Chapter 66
In the Namgung family's medical hall, the elderly physician awaited Namgung Wan's return from fetching Baek Ri-yeon. He sprang to his feet in surprise upon seeing the group arrive.
"Young master? Are you hurt too? Where's the injury?"
Namgung Wan answered for him. "Perfectly fine."
"Pardon?"
The physician blinked in confusion for a moment before asking, "Then what brings you here?"
"For Yeon-i."
"I was asking about you, young master, not the young lady..."
"Ryu-cheong came for Yeon-i!"
"Pardon?!"
Namgung Wan waved a hand dismissively, pointing at me. "Enough chatter. Check Yeon-i's wound first."
The physician still looked puzzled but immediately began examining me. He unwound the bandages and inspected the injury, his eyes widening slightly.
"Remarkable healing power for such a young child. The flesh has knit beautifully. We can just remove the remaining stitches like this."
"Already?"
"I was worried because it was so deep, but it seems my concern was unfounded. The prognosis is far better than expected."
The physician gently prodded my plump fingers. "No numbness anywhere? Now, try moving your fingers—just a little, not too much. Good. Like that."
"So, when can she be discharged?"
"Another week of disinfection and monitoring should suffice."
Namgung Wan nodded in satisfaction. "Hear that, Baek Ri-yeon? Prepare to enter Changgung Hall in about a week."
"Changgung Hall?"
"Changgung Hall?!"
My voice first, then Namgung Ryu-cheong's.
Changgung Hall was where the Namgung family's heirs underwent secluded training. Children of murim clans didn't seclude themselves just anywhere. They chose places rich in earthly energy and natural qi, where cultivation progressed faster. Families typically claimed and owned such natural sites.
The Baek family had one too. But Changgung Hall was unique—no natural formation here. The Namgung family had artificially created it using formation arrays and illusory techniques.
People had initially doubted its efficacy, but the Namgung family proved it with their martial prowess. They kept producing powerhouses, leading some to whisper that their peerless arts owed much to that hall.
Namgung Ryu-cheong pressed on. "Why would the young lady enter Changgung Hall?"
"You seem to have forgotten, but it also accelerates healing. She's going in for treatment."
Namgung Wan addressed Ryu-cheong, then turned to me. "I gave you a rough explanation last time, remember?"
He had, but I hadn't paid close attention, never imagining I'd enter.
Namgung Wan elaborated. "Only one person can enter at a time. Once the doors close, they stay shut for at least a fortnight—that's the rule. Step inside, and you're locked in for no less than fifteen days, even if you beg to leave."
In the modern world, locking up a seven-year-old would be child abuse, straight to the authorities. But this was a world oblivious to child rights. Poor families put kids to work the moment they could walk. A sword-clan like the Namgung? Secluding a seven-year-old was par for the course.
"So, will you go? Ryu-cheong entered at your age too."
My answer was simple. "Yes, I will!"
I couldn't pass up this chance.
I've been needing a quiet space to focus on training anyway.
With Yahul dropping by, then Seo Ha-ryeong, and lately Namgung Ryu-cheong too, undivided concentration had been impossible.
"Good. You heard her?"
Namgung Wan glanced at Namgung Ryu-cheong, who looked oddly aggrieved.
Tsking his tongue, Namgung Wan said, "That's why you need to stop your nonsense and focus on training. Do you think you have time to slack off?"
A training maniac told to train harder? Was this the Namgung way?
No wonder the kid's growing up twisted.
Namgung Ryu-cheong lowered his eyes briefly, then spoke with resolve. "Father, once the young lady comes out, let me enter Changgung Hall too..."
"No."
Namgung Wan cut him off before he finished.
Ryu-cheong bit his lip and bowed his head. He looked quite pitiful.
"Why can't the young master?"
"Too greedy."
"Pardon?"
"Training requires balance among Jing, Qi, and Shen."
Jing, Qi, Shen—body, energy, spirit. In martial terms: swordsmanship, inner power, enlightenment.
"But Ryu-cheong lacks Shen. And now sword qi too... Any more greed, and your balance will shatter."
Shattered balance could lead to qi deviation.
Oh...
Most fell into deviation from inner power overload, like me. But enlightenment deficiency? Classic Namgung Ryu-cheong. A peerless genius faced trials ordinary folk never dreamed of. It also explained the premium elixirs he'd consumed since childhood.
"And who has time to fuss over others right now?"
Namgung Wan poked my forehead. I rubbed it, pouting.
With the talk wrapping up, the physician spoke. "Then, time to remove the stitches."
"Pardon? Now? Wait—!"
I yelped in alarm. Namgung Ryu-cheong raised an eyebrow at me. "What's wrong?"
Hand on my chest, I took a deep breath. "I need a moment to mentally prepare..."
Before I finished, Namgung Wan grabbed my arm and shoulder. I couldn't budge.
"Remove them."
"Yes."
"Ow! Wait—!"
"Ughhh... I'll be going nowww."
Baek Ri-yeon bid farewell and shuffled out, shoulders slumped in misery.
Namgung Wan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, clucking his tongue at her retreating figure.
His aide, Sim, chuckled. "Why the fuss? Any ordinary kid would've been bawling by now."
"Bawling over stitches? She's just whining."
His expression was amused, though. With a smug tone, he added, "Last time they stitched her up, she whined endlessly. Fell asleep from the painkiller in the medical hall, so I carried her back to her room myself."
Sim laughed. "Even so, she's far more composed than her peers."
"Hmph, maybe."
"Didn't she agree to enter Changgung Hall without hesitation? Honestly, I didn't expect that."
At seven, even the boldest child feared isolation.
"Fearless... or brainless?"
Baek Ri-yeon was still staring at her palm as she walked, clearly preoccupied.
"Look at her... not watching where she's going."
"The young master’s beside her; she won't fall."
Namgung Ryu-cheong said something to Baek Ri-yeon. She looked up and replied; he turned his head away, avoiding her gaze.
"Hah."
Namgung Wan sighed. Sim sounded astonished. "Doesn't it seem like the young master can't handle the little miss?"
"With Ryu-cheong's temper? Unlikely..."
His words lacked conviction, even to himself.
"What on earth happened while I was away?"
Sim burned with determination to interrogate his subordinates upon return.
Then Namgung Wan recalled something. "Oh, right. So, why'd you rush back like this?"
Sim's easy demeanor froze like he'd been doused in ice water. His sharp eyes scanned the room, baffling Namgung Wan.
This was the Namgung medical wing—only verified family members entered. And this room held only the veteran physician who'd served generations.
No need for caution. That's why Namgung Wan had asked casually.
Not satisfied, Sim sent a sound transmission instead.