Shaking the Board (4)
Ok Cheong's condition was more serious than expected.
“The internal organs have suffered extensive damage. They were torn by unimaginable pressure, causing severe internal bleeding. For an ordinary person, avoiding instant death would have been nearly impossible.”
“......”
“By a stroke of incredible luck, extremely gentle true qi was enveloping the five viscera and six bowels. The moment the injuries occurred, it immediately began repairs. To be more precise, it maximized natural recovery, ensuring that no single area pursued transcendent healing. Instead, it normalized every organ completely.”
“This friend is a Daoist of Wudang.”
“As expected. Though I have never once met a Wudang Daoist, I possess some familiarity with Daoist martial arts. Daoist techniques follow the natural order. They generally pursue harmony with nature, so their self-healing aims for reliable normalization rather than abnormal recovery—even if the process is somewhat slower.”
The man known as the Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor was far calmer than his formidable reputation suggested. True to his title of being versed in a hundred kinds of wisdom, his knowledge ran deep.
“However, there is a stab wound on the back of his left waist. It is quite deep. The edges are not particularly sharp, so it does not appear to have been inflicted by a master’s sword strike.”
“Correct. It was pierced by a broken sword fragment driven by the force of the impact.”
“A dangerous location. That is where the kidney resides, and the kidney is one of the organs that cannot recover. Furthermore, judging by the flow of true qi...”
The Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor glanced at Yeon Hojeong.
“The blade reached the kidney. It is fatal. He could die from excessive bleeding long before sepsis sets in. The kidney contains an abundance of blood vessels.”
“I am aware.”
“I have heard that masters who have reached the ultimate realm can demonstrate unbelievable power by repairing not only internal organs but even the most minute blood vessels.”
“At my current level, it is possible.”
“But this patient is not at that level.”
“Correct.”
“Yet while traces of the wound remain, the kidney itself shows no abnormalities whatsoever. There are no immediate signs of sepsis, and it even overflows with vitality far more than the other organs.”
“How fortunate.”
“It is fortunate, yet as a physician I cannot simply overlook it. If the body’s condition defies logic, I must understand the exact cause and process. Only then can I ensure no complications arise in future treatment.”
The Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor asked with grave seriousness.
“Did Lord Yeon assist him?”
Many knew the rumor that Yeon Hojeong led the Myeolsa Army, but word that he commanded the newly formed Medical Affairs Army had not yet spread.
Perhaps that was why some occasionally took the “Ho” from his alias Wall Mountain Protector and simply called him Lord Yeon.
“Yes. Though I am no physician, I possess some understanding of the human body. As the Divine Doctor said, a wound of that depth in that region would unquestionably be classified as fatal.”
“You are well informed.”
A bitter look crossed Yeon Hojeong’s face.
“Because I am a butcher who only knows how to beat men to death.”
“But how exactly did you treat it? No matter how skilled a master may be, manipulating one’s own body and treating another’s are entirely different matters. Especially in a region like this.”
“I possess a miraculous internal cultivation method unknown to others. I simply used one aspect of it to seal the wound and maximize the kidney’s function.”
The Black Tortoise Qi.
The Black Tortoise governed the northern water energy and, within the human body, presided over the kidneys.
As the Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor had stated, the kidney was an organ with almost no capacity for recovery. Unlike the liver, which could regenerate even if half remained, once a kidney failed, that was the end.
To say nothing of a blade piercing it. No matter how profound one’s internal cultivation, healing it so cleanly should have been impossible.
That was but one of the infinite powers of the Four Gods Martial Arts. Of course, it had only been possible because Yeon Hojeong’s realm was exceptionally high and his understanding of the Four Gods surpassed all others.
“There truly exists such a martial art?”
“There does.”
The Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor sank into deep thought.
Any other physician would have dismissed the claim outright. Especially one like him, who was versed in both internal and external cultivation.
Yet the Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor believed Yeon Hojeong’s words.
Having examined the patient’s condition himself, he could not call them false. There were no traces of medicinal power in the body, making it unlikely that spiritual medicine had been used. Most importantly, a man who could be considered a general of the Martial Alliance had no reason to lie in such a situation.
The Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor let out a hollow laugh.
“I have devoted myself to medicine for more than thirty years, yet this is the first time I have heard of an internal energy technique like that.”
“I know it is difficult to believe.”
“It is difficult to believe, but I do not disbelieve it. I do, however, have one question.”
“Speak.”
“I understand that Lord Yeon’s internal cultivation method is wondrous, but it seems unlikely that the true qi would be specifically effective only for the kidneys. Do you perhaps possess energy that is effective for other organs as well?”
“I do.”
“Then that is enough.”
The Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor nodded.
“The critical danger has passed, but we are not yet at a stage where we can relax completely. The patient’s mind and body are exceptionally robust, so his recovery should be faster than expected. Still, if Lord Yeon would assist, we could dramatically accelerate the healing process.”
“Which area requires attention?”
“The heart. It received the next greatest shock after the kidney. Although it is protected by the patient’s true qi, that qi is flickering on the verge of collapse.”
“May I begin immediately?”
“Please do.”
Thus, Ok Cheong’s treatment began.
Yeon Hojeong used the Vermilion Bird Fire Qi to thoroughly safeguard Ok Cheong’s heart.
Beyond questions of enlightenment or realm, the Vermilion Bird Fire Qi was the roughest and most ferocious energy among the Four Gods. It excelled at infusing immense power into a healthy heart, but healing a damaged one was inevitably more difficult than with the other three.
This was why Yeon Hojeong’s manipulation of true qi had to be more cautious than ever before. He expended several times more mental energy than when elevating his own martial realm.
Because he had to save him.
Ok Cheong was one of his people. Therefore, he would save him by any means necessary.
I do not believe he will leave us in such a futile manner.
Sweat dripped steadily from Yeon Hojeong’s forehead.
The fallen droplets soaked into Ok Cheong’s collar.
I told you I would show you a new world. I have not even revealed one-tenth of it yet. You cannot leave like this.
Death was inherently futile. Some died for reasons so trivial they defied imagination.
At the very least, he hoped such a fate would not befall his subordinates. Yeon Hojeong poured his entire heart into protecting Ok Cheong’s heart.
Half a day passed in that manner.
“Huu. It is done.”
The Hundred Wisdom Divine Doctor wiped the sweat from his brow.
“I have guided the patient’s true qi from recovery into stability. The protection of the heart vein is secure. Though he will lack strength, he should regain consciousness before long.”
“You have worked hard.”
“You have worked far harder than I, Lord Yeon. To maintain such stable protection over the heart vein for half a day—your cultivation is truly remarkable.”
Yeon Hojeong bowed his head.
“I will leave him in your care.”
“Do not worry. Lord Yeon should rest now.”
Yeon Hojeong was not the sort to rest simply because someone told him to. Too many problems had piled up.
The moment he stepped out after treating Ok Cheong, Ga Deuk-sang appeared.
“Is he all right?”
“Fortunately, he has passed the critical stage. They say he will regain consciousness soon.”
“I wasn’t asking about Ok Cheong. I meant you, Great Commander.”
Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
“With a subordinate hovering between life and death, what reason would I have to be unwell?”
“You’re still terrifying with your words, I see.”
“I am truly fine. Enough to carry out the operation immediately.”
Ga Deuk-sang regarded Yeon Hojeong with a strange look.
“I thought I understood the Great Commander rather well in my own way, but as expected, you are a man who surpasses imagination.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your true qi has become incredibly calm compared to the last meeting. It is far more subdued.”
“......”
“It has not weakened. Rather, the aura has grown remarkably serene. The unique oppressive pressure you usually emit has decreased significantly. It is completely different, yet it somehow reminds me of Lord Gong Gong Dae-sa.”
“You flatter me. I still fall far short of the abbot.”
Ga Deuk-sang offered a respectful fist salute.
“Congratulations. You have climbed another step.”
Yeon Hojeong did not take the congratulations lightly. In his returning bow, deep composure and refined discipline were evident.
“Thank you.”
“I will throw you a proper celebration feast once we finish matters here and return.”
“What celebration feast? Enough of that. Tell me how the situation is developing.”
Ga Deuk-sang would normally have teased him a few more times, but he went straight to the main topic.
The situation was urgent, but the gentle dignity radiating from Yeon Hojeong also naturally prompted him to speak seriously.
“It is called Night Castle—the main base of the Shadow God. The nine hundred assassins who fell for the false information were stationed roughly two hundred li from here.”
“And now?”
“They are moving toward the main base.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
“It is that bastard Yayul Jeok.”
“Yes. Without a direct order from the leader himself, that many men could not move so quickly. In that short time, it seems he has treated his internal and external injuries.”
“He reigned as king of the underworld for more than ten years. It would not be strange for him to carry a few emergency spiritual medicines.”
“True enough.”
“So roughly nine hundred assassins led by Yayul Jeok are currently moving to attack the Demon-Purging Army?”
“More precisely, they are scattered and stationed near Night Castle.”
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“Stationed? Openly?”
“Yes.”
Assassins, yet they were stationed in front of the lines like soldiers.
It seemed absurd, but if the man leading those assassins was a top-tier spy dispatched by the Saeum Sect and Yayul Jeok—who had trained his martial arts to the extreme—then the story changed.
He is plotting something.
Ga Deuk-sang continued in a sharp voice.
“Whatever the reason, the assassins who gnaw away at the world have revealed themselves openly. This is both a grave matter and a golden opportunity.”
“A golden opportunity?”
“Indeed. Assassins are one of the great evils of the world. Such creatures are showing themselves without hesitation, stirring fear among the common people.”
It had likely grown frightening in truth, but Ga Deuk-sang’s words carried a deeper, meaningful undertone.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes shone.
“You mean to manipulate public opinion and wipe out the entire assassin world in one stroke?”
The corner of Ga Deuk-sang’s mouth curved upward.
“As expected, your wits are quick.”
It was a bold and tempting proposal.
Even the Martial Alliance, the greatest power in the Central Plains, paid close attention to public sentiment and opinion. The black path factions—who were seen as particularly reckless—were even more wary. Such was the terrifying power of public opinion.
Ga Deuk-sang was suggesting they use that very power to uproot the entire breed of assassins and killers once and for all.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“It is not a bad idea, but we are currently carrying out a mission. No matter what happens, the mission takes precedence.”
“Your words are correct, Great Commander, but this is an opportunity to uphold both the mission and a greater cause. That is why I mention it.”
Ga Deuk-sang’s eyes deepened.
“Furthermore, in the process of capturing them, we may also uncover the Saeum Sect’s movements...”
“So that is it.”
With a calm expression yet eyes that had realized something, Yeon Hojeong spoke.
Ga Deuk-sang tilted his head.
“What do you mean?”
“It was the Saeum Sect.”
“Huh? The Saeum Sect?”
A subtle killing intent rose across Yeon Hojeong’s face.
The face that had been striking in its calm composure now carried killing intent, doubling the ferocity that emanated from him. That was why Ga Deuk-sang flinched involuntarily.
“The reason Yayul Jeok deliberately mobilized his elite assassins to surround Night Castle… It is the Saeum Sect. There is nothing else it could be.”
“So what exactly are you saying...”
“Excuse me for a moment. I need to have a word with that damn Sama Hyeon.”
“Hey! Great Commander! Lord Yeon! Ya! Young Master Yeon!”
Before Ga Deuk-sang realized it, Yeon Hojeong had already vanished from sight.
Ga Deuk-sang grumbled.
“There he goes again, acting like only he knows what’s happening and running off with his feet on fire. Damn it, if only I had the skill, I would’ve smacked that head of his.”
He spat loudly.
“Young Master Yeon! Wait for me! I’m curious too!”