Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Chapter 8 - 8. 홍보
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Translator: crow
Chapter 8: Promotion
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Fortunately, despite the servant's rumors spreading, no major issues arose because high-ranking figures were involved, and everyone proceeded with caution.
However, thanks to Jegal Yeongyeong's frequent visits, which had built his reputation, Murim Alliance warriors began frequently seeking treatment from Baek Yuseong.
Many people believe that martial artists don't get sick.
This is only half true. Martial artists who cultivate internal energy techniques and train their bodies with martial arts have superior immunity compared to ordinary people and are generally healthier, but they can still fall ill.
They simply experience milder symptoms and recover faster, leading to the misconception. Just look at Jegal Yeongyeong's chronic headaches—even she couldn't avoid her body sending warning signals when pushed beyond its limits.
Murim Alliance warriors often visited the Luoyang Medical Hall for various ailments, big and small. After Yang Physician, Jo Physician was the most popular for his skill and his knack for flattering patients just enough to make them feel good.
That had been the case, but recently, things had changed.
"Welcome. Isn't this the White Tiger Division Leader?"
The White Tiger Division Leader was a ruddy-faced man in his fifties dressed in white training robes. He had come to see Yuseong.
"Pleased to meet you. My subordinates recommended Baek Physician for his skills, so here I am."
"I see. Several White Tiger Division members have visited recently. What seems to be the problem?"
"I feel bloated after eating, and digestion is poor. Treatment only helps temporarily, so I figured I'd give it a shot, even if it's a scam. Don't feel pressured—just take a look."
Yuseong recalled the White Tiger Division Leader's information.
'He loves alcohol and meat and has complained of indigestion for a long time. This is likely a problem with the stomach, pancreas, liver, or gallbladder.'
Pulse diagnosis confirmed issues with the liver and gallbladder.
As people age, the liver and gallbladder's detoxification and metabolic functions decline, and poor eating habits can cause such symptoms.
"It's a liver and gallbladder issue."
"Just like Jo Physician said. Are you going to prescribe medicine?"
Disappointment flickered across the White Tiger Division Leader's face. He had hoped for a different diagnosis, but it was the same.
He took medicine consistently, which offered some relief but never cured him.
He had come on his subordinates' recommendation, but seeing Yuseong's young face, he regretted it and wondered if he'd come to the wrong place.
Not wanting to appear weak, he planned to endure this one treatment and return to Jo Physician afterward.
"No. Just acupuncture."
Acupuncture only?
Acupuncture nourishes the organs, and he had tried it several times, but the claim of no medicine at all gave the White Tiger Division Leader pause.
Yuseong, having seen many such patients, assured him confidently.
"Trust me and give it a try. Your White Tiger Division members have been very satisfied."
"Hmm..."
Seeing him still hesitant, Yuseong deployed his ultimate weapon. The man had given permission first anyway.
"The Chief Strategist has been praising my acupuncture skills highly. Give it a chance."
The White Tiger Division Leader perked up.
He recalled how Jegal Yeongyeong, who used to frown and rub her forehead from headaches, hadn't shown that once recently.
Yuseong's confident demeanor instilled some trust.
'I hear the Luoyang Medical Hall's exam is extremely difficult. He's no quack, at least.'
Once the White Tiger Division Leader decided, things proceeded smoothly.
Even with prior explanation, he tensed and gripped his sword hilt as the long needle plunged deep, but soon he felt the bloating in his stomach melt away.
The slight trickle of blood was no issue. It would heal in a day.
Amazed, he rubbed his chest and abdomen.
'It feels like I'm back in my twenties. Doesn't seem like it'll worsen in a day or two.'
Awed, the White Tiger Division Leader spoke.
"I can't even remember the last time I felt this comfortable. I thought it was incurable, so I never cut back on alcohol and meat even during treatment. But if I can maintain this lightness, I'm willing to reduce them. How much should I cut back?"
He looked comfortable yet somehow grave.
A typical physician might not care, but Yuseong's goal was to diligently accumulate divine power.
"That would be ideal, but forcing it could lead to mental strain, which might be worse. Now that I'm here, you can enjoy moderately. If your stomach acts up again, just come back. I'll treat it cleanly."
A halo seemed to shine behind Yuseong in the White Tiger Division Leader's eyes. He was deeply moved.
A martial artist of considerable attainment, holding a key position in the Murim Alliance with a high salary, he considered alcohol and meat the greatest joys in life.
Other physicians always insisted on changing his habits, but Baek Yuseong alone said there was no need.
He shot up from his seat and offered a respectful clasped-hands salute.
"Forgive my ignorance of a true master physician. Visit me anytime, and I'll treat you to a fine meal."
Yuseong felt a substantial increase in divine power and was delighted.
He could sense how long the White Tiger Division Leader had suffered from indigestion and how grateful he was.
"I'll gratefully accept the sentiment. But I have one request."
"What is it?"
"I know well how the Murim Alliance's heroes toil for the peace of the martial world. If there are any around you suffering from chronic conditions, I'd appreciate introductions."
"Haha! I have wide connections since I love mingling. Trust me!"
That evening, the White Tiger Division Leader threw a grand drinking party, inviting his contacts to celebrate the cure of his long tormenting ailment.
He gathered nearly fifty acquaintances.
Drunk on liquor, it was only natural he raved about Yuseong tirelessly.
***
Jo Physician called his attendant servant.
"You called?"
"Did Cheongho Division Leader just go to Baek Physician?"
"Yes, but plenty of Murim Alliance members still seek you out, don't they?"
The servant knew why Jo Physician was displeased.
Jo Physician couldn't hide his frustration. People from the Murim Alliance, whom he thought he had secured, were defecting to Baek Yuseong several times a day.
A crack in a dam starts with a trickle, then bursts uncontrollably soon after.
'My mistake. I knew it wouldn't end with the Chief Strategist, but I didn't expect such rapid shifts.'
In truth, the effect from Jegal Yeongyeong wasn't huge. It was the White Tiger Division Leader, who had visited recently, praising Yuseong daily at drinking parties—but Jo Physician had no way of knowing that.
He was already worried about next month's income.
He had boasted to his new concubine, who was quite extravagant, not to worry about money, but how could he cut back now?
'That guy's no ordinary. Some even say he's better than Yang Physician. I need a breakthrough.'
As he racked his brains, a patient arrived.
"Oh! Demon Subduing Division Leader, how long has it been? Please, sit here!"
Seeing the stern-eyed man enter the consultation room, Jo Physician had a bright idea.
'Baek Yuseong hasn't had a single failure since starting. His flawless record makes him seem greater. But if he experiences failure, things might change.'
Contrary to his scheming thoughts, Jo Physician treated the Demon Subduing Division Leader with utmost courtesy.
***
If asked for the Murim Alliance's strongest armed force, people unhesitatingly name the Demon Subduing Division, directly under the Alliance Leader.
Composed solely of Peak Realm experts focused on eradicating demons, they avoid external activities to hone their skills.
The Demon Subduing Division Leader, Jeong Rip, was a transcendent Peak Realm master.
Not all Peak Realm masters are equal.
Five years ago, Jeong Rip was already at the cusp of Peak Realm's peak, considered one of the few in the vast martial world who might reach the Transformation Realm.
"You've come after a long time, Division Leader. Have you ended your seclusion?"
Jeong Rip nodded.
"Yes. Just today. You look well yourself, Jo Physician."
Jo Physician asked cautiously.
"It's indelicate, but as part of the diagnosis, I must ask. Did your secluded training yield results?"
Jeong Rip let out a groan.
"No. I failed to gain enlightenment."
"How regrettable... For a hero of the martial world..."
"Enough. It's my own shortcoming. I'm here because I couldn't endure longer—please give me that strong painkiller you mentioned before."
Malignant tumors had spread through Jeong Rip's organs, giving him a terminal prognosis. He had relentlessly challenged the Transformation Realm.
Enlightenment there would remake his body, heal him fully, and extend his life.
But now, he felt the end approaching.
Mild pain had gradually impaired his organ functions, and recently, excruciating agony had even disrupted his training.
'Enlightenment doesn't come in desperation. Even with a sound body and mind, endless diligence barely yields it—foolish to think these dire conditions would suffice.'
Years ago, he visited the Luoyang Medical Hall, received the diagnosis of tumors throughout his organs, and entered seclusion for a final challenge.
He failed spectacularly and now sought strong painkillers for relief.
'Painkillers dull the pain but distort senses, hindering enlightenment. I failed anyway. Now, appoint a successor and entrust the division—that's my final duty.'
Jo Physician saw the heroic spirit in his iron will but knew his days were numbered.
'He won't benefit me anyway. Send him to Baek Yuseong for painkillers or whatever. If his patient dies, it might expose a weakness.'
Finishing his calculations, Jo Physician spoke with a sorrowful expression.
"As one who's walked the physician's path for decades, I'm ashamed I can't treat you myself. But there's a faint hope I must mention."
"Hope, you say?"
"Yes. Embarrassingly, a new physician here recently revived someone whose heart had stopped."
"...!"
"Godly skill, worthy of the title Divine Physician. Young as he is, he's far superior to me—perhaps he has another way."
"Who is he?"
"Baek Yuseong, in consultation room eleven. But with my lacking skills forcing me to refer my patient, please don't mention me to Baek Physician—it pains me enough."
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