If someone else had sounded the request, Tetsuto Kobashi would definitely reject it without hesitation. However, with Mamoru Onizuka’s status in the Chinese medicine industry, he was qualified to get the committee to change their decision.

“It’s great that Mr. Onizuka has thought of the theme.”

Although Tetsuto Kobashi felt somewhat unhappy in his heart, he still wore a smile. After all, Mamoru Onizuka was an old friend of his, not to mention that the latter held a supreme position in the Chinese medicine industry.

Mamoru Onizuka nodded his head to Tetsuto Kobashi before he moved over and whispered in the latter’s ears.

Tetsuto Kobashi’s face changed when he heard him, but ultimately he still nodded his head. “We will go according to your request.”

Mamoru Onizuka’s appearance has caused a commotion in the Chinese Medicine Discussion, and the commotion wasn’t any weaker than the arrival of the Crown Prince, Tomohito. Many foreigners were participating in the event today. They might be interested in Tomohito, but their interest in him was pale in comparison to Mamoru Onizuka.

Not only was Mamoru Onizuka a great contributor of Japan’s TCM industry, he even founded the Chinese medicine industry by himself. Thus, anyone in this industry would have heard of Mamoru Onizuka’s name.

Tomohito brought his wife and Kiko over to Mamoru Onizuka and greeted, “Mr. Onizuka, I never imagined that I’d be fortunate enough to meet you here. I have been hearing about you from my father, and he said that you’re a national treasure.”

“I appreciate the Heavenly Emperor’s praises, but it’s a pity that I’m old. I can no longer perform any treatment. On the contrary, I’m a patient myself.” Mamoru Onizuka replied, mocking himself as he smiled at Tomohito.

This was also an explanation as to why he had repeatedly refused the invitation of Seto Clan’s Imperial Physician Institute.

“You look healthy and your complexion looks well!” Tomohito immediately responded.

Giving a faint smile to Tomohito, Mamoru Onizuka replied, “A person in tribulation will face difficulty, and it’s hard for a doctor to treat himself!”

After Mamoru Onizuka bade his farewell to Tomohito, he went up on the stage.

Tomohito inwardly sighed before he lamented, “If only the Imperial Physician Institute could invite a master like him.”

“Isn’t the Imperial Physician Institute planning on inviting Amaki Hamasaki? As Mamoru Onizuka’s disciple, he must have learned many things from him.” Yuko immediately replied.

Tomohito revealed a faint smile but did not carry on speaking and returned to his seat.

Kim Jung-ho and Su Tao were also paying attention to Mamoru Onizuka’s arrival.

“I never expected that I could actually see Mamoru Onizuka in person! This trip of mine wasn’t in vain. He’s a figure that’s on the same level as my grandfather, and he has high prestige in the international medical field. But it is a pity that he retired many years ago and no longer performs any treatments.” Kim Jung-ho exclaimed in excitement.

Su Tao did not know too much about Mamoru Onizuka, and in his eyes, the latter was only an ordinary old man. But since Kim Jung-ho had praised so much about Mamoru Onizuka, Su Tao’s interest grew.

The host went on the stage once more and said in excitement, “Just a moment ago, the titan of Japan’s TCM industry, Mr. Onizuka, has arrived. I believe that everyone is just as excited as me. The reason why the Chinese medicine industry could have such scale and achievements are inseparable to Mr. Onizuka’s efforts. Now, let us welcome Mr. Onizuka to host the third round himself!”

The moment she spoke, an old man went up on the stage and smiled. “I am Mamoru Onizuka, and it’s my honour that I can meet so many friends of the Chinese medicine industry here. Seeing all of you reminds me of how I fought in the past. It‘s undeniably tough to venture into the Chinese medicine industry. Not only does the research take time, it will also require effort for the market to accept Chinese medicine. Thus, I would like to thank everyone for your hard work, which created a new era for the Chinese medicine industry.

“The reason why I’m here is due to the competition between my disciple, Amaki Hamasaki, and the young genius from China, Su Tao. I might have retired from the medical industry for many years, but I’m still concerned with its development. Because without the inheritance of TCM, there will be no Chinese medicine to speak of. Chinese medicine was brought to success by TCM, and for the last round, we will test on the two competitors’ comprehensive abilities.

“I have an undying passion for TCM, and the reason why I’m no longer accepting patients isn’t because I have lost my interest. It is due to my age and body that I can no longer assume this task since TCM treatments will require more energy than western medicine.”

Mamoru Onizuka briefly paused before he continued with a smile, “Now, I will announce the third round, me. Let these old bones of mine be the patient and whoever can provide a suitable treatment method will win.”

The moment he spoke out, it instantly stirred a commotion amongst the audience.

Seeing the shock in Su Tao’s eyes, Kim Jung-ho asked, “You’re surprised as well?”

“I never expected that Mamoru Onizuka would go so big!” Su Tao bitterly smiled.

Getting him and Amaki Hamasaki to treat a grandmaster like Mamoru Onizuka not only tested their medical skills, but their mentality as well.

During the treatment, Mamoru Onizuka would use high standards to judge the two of their performances.

“Would Mamoru Onizuka take his disciple’s side?” Kim Jung-ho locked his brows together.

“He won’t. Since he’s willing to stand out to host the last round, he will definitely be more impartial than anyone else.” Su Tao faintly replied and continued, “I might not understand him, but as a successful physician, there’s nothing to doubt about his character.”

Kim Jung-ho also nodded his head and smiled. “I heard from my grandfather that Mamoru Onizuka might be mysterious since he was proficient in using unusual techniques to treat his patients, but there is nothing to pick at with his character. He is unmarried in his lifetime, nor does he have any descendants. He has contributed his assets countless times to build up Japan’s medical industry and charity. Furthermore, he even announced that all his assets will be used to form a foundation after his death to help those at the bottom of society.”

Su Tao inwardly sighed. He analysed that Mamoru Onizuka might be under the same category as his masters, Dou Fanggang and Song Sichen.

Amaki Hamasaki’s current state was more complicated than Su Tao’s since he never expected that there would be a day where he treats his master.

As the two of them went up onto the stage, Mamoru Onizuka glanced at the two of them and said, “The two of you can just consider me as an ordinary patient.”

He spoke those words in Mandarin, after all, he had researched TCM for years. Although his accent might sound a little weird, his ability to express himself was a level higher than 

Kohei Koizumi

.

Amaki Hamasaki first went up and performed a check-up on Mamoru Onizuka. When he touched Mamoru Onizuka’s pulse, he instantly had shock in his eyes with beads of sweat covering his forehead. He had never encountered such a complicated pulse. Not only was it in a mess, but it was also hard to fathom.

“Master, why is your condition so serious?” Amaki Hamasaki exclaimed in shock.

“Didn’t you ask me in the past why I didn't impart the Ghost Physician Art to you? This is the reason why. In the process of using those forbidden techniques, you will receive the repercussion on your body. In the end, you would be in the same state as me.” Mamoru Onizuka calmly explained.

Upon hearing that explanation, Amaki Hamasaki instantly felt guilty. Back then, he was holding grudges after his master had refused to impart his best skills, but he never expected that there would be such a story hidden behind it.

“Master, please be reassured. There will definitely be ways to treat you!” Amaki Hamasaki sighed. Truth be told, he did not have any confidence in his heart. After all, Mamoru Onizuka could’ve treated himself if it was easy. So if he was to treat his master, his skills must be higher than Mamoru Onizuka himself.

“You can give it a try!” Mamoru Onizuka smiled.

“Your condition lies in the deficiency of Qi in middle-jiao.” Amaki Hamasaki slowly sorted out his thoughts and continued, “If you want to be treated, I will have to focus on replenishing your Qi, such as using nourishing medicines.”

Shaking his head, Mamoru Onizuka sighed, “I have tried them, but they weren’t effective.”

Amaki Hamasaki immediately suggested, “Why don’t I perform acupuncture on you to sort out your pulse?”

“Go ahead!” Mamoru Onizuka smiled and straightforwardly agreed to Amaki Hamasaki’s request.

Standing to the side, Su Tao observed Mamoru Onizuka. He might not understand their conversation, but he could tell that the latter’s condition was serious.

Amaki Hamasaki performed the Ghastly Thirteen Needles, which was once used by Su Tao. Observing Amaki Hamasaki’s technique, Su Tao’s appraisal of him rose. The latter was more skilled than Wang Guofeng. His control over his Qi might not be as vigorous as the Rising Dawn Qi, but it was easier to fuse into the patient’s body.

Furthermore, Amaki Hamasaki learned his Qi from Mamoru Onizuka, so it worked even better.

Sensing his pulse gradually calming down, Mamoru Onizuka knew that Amaki Hamasaki had greatly improved over the years.

He knew his disciple well, inside out. His disciple might be stubborn, but he was talented in his medical skills. More importantly, he could endure loneliness. Otherwise, it’d be impossible for the Void Qi to be so robust.

Amaki Hamasaki calmed himself down and focused on performing acupuncture on Mamoru Onizuka. It felt as if he had encountered a vast ocean with countless chaotic Qi raging within the latter’s body. In the beginning, his Qi had some effect, but as it went deeper, he felt helpless.

Gnashing his teeth, Amaki Hamasaki tried his best to resist. All of a sudden, his face turned pale and he took several steps back with a mouthful of blood exiting his mouth.

Su Tao inwardly sighed. Amaki Hamasaki had greatly suffered during the acupuncture process, and it’s similar to the deviation of Qi in martial art novels.

It was fortunate that Amaki Hamasaki swiftly spat that mouthful of blood out. Otherwise, he would definitely be greatly injured. At the very least, he would be bedridden for at least ten days to half a month.

“I’m sorry, master. I have failed!” Amaki Hamasaki bitterly smiled as he continued, “You disciple was incapable!”

Shaking his head, Mamoru Onizuka responded, “You have done well, and I can tell that you have been working hard over the years. I’m satisfied with your improvements.”

Thereafter, Mamoru Onizuka sighed out in disappointment before he looked at Su Tao and said in Mandarin, “Mr. Su, you can take a look at me now!”