Chapter 769 - 296: Holding a Royal Flush, Yet Playing the Worst Hand (Part 2)

Xu Xingguang nodded and said, "As long as someone appreciates it, your father’s work isn’t without value."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Yi laughed heartily.

"Dad!" he waved at Dongfang Tao’an.

Dongfang Tao’an removed his glasses and looked up at them.

Is the written test already over?

Xu Xingguang didn’t know Dongfang Tao’an, but Dongfang Tao’an, upon learning that Dongfang Yi had taken Xu Xingguang as a mentor and followed her daily to learn ancient martial arts, had deliberately observed Xu Xingguang from the shadows.

Upon recognizing Xu Xingguang, he instinctively turned off his handheld computer, packed the keyboard and computer into his briefcase, and then stood and walked towards them.

There were three minutes left until the submission deadline; Xu Xingguang must have submitted early.

As expected from Elder Tan Nan’s student, truly smart.

Dongfang Tao’an proactively extended his right hand to Xu Xingguang, his palm wide and calloused like that of a martial practitioner. "Doctor Xu, hello, I’m Xiao Yi’s father, my name is Dongfang Tao’an."

"Mr. Tao’an, nice to meet you." As Xu Xingguang shook his hand, she immediately sensed the instability of his inner strength, caused by unprofessional and scattered practice of ancient martial arts.

"Mr. Tao’an, your martial power is chaotic, I’d suggest it isn’t necessary to practice all ancient martial arts secret manuals." She slightly exerted force on his wrist, turning Dongfang Tao’an’s right hand palm up.

Staring at the tendons between Dongfang Tao’an’s hand and arm, she continued, "Focusing on defensive manuals would be more suitable."

Dongfang Tao’an was deeply shocked.

Only an expert in ancient martial arts could accurately assess someone’s inner strength just through skin contact.

"Doctor Xu, do you have any recommended cultivation manuals?" The Dongfang Family hasn’t seen a true ancient martial arts expert in over two hundred years; Dongfang Tao’an practiced haphazardly, learning a mix of things without focus.

He knew a little of everything but excelled in nothing.

His general ancient martial arts proficiency was barely passable, yet his body was nearly worn out.

He was aware of his body’s issues but couldn’t find a good solution and kept delaying.

Seeing Xu Xingguang diagnose his physical problems after a mere handshake and provide practical advice, Dongfang Tao’an realized Xu Xingguang was a true ancient martial arts expert.

In her era in Xia Country, almost everyone practiced ancient martial arts, not necessarily to become masters but simply to strengthen their bodies.

Back then, authentic ancient martial arts introductory manuals could be found in martial arts halls and libraries, while more profound secret manuals of ancient martial families were not shared outward.

Xu Xingguang wasn’t sure how many ancient martial arts secret manuals are still circulating in the Divine Martial Realm today. But if even Dongfang Tao’an from the Dongfang Family couldn’t find authentic ancient martial arts manuals, they were likely long lost.

"Is there still a martial arts hall in the Central Yu Alliance?"

Dongfang Yi and Dongfang Tao’an simultaneously shook their heads, "No."

Dongfang Tao’an said, "Even in Emperor City, there are no official martial arts halls anymore, only a few ancient martial arts museum exhibition halls."

"It seems ancient martial arts have completely disappeared." Reflecting on the once-thriving and trendsetting ancient martial arts, now fallen to the point where not a single hall can be found, Xu Xingguang felt a bit saddened.

She took a sip of fruit tea and said, "In a few days, I’ll have Xiao Yi bring Mr. Tao’an a cultivation manual." Coincidentally, the Ming Family Army warriors could also follow this manual to practice.

Ancient martial arts may have vanished, but ancient martial arts experts are not yet extinct.

As long as she and Huo Wen’an are alive, this cultural heritage will not completely vanish.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Tao’an’s eyes lit up, he quickly thanked Xu Xingguang. "Thank you, Doctor Xu."

"Don’t rush to thank me. Before practicing ancient martial arts, you should focus on properly conditioning your body." Xu Xingguang eyed Dongfang Tao’an’s slightly protruding veins and said, "You’re like an over-inflated balloon right now; further practicing ancient martial arts could lead to sudden death."

"Deflate first, then practice ancient martial arts; that’s the correct approach."

Hearing this, Dongfang Yi explained on behalf of his father, "Elder Tan Nan previously prescribed a few remedies for my dad; he’s already undergoing treatment."

Xu Xingguang inquired about the remedies, prompting Dongfang Tao’an to detail them.

After finishing, he asked Xu Xingguang, "Doctor Xu, Elder Tan Nan’s prescription shouldn’t have any issues, right?"

"Elder Tan Nan is a highly skilled veteran in medical practice; the prescription is naturally reliable. However, several ingredients in the prescription could be replaced with more effective herbs."

Xu Xingguang casually suggested three alternatives that have similar effects but stronger potency and fewer side effects.