Chapter 22: The Eight Methods of Golden Needle

Lin Yang no longer argued with Qi Yixin; instead, he walked to the bedside and took out his silver needles.

To neutralize the phosphorus frost poison afflicting Cao Keming was a daunting task for most. Qi Yixin’s medical skills were quite respectable, yet even he could not resolve this toxin. For Lin Yang, however, it was a simple matter.

Qi Yixin and several other experts gathered around, eager to witness Lin Yang’s detoxification treatment firsthand. Lin Yang’s earlier remarks had already subdued the director of First City Hospital and the other specialists. If he could cure Cao Keming, it would truly elevate him to legendary status.

Lin Yang first selected seven silver needles, inserting them into seven specific acupoints on Cao Keming’s body. Under the gentle manipulation of Lin Yang’s fingers, the needles seemed to dance, trembling ever so slightly. Frost appeared to form upon them.

“Is this... could it be the Celestial Chill technique from the Eight Golden Needle Methods?” Qi Yixin, well-versed and knowledgeable, could not help but exclaim upon seeing Lin Yang’s approach.

“Master Qi, what are the Eight Golden Needle Methods, and what is Celestial Chill?” Director Han Liqun asked.

Qi Yixin explained, “The Eight Golden Needle Methods originate from the ‘Golden Needle Ode’ in the Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor. It describes eight rare needle techniques, each formidable in its own right. Mastering even one brings a physician to the pinnacle of the art.”

“Celestial Chill is the colloquial name; its proper term is the Mystic Ice Divine Needle, an unrivaled method for treating heat syndromes. He’s using Celestial Chill to suppress the phosphorus fire poison first, then resolving the frost toxin without causing a clash between cold and heat, thus maintaining the balance of yin and yang.”

Though Qi Yixin himself could not perform this method, he spoke with authority.

“But to neutralize the frost toxin, one cannot avoid using Dragon Saliva Herb. If he doesn’t use it, how can the poison be resolved?” Qi Yixin wondered aloud.

“If you know of the Mystic Ice Divine Needle, surely you’ve heard of the Spirit Fire Divine Needle?” Lin Yang, focused on his needlework, replied coolly.

“What? You... you can perform the Spirit Fire Divine Needle as well? That’s impossible!” Qi Yixin was utterly dumbfounded, unable to believe what he was hearing.

“Master Qi, what is the Spirit Fire Divine Needle?” Cao Yanling asked.

“Don’t call me ‘Master,’ I am unworthy in Mr. Lin’s presence,” Qi Yixin responded, his earlier disdain for Lin Yang entirely dissipated. Even after Lin Yang had pointed out his diagnostic error, Qi Yixin had still harbored a hint of pride. But now, he was genuinely convinced—almost to the point of prostration.

The Spirit Fire Divine Needle is also one of the Eight Golden Needle Methods, known as Burning Mountain Fire. This technique can indeed resolve the frost toxin.

As Lin Yang administered the treatment, Qi Yixin explained to the crowd, “To master even one of the Eight Golden Needle Methods is a rare blessing, a mark of true mastery. Yet he has mastered two of these peerless techniques—he is the very embodiment of a saintly physician.”

Qi Yixin’s words earned Lin Yang the utmost respect from Han Liqun and the other experts.

While Qi Yixin spoke, Lin Yang switched needles to employ the Spirit Fire Divine Needle, dissolving the frost toxin.

In his heart, Lin Yang smiled coldly. “Such fuss—clearly inexperienced. The Eight Golden Needle Methods? I know them all! And compared to the Heaven-defying Creation Needle, they are hardly worth mentioning.”

Murong Yun and Murong Wan’er had witnessed Lin Yang’s miraculous skills before, knowing he could bring the dead back to life. They were not surprised, but their admiration was unmistakable.

“Wan’er, I never expected Mr. Lin to be so extraordinary! I stumbled into fortune—otherwise, my father might not have survived,” Cao Yanling said with relief.

“Of course! At first, I believed those rumors and misunderstood Mr. Lin. Thankfully, he was generous enough to forgive me,” Murong Wan’er replied, pride evident in her tone.

“Quiet now, don’t disturb Mr. Lin’s needlework,” Murong Yun reminded them.

“It’s fine. Using these two techniques is fairly easy for me,” Lin Yang said.

“We truly owe you a debt of gratitude. If you hadn’t arrived in time and stood up so boldly for Mr. Lin, we would have made a grave mistake. The consequences would have been unimaginable. We’ll never forget your kindness,” Zhang Shuyun said to Murong Yun, a hint of relief on her face.

She considered what would have happened had Murong Yun not appeared—if they’d followed Qi Yixin’s treatment plan, Cao Keming would surely have died.

“Mrs. Cao, you’re too kind. The real credit goes to Mr. Lin. I merely spoke honestly and trusted him absolutely,” Murong Yun replied, not seeking credit. Though she had come to visit Cao Keming intending to offer assistance and gain favor with the Cao family, her primary motive was to strengthen ties with Lin Yang.

After all, Cao Keming was the Director of Finance—the City God of Wealth. Any businessperson would wish to build a relationship with him.

“Mr. Lin is certainly our greatest benefactor, but you’ve helped as well. If your Murong family ever needs assistance, just ask. As long as it does not violate our principles, Old Cao will surely help,” Zhang Shuyun promised.

With her assurance, Murong Yun felt satisfied—her purpose was achieved. More importantly, she had deepened her connection with Lin Yang.

After all, her bold move of offering her family's reputation and life as collateral had left a favorable impression.

“It’s done!” Lin Yang clapped his hands, needles in place.

“The silver needles on Director Cao must not be moved for half an hour. After that, the phosphorus frost poison will be completely eliminated,” Lin Yang announced.

“Thank you, Divine Doctor Lin, for saving us despite past grievances. I must apologize again for my earlier conduct,” Zhang Shuyun’s demeanor completely changed, even showing a touch of flattery.

“No need for pleasantries. Just pay the consultation fee,” Lin Yang replied.

“Of course, of course. We should pay. May I ask, what is your fee, Divine Doctor Lin?” Zhang Shuyun inquired.

“Yesterday, I saved Elder Murong Zhang’s life. The fee was one hundred million.”

Lin Yang’s words caused Zhang Shuyun and Cao Yanling to look awkward and embarrassed. It wasn’t that they begrudged the money, but for the Cao family, one hundred million was simply too much—impossible to produce.

Cao Keming was not a greedy official; though he accepted gifts during holidays, he had his own principles. This was his way—absolute integrity leaves no room for survival; if he refrained from all benefits, his career would have ended long ago.

“This...” Zhang Shuyun said with difficulty, “Divine Doctor Lin, our family truly cannot afford such a sum.”

“Mrs. Cao, I’ll lend you the money,” Murong Yun offered.

Murong Yun knew Cao Keming’s character; and in public, she would never suggest paying herself.

“That won’t do! Such a large amount cannot come from you—unless Old Cao wishes to lose his official hat, and he would never permit it,” Zhang Shuyun firmly refused, then turned to Lin Yang. “As for the money, I can only try to gather it bit by bit. Can I pay a portion first?”

Zhang Shuyun hadn’t expected Lin Yang’s fee to be so high—it took her completely by surprise. At this point, there was no room for negotiation, though she felt somewhat disgruntled, thinking Lin Yang was simply too greedy.

She was not alone; aside from the Murong sisters, everyone believed Lin Yang was asking far too much—a veritable lion’s share.

Their newfound admiration and respect for Lin Yang’s medical prowess evaporated instantly.