Chapter 56
Chapter 56
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Mad Drunk Guest Already Gone to Clear Seclusion Clinic
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"If it's Clear Seclusion Clinic, then the Mad Drunk Guest has already gone there."
I'd already taken Seo Jin-myeong's pulse once at Clear Seclusion Clinic.
Signs of a heart demon had been visible even then. But there was no need to mention that now.
Yu Ja-gyeom's got a strong sense of pride. If he learns Seo Jin-myeong went to another clinic, it'll bruise that pride badly.
I pieced together a story based on our recent conversation and the herbs mentioned.
"You said to add Azure Spirit Root to the Ganmaek Stabilizing Decoction, right, Physician Yu?"
"That's right."
"The Ganmaek Stabilizing Decoction nourishes the heart and calms the spirit. With white polygala to suppress anxiety and settle the mind. Azure Spirit Root is a potent variety of white polygala, so prescribing it in a decoction like that suggested severe symptoms—enough to suspect a heart demon."
The Ganmaek Stabilizing Decoction was a real formula even in the modern world.
It was prescribed for depression, hallucinations, emotional instability, hypersensitivity, and the like.
As my explanation wrapped up, not just Yu Ja-gyeom but even Jo Jeong-yak stared at me with mouths agape.
Jo Jeong-yak whispered to Dang Seol-yeong, who stood nearby.
"D-Did Jang Physician always have such deep knowledge of decoctions too?"
Dang Seol-yeong smiled brightly and nodded.
"Of course. He's our clinic's physician, after all."
She knew I'd examined Seo Jin-myeong's pulse. She'd been the one to tell me about the Azure Spirit Root too.
But without hesitation, she propped me up.
Yu Ja-gyeom, who had been gazing at me in astonishment, cleared his throat and spoke.
"Ahem. As expected of the talent I'm trying to recruit. A spot-on diagnosis. Once Deokyang Medical District is unified under one banner, I'll make sure to put you to good use."
I smiled back.
"Thank you."
Yu Ja-gyeom turned to Jo Jeong-yak.
"So, about three nyang of Azure Spirit Root—do you have any to spare?"
"Of course."
Jo Jeong-yak soon brought out the Azure Spirit Root.
'First time seeing it. What an unusual plant.'
White polygala was normally stark white, rough-hewn like chunks of wood.
But this Azure Spirit Root had a subtle blue hue, giving it an almost mystical aura.
Yu Ja-gyeom pulled a pouch from his robe and handed it over. Jo Jeong-yak opened it, checked the contents, and said,
"It's short."
"What? That's a hefty sum of silver!"
"Oh, it's enough for the Azure Spirit Root. But didn't you buy ten bundles of Self-Cloud Pellets last time too?"
"Me? When?"
"Last time you were here talking about Clear Seclusion Clinic. You suddenly shouted that you'd definitely recruit Jang Physician to Immortal Spirit Pharmacy, then bolted."
Huh? What was that about?
I had no idea.
Yu Ja-gyeom glanced back and forth between me and Jo Jeong-yak in a fluster.
"J-Just give it to me!"
He fished out a few more silver pieces from his robe, handed them over, and dashed off.
Jo Jeong-yak verified the silver and grinned.
"Still short. Ah well, next time."
Pocketing the silver, he turned to us.
"Sorry to keep you two waiting. Follow me. I've got plenty of herbs and poisons to show today."
"One thing before that."
"Hm? What is it?"
"I believe Physician Yu's decoction prescription is mistaken."
Jo Jeong-yak startled visibly.
"What do you mean all of a sudden?"
I explained carefully.
"Truth be told, I'd already taken that Qingcheng Sect senior disciple's pulse before."
"Seo Jin-myeong's?"
"Yes. From that examination, he was under severe mental strain from excessive pressure."
"Was he? Then I wouldn't say Physician Yu's decoction is wrong. The heart-nourishing, spirit-calming effects of Ganmaek Stabilizing Decoction should suffice. Especially with Azure Spirit Root added."
"Yes. If his heart demon stemmed from rage, madness, or killing intent, it would work."
Yu Ja-gyeom had chosen to suppress the qi with even stronger qi.
But that wasn't what I thought.
In Korean medicine, there was the concept of "Liver Qi Stagnation Release."
Mental disorders from excessive stress or pressure, where the liver's qi and blood stagnate and fail to disperse. The idea was to scatter and release it.
'In other words, not suppress it—but disperse and expel it.'
That was my diagnosis.
Jo Jeong-yak gazed at me steadily, then nodded.
"You're saying a mind already crushed by pressure won't improve from more suppression."
As expected, Jo Jeong-yak was no ordinary physician. He grasped my intent immediately.
"Exactly. That's why, instead of the anxiety-settling Ganmaek Stabilizing Decoction, I'd choose Coptis Detox Decoction."
"Right. Coptis Detox promotes qi and blood circulation, dispelling and expelling anxiety. But a plain Coptis Detox Decoction wouldn't cut it..."
Just then, Dang Seol-yeong, who'd been listening in, spoke up.
"In that case, adding Mysterious Jade Heart to the Coptis Detox Decoction would be perfect."
"Mysterious Jade Heart?"
I asked, and she nodded.
"Yes. It's a type of black shen, far rarer and more potent than regular black shen."
Black shen was a real herb, similar to ginseng.
Its natural roots resembled ordinary ginseng, but processing turned them black—hence the name black shen.
Even Donguibogam described it thus:
- Black shen is a pivotal herb, directing all qi to flow up and down, clearing the pure from the turbid.
'Black shen is great for expelling anxiety. Something even better should scatter Seo Jin-myeong's heart demon for sure.'
Evidently spot-on, as Jo Jeong-yak clapped delightedly.
"Excellent thinking from young Lady Dang! Mysterious Jade Heart should do the trick. And we've got some in our herb garden."
Dang Seol-yeong placed her hands on her hips, beaming proudly.
"Heehee, glad to hear it."
"By the way, why not say this while Physician Yu was here?"
I answered Jo Jeong-yak's question.
"Bringing it up in his presence would've been disrespectful on multiple levels, so I waited to tell you privately, Physician Jo."
Jo Jeong-yak stared blankly, then nodded in admiration.
"Well now. In martial arts or medicine, youngsters who gain skill often turn arrogant and reckless. But you're different."
Murim tales were full of such cocky juniors, of course.
But modern etiquette felt more natural to me.
'Air that out with a senior physician present? I'd be branded rude, and word would spread through the medical circles.'
Then Jo Jeong-yak's expression turned concerned.
"That said, we can't just tell Physician Yu about changing the prescription. With his pride, he wouldn't listen anyway."
"Better if you prepare it ahead on your own, Physician Jo. Letting Seo Jin-myeong's heart demon erupt once might actually be for the best."
"True. To vent pent-up emotions, that's the way. And with Qingcheng Sect experts around, no real danger."
"Yes. This decoction will help immensely then."
Jo Jeong-yak patted my shoulder, face full of praise.
"Heh heh, your thoughtfulness is no joke. Right, you two came for herbs and poisons. Come along—I'll show you."
We followed the excited Jo Jeong-yak to the herb garden.
But he ended up chatting mostly with Dang Seol-yeong about poisons.
'Guess I'll check out the herbs.'
This suited my tastes far better anyway.
At the Qingcheng Sect's Deokyang branch construction site.
Elder Jo Ja-cheon of Qingcheng Sect visited the training grounds with Gong Mun-yak to observe Seo Jin-myeong and Hyeong So's spar.
Seo Jin-myeong and Hyeong So were already there, having received word.
Seo Jin-myeong bowed politely first.
"Elder, you've arrived."
Hyeong So followed, lowering his gaze slightly in respect.
Jo Ja-cheon chuckled heartily at the sight.
"Ha ha, no need for such formality. Relax, both of you."
Gong Mun-yak, watching from the side, asked in bewilderment,
"Huh? You seem quite familiar with that Mad Drunk Guest, Elder."
"Naturally. We've met often over Jin-myeong's spars. That greeting from him just now? Extremely courteous by his standards."
"I see. This is only my second time, so I'm still not used to it."
"Thanks to that Mad Drunk Guest, our Jin-myeong's skills have advanced swiftly. He's done our Qingcheng Sect a great favor."
"You really take to him, don't you, Elder?"
"Of course. Ha ha."
Soon, the two began sparring.
Observing, Jo Ja-cheon remarked,
"I can't gauge his internal energy use, but purely on swordsmanship, he reminds me of Sichuan's top swordsman, the Silent Sword Sage."
Gong Mun-yak gasped in surprise.
"The Silent Sword Sage is a monster of a master, isn't he? Is he that Mad Drunk Guest's master?"
"No idea. Just saying his swordplay resembles what I saw once."
The high master known as Silent Sword Sage was also famed for his reticence.
Gong Mun-yak couldn't help thinking it matched Hyeong So's taciturn nature.
"Lately, rumors say the Silent Sword Sage's health has declined, so he's wandering Jianghu seeking famed physicians."
"I'd heard that rumor."
Just then, the spar shifted dramatically.
Ka-ka-ka-kang!
Jo Ja-cheon's eyes widened.
"Why is Jin-myeong using killing intent?"
Hyeong So parried Seo Jin-myeong's sharp thrust and retreated. Without hesitation, Jo Ja-cheon intervened.
He drew his sword, batting away Seo Jin-myeong's blade, then seized his arm to subdue him.
"What the—?"
Seo Jin-myeong's eyes were unfocused, bloodshot red.
"Heart demon!"
Gong Mun-yak, arriving late, explained,
"Physician Yu came personally yesterday with a new decoction made with Azure Spirit Root. Seems it didn't work."
"Mun-yak, hurry and fetch Physician Yu—and White Crane Scholar Jo Jeong-yak too."
A heart demon was grave. Hence calling two top physicians.
"Yes!"
Gong Mun-yak leaped away at once.
Meanwhile, Jo Ja-cheon pinned Seo Jin-myeong down, seated him, and sealed key acupoints. He pressed twin palms to his back, infusing qi to delay the demon as much as possible.
'Vicious heart demon. Won't accept my qi, and it's even breaking the acupoint seals.'
They held out briefly until Gong Mun-yak returned with Yu Ja-gyeom and Jo Jeong-yak.
Jo Ja-cheon was acquainted with both.
"Physician Yu, Physician Jo! Hurry!"
"Talk later."
Yu Ja-gyeom approached Seo Jin-myeong and took his pulse. The dreaded heart demon had erupted. And he knew even he might struggle to treat it now.
"He took my Ganmaek Stabilizing Decoction, and it's still this bad?"
Gong Mun-yak nodded.
"Yes. I saw Senior Brother take it myself."
"Damn. But for the heart demon to be this fierce..."
Jo Jeong-yak stepped forward.
"Make way."
He tilted Seo Jin-myeong's head back slightly, poured in the decoction he'd brought, and sealed acupoints to guide it down.
Yu Ja-gyeom asked,
"What's that?"
"Coptis Detox Decoction with Mysterious Jade Heart."
"Coptis Detox? Not suppressing the demon—driving it out. But how did you suddenly..."
Yu Ja-gyeom trailed off.
The violently trembling body, bloodshot eyes, beastly ragged breaths.
All began stabilizing bit by bit.
But soon, Seo Jin-myeong's eyes closed.
Jo Jeong-yak checked his pulse.
"Haven't fully expelled the heart demon yet."
Yu Ja-gyeom checked too and understood. The decoction alone wasn't enough.
The heart demon still lurked in his mind, poised to resurface.
As Yu Ja-gyeom pondered treatment, Jo Jeong-yak said,
"We'll need to call Jang Physician."
"What? Jang Physician—Jang Wol?"
"Yes. He actually prescribed this Coptis Detox—to respect propriety, he told me only after you left."
Yu Ja-gyeom was a physician too. Patient first; complications later.
"Then Jang Physician's judgment was right. Save the patient first—fetch Jang Physician from Clear Seclusion Clinic, quick!"
Jo Ja-cheon was utterly lost on the situation and names.
Who was this Jang Physician?
But with both physicians insisting, he had no choice.
Jo Ja-cheon turned to Gong Mun-yak.
"Mun-yak, go to Clear Seclusion Clinic and bring back Jang Physician at once."
Gong Mun-yak replied in a flustered voice,
"...If it's Clear Seclusion Clinic, then the Mad Drunk Guest has already gone there."
Yu Ja-gyeom, Jo Jeong-yak, and Jo Ja-cheon scanned the area.
Sure enough, Hyeong So had vanished without a trace.