Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Special Generate Pulse Powder Promotion
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"Tang apprentice is going to make it?"
Dang Seol-yeong nodded with a confident expression.
"Yes! I even have a decoction in mind."
Watching her organize the medicine cabinet, I suddenly got an idea for this decoction promotion event.
But I still hadn't decided which decoction to use.
Her words piqued my interest.
"So, what decoction?"
"Generate Pulse Powder."
Na Ho-pyeong, who had been listening from the side, clapped his hands.
"Exactly. Generate Pulse Powder would be perfect for the martial artists who come to Deokyang Medical District."
Generate Pulse Powder.
A simple decoction made from Ophiopogon japonicus, Schisandra chinensis, and ginseng.
It prevents summer heat and thirst, and is excellent for symptoms involving heavy sweating.
Na Ho-pyeong's right. The martial artists visiting Deokyang Medical District would love it.
A true master wouldn't be bothered by Sichuan's sweltering, humid weather.
But there were far more martial artists struggling with the province's unique climate.
For a decoction event like this, it had to be something popular with the masses—and not too expensive.
Otherwise, the cost would outweigh the benefits.
Generate Pulse Powder fits perfectly all around.
It was the ideal decoction for this promotion.
I patted Dang Seol-yeong's shoulder.
"Well done, Tang apprentice. That's a brilliant idea."
Her face lit up.
"Right? So, can I make the decoction too?"
Generate Pulse Powder was simple enough.
I could make it. And as someone from the Sichuan Tang Family with deep knowledge of herbs, she certainly could as well.
"We'll make it together. We need a lot anyway, since we're giving it out."
"No, Physician, it might be hard for you to make. I'm adding a special ingredient."
Dang Seol-yeong's eyes sparkled with excitement.
I recognized that look.
It's the face she makes when tending her poison herb garden.
That meant something poisonous was brewing in her mind right now.
If poison herbs were involved, this wasn't the place to discuss it.
"Let's head back to Clear Seclusion Clinic first. I'll watch you make the Generate Pulse Powder, then we can talk."
"You'll definitely like it, Physician."
As Dang Seol-yeong and I left Ten Thousand Winds Inn, Na Ho-pyeong waved us off with a warm smile.
"Let me know when the decoctions are ready. Ten Thousand Winds Inn is always open."
Dang Seol-yeong and I returned to Clear Seclusion Clinic.
"Then I'll make the Generate Pulse Powder!"
Her eyes sparkled brighter than ever, and she moved with boundless enthusiasm.
Moments later, she prepared the ingredients and set them on the table.
Ophiopogon japonicus, ginseng, Schisandra chinensis.
The familiar trio caught my eye first.
Huh? What's that?
Next to them sat what looked like puffed corn.
No, wait. That's not puffed corn.
Banxia.
There was a toxic plant called Pinellia ternata, often used as an ingredient in poison during the Joseon era.
This banxia belonged to the same family, making its poison just as lethal.
Normally, the root is used, and when properly processed, it resembles puffed corn.
I pointed at the banxia and asked Dang Seol-yeong.
"You plan to add banxia to the Generate Pulse Powder?"
"Yes."
"This looks like raw banxia."
In traditional medicine, there's a term called "processing," which refers to preparing herbs.
Raw banxia couldn't be used; only processed banxia, with its toxicity removed.
But this was pure white and pristine—clearly raw banxia.
At my observation, she nodded.
"It's raw banxia. But don't worry. I've removed the toxins."
"Banxia clears damp-heat."
Damp-heat forms when external moisture binds with internal heat.
If not expelled, it causes metabolic and circulatory issues.
"Exactly. So I'm adding this raw banxia to regular Generate Pulse Powder for an extra potent effect."
I'd never tried anything like this in modern times, of course.
She was from the Sichuan Tang Family, masters of poison. They surely had secret methods to neutralize toxins.
She's the expert here from the Tang Family, so I have to trust her.
I gathered my thoughts and told her.
"Alright. Go ahead and make it."
"Yes!"
She boiled water, added the Ophiopogon japonicus, Schisandra chinensis, ginseng, and other herbs.
After simmering for a while, she reduced the heat and began to concentrate it, then added a small amount of banxia.
There must be precise ratios.
Tang Family methods for detoxifying banxia, plus their unique herb proportions.
Just as she said, it was Generate Pulse Powder only she could make.
She decocted it until the liquid halved, then strained it through cheesecloth.
Soon, the deeply infused Generate Pulse Powder was complete.
She poured some into a bowl, let it cool, and handed it to me.
"Try it."
Honestly, it was my first time with raw banxia in a decoction. Of course I was a bit nervous.
But she had no reason to harm me, so I trusted her and took the bowl.
A sharp, nose-tingling aroma rose from the rich brew.
The banxia scent.
I lifted the bowl and sipped slowly.
Gulp, gulp.
It was slightly more bitter than regular Generate Pulse Powder as it slid down my throat.
Moments later, an astonishing effect kicked in.
Despite the warmth, a refreshing coolness spread pleasantly through my body.
The oppressive heat and humidity enveloping me vanished in an instant.
An effect unimaginable in modern times.
I looked back and forth between the empty bowl and Dang Seol-yeong.
"Let's mass-produce this right away."
She nodded proudly.
"Yes!"
We loaded two large cauldrons onto a cart and headed to Ten Thousand Winds Inn.
"This should be enough for a hundred people, right?"
As I pulled the cart, I glanced back. Dang Seol-yeong peeked out from behind one of the cauldrons.
"Of course. I'll portion it out nicely into bowls."
We'd borrow bowls from the inn, of course. It would cost extra, but skimping on a proper promotion wasn't an option.
This event is going to be a huge hit.
Ten Thousand Winds Inn, always packed with customers.
And Dang Seol-yeong's special Generate Pulse Powder.
It was foolproof.
Upon arrival, Na Ho-pyeong greeted us.
"Ah, finally starting the Clear Seclusion Clinic promotion, eh?"
"Yes, we'll be in your debt today."
"Of course. You paid, so it's only right."
He was thorough with accounts. But that straightforwardness was refreshing.
We set the cauldrons in one corner, prepared to distribute, and people started showing interest.
Na Ho-pyeong explained to them.
"Heh, Clear Seclusion Clinic from Deokyang Medical District is giving out free Generate Pulse Powder."
Regular folk lost interest. Medical District was for martial artists only.
That suited me fine—I'd planned for martial artists anyway.
Once ready, I cleared my throat and called out.
"Today, we're giving away free Generate Pulse Powder from Clear Seclusion Clinic. Give it a try!"
Dang Seol-yeong chimed in.
"Perfect for beating Sichuan's humid heat! Made with Clear Seclusion Clinic's secret recipe!"
But they only glanced over—no one approached.
Whispers spread.
"Clear Seclusion Clinic? Never heard of it in Deokyang Medical District."
"What if something goes wrong from drinking their stuff?"
I held back Dang Seol-yeong as she bristled. I'd expected this.
Then Na Ho-pyeong stepped up.
"It's being given out at my inn—can't have me not trying it. Give me a bowl first."
He'd intervened on purpose, seeing the situation. His generosity touched me.
"Thank you, Brother."
Na Ho-pyeong replied with his usual kind smile.
"Heh, that's how you live—helping each other."
He took the Generate Pulse Powder casually and downed it in one go.
"Hm?"
His eyes widened, then he exclaimed in delight.
"Whoa, this really cools you down!"
The effect was incredible.
Seeing the innkeeper drink it himself, people flocked over instantly.
"Never seen the boss's face change like that."
"Even when Qingcheng Sect warriors trashed the place chasing the Sichuan Three Freaks, he stayed stone-faced."
"Give me a bowl of that Generate Pulse Powder."
"Me too!"
Chaos erupted as the crowd surged. Everyone grabbed a serving.
Dang Seol-yeong, who moments ago had been fuming at the skeptics, now beamed as she served.
"Plenty to go around—please wait your turn!"
Those who drank reacted with surprise everywhere.
"This is Generate Pulse Powder?"
"Totally different from what I've had before."
"How does the heat just vanish like that?"
"First time hearing of Clear Seclusion Clinic, but this decoction is amazing."
"Gotta check it out later."
The response was phenomenal.
A resounding success.
Scanning the crowd with satisfaction, I spotted one man.
His face was flushed beet-red, and the sword on his back marked him as a martial artist.
But he ignored the Generate Pulse Powder, silently eating his meal.
I brought him a bowl.
"Free Generate Pulse Powder from Clear Seclusion Clinic. Try some."
He glanced at me with narrowed eyes, then said coldly.
"No need."
No killing intent, but his glare was intimidating.
Whispers rippled around.
"That young physician just talked to the Disruptive Maniac."
"What was he thinking?"
Na Ho-pyeong pulled me aside.
"Leave that guest alone."
"Who is he?"
"A ronin called the Disruptive Maniac. Temperamental as they come."
"Doesn't seem like a bad guy, though."
"Not bad, no. Just picky. He once suffered severe internal injuries from bad poison, so he won't touch anything from strangers."
That explained his refusal.
Normally, I wouldn't bother someone so prickly, but this was different.
The Disruptive Maniac could be huge for Clear Seclusion Clinic's promotion.
That flushed face means heat buildup in his body.
I approached him again.
"I said no need."
"Forget the Generate Pulse Powder. I can't ignore your condition."
"...What?"
All eyes turned to his low, icy voice.
But I spoke calmly.
"Your face is flushed red, sweat pours nonstop from your forehead and nape, and your voice is hoarse and metallic. It means your qi and blood are blocked by internal heat."
Murmurs rose.
"Whoa, that physician nailed the diagnosis."
"And he's so young—impressive."
The Disruptive Maniac flinched at my words but growled low, unwilling to admit it.
"Why bother? You're annoying."
"Because I'm a physician."
Admiration erupted again.
"Man, that physician talks cool."
"So earnest about healing."
Under so many eyes, even the Disruptive Maniac couldn't brush me off harshly.
Martial artists didn't mess with civilians unless they were vile.
He finally extended his wrist with a huff.
"Hmph. Young physician's sense of duty, huh? Fine, give it a shot."
I grasped his wrist and took his pulse.
With Pulse Eye, I checked his qi and blood flow, then pulled out my needle pouch and spread it on the table. I selected a long needle and showed it to him.
"This alright?"
A gesture to confirm no poison.
He nodded, understanding.
"Of course."
I moved behind him, parted his collar, and inserted the long needle at an angle into the Daizhui acupoint between his nape and spine.
Many points expel body heat, but needling them all with fire needles lacks impact here. One deep long needle at Daizhui will turn heads.
I inserted it obliquely and deeply, feeling the needle sensation. When the precise instinct hit my fingertips, I released.
Moments later, something amazing happened.
"Ah, no way."
"The Disruptive Maniac's red flush is fading!"
"From one needle?"
He felt the heat draining too, staring at me blankly as I withdrew the needle.
"Pair it with this Generate Pulse Powder, and it'd be perfect."
This time, he didn't refuse. He took the bowl dazedly, like possessed, and drank.
Gulp, gulp.
Then.
"Haa."
His eyes narrowed, mouth slightly agape, as he let out a deeply satisfied sigh.
"Feels incredible."
"Whoa, never seen the Disruptive Maniac so serene!"
The crowd went wild at his ecstatic expression.