Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: 25. Reward
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The daughter of the Zhuge Family—no, the Chief Strategist of the Murim Alliance—being called an idiot would draw scorn from everyone under heaven.
Of course, she was exceptional.
It was just that Yuseong’s trait was cheat-level.
She, who had fallen into confusion, soon regained her composure.
‘No. Even so, I’m not an idiot. It must be that Physician Baek is a genius.’
With a faint hope, she asked Yuseong, who was fiddling with the stones like a child.
“Physician Baek, how can you calculate variables so quickly? With the method I taught you, it requires multiple steps, so there’s no way the calculations could be this fast. Do you have some special technique?”
Yuseong smiled.
“It’s mathematics.”
“Mathematics...”
“It’s similar to arithmetic but on a higher conceptual level. I made full use of it.”
“I see. Earlier, I also used arithmetic for the variable calculations. Without arithmetic knowledge, variable calculations are impossible. But this mathematics is something I’ve never heard of. Where did you learn it?”
“I learned it from mathematics in a distant foreign land that’s hard to reach from here.”
“How did you come by knowledge from such a place... Anyway, are you saying that this mathematics is far superior to the arithmetic of the Central Plains?”
He had never specifically studied the arithmetic of the Central Plains, but wasn’t modern mathematics the culmination of all that, passed down through the ages?
“That’s right. At least in terms of mathematics, it seems I have a bit more knowledge than you, Chief Strategist. This works out perfectly. I thought teaching you formations in exchange for one headache treatment was too generous a reward, so how about I teach you some mathematics?”
Jegal Yeongyeong had, of course, studied under private tutors from her clan in her youth.
But her learning speed was too fast, and before long, her tutor threw up his hands in defeat.
She, who had astonished those around her, had never studied under anyone once she surpassed a certain level.
‘What the hell is this guy...?’
***
A fruitful time of exchanging knowledge passed between them.
Yuseong learned basic formations, while Jegal Yeongyeong learned modern mathematics.
“I’m really glad I came today. Especially the way of counting numbers is truly revolutionary. It would be great to apply it in the Alliance’s strategist office too.”
“Arabic numerals are really convenient. Feel free to use them as you like.”
“Thank you. And the mathematics you taught me today should be fully applicable to artifact-based formations as well. I have this book on formations I’ve been studying lately, and it’ll be a huge help there.”
“I didn’t know formations were this useful either. Then, for the rest, how about we exchange daily study portions when you come to the medical hall for treatments?”
“Sounds good.”
Until then, they had only been patient and physician, but now they had added the relationship of teacher and student to each other.
“You must need rest too, Physician, so I should head out. I didn’t sleep properly last night and I’m quite tired now.”
“You’ll be able to sleep soundly tonight.”
He had thought he could sleep soundly the day Moyong Rim bowed his tail to the Demon Subduing Division Leader.
But that day ended up being remembered as one of the worst for Jegal Yeongyeong.
As soon as she lay down to sleep, her head throbbed as if it were being crushed.
She also learned for the first time that the pain the next day after studying the Comprehensive Analysis of Celestial Divination Formations was even worse than on the day itself.
She couldn’t help but feel deep respect for how the elders of her family had mastered even the second formation without a physician like Baek Yuseong nearby.
But today felt really good.
“You’re right. I think I can really sleep soundly this time.”
Jegal Yeongyeong draped her robe again and donned her bamboo hat.
Yuseong shook his head slightly.
‘It seems cumbersome and not very helpful...’
The Beggars’ Sect disciples already seemed to have her every move under surveillance.
“Then I’ll see you at the medical hall tomorrow for sure.”
Late at night, she glanced cautiously around and departed.
Yuseong, who had stepped out briefly to see her off, made eye contact with the Beggars’ Sect disciples stationed here and there.
He lightly bowed his head in thanks.
Though beggars might spread out anywhere to sleep, the ones around now were all skilled in martial arts.
Such experts were positioned near his home even late into the night.
Solely to protect Yuseong.
‘I need to resolve this soon. Fortunately, I’ve gained formations as a weapon now, so let’s make a plan.’
***
After using a day off followed by two days of vacation, Yuseong returned to the Luoyang Medical Hall for the first time in a while.
And he immediately faced an unpleasant expression.
It was Jo Physician, who had been sporadically absent but had recently started actively seeing patients again.
Spotting Yuseong, he quickly scanned him up and down.
‘No matter how I look at it, this old man is the most suspicious. Could he really be the one who sent the watcher?’
But before Yuseong could probe, Jo Physician turned abruptly and vanished into his consultation room.
“...”
Facing this silent hostility first thing in the morning soured his mood.
However.
“Physician, the Chief Strategist has arrived.”
The moment Jegal Yeongyeong entered, guided by the attendant, Yuseong’s expression softened.
Seeing the gentle smile on Jegal Yeongyeong’s lips, all thoughts of the grumpy old man flew from his mind in an instant.
“Please come in, Chief Strategist.”
“It’s been too long.”
They had agreed to keep yesterday’s events a secret between them.
At least, she, unaware of the Beggars’ Sect disciples’ identities, would think so.
In any case, facing Jegal Yeongyeong’s smile, Yuseong’s lips curved up involuntarily.
The two, facing each other with the same smile, burst into laughter without knowing who started first.
“Pfft.”
Mindful of possible listeners, they restrained themselves, but both were recalling yesterday’s events.
Having spent just one day together at Yuseong’s home made them feel much closer.
It was a refreshing morning.
After her headache treatment ended, the two exchanged thin booklets.
They contained formation and mathematics knowledge, to be swapped every morning.
“Then I’ll be off. Oh, and soon the Murim Alliance will hold an exam to select skilled physicians directly under them.”
“Directly under the Murim Alliance?”
“Yes. Since the Luoyang Medical Hall isn’t directly affiliated with the Alliance, if someone takes a few days off, Alliance warriors visiting might end up making a wasted trip. It was approved in a meeting a few days ago, and now the staff are discussing the details.”
She said this with a slight smile.
It seemed the proposal had been pushed through by Jegal Yeongyeong, who needed his treatments the most.
“But is it okay to tell me about that? It’s still internal Alliance business.”
“Who knows. You’ll probably receive the notice at the right time anyway, Physician Baek. Well then, I’ll trust you.”
She left those words behind and departed.
‘Trust me with what?’
Yuseong soon understood her meaning.
As soon as break time arrived, Cha Physician came rushing in with the related news.
“Physician Baek! I’ve got good news. No, get this—the Murim Alliance is planning to select physicians directly. The pay is excellent too. The other physicians seem to have heard through their own connections. They’re all talking about it.”
“I see. Will you apply too, Physician Cha?”
“Hmm... I probably won’t. But I heard Physician Yang is very interested.”
“Physician Yang?”
“He has that kind of thing about him. A sense of mission to elevate his master’s honor and all. He must think a direct Alliance position is highly prestigious.”
“What’s it matter? They won’t select just one or two.”
Cha Physician’s expression hardened.
“They’re selecting just one for now.”
“...That few?”
“It’s a trial run with one person; if it works, they’ll expand. That’s why I’m sitting it out. No point applying and then hearing I lost to Physician Yang or you.”
A position for only one person.
Jegal Yeongyeong’s final words of trust.
‘She basically told me to pass.’
Perfect.
Yuseong had wanted a position closer to the murim world, away from the Luoyang Medical Hall.
Becoming a direct Murim Alliance physician was the best scenario.
As he steeled his resolve, Cha Physician added slyly.
“I believe you’ll do better than Physician Yang. And... if they need to expand Alliance physicians, please consider me first. Ahem.”
As expected, there was a reason Cha Physician came specifically to share the news.
“Nothing’s decided yet, but if I pass, I’ll think positively about it.”
“Thanks!”
Cha Physician bowed to Yuseong and then sneaked off to meet Physician Yang.
After break time ended and treatments resumed, Yuseong couldn’t help but worry about Physician Yang.
He subtly asked an attendant about the waiting lines at each room.
“Physician Yang’s line seems a bit longer than yours, Physician Baek.”
“Thank you.”
Most visitors to the Luoyang Medical Hall were affluent. There were more minor ailments than serious illnesses.
Physician Yang also had various treatments learned directly from a Divine Physician, so he was skillfully treating patients.
Though Yuseong’s reputation was rising, those who had always gone to Physician Yang didn’t easily switch.
‘I don’t know what form the exam will take, but I must pass.’
It was necessary to effectively increase his Divine Power.
Yet deep in his subconscious, there was also a slight desire not to disappoint Jegal Yeongyeong.
***
The status of physicians at the Luoyang Medical Hall depended on two things.
How many patients they saw, and how prestigious those patients were.
Until now, Physician Yang and Jo Physician had appropriately split those between them.
But recently, many of Jo Physician’s patients had shifted to Physician Yang and Baek Yuseong.
Yang or Baek.
It was hard to say who was the superior physician.
However, today, Jong Hakjin of the preliminary examination room welcomed the person of the highest status in his life.
“I am called Jeonghae.”
“A-Aren’t you the Shaolin Temple Abbot?”
“That’s right. I came to speak with Physician Baek Yuseong...”
“Physician Baek Yuseong is in Room 11. He’s just finishing with his last patient, so you can head there now.”
“Thank you.”
Calming his trembling heart after first meeting the Shaolin Temple Abbot, Jong Hakjin asked his colleague beside him.
“Physician Baek is truly remarkable. First the Chief Strategist, then the Demon Subduing Division Leader, and now even the Shaolin Temple Abbot comes to see him. When he first passed the exam and joined, I never imagined it would come to this.”
“Indeed. I wonder what business the Shaolin Temple Abbot has here.”
***
The purpose of Jeonghae Abbot’s visit to Yuseong was simple.
“Thanks to Lay Disciple Baek, we ultimately succeeded in refining the Great Returning Pill. Allow me to thank you once more.”
“Congratulations. Elder Chosan and my efforts weren’t in vain.”
“Indeed.”
Jeonghae Abbot shared several stories.
For some unknown reason, the Great Returning Pill’s efficacy was a full twenty percent greater than before.
It was probably the effect of the Fire Spirit Herb grown with Divine Power.
And Yuseong couldn’t help but be shocked at the news that Hyegang had reached Peak Realm without the Great Returning Pill.
“Hyegang said that crossing the wall was all thanks to Lay Disciple Baek. He wanted to come himself but thought he’d be a bother, so I came alone.”
“I didn’t do anything special, but congratulations nonetheless.”
Finally, Jeonghae Abbot brought out a small wooden box made of precious timber.
“...”
Yuseong calmed his pounding heart and opened the wooden box.
Inside lay a pill suffused with red energy on its surface, emitting a faint herbal fragrance.