Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Equivalent
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"To us, he's practically the Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Physician."
Reactions split sharply the moment Seo Jin-myeong uttered the words "Generate Pulse Powder."
'Those who've tasted Generate Pulse Powder... and those who haven't.'
Those who'd drunk it unconsciously swallowed, recalling the cool sensation that quelled the inner heat.
'Seo Jin-myeong and Hyeong So have obviously tried it, and it looks like Jo Jeong-yak has too.'
Jo Jeong-yak, the White Crane Scholar, was renowned for crafting high-quality decoctions from precious herbs. It was obvious he'd sampled Generate Pulse Powder after hearing the rumors.
'And Yu Ja-gyeom, Jo Ja-cheon, and Gong Mun-yak haven't.'
The three wore expressions of utter bewilderment, as if they couldn't comprehend what was being said.
I approached the flustered Jo Ja-cheon and explained.
"Seo Gong just awoke from a heart demon trance, so his thirst must be intense. The fire and heat expelling from his body as the poison detoxifies have dried out his throat even more."
Moreover, Seo Jin-myeong was one of those who'd tried Generate Pulse Powder once because of Hyeong So.
The moment he saw Hyeong So and me, the cool refreshment of Generate Pulse Powder must have flooded his mind, making the thirst unbearable.
Jo Ja-cheon still looked puzzled as he replied.
"I-is that so? Then it must be severe enough for him to request it outright. Just for Generate Pulse Powder, though."
I smiled faintly.
"Just Generate Pulse Powder? Try it once, and you'll understand. Apprentice Dang."
I called Dang Seol-yeong. She poured generous servings of the Generate Pulse Powder we'd brought in a small jar into wooden bowls and distributed them.
Seo Jin-myeong gulped at the sight, then tried to down it quickly.
"Wet your lips little by little first, and sip it slowly. Chugging can cause issues."
"Understood."
His lips were parched and cracked from the moisture fleeing his body alongside everything else.
He moistened his lips slowly with the Generate Pulse Powder, then soon began gulping it down.
And a moment later...
"Hoo..."
He closed his eyes, exhaled a contented sigh with a refreshed expression.
At the same time, something astonishing happened. Jo Ja-cheon and Gong Mun-yak's eyes widened.
"Wh-what's that?"
"Senior Brother's condition is improving even more?"
His cracked lips returned to normal, and color bloomed in his pale face.
A smile finally curved Seo Jin-myeong's lips.
"Now I feel alive..."
It was a smile no one could associate with someone who'd just suffered a heart demon episode.
Stunned, Jo Ja-cheon, Gong Mun-yak, and Yu Ja-gyeom all took sips of Generate Pulse Powder.
"Heup...!"
The three inhaled sharply after drinking, then closed their eyes, savoring the coolness with blissful faces.
A moment later, Jo Ja-cheon and Gong Mun-yak opened their eyes and spoke.
"This is the coolest Generate Pulse Powder I've ever had."
"I-I'm shocked too. What an incredible decoction."
Yu Ja-gyeom's eyes bulged as he turned to Jo Jeong-yak beside him.
"From the aroma and taste, it seems to have pinellia in it. How did Clear Seclusion Clinic make Generate Pulse Powder like this?"
Jo Jeong-yak smiled faintly in response.
"Dang Little Sister made it."
Yu Ja-gyeom stared at Dang Seol-yeong in astonishment. She placed hands on her hips, beaming with pride.
Even getting nods from Yu Ja-gyeom and Jo Jeong-yak—how could she not be proud?
Anyway, it was a relief that Seo Jin-myeong's heart demon issue had resolved smoothly.
Seo Jin-myeong approached me to express his gratitude.
"Truly, thank you. And those final words you shared with me..."
"I hope they weren't overstepping."
"Not at all. Teachings and learning transcend age and status. Thanks to you, I gained much insight."
Jo Ja-cheon came over as well.
"Just as Jin-myeong said. Your words give me much to reflect on too. And this is something I'll need to bring up back at the main sect."
Main sect—Qingcheng Sect, right? That meant my words would reach the ears of the Qingcheng Sect leader.
I waved my hands and shook my head.
"That would burden me too much."
"No. Your advice to let go a bit rang a huge alarm for our training methods. So, might I invite you to our Qingcheng Sect someday?"
"It would be an honor."
"Good. As Jin-myeong's benefactor, everyone will welcome you with open arms."
After exchanging farewells with the Qingcheng Sect members, Yu Ja-gyeom approached me next.
"Astonishing medical skill. My eye never deceives me. That's why I wanted to recruit Jang Physician from the start."
"It was easy to treat thanks to Physician Yu and Physician Jang's handling."
Yu Ja-gyeom laughed heartily, delighted.
"Haha! Indeed. Anyway, I'll drop by Clear Seclusion Clinic soon. I want to try that oral transmission too."
"I'll give you a pulse diagnosis as well."
"Heh heh, diagnose this body? Fine, perfect. I'll visit shortly."
Jo Ja-cheon and Gong Mun-yak tended to Seo Jin-myeong, while Yu Ja-gyeom and Jo Jeong-yak prepared to leave.
Hyeong So, who'd stood silently until then, sidled up to me.
"Thanks."
He left those curt words in his usual impassive tone and wandered off.
Dang Seol-yeong approached, voice laced with surprise.
"Wow, that's amazing. Hearing thanks from that Mad Drunk Guest for the first time."
"Even I was shocked."
The next day, after treatments ended, I organized a thought in my mind.
'Progress on the Deokyang Medical District project.'
I'd mentioned it before when treating Gold Coin Merchant Association Head Bi Geum-seok.
- When I need it, I'll ask for a major investment in Deokyang Medical District once.
To surpass other renowned medical districts in the martial world and become the world's greatest physician, Deokyang Medical District had to advance together.
'I need to proceed step by step. For the first stage, I'll need Bi Geum-seok's help after all.'
I'd met Bi Geum-seok a couple times, but meeting the famous, busy man on the spot would be tough.
Having sorted my thoughts, I left Clear Seclusion Clinic and told Dang Seol-yeong.
"I'll be right back."
"Where to?"
"Escort Hall."
The Escort Hall was a compound formed by martial artists mainly handling escort duties. They sought jobs, exchanged info, and built camaraderie there.
Bae Seon-u, helping Dang Seol-yeong tidy up, was startled.
"Ah, is it safe to go alone to such a rough place? There must be scary folks there."
Dang Seol-yeong replied.
"It's fine. Hard to find anyone there who hasn't been treated by Jang Physician. If someone picks a fight, the rest won't stand for it."
Bae Seon-u finally nodded in understanding.
"Ah, then that's a relief."
This was part of what drew me to physicians while reading wuxia novels.
To martial artists so strict on favors and grudges, a physician was practically a lifesaver.
"I'll head out then."
The Escort Hall was in Deokyang City, not far.
Soon, I arrived at the Escort Hall with its wide-open gates and entered.
Gazes poured toward me at once, naturally including some 'What's this punk doing here?' looks.
But soon...
"Hey! What kind of look are you giving Jang Physician?"
That sparked it—many approached to greet me.
"Aigoo, Jang Physician, you're here."
"Hello, Jang Physician. Hope you've been well."
"Thanks to that back treatment last time, I'm still working strong."
Those who didn't know me yet asked neighbors.
"Who's that? A physician?"
"He is. To us, he's practically the Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Physician."
Wow, that much?
"Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand? That one even we warriors can't meet?"
"Yep. Without him, I'd have been out half a year."
After greetings, I asked.
"Do you know where Choi Cheol-bo is?"
"Great Hero Choi's in the rear garden! With the kids."
Kids?
Guided to the rear garden, sure enough, Choi Cheol-bo was with the kids.
Na Sang-a and So Hong-ryeo, naturally.
"Yap yap!"
The two were demonstrating fist techniques before Choi Cheol-bo, surrounded by onlookers exclaiming in admiration.
"Both kids have impressive skill."
"Is Deokyang So Family's daughter also Hero Choi's disciple?"
"Nah, just guiding her, from what I hear. The two kids are thick as thieves, so Deokyang So Patriarch specially asked to keep them together."
That's what happened. Explains So Hong-ryeo being here too.
As I appeared in the garden, my eyes met Choi Cheol-bo's.
"Jang Physician, what brings you here?"
Na Sang-a and So Hong-ryeo turned, spotted me, and came running.
"Brother Jang!"
I greeted the two who latched onto my arms. Then exchanged with Choi Cheol-bo.
Still dangling the pair, I asked him.
"I'd like to meet Gold Coin Merchant Association Head. Could you pass a message?"
Choi Cheol-bo massaged between his right shoulder and neck.
"Ah, he's away on association business. I'll relay it, so you can meet when he returns."
"Thank you for your help."
Choi Cheol-bo smiled.
"Help? This is nothing."
"Seems you're putting more effort into martial arts training lately."
Choi Cheol-bo whispered.
"Right. Actually, Brother Bi gifted me a manual. But how'd you know?"
Oh, a manual. That would boost Choi Cheol-bo's skills, and Na Sang-a and So Hong-ryeo's fist techniques too.
"You kept unconsciously rubbing between shoulder and neck, grimacing. Probably feels stiff and knotted there now."
Choi Cheol-bo stared blankly.
"Y-yeah."
"Best to catch it early. One needle."
I unrolled my needle pouch.
"Jang Physician's taking out needles!"
People swarmed.
Pulse diagnosis on Choi Cheol-bo: mild shoulder-neck pain.
Shoulder-neck pain causes stiffness between shoulder and neck, and inside the scapula.
Common in modern times among heavy computer users.
'Acupoint good for shoulder-neck pain.'
Tianzhong, center of trapezius.
Tianzhong acupoint helps relieve neck, shoulder, and back pain with regular pressure.
I parted Choi Cheol-bo's clothes and inserted one Fire Needle at Tianzhong.
Family-level Fire Needle. No need for more.
After withdrawing, I asked.
"Try moving."
"I-it's gone. No pain."
"Glad it's better."
Onlookers gaped in shock.
"D-did you see? Healed with one needle!"
"His acupuncture was already amazing, but it's improved?"
"Check me too! My shoulder's been stiff."
"My knee!"
The crowd surged. Na Sang-a and So Hong-ryeo blocked them.
"Want treatment from Brother Jang? Come to the clinic later!"
"Clear Seclusion Clinic's on Deokyang Medical District outskirts!"
Choi Cheol-bo chuckled in agreement.
"Heh heh, that's right. Treating you all here one by one would wear Jang Physician out."
"I see..."
"No helping it..."
To the disappointed ones turning away, I smiled.
"No severe conditions anyway, so I'll handle some here."
"Jang Physician's doing it!"
"Everyone line up!"
As they queued eagerly, Choi Cheol-bo said to me.
"Just treating like this is fine?"
"Of course. Not a big deal."
I recalled what someone at Escort Hall said earlier.
- To us, he's practically the Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Physician.
They think that highly of me—how could I just pass it by?
Gold Coin Merchant Association Head Bi Geum-seok was en route to Clear Seclusion Clinic.
Yesterday, Choi Cheol-bo relayed Jang Wol's request for a meeting.
'He asked for investment in Deokyang Medical District before. Must be about that.'
He owed him his life, but a merchant was a merchant.
He needed confirmation.
Did Jang Wol have the capability? How did Clear Seclusion Clinic operate, etc.
'Hmm. Even so, Jang Wol leading seems stretchy. Deokyang Medical District has that prideful Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand.'
Last time at Deokyang So Family, he overheard Yu Ja-gyeom and Jang Wol. Jang Wol asked for future support; Yu Ja-gyeom nodded.
'Yu Ja-gyeom would want to lead himself.'
Thinking it premature for Jang Wol, Bi Geum-seok headed to Clear Seclusion Clinic.
Someone greeted him then.
"Gold Coin Merchant Association Head?"
A thirties physician, face familiar. After a moment...
"Ah, disciple of White Crane Scholar Jo Physician?"
"Yes, you remember. Met a few times at White Herb Hall. Son Hu-ji. Now running a clinic in Central Medical District."
"I see. Nice to meet you. What brings you here?"
Son Hu-ji explained following Qingcheng Sect, learning acupuncture from Jang Wol at Clear Seclusion Clinic.
Bi Geum-seok nodded, mildly surprised.
"Ho, you're learning acupuncture from that Jang Physician?"
"Yes. Age matters little in teachings and learning."
Bi Geum-seok thought inwardly.
'Jang Physician's steadily building reputation. But a physician like Son Hu-ji still isn't enough...'
The two headed to Clear Seclusion Clinic together.
Soon, their steps halted. They spotted people entering ahead.
Bi Geum-seok said, astonished.
"Aren't those Song Heon-ro Physician, Sa Gong-yak Physician, Jong Ri-soong Physician?"
Deokyang Medical District's luminaries.
"Yes. The three are researching acupuncture with me under Jang Physician."
Bi Geum-seok was shocked.
"Those three too?"
Song Heon-ro, Sa Gong-yak, Jong Ri-soong held incomparable fame to Son Hu-ji.
But Bi Geum-seok quickly assessed coolly.
'Well, last time I saw Jang Physician was at Song Heon-ro's Famous Physician Tower.'
He'd heard they collaborated then. That explained the trio's actions.
'Anyway, doesn't change the issue. That Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Yu Ja-gyeom Physician...'
Bi Geum-seok's eyes widened then.
He spotted Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Yu Ja-gyeom entering Clear Seclusion Clinic.
Stunned, Bi Geum-seok blankly asked Son Hu-ji.
"...No way the Immortal Spirit Miracle Hand Physician's learning from Jang Physician too?"
"...No. First time I've seen this either."