Chapter 90
The banquet stretched late into the night. It had been ages since the healers of the Medical Pavilion last celebrated like this, toasting Hwaran's miraculous recovery, and everyone savored the rare joy.
The star of the evening was, of course, Tian Ailang. He gladly downed every cup poured by the eager healers circling him like dutiful juniors.
As the wine flowed, stories bubbled up freely amid the relaxed chatter. When the mood hit just right, the healers chorused a single request: a tale from Tian Ailang himself.
He demurred at first, a bit embarrassed, but couldn't ignore their earnest pleas. Clearing his throat, he recounted his adventures as matter-of-factly as he could—from leaving the Medical Pavilion to his return, all the twists and turns in between.
There were the bandits he'd met before arriving, the fateful mine battle sparked by his bid to save them. The room went deathly silent as he described his duel with Peng Fengjue, everyone hanging on every word.
When he reached his collapse and the encounters with Damga and Lord Juwon that followed, sighs of pity and awe rippled through the crowd. He skipped tales bound by oaths of brotherhood or secrets like those of Sichuan Dangga.
Song Sogeol's downfall was common knowledge among them, so he simply noted the Demonic Cult's poison. Then came the long journeys for spirit medicines: Shaolin, Sichuan, Yunnan, even the North Sea.
A hush fell when the epic wrapped up. Some wiped away tears of sorrow; others burst into applause of admiration.
Deeply moved, the healers soon buzzed among themselves, trading impressions over more drinks.
"Boo-hoo, House Lord, you've been through hell."
"Rumors didn't do it justice—felt understated, honestly."
"Nah, overhyped if anything. They said a dragon showed up in that mine fight, thunder crashing, rain pouring, total chaos."
"House Lord could pull it off. He miraculously cured Hwaran, after all."
"Huh, true that."
"Yeah! If it's House Lord, anything's possible!"
"Right!"
"Nearly caused a huge scene at Shaolin."
"South Forest sounded worse."
"No, North Sea Ice Palace takes the cake."
"Whoa... House Lord's got connections everywhere. Shaolin Abbot, Sichuan Dangga Lord, South Forest Beast King, North Sea Ice Palace Lord—all on speaking terms?"
"Totally. Our House Lord is amazing~."
Amid the awkward praise, Tian Ailang quietly slipped away.
He wandered the Medical Pavilion grounds to shake off the wine haze, then entered the formation.
Hwaran leaned against the wall outside Song Sogeol's building, gazing at the stars.
"Where's Sinui?"
"Ah! You're back already?"
Hwaran startled at his sudden appearance, straightening up.
"Sinui's asleep. He has to rise early to feed Song Sogeol the spirit medicines."
"I see."
Tian Ailang nodded, recalling Sinui's pre-banquet words: I'm only here for the patient—don't mind me. A prickly sort, but trustworthy as a healer.
"Hwaran, why not join the banquet even now?"
"I'm good."
"I'll watch over Sogeol. If anything comes up, I'll wake Sinui."
Hwaran shook her head with a smile.
"Once Song Sogeol's fully recovered, then I'll party with you, House Lord."
"Fair enough. How's Sogeol doing?"
"Same as always."
Tian Ailang cracked the door for a peek. Song Sogeol lay utterly still, just as before. Satisfied, he joined Hwaran against the wall and gazed at the moon.
"Thanks for everything."
Hwaran smiled softly at his words.
"What've I done special? Just kept watch by his side."
"Healers handle the treatment, but everything else? Wiping him down to prevent bedsores, changing clothes—that's all you."
"Just basic healer duties."
Tian Ailang looked up at the moon, neither crescent nor full, yet glowing purely in the dark night—like it held some mystical power.
He stretched a hand toward it, infusing his wish.
"Still, thank you. You've worked hard. It's almost over now."
Hwaran glanced sideways at him, hand outstretched as if to grasp the moon.
"House Lord, once you save Song Sogeol, what's your plan?"
Eyes fixed on the moon, he replied.
"Revenge. On those who did this to Sogeol—and our house. And protect my new family."
His vow-like words clenched his fist around the moon, as if seizing that wish.
Hwaran read the anger and pain in his profile.
"I'll be with you," she said calmly.
"...Thanks."
Tian Ailang closed his eyes. Clutching the moon-born wish to his heart, he savored the faint buzz of wine and cool night air, praying blessings on tomorrow's trials with a deep breath.
Then something soft leaned on his shoulder—Hwaran's neatly combed hair. Her scent tickled his nose.
He opened his eyes in mild surprise. Still leaning, she tugged his sleeve gently.
"Just a moment. Like this."
After a brief lean, she straightened.
"Gonna catch some shut-eye. Heading in."
Like moonlight on water, she wobbled away hastily. In her wake lingered gratitude, affection, and cheers for his future, mingling with the chill air.
* * *
Dawn broke, and the Medical Pavilion returned to routine. Tian Ailang meditated right there through the night, fatigue melting away in the qi-rich formation. He felt invigorated, stronger even.
Slowly opening his eyes, he sensed Sinui approaching.
"You stood guard all night? Where's Hwaran?"
"It worked out that way."
Tian Ailang brushed dirt from his backside and rose. Sinui held a small bowl of mysterious liquid.
"Spirit medicine dissolved for easy feeding?"
Sinui nodded vaguely and entered. He trickled the elixir into Song Sogeol's mouth with painstaking slowness.
Tian Ailang stepped closer.
"Mind if I help?"
His palm hovered lightly over Song Sogeol's throat, guiding the liquid with exquisite qi control. It was done in seconds.
"Handy trick."
Sinui had always dampened the throat manually for this unresponsive patient.
"Teach me the knack?"
Sinui shook his head at Tian Ailang's earnestness.
"No need. Even at my level, I know how profound that is. No point wasting time on impossibilities—I'm a busy man."
He stepped out to let the patient rest. Tian Ailang followed.
"If you ever fancy joining the Qi Arts House, I'll personally mentor you."
Sinui chuckled, waving it off.
"Pass. I crave freedom. I'm only here for this once-in-a-lifetime case. Treatment done, I'll chase new patients."
"Joining wouldn't cramp your style."
Mid-task, Sinui paused, meeting his gaze.
"I hate owing debts. It's my heart that decides. Even free-roaming in your house, I'd feel indebted."
Tian Ailang pressed.
"Then claim repayment for aiding Sogeol. I hate debts too."
Sinui smirked.
"I'm over seventy—probably way older, truth be told. Get my drift?"
"Not really?" Tian Ailang tilted his head.
"Little time left. I've dabbled in martial arts, seen plenty. Your realm? Years, maybe decades of training. Tempting as hell, but reality bites."
Tian Ailang regarded him with respect. Unlike greedy fools like the old Dangga Lord, Sinui had noble self-restraint.
"At least take some spirit medicine while I prep. Gotta stay sharp for Sogeol."
Sinui eyed him knowingly—gratitude masked as brotherly concern.
"Already nibbling on it."
He gruffed awkwardly.
"Good man. I'll prep—handle things till then."
"Creepy how you fuss. With a patient here, I won't slack. Worry about him, not me."
Tian Ailang chuckled. Prickly exterior, but rock-solid on medicine and patients.
Shame. Joining us, he'd have Grandpa Ma for company—less lonely.
"Got it."
Entrusting everything to Sinui, Tian Ailang headed to the prepared building.
* * *
Days flew by. The healers meticulously checked formations and herbs, ready for Tian Ailang anytime.
He delved deeper than usual meditation, probing every meridian and vessel. Beyond Qi Arts Fourth Stage, his inner channels were vast and sturdy—dan tian links flawless, Ren and Du meridians perfect. His body was a universe for heaven and earth's qi.
Prepared in body and mind, he opened his eyes and sought the healers.
"Let's begin."