Chapter 116: Let's Make a Bet (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 116: Let's Make a Bet (2)
After saying all I needed to Tang Soyeol, we parted ways.
My destination was the Immortal Healer’s quarters. Tang Soyeol had invited me to lunch, but I had to decline. My father had already scheduled something for me, leaving me no choice.
I did feel a little bad about it. The way her face fell when I refused lingered in my mind, but there was nothing to be done.
I made my way to the small compound within the clan grounds where the Immortal Healer was staying. It was located near the medical halls, but it was far more modest than the other guest accommodations the Gu Clan offered.
Originally, the clan had prepared its largest guesthouse for him, but I heard he’d flown into a rage at the sight of it, loudly proclaiming that he wouldn’t set foot in such an ostentatious place.
Anyway,
I’d come to understand the Immortal Healer’s character much better during our long journey from Mount Hua to the Gu Clan in Shanxi. The trip had taken months.
Outwardly, he was a cantankerous old man who complained about everything, but inwardly, he cared for the sick and injured more than anyone else in the world.
I remembered one day during our travels, a servant’s hand was badly scratched by thorns while he was working. The servant brushed it off, saying it happened all the time, but the Immortal Healer had roared at him, insisting that leaving the wound untreated could lead to a fatal infection.
He seemed to genuinely despise seeing people hurt or ill. He always carried pills and bandages on him, readily handing them out to anyone in need. His tongue was sharp, and his nagging didn’t stop until the servant’s injury was completely healed.
One could only imagine the pressure that poor servant felt, being fussed over by the world’s greatest physician for such a minor wound. I learned later that the Healer felt obligated to help because we were providing him with a private carriage for the journey.
Similar incidents happened repeatedly throughout our travels, and by the time we arrived, the number of people who revered the Immortal Healer had grown immensely. He told them all to get lost, complaining they were a nuisance, but his words fell on deaf ears. People had grown fond of him despite his demeanor.
Though the stubbornness ingrained in his bones remained unchanged.
I arrived at his small house with quick strides and found him outside, drying some herbs he had collected on his travels. He noticed me immediately.
“What is it?”
“No particular reason. Just visiting.”
“You’re a strange one… Don’t you have anything better to do?”
“How could I be busy at home? All I do is eat and sleep.”
“Then why come here instead of eating and sleeping?”
Just the tone and content of our exchange made me realize how familiar we had become. It was a far cry from our first meeting, when we were practically strangers.
The Immortal Healer stared at me for a long moment, then spoke with a frown. “What in the world did you eat last night?”
“…How did you know?”
“‘How did I know?’ How could I not know? The Qi inside your body has changed drastically.”
But not noticing would be the normal reaction… It’s usually impossible for a martial artist of low rank to sense another person’s Qi, yet the Immortal Healer could somehow manage it.
Of course, I had no idea how much he could actually discern about my current state. Still, it was probably safe to assume that if my cultivation were just a bit higher, even he wouldn’t be able to perceive anything.
Though it seems he can’t sense the Demonic Qi.
He had noticed the overall increase in my Qi after I consumed the flower, but he appeared completely oblivious to the presence of the Demonic Qi.
“…What, do you want me to check your body?” he asked.
I couldn’t help but smirk at the poorly concealed kindness in his tone. “Are you offering for my benefit?”
“Huh? Of course it’s for your benefit. You think it’s for mine?”
“You could at least try to hide the curiosity burning in your eyes.”
“…Hmph.”
Ever since he learned that I was living healthily despite the chaotic mix of Qi inside my body, the Immortal Healer had seized every chance to observe and analyze me, as if I were a newly discovered species.
I used to let him examine me, thinking it was beneficial since he was, after all, the Immortal Healer. But I grew tired of it eventually; being treated like a test subject wore on me, and I’d started keeping my distance lately.
“Oh, stop pretending. You came here because you wanted this,” he grumbled.
“You’re quite perceptive…”
“Enough nonsense. Sit down here.”
“Yes.”
I sat down carefully and extended my arm as he instructed. He felt the pulse on my wrist. The examination was brief.
“It fascinates me every time,” he muttered. “This… shouldn’t be possible.”
As always, he fell into deep thought afterward. From his perspective, it was a marvel that the explosive, violent Qi of the Gu Clan could coexist peacefully with the calm, serene Qi of the Taoists.
I wonder how he’d react if he knew I also have Demonic Qi, making it a trio of conflicting energies.
If he found out, he’d probably become even more obsessed with my condition. Was this curiosity purely professional, or was there something more to it?
“So? How is it?”
“The volume of your Qi has increased tremendously. The instability I detected when I first examined you is completely gone. I see no problems.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I was worried you’d call me a ticking time bomb again.”
“What did you eat to cause such a change? Did that rascal Dohwa give you something?”
“…Something like that.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie; I had obtained the item near Mount Hua Sect.
While I constantly monitored my own Qi and physical state, a true healer could perform a much more thorough examination. Thankfully, the world’s greatest healer was right here. And since he was so interested in my unique condition, it was a win-win situation.
As the check-up concluded, I asked him a question that had been on my mind. “Is there anything making you uncomfortable here?”
“Uncomfortable? Compared to my old hut crawling with bugs, this is paradise. I’m more than thankful.”
“But I heard you demanded a change of quarters.”
“I’m not working here. Why should Hyuk and I occupy such a large building?”
“Is that so? Yet rumors are spreading through the clan that you occasionally visit the medical halls to assist the other healers.”
“…Which busybody said that?”
I suppressed a laugh as his face twisted into a familiar scowl of annoyance. He always wore that nasty expression and had a foul temper, but he was, at heart, kinder than anyone I knew.
I wondered how such a man had ended up leaving the world of medicine. It was as if Elder Shin had read my thoughts.
[It’s likely because he values his own principles more than honor.]
That’s a harsh judgment.
[To be honest, one’s core beliefs are paramount to martial artists as well. It isn’t a trait limited to healers.]
It might vary from person to person, but there was a firm conviction in Elder Shin’s words.
Principles over honor. I understood the ideology, but in the current martial world, such a thing was practically impossible. People learned martial arts for honor, and honor followed them as they climbed the ranks. Yet, there were also those who learned martial arts purely in pursuit of honor.
“Please make sure to eat regularly. You’re at that age,” I said.
“Who worries about a healer? Save your strange concerns. I take better care of myself than anyone.”
“You call skipping meals ‘taking care’?”
“You little… You’re one to talk, living on nothing but dumplings. Should I start nagging you?”
“…No.”
“Tsk. The examination is over. Go see Hyuk before you leave.”
His words confused me. Seeing my expression, the Immortal Healer added, while gathering his dried herbs, “He seemed disappointed that he hasn’t seen much of you since we arrived at the Gu Clan.”
“Who’s disappointed in whom?”
If he meant Zhuge Hyuk, that felt a bit strange.
Zhuge Hyuk was another person I’d grown close to, just like the Immortal Healer. It was understandable, as I’d made an effort to befriend him.
The Zhuge Hyuk I knew now was completely different from the man I remembered from my past life. That version had a severe burn scar on his face and was endlessly talkative with a repertoire of annoying expressions.
The present Zhuge Hyuk, however, was as emotionless as Namgung Bi-ah and mute besides. We could communicate briefly because he could write on the ground, but sustained conversation was impossible.
Following the Immortal Healer’s suggestion, I left the compound and found Zhuge Hyuk almost immediately. It wasn’t difficult. Having heard his dream was to become a chef, I simply looked for places related to cooking.
Sure enough, I found him outside a small house, chopping vegetables.
“What are you doing here?”
He turned his head quickly at the sound of my voice, set down his knife, and made a series of hand gestures. I recognized them by now. They meant something like, ‘Hello, brother.’
It was true that Zhuge Hyuk enjoyed cooking. He had often cooked with the servants during our journey. He was talented, and everyone enjoyed his food.
He gestured again, trying to convey something more, but eventually picked up a stick. The ground wasn’t ideal for writing, but by focusing on the stick’s movements, I could make out the characters.
-It’s fun.
“…I figured. What are you making?”
-I’m not sure. But this is also tasty.
“Did you come up with another recipe in your head?”
-Yes.
Zhuge Hyuk often cooked freestyle, ignoring recipes entirely. This led to many failures, but also to unique and delicious successes. I remembered a particular dish everyone had loved during our travels.
“The fish you made last time was pretty good.”
-The fried one? Or the boiled one?
“The fried one.”
-Do you want me to make it for you now?
“No, it’s fine. I just remembered it being good. I have plans for lunch.”
-Then I’ll make it for you next time.
“…Uh, sure. I’ll visit again.”
I would normally have refused, but Zhuge Hyuk genuinely enjoyed cooking for others. Besides, he seemed to want to make something for me specifically, so I didn’t reject him this time.
[Do you trust that child now?]
Elder Shin’s question came suddenly. He was being cautious, aware of my past.
My response was candid. No.
My tone was firm. I would probably never be able to trust him completely. Yet, there were parts of him I had faith in. I held onto the hope that he could walk a different path, that his destiny could change.
That was the only reason I had left him untouched. I hoped I would never have to reconsider that decision.
“I’ve asked Ryunghwa to have a meal with me soon. How about you cook for us then?” I said aloud.
-…
Zhuge Hyuk started to write, then stopped abruptly. I saw it clearly—he froze when I mentioned Ryunghwa’s name.
“Hey… Hyuk, your ears seem a bit red.”
He quickly covered his ears, his eyes trembling slightly. Was it an act? It had to be another act.
He carefully wrote on the ground again.
-…When?
“…”
I had been mistaken after all. This guy was truly dangerous.
* * *
After teasing Zhuge Hyuk for a while, I bid farewell to the Immortal Healer and headed to the central compound of the clan. It was the most likely venue for the engagement ceremony, given its importance.
As expected, I saw unfamiliar faces entering the central grounds—probably members of the Namgung Clan.
When I reached the entrance, clansmen bowed their heads and cleared a path for me. A servant intercepted me halfway and insisted I change into formal attire. I would have preferred comfortable clothes, but it was impossible.
It seems I’m not the last to arrive.
Namgung Jin and my father were still absent. The only person I spotted was Namgung Bi-ah, sitting alone inside. It was better with just her there, so I opened the door and entered.
“How long have you been he—“
My body stopped functioning mid-sentence.
A white flower was sitting there.
I wasn’t the only one struck dumb. Even Elder Shin’s voice quivered as he spoke.
[…One could call this witchcraft, with just her appearance alone.]*
Witchcraft? To men, perhaps it had that effect.
She usually wore a mask or veil when going out, even when she looked like she’d just woken up. It was evident how devastating her beauty would be when she dressed up for a special occasion.
Even I, who had grown accustomed to her face from seeing her daily, was shocked by her current appearance.
As I stared, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes shifted toward me.
“You… came.”
“…I came.”
Even as my gaze wavered, my eyes were drawn to her lush lips. I’d been worried about the injury she’d sustained there recently, but it seemed to have healed completely, as if it were nothing.
While I was lost in observing her, she spoke. “Seol-Ah was looking for you.”
“Oh, right. I left without telling her.”
It seemed Wi Seol-Ah had been searching for me. I’d gone to Tang Soyeol’s compound, then to the Immortal Healer, and now here, without returning to my residence.
I should find her later.
With that thought, I sat down across from Namgung Bi-ah. But I still couldn’t bring myself to look directly at her face, fixing my eyes instead on the teacup before me.
I’m going to go crazy.
What am I doing? Not looking at her because she’s too beautiful. Even as I cursed my own childishness, lifting my head felt impossibly difficult.
Namgung Bi-ah noticed my hesitation and spoke in a subdued voice. “Is it weird…?”
“Huh?”
“…Do I… look weird?”
Her voice held a trace of disappointment. Hearing it, I finally looked up and met her eyes. They held a flicker of nervousness.
This girl, always so dull and indifferent, was nervous simply because I wasn’t looking at her.
While I couldn’t fathom why she cared about my opinion, I felt a warmth at the thought—a stark contrast to the turmoil in my mind.
“…It’s not weird.”
“Then?”
A faint excitement tinged her voice. The smallest embers of anticipation sparked in Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes. I understood what she was asking without needing confirmation.
She had always seemed unaware of her own beauty, but now she seemed to recognize it. To be fair, it would be stranger if she didn’t know.
Unable to withstand her persistent gaze, I sighed and replied. “You look… beautiful. Not bad.”
Elder Shin could no longer contain himself. [Did you have to add the last part like a total loser?]
…I know.
[This is unacceptable. For a user of the Flame Arts to be so timid. You’re like a raging fire when you fight, but has someone doused you with water? Have your flames gone out?]
Please stop. It hurts.
After my clumsy words, I finally looked properly at Namgung Bi-ah. Even I knew my response had been inadequate.
Contrary to my expectations, a happy smile spread across her face at my words.
“I wanted to hear that.”
A bright, incandescent smile bloomed, as if she had grown accustomed to smiling. And strangely, all my complicated memories and emotions seemed to wash away with that simple gesture.
But they would never be completely gone. I could never forget her past self.
Suddenly, I was reminded of what I had said to her long ago.
-You resemble the moon.
Those words had held no deep meaning. The Demonic Sword Queen had pale skin, and the bluish tint in her pristine white hair reminded me of the moon’s glow. I had simply said what I felt at the time.
I remember you stood still for a long time after I said that.
I wonder what you were thinking.
I wanted to ask her now. Ask her what had been on her mind back then. There were so many things I wanted to ask, but I had reached a point where I could never ask her anything again.
I tried to keep my filthy self away from you. I really tried. But somehow, too many things got twisted along the way.
“This is all your fault.”
“Hmm…?”
I blamed her for my pain. She just looked back at me, confused. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her expression.
After chatting for a while, a servant informed us that my father and Namgung Jin had arrived. Hearing this, I straightened my posture. This was an important event; my performance needed to be impeccable.
…I was going to run away at first.
I was shocked by my own actions. Did I give up?
[You just happily accepted because she’s pretty. It’s not that complicated.]
…
I hated that I had no retort for Elder Shin’s blunt words.
And so, the engagement ceremony that would bind the Namgung and Gu Clans in marriage commenced.
This occasion later taught me something I had already suspected. My father had remained silent when I asked him, but my guess was now confirmed.
My father and Namgung Jin truly had a terrible relationship.