The Rise of a Master It Starts With Rejection novel Chapter 284

"Shut up!" Zara snapped at Liam, her patience finally worn thin.

Since meeting Felix, she had sensed something exceptional about him—a feeling that he wouldn't be easily defeated. She had tried to maintain her focus, preparing herself for the toughest challenge. However, Liam's repeated interruptions had tested her limits. Hence, she was genuinely angry.

Seeing that his attempts to ingratiate himself had backfired, Liam quickly zipped his mouth and shook his head, signaling that he would keep quiet.

At that moment, Felix flicked three silver needles, which flew precisely into Howard's acupoints. Howard instantly closed his eyes, his expression turning to intense relaxation and enjoyment.

"That's it?" Even though Liam had vowed to stay silent, he couldn't help but stifle a laugh, his expression twisting with amusement.

However, Zara suddenly strode over to Howard and observed him closely. After a moment, she inhaled sharply and opened her eyes in disbelief.

"Oh my God! How is this even possible?"

Felix sat back down, taking a casual sip of his tea. "You're clearly someone who knows their craft. Otherwise, I would have wasted a lot of time explaining."

Liam, still clueless, walked over to Zara. "Zara, what's the big deal? Isn't he just doing a simple needle technique?"

Zara turned sharply to Felix, her eyes filled with awe, and then clasped her hands together in a formal gesture of respect.

"I concede defeat! I admit my loss wholeheartedly. You are the right person to represent Dragonia's young generation of traditional medicine practitioners. Victory will be yours!"

Without waiting for a response, she turned and left the room, leaving Liam bewildered. He had no choice but to chase after her.

"Zara, what's going on? You've prepared so thoroughly for this competition against Guneria's team, and you're just handing it over like that?"

Zara let out a bitter laugh as she stopped in her tracks.

…

By 3:00 pm, in a large courtyard at the headquarters of the Traditional Medicine Association, Felix and the other eight young practitioners nominated for the event gathered. They were each seated in their respective chairs.

In front of them sat a group of high-ranking officials from Dragonia who watched them closely. This competition held great significance, as it was tied to the nation's reputation, so it was only natural that every step was treated with the utmost importance.

The purpose of this gathering was to ensure that the selection of the representative would be free of favoritism, relying solely on true skill.

As more people entered the courtyard, Felix picked up on the low voice of the ever-talkative Liam. Despite his attempt to speak quietly, Felix's sharp hearing caught every word clearly.

"I've got reliable intel that tomorrow, for the medical competition with Guneria, two superstar practitioners from our generation are coming. One of them is the goddess of my dreams and my queen!" Liam exclaimed.