chapter 4 Nine Rotating Needles

The silver needle dropped, and in the next moment, as if responding to some stimulus, Hale Su shuddered all over. Seeing this, Alexander Xu's fingers came together, and he exerted force, pressing his fingers onto the Shenting acupoint. Acupuncture? Acupressure? Elvis Zhao wasn't familiar with traditional Chinese medicine, and he scoffed at these techniques. In his opinion, acupuncture and acupressure were just ancient practices that had been passed down with many misconceptions. They might be good for relaxation and relieving tension, but using them to treat serious illnesses was nothing more than quackery. Therefore, when he saw Alexander Xu seriously pick up a silver needle, Elvis Zhao couldn't help but laugh. "Are you kidding me? Does anyone really believe that acupuncture and acupressure can be used to treat a vegetative state patient?" "If it's used for post-treatment recovery, it might have some utility, but solely relying on acupuncture and acupressure to treat illnesses? It's simply a delusion!" Alexander Xu paid no attention to Elvis Zhao's comments. He focused on manipulating the needles. Elvis Zhao couldn't stand the fact that Alexander Xu was ignoring him. He was furious and was about to speak out when Gary Su gave him a fierce glare and scolded, "Dr. Zhao! If you don't want to watch, you can leave. Don't disturb this gentleman from treating my father's illness!" In fact, Gary Su was also puzzled by Alexander Xu's actions. However, since he had chosen to believe in Alexander Xu, all he could do now was wait. Elvis Zhao didn't want to offend Gary Su further, so he shut his mouth and went to speak to a nurse on the side. The nurse then hurried away. On the other side, Alexander Xu remained focused and didn't let Elvis Zhao's words distract him. He continued to use the needles, deftly picking them up one by one and inserting them into specific acupuncture points. In the hospital director's office, Director Jason Li was engrossed in reading an ancient medical book. Suddenly, a nurse rushed in and urgently said, "Director, you need to come and see. Someone is using acupuncture and acupressure to treat a patient. Dr. Zhao said that the person doesn't understand medicine and might harm the patient!" "What? Acupuncture and acupressure? Someone is using them to treat a patient?" Jason Li was taken aback and asked in confusion. "Yes, acupuncture and acupressure. Please come and see!" Half in disbelief, Jason Li followed the nurse to the door of the patient's room. However, as soon as he saw Alexander Xu's needle techniques, he couldn't help but exclaim, "The Nine Revival Acupuncture!" Elvis Zhao saw that Jason Li had finally arrived and without any hesitation, he quickly ran up to him and said, "Director, please step in and take control of the situation. This guy doesn't even have a medical license, so how could he possibly know anything about medicine? He's using acupuncture and acupressure here recklessly. We should kick him out to prevent any harm to the patients!" Elvis Zhao was a narrow-minded person. He had felt slighted by Alexander Xu earlier and now he wanted to regain his pride. So, he got a nurse to call Jason Li over, planning to file a complaint. In his view, as soon as Jason Li heard that Alexander Xu didn't have a medical license, he would surely scold Alexander Xu and then kick him out, making him lose face. However, things didn't go as Elvis Zhao had expected. Director Jason Li was not angry with Alexander Xu; instead, he was furious with Elvis Zhao. "Shut up! Do you even know what technique this young man is using? It's the Nine Revival Acupuncture, a renowned ancient acupuncture technique! Don't underestimate traditional Chinese medicine just because you don't understand it. You have a high opinion of yourself!" Indeed, Jason Li had long been displeased with Elvis Zhao's attitude, and now that he had heard him falsely accuse Alexander Xu, he couldn't hold back his anger. He gave Elvis Zhao a severe scolding. After the scolding, Elvis Zhao's face turned iron-cold, and he was filled with anger. However, out of respect for Director Jason Li's position, he could only snort, "Humph! I'd like to see what he can do. When something goes wrong, we'll see if you can take responsibility!" Jason Li heard this but didn't respond. “Director Li!” On the side, Gary Su noticed the situation and turned to look at Jason Li. He was more respectful in his demeanor, but his expression still held a great deal of concern. Jason Li recognized Gary Su and offered reassurance, saying, "Mr. Su, considering your father's advanced age, such an unfortunate incident is not unexpected. However, this young man is using the Nine Revival Acupuncture. Perhaps there is hope for your father today!" "Oh? Director Li, can you discern the intricacies of this technique?" Gary Su asked, puzzled. "Of course, he initially used six 30-gauge, 1.5-inch fine silver needles to pierce the Shenting, Benshen, Baihui, Shuaigu, Naohu, and Naokong acupoints to awaken the spirit. Naturally, this method is not a secret in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. However, I can guarantee that based on his needling technique just now, he is definitely among the top five in the field of Chinese medicine today!" Jason Li's words were not empty praise. He had been a renowned Chinese medicine expert in the capital city and had conducted in-depth research on acupuncture techniques. He had even exchanged knowledge with top experts in the field. Therefore, he knew a lot about acupuncture and acupressure. To assess someone's skill, all you needed to do was look at their fundamentals. Alexander Xu's needling technique, whether in terms of skill, speed, or accuracy, could be compared to that of a top expert, or even surpass it. So, Jason Li was certain that Alexander Xu possessed formidable skills, especially in the field of acupuncture and acupressure. "In addition, the technique this young man is using is the Nine Revival Acupuncture. I've seen a fragment of it in an ancient medical text before. It's an extraordinary acupuncture technique left behind by the legendary physician Hua Tuo. Unfortunately, what I saw was only a fragment, and I didn't have the complete needling technique. I didn't expect to witness it today!" Jason Li seemed excited and couldn't take his eyes off Alexander Xu's needling technique, afraid that he might miss a crucial moment. "Phew, that's a relief!" Gary Su sighed with relief. To be honest, before this, Gary Su wasn't entirely sure about Alexander Xu's abilities. However, after hearing Jason Li's praise, he felt more at ease. On the other side, Alexander Xu didn't pay much attention to Jason Li's surprise. He took a moment to rest and, when Hale Su's body suddenly trembled and he took a gasp of air, Alexander Xu's fingers swiftly picked up three silver needles. Alexander Xu didn't even touch the needles; they were picked up accurately and inserted into the Renzhong, Fengfu, and Shenmen acupoints, with perfect depth. "Needling the Renzhong, opening the Fengfu, and closing the Shenmen, lightly inserting and swiftly withdrawing to awaken the spirit. Excellent needling technique!" Jason Li couldn't help but exclaim, but he quickly covered his mouth, realizing he had spoken too loudly and might disturb Alexander Xu's needling. At this point, Jason Li no longer regarded Alexander Xu as just a young man. He saw him as a fellow physician with equal standing, and he felt a sense of respect. The art of needling was far from simple. Factors like strength, precision, speed, and even the stability of the hand's movement could affect the effectiveness of the treatment. The most fundamental requirement was that the wrist had to be completely steady. Any tremors would deter ninety-nine percent of people from mastering it. However, Alexander Xu's needling technique was both fast and precise, with the perfect depth and accuracy in acupoint placement. The entire process appeared effortless, like flowing water. This was what impressed Jason Li the most. Remarkable! Truly remarkable! Seeing Jason Li's reaction, even Elvis Zhao, who had been skeptical all along, started to doubt himself. Could this young man really cure Hale Su's condition? Impossible! Jason Li was just impressed by Alexander Xu's flashy technique. What's the use of the Nine Revival Acupuncture? It's outdated to believe in such things nowadays! Yes, that must be it! At this moment, Alexander Xu picked up the last silver needle. With focused concentration, he aimed precisely and swiftly pierced Hale Su's Fengfu acupoint. "Beep..." As the needle was inserted, the monitor next to the hospital bed suddenly flatlined, indicating zero heart rate. "No heartbeat, he's dead!" A nurse who had been monitoring the ECG exclaimed in terror. Everyone turned to look at Hale Su, and even Elvis Zhao used his fingers to test his nose and mouth – no breath! Hale Su was really dead! "What did you do to Mr. Su? Why did his heart suddenly stop beating? You must have deliberately killed him!" Elvis Zhao grabbed Alexander Xu's collar and angrily accused him. "Don't worry, he'll be fine in a moment," Alexander Xu replied calmly, looking entirely unflustered. "Fine in a moment? I think he'll be dead in a moment!" Elvis Zhao said, pretending to be furious. He then quickly walked towards Jason Li and said, "Dr. Li, are you still going to defend him now? His acupuncture and acupressure are completely useless. Traditional Chinese medicine is all about harming people!" "Dr. Li, what's going on?" Gary Su was completely bewildered and disoriented. After all, he had invited Alexander Xu to save someone's life, but now Hale Su had no heartbeat. How could he accept this? However, Jason Li, instead of showing any panic or worry, had a big grin on his face and burst into laughter. "Hahaha, great!" Huh? Had Jason Li gone mad? The patient was dead, and he was so happy? Was he out of his mind? "Well done!" Ignoring the confusion of the others, Jason Li praised, then went up to Alexander Xu, bowed respectfully, and admired him, "Sir, your needling technique is truly unparalleled in the world. In my opinion, only a national expert in our country can compare to you!" "Your praise is too high. May I know your name?" Alexander Xu clasped his hands together. "I am Jason Li, the director of this hospital. What you did just now with the needles was truly amazing. I haven't seen such needling technique in a long time!" Jason Li continued to praise. Elvis Zhao couldn't stand it anymore and sarcastically remarked, "Hehe, he killed the patient and you're so happy? You're showing such respect to him? Traditional Chinese medicine is just a facade, it's useless for anything except harming people!" "Shut up! If you don't want to stay here, then get out. You know nothing, yet you dare to make such a fuss. Medical treatment is not over yet; you shouldn't jump to conclusions!" Jason Li sternly rebuked. This time, Elvis Zhao couldn't hold back anymore and said coldly, "Not over yet? Alright, I'd like to see what else he can do! Can he bring the dead back to life?" With that, everyone's eyes turned towards Alexander Xu. Suddenly, Alexander Xu closed his eyes and silently counted, "Fifty-seven, fifty-eight, fifty-nine..." As he counted, a silver needle appeared in Alexander Xu's hand, and in the next moment, he swiftly inserted it into Hale Su's Zhongwan acupoint. "Sixty!" At that moment, the heart rate skyrocketed! ..