Chapter Seventy-Five: The Medical Canon

Aoki Tsukasa stood in the narrow alley, flipping open the cover of the ancient book in his hand and began to read. He was conveniently right next to the bookstore; if this ancient text titled “Medical Classic” failed to grant him superior medical skills, he’d simply return inside and look for books on Chinese or Western medicine to learn new abilities instead.

The writing in the worn “Medical Classic” was reasonably clear, though some sections were obscured by stains, and the entire text was written in archaic language, making it rather difficult for Aoki Tsukasa to understand. Fortunately, in his previous life, high school had given him plenty of headaches over classical texts, so he wasn’t completely lost; although many technical terms were beyond him, he could grasp the general meaning well enough.

He skimmed through the ancient book, and the system promptly displayed a message about skill acquisition.

[Detected ‘Incomplete Ancient Medical Technique’. Would you like to learn it?]

Aoki Tsukasa paused in thought.

This medical classic before him was likely a compendium brought from China, authored by some unknown hand, outlining methods to cure external injuries and various internal ailments like typhoid. Unfortunately, it was only one book of a larger, complete series—probably a solitary prologue—and expecting to glean profound medical insights from it seemed futile.

Even if the skill system could break the limitations and grant him knowledge without needing the entire collection, there had to be boundaries; no one knew how valuable the full set truly was—it might even be inferior to modern Chinese medicine.

Overall, this skill could be classified as a traditional Chinese medical technique, though it might differ from contemporary methods.

But could this so-called “ancient medicine” truly cure Qiong’s affliction?

With furrowed brow, Aoki Tsukasa hesitated. Chinese medicine was always controversial: some believed it was deeper and more effective than Western medicine, claiming only Chinese medicine could cure the root of illnesses while Western medicine merely treated symptoms. Yet, it was undeniable that Chinese medicine had its limitations; miraculous recoveries on the operating table were mostly performed by those trained in Western medical colleges.

To cure heart disease at its root, was the answer in Western medicine or Chinese medicine?

Aoki Tsukasa couldn’t reach a quick conclusion.

“System, if I learn this ancient medical technique from the book before me, can I heal Qiong?” he asked.

[After assessment, the ‘Incomplete Ancient Medical Technique’ should be classified as a specialized skill within the Chinese medicine category. It is recommended that you use a Skill Enhancement Scroll to perfect it before learning.]

The system didn’t answer directly, but offered advice instead.

Aoki Tsukasa was startled for a moment, then laughed. Just as the system wouldn’t outright tell him about extra attributes or new functions upon reaching level four, perhaps its restrictions prevented it from revealing certain future information. Still, it could guide him in other ways, much like reminding him with experience thresholds for skill advancement.

He even suspected the system might foresee the future—how else could he have just obtained a Skill Enhancement Scroll from a hidden quest and immediately found this ancient book?

Of course, it could be mere coincidence.

Without overthinking, Aoki Tsukasa used the item.

[Perfecting Incomplete Ancient Medical Technique.]
[Perfected: ‘Medical Classic’]
[‘Medical Classic’ is a rare skill; required experience for leveling up is twice the usual amount. Please proceed with caution.]

Twice the experience required?!

Aoki Tsukasa fell into a dilemma. He didn’t know what kind of skill the Medical Classic truly was, or what effects it might have. Ordinary Chinese or Western medical skills demanded level seven or eight to cure heart disease—a staggering amount of experience.

“Never mind, if it doesn’t work, I’ll just seek out more quests—there’ll definitely be new skill slots!” Gritting his teeth, he decided to proceed—he’d already used his item, and if this skill devoured so much experience, its effects should be even greater!

The instant he learned the Medical Classic, a flood of knowledge surged into his mind. This overwhelming infusion left him dazed and unsteady, forcing him to brace against the wall to remain upright.

After a long while, once he sorted through the new information in his head, he burst out laughing in delight. “Never mind double—it’s worth even triple the experience!”

The ancient book he once held was merely one volume from a complete medical series; it contained neither profound techniques nor even the abilities found in commonly circulated Chinese medicine. But after the system’s enhancement, the skill he acquired transcended the original text—it reached a higher state entirely. Perfection here wasn’t just completion, but the elevation of the skill to its ideal form!

This “Medical Classic” skill encompassed not only the entirety of Chinese medical techniques throughout history, but even the lost texts were restored, making it a true “Medical Classic” in every sense.

Ordinary Chinese medicine skills could only broaden and fill in their gaps after breaking through their own limits, evolving through personal mastery. In contrast, Aoki Tsukasa started at a fundamentally different level from the very beginning!

It was like those martial arts novels: you might train basic internal energy techniques to the utmost, becoming a hero in your own right, but someone else cultivating a supreme technique might only need to reach seventy or eighty percent mastery to match your skill, and their power could be even greater—because top-tier techniques always possess unique breadth and special effects ordinary ones lack.

Aoki Tsukasa almost felt it was a waste to use the Skill Enhancement Scroll on this book—the scroll’s effect was simply too powerful!

[Medical Classic LV1: You have only just begun your journey in the medical arts. At present, perhaps you can apply a simple bandage for someone. (Experience 0/200)]

Though the skill description was tongue-in-cheek, Aoki Tsukasa knew the wealth of knowledge now in his mind was immense!

“Maybe with just five or six levels, I could cure Qiong’s illness!” he exclaimed, clenching his fist in excitement.

Turning toward the bookstore, Aoki Tsukasa walked in, exhilarated. Facing the black-haired girl with a look of slight disdain, he urgently asked, “Do you have any books on Chinese medicine here?”

Ruri Gokou looked up at the bald man before her, quietly gestured toward the far corner of the store.

She had just overheard the conversation between the old man and Aoki Tsukasa. Though she hadn’t caught the details, she felt sure the old man would be disappointed. He’d entrusted Natto and the others to this bald guy... The old man was too optimistic—how could he possibly manage it?

Aoki Tsukasa stacked a thick pile of Chinese medicine books on the counter. Ruri Gokou rang them up, expressionless, and softly said, “Thank you for your patronage—thirteen thousand yen.”

Aoki Tsukasa didn’t mind the price, and carried his books home, full of anticipation.

Ruri Gokou watched his departing figure and snorted, “Let’s see how long you can keep this up.”

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(PS: I expect many readers will complain about the old man giving away a treasure, but in fact, the reason this skill works so well is because of the system’s Skill Enhancement Scroll—that’s the real treasure. Without the scroll or the system’s skill-learning function, this book would just be a worthless antique. Don’t think the protagonist stumbled upon a great treasure—in reality, he transformed something useless into something valuable himself. Medical skills will be important later, so I’m explaining this here.)