Chapter 172: Each With Their Strengths
Xing Yi and Xing Jiu openly shared their knowledge with Jian Mo, and Jian Mo had no intention of withholding anything from them.
Hearing Xing Yi’s request, Jian Mo said, “I’m better at treating external injuries. As for illnesses, I’m not as skilled.”
Xing Yi replied, “You’re being too modest.”
Jian Mo shook his head earnestly. “It’s true. My strength lies in using surgical instruments. I also have a decent stethoscope. Would you like to see it?”
“Of course!” Xing Yi’s curiosity was piqued.
Jian Mo went into the house and brought out a stethoscope from his luggage. He walked back outside and handed it to Xing Yi and Xing Jiu. “In a way, listening to the internal sounds of a patient’s body with this tool is similar to what you do manually, but the stethoscope makes it clearer.”
Xing Yi took the small metal device, examining it closely. “How do you use it?”
Jian Mo explained, “Press the wider end against the patient’s body and place the thinner end near your ear.”
Following the instructions, Xing Yi used the stethoscope and was amazed at the clarity of the sounds. “How does it work?”
Jian Mo shrugged. “I think it’s because sound travels more clearly through solid materials?”
He was familiar with the stethoscope’s design and use but couldn’t explain the exact mechanics. Xing Yi, though naturally inquisitive, saw Jian Mo’s uncertainty and decided not to press further.
Instead, he used the stethoscope to demonstrate, inviting Jian Mo to listen as he explained the meanings behind various internal sounds and what caused them.
Under Xing Yi’s guidance, Jian Mo quickly understood and, in his excitement, took out a notebook to diligently jot down his newfound knowledge.
Seeing the neat blocky characters Jian Mo wrote, Xing Yi was intrigued.
After Fen Hui finished sweating, Xing Yi had him drink a hearty soup with meat and vegetables. He then helped Fen Hui revert to human form and escorted him to rest in a room.
Although they had been introduced to new medical methods, Xing Yi and Jian Mo were too engrossed to sleep. The three of them talked late into the night, exchanging insights and ideas.
As the night wore on, Xing Yi finally stood up, though reluctantly. “Tomorrow, I’ll ask if anyone would be willing to undergo surgery so we can learn from you.”
Jian Mo agreed readily. “Sure. Once we have a patient, I’ll evaluate them. If surgery is viable, we’ll proceed. If not, we’ll wait.”
Xing Yi nodded with satisfaction. “Sounds good. You should get some rest. We’ll head back for now.”
Xing Jiu supported Xing Yi as they prepared to leave. Concerned for the elderly Xing Yi after their long discussions, Wu Jiong offered to transform into his wolf form to escort them back.
Xing Yi, initially hesitant, eventually accepted Wu Jiong’s considerate gesture with a smile.
Despite being physically exhausted, Jian Mo’s mind was abuzz with new knowledge.
The following morning, Jian Mo woke with the sunrise, full of energy. He immediately went to check on Fen Hui.
Fen Hui was still asleep, his breathing deep and steady. Jian Mo quietly observed his complexion and skin tone. Even after just one day of treatment, there was a noticeable improvement—the previously yellow hue had faded, giving way to a healthier color.
Stepping out of the room, Jian Mo told Wu Jiong, “Xing Yi really is a miracle worker.”
Wu Jiong nodded. “The Star Yi healer is exceptional.”
Jian Mo smiled. “Absolutely. It’s a world of difference from Len Ke. When I first encountered Len Ke, I thought healers here prioritized rituals over medicine. I’m glad that’s not the case. I’d like to stay a bit longer to learn more.”
Wu Jiong replied, “Stay as long as you like, even until winter. If it takes too long, I can return to the He’an Tribe to inform them.”
Jian Mo considered this. “Let’s wait and see. We’re not sure yet if Xing Yi will want us to stay that long.”
Wu Jiong reassured him, “I think they’d be happy to have you. They respect you and are interested in your medical skills.”
Jian Mo chuckled. “Let’s see how impressed they are after I perform surgery.”
By midday, Xing Yi had already arranged for six patients.
The patients included two with severe limb infections, two with tumors, one with a broken hand, and one with a palpable but internal lump.
Xing Yi explained, “These patients were selected based on your criteria. We don’t have suitable treatments for them. Can you help?”
After examining the patients carefully, Jian Mo concluded, “The three with tumors or internal lumps are relatively easier to treat. The others require more consideration.”
Xing Yi’s eyes lit up. “Which one do we treat first?”
Jian Mo decided, “Let’s start with the patient with the tumor on their neck.”
This was a familiar case for Jian Mo, and the surgery had a high success rate. He wanted to begin with a straightforward case to leave a strong impression.
Xing Yi agreed enthusiastically. “Good idea. Man Zhi’s tumor is a flesh growth. We tried various medicines to reduce it, but it kept growing. Now it’s so large that it’s affecting his posture.”
The tumor on Man Zhi’s neck was nearly the size of his head, weighing down his shoulders and causing skeletal deformation. Though not life-threatening, it significantly impacted his quality of life.
Jian Mo had Man Zhi sit on a low stool as he carefully examined the tumor while explaining, “The neck has many blood vessels. Performing surgery here is challenging because cutting the wrong one can cause massive bleeding.”
Xing Yi nodded. “Exactly! And such a large wound would be difficult for us to manage.”
Jian Mo added, “Post-operative care is critical.”
Xing Yi mentioned, “We have herbal washes that promote healing. They should help.”
Jian Mo’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect. I’ve been missing good post-operative care materials.”
Before beginning, Jian Mo joined Xing Yi in thoroughly examining Man Zhi’s beast form, a practice unique to the Star Yi healers.
Xing Yi guided Jian Mo through the examination, pointing out, “Listen carefully. His organs are functioning well, but the tumor is disrupting his qi and blood flow.”
Jian Mo nodded, ready to proceed. “Let’s begin.”
Jian Mo carefully listened to Xing Yi’s explanations and could indeed hear subtle differences in the sounds.
Xing Yi said, “This is one reason why the medicine we previously used couldn’t shrink the tumor. This tumor is congenital—it’s real tissue, not a newly formed abscess.”
Jian Mo nodded. “It does seem tricky, but since it hasn’t become malignant, surgery should be relatively straightforward.”
Man Zhi’s beast form resembled a massive horse, lying quietly on the ground while listening to their discussion. Without the tumor, the large horse was impressively strong and handsome. However, the tumor completely disrupted its aesthetic, impairing his ability to run and hunt effectively.
After completing the examination, Jian Mo decided to perform the surgery in Man Zhi’s beast form.
He explained, “Beast forms are typically large. When I’ve done surgeries before, working on something this size was a bit strenuous, even with Wu Jiong’s help. But I’m more familiar with beast forms, so performing surgery this way feels more intuitive for me. Plus, it’s better for everyone to observe.”
Xing Yi smiled and said, “Do whatever works best for you. We’ll follow your lead.”
Jian Mo continued, “Let’s prepare first. I’ll start by explaining sterilization procedures.”
Jian Mo gave a detailed explanation of sterilization, covering why it was crucial for successful surgeries. His training was systematic, and his explanation left no gaps.
Xing Yi and Xing Jiu were enlightened. “So, this is why our previous surgeries often didn’t go well!”
Jian Mo asked, “What kinds of surgeries have you performed before?”
Xing Yi replied, “For example, when someone gets pierced by a tree branch or spear while hunting, we perform surgery to remove the foreign object. That counts as surgery, right?”
“Yes,” Jian Mo affirmed. “Removing foreign objects is a classic surgical procedure.”
Xing Yi added, “In such surgeries, after the operation, the patient often experiences stiffness or reduced functionality in their limbs.”
Jian Mo pondered. “It might be due to tissue adhesions. Typically, after such operations, rehabilitation is necessary.”
He then explained adhesions and rehabilitation in simple terms.
Xing Yi exclaimed, “There’s so much to learn from you. We’ve never even thought about rehabilitation.”
After clarifying surgical knowledge, Jian Mo led them through the sterilization process, demonstrating the importance of wearing masks, gloves, and maintaining a clean environment.
Xing Yi, given his age and less steady hands, observed from the side, while Xing Jiu and Wu Jiong assisted Jian Mo during the procedure.
Man Zhi’s tumor was massive, but the surgery itself was not particularly complex.
Jian Mo carefully dissected and removed the tumor, ensuring all related tissues were properly stitched back together. The tumor, once excised, filled an entire basin. If advanced equipment had been available, Jian Mo would have conducted a biopsy on the tissue, but for now, that wasn’t feasible.
The tools Jian Mo used, such as anesthetics, scalpels, and long-tailed beast tendons for sutures, fascinated Xing Yi and Xing Jiu. They marveled at the precision and utility of the instruments.
After the surgery and suturing were completed, Jian Mo declared the operation a success.
During their post-operative discussion, Xing Yi compared their methods. “Surgeries seem much more efficient. You completed this in an afternoon. Using medicine alone would’ve taken us several days or even weeks.”
Jian Mo nodded. “Different conditions require different treatments. Fen Hui’s case, for instance, clearly called for medication rather than surgery.”
“True,” Xing Yi agreed.
With Man Zhi still unconscious, Xing Jiu volunteered to stay and monitor his recovery, allowing Jian Mo and the others to have dinner.
The individualism of the Star Yi Tribe was evident; meals weren’t communal, nor were hunts conducted collectively. While everyone lived in the same tribe, they functioned independently, uniting only during conflicts or external threats.
Dinner that evening was prepared by an invited Pallas Cat beastman chef. The meal consisted of soup and root vegetables.
The soup was a seafood broth filled with clams, crab pieces, fish, and shrimp, complemented by vegetables. It was both savory and slightly spicy. Floating in the soup were soft, dough-like morsels, presumably a local staple, with a unique plant-based fragrance.
Xing Yi asked with a smile, “How is it? Does it suit your tastes?”
Jian Mo nodded. “It’s delicious, very flavorful.”
Wu Jiong added, “I like it a lot.”
Xing Yi grinned. “Eat more! This soup with dumplings is a specialty of our tribe. I specifically had it prepared for you.”
Jian Mo replied, “Then we won’t hold back!”
Xing Yi chuckled. “You should stay longer. Let’s take this time to exchange and learn from each other.”
Jian Mo’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to. May I take a look at your medical recipes? I find them fascinating and would like to copy them down.”
“Of course!” Xing Yi responded. “And we’d like to document your surgical techniques and sterilization methods as well.”
Jian Mo readily agreed. “Absolutely. If it’s convenient, we can start tonight. I’ll need someone to help translate since I can’t read your script yet.”
Xing Yi offered, “Let Xing Jiu help. He’s familiar with the medical texts.”
Jian Mo smiled. “Perfect. I’ll write as I ask questions, and Xing Jiu can guide me. Thank you in advance.”
With mutual agreement, they decided to exchange skills and knowledge.
Jian Mo felt a surge of excitement. After so much time here, he finally had a chance to formally study and enhance his medical expertise.
If he succeeded, he could finally call himself a healer without any lingering doubt.
Thank you for the chapter ~~