58. As Gently As Possible
The treatment ended in no time, as gently as possible. The cut was so clean that a bit of golden wound salve stopped the bleeding just fine. No need to stitch up the torn flesh either.
As this old spirit mentioned before, practitioners of the Extreme Heaven Nine Wheels Art possess tremendous regenerative power. In three or four days, not even a scar will remain. Kukuku!
It was thanks to the qi art I'd cultivated, granting me beast-like recovery. The only sensation left was a faint itch—no pain at all.
So there I was, lounging in the Doggo Clan's medical hall, wiggling my toes.
That haggard face from earlier wouldn't leave my mind.
North Mountain Sword Fiend Jang Mu-gil.
Now that you've found that giant, everything will become clear.
'Who knows. We'll see.'
At the very least, I'd have to meet Jang Mu-gil again to judge.
A moment later, Dokgo Hyeop and Taesa Seok came looking for me.
"Baek-heon, I'd like to hear more details about what happened earlier."
"About what? Didn't Dokgo hyung handle that heretic? So we bide our time for the next chance."
"Are you really saying you approached him first to catch that heretic? Then why choose a spot near our manor? If so, you should've asked for our cooperation ahead of time."
"……."
In that short interval, Dokgo Hyeop had sorted his thoughts and was probing the suspicious points one by one.
It was only natural. My hastily concocted lie had plenty of inconsistencies.
But I brushed it off easily.
"Why should I tell you? When the Doggo Clan won't help me. You don't think I know your family is meddling in Wayong Hall's affairs, do you?"
Dokgo Hyeop and I hadn't crossed swords yet.
But like the Dragon Demon Clan and Doggo Clan, we were in a relationship that couldn't cooperate.
On the contrary, we were the type to scheme against each other from the shadows.
So there was no reason for me to answer his questions obediently.
That was just how it was.
"I think this incident is unrelated."
"Believe what you want, hyung. Not me. Everything's connected somehow."
"How's the sword from my father treating you? I hear you've taken a fair bit of money too."
"Who was it that asked for cash?"
I picked at my ear and snorted.
Dokgo Hyeop's eyelid twitched.
"You shameless bastard. Treatment's done—now get the hell out."
He'd tried to cling and pry, but my thick skin shut him down, and it pissed him off.
Playing the spoiled Young Cult Leader had its perks in moments like this.
Dokgo Hyeop stormed off with fury on his face, leaving Taesa Seok staring at me.
"Does Taesa hyung have business with me too?"
"Just one question."
"Shoot."
"That unseen strike on my mirror. Was that you?"
The young man's cool gaze reminded me vaguely of Taesa Rok.
But as the one who'd defended his claim to the throne against his half-brother, it carried a heavier, deeper weight.
The poise of the firstborn.
Anyway, I naturally played dumb.
"Mirror? No idea what you're talking about."
"You don't know?"
"Explain it so I get it. Did someone smash your mirror?"
"Never mind. Forget I asked."
I'd made it clear to Taesa Seok: nothing to gain from me.
He shook his head and turned to leave—but paused with another topic.
"I hear my brother's staying at your place. How's he doing?"
"Taesa Rok hyung? Seems fine. Honestly, we're not close, so I don't care much."
"Figures. He's got his own schemes. Keep him at arm's length. If you reclaim the Young Cult Leader seat, you'll match steps with me, not him."
"Hm."
"Our Taesa Clan can't match Doggo or Dongbang in power, but don't forget—we're the Dragon Demon Clan's staunchest allies."
I just smiled silently at Taesa Seok's words.
Already talking like he's the head of the Taesa Clan. Cocky brat.
I felt the same.
For now, he wielded the clan's forces as the eldest son.
But who knew the future?
I kept it to myself.
No need to make an enemy of Taesa Seok here.
"Duly noted."
"Take care then."
"Oh, Taesa Seok hyung. One favor."
"Favor?"
His eyes lit up for a moment.
But my request was utterly trivial.
"On your way out, call over the maid at the medical hall entrance. The pretty one with thick eyebrows."
"Why a maid all of a sudden?"
"Why? She caught my eye—gonna have some fun before I go."
"What? In someone else's house?"
"That's what makes it thrilling."
"Tch!"
Taesa Seok clicked his tongue in utter disdain and left.
After he was gone, a maid entered with flushed cheeks.
"Young master, you called for me?"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation beneath demurely lowered lashes.
She'd been waiting for my summons, sure enough.
Can't blame her. Bearing your child would make her part of the Dragon Demon Clan.
Bongmareung cackled.
Even a one-night fling meant a shot at rising in status if chosen by Yong Baek-heon.
'Of course, nothing like that'll happen.'
Now I had to infiltrate the Doggo Clan's blood vault.
This maid was my smokescreen for the covert op.
I spoke from my slanted recline on the bed.
"Who's outside?"
"Two physicians and a few other maids."
"Tell them no one enters for an hour. Lock the door when you come back."
"Y-yes!"
She hurried out with a face full of hope.
I heard footsteps fade.
Once she'd locked the sliding door tight, I turned to Bongmareung.
'Bong, remind me—which points, in what order?'
Kyongmun Gate, Qi Sea, Central Pole, Sparrow Tail. End with the Laughing Waist acupoint.
Acupoint striking.
A technique to tap or press key points on the body's meridians for special effects.
I'd knock her out with the sleep point, slip into the blood vault unseen, and leave.
Then exit the manor like nothing happened?
'Even if they discover the blood vault burglary, no one'll suspect me. Witnesses will say she was with me the whole time.'
Mind the pressure. Infuse light inner energy and tap gently for the sleep point. Too hard, and side effects kick in.
'Got it.'
Bongmareung used his shadowy form to mark the targets.
I memorized the spots, rose, and formed the sword gesture with index and middle fingers, channeling faint qi into the tips.
I approached the maid, who was already loosening her robe, giggling.
"My, so eager! Do I please you that much? Young master, a lady should be treated as gently as poss—"
As gently as possible.
My hand flashed like lightning.
Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat!
"……Kng."
Perfect strike—she collapsed mid-undress.
I caught her fall and laid her softly on the bed.
To slip out and back unnoticed, I'd use the medical hall's vent.
'But what if I hit the sleep point too hard?'
Just hurts like a regular inner energy smack—no sleep. You nailed it lightly, so no worries.
'Yeah?'
She'll even have sweet dreams. Look—she's grinning and writhing already. Two hours at least.
Bongmareung snickered.
Sure enough, the maid on the bed twisted sensually alone, murmuring in her sleep.
"Ahng. Young masteer. Calling me wife alreadyyy...? Too sooon......"
'Expectations were sky-high.'
Indeed.
I leaped toward the vent.
Atop the medical hall roof, the Doggo manor sprawled under the deep indigo night sky.
My target wasn't far.
Meanwhile, a small commotion stirred in Wayong Hall.
Leaving the sleeping Gyeon So-hee aside, Ok Geum-ran, Paeng Bi-cheong, and Taesa Rok wore grave expressions.
"……Ok warrior, the young master ordered me back—what am I supposed to do? Drag him out by force?"
"You think he'd just come? You knew the situation was dangerous—you should've convinced him! Are you hoping something happens to our young master, Paeng warrior?"
"Hey! Ok warrior! That's going too far!"
"What's too far is Paeng warrior's indifference!"
Paeng Bi-cheong and Ok Geum-ran raised their voices at each other.
The argument stemmed from Paeng Bi-cheong returning alone after encountering Jang Ho-sam on the way to the Doggo manor.
Taesa Rok, fed up, stepped between them.
"Enough. You, withdraw and rest. Ok warrior, talk with me."
"Yes, young master."
"……."
Paeng Bi-cheong sighed, bowed to Taesa Rok, and retreated.
Taesa Rok scratched his forehead at the anxious Ok Geum-ran.
"Hey, Ran."
"Taesa Rok young master, sorry, but don't call me that. We settled our relationship long ago, right?"
Ok Geum-ran drew a clear line.
Taesa Rok paused, then nodded.
"Right, my mistake. Ok warrior. Something feels off, though."
He murmured while gazing into his old lover's eyes.
Her voice sharpened.
"What's off?"
"Dunno. You just seem... very different. Especially how you treat Young Master Yong. Like you're dealing with someone else entirely."
Ok Geum-ran flinched involuntarily.
He'd nailed the truth spot-on.
It wasn't the hated Young Cult Leader Yong Baek-heon.
It was Jang Ho-sam, who shared her fallen circumstances.
Of course her attitude changed.
"Don't tell me you've fallen for Young Master Yong...? If so......"
"No! Nothing like that—don't spout nonsense."
She shook her head firmly.
"Not that? Then why does it feel like your attitude shifted?"
"Your misunderstanding. I haven't changed. Just... got some hope."
"Hope?"
"Hope of becoming free. If Young Master Yong Baek-heon fails, that chance vanishes forever. So I worry for his safety. Isn't that natural?"
"……."
Taesa Rok bit his lip silently.
The subtle displeasure in his chest was clear: inferiority.
Yong Baek-heon had somehow captured Ok Geum-ran's heart.
Even after infiltrating Wayong Hall, Taesa Rok couldn't wedge in.
He clenched his lips.
Ran, I want to grant you freedom too.
And win your heart.
But reality's limits drew only a sigh.
Taesa Rok shook off the thoughts.
"Don't worry too much. Updates from our informant in the Doggo manor come in real-time. We'll know if anything pops off."
"……Got it."
Please be safe.
Ok Geum-ran paced sleeplessly, truly fretting for Jang Ho-sam.
Of course, it was all groundless worry.
About an hour later.
"Hey, Ok warrior? Word just came in."
"How is he? Safe? Any injuries?"
"Er......"
Despite her rapid-fire questions, Taesa Rok scratched his head.
"Why beat around the bush? Spit it out!"
"Fine, calm down. Young Master Yong Baek-heon is... currently in the medical hall, enjoying a maid."
"What? E-enjoying? Doing what?"
"What else?"
"Give it here!"
- Laughter and moans from a maid nonstop in the medical hall.
Everyone marveling at Young Master Yong Baek-heon's stamina.
Ok Geum-ran's cheeks flushed beet red as she scanned the note detailing the Doggo manor situation.
That much stamina...
Taesa Rok murmured quietly.
"Enviable."