The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life

Chapter 106: Must Go

“Young Master, what will you do?”

The Heavenly Divine Healer asked while watching the retreating figure of Seomun Deok as he left the Golden Wall Pavilion.

They had just met with Seomun Deok and heard his report, which revealed that the situation was far more severe than anticipated.

For one, they couldn’t even ascertain the number of half-Jiangshi involved in the attacks.

In the past, when Byeok Taesan had been in Yichang, it could be said that proper half-Jiangshi raids had almost never occurred.

Every time there was a half-Jiangshi raid, Byeok Taesan would intervene.

In fact, he had even gone to the places where the half-Jiangshi were being kept and eliminated them all, leaving almost no experience of true half-Jiangshi threats.

But this time was different.

The attacks were incredibly organized and employed various methods.

Sometimes, an overwhelming number of half-Jiangshi would attack as if to sweep everything away, while at other times, dozens would strike covertly.

The damage to the Hubei Martial Alliance was mounting, and it wasn’t just limited to them. Other martial families and factions based in Yichang were also suffering.

However, the problem wasn’t just the half-Jiangshi.

A truly powerful martial artist had joined the fray.

This individual, claiming to be part of an organization called Nameless Sect, moved with the half-Jiangshi at times and independently at others.

The bigger issue was that there wasn’t just one such martial artist.

To make matters worse, the chaos in Yichang escalated due to individuals who had consumed Blood Pills running rampant.

Thanks to the antidote for the Blood Pills, Black Pearl, created by the Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master, the damage was mitigated to some extent.

However, even that had its limits.

Seomun Deok’s request was twofold: assistance in fending off the half-Jiangshi and an additional supply of Black Pearl.

In exchange, he promised substantial compensation.

Now, all that remained was Byeok Taesan’s decision.

“I must go.”

Where else would he go when spiritual medicines were said to be in abundance there?

Although his body was healed, it wasn’t enough. From now on, he needed to focus on building up spiritual energy.

There were various methods to accumulate spiritual energy.

He could circulate the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art internally to cultivate spiritual power or burn and absorb the impurities clinging to others’ spirits and souls.

However, the best method was undoubtedly through spiritual medicines.

Hearing Byeok Taesan’s decision, Hwaryeong quickly asked, “Have you decided who you will take with you?”

This would be an incredibly dangerous endeavor. But conversely, it was also an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience.

Those who accompanied Byeok Taesan to the Hubei Martial Alliance were likely to grow significantly—if they survived.

Hwaryeong looked at Byeok Taesan with anticipation.

Just thinking about going with him made her feel reassured. She was confident she could survive, no matter what happened.

Under Hwaryeong’s expectant gaze, Byeok Taesan fell into brief contemplation.

“Let’s see…”

The Heavenly Divine Healer and Needle Master looked at Byeok Taesan with gleaming eyes.

Instinctively, they realized that staying behind would mean being suffocated by the overwhelming smell of medicine until Byeok Taesan returned.

They had to go, no matter what.

Their eyes practically screamed their intent as they stared at him.

Seeing this, Byeok Taesan let out a faint chuckle.

“I’ll take Cheon Kyungwan and Yoo Seoyeon for starters.”

They had completed their training in Spirit Wing Divine Art and were learning new martial arts, so this would be a perfect opportunity to engrain those skills into their bodies.

“You should come too,” he added.

Hwaryeong’s face reddened slightly.

“Yes. I’ll prepare.”

Someone would need to handle coordination with the Hao Clan and oversee overall command. No one was better suited for the job than Hwaryeong.

“I’ll also take a few of the attendants.”

He needed people to attend to him, even if it wouldn’t be as comfortable as at home. He wasn’t ready to give up all his luxuries.

“Feel free to take them all,” Hwaryeong suggested.

Byeok Taesan nodded indifferently. “Do as you see fit.”

Hwaryeong gave a slight bow before asking, “What about the Wanderer’s Market and the Unorthodox Path factions?”

“Let them focus on their training. It’ll be a while before they’re of any use.”

Having said this, Byeok Taesan paused briefly and then looked at Hwaryeong.

“That should suffice, don’t you think?”

“And Young Lady Yeon…?”

“Same for her. Now’s the time to hone herself, not engage in real combat.”

“Understood.”

As their conversation drew to a close, the Heavenly Divine Healer and Needle Master fidgeted uneasily.

But Byeok Taesan didn’t even glance at them. Instead, he waved Hwaryeong off.

“Go and prepare.”

“Yes.”

Hwaryeong bowed her head politely and then stepped back.

The Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master stood with their mouths agape, their eyes trembling violently.

“Young Master, surely… you’re not abandoning me, are you?”

The Heavenly Divine Healer was the first to speak, gazing at Byeok Taesan with the most pitiful expression he could muster.

“Young Master, in situations like this, a skilled physician is absolutely essential. Especially! Treating external injuries is critical, wouldn’t you agree? After all, this is about battles, battles!”

The Needle Master, who finally grasped the situation after hearing those words, looked at the Heavenly Divine Healer with a mixture of disbelief and astonishment.

Not wanting to be outdone, the Needle Master also spoke up.

“External injuries are important, yes. But in battles between masters with high internal energy, internal injuries are far more critical. Furthermore, my acupuncture is swift and precise. As they say, never rely on mere golden wound medicine or slathering on ointments.”

“Ha! Who’s slathering golden wound medicine? And who said they wouldn’t? Then what about going to Heavenly Medicine Pavilion with me yesterday… Ugh!”

The Heavenly Divine Healer was cut off when the Needle Master abruptly clamped a hand over his mouth.

“Why are you bringing that up now? Are you trying to drag me to my death too? Ah!”

Startled by the flicking tongue against his palm, the Needle Master released his hold.

Regaining his freedom, the Heavenly Divine Healer quickly turned to Byeok Taesan.

“So, what I mean to say is, you should take a versatile and resourceful talent like me along. Meanwhile, my esteemed brother here can continue making medicine with his exceptional skills.”

Having said this, the Heavenly Divine Healer grinned triumphantly, his face brimming with satisfaction.

The Needle Master, his face turning red and blue in fury, clenched his fists tightly. But this wasn’t the time to react impulsively.

This was the crucial moment to determine whether they’d go to the Hubei Martial Alliance or remain behind to drown in medicinal herbs.

“Enough. Both of you prepare to go to the Hubei Martial Alliance. The more physicians, the better.”

After delivering this declaration, Byeok Taesan swiftly turned around and walked inside.

The Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master stared blankly at his departing figure.

“Brother, you do realize it’s thanks to me that we’re going, right?”

“What? You crazy bastard, what nonsense are you spouting now?”

“I convinced the Young Master of the necessity of having skilled physicians. Otherwise, we’d both still be stuck here, grinding herbs.”

The Needle Master snorted, a smirk forming on his lips.

“You think that’ll stop me from punching you? Are you selling snake oil now?”

As he rolled up his fists, the Heavenly Divine Healer had already bolted away in the distance.

“You disloyal bastard! Don’t you dare run!”

The Needle Master gave chase, prompting the Heavenly Divine Healer to flee even faster.

“Am I the only one disloyal here? Who insulted golden wound medicine first?”

“Shut up and stop right there!”

“Are you insane?”

“What? Insane? Stop right now, you punk!”

Thus began an intense game of chase, with the two darting around like children.

Meanwhile, the others quickly finished preparing for their departure to the Hubei Martial Alliance.

Cho Seoran observed the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion physicians working diligently across the clearing, her expression grave.

No, she wasn’t truly observing them. Her eyes rested on them, but her mind was consumed by deep thought.

Her purpose for coming to Wuhan had already been fulfilled.

She had examined Byeok Taesan’s pulse to find a way to overcome the half-Jiangshi, and she had accomplished that today.

The problem, however, was that she had gained nothing from it.

To Cho Seoran, Byeok Taesan was one of the most ordinary individuals she had ever examined.

Yet he was reputed to be a master.

This was a claim made by the two physicians who had been sent to the Hubei Martial Alliance and later brought here for labor.

They had accompanied Byeok Taesan from the alliance all the way to Wuhan.

During that time, they had fought against the half-Jiangshi’s forces.

Although they hadn’t witnessed Byeok Taesan’s battles firsthand, the results were enough to infer his strength.

To them, Byeok Taesan was an unfathomable master.

Cho Seoran was perplexed.

Examining a person’s pulse could reveal many things, one of which was the presence of internal energy.

But Byeok Taesan possessed not even the slightest trace of internal energy.

Yet, he was a master. How could she reconcile this?

As someone who had also trained in martial arts, Cho Seoran understood the monumental difference internal energy made.

That was why she had examined his pulse three times, only to get the same result each time.

Her confusion was inevitable.

With a determined expression, Cho Seoran made up her mind.

“I need to observe him more.”

She couldn’t give up yet. Since she couldn’t discern anything from the pulse examination, she needed to find another method.

“If it’s not his constitution, internal energy, or Severed Meridians Syndrome, then what is it?”

What was it about Byeok Taesan that made him immune to the half-Jiangshi?

To figure it out, she had to see it for herself.

Cho Seoran recalled the visit from the Hubei Martial Alliance’s Patrol Corps Leader, Seomun Deok.

Byeok Taesan was likely meeting with Seomun Deok right now—or perhaps their conversation had already concluded.

“They’ll be heading to the warehouse, won’t they?”

Most likely. When they discussed the half-Jiangshi earlier, Byeok Taesan had shown a definite reaction.

Cho Seoran abruptly stood up.

Once she set her sights on a goal, she was the type to charge forward without hesitation.

She glanced at the Physicians of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.

“Just endure a little more,” she muttered to herself before heading off to find Byeok Taesan.

Preparations to leave for Yichang were completed in no time.

With ten attendants working diligently, there was no room for others to step in.

Moreover, all ten attendants were trained in martial arts, eliminating the need for assistance from the men.

The Heavenly Divine Healer and the Needle Master made ample preparations for the medicines they would need.

They already had an abundance of medicine prepared, so even after packing a significant amount, there was still plenty left.

The remaining stockpile of medicine was handed over to Yuk Taegu and Jang Gakwoo.

This was in case of emergencies, as well as knowing that their training methods were intense and injuries would need immediate treatment.

With Cho Seoran joining the group, the nine Physicians of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion had to stay behind at the Golden Wall Pavilion.

Their role was to prepare for the group’s eventual return by making arrangements for further medicine production.

Since it was impossible to fully disclose the secrets of medicine preparation, this arrangement was unavoidable.

Ultimately, it would fall on the Heavenly Divine Healer and Needle Master to finalize everything upon their return.

Thus, all preparations were completed smoothly.

The next morning, after Seomun Deok visited Byeok Taesan, the group departed from the Golden Wall Pavilion.

At the pavilion’s front gate, Yeon Harin, who had heard the news late the previous night, stood with a conflicted expression.

Her gaze, filled with shock, resentment, sadness, and worry, rested on Byeok Taesan and the others.

Then her eyes caught sight of Cho Seoran.

“So, we have another new face?”

Turning her head slightly, Yeon Harin looked toward the Heavenly Divine Healer, as if expecting an explanation.

The Heavenly Divine Healer flinched, avoiding her gaze.

“But, as they say, she’s very beautiful. Isn’t that right?”

The Heavenly Divine Healer responded hastily.

“It’s not me.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean it’s not you?”

The Heavenly Divine Healer glanced at the Needle Master.

“It’s not me; it’s my senior. I didn’t know at first, but it turns out they know each other.”

As the Heavenly Divine Healer took a step back, the Needle Master became flustered.

Before long, Yeon Harin’s sharp gaze landed on the Needle Master.

“Wait, no… hey, you bastard! You’re the one who brought this up!”

The Needle Master shouted at the Heavenly Divine Healer, but the latter had already hidden himself behind the group of attendants.

Meanwhile, Cho Seoran found herself overwhelmed by the stinging gazes directed at her.

The nine Physicians of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion who had come to see them off were staring at her.

It would’ve been easier if they had cursed or shown resentment, but the pitiful looks they gave her pierced her with guilt.

“Master… we will serve with even greater dedication. Please… obtain what you desire…”

Cho Seoran trembled slightly.

“They wouldn’t be doing this on purpose, would they?” she wondered suddenly.

Watching all of this, Byeok Taesan frowned slightly and turned abruptly.

He began walking away without hesitation.

Only then did the group snap to attention and hurriedly follow after him.

As Byeok Taesan’s figure grew smaller in the distance, a fiery determination started to flicker in Yeon Harin’s eyes.

All of this happened because she was weak.

If that was the case, she needed to push herself even harder.

Resolving herself, Yeon Harin turned and headed into the Golden Wall Pavilion, determined to never be left behind by Byeok Taesan again.