Chapter 164

Namgoong Hwan’s eyes flew open. Unbelievable. He had suspected it, but the pill truly was extraordinary. Even if it were sold as a divine pill, people would nod in agreement and accept it without question. To think this was the weakened version—it was almost impossible to believe. That meant the pill Namgoong Cheon had taken really was on par with Mount Hua’s Jaso Pill or Wudang’s Taecheong Pill—true divine-grade elixirs. And this young man had planned to sell something that incredible as if it were nothing. Even what he had just consumed was beyond remarkable. “It’s astounding.” At Namgoong Hwan’s words, Yeon Woo Jin smiled. “I’m glad it meets your expectations. I was a bit concerned, since I reduced the effects.” “Even weakened, its potency is tremendous. I think you could easily ask ten gold taels per pill.” “Is that so? Then even selling a hundred per month should be enough to fund the estate.” “Wh-What? A hundred?” “Is that too many?” On second thought, it wasn’t that large of a number. In fact, it was just about right. If they produced a hundred of these elixirs monthly at that level of quality, sects would be lining up to buy them. “We’ll sell the version the Clan Lord took only to our core clients.” “Th-That’s an excellent idea. Would you name the pill?” “It harmonizes and balances one’s internal energy, so let’s call it Pill of Harmony (조화단 / Johwadan).” “And the pill you gave to the Clan Lord—what name did you give that one?” “A pill only those bound by fate may consume—Fatebound Pill (인연단 / Inyeondan).” “A beautiful name. Then let’s price the Pill of Harmony at ten gold taels, and the Fatebound Pill at one hundred. If there are any other pills, please let us handle the sales.” “Of course. I’ll make things like muscle-repair tonics as well. By the way, do you also send out trade caravans?” “Haha! Of course. But why do you ask all of a sudden?” “I was wondering if the martial artists from Sincheonjang could accompany them.” “That can be arranged. Is there a specific reason?” “They have no experience in the jianghu, and I want to give them a chance to gain some.” “Ah! That’s a good reason. Of course—we’d welcome more escorts.” “Then I’ll contact you once everything’s ready.” “Understood! I’ll make full preparations and await your message.” **** A few days later. A wooden box brought by Yeon Woo Jin was filled with silver-colored pills. It was the Pill of Harmony. Next to it was another wooden box, this one packed with tiny, grain-sized silver pills. “What are these?” asked Namgoong Hwan. Woo Jin smiled and replied, “We can’t expect people to buy it without knowing what it does. These are for sampling.” “Ah!” That hadn’t even crossed his mind. “You can use these small ones for promotion.” “You’re more brilliant than I am—and I’ve been a merchant for decades. How did you think of something so clever?” “I just figured... if people try it, they’ll definitely want to buy it.” “Exactly! Anyone who experiences even a fraction of this pill’s effects won’t be able to resist. Honestly, a hundred might not be enough.” “If demand outpaces supply, prices will naturally go up, won’t they?” “...What?” He stared at Yeon Woo Jin for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Hahaha! You should be the merchant, not me! Hahaha!” “I’ll think about it.” “Pardon?” “Becoming a merchant. Sounds fun.” At that, Namgoong Hwan chuckled. “I may have just created a powerful new competitor without realizing it.” “Even if I become a merchant, I’ll keep supplying you.” “You promise?” “Yes!” “Oh, right! We’ve got a trade route scheduled.” “Really? Then can I send someone to accompany the caravan?” “Yes. It’s not far, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.” “Then I’ll leave it in your hands.” “Haha! Of course. Just send the martial artists over by tomorrow.” “They’re already here, actually.” “...Excuse me?” When Woo Jin said “here,” Namgoong Hwan could only see three people. “Wait... you don’t mean—?” “I do. I have no experience in the Central Plains myself, so I’d like to tour it with you, if that’s okay.” “It may not be far, but it can still be dangerous. Are you sure?” “I’m fine.” “Your escorts look young too. It could be truly dangerous.” “They may be young, but both of them are Hwagyeong-level martial artists.” “...Excuse me?” Namgoong Hwan recoiled in shock. Two Hwagyeong-level martial artists at such a young age? To reach that realm at their age, they’d have to be either once-in-a-generation prodigies—or individuals raised by one of the Nine Great Sects or Five Supreme Clans with their utmost care. Then he glanced at the wooden boxes. Could it be...? Were these martial artists raised using those elixirs? The likelihood was high. Which meant the overall strength of Sincheonjang’s martial force must be overwhelming. There was no way only these two had been given the pills. An incredible new force has entered the martial world. An unparalleled physician raising martial artists with full intent—of course monsters like this would emerge. With two Hwagyeong-level warriors as his guards, he could rest assured. “Does the Clan Lord know?” “No. I didn’t tell him. I was afraid he’d insist on coming too.” “...Ah.” Yes—he absolutely would have. “You did well.” “He’s currently focused on mastering the Emperor’s Sword Manual, so I doubt he’ll be leaving anytime soon.” “Understood. Then we’ll set out once everything is ready.” “Yes. Thank you for going along with my selfish request.” “Not at all. I’m more worried about the discomfort it might cause you.” “It’s fine. I don’t mind rough travel. I’m actually really looking forward to it.” At moments like this, he looked every bit the eager young man he appeared to be. Namgoong Hwan smiled wryly. “If the Lord of Sincheonjang is this excited, I’ll have to prepare as fast as I can.” At that, Yeon Woo Jin gave him a bright, eager smile. “I’ll be waiting. Take your time.” “Haha! Yes, of course.” **** The destination of the trade caravan was Sword Pavilion (검각 / Geomgak), located in Zhejiang. Sword Pavilion was a place where sword-obsessed martial artists gathered and trained with monastic devotion. What made it unique was that all of its martial artists were women. A place where women stronger than most men gathered. Among them—Sword Marquis Yeohwa Rin. She rarely made public appearances in the martial world, but recently her name had spread due to a certain incident. The White Flag Sword Sect Master, ranked twelfth among Mushincheon’s hierarchy, had lost to her. He fell for Yeohwa Rin at first sight, and when he proposed marriage, she gave him a challenge: If he could defeat her, she would grant his request. The White Flag Sword Master had been confident. He was a top-level master at the Sixth Star of Hyeongyeong, known as the Falling Sun Divine Sword. But in the end—he was defeated. Yeohwa Rin had defeated the White Flag Sword Sect Master purely through her own skill. Shattered by the humiliation of losing to a woman, the sect master withdrew into a prolonged closed-door retreat. Through this event, the strength of Sword Pavilion was made widely known, and the world began calling Yeohwa Rin by the title Sword Marquis. Her publicly known cultivation level was Seventh Star of Hyeongyeong—or higher. And since her duel with the sect master had occurred years ago, it was possible she had grown even stronger by now. However, Yeon Woo Jin’s attention was focused elsewhere. He had noticed that a large portion of the goods being delivered to Sword Pavilion consisted of medicinal herbs. All of them were used in treatments for qigong deviation (juhoaimma). It seemed someone within Sword Pavilion had fallen into such a state. “There are quite a few herbs here,” he remarked. “Lately, we’ve been receiving an unusually large number of herbal orders,” Namgoong Hwan replied. “Do you know what these are used for?” “I’m afraid I don’t. I’m not familiar with the properties of medicinal herbs—I simply acquire what’s requested.” “I see.” “Why do you ask? Is there a problem with the herbs?” “No. It’s just that, from the herbs alone, I can guess what kind of patient resides in Sword Pavilion.” Namgoong Hwan was reminded once again that this man was the Divine Healer of the Sacred Beast. “To be able to deduce that from herbs alone... as expected. But please—don’t act rashly.” “Why not?” “Sword Pavilion is extremely wary of strangers. If it’s a man, even more so.” At that, Yeon Woo Jin looked around. Everyone accompanying the caravan was male. “Even ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) we aren’t allowed inside. We simply deliver the goods at the outer courtyard and leave.” Woo Jin nodded. He had no interest in being a saint who forced his way in to treat someone only to be treated coldly for it. “I understand. I’ll pretend I saw nothing.” “Thank you for understanding.” “Not at all. You’re letting me accompany the caravan—of course I should follow your lead.” Namgoong Hwan had been worried that Woo Jin might insist on treating the patient just because he was a physician, but thankfully, the man was reasonable. “There’s one more thing I must apologize for.” “Please, speak freely.” “Well... I’m afraid you’ll need to disguise yourself as a porter. You won’t have to do any actual carrying—just wear the uniform.” “That’s fine. It’s not a difficult request.” “Thank you.” “No, I should be the one thanking you. I’m sorry if I’ve caused you extra trouble.” “Not at all! For the benefactor of our clan, this is the least I can do. I only worry it might cause you discomfort.” “Not at all. Honestly, my heart’s pounding—I’m looking forward to this.” “Haha, is that so? Then I’m relieved. Please change into this and come to the front.” Woo Jin accepted the porter’s uniform from Namgoong Hwan and nodded. “Understood.” **** The journey to Sword Pavilion went smoothly. The distance wasn’t far, and the road was not treacherous. Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Woon, and Sunwoo Baek took in the sights of the Central Plains as they made their way to the pavilion. The Changcheon Trading Group arrived at the outer court of Sword Pavilion. Their task was straightforward—after the goods were inspected, they would be moved to the storage area in the outer court. Most of the items were regular goods that Sword Pavilion ordered frequently, so the process went quickly. However, some time was needed for the herbal inspection. The women initially handling the inspection lacked sufficient knowledge, so female physicians had to come forward to assist. Sword Pavilion did have a physician. A male one. But while he was a man, he was... not considered a “man” in their eyes. The women inspecting the herbs were his assistants. Once inspection was completed, a female martial artist signed off on the delivery papers. It was an official confirmation that the goods had been received. “You’ve done well.” “Not at all. Please feel free to request us again anytime.” “Very well. You may leave now.” The female martial artist turned coldly and walked away. Namgoong Hwan, unfazed by her demeanor, simply offered a formal salute and called to the group. “All right! Let’s move out quickly.” Then, worried that Woo Jin might be offended, he stepped closer to reassure him. “As you predicted, they do seem on edge due to a patient inside. I hope you’ll understand.” “I’m fine.” “Thank you.” Yeon Woo Jin cast a final glance toward Sword Pavilion, then quietly followed the Changcheon Trading Group away. **** Clang— Cough— A woman who had just drunk a medicinal decoction coughed up black blood, writhing in pain. “Master!” “I-I’m fine...” “You don’t look fine at all!” “It’s nothing seri—ugh!” “Master!” Thud— The woman referred to as “Master” collapsed, unable to endure the pain. “Master! Please, stay with me! Master!” Her disciple frantically hovered over her unconscious form, then turned with fire in her eyes and shouted at the physician who had brought the decoction. “Physician Gong! What are you doing?! Examine her immediately!” At her command, Physician Gong hurried over and checked her pulse. After a moment of silent diagnosis, he spoke in a grave tone. “It seems... there may be a problem with the latest batch of herbs.” “What are you saying? Didn’t you inspect them thoroughly?!” “I wasn’t present at the time. I sent the female assistants to do the inspection.” “Are you kidding me?! You sent assistants to inspect herbs for my master?!” “I trusted the delivery because it came from the Changcheon Trading Group.” At that, the young woman pressed her jade-like hand to her forehead. Then, in a low, calm voice, she said, “We need to assess Master’s condition and investigate the truth. Physician Gong, summon the Changcheon Trading Group back immediately. They haven’t gone far yet.” “...Yes!”