Chapter 338
Chapter 338
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 338
Chapter Title: Unforeseen Side Effects
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About two weeks after he began teaching martial arts to the physicians at the Amitabha Clinic, Dang Mujin realized an unexpected backlash had emerged.
It was heartening that the physicians were training in martial arts with such seriousness, but the cost was that they were starting to neglect their medical duties a bit.
Not long ago, the physicians wouldn't head straight back to their quarters after sunset.
Instead, they would gather in small groups around the clinic, lighting tiny oil lamps and chatting about medicine.
But today was different. As soon as the surroundings grew dim, every single physician returned to their quarters.
It was obvious what they were doing without even looking. By now, they were probably sitting cross-legged, diligently practicing qi circulation and breathing.
Martial arts training is immensely enjoyable. And among all the stages of martial arts practice, the most fun period by far is right after one first learns it.
Unlike masters who painstakingly grasp faint clues after endless collisions before advancing to the next level, novice martial artists achieve clear progress every single day. Their inner energy, which once felt like a single grain of millet, grows to the size of a rice grain, then a bean.
When yesterday differs from today, and today will clearly differ from tomorrow, how could anyone not become engrossed in martial arts?
However, since Dang Mujin hoped the physicians would stick to their primary duties, he couldn't entirely welcome the sight.
'Hmm...'
Dang Mujin pondered how to draw the physicians back to the clinic but soon cleared his mind.
He had realized they wouldn't readily cut back on their training time.
Forcing physicians immersed in martial arts to drop it and focus on medicine would only lead them to skimp on sleep, train through the night, and doze off like sickly chickens the next day.
Dang Mujin didn't want that outcome.
Moreover, they hadn't abandoned medicine entirely; they were just spending a bit less time on it than before. At night, they were novice martial artists, but during the day, they were consummate physicians.
'Well, it's odd for me to give them side-eye for being too focused on martial arts when I'm the one who taught them.'
The physicians were experienced adults; they'd find their own way.
Dang Mujin set aside all his worries and lived his fulfilling daily routine.
Playing with the children, helping Dansul Yeong with her tasks, continuing poison research with Mok Wan-ah, and teaching martial arts to the physicians.
It was a schedule so packed that even two bodies wouldn't suffice.
A few days later, a welcome guest arrived at the Dang estate.
It was Samanbul.
*
Dang Mujin politely cupped his hands in greeting as he faced Samanbul after such a long time.
"Elder. It's been a while."
"Over a year, right? You've changed a lot. Your achievements are impressive..."
As Samanbul spoke, he glanced around and spotted Namgung Myeong and Hyeon-gong sparring in one corner of the courtyard.
In that instant, Samanbul's standards for what a twenty-something could achieve in a year jumped several levels.
It was only natural that his evaluation of Dang Mujin's accomplishments felt relatively downgraded.
"You've made some decent progress."
"..."
A subtle compliment. Dang Mujin wore a wry expression as he changed the subject.
"By the way, Elder, what kept you in such a distant place? No one even knew where you were staying, so we were quite worried."
Samanbul let out a hearty laugh.
"Worried? With no worries in the world, you're worrying about me?"
As far as Dang Mujin could recall, Samanbul was the type who looked angry even when idle.
His face twisted like he was furious even when smiling, looked even angrier when truly mad, and even seemed to grumble in his sleep.
It was probably the marks of years spent wandering, fleeing, and clashing etched into his face.
Yet now, Dang Mujin felt Samanbul's demeanor seemed somewhat softer.
Samanbul continued.
"I was just staying at an acquaintance's place for some business. No need to worry."
"An acquaintance? Has the Soul-Locking Old Man come?"
"Not the Soul-Locking Old Man. Someone else. Anyway, I was staying at an acquaintance's when a nuisance showed up, so I came back briefly."
Samanbul brushed it off to deflect Dang Mujin's question. Dang Mujin had no intention of prying further.
But the topic made Samanbul subtly uncomfortable, so he shifted it again.
"You seem uneasy. Feeling anxious because your friends are pulling ahead?"
"Not exactly... Yes, you're right."
The observation was too spot-on to deny.
As Dang Mujin admitted it readily, Samanbul grinned.
"No need to be ashamed. Rivalry is the fastest path to achievement."
"Quite right."
"Since we're on the topic, how about a spar after so long?"
*
While Dang Mujin was getting relentlessly pummeled by Samanbul and receiving instruction, Hyeon-gong quietly slipped away from the Dang estate.
It had been just over a month since arriving at the Dang estate.
That was ample time to consolidate the insights gained from entering the absolute peak realm.
But now, a new worry had arisen. He couldn't grasp the clues needed to advance to the next level.
In such cases, the norm was to seek guidance from a superior master. Thus, Hyeon-gong had been patiently waiting for Samanbul's return, intending to ask for his teachings.
However, watching Samanbul and Dang Mujin spar made him realize something.
Sparring with Samanbul would build practical combat experience, but it wouldn't lead to his next breakthrough.
The path Samanbul had walked was far too different from the one Hyeon-gong aimed to take. It wasn't just the difference between Buddhist and Daoist martial arts.
Samanbul pursued external arts, forging his realm through real combat and serendipitous encounters.
But Hyeon-gong emphasized internal arts, ascending to absolute peak via guidance and enlightenment.
Their paths diverged too greatly.
He became convinced that seeking Samanbul's guidance wasn't the best choice.
'Then who should I approach for teachings now?'
'The Demonic Cult is already an enemy, and I'm not going to some unorthodox martial artist. Brother Jang is decent, but his advice tends to be a bit vague. That leaves the sect leader elder, Namgung Jincheon, Manryeokseung, and Hero Yujin-gwang.'
'I don't know where Namgung Jincheon is. Plus, if I train under him, Namgung Myeong will surely tease me. Let's set Namgung Jincheon aside for now.'
'Manryeokseung and Hero Yujin-gwang are too different from me too. Manryeokseung focuses on external arts, and Hero Yujin-gwang's style is polar opposite.'
The differences in martial arts were an issue, but there was another problem.
Once he decided to seek guidance from other absolute peak masters, none of them quite appealed.
'I'm an absolute peak master now too, so prostrating myself before others claiming they're absolute peak feels a bit bruising to my pride...'
In the end, the best option left for Hyeon-gong was Yeongbo Jinin.
Deep down, Hyeon-gong believed Yeongbo Jinin's level surpassed other absolute peak masters.
He also felt Yeongbo Jinin would best understand his dilemmas.
At that thought, another person suddenly came to mind.
Hwayeon Shinni.
Though an unorthodox figure entangled in worldly affairs, she had achieved higher than most absolute peak masters—so much so that even the haughtiest among them would yield a step before her.
'Hwayeon Shinni...'
Instead of seeking Yeongbo Jinin, from whom he'd received countless lessons, asking Hwayeon Shinni for guidance once might prove a valuable experience.
Wouldn't it offer a chance to view his martial arts from outside the Wudang Sect's perspective?
Moreover, Zhongqing was far closer than Mt. Wudang—a practical advantage.
'Alright. I'll visit Hwayeon Shinni.'
Hyeon-gong unleashed his lightness skill at full speed toward Zhongqing.
*
Upon arriving in Zhongqing, Hyeon-gong inquired through the Haomen members and Beggars' Sect disciples loosely affiliated with Haomen, quickly locating Hwayeon Shinni's residence.
Since everyone knew Hyeon-gong was Dang Mujin's friend, no one suspected him.
Finally, Hyeon-gong reached Hwayeon Shinni's place and called out from beyond the door.
"Hwayeon Shinni, Elder. It's Hyeon-gong. Are you inside?"
The door slid open smoothly. But Hwayeon Shinni wasn't holding the handle. Seated in the center of the room, she had opened it with void grasping.
Hwayeon Shinni sat cross-legged, gazing at Hyeon-gong.
"It's rare to see you alone. So, what brings you here?"
Her voice alone conveyed profound inner energy and seasoned depth.
Hyeon-gong spoke with genuine, respectful sincerity.
"I was concerned for your well-being, Elder, and took the opportunity to seek your guidance."
But Hwayeon Shinni's response was lukewarm.
"Good. Looking after each other is fine. But guidance... Well, I'm a senior in the martial world, but I'm not sure I can help you."
Hyeon-gong read the emotion in her voice.
It wasn't sincere self-doubt. Beneath her calm tone lurked clear annoyance.
'Not a good start.'
Out of habit, Hyeon-gong scanned the interior of Hwayeon Shinni's residence.
For a warrior who could claim to be the world's best, it was remarkably austere. Just a single spacious room in an inn.
Yet Hyeon-gong sensed a faint incongruity in the room.
'What is it?'
Hyeon-gong rolled his eyes, scrutinizing every corner.
The first thing that caught his eye was the numerous books. He'd heard Hwayeon Shinni enjoyed romantic novels, so that wasn't surprising.
Next, he saw a blanket and quilt that seemed oversized compared to Hwayeon Shinni's small frame, and atop them, two pillows. Hyeon-gong's eyes flashed.
'Two similar-sized and shaped pillows?'
If the pillows had been different sizes, he might think she chose based on her mood or sleeping position each night.
But two identical ones? That was odd no matter how you looked at it.
Having a vague inkling, Hyeon-gong asked Hwayeon Shinni.
"Is Elder Tuhee doing well?"
"That one's been lively lately."
"Where might I go to pay respects and inquire after her health? I came assuming you two shared this room."
"How could we share such a cramped space? Nanhyang uses a corner room on the first floor and the basement storage. Her mind's still unstable, so sharing isn't feasible."
She stays on the first floor when sane, holes up in the basement during manic episodes. A perfectly reasonable arrangement.
But Hyeon-gong's sense of incongruity persisted.
If Tuhee stayed elsewhere, what explained the lived-in feel in Hwayeon Shinni's room?
No matter how he thought about it, it didn't feel like traces of just one person.
'Why does this nag at me?'
Hyeon-gong didn't know why his instincts fixated on this incongruity.
Yet seasoned martial artists never dismiss their instincts lightly.
Moreover, Hyeon-gong trusted his intuition more than most.
To uncover whose traces they were, Hyeon-gong swept his gaze over the floor.
The most common human trace is hair. People shed at least dozens of strands daily.
Yet he still couldn't resolve his doubt.
The only hairs on the floor were long, white ones from Hwayeon Shinni.
An ordinary person might think, 'I must have misread it' or 'Just my imagination.'
But Hyeon-gong was no ordinary person.
His sharp mind proposed a new possibility.
'No. My intuition might be right.'
A provocative, bold possibility.
One that arose precisely because he trusted his gut thoroughly.
'What if she shared the room with someone bald?'
At that moment, a face flashed through Hyeon-gong's mind. Samanbul.
He vaguely recalled the term "nuisance" from Samanbul and Dang Mujin's earlier conversation.
'Could that "nuisance" refer not to Tuhee Weiji Nanhyang?'
Hyeon-gong made his decision.
Feigning sudden surprise, he pointed and exclaimed.
"Huh? Isn't that Samanbul Elder's kasaya?"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Hwayeon Shinni's head snapped toward the spot like lightning.
But there was nothing there. Hwayeon Shinni's heart sank.
'A feint!'
Her eyes turned back to Hyeon-gong.
The first thing she saw was the subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Hmm... I see."
Hyeon-gong had instinctively seized Hwayeon Shinni's weakness.
'Amitabha Buddha.'
Hwayeon Shinni murmured Buddha's name for the first time in ages.