longmu Island merely gave a soft laugh:

"This matter touches upon our island's secrets.

"Not only are you all unaware, even our own kin among the disciples do not know.

"Only the Island Masters have passed it down through generations...

"I must apologize, but I cannot disclose it to you.

"However, the records in these medical texts, along with this healer's explanations, should suffice to address some of your doubts.

"As for the selection of the Island Master, that's a matter of perspective.

"In this regard, I cannot offer further proof to earn your trust. I can only hope you heroes will believe my words."

"This..."

For a moment, the crowd looked at one another in confusion.

Had the Lord of Longmu Island taken this chance to reveal everything all at once, they might have doubted its authenticity.

But now, with such evasive answers, it seemed more credible.

Someone then asked:

"So how exactly is the Island Master selected?"

The voice of the Lord of Longmu Island came from behind the curtain, now heavy with exhaustion:

"There are three tests...

"Namely, the Test of Heart, the Test of Tactics, and the Test of Might.

"However, as for the specifics... I must apologize, but I lack the energy to explain.

"Let Xie Yun, the chief administrator of Longmu Island, elaborate for you...

"I am now at death's door.

"My only wish is to select a worthy successor with both wisdom and skill before my passing—

"One who can bear the weight of this island and... and also inherit...

"The peerless inner cultivation techniques handed down through the generations from my ancestors!!"

As his words ended, a gasp of alarm was heard from behind the curtain.

"Lord Island Master, Lord Island Master!?"

"The Island Master is exhausted and has passed out again."

"Quickly take the Island Master back to his room to rest, and make sure he's not exposed to wind."

Amid the flurry of shouts, the figure behind the curtain, with the help of a group of people, faded from view.

The crowd showed mixed reactions at the sight.

Gai Huatuo and a group of medical practitioners looked like they wanted to speak up but held back.

At this critical moment, with the Island Master unconscious, it wouldn't be right to push the matter.

For a while, even the most impatient among them were at a loss.

Fortunately, Xie Yun was still present.

He hurried out from behind the curtain, cupping his hands in salute:

"Honored guests, if you are interested, you may stay and listen to my detailed explanation of the three trials.

"If you are not, you're free to leave the island now, and no one on Dragonwood Island will dare to stop you.

"However, since the heavy rains haven't come yet, even if you wish to depart, it is impossible...

"So I suggest you all stay and listen for now.

"Whether to participate or not is naturally your own decision.

"Of course, even if you choose not to participate and wish to leave, you can stay at the City Lord's manor during this time. Or you may freely explore and enjoy the sights of Dragonwood Island.

"All meals, drinks, and lodging will be provided by our Dragonwood Island."

He spoke with genuine sincerity.

Moreover, Xie Yun was right.

Dragonwood Island's remote location made both entry and exit difficult.

At this moment, even if they wanted to leave, they couldn't.

Given this, they might as well stay and listen.

Immediately, the group nibbled and sipped as Xie Yun began explaining the so-called three trials.

Su Mo listened intently while secretly sending a message to everyone around him:

"Don't eat or drink anything."

Though startled by this, no one let it show.

Even Zhou Wenjing and Cheng Suying, master and apprentice, made a show of eating and drinking while discreetly hiding the items in their sleeves.

Zhen Xiaoxiao fought the urge several times, nearly giving in to the desire to take a bite, but ultimately resisted by sheer willpower.

Only Shi Cheng paid no heed, simply because Su Mo hadn't transmitted the message to him.

After all, they had just met last night—he was hard to read, and his true nature was a complete mystery.

Under such circumstances, if Su Mo spoke up suddenly and directly shouted, "Why can't we eat?" Su Mo would be the embarrassed one.

The banquet went on until almost noon before wrapping up.

After leaving the Qilong Hall, Su Mo and his group didn't go anywhere else.

Instead, they headed straight back to their quarters to rest.

Shi Cheng, stuffed and satisfied, went back to his room to rest.

Everyone else piled into Su Mo’s room.

Even Zhou Wenjing, Cheng Suying, and Duan Renjie followed them inside.

In the courtyard, Duan Wenwu, who had originally intended to return to his room, paused to think as he observed this scene.

...

...

Inside the room.

Everyone looked at Su Mo.

Su Mo, however, furrowed his brow. After a pause, he looked at Little Situ:

"Is there any way to completely change someone’s body shape?

"Not with makeup or stuffing clothes.

"But through flesh growing or limbs twisting, swelling, and proliferating."

"...Eating meat buns?"

Little Situ offered hesitantly.

"..."

Su Mo was struck silent.

That was indeed one way.

Keep eating like that, and the fat in their body would undoubtedly increase like crazy.

The others also gave Little Situ weird looks.

Little Situ turned red:

"Brother Su said no eating, but I’m kinda hungry right now...

"However, I do understand what Brother Su is saying.

"But doing this isn’t hard. From what I know, mixing some medicinal herbs and applying them to the skin can cause something like this to happen."

"How extreme can it get?"

"A big lump."

"That’s it?"

"Hmm."

Little Situ Taoist nodded: "That's about all we know for now. After all, no doctor would intentionally create a medicine just to make patients balloon up."

"But Eldest Brother Su, if you need it, I can certainly prepare some for you."

"I could even make someone swell up like a balloon."

Zhou Wenjing and Cheng Suying got goosebumps.

Little Situ Taoist looked so sweet and gentle...

Who would have thought she could do such things?

They instinctively edged away, as if she had the stuff on her right now, ready to make anyone she touched swell up.

Su Mo exhaled slowly:

"It's actually doable... but why would you?"

"Husband, what's with this sudden question?"

Yang Xiaoyun scanned the room, understanding what they wanted to ask, and voiced it for them.

Su Mo looked at them and pondered for a moment before speaking:

"Earlier, the Lord of Longmu Island used some powerful technique, sending the curtains whipping around. The gale he summoned made it nearly impossible for anyone in the hall to see clearly."

"But I saw it distinctly..."

"There was indeed an old man slumped against the curtains, his body grotesquely misshapen."

"His thinning hair, and his skin and flesh expanded outward in a bizarre manner."

"Like bad swelling, or maybe giant tumors covering him."

He paused here, then corrected himself:

"Wait, that's not quite right."

"To be precise, it wasn't a man with tumors—more like a tumor mass with a man sticking out."

The group gasped.

They couldn't help but exchange nervous looks.

If that were the case, they could understand why the Lord of Longmu Island chose to hide behind the curtains.

Who could show their face looking like that?

"Is this the ailment afflicting the Lord of Longmu Island?"

Yang Xiaoyun's brow furrowed: "And is this why he said he was nearing death?"

"Does this make what he said today more believable?"

Zhou Wenjing shot Su Mo a look.

"But if that's the case, Elder Su... Chief Escort Su, why'd you stop us from eating?"

Duan Renjie blurted out.

Cheng Suying shot him a look: "There's a medical classic on Longmu Island, highly esoteric. An ordinary person who grasps even a fraction of it is considered a medical expert.

"So tell me, how much of the medical knowledge from that classic has truly been passed down to the people on Longmu Island by now?

"Their skills are uncanny.

"If they truly have some technique that can deceive Physician Situ and make us succumb without warning,

"what should we do then?"

Duan Renjie suddenly had an epiphany.

"Wait, that can't be..."

Just then, Little Situ suddenly spoke up:

"The medical classic on Longmu Island might not be genuine."

"Hmm?"

Everyone immediately turned to look at Little Situ.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she said quietly:

"From what I saw today, while there were some true elements, many were half-truths.

"Especially the legendary 'Nine Mystical Needle Techniques'...

"They are nowhere near as miraculous as Gai Huatuo claimed.

"That was nothing but empty boasts.

"Eldest Brother Su, you've actually witnessed these so-called Nine Mystical Needle Techniques firsthand.

"The acupuncture methods I usually perform are based on them."