Hong Wi-moon stood up before he realized it.
How did that bastard…?!
Seo Ryang looked cheerful as he playfully smiled and shook the wine bottle. His eyes fixed on So Yeon-shim were unusually clear, unlike a typical demonic practitioner.
So Yeon-shim unconsciously swallowed.
“Third Young Master…?!”
Seo Ryang smiled.
“I spent some effort looking for you since you weren’t at your residence. Wondering where you might be, and here you are in such a scenic spot.”
The guards holding the door unconsciously stepped back at his attitude of striding in as if he owned the place.
“What are you doing?”
The guards turned their gaze to Hong Wi-moon.
His face was frozen cold.
“I’m hosting an honored guest. I ordered that no one be let in, so why aren’t you stopping him?”
The startled guards unconsciously gripped their sword hilts. But given who they faced, they could neither act nor stand down.
Seo Ryang snapped his fingers.
“Ah, was that so? Should’ve said earlier.”
He stepped back a couple paces. He had entered inside the door and now went back out.
Taking a deep breath, he shouted in a booming voice.
“If the first round is done, have the second round with me!”
Then he grinned.
“That better?”
Hong Wi-moon’s eyelids trembled.
Even So Yeon-shim, who had been through everything, could only gape at his flashy entrance and behavior that defied common sense. At least within the Divine Cult, no one had ever shown such conduct before the leadership.
Staring blankly at him, So Yeon-shim came to her senses and hurriedly stood up to bow.
“Divine Cult Undefeated, Ten Thousand Demons Prosper! Joyous Pavilion Master greets the Third Young Master.”
Simultaneously, the guards also knelt.
Though they had received orders from Hong Wi-moon, their other companion was also a Cult Leader’s disciple. Moreover, while their official rank might be the same, there was a difference in age and time of joining the cult.
Of course they had to show proper respect.
Seo Ryang chuckled.
“No need for such formality. I don’t really like it.”
So Yeon-shim’s eyes sparkled.
Doesn’t like formality? To So Yeon-shim who remembered the previous Third Young Master, those words seemed truly strange.
“Anyway, what will you do? Will you keep enjoying that seat? Or have a drink with me?”
“That is…”
Just as So Yeon-shim was about to answer, Hong Wi-moon cut in.
“What are you doing, Third Brother?”
Third Brother…
What an affectionate form of address. Actually hearing it, it could almost make non-existent feelings well up.
Yes, if only he hadn’t been scheming behind the scenes.
“Pavilion Master So is in the middle of a meeting with me. Barging in and disrupting things, isn’t that too inconsiderate?”
Seo Ryang turned his gaze to Hong Wi-moon.
Their first eye contact since arriving here. Their different gazes clashed with sparks flying.
But only briefly.
Chuckling and turning his head to So Yeon-shim, Seo Ryang spoke leisurely.
“I don’t really like uncomfortable situations, you see. I’d appreciate a quick answer.”
It was quite blatant disregard.
Hong Wi-moon’s cheeks trembled with rising anger.
“Look here, Third Brother!”
Just then, So Yeon-shim stepped forward.
“I apologize, Third Young Master.”
“Hm?”
“Regardless, I received and accepted an invitation. Until this meeting ends…”
“That’s why I’m asking. Won’t you have a drink with me after ending that meeting?”
“Since the conversation isn’t finished…”
“Ah, is it because of the Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass?”
The atmosphere instantly turned cold.
Seo Ryang scratched his head.
“There are usually two cases where Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass is needed. When excessive yang energy depletion requires rapidly lowering yin energy concentration, or when struck by the Nine Yin meridian blockage.”
“…!”
“But in both cases, there are many herbs that can substitute for Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass. Someone of Pavilion Master So’s level couldn’t not know this, so for there to be no substitutable herbs…”
“Yap!”
While scratching the baby fox’s chin, Seo Ryang said.
“Could it be someone you know fell into demonic possession while cultivating yin arts?”
So Yeon-shim’s eyes widened.
“H-how did you know that…?”
“When Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass is dried, roasted, and powdered, it’s excellent for correcting reversed meridians. Furthermore, it controls surging yin energy problems and temporarily protects the original essence, enabling treatment even in a devastated bodily state, though forcefully.”
“…”
“Am I right?”
So Yeon-shim’s mouth gaped. He knew far too precisely why she needed the Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass.
Seo Ryang shook his head.
“Though I don’t know the patient’s condition, if they’re not at the point of immediate death, Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass isn’t strictly necessary. No, it could even be dangerous. Because it could jumble up the yang energy beyond just controlling yin energy.”
“…!”
“I understand being urgent out of concern for the patient, but there’s no need to be too forceful.”
So Yeon-shim’s complexion changed moment by moment.
That’s when Hong Wi-moon stepped forward.
“You seem to have developed quite a vulgar hobby in our time apart.”
“Hmm?”
“Eavesdropping on others’ conversations, does that befit the Divine Cult’s Third Young Master?”
“Oh? Was that bad?”
“If you understand, then right now…”
“Then how about this?”
“What?”
Seo Ryang sneered.
“I mean the actions of a bastard who tried to kill his brothers in various ways to grasp the next authority.”
“…!”
“What do you think? I think it’s the petty meanness of an incompetent fool without dignity?”
Hong Wi-moon’s face hardened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Are you so stupid you don’t know what I mean? Wasn’t it just now that you tried to manipulate my court lady using Blue Turtle Four-Leaf Grass as a trade?”
“Look here, Third Brother!”
“Hey, you know, I might understand going after me, but…”
Seo Ryang shrugged. The baby fox climbed onto his head to avoid falling off.
“Did you want to move against even that young youngest sister?”
“…!!”
So Yeon-shim turned to look at Hong Wi-moon with a shocked face.
Killing intent swirled in Hong Wi-moon’s eyes.
“Even if you are my Third Brother, I find it hard to tolerate any more insults.”
“Try tolerating it even if it’s hard, kid. Someone came back from the dead, and you can’t even handle a bit of mockery?”
“Third Brother!”
“Well, there’s no point rambling since there’s no evidence anyway. In any case…”
He asked So Yeon-shim.
“What will you do? Do you want to cling to the end of this now meaningless deal, like my earlier mockery?”
So Yeon-shim’s gaze fixed on Hong Wi-moon grew increasingly fierce.
“Third Young Master.”
“Please speak.”
“Then do you have any way to immediately improve the condition of someone fallen into possession? The Blood Soul Pavilion said they needed to observe the progression.”
Seo Ryang grinned.
“Have you forgotten that I recovered from possession?”
“…!”
“How did I come back to life when everyone said I would die or become disabled? Even while some fool was interfering with medicine and needles?”
So Yeon-shim coldly spoke while pushing her money pouch on the table toward Hong Wi-moon.
“Thank you for the invitation. I’ll pay for what I ate.”
“…Pavilion Master So.”
“Then, goodbye.”
So Yeon-shim turned around with a swish.
If doing business, there’s no need to do it with someone you dislike. Though not extreme, Hong Wi-moon had hurt her enough that So Yeon-shim found it hard to feel goodwill even in pleasantries.
Drip.
Blood dripped from Hong Wi-moon’s clenched fist. His rigid face clearly showed anger and humiliation.
Seo Ryang also turned his head after glancing at him.
He might have been less angry if they had said something. Hong Wi-moon’s killing intent grew rapidly at their complete disregard.
“Will cheap rice wine be alright?”
“Of course. As long as the cups are clean.”
“I wiped them until they squeaked. Let’s drink heartily.”
“It’s an honor. Oh my, that fox?”
“It’s my pet.”
“It’s so cute.”
“…Don’t touch it carelessly since it’s a spiritual beast. It bites fingers.”
Hong Wi-moon glared at their backs as they disappeared while chatting casually, and suppressed words flowed from his mouth.
“…Seo Ryang.”
***
Though it couldn’t compare to the Heavenly Placement Pavilion, the courtyard of the Joyous Pavilion Master’s private quarters within the Joyous Pavilion was quite beautiful.
So Yeon-shim, sitting on a wooden platform, glanced to the side.
“Who is this person?”
Ma Dong-pil gave a slight bow. But there was no further greeting.
Seo Ryang spoke while giving her a cup.
“This is my friend Ma Dong-pil from the Law Enforcement Court. A benefactor who saved my life several times in the Solitary Bamboo Forest.”
Interest sparkled in So Yeon-shim’s eyes, while embarrassment settled on Ma Dong-pil’s face.
“Those are words I dare not accept, Young Master.”
“As you can see, he lacks flexibility.”
Even more embarrassed, Ma Dong-pil lowered his head deeply. It was because he didn’t know what expression to make.
Seeing this, Seo Ryang cackled. The baby fox on his shoulder struggled not to fall off.
A smile spread across So Yeon-shim’s face.
How harmonious.
Was it because of their life-and-death experience? Or was this his original personality?
The Third Young Master she remembered and the current Third Young Master were vastly different. Almost like a different person.
But she didn’t think it was an act. Such an atmosphere couldn’t be artificially created.
Her angry feelings began to calm seeing this humane side rare in the Divine Cult.
“Well, would you like to have a cup?”
“It would be my honor.”
The rice wine’s aroma was quite strong as it poured.
“Let me pour for you, Young Master.”
“The honor is mine as well.”
The two clinked cups after filling them.
“Kuh, indeed quite strong. Are you alright?”
“Wine becomes sweeter or more bitter depending on who you drink with.”
Seo Ryang smiled.
“How is it now?”
“Appropriately bitter and appropriately sweet.”
Though burdened by his position as Third Young Master, it meant she had at least a good impression for now. The start wasn’t bad.
As So Yeon-shim was about to speak again, Seo Ryang said.
“I know your heart is troubled. There’s no need to beat around the bush. It would be proper to first give you the answer you want.”
Being given the words she wanted to say first reduced her burden. So Yeon-shim became more relaxed.
“How old is the patient who fell into possession?”
“…Twenty-five.”
“Were they exceptionally talented in martial arts?”
Though unsure why he asked this, So Yeon-shim answered straightforwardly without questioning.
“Worthy of being called gifted. A child who comprehends two or three things when taught one, being so clever.”
“Then treatment should be quite fast.”
Seo Ryang looked around.
“Please bring brush and paper.”
This time she couldn’t help but ask.
“Why do you…”
“To write down the formula. Of course, you can memorize it if you prefer.”
“…!”
“I’ll only give you the healing formula, excluding the core martial arts formula itself, so no need to worry.”
“Ah, no…”
“Though that doesn’t mean it’s not difficult. It will probably take at least three days just to understand and attempt the formula.”
“Young Master.”
“There won’t be big changes immediately. I can’t say for certain without knowing their condition, but if attempted persistently, they should be able to move within roughly half a year.”
So Yeon-shim’s eyes widened at the words “half a year.”
“When you say able to move within half a year…”
“As I said, it depends on talent and effort. Based on what you said about their ability and assuming it’s not too serious, I estimate they could move without difficulty within half a year.”
Someone who couldn’t even walk from possession being able to move within half a year. Considering how the Blood Soul Pavilion’s doctors had shown reluctance, it was hard to believe.
So Yeon-shim’s eyes, which had been staring blankly at Seo Ryang, flashed.
“Since the Young Master has spoken thus, setting aside whether to believe or not, I too will speak straightforwardly.”
“Please do.”
“What do you want from me?”
Seo Ryang answered with a smile.