Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: Disguise and Kunlun Snow Ginseng
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That day, the Sect Leader of Kunlun declared before all the assembled elders.
“We will withdraw our interference in the Demonic Cult's trade, which was prompted by the Sichuan Tang Clan's request. Instead, we will focus on treating the two Cloud Dragons who have recovered from their poisoning and concentrate on capturing the members of the Black Path or the Green Forest who run rampant near the Kunlun Mountains.”
The elders listened to the Sect Leader's words in silence.
“Considering the troublemaker Yeok Mu-gi in Bugwang Prefecture and the riffraff mixed in with the escorts from Sichuan... Now is the time to strengthen our foundation, not to concern ourselves with other matters.”
“…”
“Your silence… suggests you all agree. Does anyone have a different opinion?”
In response to Hyeonjong’s words, Pae-seon was the first to answer.
“I will follow the Sect Leader’s decision.”
Following Pae-seon, Un Ja-yang also replied.
“I will follow the Sect Leader’s decision.”
Once the two had spoken, all the other elders said in unison.
“““We will follow the Sect Leader’s decision.”””
Though there had been much debate, no one was dissatisfied with Sect Leader Un Hyeonjong's decision. Everyone knew that he thought of and prioritized the future of Kunlun more than anyone else.
Un Hyeonjong, with a relaxed expression, finished the rest of his tea. He then smiled to himself.
‘Physician Baek Mu-heun… Just as you said, I acted according to my convictions. And yet, it seems you anticipated this.’
* * *
Pae-seon came to see Mu-heun and informed him of the results of the elders' meeting.
“Yes, the Sect Leader has made a wise decision.”
“When Kunlun withdraws its hand from between Sichuan and the Demonic Cult, the Kongtong Sect will likely do the same. The Sect Leader said he would expose Sichuan’s atrocities. But the Emei and Qingcheng Sects have little connection to Kunlun. Living so close to the Tang Clan in the Sichuan region, they were different from us from the start.”
“I know that as well.”
“So, what’s your plan now?”
“I have a method all thought out. It’s not like I’ve only been in and out of that place once or twice.”
“Right, well… Sichuan is like your hometown, so I’m sure you’ve figured it all out.”
“In any case, does this mean you’ll be joining me on this journey?”
“Feeling reassured?”
“You’re just baggage.”
“What?”
The two, sly as snakes, bickered whenever they had the chance, but in the end, they seemed pleased to be traveling together.
Even so, Mu-heun was thinking about the future…
In the Sichuan region, there exists a major sect called the Emei Sect.
In the Emei Sect, there was a child named Hanarin who had been bedridden for a long time, suffering from a constant chill. She had learned Yin Arts but was suffering because she couldn’t control them. With the medical skills I possessed at the time, I couldn't completely cure her, so I ended up taking temporary measures to prevent her condition from worsening.
The guilt of not being able to fully cure her was so great that even now, if I closed my eyes, I could still picture her face, etched into my memory.
But her face bore a striking resemblance to Seo-bong's. That's why, from the moment I first saw Seo-bong, I had considered the possibility that they were siblings.
Of course, I could be right or wrong… but perhaps this, too, is a destiny led by fate. That’s what I think.
Besides the Emei Sect, there was another major sect in Sichuan.
The Qingcheng Sect, known as a branch of the Nine Sects One Alliance.
A disciple of Qingcheng named Cheong-un was born with Blocked Blood and Severed Meridians, unable to accumulate internal energy. So instead, he delved deep into martial arts theory and focused on external arts, becoming a revered external arts master to all the disciples of Qingcheng…
However, one without internal energy could never reach the first rate.
Last year, his blood blockage worsened, bringing him to the brink of death. The fact that the prideful Qingcheng Sect was following Sichuan’s lead meant it was right to assume a deal had been made for his sake.
I organized my thoughts. They were all daunting tasks. But I will accomplish them. No, I *must* accomplish them.
Steeling my resolve once more, I went with Pae-seon to the room where Pa-sun and Un-pyo were.
“Un-pyo, Pa-sun. We have much to do. Let’s hurry.”
Pa-sun and Un-pyo immediately stood up and said.
“Sir!”
I led them all out, bid farewell to the Sect Leader of Kunlun, and descended the Kunlun Mountains with my companions.
‘Pae-seon said he’d join us after he goes somewhere first… Yeok Mu-gi… what should I do with this guy?’
* * *
Meanwhile, on the northern side of the Kunlun Mountains, Seol Ha-ryeong was looking up at the sky with Cheon-hyang.
“When did he say your master would be here?”
[He will be here soon.]
“Lord Gu Yang-baek, have you heard anything?”
“I was only told to join you here first.”
“Ha.”
Seol Ha-ryeong let out a short sigh and looked at the Kunlun Snow Ginseng, Houttuynia, Motherwort, Barrenwort, Dogwood Berry, and Prickly Ash Tree in her hand. As Mu-heun had requested, they were all frozen solid.
“These are things only someone who practices Yin Arts would need. Why is he looking for them?”
However, her sigh wasn't just from waiting for Mu-heun. Ever since entering the Qinghai region, she had moments where she felt like she had become a different person.
This occurred once a week, and only for a very brief moment, but each time, she would secretly write a letter without Mu-heun or her companions knowing and send it to someone via a carrier falcon.
* * *
-A warehouse near Bugwang Prefecture, close to the Kunlun Mountains
Mu-heun treated Yeok Mu-gi, whom he had barely managed to save and smuggle out. He thought the injury would be severe since he was stabbed by Pa-sun’s spear, but it seemed Yeok Mu-gi had somehow used his disguise technique to deflect the blow… His condition was better than expected.
After treating Yeok Mu-gi, Mu-heun made a request.
“Teach me the Art of Disguise.”
Though it was phrased as a request, from Yeok Mu-gi’s perspective, it was closer to a threat that was difficult to refuse.
“It’s not something just anyone can learn. Not only does it require a deep understanding of ki meridians, acupressure points, muscle meridians, and the musculoskeletal system, but you must also know how each organ of the body interacts and be able to use that knowledge.”
“…”
Mu-heun said nothing, and Yeok Mu-gi studied his expression. Proud of his Art of Disguise, he was subtly showing off his skills while watching Mu-heun’s reaction.
‘He clearly underestimated the Art of Disguise. No matter how talented he is, he’s barely past his coming of age. He asked me to teach him out of youthful bravado, but after hearing my explanation, he must be hesitating…’
Yeok Mu-gi recalled the countless times he had been outmaneuvered by Mu-heun’s group.
‘If I stay entangled with these people, there’s no telling what might happen to me. I should scare him a bit more, make him give up, and then ask to be released.’
“The Art of Disguise is not something you can start with superficial knowledge. When I learned from my master, nine out of ten ended up dying with grotesque appearances.”
“…”
“The reason is that it’s more difficult to return a transformed body to its original state than it is to transform it in the first place.”
“…”
‘Good, I think I’ve scared him enough. Now to drive the point home.’
“If you use the Art of Disguise incorrectly, your organs will twist, your muscles will tear, and you will never be able to return to your current state. Moreover, even if you can return to normal, there is a high possibility of suffering fatal internal injuries.”
“…”
“I myself am internally injured, and it’s difficult for me to even take care of my own body. If you would just let me go, I will go into the mountains to recuperate. I beg you. Please let me go.”
Just then, Mu-heun, who had been expressionless the whole time, opened his mouth.
“Hey.”
Just one word from his mouth.
That single word, ‘hey,’ was laced with a killing intent so potent it felt as if it could sever Yeok Mu-gi’s neck and crush his limbs, causing his expression to freeze instantly.
A chilling sensation.
A cold dread that ran down his spine.
It felt as if every hair on his body was standing on end,
his breathing quickened, and his heart rate soared.
The quiet yet menacing demonic energy emanating from Mu-heun constricted Yeok Mu-gi’s entire body, and he gradually lost himself in chaos.
‘Was it really this young physician who just called me?’
If it had been the Light-Splitting Immortal Gu Pae-seon, known as a hidden Cloud Dragon of Kunlun, it would have made sense. Because he was a man who had reached the supreme realm that martial artists of the world strive for their entire lives!
He might even be able to kill with killing intent alone.
‘But this young brat in front of me isn’t Gu Pae-seon, is he?’
He was a physician. Not a martial artist. If it weren't for Pa-sun and Un-pyo behind him, he was someone Yeok Mu-gi could have dealt with easily.
He was only defeated before because Gu Pae-seon had distracted him, and in that opening, this brat had struck his pressure points. He had to believe that, because otherwise, he would have to admit that someone this young could be skilled in both medicine and combat.
No matter how talented the physician named Mu-heun was, if they had met alone with no one else around, Yeok Mu-gi had reassured himself that he could take care of a mere physician in an instant.
‘It must be so… but why?’
What was this killing intent he was feeling now?
What was this chilling fear he was feeling now?
What in the world was this overwhelming pressure?
As his thoughts reached that point, a question surfaced.
‘How do I get out of here alive?’
While Yeok Mu-gi was frantically running through tens of thousands of thoughts in his mind, Mu-heun spoke again.
“You don’t have to scheme like that. If you teach me the Art of Disguise properly, I’ll let you go, so don’t worry.”
“…!”
‘Not only might this young brat possess martial arts beyond my imagination, but did he also read my feelings and subsequent thoughts just now?’
“As I’ve said before, your senses are too focused on outward appearances. Don’t overthink it. The fact that I’ll release you if you teach me the Art of Disguise remains unchanged.”
“Yes…”
“Don’t even think about anything else. Don’t try any tricks. Don’t run your mouth. It won’t work. I know more about the human body’s composition and the interaction of its organs than you do. So, permit me to learn.”
“Yes…”
Behind them, Pa-sun, Un-pyo, and Pae-seon watched Mu-heun and Yeok Mu-gi and chuckled. That fool was suffering like this because he still didn’t know what a genius his master was.
* * *
“This is impossible.”
Just half a day.
In just half a day, Mu-heun had learned all the mysteries of disguise that Yeok Mu-gi had mastered. The learning was instantaneous, and Yeok Mu-gi was utterly astonished by Mu-heun’s ability to absorb the knowledge.
“H-How do you learn so quickly?”
Moreover, Mu-heun’s changes and use of his musculoskeletal structure were even more natural than Yeok Mu-gi’s own, and there was no awkwardness in his manipulation of ki. It was a case of the student surpassing the master in the shortest time imaginable.
He thought he was just a brat who had barely come of age, but he was an unprecedented genius…!
“There is nothing more I can teach you.”
“You’ve worked hard. You may go now.”
“Yes…”
Yeok Mu-gi let out a sigh of relief and was about to turn away.
At that moment.
“Ah! And take this.”
Mu-heun gave Yeok Mu-gi fifty silver taels.
“Y-You’re giving all this to me?”
“Yes. From now on, live your life without doing bad things.”
“Of c-course!”
Yeok Mu-gi bowed deeply several times and went on his way. As Mu-heun was preparing to leave, Pae-seon approached him.
“I’m going to my hideout for a bit. I’ll wrap everything up and then join you.”
Mu-heun’s response to Pae-seon’s words was cold.
“You don’t really have to come…”
“Hey! The Sect Leader told me to keep an eye on you. How could I not go?”
“Understood. Then, please come to the Emei Sect.”
“I will.”
With that, Mu-heun smiled, shared his next destination with Pae-seon, and they set a time and place for their next meeting. They parted ways, promising to meet again.
From Mu-heun’s perspective, having Pae-seon accompany him was as good as having a mighty army, so his presence was necessary. Pae-seon was needed to persuade the Emei and Qingcheng Sects, and to wage war against the Sichuan Tang Clan.
But because they were old friends, he was just teasing him, and Pae-seon, as if he knew it all along, just smirked and disappeared.
After parting with Pae-seon, he headed for the northern snowy mountains of Kunlun. Along the way, he practiced the Art of Disguise while occasionally overseeing Un-pyo and Pa-sun’s martial arts training.