Chapter 7
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: A Visit to the Black Ghost Sect
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"He insulted the master. Called him a quack. Said he didn't even have the basics down as a physician. That his skills were so pathetic he could only treat beggars."
After spewing insults for a while, he threatened us, demanding ten yuanbao as compensation for the botched treatment. He said if we don't pay up, he'll collect it by force.
The servant, Jangbok, cautiously watched Wi Ji-cheon's expression.
Young Master?
Wi Ji-cheons reaction was, for lack of a better word, strange.
The Wi Ji-cheon that Jangbok and everyone else knew was a good person.
However, his goodness was closer to innocence than benevolence.
Normally, hearing such a story would have sent him into a rage, but he showed no particular reaction.
I understand.
Sir?
What is it?
Its nothing.
Youre being silly. You may go. And dont worry about preparing lunch for me. I think Ill need to step out for a bit.
His voice was calm.
But why?
The unease from before crept back, and a shiver ran down Jangboks spine. He quickly bowed his head and scurried away.
Hoo.
Wi Ji-cheon took a deep breath.
I, too, lack discipline. Why did I let it show when Jangbok did nothing wrong?
Reaching the pinnacle of mastery doesn't mean one can cast off worldly desires and emotions.
If that were the case, the martial world would be several times more peaceful than it is now.
A significant number of major incidents and accidents in the martial world were caused by the masters at its very peak, driven by their greed, anger, resentment, and arrogance.
In fact, the deeper one explores and reflects on their own desires and emotions, the more crucial it becomes for reaching higher realms. Thus, masters at that level are more honest with their feelings.
Therefore, the emotion Wi Ji-cheon was feeling right now was a deep, profound anger.
The only reason he tried to remain calm was because he knew that flying into a rage would be of little help.
He wouldn't be making such an absurd claim for no reason. There must be a motive.
The Black Ghost Sect and the Medical Immortal Medical House had no prior grievances with each other.
If that was the case
Its highly likely someone hired them.
For a moment, the White Immortal Medical House came to mind.
They had used all sorts of schemes to try and ruin the Medical Immortal Medical House.
But he quickly shook his head.
The Black Ghost Sect was a minor dark arts sect.
It was far too low in status to be used as a pawn by the White Immortal Medical House, a Heaven-grade medical house considered on par with the Nine Sects One Union and the Ten Great Families.
Besides, the White Immortal Medical House doesn't start making its move at this point in time.
He sought a more realistic culprit.
There was one.
The Two Good Houses of Nanyang. Specifically, the Namjung Medical House.
It was one of the two Earth-grade medical houses in Nanyang and had close ties with the Black Ghost Sect.
Theyre trying to use the Black Ghost Sect to get rid of our Medical Immortal Medical House.
Ten yuanbao.
Given the Medical Immortal Medical House's financial situation, it was an impossible sum to pay.
Appeal to the authorities for the injustice?
The Namjung Medical House had deep connections with the government officials. If it went to trial, an unfair verdict was almost certain.
This kind of thing is common among medical houses.
It was the golden age of the great medical houses.
As medical houses flourished, so did the competition.
However, fights between medical houses were different from those between martial sects.
In the martial world, the stronger side was the victor.
For medical houses, it was more like a battle between merchant guilds.
If ones medical skills were inferior, it was common practice to resort to all sorts of vile, underhanded schemes to bring about the rival familys downfall.
It was even said that to survive as a medical house, political skill was more important than medical prowess.
But this is strange. Why don't I remember this incident from my past life? It must have happened.
A thought suddenly struck Wi Ji-cheon, and he let out a soft, Ah.
The master said to never, ever tell the young master!
They had deliberately hidden it from him!
To prevent their youngest from worrying and burdening his heart.
And the worthless Wi Ji-cheon had lived on, bright and foolish, oblivious to the hardships his father was enduring behind the scenes.
Ha.
Wi Ji-cheon went to see his father.
Wi Ji-seon was looking over documents, not treating a patient, and his expression was dark.
But as soon as he sensed Wi Ji-cheons presence, he wiped the gloom from his face and put on a smile.
Ah, Cheon, youre here. Its past lunchtime, have you eaten? You seemed to be studying late last night. I wonder if youll actually pass the Medical Examination Ceremony. Haha, I should make a bet with your uncle. Ah, which side would I bet on? Hmm, I think Id still make more money betting on you to fail, but haha.
At his fathers usual cheerful tone, Wi Ji-cheon clenched his fists tightly.
Whats wrong?
Its nothing.
Wi Ji-cheon didn't bother bringing up what had happened earlier.
He knew his fathers heart and why he was hiding it.
If his father knew how upset he was, it would only tear him up inside several times over.
Instead.
Father, do you remember what you told me a long time ago?
Hmm?
You said you wanted to make the Medical Immortal Medical House the greatest in the world.
You still remember that? How can you still remember the ramblings of a drunk old man?
Wi Ji-seon looked embarrassed.
But Wi Ji-cheon knew that his father hadn't been speaking empty words back then.
I wish we could become a medical house that brings happiness to all the suffering patients in the world through benevolent medicine. Just like in the past, when our Medical Immortal Medical House was called the greatest in the world.
The words had been so striking that even though it was long ago, he remembered them clearly.
Its been almost ten years since I said that. I was young then, full of dreams. Now, Im content as long as you children are happy. But why bring that up all of a sudden?
Its nothing.
You silly boy.
Wi Ji-cheon answered only in his mind.
Fathers dream, its not too late. I will make it come true for you.
And so.
He would ensure that something like today never happened again.
He would make sure his father, and his entire family, received only respect and walked a path of honor.
Wi Ji-cheon made a vow.
Before making his move, Wi Ji-cheon first stopped by the pill refinery.
Sister, may I use the refining tools in the pharmacy for a moment?
Sure. Go ahead.
But Im not yet qualified. Are you sure its alright?
Wi Ji-sang-ah nodded so readily that it was Wi Ji-cheon who asked in surprise.
Im the director. Youre my brother. So its fine.
Isnt that an abuse of authority?
Who cares? Im the law here.
Wi Ji-sang-ah replied coolly.
She hadn't allowed it simply because he was her brother. It was likely because the genius(?) Wi Ji-cheon had displayed over the past few days had earned her acknowledgment.
Im just curious, but the Nine-Emperor Herb has strong yin energy. If the mixture was done this way, wouldn't it be a bit more balanced?
Gasp!
I dont really know, but in this secret formula, is the mugwort added to strongly reinforce a deficiency?
Gasp!
This is
Gasp! Gasp! Eek!
From Wi Ji-cheons perspective, he was merely asking questions based on his past understanding of the principles of yin, yang, and the five elements in nature, but in Wi Ji-sang-ahs eyes, it seemed to be a sign of genius.
My brother, who I thought was a fool, is actually a genius?
He had heard her muttering that to herself several times.
Wi Ji-cheon prepared one of the secret formulas he knew from his previous life.
Wi Ji-sang-ah, who had been pacing back and forth observing him, frowned.
You. Where did you hear that recipe?
I happened to find it on the street.
Thats quackery. Itll kill a patient.
No, it wasnt quackery.
Because this medicine wasn't intended to treat patients in the first place.
To avoid suspicion, Wi Ji-cheon simply nodded.
It seems I failed, just as you said, sister. Ill dispose of this myself.
Wi Ji-cheon gathered the ominous-looking pills and went outside.
Where are you going?
Just heading to the marketplace for some fresh air. I wont be long, so dont mention it to Father.
Yes, sir.
This was his first time going out since returning to the past.
Once outside, many people recognized him and greeted him.
Hey, Young Immortal. Long time no see.
Ah, yes, its been a while.
Why havent you come out to play lately?
Ive been studying.
The Young Immortal, studying? Come on, dont joke around!
Laughter erupted here and there.
Come to think of it, I was quite the social butterfly in the Nanyang market back then.
Most of the merchants looked at him with friendly eyes.
Wi Ji-cheon may have been a good-for-nothing, but he wasn't a troublemaker.
The merchants had always thought of the young Wi Ji-cheon, who used to run around the marketplace like it was his playground, as an endearing child.
Kind of like the local mascot cat you see in every market.
Wi Ji-cheon responded to each of the merchants greetings as he walked toward his destination.
However, the merchants tilted their heads.
Something about the direction Wi Ji-cheon was heading seemed strange.
Young Immortal? You cant go that way!
Why not?
You have to ask? That street is dangerous!
As soon as he crossed into a new section, the atmosphere changed drastically.
There was a dangerous air about the place.
The people loitering around had sharp, menacing expressions.
Its okay. I have some business there.
Wi Ji-cheon arrived at a mansion situated in the deepest part of a gloomy alley.
He glanced up at the sign that read Black Ghost Sect and shouted.
The third son of the Medical Immortal Medical House is here! You cur, Jang Sam, head of the Black Ghost Sect, come out!!
A commotion erupted within the Black Ghost Sect.
Who is it? What bastard dares to speak the Masters name?
It is I!
What? The idiot kid from the Medical Immortal Medical House?
The warriors of the Black Ghost Sect frowned.
This is no place for a child like you. Go now, while were asking nicely.
I cant. I came today to teach your master a lesson in human decency.
What? Ha. Has this brat lost his mind?
A warrior from the Black Ghost Sect shoved Wi Ji-cheons shoulder.
It was just a light push.
But then.
Aigo! I just came here to talk! These villains are trying to kill me! Aack!
What?
The warrior from the Black Ghost Sect looked flustered.
The merchants in the marketplace, who had been watching Wi Ji-cheons actions with concern, now showered him with looks of condemnation.
You, you brat! Get out of here right now!
Aack! Are you going to hit me again? Go on, hit me! If you hit me again, Ill report you to the authorities!
The Black Ghost Sect warriors face paled.
Although there was an understanding that the government didn't interfere with martial artists, it didn't mean they were above the law. That understanding applied to disputes between martial sects.
Oppressing a commoner without reason was, of course, subject to punishment.
In reality, a martial artist oppressing a mere commoner rarely became a major issue, but this kid wasn't just any commoner.
Though looked down upon by other medical houses, the Medical Immortal Medical House was still a respected establishment in this neighborhood.
With so many witnesses, it was obvious whose side the authorities would take.
Aigo, my shoulder is going to fall off. I just came to talk! Look, everyone! This man is trying to kill me!
N-No, I
As the Black Ghost Sect warrior broke into a cold sweat.
What is all this commotion! Youre the youngest brat from the Medical Immortal Medical House?
A voice full of authority boomed.
The atmosphere instantly changed.
It was the sect master, Jang Sam!
Hes here.
Wi Ji-cheons gaze sharpened.
He could have resolved this matter quietly. But he had deliberately caused a scene in front of everyone for a specific reason.
Greetings, Great Master Jang Sam. I have come because I have business with you.
You? With me?
Yes, I have something to discuss with you in private. May we speak alone?
Hah?
This will be an important matter for you as well. Who knows? Perhaps our meeting today will make me your great benefactor.
Jang Sam frowned.
What kind of nonsense was this?
A benefactor.
This boy was suggesting he could become Jang Sams savior.