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Chapter 2
The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Clan
My body wasn’t in very good shape.
Because the poison had slowly seeped in over a long period, a considerable amount of it had accumulated inside me.
I had no intention of using a doctor to cure it. After all, there weren’t many doctors skilled enough to handle something like this.
Of course, one doctor did come to mind, but at this moment, I had no idea where he was.
Thus, there was only one method available.
I would perform breath and qi cultivation to prevent the poisoning from worsening.
I sat down cross-legged.
I had been learning martial arts since childhood.
But I hadn’t studied them seriously, and since it was the clan’s martial arts, it wasn’t that extraordinary.
Even just sensing the tiny grains of energy in my dantian made that clear.
I let out a small laugh.
“Go ahead and die, you bastard.”
A face appeared in my mind—a person who had taught me much despite our brief encounters.
Thanks to him recognizing Chuhyeong’s talent and wanting to take him as a disciple, I had benefited greatly.
Although most of his attention went to Chuhyeong, occasionally a single comment from him gave me clues, helping me break through barriers, and eventually deconstruct and reorganize the clan’s martial arts.
Where was he now?
I chuckled at the thought.
It was obvious, even without thinking.
Shaking off all distractions, I focused once more on my mind cultivation.
Suwol Simgong (Water-Moon Heart Skill).
Following its flow, I began channeling my qi slowly.
Though my internal strength was weak and I couldn’t immediately neutralize the poison, I could at least prevent it from deepening further.
I focused intensely, completed the cultivation, and opened my eyes.
In that instant, something familiar appeared before me.
“What are you doing?”
Chuhyeong was staring at me as I sat cross-legged.
It was absurd that he had entered without permission, and just as frustrating that he’d been watching me for so long.
“I was startled. Move your face.”
“Do I look like a ghost to you? Startled…? More importantly, what are you doing?”
“Meditation. That’s done—what’s going on?”
“Well… it’s meal time, and since you didn’t respond when called…”
“I’m not particularly hungry. Forget it… where’s Father? I need to see him for a moment.”
“Oh—asking while knowing, are you? You weren’t preparing for a large delegation? That would include both Lady Gamo and skilled warriors from the clan.”
I nodded at his words.
I had guessed correctly.
The capable warriors of the clan had gone out with the delegation.
Naturally, my older siblings had gone out with other delegations at the same time.
This explained why my body continued to deteriorate.
Only the chief overseer remained to protect the clan, leaving very few shields to protect me.
Still, I had survived despite the poison thanks to a woman who would soon arrive in Nanyang.
But I couldn’t wait forever.
“You rascal, Chuhyeong! Why are you so late bringing the Young Master?”
Once again, a loud voice echoed.
The half-open door swung fully open, and an old man entered.
One of his eyes was blackened—a battle scar.
This was Hong Guhyeon, the steward in charge of all the servants of the Nanyang Clan.
I looked at him and gave an awkward smile.
“What am I supposed to do now that you’ve woken me up?”
“Wake you!”
“I said you shouldn’t wake me!”
“Who in the world shouldn’t be woken up?!”
Their voices clashed so loudly in the room that I wanted to cover my ears.
I frowned instinctively, and only then did Hong Guhyeon look at me.
“Uh… sorry, Young Master. I didn’t train this one properly.”
“No, I should be the one apologizing. That eye… it’s because of me.”
“Ha ha, it’s fine. Compared to the time you took a sword for me back then, this is nothing.”
“Yes, there was such a time.”
I remembered the past as I looked at him.
As a child, I had been reckless and spoiled.
With wealth and always giving orders, I assumed everyone was beneath me.
I had once gotten into a fight with a wandering swordsman. In my anger, I swung my sword recklessly.
It was Hong Guhyeon who took the blow for me.
I smiled at the memory.
“I survived because of you. I’m grateful.”
“Ha ha, thank you for saying that. But you should eat. You’ve been coughing a lot lately, probably because you haven’t been eating properly.”
“No, that’s fine. Something’s more important than food now. I’m going out—Chuhyeong, prepare.”
“Ah… you won’t eat? I’m hungry.”
“Let’s eat outside. I feel like going to an inn for a change.”
“Let’s go immediately.”
Sigh…
Chuhyeong’s eyes lit up as he hurriedly began preparations, and Hong Guhyeon let out a long sigh.
Nanyang had several famous inns.
Among them, the top five always included the Unryong Inn, run by the Nanyang Clan itself.
It was famous for both taste and atmosphere—expensive, but perfect for wealthy people wanting to show off.
On the other hand, the Hwaseon Inn was another local treasure.
Strictly speaking, it was the oldest in Hanam, with a history of hundreds of years.
Its food was decent and affordable, attracting many who wanted a good meal without breaking the bank.
I entered the Hwaseon Inn.
The place was crowded. With its cheap, tasty food, getting a seat wasn’t easy.
Yet something felt odd.
I could sense the gaze of the people eating there.
“Isn’t that the youngest son of the Nanyang Clan?”
“Yeah, that Young Master. Why is he here…?”
“Unryong Inn is just ahead. Strange.”
Murmurs spread among the diners.
It made sense—why would the Young Master come to Hwaseon when Unryong was so close?
“Was this inn… Hwaseon?”
“Cough! Hwaseon is an inn too.”
“Oh, that’s true! But Unryong is tastier and more luxurious! I thought it was there…”
Chuhyeong’s comment made some frown.
Unryong was indeed the place for taste and ambiance.
Most people came to Hwaseon because Unryong was expensive; his casual remark sounded like showing off wealth.
I shook my head and climbed the stairs.
There were no seats even on this floor, but I didn’t give up and moved to the third floor.
As I ascended, a shadow suddenly fell over me.
At the third-floor entrance, a burly man blocked my path.
“You cannot enter here, Young Master. Please go down.”
“I came to see someone inside.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“Of course not.”
“Then you cannot meet them.”
The man spoke firmly and didn’t budge.
What to do?
I coughed, took out some silver coins, and threw them at him.
Startled by the sudden money, he opened his eyes, smiled slightly, and spoke urgently.
“Cough! Tell them I’m here.”
“…Understood.”
They say money can even move spirits.
If a man was here for just a few coins, it made sense he’d react this way to silver.
The previously imposing man bowed respectfully and hurried inside.
“Who are you here to see?”
“Someone worth it.”
“Huh?”
Chuhyeong looked at me puzzled.
I tried to explain, but even I gave up.
The man returned shortly after.
He bowed respectfully, unchanged.
“They will see you. Please, eat first.”
“Much obliged.”
I smiled and followed him.
At the end of the long third-floor hallway, the largest door opened.
Inside, the room was dazzling, more magnificent than words could describe.
At the far end sat a woman.
She wore a black palace gown that matched the elegance of the room, and her alluring gaze fell on me.
Smiling seductively, she rose and gestured to an empty seat beside her.
I took the seat, and she sat gracefully opposite me.
“What brings you to such a humble place, Young Master?”
“Humble? Compared to Unryong, this place is impressive enough.”
“Hoho, I’ll take that as a compliment. But why have you come to see me?”
She was the owner of Hwaseon Inn.
One of the top beauties in Hanam.
Not officially a courtesan, yet many visited the inn just to see her.
Her beauty alone made Hwaseon famous.
I smiled slightly.
“I’m looking for someone.”
“Hoho, Young Master, we only sell food here…”
Clatter—
Before she finished, I threw a silver ingot onto the table.
She was startled, her eyes wide.
“I’m looking for a doctor. He wanders around Central Plains, helping the sick. His appearance…”
“No matter what you say, Young Master…”
Clatter—
I threw another silver ingot, worth about five nyang in gold.
“He has severe burn and pockmarks, not very handsome. He treats the weak and poor in secret, rather than ordinary people.”
“…Young Master, you don’t listen, do you?”
“I need to know where she is and what she’s doing. If you can find out, I’ll double this reward.”
Cough—
Chuhyeong fussed beside me, but I ignored him and rose from my seat.
I had said enough.
Seeing her eyes flicker at the money, I knew she would get me the information.
Even with the promised reward, I left, feeling her gaze on my back.
I smiled faintly as I glanced back.
Our eyes met, and she flinched slightly.
“By the way, I spent a lot, and yet the meal’s free?”
“Hah? Hohoho, of course. I’ll prepare a seat for you.”
The man waiting outside bowed at her words.
