Chapter 2 The Wandering Fire Cup

He's breathing?! All eyes turned to the ventilator. Yes, he's really breathing! Just moments ago, John's vital signs had plummeted. His breathing had become almost imperceptible, and his heartbeat had nearly faded away. They had lost precious minutes informing the family, and now, logically, he should have been beyond resuscitation. How had Jayce's seemingly casual touch managed to revive his breathing? Everyone stood in stunned silence, hesitant to approach. The mark of an expert lies in their effortless actions. That seemingly nonchalant acupressure required profound medical knowledge and exceptional physical ability—none of the alternative medicine specialists present could replicate such a feat. Jayce turned his gaze towards Aiken with a cool detachment. "When I'm attending to a patient, it's best if unrelated personnel shut up." "How dare you … " Aiken's immediate reaction was fury. Unrelated personnel? I am the chief physician! How dare he dismiss me and call me 'unrelated personnel'! Before Aiken could retaliate, James entered and spoke icily, "Dr. Chavez, this young man is treating my father. It would be wise not to intervene." At James's subtly threatening tone, Aiken clenched his fists but ultimately restrained himself, shooting daggers at Jayce. Fine, if you fail, I'll hold you accountable! Jayce had used acupressure to clear John's airways. Next, he retrieved a transparent glass jar, a small pair of tongs, and an alcohol-soaked cotton ball from his bag. Igniting the cotton, he sterilized the jar's interior. With a swift motion, he placed the jar on John's left chest. A fire cup? Among the Chanaea people, cupping therapy was commonplace, used for health maintenance in hospitals and even bathhouses. However, it was primarily for general wellness and not typically employed in treating severe conditions. John had a condition that required surgery, so Aiken was highly doubtful how cupping therapy would help with the situation. "What a hoax!" Aiken sneered under his breath. Can cupping therapy succeed where Western surgical techniques have failed? Jayce positioned the jar on the patient's chest and waited momentarily. Then, he slowly released his grip. Astoundingly, white mist began to rise inside the transparent glass jar. Next, the jar began to move across the patient's body! Without any apparent external force, the fire cup began to ‘walk' on the patient's skin! This spectacle left everyone dumbfounded. The alternative medicine specialists widened their eyes, exchanging bewildered glances. "Is this ... " "The Wandering Fire Cup?!" Throughout history, alternative medicine boasted various treatment methods, including cupping, acupuncture, and massage. Yet, due to incomplete ancient texts, information about cupping techniques had been lost in time, and most practitioners focused on acupuncture and herbal remedies. Knowledge of advanced cupping techniques like the Wandering Fire Cup had only been briefly referenced in ancient manuscripts, with no practical implementation details. The previous acupressure had silenced the doctors, compelling them to silently observe Jayce's treatment. And now, the Wandering Fire Cup technique truly astonished everyone, rendering them speechless and cautious not to disrupt the process. The cup moved slowly over the patient's body, tracing unpredictable patterns. Jayce then extracted a cloth pouch from his bag. As he unfurled it slowly, a line of shiny silver needles caught the light. With a swift movement of his fingers, Jayce skillfully selected three needles. Gripping them between the gaps of his right fingers, he swiftly pierced John's acupoints with the ease and accuracy of slicing through soft tofu. "What remarkable acupoint techniques!" The effectiveness of acupuncture hinges on the force, precision, and speed of needle insertion. Jayce employed quick and precise needlework to treat this acute condition. His skills were something the experienced practitioners of alternative medicine could comprehend but not replicate. Furthermore, Jayce's movements flowed smoothly and effortlessly. He inserted five needles one by one. As the fifth needle was inserted, the fire cup ceased and released its pressure. "Cough, cough ... " Suddenly, John began to cough. Simultaneously, the nurse monitoring the equipment exclaimed, "His heartbeat is normal!" All heads turned to look at the monitors. Indeed, John's heartbeat had returned to normal! The elderly alternative medicine doctors were wide-eyed with amazement. "The Five Element Needling! These must be the Five Element Needling mentioned in the texts!" The combination of the Wandering Fire Cup and the Five Element Needling was truly miraculous. The veteran doctors felt tingles on their scalps; they had never imagined witnessing such marvels ever in their lives, especially performed by someone so young! The younger generation is truly remarkable! Jayce removed the needles and lifted away the cup before wiping his hands with a white cloth from his bag. "Old Mr. Eden's life has been saved, but for complete recovery, he will require ongoing treatment. "I will read out a prescription for you. Write it down." Jayce addressed a nearby doctor. "Of course, please proceed." This doctor, esteemed in alternative medicine, now stood humbly like a mere assistant. He did not seem upset; instead, he was ready to take notes like a pupil. "Three grams of feeceflower, two grams of white mustard seed, five grams of nightshade ... " Upon completing the prescription, Jayce said, "In addition to the herbal decoction, Old Mr. Eden needs monthly hospital check-ups. Regular Western medical tests are essential, alongside alternative medicine pulse diagnosis. "During pulse diagnosis, observe his deep and solid pulses. If symptoms improve, adjust the dosage accordingly." Jayce glanced at the alternative medicine doctors. "Do you understand everything I've said?" "Yes, we understand!" These respected doctors now appeared obedient, resembling students in front of Jayce. Jayce then packed his bag and swung it over his shoulder. "Uncle James, I'll take my leave now. I'll visit again another day." With that, Jayce turned to depart. "Hey! Wonder Doctor—" James began to halt Jayce for further questions, but John coughed several times more, showing signs of waking. Seeing that, James hurried over to attend to his father. Meanwhile, Aiken stood by, his face as red as a beetroot. Earlier, he had dismissed Jayce as just a young man, a fraud. He had boasted that if he could not cure the illness, then no one could. Yet, this young doctor had entered, applied acupressure, cupping, and acupuncture, and revived John in under ten minutes. Adding to the injury, Jayce had not even glanced at Aiken once, not even when leaving. Without uttering a single taunting word, Jayce's actions conveyed that Aiken was insignificant in his eyes. Aiken really had overestimated himself. He felt like he had been slapped repeatedly, his face burning with shame and humiliation.