Chapter 116: Let’s Make a Bet (2)
After conveying everything I needed to say to Tang Soyeol and parting ways, I went off in search of the Immortal Healer. Tang Soyeol had asked if I wanted to have lunch together, but due to the schedule my father mentioned overlapping with it, I had to turn her down.
To be honest, I did feel a bit uncomfortable about it.
The sulky and shadowy expression on her face was hard to miss as I refused her, but there was nothing I could do about it.
I made my way towards the small guesthouse within the clan.
The Immortal Healer’s guesthouse wasn’t far from the medical rooms, yet it was somewhat smaller compared to the other guesthouses in the Gu Clan.
Originally, they prepared the biggest guesthouse for him, but upon seeing it, he reportedly got so angry that he shouted he wouldn’t sleep in such lavish digs.
‘Geez.’
Since we had traveled together for several months from the Mount Hua Sect to here in Shanxi, I had managed to grasp a bit of the Immortal Healer’s character.
Despite seeming like a grumpy old man full of complaints, he had a lot of affection and couldn’t ignore the hurting more than anyone else.
During one camping trip, there was a day when one of the servants got his hand full of thorns while working, leading to some bleeding.
The servant didn’t seem to care much about it, saying it was a routine thing, but the Immortal Healer scolded him, claiming that leaving it treated would lead to serious trouble.
He had pills and bandages ready at all times, seemingly troubled by anyone getting hurt…
His grumbling was sharp, but he wouldn’t stop nagging until the servant’s injury was fully healed.
Considering that the greatest healer in the world was so straightforward with someone as minor as a servant with a small injury, I wondered how much pressure the servant must have felt being treated by such an important figure.
Later on, I heard that he was so candid because he was getting a free ride in a carriage from us during the journey.
Thanks to such incidents repeating multiple times throughout the trip, by the time we reached our destination, many people had begun to revere the Immortal Healer instead.
He roared that they were annoying and didn’t want any commotion, yet it seemed the people couldn’t help but like him despite his grumpy demeanor.
Still, that stubbornness rooted in his very bones had not disappeared.
I arrived at the guesthouse where the Immortal Healer was staying. As I arrived, I saw him outside, seemingly drying the herbs he collected.
Noticing my presence, he asked me,
“What do you want?”
“I just came by to check on you.”
“You peculiar fellow, aren’t you busy?”
“How could I be busy at home? I just eat and poop!”
“Then what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be busy eating and pooping?”
Just by observing the exchange of our conversation, I sensed how much closer I had gotten to the Immortal Healer. This was not a conversation we could’ve had previously.
The Immortal Healer stared at me for a while, then frowned and asked,
“What did you wolf down all night?”
“…How did you know?”
“What do you mean ‘How do I know’?! With the drastic change in your Qi, how could I not notice?”
Not knowing was what you’d expect normally…
It’s usually impossible for someone of lower cultivation to perceive another person’s Qi, but the Immortal Healer had this unusual ability.
Of course, I had no idea how much he could understand, but if another slightly higher rank in martial arts were to observe me, it would probably be beyond their comprehension.
‘Though it seems he can’t sense the Demonic Qi.’
He seemed to have detected the change in my overall Qi after eating that flower, but he still seemed clueless about the presence of Demonic Qi.
“…Would you like me to check your body?”
As he asked this, I couldn’t help letting out a snicker at his tone of concern.
“Are you really doing this for my benefit?”
“What? Of course, I’m doing it for you! Think I’d do it for myself?”
“You should at least say that after clearing the curiosity glimmering in your eyes.”
“…Hmph.”
As soon as he realized I was alive and well despite the mix of Qi inside me, the Immortal Healer treated me like a rare creature, spying and examining every chance he got.
Since it was the Immortal Healer checking me, I often let him examine me, believing it would be helpful.
But as time went on and he kept treating me like a test subject, I had grown weary and kept myself at a distance lately.
“Stop pretending like you didn’t want this. You came wishing for it.”
“You catch on fast…”
“Quit your rambling and sit down.”
“Yes.”
I cautiously sat down next to him, reaching my hand out as he requested to check my condition.
His fingers wandered over the veins of my arms, and it didn’t take long for him to finish his checkup.
“Every time I see your body, it’s fascinating— this shouldn’t be possible…”
As always, after the examination, the Immortal Healer fell into deep thought.
From his perspective, witnessing the chaotic Qi from the Gu Clan coexist with the mellow Taoist energy must’ve been astonishing.
‘What would he say if he knew that I had Demonic Qi too? That would make three Qi in total.’
He would probably scrutinize my body even more in heated curiosity.
I wondered if this fascination stemmed from his role as a healer or if there was something else to it.
“How’s my condition?”
“Your Qi has significantly increased. The instability you had when I first saw you has completely vanished, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”
“I’m glad to hear that; I was worried I’d be called a time bomb again.”
“What did you eat to turn into this? Did that rascal, Dohwa, give you something?”
“…Something like that.”
In any case, it was something I obtained from around the Mount Hua Sect, so it wasn’t a total lie.
I constantly checked my bodily state and Qi, but it was better to leave the thorough examinations to an experienced healer.
Thank the heavens I had the greatest healer so close by, and it seemed like he also had interest in my condition, making it a beneficial trade for both of us.
When the examination reached its conclusion, I posed a question to the Immortal Healer.
“Are you uncomfortable in your stay here?”
“How can I be uncomfortable? Compared to a hut swarming with bugs, this place is paradise!”
“But I heard you asked for a new guesthouse.”
“I barely do any work. Does it make sense for Hyuk and I to occupy such a massive building?”
“Yet, the rumor spread that you help out the other healers in the medical rooms from time to time.”
“Who the hell has been chattering?”
I suppressed a laughter that almost leaked out at the sight of his distorted expression filled with annoyance. He did seem curmudgeonly, but deep down, he was kinder than most.
I wondered why such a person had distanced himself from the healing world. Almost reading the Immortal Healer’s mind, Elder Shin spoke up.
“He probably values personal belief over honor.”
‘That’s quite the serious remark.’
“In a way, beliefs are paramount for martial artists too—not just healers.”
It depends on the individual, but Elder Shin’s words rang true.
Beliefs over honor. While I understood Elder Shin’s rationale, the truth is that this was nearly impossible in the present martial world.
Martial arts were learned for the sake of honor, and as one’s accomplishments grew, honor trailed behind them.
Some even practiced martial arts to pursue honor above all.
“Make sure to eat properly. You’re at an age where that’s important.”
“Why would a healer be worried about that? I take better care of myself than anyone else.”
“Great care, huh? You skip meals like it’s your job.”
“You little brat! You only eat dumplings; should I nag you about it?”
“…No.”
“Tsk. Now that the checkup is done, go see Hyuk.”
Hearing the Immortal Healer’s words, confusion clouded my face, but he continued gathering the dried herbs as he spoke.
“I think he’s been missing you since we don’t get to see you often now that we’re in the Gu Clan.”
“Missing me? Who’s disappointed over who?”
If he was talking about Zhuge Hyuk, the Immortal Healer’s words felt a bit strange to me.
Just like the Immortal Healer, Zhuge Hyuk was someone else who had become closely knit with me. I made an effort to bond with him as well.
Zhuge Hyuk, just like in my previous life, had changed immensely. The man who once wore a huge burn scar on his face had also been one to chatter endlessly, full of annoying expressions.
Now, Zhuge Hyuk was entirely different.
Emotionless like Namgung Bi-ah and unable to speak as if he were mute. He managed to communicate in short gestures and occasionally drew in the dirt, but even that didn’t last long.
According to the Immortal Healer, I went outside the guesthouse to seek out Zhuge Hyuk. It wasn’t too hard.
Since I knew his aspirations were culinary in nature, I merely looked for areas connected to cooking.
Just as I thought, I found Zhuge Hyuk chopping vegetables in one of the guesthouse kitchens.
“What are you doing here?”
Zhuge Hyuk quickly turned at the sound of my voice and, after setting the knife aside, made gestures with his hands.
I recognized the meaning immediately, having seen it several times before.
It meant something akin to, ‘Hello, big bro.’
The claim about Zhuge Hyuk enjoying cooking was true. He had, after all, whipped up meals during our camping journeys.
He even excelled enough that the dish turned out flavorful and delicious. Zhuge responded with more gestures, but eventually, he picked up a stick.
The surface wasn’t suitable for writing, but focusing on his movements revealed his intent quite clearly.
– It’s fun.
“…I can imagine. What are you making?”
– I’m not sure. But this is tasty too.
“Another one of your spontaneous creations, huh?”
– Yes.
Zhuge Hyuk occasionally tossed aside the recipes, improvising instead. While he occasionally bombed the dish, he often succeeded too with unique, tasty results.
Recalling the liked dish he made back then, I said,
“The fish dish you made last time was pretty decent.”
– The fried one? Or the boiled one?
“The fried one.”
– Should I make that for you right now?
“Nah, that’s okay. I just wanted you to know it was good. I have my own plans for lunch anyway.”
– Then I’ll make it next time.
“…Uh, um… Sure. I’ll visit again sometime.”
Under normal circumstances, I might have declined, but Zhuge Hyuk had a knack for enjoying cooking for others.
It seemed he wanted to make me something again this time too, so I didn’t reject him.
“Do you trust that kid now?”
Elder Shin suddenly posed the question.
Given his knowledge of my memories, he was probably carefully inquiring about Zhuge Hyuk.
I answered honestly.
‘No.’
I stated firmly, unwilling to completely trust Zhuge Hyuk.
However, a part of me was beginning to have faith.
Perhaps if he truly wished to change his life, then there was room for him to evolve.
That was why I hadn’t dealt with him yet.
And, moving forward, I hoped I wouldn’t need to.
I said to Zhuge Hyuk, “I asked Ryunghwa to dine with me sometime. How about you whip up something for us then?”
– …
Zhuge Hyuk appeared to write something but then halted abruptly. I distinctly noticed that he had paused when Ryunghwa’s name came up.
“You little… Hyuk, your ears are looking a bit red, aren’t they?”
He swiftly covered his ears upon hearing my remark. In truth, his pupils were darting everywhere. Surely that was an act, right? It had to be.
Zhuge Hyuk slowly scribbled something onto the ground.
– …W…when?
“…”
It seemed my initial impression was correct. This kid really was dangerous.
After teasing Zhuge Hyuk for a while longer, I bid farewell to the Immortal Healer and set off towards the central region of our clan. It was the expected venue for the important event.
Predictably, as I advanced, I encountered unfamiliar individuals.
They must’ve been from the Namgung Clan.
Upon reaching the entrance, the Gu Clan members bowed their heads in respect and cleared the way for my passage.
Halfway through, I even got snagged by a servant and made to change into different clothing.
I had wanted to just show up in comfortable attire, but it seemed that wouldn’t suffice.
‘Looks like I’m not the last one to arrive.’
It appeared Namgung Jin and my father hadn’t yet arrived, while only Namgung Bi-ah was seated all alone. I felt relieved by her presence as I entered.
“How long have you been here—”
However, I immediately found my body frozen in place, as if it had simply stopped functioning.
A pure white flower was seated right there.
It seemed I wasn’t the only one taken aback; Elder Shin spoke with a trembling voice as well.
“With looks like that, it could easily be deemed witchcraft.”
Witchcraft, huh? For men, she might truly have that much impact.
She always had to cover her face with a mask or veil whenever she stepped outside— even appearing as if she had just awoken from sleep. The power she wielded when properly adorned was bound to be utterly destructive.
Even I had to take a breath seeing her in this state, even though I had grown accustomed to her face from seeing her nearly every day recently.
As I stared at her, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes shifted toward me.
“You… came.”
“…I came.”
Even as I gazed at her with shaking eyes, my focus was glued to her alluring lips.
I was worried since that was the area where she had sustained injuries, yet it looked like they had healed swiftly, indicating it wasn’t too serious.
While I took in her features, Namgung Bi-ah spoke again.
“Seol-Ah was looking for you.”
“Oh, right. I left without telling her.”
It seemed Wi Seol-Ah had been seeking me out since I didn’t inform her about my outing. I had been to Tang Soyeol’s, then to see the Immortal Healer, and ultimately ended up here without returning home.
‘I should make sure to check on her later.’
With that thought, I sat down across from Namgung Bi-ah. However, I couldn’t bring myself to look at her, fixating only on the teacup in front of me.
‘I’m going to lose my mind.’
What kind of foolish behavior is this? Can one be so pretty they become challenging to look at? While scolding myself, I found it hard to lift my head.
That Namgung Bi-ah too seemed to notice my reluctance to maintain eye contact and asked.
“Is something strange…?”
“Huh?”
“…Do I… look strange?”
Her voice hinted at disappointment. After that, I finally raised my head to meet her eyes, which glimmered with anxiety.
This girl, who usually came off as indifferent, seemed nervous because I wasn’t looking at her.
While I couldn’t wrap my head around the reason for her feelings, a warmth blossomed within me due to her simple yet earnest concern— an odd contrast to what was swirling in my thoughts.
“…No, it’s not strange.”
“Then?”
A slight flicker of hope flickered within her voice.
Her eyes brightened, reflecting the tiniest spark of expectation. Without having to ask, I could guess what she sought.
It seemed she had previously lived without awareness of her beauty, but perhaps she had come to recognize it a little more recently.
Given how she looked, it was almost more bizarre that she hadn’t known about it.
Unable to withstand Namgung Bi-ah’s persistent gaze, I let out a resigned sigh.
“You look… beautiful. Totally fine.”
At that moment, Elder Shin, who had been holding back, burst out at me.
“Did you have to slap on that loser line at the end?”
‘…I know.’
“What do you mean fine? For one who specializes in flame arts to be this feeble? You pulverize enemies like a raging flame, yet now someone doused you in water? Did the fire go out or what?”
‘Please stop knocking me down. It stings.’
As I spoke, I glanced at Namgung Bi-ah with caution. Even I recognized that my choice of words was slightly off at that moment.
However, contrary to what I expected, Namgung Bi-ah broke into a cheerful grin at my remark.
“I wanted to hear that.”
She beamed, and her smile erupted like sunlight emerging from behind clouds.
It appeared the once-awkward act of smiling wasn’t so foreign to her anymore, as she turned to look at me radiantly.
Amusingly, all those frustrating emotions entrenched in my brain seemed to wash away with that singular action of hers.
Though they could never be entirely erased.
I would never forget who she was in the past.
Suddenly,
As if triggered by a memory, I recalled something I had said to her long ago.
– You resemble the moon.
At that time, there hadn’t been any deeper meaning behind the words.
The Demonic Sword Queen had pale skin, and under the moonlight, her silvery hair shone, resembling the moon.
That was all— it simply appeared like that in the moment, and I conveyed those thoughts to her.
I could see the memory of her standing there in silence after hearing those words.
What had occupied her thoughts back then?
At this moment, I was inclined to ask her. What was running through your mind during that time?
I had countless questions for her. Yet, now, I found myself in a predicament where I could never once again inquire.
I had tried in this life not to entangle my path with her again, yet fate had woven our lives together once more.
“This is your fault.”
“Hm…?”
I blamed her for the pain I felt— a notion that only earned her a bewildered frown, indicating she had no idea what I was on about.
Seeing her confusion made me chuckle lightly.
After leisurely chatting with her, a servant came to inform me that Father and Namgung Jin had arrived at the compound.
Hearing that, I adjusted my posture.
This was a significant occasion, after all; I needed to prepare myself accordingly.
‘…I had intended to escape from this at first.’
I was a bit taken aback by my thoughts at present. Did I give in?
“You accepted willingly just because she’s pretty; it’s not that significant.”
‘…’
I resented how I couldn’t argue against Elder Shin’s unabashed assertions.
As such, the engagement ceremony binding the Namgung Clan and the Gu Clan commenced.
And through this event, something I had already anticipated became evident.
When I inquired about it, my father fell silent, but now I was certain of my observation.
Father and Namgung Jin undoubtedly had an exceptionally rocky relationship.
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