The Wheel-Turning Master.

Chapter 17: Make it clear (two in one)

A light is like a bean.

The two chatted over rice wine, mostly Lin Bai asking questions out of curiosity, and Doctor Bai would answer them after recalling what he had learned.

Seeing that the small wine jar was empty and Doctor Bai was also tired, Lin Bai felt that it was time to leave. But before that, he had to ask Doctor Bai to keep his affairs confidential.

Lin Bai trusts Dr. Bai's character, but he still has to say something.

"Mr. Bai, today..." Lin Bai was still trying to decide what to say when Doctor Bai interrupted him.

Doctor Bai smiled, stretched out his arm, and said, "Take my pulse."

"Yes." Lin Bai placed his fingers on Doctor Bai's wrist and closed his eyes to listen to his pulse.

Lin Bai has been taking more pulses these days, and with the guidance of Doctor Bai, he has gradually figured out the way.

Everyone's pulse is slightly different. There are differences between men and women, adults and children, boys and girls. Even the pulse of the same person is different during the day and at night.

Generally speaking, the pulse of the elderly is weaker than that of the young, and the pulse is more uneven and may even stop beating occasionally.

Mr. Bai's pulse is even worse, with both stringy and slippery pulses, which often stop beating. This indicates that his qi and blood are weak, and that there are serious and irreparable problems in his five internal organs.

Although Doctor Bai had just drunk some alcohol and his pulse would have certain changes, we could still roughly determine Doctor Bai's physical condition.

Lin Bai withdrew his hand, not knowing how to start.

"I have been a doctor for my whole life, and I know my body well." Doctor Bai did not look sad, but smiled heartily, "Maybe three to five years, maybe two to three years, or even faster..."

"Mr. Bai, as long as you calm down and stop worrying about worldly affairs, actually..." Lin Bai tried his best to comfort him.

"It's hard for a doctor to heal himself." Doctor Bai waved his hand and said, "You have been following me these days, studying hard and asking questions diligently. You have made rapid progress. Your achievements in the future will surely far exceed mine."

"Mr. Bai taught me well." Lin Bai said.

“Don’t be modest.”

Doctor Bai smiled again and continued, "I am dying soon. I only hope that I can teach you more in the remaining days. My medical skills are limited, so I dare not ask you to inherit my legacy. I just hope that you can remember our friendship and help me take care of Xiuxiu."

This is almost like entrusting an orphan to someone else.

Lin Bai also heard the hidden meaning in his words: Doctor Bai did not mention Baicaotang because he knew that he would have a bright future if he practiced internal skills, so he deliberately did not mention it.

In addition, since Doctor Bai entrusted his only relative to me, he also promised not to spread the news that he had martial arts skills.

In fact, Doctor Bai never asked about the origin of his martial arts.

"Mr. Bai, why do you trust me so much?" Lin Bai felt that Doctor Bai trusted him too much. In fact, the two of them had only known each other for a short time.

"You have never looked down on the poor people in North City, and you have a kind heart as a doctor. You are also willing to accompany Xiuxiu to the mountains to collect herbs. Xiuxiu also said that you are a good person. I believe in Xiuxiu, and I also believe in my own vision." Doctor Bai smiled.

Lin Bai stood up and bowed.

It is the end of the Xu hour, and the sky is filled with stars.

Lin Bai was walking on the way home, the night breeze blowing, and the drunkenness was gone.

I talked a lot with Doctor Bai tonight. In addition to the final entrustment of my son to me, I also asked about many things going on in the underworld.

However, Doctor Bai is old after all, and he has forgotten most of what he had told Xiuxiu's mother.

But even so, Lin Bai gained a lot of useful knowledge.

For example, Pei Wuyong, Xiuxiu's mother once said that he was the best swordsman in the world. He became famous at a young age, was extremely talented, and was a martial arts genius. He defeated all the major sects with one sword, and only lost one match to the Qingyang Sect.

As for the realm of martial arts, according to what Xiuxiu's mother said, there is actually no strict definition or division.

If divided according to approximate strength, the lowest level should be martial artists who have built up their physical strength and have some basic skills in boxing and kicking. They can be equal to three or five ordinary people and can be considered as not up to the standard.

This category of people is the largest.

Going up further, there are third-rate warriors. This type of people have learned some internal skills and are proficient in at least one martial art.

According to Xiuxiu's mother, most of the gang leaders in Huaxi County are third-rate, but there are still some with different ranks.

As for second-rate warriors, they need to have successful internal skills, open meridians, and unique skills, and have made a name for themselves in the martial arts world.

Because the major sects have always not taught their skills to outsiders, or only passed on simplified versions, so the second-rate is the peak that ordinary people without background can achieve.

There are even fewer first-rate warriors. They must have great internal strength, and they must have practiced superior internal strength. If they practice ordinary internal strength skills, it is difficult to reach the first-rate level.

This kind of people are often famous in the martial arts world. They are either the leaders of medium-sized sects, or the backbones or elders of large sects.

There are also those who are further up the list. It is rumored that they are those who have cleansed their bones and marrow, cultivated innate true qi in their dantian, and returned to their original nature. They can be called the best in the world.

Such people are either the head of a large sect, or an octogenarian, or a hermit. And they must be people who have practiced hard and practiced superior internal skills and have excellent qualifications.

Of course, even among those in the same class, there is a huge gap in strength.

Moreover, the world is dangerous and there are countless means at play, so one cannot simply rank people by their realm.

"So it seems like I'm not bad, I can barely be considered second-rate?"

"As for Pei Wuyong... maybe he has reached the innate state? Even if not, he must be the best among the best. He is only in his forties and has achieved such an achievement. He can be called amazing."

"But how did such a great man fall into someone's trap? He was injured and poisoned at the time. Who hurt him? Why did Pei Wuyong provoke someone?"

Lin Bai thought for a long time but got nothing.

Walking along the street, I passed by Mu Zhen’s steamed bun shop.

Her steamed bun shop is a small shop along the street, with accommodation rooms at the back.

The bun shop had already closed down by then, but there seemed to be a faint light in her room.

"Sister Zhen said she had a stiff neck this morning. Is she still waiting for me?"

It was the middle of the night and it was pitch dark. Lin Bai listened around quietly and after making sure that there was no one around, he went around to the back of the bun shop and knocked on the back door.

After only three rings, the sound of a door opening was heard from inside, and people hurried over. "Who?" Mu Zhen asked in a very low voice.

"Sister Zhen, it's me." Lin Bai also lowered his voice.

The two of them were like a pair of adulterous lovers exchanging secret signals.

The bolt was pulled, the door opened, and a faint scent of soapberry came from it.

Mu Zhen was wearing a single piece of clothing, with her hair loose. She glanced at Lin Bai with her pretty eyes, then looked outside the door with a guilty look.

After making sure that there was no one around, she said coquettishly: "Why do you come now? Don't you care about my affairs? Come in." As she spoke, she pulled Lin Bai into the yard.

When Lin Bai entered the door, Mu Zhen quickly closed it and bolted it.

"Sister Zhen, something happened at Baicaotang. I didn't mean to be late." After entering the house, Lin Bai explained in a low voice.

"I know. I smell the alcohol on you." Mu Zhen poured her a cup of cold tea. "It's to help you get over the alcohol."

Lin Bai took it, drank it in small sips, and didn't know what to say.

"Are you afraid of me?" Mu Zhen sat opposite Lin Bai and puffed out her chest. "Why are you lowering your head and not even looking at me?"

In fact, Lin Bai was not ignoring her, but they were a single man and a single woman, alone in a room, and if he couldn't control himself, he would have to take the responsibility.

"I thought you weren't coming." Mu Zhen gathered her hair and said, "I didn't clean myself up either, so please don't despise me."

"How could that be? Sister Zhen is beautiful no matter what." Lin Bai was telling the truth.

"I've had a stiff neck and it's been hurting all day. Can you give me a massage?" Mu Zhen was really pleased to hear the compliment. She raised her arms and rubbed her neck, revealing her white forearms.

Press?

"Sister Zhen, I haven't finished my apprenticeship yet." Lin Bai pretended to be a gentleman.

Mu Zhen glared at Lin Bai.

"But this little thing is no problem." Lin Bai immediately changed his words.

He stood up, walked behind her, and put his hands on her fair neck.

As soon as the delicate skin was touched, Mu Zhen trembled slightly. Her body temperature rose sharply and her breathing became slightly rapid.

How come she looks more like a novice than me? It seems she has taken a special bath... Lin Bai smelled the faint scent of soapberry, lowered his head and saw two magnificent places, and felt his heart was distracted.

"It's good, it feels much better." Mu Zhen took a while to calm down, "It seems that you have studied hard in Baicaotang. Do you really plan to be a doctor in the future?"

"Yes." Lin Bai felt that Mu Zhen's skin was unbearably hot.

"It's good to be a doctor. Whoever marries you in the future will be blessed." The two things are not related, but Mu Zhen can link them together.

Sure enough, the three sentences must be related to marriage.

Lin Bai didn't say anything. He felt that even if he said he was going to pick up manure, she would still say that she was lucky to marry him.

"By the way," Mu Zhen moved his neck and asked in a low voice, "Have you...your illness been cured?"

Lin Bai had a headache and said, "Sister Zhen, I'm really not sick."

"You, you..." Mu Zhen turned her head and looked at Lin Bai, "What is there to hide from me..." As she spoke, her eyes moved downwards and she immediately stopped talking, a look of joy on her face. She glanced at Lin Bai with a coquettish look, "You are not honest!"

She turned her head away, but her skin became even hotter.

"..." Lin Bai's old face turned red.

For a moment, no one spoke in the room, only the sound of each other's breathing could be heard.

After a long time, the candlelight flickered.

"Okay." Lin Bai quickly sat back and picked up the cup to drink the herbal tea.

"Look at you, you look so stupid!" Mu Zhen rubbed his neck with one hand and picked up a pair of scissors to cut the lamp wick with the other.

"Sister Zhen, it's getting late. You should get some rest. I'm going back too." Lin Bai drank three cups of herbal tea before speaking.

Lin Bai didn't dare to stay any longer, for fear of exposing his beastly nature.

"What's the hurry? Wait a moment." Mu Zhen stood up again and went into the inner room.

Lin Bai stared blankly through the door curtain, wondering if this was an invitation or a hint?

Just as I was daydreaming, Mu Zhen came out with a set of clothes in her hands.

"You are in the clinic every day, so you should dress decently. I made some clothes for you." Mu Zhen handed it over.

"Sister Zhen, this is too expensive." The dress was made of silk and was not cheap.

"I told you to wear it, so wear it. Don't be polite to me." Mu Zhen was quite assertive at this time. "Try it on. If the size doesn't fit, I'll fix it."

Try it? Try it now? Lin Bai's mouth was dry and he took off his clothes immediately.

"What are you doing?" Mu Zhen was frightened. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I told you to go home and try it later, not here."

“…” Lin Bai’s face turned even redder, ashamed.

"How stupid!" Mu Zhen couldn't help laughing.

"Then..." Lin Bai held the clothes and felt that Sister Zhen was more difficult to deal with than the man in green. "Sister Zhen, then I will go back first?" He asked.

"Look at your sleeve. Why is there a tear on it?"

Mu Zhen stood up, took the needle and thread, sat next to Lin Bai, puffed the thread, put on the needle, and sewed Lin Bai's cuffs.

"Sister Zhen, I..."

"Hush. Don't talk while you're sewing, or you'll be henpecked when you get married."

Lin Bai stopped talking and just watched quietly.

Mu Zhen lowered her head and sewed carefully stitch by stitch.

The two were so close that they could hear each other's breathing.

Men are afraid of this kind of subtle warmth, especially since his mother passed away early in this life. Lin Bai felt like he was about to fall.

Soon, Mu Zhen finished sewing, leaned over and bit off the thread, with a look of joy on her face, and said with a smile: "It's done, take a look and see how it goes, don't think my craftsmanship is poor."

Lin Bai didn't say anything, feeling extremely conflicted.

"Alas, is there really an immortal in this world? If there is, I can stay and spend the rest of my life with her, and I won't be considered to have let her down."

Lin Bai thought blankly, his mind was in a mess.

"What are you daydreaming about?" Mu Zhen had another oil-paper bag in her hand and said, "It's getting late, let's go home. I'll buy you a roast chicken. You've worked hard in the clinic, so eat more to replenish your body." Her tone was gentle, like a wife advising her husband who was about to go on a long journey.

Lin Bai took it in confusion.

When I came to the yard, the stars were very bright and it was very cool.

Pulling the bolt, Mu Zhen whispered, "Don't let anyone see us. We have no status and we can't let anyone gossip about us."

She emphasized the words "no name and no status", and the meaning was self-evident.

But she didn't hear Lin Bai's response, and finally sighed like a resentful woman.

After returning home, Lin Bai was stunned for a while, then opened the oil paper package under the candlelight. The roast chicken was very fat, obviously specially selected by Mu Zhen.

After eating the fat chicken, she took a cold shower in the yard, dried herself, and put on the clothes that Mu Zhen had tailored for her. They fit her perfectly, as if they had been made to measure for her.

But the more it fit, the more conflicted Lin Bai became.

If she is a loose woman, then I will just sleep with her. I won't feel guilty at all and I will just feel good.

But Mu Zhen was obviously aiming to get married and have children and live a life of luxury.

I yearn for the vast world outside, so I won't stay here for long. Once Doctor Bai leaves, I will raise Xiuxiu until she is 18 years old, and then I will travel far away when she gets married...

But Mu Zhen is skilled in needlework and cooking, and she wants to be a good housewife. Can she go with me?
Lin Bai was very conflicted. After thinking for a long time, he decided to ask her about her attitude.

After a night of meditation, Wuji Gong broke through to the third level.

Arriving in the yard, Lin Bai pushed out his palm, releasing his strength.

The palm wind was strong and powerful, but it could not reach far. At a distance of ten feet, it could only make the leaves of the jujube tree rustle.

Wash up and go out.

Lin Bai didn't wear the new clothes Mu Zhen gave him.

There are the most patients in summer, and Baicaotang is very busy, working day and night, and ten days pass in the blink of an eye.

Lin Bai came back early that day on purpose, intending to make things clear with Mu Zhen.

It wasn't dark yet and the bun shop was still open.

Lin Bai walked in and saw Mu Zhen kneading dough, probably preparing for tomorrow.

When she saw Lin Bai coming, she smiled again.

"Why aren't you wearing the clothes I gave you?" Mu Zhen asked curiously while kneading dough.

"I can't bear to wear it." Lin Bai told the truth.

"Aren't clothes meant for people to wear? Why would you be reluctant to give them up?"

Mu Zhen rubbed the hair on his forehead with the back of his hand and asked, "Why didn't you come to see me these days?"

"The pharmacy is very busy." Lin Bai still told the truth, "I have something to tell you today when I have some free time."

Mu Zhen nodded and said, "Then sit down for a while and have some tea. I'll talk to you after I'm done."

Lin Bai naturally agreed, it didn't matter what time it took.

A quarter of an hour later, Mu Zhen finished kneading the dough and it started to rise. She washed her hands and just sat down when Lin Bai heard someone walking towards them.

When I looked outside, I saw that there were five people coming.

The leader was a man in his forties, dressed in fancy clothes, holding two smooth stone eggs in his left hand.

The other four followers were wearing simple short jackets with their shirts open, and there was a green dragon tattooed on each arm. It was obvious at first glance that they were not easy to get along with.

Lin Bai knew Niu Er from the group. As for the leader, he should be the leader of the Qinglong Gang. On that rainy night, Lin Bai had seen him from afar.

(End of this chapter)