Chapter 15

Chapter 15
Chapter: 15

Chapter Title: Midnight Raiders (1)

—

In the early morning hours, Dang Baek—acting on specific instructions to obtain the Celestial Pure Jade Milk—reached Soheung leading the Black Ox Squad.

Dang Baek established a base of operations within a modest inn located on the northeastern fringes of Soheung. He promptly sent his subordinates out to uncover the whereabouts of Sima Geon. As twilight approached, the agents who had fanned out across the city returned to the inn, bringing with them various fragments of information.

“A butcher? That man is actually running a butcher shop?”

Dang Baek questioned, his expression radiating pure skepticism.

“Indeed, sir.”

“You are certain?”

“Yes. We have verified it ourselves.”

“Hah!”

Dang Baek released a short, dry laugh.

the price Sima Geon had paid to acquire the Celestial Pure Jade Milk had surpassed three hundred nyang in gold.

That was a staggering sum. To command that level of capital, the man had to possess significant backing or personal wealth.

Dang Baek had prepared himself for a confrontation, assuming such riches belonged to a high-level martial artist. But a common butcher? He found the irony hilarious.

“What about the Celestial Pure Jade Milk? Is there any indication he has consumed it?”

This was the vital question. A shadow of anxiety crossed Dang Baek’s face as he waited for the response.

“We investigated quietly. It remains unused for now. However, we must act with haste.”

Dang Baek’s brow furrowed.

“Explain yourself.”

“He is currently staying at the Clear Heart Clinic.”

“The Clear Heart Clinic?”

“It is the most famous medical center in Soheung, and arguably the entire surrounding province.”

The mention of a hospital caused Dang Baek to bolt upright.

“A medical center? Does that mean the Celestial Pure Jade Milk has been administered?”

Dang Baek’s complexion turned pale.

“No, not yet. The rumor is that he intends to use it tonight to heal a young girl’s malady.”

A sense of relief washed over Dang Baek knowing the treasure was still intact. He dropped back into his chair, pressing a hand to his racing heart.

“Phew! I felt my life expectancy drop by a decade. We almost missed our window.”

In contrast to Dang Baek’s relief, his subordinate’s face stayed troubled as he continued.

“Sir, there is a further complication.”

“A complication? Are you worried he might use it before we arrive? Likely. That is why we leave now.”

Dang Baek was about to stand up again.

“Doctors from the Living Immortal Medical House are present at the Clear Heart Clinic.”

Dang Baek went rigid, pinning his subordinate with a sharp, freezing look.

“What are you talking about? Why would members of the Living Immortal Medical House be there? Is your information flawed?”

“No, sir. We cross-referenced the report several times to ensure its accuracy.”

“So they are the ones planning to use the Celestial Pure Jade Milk for the treatment tonight…”

Dang Baek’s gaze turned cold and calculating.

“The doctors from the Living Immortal Medical House at the Clear Heart Clinic. Are these the same ones who took down the Thousand Kill Room? The ones who provided care for the royal family in Hangzhou before departing?”

“We cannot be certain, but the timing is suspicious.”

“Those arrogant bastards!”

His intuition had been correct, and Dang Baek could not stop the curses from venting out.

“What is the plan, Leader? We cannot simply pick a fight with the Living Immortal Medical House.”

Deputy Leader Hwan Su spoke up, his features set in a grim mask.

The Eagle Tiger Clan possessed a reputation that rivaled the illustrious Namgung Clan. However, the Living Immortal Medical House was a different kind of power.

In terms of raw combat? The Eagle Tiger Clan held the clear advantage. But the influence of the Living Immortal Medical House came from their unparalleled mastery of medicine, not the sword.

Their legacy had spanned the jianghu for centuries. From the righteous sects to the unorthodox and even the demonic cults—countless warriors across all paths had sought their healing. They were a neutral entity that no one dared to offend.

“The Lord gave us a direct command to bring back the Celestial Pure Jade Milk, regardless of the cost.”

“But this involves the Living Immortal Medical House. Even the Young Lord would understand the danger of this engagement.”

“…”

“One mistake and we bring ruin upon our main house.”

Hwan Su argued passionately, terrified of the diplomatic nightmare. Yet Dang Baek found it impossible to retreat.

The master he served, Eagle Tiger Jung, was currently embroiled in a cutthroat struggle with his siblings for the position of successor.

Despite his natural brilliance and the support of the clan’s elders, his birth rank put him at a disadvantage in the line of inheritance.

The Celestial Pure Jade Milk? That single item could change the balance of power overnight.

‘How to proceed.’

The smartest move would be to send a messenger bird to the Young Lord for further instructions. But even at maximum speed, a reply would take a full twenty-four hours.

By tonight, however, the prize would be gone forever.

‘I cannot let the Celestial Pure Jade Milk slip through my fingers.’

Having reached a conclusion, Dang Baek met Hwan Su’s worried eyes with a look of cold steel.

“Have you never heard the saying? A crime is only a crime if there is a witness.”

“Leader!”

Hwan Su flinched in alarm. The rest of the Black Ox Squad remained motionless. They were bound to follow Dang Baek’s orders to the death—consequences be damned.

“The Young Lord requires that Celestial Pure Jade Milk. We seize it this evening. Hwan Su.”

“I am listening, Leader.”

“I recognize your concerns. But if no evidence remains? Then there is no problem.”

Hwan Su understood the implication immediately.

“A total extermination?”

The air around him grew heavy with murderous intent.

There was no changing Dang Baek’s mind now. Hwan Su reverted to his role as a lethal instrument—the man who would kill a god if ordered.

“Exactly. The Living Immortal Medical House and anyone else who might link this to us must be erased.”

“Then we must start with this tavern.”

“I regret having to kill the innkeeper after such a good meal, but it is a necessity.”

“I will handle it.”

Hwan Su signaled with his eyes. Two warriors glided out of the room, moving like ghosts.

“Ensure it is swift.”

Dang Baek offered those words as a hollow mercy, finished his drink, and stood up with purpose.

“Let’s move.”

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The Clear Heart Clinic was draped in the silence of midnight, incredibly still.

Occasionally, the muffled groans of a patient broke the quiet, only to vanish again. Even the sound of the nighttime insects had died down.

Sima Geon—whose powerful aura naturally forced the world into stillness without his conscious effort—sat in a meditative pose in the pavilion across from the main treatment room.

Sima Ho walked back and forth along the edge of the pond below, his nerves frayed as he bit his fingernails. Cheol Woo—a man who would laugh even if a mountain collapsed—leaned against the wooden railing, his arms crossed as he swayed slightly.

“It will turn out well, right?”

Sima Ho stopped in front of Cheol Woo.

“Are you asking that again?”

Cheol Woo frowned, but his voice softened.

“It has to. There is no other option!”

“When will we know?”

“It hasn’t even been half a gak. They’ve only just started.”

Cheol Woo gestured toward the treatment ward.

“Dammit, ‘one gak feels like three years’—I feel like a whole sichen has passed already.”

Sima Ho exhaled a heavy sigh of frustration toward the building.

Inside was Sima Jin. Performing the procedure were Hwang Yeong, Hwang Jeong, Yu Sa Ha, and Gok Ja Yu.

Yu Sa Ha and Gok Ja Yu—Hwang Yeong’s personal bodyguards—were not medical experts, but they remained inside to provide protection.

The method Hwang Yeong was using on Sima Jin was the most guarded secret of the Living Immortal Medical House: the Piercing Heaven Soul Revival.

It was a golden needle technique that exhausted every bit of the practitioner’s internal energy. It required absolute concentration. It was far more dangerous than standard qi cultivation—a single interruption meant catastrophe. Having guardians was mandatory.

“Stop your pacing and just wait. Your worrying won’t help a thing…”

Cheol Woo stopped mid-sentence while lecturing Sima Ho.

Sima Geon’s energy in the pavilion had changed—a shift so subtle Sima Ho missed it, but Cheol Woo caught it instantly.

“Is there a problem, Boss?”

Sima Geon stood up slowly.

“We have uninvited guests.”

“Who?”

Cheol Woo looked around, tilting his head.

“I am not entirely sure.”

“They are still far off. Moving stealthily. But I am certain—their target is this place.”

Cheol Woo’s face hardened into a mask of granite.

“What kind of trash would come here!”

His snarl made his rugged face look like that of a demon.

“W-what is happening?”

Sima Ho trembled with fear.

“It’s nothing. Just some fools who don’t know how to read the atmosphere…”

Cheol Woo’s voice trailed off again. Sima Ho suddenly collapsed while listening.

Sima Geon caught him before he hit the ground—having struck his pressure points to induce sleep—and laid him gently on the pavilion floor.

“What are we dealing with?”

“I can’t say. They are suppressing their ki like professionals—no amateurs here.”

“Are they after the clinic? Or the doctors?”

“Hard to tell. If they are making a move, it is likely not for the medical staff.”

“Not the doctors? Wait—do you mean the Ce…lestial Pure Jade Milk?”

Sima Geon walked past the stunned Cheol Woo.

“We will find out. And listen—not on the grounds. Any disturbance will ruin the medical procedure.”

“Understood.”

Cheol Woo popped his knuckles, following closely behind.

In a bamboo thicket overlooking the Clear Heart Clinic.

The tavern had been purged. Dang Baek, having run here without stopping, calmed his breathing. He looked to his scout:

“Where are they?”

“In the central ward. We must move.”

Dang Baek nodded and looked at his unit.

“Main objective: the Celestial Pure Jade Milk. As for the Living Immortal Medical House: myself, the Deputy, and Teams One and Two will handle them. Team Three Leader.”

“Present, sir.”

“Ensure no one survives to flee.”

“Understood.”

“Hit the front entrance now.”

“Moving out.”

The Leader of Team Three and his squad lunged forward—

“Hey, you little rats!”

Cheol Woo roared as his fist tore through the air.

The Team Three Leader tried to dodge—too slow. The fist smashed into his face.

There was a heavy thud. He was sent flying backward, retreating faster than he had arrived, and hit the ground with a wet sound.

“Who are you!”

Hwan Su and the other squad leaders surrounded Cheol Woo and the following Sima Geon.

Cheol Woo snorted and scratched his ear.

“My question exactly. Wearing matching outfits for a raid? What is your game?”

Hwan Su and the leaders stayed quiet, looking to Dang Baek for direction.

Dang Baek stared at the body of the Team Three Leader lying at his feet.

The man had never been handsome. Now, his face—rather, his entire head—was unrecognizable. It was a gruesome sight.

‘One punch did this.’

The human body is delicate.

It has countless vulnerabilities. Life is easily extinguished.

‘But even so…’

He had never seen a human skull—the sturdiest part of the skeleton—shattered so completely.