Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 409

Okcheong’s condition was more critical than initially assessed.

“His internal organs are severely damaged. They’re torn and bleeding from immense pressure. An ordinary person would have died instantly.”

“……”

“Fortunately, his internal organs were enveloped by an extremely gentle true energy, which immediately began repairing the damage. It seems to have maximized natural recovery, ensuring all organs returned to normal without focusing on any single area for accelerated healing.”

“This friend is a Taoist of the Mudang [a Korean shamanic tradition].”

“I suspected as much. While I haven’t met a Mudang Taoist before, I’m quite knowledgeable about Taoist martial arts. They follow the natural order, pursuing naturalness. Their self-healing aims for a sure normalization, even if it’s slower than abnormal recovery.”

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician was much calmer than his reputation suggested. As his nickname implied, he was knowledgeable in many areas.

“However, he has a deep stab wound on his left lower back. It’s not a clean cut, so it doesn’t seem to be from a master swordsman’s strike.”

“That’s right. A broken sword pierced him due to the impact.”

“It’s a dangerous area. The kidneys are located there, and they’re one of the organs that cannot recover. And judging by the flow of true energy…”

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician glanced at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“The blade touched the kidney. It’s fatal. He could die from excessive bleeding before sepsis. There are many blood vessels in the kidneys.”

“I know.”

“I’ve heard that masters who have reached the pinnacle can repair even the smallest blood vessels, not to mention internal organs.”

“I can do that at my current level.”

“This patient cannot.”

“That’s right.”

“However, there are traces of a wound, but there’s nothing wrong with the kidney itself. There are no signs of sepsis, and it’s even more vibrant than other organs.”

“That’s a relief.”

“It’s a relief, but as a physician, I can’t ignore it. If the body’s condition doesn’t make sense, I need to know the exact cause and process to avoid problems in subsequent treatment.”

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician asked seriously,

“Did Yeon Ho-Jang help?”

Many knew the rumor that Yeon Ho-Jeong was the leader of the Myulsa Army, but the rumor that he was the head of the newly formed Medical Army had not yet spread.

Perhaps that’s why some called him Yeon Ho-Jang, taking the ‘Ho-Jang’ from his nickname, ‘Byuksan Ho-Jang’.

“Yes. Although I’m not a physician, I know a fair amount about the human body. As you said, a wound of that depth in that area would be considered fatal.”

“You know well.”

A bitter look crossed Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“Because I’m just a butcher who only knows how to beat people.”

“But how did you treat it? Even a master can’t treat someone else’s body the same way they treat their own, especially in such an area.”

“I have a unique inner energy cultivation method that others don’t have. I just used one of them to seal the wound and maximize the kidney’s function.”

Hyeonmu Energy [Black Tortoise Energy].

Hyeonmu is the water energy of the north, which governs the kidneys in the human body.

As the Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician said, the kidneys were an organ that was almost impossible to recover. Unlike the liver, which can recover even if only half of it remains, once the kidneys are damaged, that’s it.

Let alone if a sword had pierced it. No matter how great an inner energy cultivation method one had mastered, it was impossible to fix it so cleanly.

That was one of the infinite abilities of the Four Divine Energies. Of course, it was possible because Yeon Ho-Jeong’s level was high and his understanding of the Four Divine Energies was better than anyone else’s.

“Is there really such a martial art?”

“Yes.”

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician was lost in thought.

Any physician would have been skeptical. Especially a physician like the Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician, who was also skilled in martial arts.

But the Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician believed Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words.

Having seen the patient’s condition firsthand, he couldn’t dismiss Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words as lies. There were no traces of medicinal power on the patient’s body, so it was hard to believe he had used a miraculous medicine. And most importantly, a general of the Martial Alliance wouldn’t need to lie in this situation.

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician let out a hollow laugh.

“I’ve devoted myself to medicine for over thirty years, but this is the first time I’ve heard of such an inner energy technique.”

“I know it’s hard to believe.”

“It’s hard to believe, but I don’t disbelieve it. I just have one question.”

“Ask away.”

“I understand that Yeon Ho-Jang’s inner energy cultivation method is miraculous, but it’s hard to believe that it’s a true energy that’s only effective on the kidneys. Do you have energy that’s effective on other organs as well?”

“Yes.”

“Then, that’s enough.”

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician nodded.

“He’s passed the critical point, but it’s not a stage where we can be relieved. The patient’s mind and body are so strong that his recovery will be faster than expected, but if Ho-Jang helps, we can dramatically speed up his recovery.”

“Where should I focus?”

“The heart. It’s the next most severely impacted area after the kidneys. It’s being protected by the patient’s true energy, but that energy seems to be on the verge of fading.”

“Can I start right away?”

“Please do.”

Thus, Okcheong’s treatment began.

Yeon Ho-Jeong used the Vermilion Bird Fire Energy [one of the Four Divine Energies] to thoroughly protect Okcheong’s heart.

Regardless of enlightenment or level, the Vermilion Bird Fire Energy was the most violent and ferocious energy among the Four Divine Energies. It was excellent for adding powerful force to a healthy heart, but it was more difficult to heal a damaged heart with it than with the other three divine energies.

That was why Yeon Ho-Jeong’s true energy guidance had to be more cautious than ever. He had to expend several times more mental energy than when he was trying to raise his own martial arts level.

Because he had to save him.

Okcheong was his man. So, he had to save him by any means necessary.

‘I believe he won’t leave so meaninglessly.’

Sweat dripped from Yeon Ho-Jeong’s forehead.

The fallen sweat soaked Okcheong’s collar.

‘I said I’d show you a new world. I haven’t even shown you a tenth of it yet. You can’t go so meaninglessly.’

Death is inherently meaningless. Some people die for reasons that are beyond imagination.

At least, he hoped that such a thing would not happen to his subordinates. Yeon Ho-Jeong wholeheartedly protected Okcheong’s heart.

Half a day passed.

“Hoo, it’s done.”

The Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“I’ve guided the patient’s true energy from recovery to stability. The heart meridian is also secure, so even if he’s weak, he’ll be able to regain consciousness soon.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Ho-Jang has worked harder than this person. To protect the heart meridian so stably for half a day. Your fire control is truly amazing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“Please take care of him.”

“Don’t worry, Ho-Jang. Please rest now.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong was not the type to rest just because the Hundred-Wisdom Divine Physician told him to. There were too many problems piled up.

As soon as he came out after treating Okcheong, Ga Deuk-Sang appeared.

“Are you okay?”

“Fortunately, he’s passed the critical point. They say he’ll regain consciousness soon.”

“Not Okcheong, I’m talking about you, Chief.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.

“My subordinate is on the verge of death, why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“You’re still as harsh as ever.”

“I’m actually fine. Enough to carry out the operation right away.”

Ga Deuk-Sang looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with strange eyes.

“I thought I knew you well, Chief, but you’re still beyond my imagination.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your true energy has become incredibly calm compared to when I saw you at the meeting a while ago.”

“……”

“It’s definitely not weaker, but the atmosphere has become very calm. The unique pressure that Chief exudes has also decreased a lot. It’s completely different, but it’s like… it reminds me of Grand Master Gong Gong.”

“You flatter me. I’m still far from being like the Grand Master.”

Ga Deuk-Sang clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

“Congratulations. You’ve climbed another step.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong did not take Ga Deuk-Sang’s congratulations lightly. In his bowing figure, a deep composure and discipline were evident.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll hold a congratulatory feast after this is over and we return.”

“A congratulatory feast? Let’s stop talking about that and tell me how the situation is unfolding.”

He would have usually joked around a few more times, but Ga Deuk-Sang went straight to the point.

That was how urgent the situation was, but at the same time, the gentle dignity emanating from Yeon Ho-Jeong was naturally stimulating Ga Deuk-Sang.

“The main base of the Yin Assassins is called Yaseong. The nine hundred assassins who were deceived by false information were stationed about two hundred miles away from here.”

“And now?”

“They’re moving to the main base.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

“Yaryul Jeok, it’s him.”

“That’s right. Unless a direct order was given by the leader, that many people couldn’t have moved so quickly. It seems they’ve managed to treat their internal and external injuries in that short time.”

“He’s been the king of the underworld for over ten years. It’s not strange for him to carry a few emergency elixirs.”

“That’s true.”

“So, you’re saying that nine hundred assassins, led by Yaryul Jeok, are moving to attack the Tangma Army?”

“To be precise, they’re scattered and stationed near Yaseong.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

“Stationed? Out in the open?”

“Yes.”

Assassins were stationed in front of the front lines like soldiers.

It was ridiculous, but if the assassin leading them was Yaryul Jeok, a special agent dispatched by the Evil Sound Sect and a master of extreme martial arts, then the story was different.

‘He’s planning something.’

Ga Deuk-Sang continued in a sharp voice.

“Whatever the reason, the assassins who are eating away at the world have openly revealed themselves. This is a serious matter, but it could also be a golden opportunity.”

“A golden opportunity?”

“That’s right. Assassins are one of the ills of the world. Such people are openly showing themselves, causing unrest among the people.”

It may have actually caused unrest, but there was something meaningful about Ga Deuk-Sang’s words.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

“Are you saying we should use public opinion to wipe out the assassin world at once?”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s lips curled up.

“You’re quick to catch on.”

It was a rather bold and enticing proposal.

The Martial Alliance, the best force in the Central Plains, also cared about public sentiment and opinion. The black forces, who were known to be reckless, were even more cautious. That’s how powerful public opinion was.

Ga Deuk-Sang was saying that they should use that public opinion to eradicate the roots of assassins and killers this time.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“It’s not a bad idea, but we’re on a mission right now. No matter what happens, the mission comes first.”

“Chief’s words are correct, but it’s an opportunity to take care of the greater good along with the mission, so I’m telling you.”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s eyes deepened.

“Furthermore, in the process of catching them, we can also grasp the movements of the Evil Sound Sect…”

“That’s it.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said with a calm face, but with a look of realization.

Ga Deuk-Sang tilted his head.

“What do you mean?”

“It was the Evil Sound Sect.”

“Huh? The Evil Sound Sect?”

A subtle murderous intent arose on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

The calm composure that had been impressive was now replaced with a murderous intent, doubling the ferocity. That was why Ga Deuk-Sang flinched without realizing it.

“The reason why Yaryul Jeok mobilized the elite assassins to surround Yaseong… it’s the Evil Sound Sect. It can only be the Evil Sound Sect.”

“So, what does that mean…”

“Excuse me for a moment. I need to talk to that damn Sama Hyeon.”

“Hey? Wait, Chief! Yeon Chief! Hey! Young Master Yeon!”

Before he knew it, Yeon Ho-Jeong had disappeared from Ga Deuk-Sang’s sight.

Ga Deuk-Sang grumbled.

“Again, he’s the only one who knows and moves like his feet are on fire. Ugh, if I were strong enough, I would have smacked his head.”

He spat out phlegm.

“Young Master Yeon! Wait up! I’m curious!”