Chereads / THE TRUTH SEEKER / Chapter 8 - 8 Hero's Entry ( Just Kidding)

Chapter 8 - 8 Hero's Entry ( Just Kidding)

After completing his training in martial arts, Yun set out to acquire his third ability: Chinese medicine. He traveled to a renowned mountain outside City H in China, infamous for its name, "You Can't Learn Chinese Medicine." This enigmatic name was said to have been given by the Medicine God in ancient times, but now, everyone referred to it as Medicine Mountain. The descendants of the medicine god resided on this mountain, which was celebrated globally for its expertise in Chinese medicine.

As Yun ascended the mountain, he suddenly stumbled upon a disturbing scene. A group of men were kidnapping a child, dragging him away with cruel intent.

Seeing the kidnappers dragging the child away, Yun's initial instinct was to jump into action, using his martial arts skills to rescue the child and become a hero. However, he quickly suppressed this thought, his logical mind taking over. He knew that in today's world, martial arts were no match for firearms, and he wasn't about to recklessly risk his life.

Instead, Yun chose a more pragmatic approach. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed the police, providing them with the kidnappers' location and description. He then carefully tailed the kidnappers from a safe distance, ensuring the child's safety until the authorities arrived.

As the police apprehended the kidnappers and freed the child, Yun felt a sense of satisfaction knowing he had helped save the day without putting himself in harm's way. His logical thinking had prevailed, and he had made a positive impact.

With this incident, Yun continued his journey to Medicine Mountain, his mind focused on acquiring his third ability, Chinese medicine. He was determined to expand his knowledge and skills, using his logical approach to navigate any challenges that came his way.

The child's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he thanked Yun for saving him. Yun's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked the child his name. "My name is Bo Chan, and I'm 10 years old," the child replied with a hint of shyness.

Yun's interest deepened, and he gently probed further. "Who are you, and where did you come from?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Bo Chan's expression turned solemn, and he revealed, "I'm the grandson of Xin Chan, the head of Medicine Mountain. Those people kidnapped me to demand money from my grandfather."

Yun's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a surge of determination. He had stumbled into something much bigger than he had initially thought. The head of Medicine Mountain, Xin Chan, was a renowned figure, and his grandson's kidnapping was a serious matter.

With this new information, Yun knew he had to act responsibly. He reassured Bo Chan, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're safe and reunited with your grandfather."

[ Ding! ]

[ Bo Chan's favorability has increased by +100P for you. ]

[ Now the host can use the skill: Experience Extraction on Bo Chan. ]

Yun's eyes lit up as he saw the notification. He had never thought that saving Bo Chan would lead to this opportunity. He focused his mind and used the Skill: Experience Extraction on Bo Chan.

[ Skill: Experience Extraction being used on Bo Chan. Progress 1%, 5%, 10%... 99%... 100%. ]

As the progress bar filled up, Yun felt a strange sensation, like knowledge and experience were being transferred into his mind and body.

[ Experience Extraction complete. ]

[ Bo Chan's 5 years of Chinese medicine experience data is being copied and sent to the host's body and mind. ]

Yun's eyes widened as he felt the influx of new knowledge. He could suddenly understand the intricacies of Chinese medicine, the different herbs, and their properties.

[ Congrats host for your third ability Chinese medicine (novice level). ]

Yun couldn't believe his luck. He had acquired his third ability, Chinese medicine, and it was all thanks to Bo Chan. He felt a sense of gratitude towards the young boy and knew that their encounter was not just a coincidence.

With his new ability, Yun felt a sense of excitement and wonder. He knew that he could use this knowledge to help others and make a positive impact on the world.

"What do you mean by novice level?" Yun asked, curious about the notification.

The System responded.

[ Host, the abilities you have copied so far are of professional level. ]

[ Since Bo Chan has not mastered Chinese medicine, he is still at novice level. ]

Yun nodded, understanding. "Okay, I get it. So, the abilities I've copied so far are of a higher level, but Bo Chan's Chinese medicine skills are still at a novice level."

The System continued. [ Host, let me tell you one more thing. If you use Skill: Experience Extraction to copy someone's work experience who is at novice level, and later copy the same field work experience of mid-level or professional level, then only one ability will count. ]

Yun's eyes widened in surprise. "So, if I copy a novice level ability and then later copy a higher-level ability in the same field, the novice level ability will be replaced by the higher-level one?"

The System confirmed. [ That's correct, Host. Only the highest level ability will count. So, choose your targets wisely. ]

Yun nodded, grateful for the clarification. He realized that he needed to be strategic about who he used Experience Extraction on, to maximize his abilities.

After understanding all this, Yun turned to Bo Chan and said, "I'm heading towards Medicine Mountain, so you can come with me. I'll drop you there." Bo Chan agreed to join him, and they set off together.

As they journeyed, Yun pondered the System's mechanics and asked, "If my favorability increased with Bo Chan after saving him from kidnappers, why didn't it work with the orphanage children? I've donated to many orphanages, but my favorability didn't increase. Why is that?"

The System responded. [ Host, that is because those children do not know that you are the one helping them. You secretly donated to all those orphanages, so no one knows about your kindness. Those orphans have never met you in person, and they have never seen your face. To increase anyone's favorability, you have to meet them in person and show them your face. ]

Yun nodded, understanding the logic. "So, it's not just about doing good deeds, but also about building personal connections with people."

The System confirmed. [ Exactly, Host. Personal connections and recognition play a significant role in increasing favorability. ]

Yun continued his journey with Bo Chan, pondering the intricacies of the System and how he could utilize this knowledge to build stronger relationships and increase his favorability.

"Ohh! So that's it. Why didn't you tell me before?" Yun exclaimed, surprised by the System's revelation.

[ Because you never asked.] the System replied simply.

Yun sighed, feeling a bit regretful. "So, it's my fault. :'("

After their conversation, Yun and the System arrived at the entrance of the Medicine Mountain headquarters. Bo Chan led Yun to meet his father, but Yun requested to meet his grandfather, Head Xin Chan, first. Bo Chan nodded and asked the guard to escort Yun to Head Xin Chan.

Upon reaching Head Xin Chan's presence, Yun showed no hesitation. "Respected Head Xin Chan, I wish to become your disciple and learn Chinese medicine," Yun said with determination.

Head Xin Chan gazed at Yun with a stern expression. "We do not teach Chinese medicine to people from outside Medicine Mountain. This is against our principles."

Yun's determination did not waver. "But I can prove myself. I know a little about Chinese medicine. Give me a chance," he pleaded.

Head Xin Chan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Yun's confidence. "Ok, let's see what you can do." He nodded to his other disciples, who quickly made arrangements for a test.

Slowly, a crowd gathered, eager to witness the unexpected challenge. The air was thick with anticipation as Yun prepared to demonstrate his knowledge of Chinese medicine. Head Xin Chan's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Yun's every move.

"Very well, Yun. I shall give you three tests. Success, and I will consider accepting you as my disciple," Head Xin Chan declared.

Yun nodded, his mind racing with focus.

"Firstly, if you are a student of herbs, then you must identify Mithridate, Sarcocolla, and Aristolochia among these herbs," Head Xin Chan gestured to a vast array of plants.

Secondly, I want you to describe a method to cure Synthebinis."

"Finally, create a pill to boost inner energy," Head Xin Chan instructed, handing Yun a mortar and pestle.

Hearing about the three tests, Yun's mind went blank. His novice-level knowledge seemed woefully inadequate, and he felt like a small boat adrift in a stormy sea. The people gathered around him were like a chorus of judges, their critical gazes piercing his very soul.

Head Xin Chan's voice cut through the din, "You claim to know Chinese medicine, yet you fail to complete even one of the tests. Your knowledge is superficial, and your skills are lacking, Yun. You are not worthy to be my disciple.You have failed, Yun. Leave Medicine Mountain, and do not waste my time with your low-level knowledge."

Yun felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. He had been so sure he could prove himself, but now he realized his limitations. He had only scratched the surface of Chinese medicine, and it wasn't enough.

"I... I understand," Yun stammered, his eyes cast downward in defeat.

Yun's face burned with shame as he turned to depart. The weight of his failure settled heavy on his shoulders, like a yoke he couldn't shake. He wondered if he would ever be able to return and prove himself worthy.

As he walked away, the whispers and murmurs of the crowd followed him, a constant reminder of his inadequacy. But Yun refused to let his spirits be crushed. He vowed to himself that he would return, stronger and wiser, and prove his worth to Head Xin Chan and the people of Medicine Mountain.

The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but Yun was determined to hone his skills and expand his knowledge. He would not rest until he had mastered the ancient arts of Chinese medicine and could hold his head high among the esteemed practitioners of Medicine Mountain.

But as he walked away, he heard a gentle voice behind him. "Yun, wait."

It was Bo Chan, Head Xin Chan's grandson. "Don't be discouraged, Yun. My grandfather may seem harsh, but he wants the best for his disciples. Come back when you have honed your skills, and he may reconsider."

Yun smiled weakly, grateful for Bo Chan's kind words. "Thank you, Bo Chan. I won't give up."

[ Ding! ]

[ Deok Chan's favorability increased towards you by +100P. ]

Yun's eyes widened in surprise as he wondered who Deok Chan was and why his favorability had reached max. Before he could ponder further, a gentle voice addressed him.

"Thank you for saving my son, Bo Chan," Deok Chan said, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Yun's confusion cleared as he realized Deok Chan was Bo Chan's father. But before Deok Chan could continue, Yun's curiosity got the better of him.

"Wait, what's your level?" Yun asked abruptly, his eyes fixed on Deok Chan.

Deok Chan's expression turned puzzled. "Eh?"

Yun rephrased his question, "I mean, are you Intermediate level or Professional level?"

Deok Chan's confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"

Yun struggled to explain, "How do I put this? How much knowledge do you have in Chinese medicine compared to Bo Chan or Head Xin?"

Comprehension dawned on Deok Chan's face. "Ohhh, I have much more knowledge in Chinese medicine than Bo Chan and much less than Head Xin."

Yun's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, you're somewhere in between?"

Deok Chan nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Yes, exactly."

Yun's eyes gleamed with excitement as he thought to himself, "System, use Skill: Experience Extraction on Deok Chan!"

[ Skill: Experience Extraction being used on Deok Chan. ]

Yun felt a strange sensation, as if knowledge and skills were being transferred into his mind and body.