Chapter 31
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: A Fateful Encounter Disguised as Coincidence (3)
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Hong Wi-mun shot to his feet without realizing it.
‘How did he?!’
Seo Ryang, playfully smiling and shaking a bottle of liquor, looked cheerful. His eyes, fixed on So Yeonsim, were remarkably clear, unlike those of a typical demonic cultivator.
So Yeonsim let out an involuntary gasp.
“Third Young Master...?!”
Seo Ryang smiled.
“You weren't in your quarters, so I had to do some searching. I wondered where you were, and it turns out you were in such a scenic spot.”
At his unhesitating entrance, as if he owned the place, the warriors holding the door open instinctively backed away.
“What are you all doing?”
The warriors turned their gazes to Hong Wi-mun.
His face was cold and stiff.
“This is a gathering for an esteemed guest. I ordered you to let no one in. Why did you not stop him?”
The flustered warriors instinctively gripped the hilts of their swords. But given who they were facing, they were at a loss for what to do.
Seo Ryang flicked his fingers.
“Ah, is that so? You should have said so earlier.”
He took a couple of steps back, exiting the room he had just entered.
Taking a deep breath, he shouted in a booming voice.
“If you're done with the first round, let's have a second one with me!”
Then he grinned.
“Is that better?”
Hong Wi-mun's eyelid twitched.
His grand entrance and unconventional behavior left even the seasoned So Yeonsim speechless. At least within the Divine Cult, no one had ever acted like that in front of the leadership.
Staring at him blankly, So Yeonsim came to her senses, quickly stood up, and bowed.
“Invincible Divine Cult, All Demons Submit. The Lord of the Garden of Joy greets the Third Young Master.”
At the same time, the warriors also knelt.
They had received their orders from Hong Wi-mun, but the man before them was also a disciple of the Cult Leader. Moreover, while their official ranks might be the same, there was a difference in age and seniority.
Naturally, they had to show respect.
Seo Ryang chuckled.
“You don't have to be so formal. I'm not a fan of it.”
So Yeonsim's eyes sparkled.
Not a fan of formality? To So Yeonsim, who remembered the Third Young Master from before, those words sounded incredibly out of place.
“Anyway, what will you do? Will you continue enjoying your time here? Or have a drink with me?”
“That is...”
Just as So Yeonsim was about to answer, Hong Wi-mun interjected.
“What is the meaning of this, Third Brother?”
Third Brother...
What an affectionate title. Hearing it in person was enough to stir feelings that weren't there before.
That is, if he hadn't been scheming behind my back.
“Lord So is with me. Isn't it incredibly rude to barge in and disrupt our meeting?”
Seo Ryang turned his gaze to Hong Wi-mun.
It was the first time they had locked eyes since he arrived. Their different gazes clashed, sending sparks flying.
But it was only for a moment.
Chuckling, Seo Ryang turned his head back to So Yeonsim and spoke leisurely.
“I'm not fond of uncomfortable situations. I'd appreciate a prompt answer.”
It was a rather blatant dismissal.
Hong Wi-mun's cheek twitched, his anger surging.
“Look here, Third Brother!”
Just then, So Yeonsim took a step forward.
“My apologies, Third Young Master.”
“Hm?”
“Regardless, I was invited, and I accepted. Until this meeting is over...”
“That's what I'm saying. Why don't you end this meeting and have a drink with me?”
“Our conversation isn't finished...”
“Ah, is it because of the Green Hill Four-Leaf Herb?”
The atmosphere instantly turned frigid.
Seo Ryang scratched his head.
“The Green Hill Four-Leaf Herb is usually needed for two reasons. When one's yang energy is so depleted that the concentration of yin energy must be drastically lowered, or when one suffers from the Nine Yin Severed Meridians.”
“……!”
“However, in both cases, there are many other herbs that can be used as substitutes. Someone of your stature, Lord So, would surely know that. This means you're in a situation where there are no substitutes for the Green Hill Herb...”
*Yip!*
Scratching the baby fox's chin, Seo Ryang said.
“Did someone you know perhaps fall into Qi Deviation while practicing Yin Arts?”
So Yeonsim's eyes widened.
“H-How did you know...?”
“If you dry, roast, and grind the Green Hill Four-Leaf Herb into a powder, it is excellent for correcting reversed meridians. It also controls surging yin energy and temporarily protects one's vital essence, allowing for treatment even in a severely weakened state.”
“……”
“Am I right?”
So Yeonsim's mouth hung open. He knew the exact reason she needed the Green Hill Four-Leaf Herb.
Seo Ryang shook his head.
“I don't know the patient's condition, but unless they're on the verge of death, the Green Hill Four-Leaf Herb isn't absolutely necessary. In fact, it could even be dangerous. It might go beyond controlling yin energy and throw the yang energy into chaos as well.”
“……!”
“I understand your urgency out of concern for the patient, but there's no need to overdo it.”
The color drained from So Yeonsim's face, changing by the second.
Just then, Hong Wi-mun stepped forward.
“It seems you've developed quite a vulgar hobby since we last met.”
“Hm?”
“Eavesdropping on others' conversations. Do you think that's fitting behavior for the Third Young Master of the Divine Cult?”
“Oh? Was it?”
“If you understand, then get out of here at once...”
“Then how about this?”
“What?”
Seo Ryang sneered.
“I'm talking about the actions of a bastard who tried to kill his brothers, both overtly and covertly, to seize power.”
“……!”
“What do you think? I think it's the undignified, petty scheming of an incompetent fool.”
Hong Wi-mun's face hardened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“If your head is too stupid to understand, why do you even carry it around? Weren't you just trying to win over my handmaiden with the Green Hill Four-Leaf Herb a moment ago, calling it a deal?”
“Look here, Third Brother!”
“Hey, anyway, I can see you trying something against me.”
Seo Ryang shrugged. To keep from falling, the baby fox scrambled up onto his head.
“But did you really have to go after our youngest brother too?”
“……!!”
So Yeonsim turned to look at Hong Wi-mun, her face filled with horror.
A murderous intent flickered in Hong Wi-mun's eyes.
“Even if you are my Third Brother, I can't tolerate any more of these insults.”
“Tolerate it, you punk. Someone came back from the dead, and you can't even handle a little taunting?”
“Third Brother!”
“Then again, there's no point in running my mouth when there's no proof. In any case...”
He looked at So Yeonsim and asked.
“What will you do? Will you cling to a deal that has become as meaningless as my taunts just now?”
So Yeonsim's eyes, fixed on Hong Wi-mun, grew increasingly sharp.
“Third Young Master.”
“Please, speak.”
“Then, do you have a way to improve the condition of the person who fell into Qi Deviation right now? The Blood Soul Pavilion said we had to wait and see.”
Seo Ryang grinned.
“Have you forgotten that I myself fell into Qi Deviation and recovered?”
“……!”
“How do you think I survived when everyone said I would die or become a cripple? And that was while some idiot was trying to sabotage me with doctored potions and acupuncture.”
So Yeonsim pushed the silk pouch on the table toward Hong Wi-mun and said coldly.
“Thank you for the invitation. I'll pay for what I've consumed.”
“...Lord So.”
“Now, if you'll excuse me.”
So Yeonsim turned so sharply it made a whooshing sound.
If the deal was the same, there was no reason to do business with someone she disliked. Hong Wi-mun hadn't been aggressive, but he had hurt her enough that she couldn't muster even a shred of goodwill for him.
*Drip.*
Blood dripped from Hong Wi-mun's fist. His stiff face was a mask of rage and humiliation.
Seo Ryang, who had been glancing at him, also turned his head away.
He would have been less furious if they had said something, anything. But their complete dismissal caused Hong Wi-mun's killing intent to swell.
“It's cheap white liquor. Will that be alright?”
“Of course. As long as the cups are clean.”
“I've scrubbed them until they squeak. Let's have a nice, cool drink.”
“It would be an honor. Oh my, what about the fox?”
“He's my pet.”
“He's adorable.”
“...He's a little monster, so don't touch him carelessly. He bites.”
As he stared daggers at their retreating backs while they chatted amiably, a suppressed voice escaped Hong Wi-mun's lips.
“...Seo Ryang.”
* * *
It couldn't compare to Cheonwijeong, but the courtyard of the Lord's private villa within the Garden of Joy was also quite beautiful.
Sitting on a wooden bench, So Yeonsim glanced to the side.
“And who is this?”
Ma Dongpil bowed his head slightly, but offered no further greeting.
Seo Ryang handed her a cup and said.
“This is Ma Dongpil from the Hall of Protectors. He's the man who saved my life several times in the Solitary Bamboo Forest.”
So Yeonsim's eyes glittered with interest, while Ma Dongpil's face showed bewilderment.
“That is too high a praise, Young Master.”
“As you can see, he's not very flexible.”
Even more flustered, Ma Dongpil bowed his head low, not knowing what expression to make.
Seeing this, Seo Ryang chuckled. The baby fox on his shoulder struggled to keep its balance.
A smile spread across So Yeonsim's face.
‘What a warm atmosphere.’
Was it because of his near-death experience? Or was this his true personality?
The Third Young Master she remembered was vastly different from the one before her now. It was as if he were a different person entirely.
Yet, it didn't feel like an act. That kind of atmosphere couldn't be faked.
His humane side, a rarity in the Divine Cult, gradually soothed her anger.
“Now, will you have a drink?”
“It would be an honor.”
The aroma of the white liquor being poured was incredibly strong.
“Allow me to pour for you, Young Master.”
“The honor is all mine.”
After filling their cups, the two clinked them together.
“Kuh, this is strong stuff. Are you alright?”
“Liquor can be sweet or bitter, depending on who you drink it with.”
Seo Ryang smiled.
“And how is it now?”
“Moderately bitter and moderately sweet.”
It meant that while she still felt the pressure of being with the Third Young Master, her impression of him at this moment was a good one. It was not a bad start.
Just as So Yeonsim was about to speak again, Seo Ryang said.
“I know your heart is troubled, my lord. There's no need to beat around the bush. It would be proper to give you the answer you seek first.”
Hearing him bring up the topic she wanted to discuss relieved her of the burden. So Yeonsim felt more at ease.
“How old is the patient who fell into Qi Deviation?”
“...Twenty-five.”
“Did they have exceptional martial talent?”
She didn't know why he was asking this, but So Yeonsim answered without question.
“She could be called a prodigy. She's so bright that if you teach her one thing, she understands two or three.”
“In that case, the treatment should be quite fast.”
Seo Ryang looked around.
“Please bring me a brush, ink, and paper.”
This time, she couldn't help but ask.
“What is that for...?”
“It is to write down the incantations. Of course, you can memorize them if you prefer.”
“……!”
“I will be omitting the core verses of the martial art itself and providing only the healing incantations, so you need not feel burdened.”
“Ah, no...”
“That's not to say they aren't difficult. It will likely take a full three days to understand and attempt them.”
“Young Master.”
“There won't be any major changes right away. I can't say for certain without knowing her condition, but if you persevere, she should be able to move within about half a year.”
At the mention of half a year, So Yeonsim's eyes widened.
“To be able to move within half a year, you mean...?”
“As I said, it depends on her aptitude and effort. Based on your word that she has some talent and assuming her condition isn't too severe, I estimate she'll be able to move without difficulty in half a year.”
Someone who had fallen into Qi Deviation and couldn't even walk would be able to move in half a year. Considering even the physicians of the Blood Soul Pavilion had been pessimistic, it was hard to believe.
Staring blankly at Seo Ryang, So Yeonsim's eyes suddenly flashed.
“Since you have said so, Young Master, I will put aside belief and disbelief and also speak directly.”
“Please do.”
“What is it that you want from me?”
Seo Ryang smiled and replied.