The Battle for the Heavenly Sword - Chapter 104

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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104
Woo Geom-san Contends for Supremacy
After leaving Hongjo Bang, Woo Geom-san made his way toward the annex.
“Thanks to Lord Bo, I’ll be able to save some time.”
Since Bo Hyeon-seung had promised to prepare an express vessel, he would be able to leave Yichang in the afternoon.
Thanks to that, his burden was greatly lightened, and his steps were brisk.
“You’ve already caused quite a massive incident.”
Right then, someone’s voice echoed from behind his back.
Turning around, he saw a familiar woman.
Woo Geom-san recognized her instantly.
“Chief Im.”
The woman dressed in bold attire that revealed her cleavage was none other than Im So-ryeong, the Investigation Hall Chief of Punglim Fort.
Im So-ryeong approached Woo Geom-san and spoke.
“I heard you had quite a clash with the doctor from Saengsagok?”
“Has that rumor spread already?”
“Rumors in Jianghu spread much faster than you think, Young Master Woo.”
“I see.”
“More importantly, will you be alright?”
“About what?”
“Things could become awkward between you and Saengsagok.”
“Everyone keeps telling me the exact same thing.”
“That’s because Saengsagok’s influence is just that immense. Anyone has to prepare for when they get injured or sick, after all. Since Saengsagok is what’s needed at those times, people have no choice but to walk on eggshells around them.”
The current Jianghu was dominated by ten forces known as the Ten Pillars.
Saengsagok also occupied one of the seats among the Ten Pillars. However, their military might fell far short compared to the other forces. Despite that, the reason they belonged to the Ten Pillars was due to Saengsagok’s special nature of handling both medicine and poison.
Although they weren’t the strongest force under Heaven, it was absolutely certain that they were the most influential force under Heaven.
Therefore, everyone had no choice but to be wary of them.
Woo Geom-san frowned slightly as he replied.
“I fully understand. But even so, I don’t wish to walk on eggshells around Saengsagok myself.”
“Well, I suppose you don’t particularly need to care about Saengsagok, Young Master Woo.”
Im So-ryeong nodded her head.
She felt that Woo Geom-san, who possessed high-level martial arts alongside outstanding medical skills, might be the only person truly free from Saengsagok’s influence.
“Young Master Woo!”
“Please speak.”
“You’re from the Woo Family Manor, aren’t you?”
“How did you know?”
“Tracing your footsteps naturally brought the Woo Family Manor to mind. Not only do you know far too much about the Seven Great Water Sects and the shipping rights, but you also keep transferring boats heading toward the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Because of that, the Woo Family Manor located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River came to mind. Coincidentally, your surname is also Woo. At this point, it would be stranger not to connect the dots.”
“That is certainly true.”
Woo Geom-san nodded his head.
He had figured it would be discovered eventually.
However, he hadn’t expected his identity as a member of the Woo Family Manor to be exposed this quickly.
It was proof that Im So-ryeong was just that quick-witted and clever.
She continued speaking.
“Upon looking into it, I found out that someone left the Woo Family Manor on his own fifteen years ago. They say it was Woo Geom-san, the third son of the great master Woo Jang-myeong.”
“Did you find out that much in just a single night?”
“As you know, we keep our ears open in many places. Most information finds its way to us.”
“Impressive.”
“Recently, the Lord of Woo Family Manor collapsed, leaving things in a complete mess. That’s why people are trying to seize this opportunity to get their hands on the shipping rights.”
Woo Geom-san was filled with admiration.
Deducing his identity wouldn’t be too difficult for anyone with a sharp mind, but finding out what happened within the Woo Family Manor fifteen years ago required intelligence-gathering capabilities on a whole different level.
“The reason you’re returning is also because the Lord of the Manor collapsed, right?”
“That’s right.”
Since the other party already knew everything anyway, Woo Geom-san answered honestly.
“I figured as much.”
“Do you know anything about the current situation at the Woo Family Manor?”
“It just so happens that a subordinate who visited Jinjiang, where the Woo Family Manor is located, is here. I was able to obtain rough information through him.”
“Could you share it with me?”
In an instant, Im So-ryeong’s eyes sparkled more than ever before.
“It’s not hard to tell you. Provided that you make one promise to me, Young Master Woo.”
“What is it?”
“Grant me a favor later on.”
“What kind of favor?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I’ll promise in advance that it won’t be anything unreasonable or unjust.”
“It’s a promise, then.”
“I promise.”
“Alright. Let’s do that.”
“Wise choice.”
Only then did Im So-ryeong smile brightly.
She had been worried that Woo Geom-san might display stubbornness for no reason. However, Woo Geom-san was a much more flexible person than she had anticipated.
Since his identity as a member of the Woo Family Manor had already been exposed, there was no reason to needlessly cling to pride or act stubborn.
Im So-ryeong drew a neatly folded envelope from her bodice and handed it to Woo Geom-san.
“What is this?”
“Organized information regarding the Woo Family Manor is inside. I’ve summarized it briefly, so read it later.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me since it’s a fair trade. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Are you returning to Punglim Fort?”
“Yes! I’m leaving right away because I’m mindful of Hongjo Bang. It’s been quite bothersome how they’ve been constantly prying for information about you since yesterday.”
“Travel safely.”
“Take care as well, Young Master Woo. If you have time later, please drop by Punglim Fort. We’ll treat you as an honored guest.”
“I will do so.”
“Well then…”
Im So-ryeong offered a cupped hand salute and turned around without any lingering attachment.
Watching her receding figure, Woo Geom-san let out a soft sigh and opened the envelope.
Inside the envelope was a neatly folded piece of paper.
It was information regarding the Woo Family Manor, encountered for the first time in fifteen years.
With trembling hands, Woo Geom-san unfolded the paper and read.
***
“Ugh!”
Along with a groan, Ha Yeong-ryeong’s eyebrows fluttered.
Ha Baek-jin took hold of her small hand and spoke.
“Are you conscious?”
“Pa…pa?”
“Yes! It’s your father. How is your body? Is there anywhere uncomfortable?”
“W-Wait a moment!”
“Where does it hurt? Do you feel a chill in your body? What’s wrong? If it hurts terribly, your father will go call Little Brother.”
“My head hurts because of your voice, Papa.”
“Huh?”
“It feels like a bell is ringing inside my head. Can you calm down and lower your voice a bit?”
“I understand.”
At Ha Yeong-ryeong’s scolding, Ha Baek-jin replied in a deflated voice. Watching Ha Baek-jin act like that, the rogue warriors burst into laughter.
It was amusing to see a martial artist great enough to be called the Fist Master in Jianghu looking so disheartened by his daughter’s scolding.
Sitting up for a moment to check her physical condition, Ha Yeong-ryeong wore a surprised expression.
“I think I’m okay. It still hurts a little, but compared to before, it’s very minor. What happened? Did the doctor from Saengsagok treat me?”
“It wasn’t Saengsagok. My Little Brother treated you.”
“Little Brother?”
“I must have mentioned him before—the boy I met on my way to marry your mother.”
“Ah! I remember.”
“Yes! I happened to meet him here by chance, and he turned out to have mastered incredible medicine. He healed you when even the doctor from Saengsagok had given up.”
“Really?”
“Indeed. He’s the savior of your life, so you must absolutely repay this debt of gratitude.”
“Of course I should. Then is my illness completely cured?”
“I think we’ll only know that once Little Brother comes and checks your pulse.”
“I hope it’s completely cured. So I can run around to my heart’s content.”
Ha Yeong-ryeong muttered with an expectant expression.
Having lived a sickly life since birth, she had never been able to run around like others. Playing to her heart’s content just like anyone else was her greatest wish.
Ha Baek-jin stroked her hair and said.
“It will certainly turn out that way. Even if your father has to drop to his knees before Little Brother, I will beg him to completely cure you.”
“Where is he?”
“He went after receiving an invitation from the Chief of Hongjo Bang. It should be about time for him to return…”
It was right then.
“Brother, it’s Geom-san. May I come in?”
Conveniently, Woo Geom-san’s voice was heard from outside.
Ha Baek-jin responded with delight.
“Hurry up and enter!”
“Yes!”
When Woo Geom-san opened the door and entered, Ha Yeong-ryeong’s eyes shone.
He was much more handsome than she had anticipated.
Ha Yeong-ryeong hurriedly bowed her head and greeted him.
“Your niece Yeong-ryeong greets her uncle.”
“Uncle?”
“Since you’ve shared a bond of brotherhood with my papa, that makes you my uncle, doesn’t it?”
“Ah!”
“Please think of me as your real niece from now on and treat me comfortably.”
Woo Geom-san blinked his eyes at Ha Yeong-ryeong’s words.
He hadn’t expected Ha Yeong-ryeong, who seemed nothing but sickly, to possess such a forward personality.
Ha Baek-jin spoke with a slightly embarrassed expression.
“The child’s body is weak, but her personality is that of a tomboy. Still, she’s free of malice, so please look upon her kindly.”
“It seems so.”
Nodding his head, Woo Geom-san approached Ha Yeong-ryeong.
“How does your body feel?”
“It’s still uncomfortable, but it doesn’t feel like I’m about to die like before.”
“Is that so? May I examine your pulse for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Ha Yeong-ryeong immediately extended her arm to Woo Geom-san.
Woo Geom-san promptly grasped her wrist and deployed the Anhai Denghang Shu to perform a pulse diagnosis.
His internal energy circulated along Ha Yeong-ryeong’s Twelve Standard Meridians, transmitting physical data.
‘It has improved a lot, but the Taiyin meridian is still unstable.’
It was only natural.
The method Woo Geom-san had utilized was an extremely drastic measure that didn’t even exist within the Boje Method.
Had Ha Yeong-ryeong’s life not been in imminent danger, Woo Geom-san wouldn’t have used such a risky method either.
It was a relief that the outcome turned out well; had something gone wrong with Ha Yeong-ryeong, he wouldn’t have had the face to look at Ha Baek-jin.
When Woo Geom-san opened his eyes, he saw Ha Yeong-ryeong’s face staring at him with bright, clear eyes.
She looked haggard from not being able to eat properly, but her natural beauty was remarkable.
It was enough to make him think that once her illness was completely cured, countless boys would follow her around.
“Uncle! How is my condition?”
“Fortunately, the symptoms have subsided. However, it’s not completely cured, so consistent treatment is required.”
“If I receive consistent treatment, can I be completely cured?”
“Of course.”
“What a relief.”
Only then did Ha Yeong-ryeong let out a sigh of relief.
No matter how mature she tried to act, she was still merely a thirteen-year-old child.
At the words that she could be liberated from the disease that had relentlessly tormented her, tears naturally welled up.
What made her happier than anything was the fact that she no longer had to watch Ha Baek-jin suffer emotionally because of her.
She knew better than anyone else how hard Ha Baek-jin had exerted himself to save her.
To one side, Ha Baek-jin could be seen secretly wiping away his tears.
“Tsk! Crying like a fool…”
“Who says I’m crying? Something just got into my eye.”
“Honestly, with a man being that weak-hearted, I don’t know how he intends to survive in this harsh world.”
Ha Yeong-ryeong shook her head as if he were pathetic.
At that sight, the rogue warriors exploded with laughter.
“Pfft! Causing nothing but worry for your daughter, fine job you’re doing.”
“Hoho!”
“Hahaha!”
With their laughter, the atmosphere inside the room turned a notch brighter.
Wiping his tears, Ha Baek-jin asked Woo Geom-san.
“So, as long as she receives consistent treatment, she’ll fully recover, right?”
“Yes! If you show her to a proper doctor to restore her vital Qi, the remaining symptoms will be completely healed.”
“Since you’re here, is there any need to show her to another doctor?”
“My medical skills are not that deep.”
“You’re better than Doctor Nam, so do you think I’ll believe those words? Could it be that you’re drawing a line in advance because you’re worried I’ll cling to you?”
“How could that be the case?”
“Then it’s settled. Since it’s a life you saved, please take responsibility for it until the very end.”
“Pardon?”
“In return, I shall dedicate my everything to you.”
“Brother?”
As Woo Geom-san looked at him in surprise, Ha Baek-jin spoke with a resolute expression.
“This is neither a joke nor empty talk. I resolved long ago to dedicate my everything to whoever saves my daughter’s life. If you tell me to become a cow, I shall be a cow; if you tell me to become a horse, I shall be a horse. Give me any command. I will strictly obey it.”
“Is it cow and horse service rather than dog and horse service?”
“The specific words don’t matter; it’s my determination that matters.”
“I have no intention of raising an old cow or horse like you, Brother, so please retract it.”
“Are you picking on me already for being old? At any rate, I have no intention of retracting it even if I die, so know that. Wherever you go, I will follow you to the end.”
At Ha Baek-jin’s words, Woo Geom-san wore an absurd expression.
“Good grief, you’re practically a leech…”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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