The Su family's shock and regret, like pebbles dropped into a lake, their ripples were still spreading but had yet to reach the eye of the storm where Qin Feng was currently situated.
In the backyard of Jishitang, the aroma of medicinal herbs wafted.
Qin Feng had just completed another acupuncture session for Cai Zhirou.
The young girl’s complexion was a little rosier than before. Although still weak, the dullness in her eyes had been replaced by a sparkle of the will to live.
Several days of treatment with the Fate Reversal Needle and Rebuilding Vitality Powder were aggressively reversing her dwindling life force.
"Qin... Mr. Qin, I feel... much better."
Cai Zhirou’s voice was still weak but held a trace of genuine joy.
She could clearly feel the cold, deathly aura that had been clinging to her like a shadow, slowly receding.
Qin Feng withdrew the golden needles, his face slightly pale, but his eyes calm.
"Your foundation is damaged; this cannot be healed in a day. You still need to rest and not slack off."
He spoke concisely, his tone devoid of much emotion, as if stating an objective fact.
Cai Yongnian and his wife thanked him profusely, their attitudes nearly humble. They had personally witnessed too many miracles concerning their daughter and now regarded Qin Feng’s medical skills as divine.
After seeing the Cai family off, Qin Feng returned to the front hall.
Aunt Liu immediately handed him an exquisitely made invitation letter.
"Doctor Qin, this was just delivered by someone claiming to be from the Kyoto Medical Exchange Promotion Association. They hope you can attend the 'International Summit on the Integration of Traditional Medicine and Modern Technology' next week as a special invited guest."
Aunt Liu's tone was brimming with proud excitement.
Being invited to such a national-level conference was a significant recognition of Jishitang and Qin Feng's medical skills.
Qin Feng took the invitation and glanced at it. The list of organizers included official backing from the Health Department, as well as several renowned medical schools and pharmaceutical giants, both domestic and international.
This was indeed high-profile.
He understood that this was likely more than just because he had cured a few special patients.
The influence of the Chu family, Old Master Wei, and even the Hong Kong Cai family might have played a role in pushing this forward.
Of course, there were also those like Zhao Kang behind the scenes, fanning the flames and trying to thrust him into a brighter spotlight for more rigorous scrutiny.
"Reply to them, I will attend on time."
Qin Feng put down the invitation, his tone very calm.
He had no intention of deliberately being low-key. Since he had chosen this path, he had to face all the storms.
This summit might be a good stage to spread the true essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and perhaps... he would encounter some 'interesting' people and events.
Just then, his phone vibrated. It was a text message from an unknown number, containing only a few brief words:
"Beware of being praised to ruin. See you at the summit."
No signature, but Qin Feng, by intuition, almost instantly identified the sender as Zhao Kang.
This was an open declaration of war, a taunting game of cat and mouse.
Zhao Kang was telling him, 'I know your background, I'm watching you, and at the upcoming summit, I have 'performances' prepared for you.'
Qin Feng deleted the message, his eyes growing cold.
'Zhao Kang, are you finally unable to wait to step onto the stage?'
'With such little patience, you still want to compete with me?'
He felt no fear, only a flicker of anticipation.
The betrayal from his past life and the schemes of this life were about to be settled.
In the following days, Jishitang remained busy.
The industry titan underwent his second acupuncture session with significant results. Tremors in his hand had largely disappeared, allowing him to perform simple writing tasks. This made his family and their powerful circle even more grateful to Qin Feng.
Meanwhile, the reputation of Lung Clearing Elixir and Warm Middle Dispersal continued to grow among the public, with patients even traveling from other regions.
Qin Feng saw patients and made medicine during the day, and at night, he diligently cultivated his practice using Body Tempering Soup and Agarwood.
His internal energy became increasingly refined and potent with each cycle of consumption and replenishment. He felt his physical condition had far surpassed that of ordinary people, his senses sharp, his reactions swift, and he could even vaguely perceive subtle changes in the airflow around him.
This was of great benefit to his application of the Nine Needles of the Spiritual Pivot.
Concurrently, news of Qin Feng’s attendance at the International Medical Summit spread within a small circle, attracting more attention and discussion.
...
Su family villa.
Su Guoming also received an invitation to the summit (under the name of Su's Group). When he saw the name "Qin Feng" on the list of special invited guests, his heart gave another lurch.
He tried to contact Qin Feng through various channels, but his calls either went unanswered or were directly hung up. When he personally visited Jishitang, he couldn't even get to see Qin Feng, only receiving a reply from Aunt Liu: "Doctor Qin is currently busy and unavailable to meet guests."
This feeling of being ignored and shut out left Su Guoming, who was accustomed to flattery, feeling deeply humiliated and anxious. He knew that the rift between the Su family and Qin Feng was likely not something that could be easily mended with a simple apology.
"Xiao Qing, how are your preparations?"
Su Guoming looked at Su Qing, who sat opposite him with an equally troubled expression. "The summit is a good opportunity. One way or another, you must find a way to approach Qin Feng and talk to him!"
Su Qing bit her lip, her heart filled with struggle and an unspeakable humiliation.
To humbly beg the husband she once despised? It felt worse than killing her.
But her father's warning and the potential crisis facing the family whipped her like a lash.
"I understand," she finally squeezed out three words through gritted teeth.
...
And in Zhao Kang's office, he was listening to his assistant's report.
"Mr. Zhao, everything is arranged. The 'surprise' at the summit will ensure our Divine Doctor Qín 'becomes famous throughout the land.'" The assistant wore a chilling smile.
Zhao Kang nodded with satisfaction, swirling his wine glass. "Have the media been taken care of? I want the 'results' of this summit to spread across the entire internet as quickly as possible."
"It's all arranged. Several influential online media outlets and prominent self-media personalities have accepted our payment. They will focus their 'attention' on Qin Feng's segment."
"Excellent." Zhao Kang took a sip of wine, his eyes deep. "Qin Feng, I will make you fall even harder from this height! Everything you have will eventually become my stepping stone!"
The storm was brewing before the tower, a tempest gathering before the storm.
The International Summit on the Integration of Traditional Medicine and Modern Technology, before it even began, was already surging with undercurrents.
Forces from all sides, harboring different intentions, turned their gaze toward Qin Feng, who was about to take the stage.
He was like a star that suddenly rose, attracting many admiring glances, yet also bearing the malicious scrutiny of petty individuals.
Would he become a true rising star in the medical world, or would he fall into ruin through flattery, as Zhao Kang wished?
Everything would be revealed at the summit.
Qin Feng closed the yellowed ancient book, Huangdi Neijing, and walked to the window, gazing at the myriad lights of Kyoto outside.
His eyes were calm and resolute, as if what was coming was not a test fraught with crisis, but merely an ordinary house call.
"Summit... I hope the 'surprise' you have prepared will not disappoint me."
He whispered to himself, a cold smile curving his lips.
......
Chapter 18: The Hidden Daggers of the Summit
The Kyoto International Conference Center was ablaze with lights, a gathering of dignitaries. various medical forces naturally would not miss this opportunity to make a name for themselves.
In front of a giant backdrop banner for the "International Summit on the Integration of Traditional Medicine and Modern Technology," a red carpet was laid out, and reporters with long lenses and cameras were ready.
Medical experts, scholars, representatives from top hospitals, executives from pharmaceutical giants, and political and business celebrities from around the world were successively entering the venue.
Even the air was filled with academic solemnity and the special aura of surging capital.
Qin Feng was wearing a well-fitting dark Zhongshan suit. Its simple style perfectly complemented his tall physique and steady demeanor.
He did not follow any delegation but, alone, holding the exquisite invitation letter, calmly passed through security and entered the venue.
His appearance did not cause much commotion, as not many people recognized him.
Among the many renowned and white-haired experts and scholars, his young face appeared unremarkable.
Only a few well-informed or malicious individuals would linger their gaze on him for a moment longer.
"Look, that's the 'Divine Doctor Qín' who has recently gained fame in Kyoto, Qin Feng."
"So young? Is it true? Could it be hype?"
"I heard he treated several important figures, curing strange illnesses that even major hospitals couldn't handle. Even the Hong Kong Cai family specifically came for him..."
"Hmph, Chinese medicine is always so mysterious. Whether it's true or not, we'll know after listening to his report later."
Low voices whispered in the corners, a mix of curiosity, doubt, and a barely perceptible trace of envy and jealousy.
Qin Feng acted as if unaware of the surrounding chatter. Following the directions, he found his seat in the 'special invited guest' area near the front row.
As soon as he sat down, he felt several gazes of different implications fall upon him.
To his front left, Old Master Chu and Old Master Wei, accompanied by their families, were conversing in low tones with several seemingly high-ranking elders. Upon seeing Qin Feng, both elders smiled and nodded in acknowledgment, their attitudes friendly.
This scene, to those with discerning eyes, spoke volumes.
To his back right, Su Guoming and Su Qing had also arrived.
Su Guoming tried to force a friendly smile towards Qin Feng, but his artificial expression appeared somewhat stiff.
Su Qing, dressed in an expensive custom-made gown and wearing exquisite makeup, attempted to maintain her usual arrogance, but the complexity in her eyes and a hint of imperceptible nervousness betrayed her inner feelings.
She had tried several times to find an opportunity to talk to him, but Qin Feng's indifferent attitude and the gazes from those around her dissuaded her.
And in a inconspicuous corner further back in the venue, Zhao Kang held a wine glass, seemingly chatting casually with others, but his gaze, like a lurking venomous snake, was fixed on Qin Feng.
A cold smile of complete control played on his lips.
......
The conference officially began.
After lengthy opening remarks and speeches by official representatives, the keynote presentation segment commenced.
Experts renowned in their respective fields took turns on stage, sharing their latest research findings and cutting-edge concepts. The topics ranged from modern medical frontiers such as gene editing, artificial intelligence diagnostics, and the development of new targeted drugs, to issues concerning the extraction of active ingredients from traditional herbs and the exploration of acupuncture mechanisms.
......
The academic atmosphere in the venue was palpable, and applause occasionally erupted.
Qin Feng listened quietly, his gaze focused.
He did not reject modern technology; on the contrary, he deeply understood its power.
He was contemplating how to combine the advanced concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine he possessed with these modern technologies, integrating them to forge a broader path.
In his previous life, he had already begun such attempts in the research and development of Rejuvenation Powder.
Time passed, and the conference agenda was halfway through.
The host stepped onto the stage and announced the next presenter:
"Next, let us invite this summit's special guest, Mr. Qin Feng from Jishitang! He will present his report titled 'A Modern Interpretation of 'Qi' and 'Meridians' and Explorations into Their Application in Treating Difficult and Severe Diseases'! Please welcome him!"
A not-so-enthusiastic round of applause filled the venue, mostly tinged with curiosity and scrutiny.
The topic, in the context of modern medicine that valued empirical evidence and data, seemed quite bold, even bordering on "metaphysical."
If one says: the end of the universe is Tie Ling. (Note: This is a Chinese meme reference, often implying something illogical or nonsensical)
The end of science is metaphysics.
Then, the end of medicine must be Traditional Chinese Medicine!
......
Qin Feng adjusted his collar and calmly walked to the podium.
He adjusted the microphone, calmly scanned the dense crowd below, paused briefly on a few familiar or hostile faces, and then began his report.
He did not use flashy PPTs or pile on obscure technical jargon.
He started with several difficult cases he had personally treated, complete with medical records, including Old Master Chu's acute myocardial infarction, Old Master Wei's intractable angina, that industry titan's Parkinson's superimposed syndrome, and even briefly mentioned Cai Zhirou's rare blood disease.
He meticulously described the patient's pulse, tongue coating, and complexion – the Traditional Chinese Medicine manifestations – and compared them with modern medical examination results.
Then, he elaborated on how he judged the disease mechanism through the Four diagnostic methods (Observation, Listening/Smelling, Inquiry, Palpation), how he used the Nine Needles of the Spiritual Pivot to control needles with Qi, dredge the meridians, stimulate the body's self-healing potential, and supplement with specific herbal formulas for conditioning.
His language was clear, his logic rigorous, and the cases were verifiable (partially corroborated by the individuals involved), making them difficult to dismiss.
Especially when he spoke about controlling needles with Qi and guiding internal energy to dredge meridians, he even used hand gestures to simulate the sensation of Qi flow. Although most people in the audience could not understand what "Qi" was, they could feel the possibility of a realm beyond the current cognitive system from his confident gaze and highly engaging narration.
What is Qi?
Huangdi Neijing states: Qi is the refined substance that constitutes the universe, the origin.
"...Therefore, I believe that 'Qi' is the fundamental energy that sustains life activities, and 'meridians' are the channel system through which this energy circulates.
Although they may not be fully demonstrable by current anatomy, their corresponding functions objectively exist.
Modern technologies, such as high-precision bioelectrical detection and functional magnetic resonance imaging, may offer clues to their material basis by exploring new perspectives of energy fields and information transmission."
Qin Feng's voice was steady and powerful, echoing through the venue.
"For difficult and severe diseases, especially functional disorders and the early and recovery stages of certain organic lesions, intervening from the level of 'Qi' and 'meridians' to harmonize Yin and Yang, ensuring Yin is tranquil and Yang is stable, the disease can be understood; supporting the righteous Qi and expelling pathogens, with righteous Qi preserved internally, pathogens cannot invade. This often yields results unattainable by modern medicine.
This is not to negate modern medicine, but to offer a complementary, more holistic approach that integrates Traditional Chinese and Western medicine."
As the report concluded, a brief silence fell over the venue, followed by applause far more enthusiastic than before!
Many supporters of Traditional Chinese Medicine and scholars open to unknown fields had their eyes sparkling with excitement.
Qin Feng's theories and practices, supported by classical references, opened a new window for them!
However, just as the applause began to subside and the Q&A session was about to commence, a discordant voice rang out.
"Sensationalist! Utterly absurd!"
An elderly foreign gentleman with gold-rimmed glasses and meticulously combed hair stood up, holding a microphone, his face full of mockery and disdain.
He was Professor Charles Wilson, a renowned neurosurgeon from a top American medical institution, famous for his sharp criticism of alternative medicine.
"Mr. Qin, your story is quite captivating, like an Eastern myth."
Professor Wilson spoke sarcastically, his words clearly transmitted to everyone through the simultaneous interpreter. "However, science demands evidence! Where is this 'Qi' and 'meridians' you speak of? Can they be detected by instruments? Has your acupuncture been proven effective through large-scale, double-blind controlled trials? Are you trying to overturn the foundations of modern medicine based on a few unverified so-called 'cases'? This is a blasphemy against science!"
His statement was sharp and filled with Western-centric arrogance, instantly thrusting Qin Feng into the spotlight!
All eyes in the hall refocused on Qin Feng, awaiting the young "Divine Doctor's" response.
In the audience, Zhao Kang leisurely sipped his red wine, the smile on his lips widening.
This first "hidden dagger" was perfectly arranged.
Su Guoming and Su Qing's hearts leaped into their throats as they watched Qin Feng anxiously.
Old Master Chu and Old Master Wei frowned, looking displeased.
Facing Professor Wilson's aggressive questioning, Qin Feng showed no signs of being offended or angry. Instead, a faint smile, as if he had long anticipated this, appeared.
He picked up the microphone, met Professor Wilson's gaze calmly, and slowly began:
"Professor Wilson, before you question the existence of 'Qi' and 'meridians,' could you please use your instruments to prove to me – in which specific neuron of your brain does your 'consciousness' reside? And what is its weight in grams?"