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0107 ———————————————-

Dark Heaven Village

Before long, I was able to enter Gaegyeong. Since I was in charge of escorting most of the prisoners, I took the Goryeo captives I had sorted out to a senior official. The somewhat stern-looking official glanced at the roster I provided and said, “What’s this? So what do you want me to do?”

“Please help them return to their hometown.”

“Your Goryeo is quite fluent.”

The official, who was rambling on, began to stall. “I’d love to help, but I’m not exactly free. Most of these folks are ordinary people or commoners, aren’t they?”

“……”

“It takes some effort. Don’t you agree? Without effort, nothing moves.”

I stared at the official in disbelief when the Lord of the Great Dragon Merchant Association, who was standing next to me, whispered and pulled me aside.

“Come here for a second.”

After moving to a quiet spot, the Lord said, “I knew this would happen. That guy is after a bribe.”

“A bribe? For helping those poor souls who had their lives completely taken by pirates?”

“Of course, Baek Woong, you’re right. But that’s how the world works. Without enough money, he won’t budge.”

“Hmm.”

I frowned. I had never imagined it would come to a halt in a place like this. After thinking for a while, I said to the Lord, “Can you connect me with Lord Jeong Cheol-wook?”

“Huh? Of course, I have ties with him, but what do you intend to do?”

“I just need to talk to him once. Please.”

“Alright.”

The Lord agreed to my request. Of course, I knew that his kindness came with careful calculations, and I realized I would have to return the favor to avoid future troubles. I had plenty of gold and silver treasures, as well as gold bars taken from the pirates, but I felt reluctant to give them to that corrupt official. Moreover, I had a feeling I wouldn’t be able to manage the aftermath once that wealth was unleashed in this land.

The meeting arranged by the Lord would be possible in about two days. When I finally met Lord Jeong Cheol-wook in the guest hall, he greeted me with a smile.

“Welcome! It’s an honor to meet the boy hero who has accomplished great things.”

“It’s an honor for me to see you, Lord Jeong.”

I spoke politely according to Goryeo customs, and his eyes sparkled with interest.

“Are you by any chance from Goryeo? Your Goryeo is exceptionally fluent, and your manners are quite refined. It seems like you’ve had long-term education from a prestigious family.”

“Not quite. I’ve just spent a little time in Goryeo.”

“I see…”

Lord Jeong had a chuckle in his demeanor while pouring tea into his cup and asked, “So, Baek Woong, what made you seek me out?”

“Actually, I have something to discuss with your physician, Master Hwa Seong-myeong.”

“What? You know him?”

Lord Jeong looked a bit taken aback. It was understandable because Master Hwa’s affiliation with the Hua clan was a secret, and the fact that he was known as Guangming Divine Doctor and one of the Five Great Physicians was hardly known in Goryeo. I humbly bowed as I continued, “He was a close friend of my master. The truth is, I came to Goryeo to meet Master Hwa Seong-myeong. I kindly ask you to help me.”

“Hmm… Well, Goryeo is vast, so it could happen… By any chance, do you know some medical techniques?”

“A bit, yes.”

“Oh.”

After pondering for a moment, Lord Jeong said, “Alright, you’ll accompany my guardian warrior group. I’ll notify Master Hwa immediately.”

I followed them to Master Hwa’s residence. Upon arriving, the commander of the guardian warriors went in and seemed to be saying something. Shortly after, I was allowed into the separate room where Master Hwa lived.

The familiar smell of the medical hall wafted through the air. This smell brought back memories from the ten years I had spent refining my medical skills. Standing still in the center of the room, I felt quite emotional as a strong voice broke the silence.

“You’re my friend’s disciple? Who on earth are you?”

Master Hwa glared at me, his eyes not welcoming the unexpected visitor from the Central Plains. I suppose it made sense, considering that he had had to relocate his entire family from the Central Plains after facing disdain there. I smiled faintly and replied in Mandarin, “Calm down. That was a lie, but from now on, we can help each other.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“I know about the situation of your Hua clan. I could help you relocate all the medical techniques of the Hua clan to Goryeo in a few years.”

“……!!”

Master Hwa’s eyes widened. He stopped glaring and began to inspect me calmly.

“I can’t believe it.”

“First, take this.”

I revealed the gold bar from my box. When Master Hwa saw the shimmering gold, he stared at it in a daze for a while, clearly unable to believe I was offering it to him.

“With this, you could relocate most of your family.”

“W-who on earth are you? How do you know my circumstances so well?”

“My name is Baek Woong. I trained in the collateral branch of the Hua clan, and after hearing that my home was in danger, I came to Goryeo to help.”

“Collateral branch! Then you learned medical skills?”

“Feel free to verify.”

I approached a nearby anatomical model and slowly took out Hua’s 108 Needles, demonstrating the basic forms and bloodline techniques. Immediately after completing the demonstration, I followed up with Huatuo’s Five Animals Play. Upon witnessing all of this, Master Hwa slumped to the ground in shock.

“This can’t be… is this really the extent of Hua’s medical skills from the collateral branch? How could I have not known about someone like you?”

“……”

“These are undeniably the genuine Hua’s 108 Needles and Huatuo’s Five Animals Play…!!”

Then, with tears streaming down his face, Master Hwa embraced me, “Thank you so much. I will never forget this grace…!! This has saved us at least ten years…”

“Now it’s time for you to help me.”

I took out my last gold bar and presented it to him. “If you accept this, you will likely be able to bring all the healers over. However, I’m currently in a tough situation, so I really need your help. If you can assist me, I will give you this gold bar.”

“Tell me! I will certainly help you with anything.”

I explained the situation concerning dealing with the pirates, how the prisoners’ situation was being dragged out by a corrupt senior official demanding a bribe. Master Hwa, calmly listening as he stroked his beard, remarked, “What a despicable fellow.”

“Can you help me?”

“Of course. I currently have Lord Jeong’s trust, so I will speak directly to him. He usually listens to me, so you should receive his assistance.”

“Thank you.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you…”

With tears in his eyes, Master Hwa wiped at them. “It’s unbelievable that a collateral branch would come all the way here to help the main family… and to see that your medical skills are so extraordinary. Who could your master be? I really want to meet him.”

I felt a pang of discomfort but sighed. “He has already passed away…”

“Oh, I see…”

I spent about half a moment talking to Master Hwa afterward. Most of our conversation centered around medical skills, and occasionally he expressed astonishment at my mastery of healing techniques. When I questioned him about the areas I had been uncertain about, he kindly provided answers.

“Then, I look forward to working with you.”

“Take care.”

Just a day after I returned to my lodgings, the Goryeo guardian warriors came to my room, and the commander stated, “Lord Jeong wishes to see you. Please follow us.”

“Understood.”

As I followed them back to meet Lord Jeong Cheol-wook, I noticed that someone was bound and kneeling in the guest hall, their face swollen and beaten. Master Hwa was also present. Lord Jeong, seated in a chair, welcomed me.

“Welcome back, Baek Woong.”

“This person is…”

“He was the one who tried to extort a bribe from you. How dare he insult the honorable person of the Central Plains! I’m burning with embarrassment.”

Indeed, it was the very senior official I had encountered. His face was swollen and battered, suggesting he had already undergone interrogation and beatings. Upon seeing me, he desperately shouted, “N-no, that’s not it! I was trying my best to accommodate—but it’s just a misunderstanding! Please clear this up!”

What misunderstanding? I shot him a cold glare and bowed to Lord Jeong. “I am deeply moved by your chivalry, Lord Jeong.”

“Finally, my face can live on! Hahaha.”

Lord Jeong smiled bitterly and said, “I will actively resolve the issue regarding the Goryeo captives you brought. Their status as pirates will be concealed, and we will provide support and settlement funds. Plus, we’ll do our best to take care of any women in unfortunate situations.”

“Thank you once more.”

With Lord Jeong’s remark, I knew there was no longer anything to worry about. The head of the two major Powerful Families would not let anything slip through. Lord Jeong then gave his final command.

“Bring this man to execution and downgrade his entire family to commoners.”

“WAAAHHH!!”

How wonderful.

I left Lord Jeong’s mansion, relishing the sound of the corrupt official’s cries as they tore through the air.

When I returned to my lodgings, Seo Mun-hye, the daughter of the Lord of Shadowless Gate, was waiting in front of my room. She greeted me warmly, “Ah, you’re back?”

“What’s the matter?”

“I was just wondering if everything went well…”

“Of course, it was resolved. I would be able to depart tomorrow, aligning with the merchant ship’s schedule.”

“I see.”

“Is there something you want to say?”

Then Seo Mun-hye hesitated for a moment and said, “There’s something urgent I want to talk about, just the two of us.”

“Alright.”

I entered the room with Seo Mun-hye. She gazed at me thoughtfully before speaking.

“Baek Physician, it seems you excel not only in medicine but also in martial arts.”

“I’m not that skilled.”

“Actually, before you came, I spoke with my sisters. We were discussing how to repay you, and I came to my own conclusion.”

“… I already accepted the treasures from the pirates, so that matter is settled.”

“No, it’s not enough to repay you for saving my life.”

Seo Mun-hye shook her head and tightly grasped my hand. I felt her dainty touch.

“Baek Woong, please become my partner. I’m begging you.”

“…….!!”

I was taken aback. Is this girl serious?

But her eyes showed no hint of a joke. The beautiful, enchanting woman leaned close enough for our breaths to mingle as she spoke, “Could you not accept my heart?”

“That’s a rather sudden proposal… What caused such a thought to arise?”

She sighed and replied, “I’ve never met someone like you, Baek Woong. Though I’m young, I know about your profound medical skills and remarkable chivalry. And your martial arts are impressive as well; I can tell you hide incredible internal power.”

“Hmm.”

“Yet you don’t recklessly pursue women, and instead act with righteousness. I am truly impressed. You are the ideal partner I have always envisioned.”

At that moment, I realized Seo Mun-hye had developed a crush on me. If she had eyes, she would know the truth—that this face would only grow less appealing as time went on. Yet here she was, taking the initiative to propose!

Feeling overwhelmed, I cleared my throat and stammered, “As you can see, my appearance is quite unattractive. I don’t think I suit someone as beautiful as you.”

Her tender white hand gripped mine even tighter.

“What does a man’s appearance matter? I’ve grown up in a prestigious family, having seen many handsome men, but all they had was looks. I can love every part of you, Baek Woong.”

“……”

She was truly sincere.

I was at a loss for what to do. Accepting her proposal could mean I’d become the future successor of the Shadowless Gate. Not to mention, the strongest warrior of the Eight Demons of Martial Daos would be on my side, along with securing the hand of an absolute beauty—truly a wonderful choice.

But I couldn’t make a hasty decision.

Joining with her would create another inevitable link from my past life. At present, I hadn’t even completed my objectives, and such a union could weigh heavily on my mental strength. Was it so easy to forget my reasons for rejecting the temptations from Hwa Ryeon, Han Ji-hwa, and even Miho?

With a sigh, I said, “You seem to be making a hasty decision. You don’t really know what kind of person I am.”

“Are you rejecting my proposal…?”

“No, it’s not that. I also like you. But I think we need more time to get to know each other.”

I crossed my arms.

“If that’s the case, then I shall accompany you to the Shadowless Gate. If by then, your feelings have not changed, I will accept your proposal.”

At that, she smiled widely.

“Yes!”

I was engulfed by a flurry of mixed emotions. Somehow, I felt a tad aggrieved.

‘I, for the first time in my life, have been confessed to by a girl…’

While I wanted to live happily with her, I felt it was unfair to give everything up for just one goal. After all, there would surely be countless people who would work hard to win over someone as beautiful as Seo Mun-hye.

But I quickly adjusted my thoughts. I recalled Mangnyang and Miho once more. As long as I owed them a debt of the heart, I could never let my mind waver from my goal. This was part of my penance for the foolishness I had committed in the past.

‘Demon Subduing Hall, I will definitely crush it.’

My resolve strengthened.

For a smooth life plan, I had to eliminate those scoundrels as quickly as possible and return whatever otherworldly being I had summoned from the Imperial Palace.

The next day, the ship set sail.

That night, Seo Mun-hye came to my cabin and, without knocking, walked in.

“Baek Woong.”

Then I heard the sound of something sliding off in the dark. When she squeezed under the covers I was lying on, I jumped in shock. It was the feeling of Seo Mun-hye’s bare skin. I had intended to enjoy a peaceful sleep, but instead felt like I was struck by lightning.

“What are you doing?”

“I want to get to know you better, Baek Woong.”

Her naked form wrapped around me, and the sweet fragrance mixed with the softness of her skin sent shivers down my spine. It was reminiscent of when I was with Hwa Ryeon, but the difference this time was that she was an innocent maiden who knew nothing about intimacy.

Upon closer inspection, she had her eyes tightly closed while hugging me. It was as if she didn’t mind at all what was happening. I couldn’t help but swallow hard, for what man wouldn’t want to indulge in such a tempting feast?

Still, I said, “Turn on the light.”

“Baek Woong…”

“And put your clothes on.”

Seo Mun-hye replied, “Even without making a vow of marriage, if it’s you, I can offer myself. Don’t you like that idea?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“Sniff…”

She appeared ready to cry. I couldn’t decide what to do. Eventually, I picked up her fallen clothes and handed them to her. As she sobbed and put on her garments, I retreated out of the cabin.

‘Hah… does no one feel my pain?’

All I could do was sigh.

That’s when it happened.

“Baa—bo!! Sex fiend! Fool!”

“……?”

In the corridor outside my cabin stood a young girl. She glowered at me with an indignant expression as if she was really angry. Then she shouted melodramatically.

“I came to help, and what do I find? Humans just screwing around?! Ugh, how annoying!!”

“What?”

“Go bang around for a century! Idiot! Hah! Foolish sea cucumber!!”

After hurling a series of childish insults, the girl abruptly vanished.

‘What was that?’

I tilted my head in confusion but ultimately felt that what she had performed was some high-level sorcery. I couldn’t shake the strange feeling that I had seen that girl somewhere before. After a moment, I peered inside the cabin, but no one had ever seen the girl.

—————————= Author’s Note —————————=

Please leave your comments and recommendations!

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