Part 1
Chapter 43. Shaanxi Branch
Feeling puzzled, Tang Hae-han immediately asked back.
"What kind of support did the Shaanxi branch request?"
"I'm not sure. Father—no, the Clan Head—told me to go to the Medical Hall and receive the handover. He told me to hear the details there, so I came running."
"You left without even asking what kind of support it is?"
So-hwa slightly furrowed her brow in disbelief, but Tang Hak answered firmly.
"Yes. I didn't ask. The Clan Head doesn't like it when I talk too much."
"......"
Tang Hae-han asked in a gentle voice, as if to soothe him.
"Hak-ah, don't take this the wrong way, and just listen. Um... have you ever thought about why the Clan Head doesn't like it when you talk too much?"
"No."
An ambiguous silence followed.
Soon, So-hwa's calm voice pushed through that silence.
"I understand. This is Hak's own way of surviving."
"Yeah. If you think too much, it'd be hard to endure the Clan Head's pressure."
"Huh? What is there to understand?"
When Tang Hae-han and Tang So-hwa showed mutual understanding, Tang Hak frowned. But before they could answer, someone called out to Tang Hak.
"Young Lord!"
At the cheerful voice, the three turned toward the sound. It was Jin-cheol, the divine physician. Tang Hak also greeted him with joy and approached.
"Divine physician! Have you been well?"
"Yes, I've always been fine."
The old physician smiled and added,
"I'll have everything ready within one shichen. Judging from the letter the Clan Head sent, the patient's condition seems severe."
"What? You were the one who requested support from Shaanxi?"
"Yes. He instructed me to go to the Shaanxi branch."
"What business do you have in Shaanxi?"
As the conversation between the two dragged on, So-hwa and Tang Hae-han exchanged glances and began to walk.
Since it was a branch matter unrelated to them, they meant to go eat.
Just as the two bored talents of Nine Turns Pavilion were about to take a step, Jin-cheol's voice stopped So-hwa in her tracks.
"A disciple of the Mount Hua Sect in the Shaanxi branch seems to have fallen victim to the Blood Sect. The physicians in that region couldn't find a treatment method, so they asked me for help."
"What do you mean, a Mount Hua Sect disciple fell victim to the Blood Sect?"
So-hwa cut in, interrupting Jin-cheol.
"I don't know the details either, but the Shaanxi branch's pursuit unit was attacked by an unidentified assailant, and the aftereffects were unusual, so they're suspecting it’s Blood Arts."
So-hwa asked again.
"What are the aftereffects like?"
"They're suffering from a high fever and can't regain consciousness, and their body is drying out and turning black. Hmm, I've never heard of such symptoms either, so I'll have to see it for myself."
At Jin-cheol's explanation, a fine line formed between So-hwa's brows. She recognized the symptoms.
Skin burned black as if scorched by the sun.
Internal organs dehydrated.
They were symptoms that had once killed the head disciple of the Wudang Sect in her previous life.
But unlike that time, it was now a disciple of Mount Hua, not Wudang, showing those symptoms. And reportedly, they were still alive.
Back then, the Tang Clan only heard about it after the victim had died, but this time, the request for help came while the person was still breathing.
So-hwa's black eyes reflected Jin-cheol's face.
'Since Jin-cheol is here, it must have been reported directly to the Tang Clan.'
Gazing at Jin-cheol with sunken eyes, So-hwa opened her mouth.
"If it's alright, I'd like to accompany you."
"What? You, Elder sister?"
As Tang Hak asked back in surprise, Jin-cheol also quietly furrowed his brow and added his opinion.
"I'm sorry, Young Lady, but the patient's condition is critical. We can't wait until you receive the Clan Head's permission."
Although Jin-cheol declined her indirectly, So-hwa replied in a calm voice.
"I can't say for certain, but I think I know the treatment."
At those words, Jin-cheol flinched.
"You know the treatment?"
In her previous life, So-hwa had studied antidote methods while looking at the corpse examination report of Tang Hae-han and the Wudang disciple. She had built many hypotheses, but she couldn’t wake the deceased to try those methods.
But now, it seemed possible.
Rather than talk about the past, So-hwa gave a vague excuse.
"It's a poison I've been researching at the Poison Pavilion, so I can't explain in detail, but I know the antidote to a poison that causes symptoms similar to those of the Mount Hua disciple."
"What is it now, something you've been researching on your own again?"
As Tang Hae-han showed curiosity, So-hwa ignored him.
"In any case, I can't say for sure the Mount Hua disciple was poisoned, but since the symptoms are similar to something I know, wouldn't the treatment also be similar? I haven't seen the patient myself, so I can't be certain, but I might be able to help with the treatment."
At those words, the divine physician hesitated.
Because the first time he met Tang So-hwa had left such a strong impression, the divine physician had considered her a righteous and cooperative person. But that illusion was shattered just three months into his stay at the Tang Clan estate.
She was indifferent to the affairs of others and lacked compassion. The kindness she had shown to him and Jeom-chil had been a rare exception.
While he had worked in the Medical Hall for three years, and the hall's physicians desperately tried to learn even a bit more from him, she had shown no interest.
This was the first time Tang So-hwa had asked him to collaborate on something.
So it didn't seem like a lie.
The fact that she was showing such interest meant it was probably related to the Nine Turns Pavilion, which she valued above all else.
The fact that she was willing to travel that far herself likely meant she wasn't worried about the Mount Hua Sect disciple, but rather that she was desperate to research the symptoms.
Since even the divine physician had never heard of such symptoms before, his confidence had faltered, so he gladly accepted Tang So-hwa's proposal.
"Let me know once you've received the Clan Head's permission. In the meantime, I'll prepare for departure."
"Yes. It won't take long."
Tang So-hwa immediately went to the Clan Head and received permission.
Over the past three years, So-hwa had developed an absurd number of poisons and improved the efficiency of existing ones.
It wasn't like developing new poisons, but rather the speed at which she took out poisons stored in a cabinet one by one.
Thus, her standing had risen steeply.
The wealth obtained from Namgung was enormous, and since the Medical Hall's budget had plummeted, even the chief steward revered her. In any organization, power naturally gravitates toward those who control the finances. With the chief steward subtly backing Tang So-hwa and her efficient poisons—further enhancing the martial units' killing power—most retainers had a favorable impression of her.
Although So-hwa's martial arts had stagnated, the number of people paying attention to the direct descendant's eldest daughter continued to grow.
And so, though she could not be taught the clan's secret techniques, she had come to possess a standing not unlike that of the Young Lord.
Given the circumstances, the Clan Head could not easily oppose the eldest daughter's request when she brought up her research in the Poison Pavilion.
Though the dangers of the outside world did cross his mind, the desire to further solidify this child's standing took precedence.
His daughter was not a direct descendant seeking to oust the Young Lord but rather a retainer who could support him in the future when he faced opposition from the elders.
Tang Ji-ha was the Clan Head of the Tang Clan before he was Tang So-hwa's father. Considering all the factors, the Clan Head reluctantly gave permission for Tang So-hwa to accompany them.
Thus, the number of people traveling to Shaanxi doubled. Han-won, who served as Tang So-hwa's personal guard, was naturally selected, and four additional members of the Black Tiger Unit were added.
Before departing for Shaanxi, So-hwa packed medicinal ingredients and visited the Grand Elder Tang Min. Though it was an absurd hypothesis, she thought she might as well try the antidote just in case.
Aside from the time spent convincing Tang Min to hand over the elixir, the preparations didn't take long.
Thanks to that, the Tang Clan's party was able to depart for Shaanxi as soon as dawn broke.
***
The leader of the Shaanxi branch ran a hand over his deeply furrowed brow.
"Didn't you say he'd open his eyes in a few days since the internal injuries were all treated?"
"Yes, the internal wounds have definitely healed, but..."
The physician hunched his shoulders.
"I'm sorry. This is the first time I've seen symptoms like this."
The branch leader looked down at the patient lying on the bed.
The once snow-white skin of Myungdan had turned pitch black.
His appearance was ghastly.
"Support from the Tang Clan should arrive soon, so let's wait a little longer. The Divine physician will know the treatment method."
At the physician's suggestion to wait for the divine physician, the branch leader left the hall without a word.
Myungdan was a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect who had entered the Shaanxi branch last month. He was also the youngest in the branch, and this reconnaissance mission had been his first assignment.
Regardless of the distinction between Mount Zhongnan and Mount Hua, everyone in the branch felt guilty for failing to protect their youngest.
For Taehwan, the elder of the Mount Zhongnan Sect and the leader of the Shaanxi branch, the turmoil was even greater.
As a superior whose subordinate had been injured, he cycled through rage and helplessness dozens of times a day, a storm constantly churning in his heart.
Trying to calm his troubled mind, the branch leader turned his head as he walked between the halls.
Now, like the night sky above, a heavy sense of powerlessness weighed down on his shoulders.
Just then, someone came running toward him, gasping for breath.
"Branch Leader!"
A martial artist bowed his head and quickly explained why he had rushed over.
"E-elder Muso of Mount Hua has arrived!"
"Muso?"
Muso wasn't a member of the Shaanxi branch. He was an elder of Mount Hua and led the elite Plum Blossom Sword Unit.
Though known for his rough and fiery temper, he was surprisingly devoted to his disciples. He had even personally recommended Myungdan to the Shaanxi branch, wanting to broaden the boy's horizons.
Because relations between Mount Zhongnan and Mount Hua were poor, martial artists from either sect typically didn't involve themselves in the other's branch affairs unless they were members. It was an unspoken rule.
But the branch leader understood why Muso had broken that rule and come rushing over.
'For someone like him, holding back for ten days was already a huge restraint.'
With a heavy sigh, the branch leader asked,
"So. Where is he now?"
"W-we guided him to the pavilion where Myungdan is staying."
He said "guided," but more likely, they had simply followed Muso's order to take him to Myungdan.
"Well done."
The branch leader patted the tense martial artist on the shoulder and made his way toward Myungdan's residence.
When he arrived, the branch leader involuntarily furrowed his brow.
About twenty martial artists stood in front of the pavilion. Judging by the pressure they exuded, they were members of the Plum Blossom Sword Unit. It seemed they had all rushed over upon hearing of their comrade's crisis.
However, even upon facing the branch leader, they didn't bother showing courtesy and instead stared at him coldly.
Step.
Someone standing among the Plum Blossom Sword Unit stepped forward toward the branch leader.
It was Muso.
He came so close it was practically rude.
"The bastard."
A low voice came out, barely swallowing its rage.
"Have you found him?"
Though he already knew the people of Mount Hua did not acknowledge him, Muso showed not even a shred of courtesy toward the branch leader.
The branch leader quietly lifted his head and suppressed the humiliation. He thought his own displeasure at the discourtesy paled in comparison to the fury of a master seeing his disciple brush past life and death.
"We're combing the mountain, but we have yet to find any trace."
The branch leader unknowingly clenched his fist. It was because Muso had revealed his killing intent.
Utterly outrageous.
“How is Myungdan’s condition?”
"The physician said he should have regained consciousness by now, but he hasn't woken up yet. I've requested that the Sichuan branch send the divine physician, so they should be arriving soon. We plan to get a more accurate diagnosis then."
It seemed those words sounded like 'no plan at all' to Muso's ears. He spoke in a cold voice.
"I will take the Myungdan to Mount Hua."
The branch leader furrowed his brow.
"Did I not say the divine physician is on their way? I understand how you feel, but be wise. Do you truly believe Mount Hua's physicians are superior to a divine physician?"
"I'm saying this not for Myungdan's sake, but for Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan."
Muso spoke, making no attempt to hide his wrath.
"If something happens to that child because the incompetent Shaanxi branch was in charge, I don't think I'll be able to endure it."
At the mention of the Shaanxi branch, the branch leader raised his voice for the first time.
"Do not cross the line."
"Did I say anything untrue? What have you accomplished all this time? You gathered a hundred talents from Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan, yet you’ve failed to find even a trace of those Blood Sect bastards. You brought in a quack doctor and nearly cost Myungdan his life. Ah… is it because he’s a disciple of Mount Hua? Had he been from Mount Zhongnan, I suppose you would have handled things more competently. It seems I overestimated you, Branch Leader."
"Muso!"
A fierce gust of wind rose around the branch leader.
In response, all the martial artists of the branch, who had been quietly observing, immediately went on alert. The fierce energy drew even the Plum Blossom Sword Unit to raise their internal energy in turn, as if welcoming the provocation. It was a precarious situation.
Then, amid the heated atmosphere, a bright voice cut in.
"Um..."
A young man, who looked not even twenty, approached with an awkward smile.
"I waited at the entrance for a long time, but no one came, so I let myself in. Forgive me for entering without permission. It's just... It's an urgent matter of life and death."
The martial artists of the Shaanxi branch and the members of the Plum Blossom Sword Unit, who had taken a combat stance, frowned at the youth's naive demeanor.
As their narrowed vision began to take in the young man—
A green long robe draped over black martial garb. A warm tone that contrasted with his cold, handsome features.
One of the martial artists near Tang Hak asked,
"... Would you happen to be the Young Lord of the Tang Clan of Sichuan?"
Tang Hak beamed and nodded.
"Yes, that's right! Come to think of it, I haven't introduced myself yet. My apologies. I heard there was a patient in critical condition, and I rushed over in surprise, thinking a war had broken out. I was unsure if I had come to the right branch."
"..."
"Surely you wouldn't be leisurely fighting while a disciple lies gravely ill, would you? Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan are sects known for treasuring their disciples, after all."
That pure voice struck the martial artists' rigid bones without mercy.
***
Part 2,
"Ah, were you in the middle of sparring? Well, with those Blood Sect bastards running rampant, I suppose this is the time to build up your martial strength, even a little."
"Young Lord."
Tang Hak, who had been chattering nonstop, fell silent at the old man's voice. Unable to hold back any longer, the divine physician intervened in the scene.
Thanks to the innocent remark, the martial artists of the Shaanxi branch and the Plum Blossom Sword Unit were turning more and more ashen by the second. But clueless to the shifting mood, Tang Hak simply clapped his hands and beamed even brighter at the sound of the divine physician's voice.
"Ah, divine physician!"
Just as Tang Hak turned his head forward again to introduce him, he flinched.
'... Who's the branch leader again?'
He couldn't tell which one he was supposed to introduce the divine physician to first.
But it wasn't Tang Hak's fault.
There was no branch quite like Shaanxi's when it came to how frequently the branch leader changed. Factions snarled at each other, constantly pushing their own men into the seat and pulling the others down.
Normally, one would memorize the branch leader's features just in case—but in Shaanxi's case, there was no point. Everyone had given up on remembering. Tang Hak, too, had come running straight down from two years of training in the mountains, and was no exception.
As he hesitated, his gaze settling vaguely on the older-looking martial artist to speak up, the woman behind him suddenly stepped forward and blocked his path.
She walked ahead of a middle-aged man who looked even younger than her, pressed both hands together in a martial salute, and bowed her head slowly.
"Greetings to the Leader of the Shaanxi Branch."