Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Yangtze River Waterway Stronghold (1)
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When the Blood Cult launches its attack on the Central Plains, considering the Yangtze River Waterway Stronghold that immediately cooperated with them, it was better to capture them while they had the chance.
"Yeah. Whatever. Think of it as boat fare."
The addition of martial arts experts to their ranks was a boon for the military as well.
Especially since he had witnessed their skills firsthand.
At Seol Ryua's proposal, the captain was overjoyed.
"To receive such generous help... I don't even know how to thank you."
"Heh heh. You're too kind."
The captain was a general in the military.
Such deferential treatment from him greatly pleased Gu Hwan-gae.
"Hey, Yu-wol. If a battle breaks out this time, can you use some of your poisons?"
"Of course."
With Dang Yu-wol's poisons on their side, it would be no different from having a heavenly army or demonic horde.
Seol Ryua's expression brightened.
"That's reassuring. Then please board right away. We're departing shortly."
As she suggested, Dang Yu-wol and his group boarded the ship immediately.
"This ship is different from the one we took before."
"It's designed with speed in mind."
"Wow... Sis! Can I go check that out?!"
"Of course. But don't get in the soldiers' way."
"Yes!! Bro! Let's go!"
"Okay!"
"You kids. Falling overboard would be a disaster. I'll go with you."
Gu Hwan-gae took his two disciples and walked away.
In the meantime, the captain and a young man approached.
"We are truly grateful for your assistance, martial artists."
"Think of it as boat fare. But who is this beside you...?"
"He's someone cooperating with us."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Yang Ui-seok of the Healing Star Sect."
At his introduction, Hwan-gyu smiled and introduced himself, but Dang Yu-wol couldn't speak as freely.
-...Hey. That guy.
'Yeah. It's the Medical Star.'
He knew about him.
The man who had treated all the martial artists who banded together against the Blood Cult in the future.
And yet.
After saving countless lives, he had succumbed to the aftereffects of poisoning from his youth.
-The Medical Star lost one eye handling poisons in his youth, as I recall.
But the young man before him was different.
The man who would become the Medical Star still had both eyes intact.
That meant he hadn't handled those poisons yet.
'A shame. The type of poison was never revealed.'
If he knew, he could have given him the antidote or precautions.
'Anyway, it's good. I was planning to visit the Healing Star Sect later to investigate that situation.'
-We unexpectedly met an important figure. Isn't he the one the Blood Cult hated the most?
'Yeah. He'd neutralize their poisons in days.'
Not only that, but he'd cure any plagues they spread just as quickly.
Because of that, the Blood Cult had ground their teeth in frustration, demanding even more potent poisons.
"Little brother?"
As Dang Yu-wol fell silent, Hwan-gyu looked puzzled.
He seemed worried by the uncharacteristic behavior.
"Ah, sorry. I'm Dang Yu-wol of the Sacheon Tang Clan."
"Oh? Sacheon Tang Clan? It's my first time meeting someone from there! Pleased to meet you!"
It was a pure, innocent smile.
Overflowing with vitality.
Completely unlike his future self.
"Young Hero Yang was dispatched from the Healing Star Sect. You may or may not know, but they've long cooperated with the government."
"Yeah, that's right."
"Oh?! Elder! Hello!!"
Gu Hwan-gae had returned with Yi-kyeong and Yi-yul.
Yang Ui-seok was startled upon seeing him, but Gu Hwan-gae paid it no mind.
"You two. Do you know about the Healing Star Sect?"
"I heard their disciples possess medical skills rivaling immortals?!"
It was the common rumor about the Healing Star Sect.
At those words, Yang Ui-seok flushed red and shook his head vigorously.
"N-No, it's not that great!"
Gu Hwan-gae burst into laughter at his reaction.
It seemed the two children had heard the name but didn't know much about the sect.
"The Healing Star Sect was founded by a man once called a divine healer."
"Is it one of the Nine Great Sects?!"
"Not quite, but it's still a renowned sect."
"Wow. So it's a strong sect?"
"Not that either."
The two Taoists tilted their heads.
Most renowned sects in the martial world were powerful.
Yet renowned but not strong?
"Their actual martial prowess isn't that high, so they've been protected by the government or the Nine Great Sects dispatching people."
"Ah! So in return, the Healing Star Sect sends disciples to help them?"
"You could say that."
He pointed teasingly at Yang Ui-seok as he spoke.
"As such, their disciples are said to possess medical skills among the best in the world."
At Gu Hwan-gae's explanation, Yi-kyeong and Yi-yul looked at Yang Ui-seok with even greater admiration.
Embarrassed by their reactions, he grew more flustered.
"I-I'm really not that great."
"What are you talking about?! Last time, thanks to Young Hero Yang, my men survived!"
"Th-That's something any disciple of the Healing Star Sect could do."
"Hahaha. Still as humble as ever."
"E-Elder..."
Yang Ui-seok shot Gu Hwan-gae a look that said it was too much.
Watching them, Seol Ryua looked puzzled.
"Elder. Are you well-acquainted with Young Hero Yang?"
"Yeah. This kid's master is my friend. But Yu-wol, why so quiet?"
"Because the elder keeps talking."
"Urk. Right, right. I'll stay quiet, so chat among yourselves."
"Thank you."
The atmosphere lightened.
Now it was time to gather information.
"I've long been interested in the Healing Star Sect's medicine and pharmacology."
"Ah! Yes. I've heard about the Sacheon Tang Clan too."
Yang Ui-seok couldn't hide his delight.
"They say you're the best in the world with poisons."
"You're too kind."
"No, really. Our Healing Star Sect does handle antidotes too."
He gave a wry smile.
"But there's consensus that we can't compare to the Sacheon Tang Clan, who specialize in poisons."
-Good fellow. He acknowledges what's worth acknowledging.
"I've always wanted to exchange knowledge. I'm looking forward to this journey."
He clasped his hands politely with a bright smile.
While loading cargo and resting in their assigned cabins, the ship began to move.
Feeling awkward staying inside, he went out and saw Yi-kyeong and Yi-yul there.
In front of Gu Hwan-gae, Hwan-gyu, and Seol Ryua watching, the two were sparring.
"Ah! Bro!"
"Bro! You're out?!"
"Yeah. Already started?"
"Hehe. I'll go today! I'll win!"
"Hah! Bro's weak! I'll win!!"
They began sparring with wooden swords, deploying the Jeomchang Sect's swordsmanship.
The soldiers watched stealthily, finding it fascinating.
"Those young Taoists are pretty good."
"Jeomchang Sect is one of the Nine Great Sects, after all."
"Impressive..."
The two clashed swords for quite a while.
The victor was Yi-kyeong.
His sword struck Yi-yul's arm hard, deciding the match.
"Ow ow ow...!!"
"Did I hit too hard?"
"It hurts a bit."
Yi-yul grimaced and rolled up his sleeve.
It was red and swollen—he'd taken a solid hit.
The skin was slightly torn, blood trickling down.
"Let's apply some medicine."
Injuries were natural in sparring.
Dang Yu-wol took out the golden wound salve Ye-ui had made.
"Where on earth do you buy this golden wound salve? It's so effective."
Having used Dang Yu-wol's salve before, Yi-yul marveled repeatedly.
"I've never seen golden wound salve this good!"
"Tang Clan secret."
In truth, it was Ye-ui's creation.
"Aw~. Too bad. It'd be great if we could get it in Yunnan too."
"Hm? Were you injured?"
Yang Ui-seok approached as he treated Yi-yul's wound.
He stared seriously at the salved area and gasped in admiration.
"My goodness. What is this?!"
"Tang Clan secret golden wound salve."
"This is the Tang Clan's secret...?"
The wound on Yi-kyeong's—no, Yi-yul's arm and the salve applied atop it.
After scrutinizing both, he whipped his head around.
His eyes burned with pure thirst for knowledge.
"That salve!! Can I see it for a moment?!"
"Sure."
Dang Yu-wol handed over the golden wound salve.
Taking it, he examined it intently from every angle.
Then he dipped a finger in and tasted it.
-Heh. Eating it like that.
'Some people taste poisons to check. This is nothing.'
Dang Yu-wol was nonchalant, but the others were shocked.
Who eats golden wound salve?
"How... how did you make this?"
"Clan secret."
"R-Right. Tang Clan secret."
"Why? Is there a problem?"
Yi-yul, sensing the shift in atmosphere from their first impressions, asked curiously.
The others reacted similarly.
"Hmm..."
But Yang Ui-seok ignored them, staring intently at the salve.
"I can't even guess the ingredients or the method."
Muttering about the world's vastness, he gazed steadily at Dang Yu-wol.
"Why?"
"How do I learn the Sacheon Tang Clan's secrets?"
"Become a clan disciple and serve the clan until recognized."
"Hmmmm..."
It was the most obvious answer.
But he couldn't betray the Healing Star Sect for another clan.
So he could only lament.
"Young Hero Dang. Would you ever consider studying at the Healing Star Sect?"
"The clan keeps me busy now. No time for that."
Regret.
His face showed nothing else.
"But I'll make time soon."
"Ooooh...!!!"
'I have to investigate Yang Ui-seok and the Healing Star Sect anyway. Perfect.'
-Heh heh. I wonder if the Healing Star Sect can analyze my golden wound salve.
As he rejoiced, Yi-kyeong picked up his weapon.
"Bro. Let's do it now."
"Alright."
"Then I'll referee."
Yi-yul's treatment was done, so it was time for their spar.
As Dang Yu-wol stood and took his stance, Seol Ryua stepped forward.
'I don't know medicine, but I can't miss anything about his martial arts.'
That way, she could accurately gauge his value.
"Begin!!"
She widened her eyes, determined not to miss a single move.
But her expectations faded quickly.
'A shame.'
Seol Ryua thought briefly as she watched Yi-kyeong clash with Dang Yu-wol.
The gap was too wide; she couldn't properly assess Dang Yu-wol's skill.
"Ow ow!!"
The spar ended with Yi-kyeong's defeat, and Seol Ryua stepped up.
"Young Hero Dang. Would you spar with me too?"
"You want to see my full power?"
"Yes."
Dang Yu-wol shook his head at her serious expression.
That only made her want to spar more.
People always want to do what they're told not to.