Chapter 182: The Relationship Between the Master and the Apprentice Has Deteriorated! Dad, Save Me! The Daughter Throws Herself Into His Arms:
When Xu Qingxue returned home, Xu Hao headed to Shennong Hall to teach Feng Zixuan, the female lead's apprentice, medical skills.
In the acupuncture training room, Feng Zixuan frowned after barely completing a set of the Tianyi Nine Needles. She had been practicing the acupuncture technique taught by Xu Hao, but the Tianyi Nine Needles were too profound and complex.
Having studied the Taiyi Divine Needle for several years, she now faced an even greater challenge. Despite her solid foundation, mastering the Tianyi Nine Needles in such a short time seemed impossible. However, time was running out.
She had only ten days to learn it; otherwise, when Western medicine failed to cure the patient, the blame would inevitably fall on Shennong Hall. The century-old reputation of Shennong Hall, as well as the credibility of Chinese medicine, would suffer.
If she couldn't master the Tianyi Nine Needles within these ten days, she would have no choice but to seek help from her master—her last resort.
She preferred to succeed on her own.
After finishing the acupuncture session, Feng Zixuan looked at Xu Hao anxiously.
Stroking his chin, Xu Hao pretended to be in deep thought.
"Zixuan, your accuracy in acupuncture is commendable, but..."
She recalled Xu Hao's hand guiding hers, each needle flowing smoothly and precisely, faster and more accurate than anything she had experienced before. The technique was as fluid as water, with each movement sharper than a blade and smoother than silk. This reaffirmed her belief—Xu Hao's medical skills surpassed those of the master she had studied under for years.
After demonstrating the technique once, Xu Hao let Feng Zixuan continue practicing without hesitation, acting like a responsible master who relieved her anxiety and provided guidance with pure intentions. Encouraged, she resumed her training and was surprised to find that she had improved significantly with Xu Hao's previous hands-on guidance.
Still, many aspects of the technique remained unclear. Feng Zixuan's eyes lit up with an idea—if Xu Hao could guide her a few more times, she might master the technique within the given time.
Her breathing quickened at the thought.
Though it felt slightly embarrassing, the survival of Shennong Hall and the future of Chinese medicine were at stake.
Considering Xu Hao's previous teachings, she realized he was genuinely dedicated to her progress, with no ulterior motives.
This trust, built over time, made her feel more confident.
She blinked and looked at Xu Hao expectantly.
"Master, I find it difficult to grasp... Could you teach me the same way as before?" Feng Zixuan asked nervously. She trusted Xu Hao but feared he might think she was too slow to learn.
Xu Hao hesitated, "I have no problem with it, but... Zixuan, we're master and apprentice, and men and women..."
Before he could finish, Feng Zixuan interjected, "I don't mind at all, Master! You are working so hard to teach me, and I am truly grateful."
Seeing her sincere trust, Xu Hao smiled meaningfully.
"Alright," he said, stepping forward to hold her hand.
Pressed chest to back, the hand-in-hand teaching resumed.
[Ding! Feng Zixuan's heartbeat quickened, emotional points +678.]
[Ding! Feng Zixuan felt uneasy, emotional poitns +789.]
As emotional points kept refreshing, Xu Hao opened Feng Zixuan's panel and noted her increasing favorability. Their master-disciple relationship was subtly shifting.
At 5 PM, Xu Hao politely declined Feng Zixuan's invitation to dinner and returned to Xu's villa.
With his fourth daughter home, he needed to check in.
…
At Xu's villa—
"Hehe, Fourth Sister, do you wonder why our skin is so flawless? Why we feel so energetic and strong? It's all thanks to Dad's marrow cleansing pill," Xu Shiqing teased.
"The pill cleanses the marrow and meridians, removing impurities and making us feel rejuvenated."
Xu Shiqing's words were enticing.
Earlier, Xu Qingxue had been puzzled and couldn't help but ask about it. The third sister had rushed out of the study upon hearing of her return, and like the others, she had flawless skin and a physique far healthier than an ordinary person.
The charm of the entire family had reached a new level, and Xu Qingxue suddenly felt out of place. Though she had always been beautiful, she now seemed overshadowed, feeling as though Tian Xiaoya stood out more than her for the first time.
"Marrow cleansing and meridian removal? Removing impurities?" Xu Qingxue mused, deep in thought. Could such a miraculous pill truly exist?
Her master hailed from the Tianyi Sect, an ancient sect with a thousand-year history, yet she had never heard of such an elixir.
Where had Xu Hao obtained it?
Not only was the marrow cleansing pill extraordinary, but even the pregnancy-preserving medicine Xu Hao had given to her stepmother, Su Wanqiu, was unparalleled.
After verifying that Su Wanqiu and the baby were in perfect health, Xu Qingxue couldn't help but analyze the medicine further.
To her surprise, the formula was more precise and comprehensive than any pregnancy-preserving medicine she had ever considered. This discovery left her both astonished and curious.
Of course, she would never believe that Xu Hao had prepared this medicine himself.
If that were the case, it would mean his medical skills surpassed even those of her master.
Was that possible?
Most likely, he became a billionaire and used his connections to obtain the medicine from a miracle doctor.
As she pondered this, Xu Qingxue heard her sister, Xu Shiqing, persuading her to acknowledge Xu Hao. Her expression darkened.
Indeed, after returning, she had seen many extraordinary things and realized that Xu Hao was not as simple as she had thought.
But so what? It did not change the fact that he had treated them poorly in their childhood.
There was no deep hatred between them, yet she couldn't bring herself to let go of the past and accept him...
"Fourth sister, are you jealous of us because we've become more beautiful?" Xu Huayi teased with a playful smile.
"Who would envy you? A bunch of traitors, betraying the organization just for beauty, and you still have the nerve to say it?" Xu Qingxue shot back, her tone sharp.
She was now certain that Xu Hao had neither drugged nor hypnotized her sisters. They were in perfect health.
Xu Qingxue pondered why they had turned against her. Perhaps they couldn't resist Xu Hao's temptations. He tailored his teachings—martial arts, piano, painting, and calligraphy—perfectly to their interests.
She despised their lack of resistance.
Was it so easy to fall for his tricks?
She vowed to herself that no matter what Xu Hao did, she would not give in.
Xu Huayi, unfazed by the term "traitor," laughed it off. "Only after we acknowledged Dad did we realize how good he is to us—far better than the Seven Fairies Organization."
"Fourth sister, don't deny it. I can see the desire in your eyes..." Xu Huayi paused and then added mysteriously, "Join us, and I'll ask Dad to give you a marrow cleansing pill. You'll be as beautiful as us. I can even help you get some enhancement medicine to achieve our figure."
Xu Qingxue's expression stiffened, and she clenched her fists. The seven sisters were all stunning, with perfect figures, while she lagged behind. It was her greatest insecurity. Xu Huayi's words stung, and she dared to bring it up in front of everyone.
Anger boiled within Xu Qingxue. "If I don't teach you a lesson today, my name isn't Xu Qingxue!" she yelled, raising her fist to hit Xu Huayi.
Xu Huayi quickly ran off, hiding behind their third sister, Xu Hongjiao, who was calmly sipping tea. "Third sister, save me! Fourth sister is mad because of what I said!"
Xu Hongjiao chuckled, "Don't hit her in the face, and don't expose her weaknesses. You really need to be more tactful."
"But I was just telling the truth!" Xu Huayi pouted.
"It's not a big deal. With Dad's medical skills, helping her regain confidence isn't impossible," Xu Hongjiao remarked casually.
Xu Qingxue, ashamed and furious, chased after Xu Huayi, circling around Xu Hongjiao.
Just as she was about to catch her, Xu Hao returned home.
Seeing him, Xu Huayi dashed forward and threw herself into his arms.
"Dad, save me! Someone's trying to beat your precious daughter!" she cried out.
Xu Qingxue froze in shock, her mouth slightly open. Her eyes were wide with disbelief.
Was this really happening?
Since when did her sisters become so close to Xu Hao?
Seeing Xu Hao again after more than two years, Xu Qingxue realized he had changed. He looked even younger than before, almost like he was in his thirties—handsome, masculine, yet still carrying the maturity that made him irresistible.
What surprised her the most was his refined and approachable demeanor. The oppressive aura she once felt around him was gone.
"Alright, come down," Xu Hao patted Xu Huayi on the back. "You're the most mischievous of the sisters. It's good enough if you're not bullying others. Who dares to bully you?"
Xu Huayi pouted. "Dad, I'm not as naughty as you say."
Xu Hao then turned his attention to Xu Qingxue, his gaze thoughtful.
[Name]: Xu Qingxue
[Identity]: The heroine of[The Return of the God of War]
[Charm]: 94 (full value 100)
[Strength]: 90 (peak of Ming Jin)
[Constitution]: 62 (normal person 10)
[Spirit]: 51 (normal person 10)
[Favorability]: -66
Xu Hao sighed.
Judging by her low favorability score, her dissatisfaction with him was clear. But it didn’t matter—he specialized in handling disobedience. He enjoyed watching them slowly come to terms with his presence.
Before, Xu Feiyan had threatened to teach him a lesson, only to end up wearing a maid outfit and following his every command. Now, she called him "Dad" affectionately.
Xu Hao noticed that Xu Qingxue's charm was slightly lower than her sisters. One reason was that she hadn't taken the marrow cleansing pill, and the other... it had to be related to her figure.
He recalled that the White Rabbit Milk Candy reward was originally meant for her, but it had been split among the other sisters. Well, he had other ways...
Chapter 182: The Relationship Between the Master and the Apprentice Has Deteriorated! Dad, Save Me! The Daughter Throws Herself Into His Arms
As the thought crossed his mind, Xu Hao smiled and said, "Qingxue, it's been a long time. We've all been waiting for you to come back."
Xu Qingxue turned away and happened to notice her sisters gazing at Xu Hao with admiration and contentment on their faces. This sight made her instantly upset. She secretly gritted her teeth. What kind of charm did Xu Hao possess? Wasn't it just his ability to make them beautiful? Did they really have to look at him with such foolish expressions?
[Ding! Xu Qingxue is unhappy, emotional points +456.]
[Ding! Xu Qingxue is full of resentment, emotional points +741.]
As evening approached, Xu Hongjiao invited Xu Qingxue to join them for dinner. "Fourth sister, it's time to eat."
Xu Qingxue glanced at Xu Hao and replied indifferently, "You all go ahead. I've already made an appointment with my senior sister. I'll be leaving soon."
She had no intention of dining with Xu Hao.
"The food is ready, and we've even prepared your favorite dishes. Can't you stay and eat before meeting your senior sister?" Xu Hongjiao asked with a frown.
"No, I've already made plans," Xu Qingxue insisted.
In truth, she wanted to stay and eat with her sisters, but thinking about Xu Hao made her change her mind. Without looking back, she walked out of the Xu family villa.
Watching her leave, Xu Hongjiao's eyes flickered with concern. It was clear that her fourth sister was still holding a grudge. Reuniting the family would take more time.
After leaving the house, Xu Qingxue took out her phone and prepared to contact her senior sister, Feng Zixuan. She had even forgotten to report her return to her elder and second sisters.
A message popped up in their group chat.
Technology is the primary productive force: Where are you? Why aren't you saying anything?
Xu Qingxue hesitated. If Xu Hao could help her achieve her goals, would it be so bad to recognize him as her father? But could he really do it?
Only wanting to make money: It's good that you haven't been influenced by Xu Hao. Fourth sister, be careful not to fall for his tricks.
More messages flooded the group chat as Xu Qingxue scrolled through them.
Technology is the primary productive force: Fifth sister, are you serious? Have the sisters changed so much? When did Xu Hao become so powerful?
In the past, they all thought the sisters were exaggerating about Xu Hao, just like Xu Qingxue did. She realized that she had lied to her third sister earlier.
After reading the messages, the group fell silent for a long time. She unconsciously recalled their bond—it was a group of sisters who once loved each other dearly.
Chinese medicine yyds: Don't worry, my goal is to revive Chinese medicine.
Technology is the primary productive force: ???
After a while, a notification chimed.
Technology is the first life productivity: Fourth sister, what's going on at home? Tell us everything.
It seemed like they were starting to believe that what had been said about Xu Hao was true.
I only want to make money: ???
As the messages poured in, Xu Qingxue felt embarrassed.
She hadn't actually made an appointment with her senior sister. Instead, she started typing about everything she had experienced and observed at home today.
Her words left her sisters in shock.
Chinese medicine yyds: It's absolutely true.
In reality, she had planned to stay at home for a short while before visiting her senior sister. However, since returning, she had been overwhelmed by everything she had seen.
Taking a deep breath, she typed a reply.