The Fragrance of Herbs
A beautiful young woman with sharp, captivating eyes made her way toward Wuyuan Pharmacy. Wherever she walked, a peculiar phenomenon occurred: glances of envy and romantic admiration mingled in the air. The reason was simple. The villagers held her in high esteem due to the endless charity she and her family bestowed upon them, and her beauty was of a bewitching caliber rarely seen in this remote county. Though she was merely the daughter of a poor apothecary and could not afford fine ornaments or cosmetics, her natural splendor could not be hidden. Her name was San Suhwa.
It was only as dusk began to settle that San Suhwa finally arrived at her home, Wuyuan Pharmacy. Pushing open the worn wooden gate, she was greeted by the rich, earthy aroma of simmering medicinal herbs. Even as darkness fell, her family worked tirelessly without a moment's rest. Watching them, a warm, gentle smile graced her lips as she stepped inside.
As she crossed the threshold, her younger brother, San Ireong, who had been tending to the boiling herbs, looked up with a bright, innocent face and rushed over to greet her. "Sister! What took you so long? Did you get the ingredients?"
"Of course I did," she replied, lifting her bundle to show him the contents. "I ran into a few things on the way back, so I was delayed a bit."
Hearing their voices, San Suhwa's father and the owner of the pharmacy, San Dogang, hurried out from the medicine preparation room to welcome his daughter. "Ah, Suhwa, you're back. It must be freezing outside. Shall I pour you a cup of warm water?"
"No, I'm fine, Father," she answered. Though her words were characteristically brief and blunt, the deep affection she held for her family shone clearly in her eyes and the soft tone of her voice.
Though San Suhwa and San Ireong had lost their mother at a young age, they had grown into upright, kind-hearted individuals under their father's boundless love. As the sun dipped below the horizon and night fully claimed the sky, Wuyuan Pharmacy was filled with the warmth of their quiet, happy chatter.
But the peaceful atmosphere was abruptly shattered. The heavy creak of the front gate echoing through the yard signaled the arrival of uninvited guests. Judging by the heavy thuds, there were at least three or four of them. While late-night visitors were usually patients in dire need of medical attention, these footsteps lacked the frantic urgency of the sick or injured. Sensing something amiss, the family tensed, their eyes locking onto the entrance. Sure enough, the door was violently flung open, and several men clad in crimson martial robes barged inside.
Embroidered across the chests of their robes was a menacing emblem of a crimson fang. Instantly, the family recognized them as martial artists of the Red Fang Gang.
San Suhwa narrowed her sharp eyes, her voice cold as she demanded, "To what do we owe the honor of the Red Fang Gang visiting our humble pharmacy at such a late hour?"
The thugs ignored her question entirely. Instead, they lined up on either side of the entrance, standing guard. A moment later, a man who appeared to be their leader—bearing a prominent scar across the bridge of his nose—leisurely stepped into the pharmacy.
"Greetings, master of Wuyuan Pharmacy," the scarred man said, a greasy smile playing on his lips. "We've met once before, though I wonder if you still recall my face."
"..." San Dogang squinted at him, his expression guarded. "My apologies... I have treated so many patients lately that my memory is somewhat hazy."
"Hmph. Then I suppose I must introduce myself again. I am Gakgwi, the Shadow Pavilion Leader of the Red Fang Gang."
Upon hearing that a high-ranking pavilion leader of the Red Fang Gang had come in person, San Dogang's tension spiked. Trying to keep his voice steady, he asked, "What brings the esteemed Shadow Pavilion Leader to such a run-down place as this?"
Gakgwi pulled up a nearby chair, making himself at home, and sat down. "Oh, it is nothing grand. I assume you are aware that the conflict between our Red Fang Gang and the Black Summit Sect has been growing rather intense lately?"
"We do not concern ourselves with the affairs of the Jianghu, so we would not know..."
"Well, now that I've told you, you do." Gakgwi's eyes turned chillingly cold, his voice dropping to a threatening register. "Apothecary, let's not beat around the bush. Join us."
"What do you mean by that...?"
"Don't play dumb. You are practically the only physician in all of Wuyuan County, are you not? We will need your help in our upcoming clash with the Black Summit Sect."
Indeed, Wuyuan County was a small, secluded region, and the only true healers were San Dogang and his children. While there were others who dabbled in folk remedies, treating severe trauma or critical illnesses required the expertise of Wuyuan Pharmacy. Knowing this all too well, San Dogang spoke with firm resolve.
"I must offer my deepest apologies, Shadow Pavilion Leader. We have no desire to align ourselves with any faction. The people of this town rely on our family's care, so I beg for your understanding."
"Hmm. I figured as much." Gakgwi reached into his robes and drew a gleaming, razor-sharp dagger, casually running his fingers along the flat of the blade. At the sight of the weapon, San Dogang and his children tensed, watching the Shadow Pavilion Leader with absolute vigilance.
"Tsk, what a predicament. Our Sect Leader strictly ordered me to bring you back. It seems this humble pavilion leader is going to get a severe scolding tonight."
"...My apologies." San Dogang bowed his head in contrition. Seeing this, Gakgwi let out a dry chuckle.
"Haha, there is no need to apologize! Everyone has their own grand cause to follow. I understand completely."
"Th-thank you—" Before San Dogang could finish, Gakgwi slammed the dagger down, embedding it deep into the wooden table.
"But make no mistake," Gakgwi interrupted, his voice dripping with venom. "The cause of our brave Red Fang Gang is by no means light. If we ever find out that you have treated a martial artist of the Black Summit Sect..." Gakgwi's gaze slowly drifted over San Suhwa and San Ireong, a suffocating, murderous aura instantly filling the room.
"Well, I trust you will make the wise choice." It was an overt, chilling threat.
Gakgwi rose from his seat, his expression souring, and turned to leave. But just as he reached the threshold, he paused. "Ah! Right. By the way, have you ever visited Wuyuan County's finest attraction, Wuyuan Pavilion?"
Wuyuan Pavilion was the most famous courtesan house in the region, operated directly by the Red Fang Gang. Taken aback by the sudden mention of a brothel, San Dogang replied cautiously, "No... I have not. Is there... something you wish to say?"
"Oh, it's nothing much. It's just that we've had an influx of guests at Wuyuan Pavilion lately, and we're running a bit short on courtesans. And yet..." Gakgwi's eyes swept over San Suhwa with a sickening, lecherous gaze. "Your daughter truly is a rare beauty."
At that, San Dogang, who had kept his head low this entire time, finally snapped. His voice trembled with suppressed rage. "Pavilion Leader! What exactly are you trying to say?!"
"Whoa, easy now. There's no need to get so worked up. It was merely a compliment." Gakgwi flashed a sinister, mocking grin before turning on his heel. "Think it over carefully," he called out as he and his men departed. "Our doors are always open to you."
As the sound of their footsteps faded into the distance, San Dogang clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white. Though he held his tongue in front of his children, his hands shook violently with rage. Noticing his distress, the perceptive San Suhwa spoke softly. "Father..."
San Dogang squeezed his eyes shut, trying to compose himself, and turned to head back to his room. But right then, another set of footsteps echoed from the courtyard outside. San Dogang glared at the door, his anger still simmering, when a polite knock sounded.
"Excuse me, is anyone inside?"
Unlike the crude thugs from earlier, this voice was remarkably refined and gentle. San Dogang let out a quiet sigh of relief and called out, "Please, come in."
Creak. The door slid open slowly, revealing a man and a woman. The moment San Dogang saw them, his guard shot right back up. Their eyes were an unnatural, piercing red, and their hair was as white as freshly fallen snow, casting an eerie, otherworldly aura around them. Furthermore, the man possessed an extraordinarily handsome, sculpted face, a tall stature, and wore luxurious black-and-crimson robes that exuded a regal yet terrifying presence.
Sensing their apprehension, the white-haired man spoke with impeccable politeness. "It seems our late-night visit has caused you some discomfort. Shall we return tomorrow instead?"
His gentle demeanor was a stark contrast to his intimidating appearance. Clearing his throat, San Dogang replied, "Ah, no. It is fine. What brings you to our pharmacy at such a late hour...?"
"Nothing of great import. I have been feeling rather fatigued lately, and I was hoping to purchase some medicine to restore my strength."
"Ah, I see. You have come to the right place. Please, take a seat over there while I prepare it."
The white-haired man offered a warm, serene smile and sat down. "I am deeply grateful for your hospitality, especially considering the hour."
"No, it is only natural. Could you tell me exactly what symptoms you are experiencing?"
"Hmm..." The white-haired man seemed to ponder the question for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. "I simply feel... somewhat drained."
"Ah. So... you lack energy?"
"Yes, precisely. I find myself lacking in energy."
Though the man's vague description seemed rather suspicious, his polite demeanor put San Dogang at ease. Deciding not to pry, the apothecary went to fetch the medicine.
Accepting the medicine, the white-haired man smiled brightly. "Thank you. To show such kindness and provide medicine at this hour... you truly are good people."
No one dislikes being praised for their character. The lingering distress from the Red Fang Gang's threats seemed to melt away, and San Dogang let out a hearty chuckle. "Haha, it is nothing. I am just glad we could be of help."
"How much do I owe you for the medicine?"
"Please, take it. We have more than enough of these herbs in stock, so there is no need to pay."
"My, you are generous to a fault." The man glanced at the white-haired woman beside him. Understanding his silent cue, she reached into her robes and produced a silk pouch, offering it to the apothecary.
When San Dogang opened it, he found a substantial amount of silver inside—far too much for a simple, common remedy. He frantically waved his hands in refusal. "No, no! This is far too much. I cannot accept this. Your kind gesture is more than enough."
"I have heard of this pharmacy's stellar reputation," the man replied smoothly. "Consider this a small token of my support for your noble work."
"I appreciate the thought, but really, it is fine. Please, keep your silver."
The white-haired man seemed slightly surprised by San Dogang's steadfast refusal, but a deeply satisfied smile spread across his face. "Meeting such virtuous souls truly warms my heart."
He rose slowly from his seat. "My name is Unwol. I intend to visit from time to time. Should a moment arise when you require assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know."
Touched by his warm words, San Dogang smiled warmly and escorted them out to the courtyard, bidding them a fond farewell.
Yet, the youngest, San Ireong, could not shake a chilling sensation as he stared at the crimson eyes of Unwol and the woman beside him. It was a deeply unsettling aura—one that felt entirely, terrifyingly inhuman.