Chapter 1031: Chapter 1032: Opportunity
"Master, did your strength also improve because of this kind of medicine?" Lu Yaobing asked while blowing her hair.
Song Xiaodong said, "Yes and no. I honed it myself in the past, and later, after obtaining this medicine, it provided a significant boost. In fact, the full efficacy of this medicine hasnât been completely utilized yet, as some ingredients are extremely rare, and I havenât acquired them."
"Moreover, this medicine isnât endlessly effective. Like the two times you took it before, each time the ingredients had major differences. If you take the medicine you first heard about again, it wonât have any effect. The medicine youâll take next time will be much stronger in efficacy, which is why I canât determine the extent of its side effects."
"So thatâs how it is. How long can I keep taking this medicine?" Lu Yaobing asked curiously.
"Itâs hard to say. In my estimate, you might only be able to take it three or four more times before you canât anymore. The following medicineâs effects will be too strong for you to bear. During this period, you need to gradually consolidate on your own. True Qi is something that can only be supplemented externally; truly making it your own requires personal effort in cultivation."
"I understand, Master. I wonât rely on medicine."
"Good, as long as you understand. After these rounds of medicine enhancement, your True Qi will have a certain foundation. Then, Iâll teach you some more advanced techniques for True Qi circulation."
"Okay, thank you, Master." Lu Yaobing put down the hairdryer, smiled sweetly at Song Xiaodong, and tied her hair into a ponytail.
The two had a simple lunch in the hotel, then together returned to school.
Song Xiaodong parked the car directly in front of the teaching building. As they got out, there were quite a few students arriving for classes, their gazes instantly focused on Song Xiaodong and Lu Yaobing.
The affair between Song Xiaodong and Lu Yaobing had been the talk of the school these past few days. Seeing them appear so openly together seemed to cement the rumors of their relationship.
Lu Yaobing and Song Xiaodong didnât mind the stares and walked into the classroom with smiles on their faces.
When the two entered, the previously noisy classroom suddenly quieted down, with all gazes directed at Song Xiaodong and Lu Yaobing.
Lu Yaobing returned to her seat; Wang Xiaoling immediately lowered her voice, "Yao Bing, whatâs going on? Iâve sent you so many messages on WeChat, but you havenât replied."
Lu Yaobing smiled and said, "I was with Master, didnât look at my phone."
Though the voice wasnât loud, everyone in the classroom could hear it, and immediately the atmosphere became even quieter, with a peculiar look in everyoneâs eyes.
Lu Yaobing smiled again and said nothing further.
Song Xiaodong gently tapped the desk and said, "Now I want to address something with everyone. In the past couple of days, rumors about me and Yao Bing have been circulating around school. While I was away, Iâm unaware of the specifics. Upon returning and seeing the situation blow up, I felt it necessary to clarify things."
Sweeping his gaze around the room, Song Xiaodong continued, "My Acupuncture Technique isnât just ordinary acupuncture. If mastered, it can achieve extraordinary accomplishments. Thus, Iâm very cautious in teaching students, and Lu Yaobing is, so far, the most satisfactory student Iâve had, prompting me to accept her as my first disciple. Itâs true that I took her to a hotel, but it was to instruct in some special methods."
Pausing for a moment, Song Xiaodong added, "I hope to have a second disciple, a third disciple, but it depends on whether you can impress me."
A female student immediately asked, "Teacher Song, do you select disciples based on looks first?"
Song Xiaodong chuckled lightly, "Of course not."
A male student quickly followed, "Teacher Song, do only females qualify?"
Rolling his eyes, Song Xiaodong sternly said, "You need to keep your thoughts pure. Iâm not joking around with you. In accepting disciples, I only consider individual ability and character. These two are essential. If your ability is strong but your character isnât, I absolutely wonât teach you. If your character is good but you lack ability, I might offer guidance, but not enough to make you my disciple."
Wang Xiaoling said, "Teacher Song, the forum is buzzing with rumors, and the school canât just ignore it, right? Our class might understand, but what about others? Others may not easily believe it."
Song Xiaodong smiled slightly, "Thank you for your concern. Iâve resolved this issue. Itâs Liu Chunan, the dean, publicizing personal grievances by finding people to slander me and Lu Yaobing. This matter will calm down shortly, but..."
Song Xiaodongâs smile faded, "There are some students uninformed who were involved. Whether threatened by Liu Chunan or motivated by his benefits, I hope you will personally admit your mistakes at the office after class today. This is your last opportunity. If you fail to seize it, donât expect mercy from me later when you come pleading. Everyone must take responsibility for their actions; not everyone will be as forgiving as your parents."
Towards the end, Song Xiaodongâs tone became sharp. It wasnât a threat, but indeed offering those students one last chance. If they genuinely failed to seize it, the school would handle it without further leniency.
Lu Yaobing hesitated, then stood and said, "I donât know who did such a thing, but Teacher Song is truly giving you a chance. I hope no one in our class was involved, but even if someone was, I wonât hold it against you. Maybe Liu Chunan pressured you, or perhaps I inadvertently offended you before. After all, weâre classmates. I donât want anyone in our class left behind, so please go admit your mistakes."
The classmates instinctively glanced at each other, unable to discern anything. But under Song Xiaodongâs keen gaze, the unnatural expressions of two students were evident, indicating their involvement.
Song Xiaodong didnât expose them, as at this age, after making a mistake, heâd still offer a chance. Yet, if they didnât seize it, theyâd face necessary consequences.
Those two students, caught under Song Xiaodongâs gaze, felt guiltier and inexplicably more transparent as if Song Xiaodong saw through them entirely.