Chapter 22: Learning the Qi Clan's Secret Arts—Becoming Clan Family Solves the Greatest Problem
Tian Ailang's words made Ma Chung's expression turn grave. He might stake his old life on a personal matter, but this involved the entire Medical Pavilion joining the Qi Clan. As the pavilion's master, he could decide unilaterally, but he had never run it that way.
Of course, he and his granddaughter Hwaran could join the Qi Clan while letting the others live their own lives—but that came with its own issues. Everyone gathered here at the Medical Pavilion were orphans he had personally taken in, no different from his own children. They deserved to discuss and choose for themselves.
"Give me just one day," he said. "It's too weighty a decision for this old man to make alone."
Tian Ailang nodded readily. "Of course, Grandfather."
Thinking the discussion concluded, Tian Ailang rose to leave. Hwaran quickly donned her face veil and stood with him.
"You'll guide me out?"
Hwaran opened the door and led the way. As they emerged from Ma Chung's room, the sky had already darkened.
I lost track of time, Tian Ailang thought, reminiscing about their enjoyable talk. A sudden gaze made him glance around. Eyes stared more intensely than during the day—some while dispensing medicine, others clutching acupuncture kits as if charging in, and a few wielding small scalpels. Madness gleamed in their eyes, like lunatics dying to examine and treat this new patient named Tian Ailang.
He couldn't help but chuckle. They'd said these healers were obsessed with medicine and mad for new patients, but he hadn't expected this level. It was a casual proposal full of uncertainties, but if they joined as clan retainers, they'd be a tremendous asset. Medical arts were as hard to master as martial ones, yet far rarer—and healers who could treat murim warriors were priceless.
Still, he doubted it would happen. Ma Grandfather looked ready to rip out his liver or gall for his granddaughter, but the others might feel differently. And he'd mentioned marrow cleansing and rebirth as Hwaran's cure—easy for him, but legend to them. That said it all.
The proposal will probably fizzle out, and we'll leave soon, he thought, keeping his mind light. He'd never expected a cure here anyway.
Chatting with Grandfather's old friend was reward enough. Hearing untold stories of his grandfather and clan made the visit worthwhile.
Sifting through his thoughts, Tian Ailang arrived at a thatched hut identical to the others.
"This one's empty. It's not fully tidied since we don't know when guests might come, but there's nothing much to sort anyway. Call if you need anything."
"Thank you." Tian Ailang gave the murim salute of cupped fists. Hwaran bowed deeply in return and retraced her steps, busily calling to the residents she passed.
She's gathering them for a meeting, Tian Ailang thought, sensing her influence as the residents followed without question. He glanced at the bustling pavilion, then entered the hut to rest.
* * *
Tian Ailang met Ma Chung again the next morning at Hwaran's summons. The entire pavilion had gathered; he saw faces he'd never glimpsed before. Ma Chung's room was too small, so they sat in the front courtyard. The residents stood behind him like attendants, Hwaran at his side, as if he represented them all in welcoming Tian Ailang.
Ma Chung spoke. "We entrust Hwaran's treatment to you. We'll provide every support needed, and if you succeed, we'll gladly accept your request. The entire Medical Pavilion will join the Qi Clan."
No hesitation in his words or actions. Tian Ailang stared in surprise. He'd held little hope, let alone such swift consensus.
He scanned the residents behind Ma Chung—all beaming with smiles.
"If it cures our Hwaran sis, anything goes."
"Yeah, if it's for treating Hwaran unnie, I'm in. Need a female healer? Just say."
"It sounds utterly implausible, but chasing impossible cures is our joy. Call anytime you need help."
"Exactly. We'll help no matter what—just make Hwaran smile like she did as a kid."
"I'm dying to see that treatment and its results. Couldn't sleep last night. Need help? Call me first."
Over twenty residents voiced their support. Tian Ailang felt the warmth of family in their unity. If they became his clan, that warmth would nestle in his heart like a precious pearl. Now he had to succeed. He would make them his people.
But first, one curiosity.
"Um... Grandfather."
Ma Chung nodded happily at the residents' reactions, then turned.
"What about my diagnosis?" Tian Ailang asked.
"Ah?!" Ma Chung's eyes widened. Hwaran startled too—they'd clearly forgotten.
Ma Chung waved them off like fanning flies, wanting a private word. No regrets shadowed their faces; they scattered to their tasks.
Healers have strong pride, and trusting a stranger isn't easy...
To his surprise, they chatted excitedly in groups about the treatment ahead.
Medicine-mad lunatics...
They were remarkable in every way. Alone now, Tian Ailang, Ma Chung, and Hwaran sipped tea in the room as before.
Ma Chung moistened his throat and began. "Your qi resembled Tian Danho's so closely—I got excited yesterday."
"No harm done. Any path forward?"
He'd had zero expectations at first, but now, for Hwaran's sake, he hoped some treatment was viable.
"Nothing special I can do. Seems like it needs time or insight. I vaguely recall Tian Danho mentioning something similar—no special treatment required."
"Hmm..." Tian Ailang nodded. If Grandfather said so, it was true. At least it implied eventual resolution—focus on the present.
"Understood. When do we start on Hwaran... miss? Lady? Her treatment?"
"Hohoho, what kind of titles are those?" Ma Chung laughed oddly. Hwaran spoke softly, her voice still clear as jade beads.
"Call me by name. Success or not, it's a huge favor—be at ease. And may I call you clan head?"
"No, no. During treatment, just Young Master Tian."
"Yes. Please take good care of me, Young Master."
"Hohohoho." Ma Chung grinned warmly.
After simple exchanges, Tian Ailang and the pavilion prepared extensively. First, a formation for Hwaran to cultivate the Qi Clan's core method.
"A formation to gather inner energy? Possible, but it'll take time."
They needed spirit medicines to directly forge a full jiazi's worth of qi.
"Theoretically, this Obohyeonhyeonsindan can yield nearly a jiazi. I kept it to boast to Tian Danho."
Above all, monitor Hwaran's condition during cultivation.
"May I observe her qi circulation and breathing exercises?"
"As Young Master Tian wishes."
The pavilion followed his requests meticulously, Hwaran with absolute trust.
Winter passed, spring buds peeking warily, and the formation for Hwaran's treatment completed. In the pavilion's most secluded spot with optimal natural qi flow, they poured immense effort into it. It looked like a forest outside, but inside was another world.
All residents gathered before the finished formation to cheer Tian Ailang and Hwaran. Many lamented not witnessing the treatment up close—entry limits for maintaining the array.
Formations manipulated natural flows artificially. They used incantation stones—rare stones brimming with spiritual energy—as mediums. For a powerful qi-binding array like this, durability demanded top-grade stones, costing a fortune just to sustain the barriers. Casual entries would shatter it.
Thus, only Tian Ailang and Hwaran entered, with no set end to the treatment.
"Hwaran, hang in there!"
"Take it easy, Hwaran!"
"Unnie, just don't get hurt."
"Young Master Tian, she's in your hands."
"Ah... I wanted to watch so bad."
The residents offered cheers and regrets.
"You'll do great, Hwaran. And Ailang, take care of her."
Tian Ailang and Hwaran bowed to Ma Chung and stepped inside without delay.
Brr. Each entry sent an alien yet familiar tremor through the formation. Tian Ailang felt it brimming with an energy both strange and intimately known—like the cozy haven he'd shared alone with Grandfather.
Two identical thatched huts stood there, like the pavilion's. Beside them, a pond for drinking water. A simple shed held jars of barley cakes and the tonics he'd gotten from Seol Dong before, for hunger and vitality.
Beyond the huts, flat expanses for training. One area ringed by varied incantation stones gathered and concentrated the formation's natural qi, maximizing breathing exercise efficiency.
Tian Ailang and Hwaran walked toward it together.