The journey to analyze Ho Cheon-an’s symptoms and derive a solution began on the first day of research.
The Tang Clan Member started digging into Ho Cheon-an’s symptoms through pulse diagnosis and questions, to which Ho Cheon-an responded.
Following the Tang Clan Member’s requests, an hour was spent moving the body or circulating internal energy.
“That’s enough for today.”
The Poison Doctor concluded the examination. In fact, the impurities mingling in Ho Cheon-an’s veins were so troublesome that even the world’s best Poison Doctors would struggle. Treating such a bizarre phenomenon would require countless sessions, and even then, it wouldn’t be enough.
“If I only focus on treatment, I will need to do that…”
Ultimately, the purpose behind treating Ho Cheon-an’s symptoms was for him to grow stronger.
Having just stepped into the Peak Stage, Ho Cheon-an still had room to grow before facing the wall of Peak Stage 2.
Spending too much time on treatment would only hinder the developing Ho Cheon-an.
Thus, the Poison Doctor suppressed the impulse to examine Ho Cheon-an’s body further and wrapped up the examination. It had to be conducted in a way that did not disrupt Ho Cheon-an’s daily life.
Once the examination was finished, Ho Cheon-an spoke up.
“Elder.”
“What is it?”
“Are you busy?”
The Poison Doctor looked at Ho Cheon-an, who asked that question. Could it be that he was feeling impatient?
“Ha-ha, after observing your symptoms for half a session, it’s time to find a solution.”
Doctors deal with people’s pain, which means that most people they deal with are carrying some burden of pain. Individuals often find it easy to throw away their face and modesty in front of their own suffering.
This has nothing to do with the talents or abilities of the person in question.
The Poison Doctor sensed a familiar scent from Ho Cheon-an’s question—the scent of those who insisted on treating their lives and symptoms with utmost seriousness.
Are you busy? If I say I’m not busy, will you ask me to focus more on your treatment?
“Sounds about right.”
Ho Cheon-an had spent ten days mingling with the Poison Doctor in his intense training and had gotten a glimpse of the Poison Doctor’s daily life.
The leisure time he perceived in the Poison Doctor’s eyes must have felt ample, and it was entirely possible he now felt dissatisfied with the mere hour of treatment he received each day.
“I see. Is there anything else apart from observing my symptoms that you need to do?”
“Were you not asking me to observe your symptoms more?”
If it’s not about looking at his symptoms, could it be that he has some kind of request?
The Poison Doctor thought to himself.
He owed Ho Cheon-an a debt.
The gambling theories Ho Cheon-an shared during the ten days of intensive training were rare insights that one couldn’t learn anywhere else. Plus, the exclusive gambling techniques infused with herbal remedies were also quite a lot to take in.
So, it wouldn’t hurt to grant a favor or two.
“Is there something you need my help with? If so, I’ll gladly lend a hand.”
Upon hearing this, Ho Cheon-an smiled.
“Oh, it puts my mind at ease to know the Elder is offering help.”
“Alright, what is it?”
Could it be a request to make spiritual medicine? Or perhaps to treat someone?
“It’s about Brother Do-gyeong, whom you also know.”
“Hmm?”
“Are you aware that Brother Do-gyeong has been teaching the children at the academy?”
“Oh? I wouldn’t know all the small matters of the Tang Clan…”
“Anyway, lately, Brother Do-gyeong has been quite worried. There’s no one to teach him herbalism or poison techniques.”
“Ha-ha, seems everyone is busy.”
What on earth is he trying to ask that he’s going in circles like this? The Poison Doctor thought, chuckling in agreement.
“I don’t know the internal affairs of the Tang Clan well, but it sounds like that. But I’m indebted to Brother Do-gyeong, no? I’ve received his help for these ten days, so I can’t just let it slide.”
“No…”
The Poison Doctor blinked. It wasn’t a request to treat someone or create spiritual medicine, but rather to assist Tang Do-gyeong?
In that moment of confusion, as he processed this unexpected request…
“While pondering, one name popped up. Someone who is skilled in both medicine and poison, yet has a fair amount of free time to spare.”
“That would be…”
“Oh-ho, didn’t you say you would help? Moreover, you are indebted to Brother Do-gyeong in strict terms, so why not take this chance to clear it?”
Amidst the flurry of correct points being made, the Poison Doctor found himself at a loss and sputtering, while Ho Cheon-an rose from his seat with determination.
“Then I’ll take that as understood. I’ll visit Brother Do-gyeong tomorrow morning.”
In an instant, the Poison Doctor became a teacher at the academy.
*
After driving out the Outcast Faction in Sacheon, they became the number one victor of Sacheon. The Tang Clan grew wealthy and powerful, entering a golden age without external threats to worry about.
But even in a golden age, there were still tribulations.
There were numerous issues, big and small, even in the current Tang Clan.
They were mainly producing non-lethal hidden weapons, but due to low productivity, they faced a shortage of hidden weapons, leading to rampant hidden weapon gambling.
Tang Do-yeon was also using the justification of “social events” to load people onto the Bicheongmacha, effectively silencing those who criticized it.
Weird items were being made almost daily in the workshops.
Among the Poison Persons, a group called the Solar Society was gaining trend.
Despite these various issues, the members of the Tang Clan did not take them seriously.
It was only natural that a big tree wouldn’t have a day without wind. Minor problems or oddities within the clan were easily accommodated by the Tang Clan.
Thus, the ones who could truly be seen as problems for the Tang Clan were two individuals standing outside the clan.
Tang Do-gyeong and Tang Rye-ah.
Could their hearts, which had drifted away, be brought back into the fold of the Tang Clan?
That was the crux of what Tang Rye-ah referred to as “the elders’ constant worries.”
“Mm…”
Rye-ah stood in front of the mirror, observing herself with a dissatisfied expression. Playing with her long hair that nearly covered her back, she steeled her gaze.
“This is an opportunity to quell the adults’ worries.”
Rye-ah may not fully grasp the adults’ inner concerns for the Tang Clan Member, yet she was sufficiently aware that the Tang Clan Member was a source of trouble for the clan.
An opportunity to take action for the Tang Clan!
While staring at the ornaments placed beneath the mirror with an expression of reluctance, she finally let out a long sigh.
“Ha… I’m also an adult now, so I can’t just flat out refuse the things I don’t want to do.”
To be considered an adult, one must learn to do things even when they don’t want to. In a situation where she had to set aside her pride for the clan’s issues, Rye-ah made her decision.
[This is something only Rye-ah can do.]
[Thank you for making such a tough decision. You really are quite adult-like, Rye-ah.]
“Hehe.”
Tang Rye-ah smiled, remembering the events of yesterday. Even though she was reluctant, when she accepted Ho Cheon-an’s suggestion, both Miss Yeo Il-ye and Black Cat showered her with praise, ruffling her hair playfully!
“I can’t disappoint my sisters..!”
With her mind made up, Rye-ah moved her hands without hesitation.
“Hmm.”
She styled her hair into a cute pile!
With a shiny blue butterfly hairpin to emphasize the cuteness!
And her cute little hands adorned with long-sleeved clothing!
Although she thought her inner self was already mature, given her age, when noticing her outfit emphasizing her childlike innocence, she frowned.
“This won’t do…”
Brightly!
After trying to wear a cheerful expression a few times, she nodded and headed toward the classroom where the children had gathered at the academy.
“Did everyone gather?”
“Yes! Captain!”
Eleven kids stood at attention, tension evident as they swallowed hard under Rye-ah’s serious gaze.
“Looking good.”
“Phew.”
“Ha.”
Seeing the kids all dressed up, Rye-ah expressed her satisfaction, causing a collective sigh of relief.
“Um, are you really going to teach us how to take coins out of our pockets?”
“Of course! If today goes well!”
“Wow!”
“Yay!”
The kids cheered with excitement. They could have learned how to take coins out by begging their parents at home, but Rye-ah’s technique of making coins appear from their pockets was a secret arts known only to her!
Finally, they would learn that technique!
“Everyone understands the plan, right?”
“Yeah, of course! We checked everything yesterday!”
“Good. I’ll trust you then.”
At that moment, one child pointed towards the window and shouted.
“Ah, they’ve arrived!”
Rye-ah quickly hid and peered out through the window. There stood the Poison Doctor, being dragged into the academy by Ho Cheon-an and Tang Do-gyeong, wearing an extremely awkward expression.
“Positions!”
“Understood! Captain!”
Rye-ah’s operation to capture the Tang Clan Member was about to begin.
