Chapter 44 Journey to Chengdu (2) - Martial Arts Masochist

The head of the Hao Clan's Sichuan branch, Jin Gon, wiped the sweat slowly dripping down his forehead as he silently observed his returning lieutenant. No one in the room dared to speak. In the heart of Sichuan, inside the lavish teahouse Chuiyunlou in Chengdu, the Hao Clan executives had secretly gathered. Yet, the words that came from Wi Chang's mouth were not easily accepted. "What did you say?" When Jin Gon questioned again, the breathless Wi Chang moistened his lips and repeated the words. "...Simma!" "…" "The Simma physician has appeared on Emei Mountain." It was not a matter to speak lightly of — the Simma physician. The term alluded to a realm that even divine doctors dared not tread. Simma is an ailment born from a warrior's internal poison, madness, or a disruption of enlightenment. Due to its varying forms, symptoms, and methods of overcoming, claiming there is someone who can cure it equates to saying a panacea has been discovered. Jin Gon shook his head slowly, signaling disbelief. "Wi Chang, you should know this isn't the time for jokes—" "I heard it directly with my own ears, sir! Cheong Wol, the second disciple of the Emei Sect, personally sought out the man concerning the Simma, and even Tang Soran from the Sichuan Tang Clan begged him for help!" The air in the underground space trembled subtly. It was an unbelievable tale. However, since the messenger was none other than Wi Chang, known for his reserved and prudent nature, confusion spread across the gathered faces. "It's said the massacre at Emei Mountain was, in fact, caused by Cheong Wol. Fallen into Simma, she acted so, and only after meeting this physician did she appear free from the influence of the demon. Did you not hear? The Millennium Flower from the Emei Sect managed to defeat Dokbong! Could someone engulfed by Simma achieve such a feat? A martial artist just over twenty, surpassing the techniques of the Tang Clan, they say!" "...Dokbong was also overcome by Simma—" "Indeed, even Dokbong sought out that physician!" Wi Chang interjected Jin Gon's words without hesitation. In any other situation, Jin Gon would have pointed out Wi Chang's impudence, but the weight of the information he delivered overshadowed everything. Jin Gon moistened his lips before speaking. "Tell me everything you know." Wi Chang shook his head. "I am not aware of the detailed intricacies. Focusing on reporting this information was paramount, so I left after only confirming the main points. What I did find out is that the physician appears to be a young man just over twenty, running a modest leather shop near Emei Mountain, and seems to have had some ongoing relationship with Cheong Wol." "...Just over twenty?" It was absolutely preposterous. A young man barely over twenty, comprehending Simma's essence and knowing the antidote? Or could he be a great master who had achieved agelessness? Yet, there had been no recent reports of such a master disappearing. At that moment, another lieutenant, Heo Yo, who had been sitting on the opposite side of the conference table, spoke cautiously. "My lord, I find it all quite unconvincing. Asking us to believe such a noble person is hidden away on a corner of Emei Mountain... If that young man truly had attained the level to master Simma, he would've traveled amongst various martial sects, earning rewards like gold. Even the abbot of Shaolin would have sought him out, but a leather shop owner just over twenty showing such restraint? There's a vast array of people in Jianghu, but I've never seen anyone who dislikes money. Whether dedicating oneself to the Dao or chanting prayers, everyone dislikes hunger." Wi Chang reacted sharply to Heo Yo's critique. "Why does the reason matter? What's important is that I discovered this physician. Questions like 'why' are utterly pointless. This noble being is resolving Cheong Wol's Simma!" "Was Cheong Wol truly afflicted by Simma? You went to Emei Mountain to verify that, I assume." "If she had Simma, she would seek out a physician—" "Silence." Jin Gon interrupted Wi Chang and added. "Wi Chang, how do you know this young man truly is the Simma physician? Heo Yo's point also makes sense." They couldn't exactly approach that young man with the question, 'Are you truly the Simma physician?' If Wi Chang were correct, whatever the reason, that man knew the cure for Simma but chose not to reveal himself. It made sense he would reside in hiding at Emei Mountain. Approaching carelessly with such questions would be akin to cutting open the stomach of the goose that lays golden eggs, only heightening his wariness. Wi Chang, who had been rolling his eyes, suddenly lifted his head. "Can't we find out by observing Tang Soran?" "…" "Tang Soran's Simma is common knowledge. As I've mentioned, she and this physician have met. If he indeed can cure Simma, wouldn't Tang Soran too show signs of being free from Simma?" Jin Gon stroked his chin. The eyes of the Hao Clan members fixated on Jin Gon's decision. He took a deep breath. Simma physician. The impact of those words was truly beyond imagination. Even Jin Gon, whose emotions seldom fluctuated, felt the hair on his arms stand on end. If this information were true, it wasn't merely data; it was a variable that could completely shake Jianghu's landscape. Simma was an insurmountable barrier that could not be overcome by skill and was a deadly trap indiscriminate of orthodox or unorthodox tribes, good or evil, or any sects. Countless once-dominant figures had kneeled, ensnared by Simma. But if there existed someone capable of mastering it…? Even if the odds of this being true were one in a thousand, or even less, for the Hao Clan, it was an opportunity that must not be missed. Jin Gon's eyes subtly gleamed. "...Wi Chang." He whispered. "…get close to that young man yourself." As those words fell, Wi Chang's expression altered instantly. A fiery ambition settled upon his usually stoic face. "Yes, sir!" "Spare no expense. Whether it be drinks or treasures, use any means necessary to win over that young man. And especially—" "—Women." Wi Chang finished, as if already aware. Jin Gon nodded in agreement. "Nothing quite sways a man like a woman. Men, as they are, can never refuse a woman. Whether you entertain them, disguise someone as your acquaintance, or find other means, use any weapon available." "Rest assured. I'll find a way to befriend him." "But don't overdo it." "Understood! I'll approach him naturally." Jin Gon nodded, muttering to himself. "Though it's easy to forget amidst all the talk of Simma... if that Emei Sect's Millennium Flower sought him out, it's worthwhile to keep an eye on this." Subsequently, Jin Gon addressed everyone present. "Whatever discussions you've heard in this room, keep them to yourselves. Though the branch leader will decide, this is likely to be classified as top-tier information." Top-tier information. Wi Chang shivered at the thought. Who would have imagined he'd be the one to bring such noteworthy intel? Top-tier information is something even in the Hao Clan's circle, only a select few encounter. It's not something sold indiscriminately, not even to other sects. Heo Yo, who had been observing Wi Chang with a sullen expression, asked Jin Gon, "Sir, if this really turns out to be top-tier information, how much do you think it would sell for? Where should we sell it? Wudang?" Jin Gon chuckled softly, "Sell it?" "Pardon?" Heo Yo queried. "If he's truly the Simma physician, we must bring him under our care. Such a person is a power just by being with us." The fact that the Hao Clan would not sell this information deepened Wi Chang's excitement. Jin Gon continued, "We need to find out for sure. If it's true, even the leader might rush to bring him in." **** Though avoiding Cheong Wol makes sense, heading to Chengdu to dodge Tang Soran and the Tang Clan might seem a strange choice. Why venture into the heart of the Sichuan Tang Clan instead of another city? ...I'd prefer not to either. Were I a martial artist, perhaps I would have taken a different route. But I'm not, and I'm stuck in Zhongyuan. I have neither a plane nor a car, not even a horse, given my destitution. Even if I wanted to go somewhere else, I simply can't. Baek Du Ahjussi mentioned that Chengdu, although also in Sichuan, would take about four to five days on foot. That's assuming one walks all day. If you calculate that an average person walks 5 km per hour, and consider that to be around 8 hours a day, the distance to Chengdu amounts to roughly 160 to 200 km. So, even the 'close' Chengdu is at most 200 km away. How would I even reach other places? For someone like me, living day by day from my leather shop earnings, such a journey is a burden already. For the days following Gwak Du Ahjussi, I'd probably have to resort to begging like old times. But avoiding it isn't an option. It's a matter of life and death. I felt threatened just yesterday, dreaming of Cheong Wol's piercing gaze and waking up screaming like a girl. A significant reason to evade Cheong Wol first, above all. Simply acquiring useful information from Chengdu would be a great boon. Is there a caravan headed to another city from Chengdu? Is leaving possible? Can I find a place to settle down? I'm also somewhat looking forward to it. Chengdu, solidly under the Tang Clan's grip, reportedly boasts advanced craft skills and a variety of tools. It would be pleasant if they have tools suitable for, well, SM play. Something like a lock? Not that I plan on using it on Cheong Wol or anything, it’s a hobby of mine. Despite many troubles stemming from SM, I couldn't call it a preference if I could give it up so easily. Even if SM betrays me, I still love it... "Ahjussis, remember your promise to watch over my leather shop." Before setting out, I reminded the ahjussis. Guyeong Ahjussi and Machildeuk Ahjussi nodded in agreement. "How many times do you have to check? We'll guard it well, don't worry!" "We'll stay put day and night out front. Go and return safely." I made all necessary preparations for departure. My shop's basement was closed, covered with a cloth above for concealment. With the ahjussis stationed in front, no one would dare meddle. Then, a commotion broke out nearby. On instinct, I crouched low and hid myself. Sure enough, commotion arose as Tang Clan members moved about in the distance. I swallowed nervously, fearing that the commotion might involve Tang Soran searching for me. Observing me crouch and hide, Guyeong Ahjussi murmured, "It's really odd lately. Did you cause any trouble with the Tang Clan?" Yes, quite a significant one. "It's not the first time Seo Jin's been acting strange. What's gotten into him for him to suddenly dash off to Chengdu?" "Anyway, I'm off now." "Right. Your brother must be waiting. Take care!" I hoisted the bundle for the journey onto my back. I'm planning to take goods that could easily be sold in Chengdu for profit. Despite my situation, I've been a leather craftsman for quite some time and possess confidence in my skills. I packed gloves, belts, bags, and water bottles. I even took a few braided ropes I made. They might come in handy in some way. I stretched my neck and quietly stepped forth, behaving like a petty thief, furtively checking my surroundings. In this escape, it would not be ideal to be discovered by Tang Soran or Cheong Wol. Whether they harbor thoughts regarding me or not, I did not wish to confirm. Seamlessly, concealing myself here and there, I progressed to the designated meeting place with Gwak Du Ahjussi. "Seo Jin! Hurry up, boy! I was about to die waiting!" Ahjussi waved his hand impatiently from the outskirts of the village. "Shh!" As soon as I spotted him, I sprinted. It felt like encountering a bear in the mountains and retreating slowly, ready to flee as soon as I put some distance between us. Since leaving Emei Mountain village, it felt as if demonic hands were tickling the nape of my neck. In the next moment, I was half-expecting someone to snatch me and ask, "Where do you think you're going?" "Hey, why are you suddenly running?" Gwak Du Ahjussi called out in confusion. Without stopping, I grabbed his arm and continued to run. The taekwondo stick hanging from his waist jiggled with each step. "Just a little more! Let's run a bit further!" I urged him. He scratched his head but kindly complied with my request, matching my pace.