Chapter 28

“…Because she’s a Seven-Month Baby?”

At Namgung Woo’s question, Paeng Ha-ryeong’s face grew even darker with worry.

“No, that’s not it. If that were the case, other Seven-Month Babies would also have their Upper Dantian open. But my mother thought so.”

The Paeng Family’s familial love is strong.

This applied even to the daughters-in-law and sons-in-law who became part of the Paeng Family.

“Those whose Upper Dantian remains open will eventually become fools. They can’t handle the uncontrolled energy from the outer universe and go mad.”

Two years had passed, and seeing Paeng Ye-ryeong’s still-open Tianmen, the Hapbuk Paeng Family was struck with shock.

The youngest daughter of the family head, born with all the love in the world, was destined to become a fool.

That was an unacceptable future. From that day on, the Hapbuk Paeng Family began walking the path of defying heaven.

“We tried everything. We tried acupuncture, bloodletting, and even taught a three-year-old baby mental techniques. Of course, we also fed her many medicines…”

“You couldn’t accept it, could you?”

“Right. Being born as a Seven-Month Baby was a big deal. We had to be cautious with acupuncture and bloodletting, and there were limits to the medicines we could give.”

The Hapbuk Paeng Family did their best.

In the end, they even tried sorcery, but it was too much. The Mosan Sect, the most orthodox in sorcery within the Orthodox Martial World, was so closed off that they wouldn’t teach sorcery unless you joined their sect.

As a last resort, they invited other sorcerers, but they all shook their heads and left. They sought doctors, sorcerers, martial artists, and all sorts of people to find a cure, but all they could do was buy time.

Around that time, the Hapbuk Paeng Family saw another path.

The Ghost Gate, which spewed out demons and sometimes left behind mysterious artifacts. The Paeng Family turned their gaze to it.

If it was impossible to change fate with the power of this world, they would borrow the power of another world to save that child.

Among the martial families, the Paeng Family, known for their strong familial love, willingly threw themselves into the abyss under that conviction.

But even now, they haven’t found the answer.

“My father left because he heard news of a white Ghost Gate being discovered.”

While talking about her family, Paeng Ha-ryeong referred to the family head as “father” instead of “family head.”

“White? Wasn’t the Ghost Gate that appeared in Muan County last time blue?”

“Yes. It was definitely said to be below blue, so it was strange.”

“Then the white one must be quite dangerous.”

Namgung Woo’s technique, which severed the Soul-Stealing Ghost Net, was the ultimate move of the Thirteen Lightning Flash Swords. It wasn’t his strongest strike, but it was close to his full power.

If the enemy was stronger than the Soul-Stealing Ghost Net, even Namgung Woo doubted if he could win.

“It’s okay. The family head of the Shinchang Yang Family is also joining. With the two of them, they should be able to handle even a white Ghost Gate.”

Though Paeng Ha-ryeong’s voice carried worry for her father, it also held a strong trust that surpassed it.

“Young Lady.”

“Yes?”

“By any chance, do you want me to take a look at that child, Ye-ryeong?”

Why did Paeng Ha-ryeong bring up such family history to him?

The reason was quite obvious. Namgung Woo, who had not only treated Paeng Ha-ryeong but also cleansed her entire meridian system. Perhaps Paeng Ha-ryeong had sensed something special about him.

She might not know about the Azure Tranquility Eyes, but it was reasonable to guess he had some unique ability.

At Namgung Woo’s words, Paeng Ha-ryeong bowed her head heavily.

“…I know it’s an impudent request.”

Namgung Woo had already done much for the Paeng Family.

If one becomes a Peak Master before thirty, people call them a Late Blooming Prodigy and see them as a rising star who will dominate the next generation of the martial world.

But reaching the late stage of Peak Master at twenty-four? That would put him at the very top of Late Blooming Prodigies, worthy of being called a Dragon and Phoenix Genius.

Namgung Woo had pulled Paeng Ha-ryeong, who was transitioning from the early to mid-stage of Peak Master, straight to the late stage in one go. Even if her parents treated him as a benefactor, no one would question it.

But to ask him to treat the second daughter after fixing the first and raising her realm—wasn’t that shameless?

Of course, they would promise appropriate rewards, but considering face, it wasn’t an easy request to make.

“I’m not a doctor. I’m a martial artist.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong tried not to be disheartened.

‘I knew this could happen.’

The two had only known each other for a few days. And even that was a one-sided relationship where Namgung Woo took care of Paeng Ha-ryeong.

She told herself she had no right to be disappointed.

Until Namgung Woo continued speaking.

“If it were possible for me, other Peerless Masters could have done it too. So why are you asking me?”

“Your energy flow was different.”

“Energy flow?”

Paeng Ha-ryeong recalled when she first saw Namgung Woo.

His energy flow was as calm as a mirror.

How shocking it was to see. Now that she had experienced his strength, it felt even more miraculous.

“Your energy flow was incredibly stable. Normally, the energy flow that surfaces isn’t like that. The density of energy within the body and the meridians used differ, so there are strong and weak points in the energy flow. But your energy flow was uniform from head to toe.”

“What if I intentionally controlled my energy flow?”

“That’s possible. Using protective energy techniques, you can wrap energy around your skin to protect your body, so the energy flow would be uniform. But who would use protective energy techniques in daily life?”

“…Indeed.”

If it were protective energy, he wouldn’t have called it energy flow.

If he covered his skin with true energy, everyone would notice unless they were blind.

“And the biggest thing was your head.”

“My head?”

“Yes. As you know, the Life and Death Gate is in the head. Unless it’s opened, the energy flow in the head will always be significantly weaker than the body. But your energy flow was uniform even in the head.”

“It’s amazing that you can sense energy flow to that extent.”

Namgung Woo had only thought about revealing his energy flow, not considering it to that degree.

“Not everyone can sense it. My uncle and I have seen the energy flow of people with open Upper Dantians while watching Ye-ryeong, so we noticed at a glance. But most people wouldn’t notice the difference even if they watched all day.”

Still, it seems Namgung Woo’s efforts to avoid attention weren’t entirely in vain.

“But the energy flow was only the initial point of interest. It was amazing, but it could have been some unknown secret technique. My uncle even mentioned the Muscle-Tendon Change and Marrow-Cleansing Classic.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong began to seriously believe that Namgung Woo might be able to treat Paeng Ye-ryeong after he saved her life.

“As you said, Qi Transfer Technique and acupuncture are things even advanced martial artists can do, but erasing demonic energy while cleansing the entire meridian system is unheard of. You have something special. Like Ye-ryeong. That’s why I dared to make such an impudent request.”

Having poured out her heart, Paeng Ha-ryeong asked with a bittersweet expression.

“Was it of any help?”

“It was very helpful.”

Just knowing how to blend into normalcy was a big enough gain.

And he also realized how much Paeng Ha-ryeong truly hoped for his help.

To those who are sincere, I too am sincere.

Namgung Woo extended his hand to Paeng Ha-ryeong with the same logic he had accepted the Yang Brothers.

“Since I got a good answer, I’ll give you one in return.”

Seeing Paeng Ha-ryeong’s confused expression, Namgung Woo said.

“We are wanderers.”

§

The next day.

Namgung Woo and the Yang Brothers left Beijing after just one day.

“This is it, we don’t even need to step out. The boss brings the job himself, as a member, I feel ashamed.”

At Yang Kwae’s words, Yang Jeong immediately countered sharply.

“Why do we have nothing to do? If the boss tells us to fetch something, we fetch it. If he tells us to help, we help. Isn’t that enough? Do you dislike being an errand boy now?”

“Who said I dislike it? Being an errand boy is a blessing. The boss took on a request to look after the Paeng Family’s golden child. But the Paeng Family is willing to entrust us with tasks.”

“Ah…”

“This guy has completely lost it since the boss took him in. Boss, I think this guy needs some mental training.”

As the Yang Brothers’ bickering turned towards him, Namgung Woo casually tossed the rope to their side.

“Well, from what I see, you’re both the same. The term ‘troublesome brothers’ fits perfectly.”

“No, I’m still better than him.”

“That’s my line, brother.”

Leaving the two brothers to their squabble, Namgung Woo carefully guided the horse given by the Paeng Family.

The Paeng Family members, acting as guides, were riding ahead, but as Namgung Woo approached, they naturally made way for him.

“Benefactor?”

“It takes three days to reach Tianjin, right? I’d like to hear more stories during that time, is that okay?”

At Namgung Woo’s words, Paeng Ha-ryeong smiled warmly and nodded vigorously.

“Of course!”

§

Deep within Beijing.

Amidst the grand palaces and temples nurtured by the Imperial Family, a small hermitage nestled in the bustling city. Inside, a man was casting divinations in a solemn atmosphere.

The faint scent of incense.

The low hum of chanting.

The flickering candlelight casting faint shadows.

In the midst of it all, the man’s hand, which had been turning prayer beads, suddenly stopped.

“They’ve left.”

Opening his eyes, the man’s pupils were revealed. His pale eyes resembled those of a blind man, but soon returned to a normal brown.

“What left?”

A clear voice came from behind the man.

Without turning his head, the man answered.

“The last impurity has left Beijing.”

Though his tone was flat, there was a hint of joy in his words. The uninvited guest, however, was indifferent.

“Ah, is that so? Is that good?”

“Of course. But I don’t expect you to understand. You wouldn’t care anyway.”

“You know me well.”

The uninvited guest stepped towards the man. Her figure, hidden in the shadows, was faintly illuminated by the candlelight. She wore a wide robe, but her slender curves were unmistakable.

“I’ve finished everything you asked.”

At her words, the man’s lips curved into a deeper smile.

“As expected of Samunryeong. Impressive.”

“Enough. Just give me my reward. You haven’t forgotten our contract, have you?”

“Hoho, where has the dignity of a Taoist nun gone? If Hwaran Seonja knew, she’d be quite sad.”

“…Watch your words, Yi Ja-ryong.”

The man, Yi Ja-ryong, remained calm despite her threat.

In a relaxed tone, he said.

“I’ll keep the contract. Breaking a contract involving sorcery is burdensome even for me. Don’t worry. The reward is already prepared.”

“You should have said that earlier. Where is it?”

As the woman acted as if she would ransack the hermitage, Yi Ja-ryong also lost his smile.

“I left it at the last agreed location. You can take it from there.”

“You’re really cunning.”

How many secret hideouts did he have in Beijing?

“Is this the end?”

Clearly wanting to leave this unpleasant place immediately, the woman asked, and Yi Ja-ryong gave a short answer.

“Yes.”

With that, the woman proved her words weren’t empty by immediately leaving.

The hermitage regained its silence.

Yi Ja-ryong, having been interrupted by the woman’s intrusion, calmly finished his ritual.

“Soon. Soon… a new world will open…”

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