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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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“Present this to any member of the Hao Clan, and they will grant you any request.”
“…!”
“I believe this is sufficient compensation. What are your thoughts?”
“…It seems adequate.”
I nodded slightly, and Jeong Mu-bo released a sigh of relief.
My presence had undoubtedly been a source of considerable pressure for him.
A brief silence followed, then Ha-seol spoke,
“By the way, what about the injured? Several people are seriously hurt. This could delay our journey.”
“Hmm… I believe I can help with that.”
Jeong Mu-bo said thoughtfully.
Ha-seol tilted her head, and he continued,
“There’s a renowned physician, a retired member of the Hao Clan, living not far from here.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. If we visit him, he’ll likely agree to treat them.”
Ha-seol looked at me expectantly.
I nodded slowly.
“…Then let’s go.”
I had, without realizing it, taken control of the negotiation.
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A sizable wooden building stood in a secluded part of the forest.
It had an almost mystical aura, fitting for the residence of a renowned physician.
We approached the building, some of us supporting the injured.
“…You’ve arrived.”
“Elder…!”
A frail-looking old man with a cane stood there, with arms crossed.
He was quite short, with a shock of white hair.
He had a sage-like appearance.
He greeted Jeong Mu-bo with a faint smile and gestured for us to enter.
“It seems you’re in a hurry. Come in.”
“T-Thank you, Elder…!”
“Don’t mention it.”
He walked inside.
I watched him intently.
Jeong Mu-bo glanced at me and whispered,
“He held a high position within the Hao Clan. I doubt it will be necessary, but please… try not to offend him.”
“…What do you take me for?”
“My apologies.”
He apologized quickly.
I shook my head and followed him inside.
‘He’s no ordinary physician…’
I stepped into the building.
A strong scent of herbs and something else, something indefinable, filled the air.
The atmosphere was hazy.
A large cauldron sat in the center of the spacious room.
“Bring in the patients.”
“Yes, Elder.”
“Separate those with serious injuries.”
“Of course.”
He issued commands to Jeong Mu-bo with an air of authority.
I observed the scene, then spoke,
“How did you end up here?”
“…?”
“You don’t seem like someone who would settle down as a local healer…”
I chose my words carefully.
He chuckled.
“I’d rather rediscover my Original purpose while doing something meaningful, than lose it while being consumed by daily routines.”
“…Hmm.”
“There’s no other reason.”
‘Original purpose.’
His words resonated with me.
Maintaining one’s original intention was difficult.
Hearing this from a recluse like him made it even more impactful.
Just then,
“Elder, we don’t have enough beds. What should we do?”
“…Use the makeshift ones in the storage room.”
“Understood.”
He answered calmly, then turned to me.
“What’s your name?”
“…Eun Ha-seong.”
“Hmm… you’re from the trading company.”
He noticed the others waiting outside and smiled wryly.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had so many guests.”
“My apologies for the intrusion.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s part of the job. They’ll be healed within a few days.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“I’m getting paid for it. Don’t mention it.”
He shrugged and walked towards the storage room.
I watched him go.
‘He’s a humble man, despite his obvious skill…’
I’d sensed his strength the moment I saw him.
He was a master, at least on par with the elders of Mount Hua.
He must have sensed our approach and prepared in advance.
The realization was humbling.
‘The world of martial arts is vast, and the Jianghu is wide indeed.’
I stood there, lost in thought.
Then I heard footsteps approaching the entrance.
Thud, thud-
“Old man, why did you bring so many people here?”
“It’s none of your business. I can invite whomever I please into my home.”
“Still, it’s rather obvious they’re outsiders.”
A man walked in, grumbling.
He wore a coat made of animal hides, like a bandit.
But despite his rough attire, he had a refined aura.
It was strange.
He looked like a slightly older scholar, yet he spoke to the old man with a casual familiarity.
He noticed me standing by the entrance.
“And who are you? I haven’t seen you before.”
“…Eun Ha-seong.”
“…Hmm.”
I’d blurted out my name without thinking.
His presence was… overwhelming.
I felt drawn to him, not out of fear or malice, but something else entirely.
It was… the aura of an absolute being, someone who commanded the world.
The realization sent a shiver down my spine.
“…You have potential.”
“…!”
“With enough training, you could reach the heavens. Your innate talent has long surpassed the limits of ordinary martial artists…”
He spoke as if casually observing the weather, yet his words felt like a prophecy.
I was speechless.
The white-haired old man called out from the storage room,
“Keep it down. Don’t scare the boy. He’s not even a peak master yet.”
“Mind your own business, old man. I’m just intrigued. It’s not every day you see someone with near-heavenly talent.”
“Stop joking. It’s not funny.”
“…I’m serious, you quack.”
Their bickering faded into the background.
I snapped out of my daze and asked,
“May I ask for your name, Elder…?”
“Hmm?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to know.”
He chuckled, as if finally understanding my apprehension.
“…I am sometimes called Heavenly Slaughterer.”
“…!”
“That should suffice.”
He didn’t say anything more and turned back to his conversation with the old physician.
I stood there, frozen in place, my mind reeling.
‘Why is one of the ‘One Demon, Three Sovereigns’ here…?’
The name ‘Heavenly Slaughterer’.
It was a name etched in my memory ever since I’d fallen into this damned Deer Brand smut-fest.
One of the One Demon, Three Sovereigns.
He was one of the strongest in this world, a near-invincible master.
The unexpected encounter sent a cold sweat trickling down my back.
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Thanks chaos!