This was merely a minor ripple, and Wu Tian did not dwell on it.
Soon, Wu Tian went to Wang Shengshou’s office.
At that moment, Wang Shengshou was reading medical books.
As a figure of Saintly Hand caliber, he was merely affiliated with the hospital and rarely saw patients, thus he was usually quite idle.
Upon entering the office, Wu Tian smiled at Wang Shengshou and said, "Wang Shengshou, so engrossed! Truly, one learns as long as they live!"
Wang Shengshou did not react immediately.
Upon seeing Wu Tian, he immediately exclaimed with delight, "Master has arrived! Please, sit, please sit!"
Wu Tian walked over with a smile, flipped through the books Wang Shengshou was reading, and chuckled, "Wang Shengshou, what are you reading that has you so focused?"
Wang Shengshou smiled and replied, "Oh, it's nothing. Just browsing casually. There isn't much else to do, is there?"
As he spoke, he poured Wu Tian a cup of tea.
Wu Tian took a sip of the tea and continued with a smile, "Wang Shengshou, do you have something you wanted to discuss with me today? You seem so relaxed, it doesn't appear to be anything urgent!"
Seeing Wu Tian's directness, Wang Shengshou immediately said, "Alas, no matter how anxious I am about such matters, it's useless, for all our hope rests on you!"
"All on me?" Wu Tian was taken aback.
"What is it exactly? Why must it be me? I say, aren't you exaggerating for effect?"
Wang Shengshou gave a wry smile, "This is no exaggeration; it's a matter of utmost importance."
"The Asian Traditional Chinese Medicine Exchange Competition, have you heard of it?"
"The Asian what-what exchange competition?" The tongue-twisting name left Wu Tian bewildered.
"Wang Shengshou, what are you talking about? I haven't heard of it!"
Wang Shengshou explained, "The so-called Asian Traditional Chinese Medicine Exchange Competition is a competition that all Asian countries participate in, focusing on a grand display of TCM.
"Such a competition is held annually, and the participating teams are comprised of the most elite medical prodigies from each country. It can be considered the most significant medical event in Asia."
"Really?" Wu Tian had never heard of it and exclaimed, "To think that our TCM is so formidable as to have such a competition."
Wang Shengshou sighed, "That's not the main point. The main point is that we want you to be a participant."
"What did you say?" Hearing Wang Shengshou's words, Wu Tian froze.
"Me, participate? Why?"
Wang Shengshou explained, "Actually, this idea was discussed by the Dean and me after your bout with Kameda Tarou, but we hadn't mentioned it to you then.
"While this competition is nominally open to all doctors, it's generally young physicians who participate, representing the new generation's strength of each nation.
"Our hospital has secured one spot this year, so I wanted to offer it to you. What do you think?"
Wu Tian was momentarily stunned.
Then, he said, "No, Wang Shengshou, this is all too sudden!"
"Are you asking me to compete alone?"
Wang Shengshou shook his head, "No, you've misunderstood. I mentioned a team, so how could I send you alone?"
"The participating team consists of five people. The three major medical families will occupy three spots, leaving two remaining."
"So that's how it is," Wu Tian chuckled.
"Then, this place is truly remarkable!"
"With so many hospitals nationwide, yet this one manages to secure a spot? Does the country have such great confidence in us?"
Wang Shengshou quickly clarified, "Master, you've misunderstood again. The spot I mentioned is not a formal entry spot, but rather a preliminary selection spot.
"Our hospital is merely a county-level hospital. Securing a preliminary spot is already quite good; we wouldn't dare claim a formal one!"
"A preliminary spot?" Wu Tian inquired, "Then, according to you, to gain a formal spot, one would have to go through several rounds of competition?"
Wang Shengshou nodded, "You are correct. If you agree to participate, you will then need to compete in the provincial selection rounds, followed by the selection rounds for the entire Southern region.
"Only by ultimately standing out can you secure a formal spot."
"That sounds so troublesome?" Wu Tian immediately lost interest.
Wang Shengshou continued to nod, "It is troublesome, but it is a necessary process.
"After all, this competition concerns national honor, and this year is particularly important. Naturally, the country must be cautious."
Hearing this, Wu Tian felt a pang of curiosity, "This year is particularly important?"
"Why? Is there some special reward this year?"
Wang Shengshou replied, "It has nothing to do with rewards. It's just that our country, as the birthplace of TCM, has not won the championship for three consecutive years.
"Currently, the status of TCM in our country is precarious.
"The whole of Asia is saying that our country can no longer represent TCM. Therefore, the nation is extremely anxious.
"This expedition carries the nation's unwavering conviction to win, so there can be no room for carelessness.
"We must select the most outstanding individuals from the younger generation; only then might we have a chance to win."
Wu Tian felt an immense pressure just listening.
This was no ordinary competition; it was a matter of national honor.
For such a competition, especially in such a crucial year, winning would be glorious, but losing would make one a traitor to the nation!
Seeing Wu Tian remain silent, Wang Shengshou cautiously asked, "Master, I've told you everything. What are your thoughts? Do you intend to participate?"
Wu Tian hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, "I'm sorry, I don't wish to participate."
"What?" This answer caught Wang Shengshou completely off guard.
He stammered in alarm, "Master, how can you not participate?"
"Your skill is so formidable, I believe you can definitely secure a formal spot!"
Wu Tian was not lacking in self-confidence. He simply found the competition too convoluted and believed it might involve too many complications.
He had always preferred a simple life.
Moreover, there were so many skilled physicians in the country, including prodigies of monstrous talent, so he felt his participation was unnecessary.
He continued to shake his head, "I apologize, it's not a matter of skill. I simply do not wish to compete."