Tiger Boss was dazed from the acupuncture. He had no choice but to trust Old Zhang. Who could understand the feeling of living under another's roof? If they wanted to stick needles in him, could he refuse? Obviously not. Therefore, silently enduring was his only option; there was no room for retreat.
One-Eyed Man watched intently. Based on his previous experiences, he had gradually discovered a pattern. Something terrible always happened on the thirteenth needle. He didn't need to think too much about it; he had experienced it firsthand. Now, he was more like a spectator, watching Tiger Boss's pathetic wailing. He believed anyone who endured Old Zhang's treatment would ultimately suffer the same fate.
Only Ginseng realized something was amiss. His experience wasn't something ordinary people could imagine. His previous two owners were extraordinary, both immortals. He himself was a ginseng spirit, uniquely blessed and extraordinary. He dared not say much, but his insight was beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
It was definitely the Dao! This wasn't something just anyone could achieve.
Could it be…? Ginseng pondered, not voicing his thoughts. Some things were better left buried in the heart. At the same time, he was puzzled. Someone capable of this must have a brilliant mind. But based on his interactions, he could boldly say that Old Zhang's mind seemed…not quite right. He seemed to have some mental issues.
At this moment, Old Zhang held the silver needle, hesitating for a long time. His expression was serious, as if he were gathering his Qi to unleash the strongest needle. Coupled with Old Zhang's appearance, it truly gave him the air of a reclusive expert.
"Where should I stick it?" Old Zhang pondered, indecisive. He genuinely didn't know where to insert the needle. This had happened before, but the solution was simple: rely on a certain talent…follow his feeling, and there would definitely be no problem.
Tiger Boss, initially apprehensive, saw Old Zhang's expression and suddenly felt a sense of security. He had been worried before, but now, this worry transformed into something different with Old Zhang's display of expert demeanor.
"Hmm?" One-Eyed Man narrowed his eyes, sensing something odd. He muttered inwardly, thinking that this performance was quite convincing, making it seem like he truly possessed skill. Regardless of what others thought, he didn't believe it.
Just then, Old Zhang closed his eyes and inserted the needle directly, without hesitation. He followed his heart, and the final outcome didn't matter.
As the last needle landed, Old Zhang, about to ask Tiger Boss how he felt, saw the large tiger trembling all over before collapsing unconscious.
One-Eyed Man sighed. As he expected, it was truly terrifying. Who could remain conscious after Old Zhang's acupuncture? He had tried several times, and each time he fainted after the last needle. When he woke up, terrible things had happened.
"Sigh, courting death," One-Eyed Man looked at Tiger Boss's condition, sympathizing with his plight. He was perfectly fine and now ruined. He would surely be devastated when he woke up.
"Old Zhang, did it work?" Lin Fan asked curiously.
Old Zhang said calmly, "It should be successful."
One-Eyed Man, standing aside, hadn't said a word. Hearing Old Zhang's words, he scoffed inwardly, Successful my ass. Just watch how miserable this guy becomes. He didn't believe Old Zhang could succeed.
Giant Eagle looked at Tiger Brother, unsure of the situation. Tiger Brother, who had been conscious just moments ago, suddenly lay motionless like a corpse, completely unconscious. He was very worried about Tiger Brother's condition. But in this situation, could he run over and ask about Tiger Brother? Obviously not. Doing so would be a slap in the face of their saviors, the ones who had prevented them from being killed by the Starry Sky Clan. He could only wait quietly.
Lin Fan patted Old Zhang's shoulder, smiling. "I believe you succeeded."
"Mm." Old Zhang nodded. He knew Lin Fan was the one who trusted him the most.
"Are we waiting for him to wake up?" Little Treasure, sitting in Lin Fan's arms, asked, looking up.
"Yes, we'll wait for him to wake up," Lin Fan replied.
Little Treasure looked at the large tiger, amazed. Even the largest tiger in the zoo couldn't compare to one-third of this tiger's size. If they kept it at home and took it out on a leash every day, it would definitely be impressive.
"Squeak!" The two-tailed squirrel in Little Treasure's arms cried out, seemingly sensing its little owner's desire to keep another pet, expressing its dissatisfaction. It seemed very unhappy.
They waited quietly. One-Eyed Man wasn't in a hurry. The weather was a bit cold, so he gathered some branches and lit a fire. The group sat around it to warm themselves.
"How long do we have to wait?" Lin Daoming asked, warming himself by the fire.
"Don't rush. Wait for him to wake up. He just gave the tiger acupuncture. It's normal for it to faint after that. When the tiger wakes up, you'll see a good show," One-Eyed Man said. He had deeply experienced Old Zhang's acupuncture. It could truly drive someone to the brink.
"Really?" Lin Daoming smiled. Missing his front teeth, his smile looked rather strange.
"Don't smile," Liu Haichan said with disgust.
Lin Daoming glared. "What does my smile have to do with you?"
Liu Haichan squinted. "Your smile is truly offensive to public decency. I suggest you get some dentures. It's too ugly."
"You…" Lin Daoming was furious, rolling up his sleeves as if ready to fight with Liu Haichan. But then he remembered that this guy spent all day meditating under the Dao Tree, and his heart went cold. He might not be able to beat him. He decided to let it go.
"Liu Haichan, don't go too far. I won't stoop to your level," Lin Daoming said, backing down inwardly but maintaining a tough exterior.
One-Eyed Man didn't stop the commotion. It was good to have some excitement.
Just then, Tiger Boss, who had been unconscious for a while, woke up.
One-Eyed Man looked towards Tiger Boss. He was eager to see what had gone wrong, like which limb was paralyzed, or if his eyes were blind, or if he couldn't see the road, etc… He really wanted to know.
But something was wrong. A powerful pressure emanated from Tiger Boss.
One-Eyed Man was certain he wasn't mistaken. There was truly a powerful aura erupting.
How was this possible?
Giant Eagle saw Tiger Brother wake up and was about to greet him, but he was stunned by the aura emanating from Tiger Brother.
"You're awake, little tiger. How do you feel?" Old Zhang asked excitedly. He knew he had succeeded; he definitely wouldn't fail.
Tiger Boss roared, "I feel full of power!"
At this moment, everyone saw two large bumps bulge on Tiger Boss's back, as if something was about to emerge. Tiger Boss lowered his head, his thick paws digging into the ground.
A rumbling sound.
Cracks appeared on the ground.
Then, he raised his head and roared, a tiger's roar shaking the forest. Sound waves vibrated as the power within his body erupted. A poof sound came.
The two fleshy bumps burst open.
A pair of golden wings appeared.
"Holy crap!"
Everyone who saw this scene could only utter these two words. It was truly astonishing. Even Giant Eagle, who had always lived with Tiger Boss, was dumbfounded.
"Atavism?" Giant Eagle muttered. He had never seen anything like this. If he had to describe it, it was as if Tiger Brother had awakened an ancient bloodline, showing signs of atavism. The wings that had appeared were proof of this.
Tiger Boss walked to Old Zhang, lowered his proud head, bent his knees, and prostrated himself. "Thank you for your kindness in recreating me, allowing me to awaken my ancient bloodline."
He wanted to beat himself to death for doubting Old Zhang earlier. How could he have doubted him? Otherwise, how could such a good thing have happened?
"I enjoy helping others," Old Zhang said. He originally wanted to say that saving lives and healing the wounded was the responsibility of every doctor, but after thinking for a long time, he couldn't remember the exact words, so he decided to say he enjoyed helping others.
The one who suffered the greatest blow was One-Eyed Man. He was currently in a state of disbelief, his eyes wide open, staring at Old Zhang. He even wanted to ask him, When you stuck needles in me, nothing like this happened. Did you dislike me and deliberately mess with me?
He hadn't expected that, after waiting for so long, he was the clown.
One-Eyed Man hesitated. He had an idea.
Should I trust him one more time? He pondered, hesitant, unsure what to do.
Ginseng hadn't expected Old Zhang to be so skilled. Just as he had thought, acupuncture that bordered on the Dao was definitely not simple. He even thought about asking Old Zhang to give him a few needles as well, not for anything else, but just to purify himself.
Giant Eagle came to Old Zhang. "I'm also a bit injured. Can you help me with some needles?" His attitude was respectful. He hoped to awaken his bloodline just like Tiger Brother. If he continued cultivating at his current pace, who knew what kind of opportunity he would need to reach Tiger Brother's level?
Giant Eagle's injuries weren't serious at all, just some minor cuts.
"Alright," Old Zhang said confidently. After successfully helping Little Tiger, he had become even more confident. He agreed to Giant Eagle's request without hesitation.
One-Eyed Man, seeing this, decided to observe further. After all, the impression Old Zhang had left on him was too deep to be easily forgotten.
"Lin Fan, I'm going to give Giant Eagle acupuncture," Old Zhang said.
Lin Fan nodded. "Mm, go ahead. I trust you."
"Mm."
Old Zhang had Giant Eagle lie down in front of him and began the acupuncture.
Lin Fan watched Old Zhang from the side, acting as a sort of assistant. When it came to acupuncture, he was a layman, but when Old Zhang encountered difficulties, he would discuss them with him.
This was how it had always been. There were successes and failures. But the failures were often due to special reasons, definitely not because of Old Zhang's lack of acupuncture skills.
At this moment, One-Eyed Man watched intently.
Master Yongxin meditated in place, his lips moving slightly as if reciting scriptures.
Lin Daoming stared fiercely at Liu Haichan, as if he wanted to devour him. As for the nameless female physician, she sat pitifully by the fire, without any say in the matter.