Cherished By Seven Sisters by Melvin Houle

Chapter 361 Proving It

Duncan, known for his fiery temperament, had reached his limit.

He suddenly realized how deeply ingrained the ignorance of these association members was. Their

refusal to acknowledge his perspective made it abundantly clear that he no longer had a place in the

Chanaca Traditional Medicine Association.

The realization struck him that the true experts in the medical field held no regard for the association

Duncan could see that the association was more focused on maintaining appearances rather than

genuinely exchanging medical knowledge.

In this charged atmosphere, Azel, unable to contain his agitation, directly challenged Caylie Mi White,

as a so–called acupuncture prodigy, surely you won’t stand idly by while this outsider casts doubt upon

you?” he prodded, his voice filled with expectation

Marley’s gaze followed Axel’s, landing on Caylie with a scrutinizing look. “So, you’re the much–talked-

about Dr. Lund of Jadeborough? he inquired, his tone laced with skepticism.

There was an underlying question in his voice, a doubt about the validity of the rumors that had

reached his ears. She’s so young!

Caylie, maintaining her composure amidst the rising tension, responded with dignity. It matters little to

me whether the scrutiny comes from within Chanaea or from abroad. As I’ve stated before, my

dedication to medicine is about healing and saving lives, not about engaging in petty squabbles for

prestige. I would advise you all to leave, the declared, her stance unwavering

Axel, already hurt by Marley’s earlier dismissal, redirected his frustration towards Caylie, his words.

tinged with bitterness. “So you were just boasting. It seems we’re witnessing the downfall of our

traditional medicine, led astray by the naivety of the younger generation,” he lamented, his words

echoing a ventiment of despair.

In the wake of Marley’s demeaning remarks, Axel found himself seething with growing frustration. Yet,

instead of directing his anger at Marley, he chose to target Caylie with thinly veiled insults.

Was this redirection of his anger not a testament to his own inner turmoil?

Caylie, for her part, remained utterly disinterested in engaging in pointless banter. Her sole desire was

to see these disruptors leave without further ado.

Marley, seizing the opportunity, mocked the situation with a derisive laugh. “So, the famed Dr. Lund of

Jadeborough is nothing but a farce? Has Chanaca become so desperate that it must fabricate such

tales to boost its pride?” he taunted, his words cutting deep.

Reuben, ever the mediator, attempted to defuse the escalating situation. “Let’s not blow this out of

proportion. This is an isolated incident and does not reflect our nation’s medical heritage,” he

interjected, hoping to contain the fallout.

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“Ha!” Marley, unsatisfied, pressed further, “Well then, if your so–called prodigy is genuine, let her admit

her inferiority to my techniques and concede that our Keprarian traditional medicine surpasses that of

your nation,” he challenged, his eyes gleaming with provocation.

The tension in the room escalated as Caylie’s refusal to rise to Marley’s bait drew everyone’s attention.

The looks cast by Reuben and the others were filled with unspoken threats and judgment.

In their eyes, Caylie was nothing more than a pretender to the throne of medical mastery, her claims to

the title of “Dr. Lund” an exercise in self–aggrandizement that they viewed with scorn and disdain.

The stakes were high. If Caylie had echoed Marley’s provocative statements, she would have found

herself ostracized and branded a traitor by Chanaca’s traditional medicine field.

Yet, Caylie remained calm and collected, a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere around her.

However, just as Reuben and the others had suspected, she could not possibly utter words that would

belittle Chanaca’s traditional medicine.

Assertiveness did not mean aggression, nor did a lack of competitiveness indicate inferiority.

With a firm shake of her head, Caylie addressed the gathering, her voice steady and determined. “I

cannot accept your claim, she firmly stated. “Chanaca’s traditional medicine has a long and respected

history, one that Kepraria cannot hope to match. As for my skills in acupuncture. I refuse to

acknowledge any supposed inferiority to yours.”

Reuben breathed a sigh of relief at Caylie’s response, reassured that despite her perceived flaws, she

had a sense of national pride and professional integrity.

She still had potential.

Marley, visibly annoyed by Caylie’s defiance, issued a direct challenge. “If you truly believe your

acupuncture techniques are superior, then prove it. Let us determine who truly excels in acupuncture.”

Thus, the stage was set for an inevitable confrontation.

After a moment’s hesitation, Caylic agreed to the challenge with one condition: “Once this competition.

is over, I expect you and your group to leave Apricot Hall for good. I never want to cross paths with any

of you again.”

The agreement was a practical solution to end the ongoing standoff, a way to silence the constant.

challenges and restore peace to their hall.

“Let’s begin!”

Marley’s gaze burned with intensity as he outlined the rules of the upcoming acupuncture duel. “We will

follow the traditional rules. Each side will choose a participant from the other group. We must avoid the

restricted acupuncture zones, such as the precordium, but other acupoints are fair game. The depth of

each needle insertion must be kept under half an inch. Victory will go to the one who inflicts.

the most unbearable pain on their opponent with the fewest needles.”