Chapter 189

Chapter 189
## Chapter 189: What is Most Important? (2)

“Jina.”

Following Sima Geon’s call, Sima Jin, who had been offering comfort to Baek Mu Hyeon alongside Dokgo Ryong, shifted her gaze.

Sima Geon retrieved a withered branch from the ground and signaled for her to come closer with a faint grin.

Sima Jin tilted her head in confusion, but Baek Mu Hyeon, recognizing the underlying intent, gave her a gentle nudge forward.

“He wishes to observe your progress.”

“Excuse me?”

“My status as your instructor is being tested here, so do not hold anything back.”

Sima Jin walked toward him, her smile tinged with a bit of awkwardness.

“I merely want to assess your current standing, so there is no reason to feel anxious.”

“Little sister, show him no mercy! Give it everything!”

Cheol Woo’s shout of encouragement was powerful enough to make the surrounding foliage tremble.

Sima Jin gave a firm nod and slowly unsheathed her blade.

She required no extra motivation. She had harbored suspicions previously, but through the process of training under her master, she realized that Sima Geon’s true power far exceeded her initial estimations.

The hesitant expression and soft smile vanished, replaced by a chilling, murderous intent that radiated from her entire frame.

“Begin.”

The moment the words left Sima Geon’s lips, Sima Jin launched her assault.

Her velocity surpassed a flash of lightning, her blade gleaming with lethal precision as it lunged toward Sima Geon’s vital points.

“Be careful!”

A frantic cry escaped Dokgo Ryong’s throat.

To his eyes, Sima Jin’s opening strike was terrifyingly fast, while Sima Geon appeared to be standing in a state of total vulnerability. While such a move might be standard in a duel to the death, he feared such intensity in a casual sparring session could result in a tragic accident.

“Silence.”

Baek Mu Hyeon’s knuckles met the top of Dokgo Ryong’s head.

“What depth of martial arts do you hope to master with such clouded vision?”

“It isn’t that… it just seemed so perilous…”

Dokgo Ryong massaged his head with a pained look, but his voice trailed off into a sudden hush.

The sword strike that seemed destined to draw blood had been redirected effortlessly by a mere brittle twig, the blade sliding away without impact.

That was only the prelude.

Sima Jin executed every technique she had mastered, and Sima Geon met each one with composure, maneuvering her so that her full potential was on display. Periodically, he would deliver a sharp counter-move, highlighting specific vulnerabilities in her form.

“Ha ha! A flawless display of instructional combat.”

A resonant laugh broke from Baek Mu Hyeon.

“It is as if he understands our specific style better than we do. He identifies every single opening.”

As the minutes passed, Dokgo Ryong’s eyes grew wider with disbelief.

“Precisely. His ability to detect flaws surpasses even my own. I find myself without a single critique… none at all. Ha ha ha!”

As Baek Mu Hyeon’s laughter subsided, the exchange between Sima Geon and Sima Jin reached its conclusion.

“Excellent work. Your proficiency has developed far beyond my expectations.”

Sima Geon reached out to pat the head of the heavily breathing Sima Jin in a gesture of approval. With her lungs burning, she could do nothing but offer a silent nod of acknowledgment.

Sima Geon felt a deep sense of pride regarding Sima Jin’s growth.

Initially, he hadn’t been entirely supportive of Sima Jin pursuing the martial path while she was at the Living Immortal Medical House to master medicine.

However, he conceded that Baek Mu Hyeon was right—to ignore such a rare, innate talent would be a waste of a divine gift. Furthermore, considering the dangers she might face from those who would exploit her, having the means to defend herself was a logical necessity. If she were to learn, it was far better to be guided by a renowned figure of the righteous path than to rely solely on their own demon-associated techniques.

Sima Geon approached Baek Mu Hyeon and offered a bow of sincere appreciation.

“Jina has made incredible strides. I am truly grateful for your mentorship.”

“Think nothing of it. I am the one who is indebted. Where else could I find a pupil of her caliber? Having her as my student is a gift from the heavens.”

The way Baek Mu Hyeon looked at Sima Jin was filled with a profound, fatherly warmth.

“My thanks to you.”

A genuine smile illuminated Sima Geon’s face.

*She truly found a magnificent master.*

Sima Geon was deeply moved by the obvious care Baek Mu Hyeon held for Sima Jin.

“Listen, friend. Dokgo Ryong, was it?”

Cheol Woo nudged Dokgo Ryong with his elbow.

“Yes? Oh, that’s right.”

“How about a round with me?”

Cheol Woo suggested with a mischievous glint in his eye.

“A spar…?”

Dokgo Ryong looked back to see Sima Jin smiling softly between Baek Mu Hyeon and Sima Geon. He gave a resolute nod.

“By all means. Please, allow me the honor of an exchange.”

The cautious warnings Sima Jin had given him earlier were forgotten as he eagerly stepped forward for the match.

—

“It has been far too long, Young Master Sima.”

Upon hearing of the group’s arrival, Hwang Jeong and Hwang Yeong hurried to the inn where Sima Geon was staying, greeting them with great enthusiasm.

“It has. I trust you have remained in good health, Physician.”

Hwang Jeong had uprooted his life at the Clear Heart Clinic to support Sima Jin’s education at the Living Immortal Medical House, and for that, Sima Geon held him in the highest regard.

“I have been quite well. And what of you, Young Master Sima? Jina provided a brief summary, but it sounds as though your journey was fraught with difficulty.”

“The path is rarely smooth when one is away from home. We survived it, regardless.”

Sima Geon dismissed the hardships with a casual chuckle before turning to greet Hwang Yeong.

“I hope things have been well for you as well, Lady Hwang.”

“They have.”

“Yeong-ie was the one who truly helped Jina with her curriculum. A teacher like me found his well of knowledge running dry rather quickly. Ha ha ha!”

Hwang Jeong let out a boisterous laugh, making sure to credit Hwang Yeong’s efforts.

“Is that so? You have my deepest thanks.”

“It is unnecessary. My brother is exaggerating. It wasn’t just me—Jina is such a brilliant and talented student that all the seniors in our household have grown quite fond of her.”

“I am at a loss for how to properly repay such kindness.”

Sima Geon’s joy was evident as he heard how warmly Sima Jin had been embraced by her peers.

“There is no need for repayment. Our family desired her talent above all else. She is already achieving great things, but if she continues at this rate, Jina will bring immense prestige to our name.”

Sima Geon looked affectionately at Sima Jin, who appeared bashful under the wave of compliments.

“I am humbled that you hold Jina in such high esteem.”

“I only speak the truth.”

“I must admit, I was somewhat startled to find that Jina had taken up the sword.”

“Ha ha! That is understandable. To be honest, I was shocked as well. Out of nowhere, the legendary Dragon Sword Emperor insisted on taking her as his pupil—he was quite relentless about it.”

Sima Geon’s expression grew a bit more serious at Hwang Jeong’s comment.

“Relentless? He did not mention anything of that nature.”

“To the girl, he was nothing but gentle and pleading. His devotion was clear to everyone. But toward our household? He was not above using a bit of pressure. We understood his passion, of course, so no offense was taken.”

“The elders were concerned that the physical demands of combat training would interfere with her medical progress. It isn’t exactly the same as light exercise for one’s health.”

Sima Geon nodded, understanding Hwang Yeong’s point.

“I see.”

“However, once my brother gave his consent, the matter was settled. We could hardly object if her primary guardian allowed it.”

Sima Geon could tell from the way Hwang Yeong spoke that Hwang Jeong had been put in a difficult position.

“What led you to give your permission?”

Hwang Jeong answered Sima Geon’s question with a look of practical wisdom.

“I have witnessed the trouble that such immense talent can attract. While she has capable brothers like you to look after her, one can never predict what the future holds. I believed that learning to defend herself, much like Yeong-ie does, was a sound decision. In truth, I had considered teaching her our family’s specific techniques eventually. Since our style is rooted in medicine, it would have been a natural fit. But then the Dragon Sword Emperor recognized her potential. It would have been foolish to turn him away.”

“My brother’s intuition was proven correct almost immediately. Her medical studies didn’t falter—if anything, her improved physical stamina has allowed her to learn even faster.”

“I understand. This success is entirely due to your family and the Living Immortal Medical House.”

Sima Geon performed another deep bow to Hwang Jeong and Hwang Yeong.

Following this, Hwang Yeong shared stories of Sima Jin’s daily routines and her progress in her studies.

Sima Geon listened with a heart full of joy, offering his thanks at every turn.

Hwang Yeong felt a quiet sense of relief watching his reaction.

Even though Sima Geon had rescued the Living Immortal Medical House from the looming shadow of the Heavenly Demon Cult, there had been a lingering bias due to his ties to the demonic path. It had been a source of guilt for her, but seeing his happiness over Sima Jin’s well-being helped soothe those feelings.

“…You should have seen the expression on the patient’s face at that moment. It was remarkable.”

“In what way?”

“His gaze was fixed, as if he were witnessing a divine presence…”

Hwang Yeong’s story was interrupted as the door swung open, and a group filed into the room.

“Elder, you have returned?”

Hwang Jeong stood and bowed to Baek Mu Hyeon; Hwang Yeong followed suit with a polite gesture.

“I was told you were here. Hmm, that guilty look on your face suggests you were complaining about my stubbornness in taking the child as my student.”

Hwang Jeong played along with the elder’s teasing.

“Ha ha! You caught me. I was just describing the intensity of your persuasion, point by point.”

“A little bit of force is a small price to pay for such a gem, wouldn’t you agree?”

In response to Baek Mu Hyeon’s question, a shy Sima Jin reached out and gave his sleeve a playful tug.

“That is enough teasing—please, take a seat. Oh, and this is…”

Catching herself before she missed the introduction, Sima Jin moved to present Neung Sohwa, who was standing just behind them. However, Neung Sohwa spoke first, a soft smile on her lips.

“My name is Neung Sohwa.”

Baek Mu Hyeon added with a casual air,

“She is the Sword Queen.”

Hwang Jeong and Hwang Yeong stiffened at the legendary title and immediately offered their deepest respects.

“I am Hwang Jeong, representing the Living Immortal Medical House.”

“And I am Hwang Yeong.”

“Young Master Sima spoke very highly of you. He mentioned how much you have cared for little Jin.”

“There is no need for such gratitude. It was simply the right thing to do.”

While Hwang Jeong responded with a friendly wave, Hwang Yeong’s expression turned slightly rigid. The easy familiarity and the way Neung Sohwa and Sima Geon exchanged smiles appeared a bit too comfortable for her liking.

“Is your business concluded?”

Sima Geon passed a cup to Baek Mu Hyeon as the latter sat down.

“For the most part. I may have rambled a bit, though.”

“I see. And regarding Lady Neung, what are the plans?”

Neung Sohwa’s eyes sparkled as she turned the question back toward Sima Geon.

“Were you aware of what the elder intended to discuss with me, Young Master Sima?”

“I was not.”

Despite his denial, Sima Geon had a fair idea of what Baek Mu Hyeon wanted to discuss when he requested a private conversation with her.

“I simply assumed it was related to the current instability of the central plains.”

“You hit the mark. The situation is grim. Between the Heavenly Demon Cult, the North Sea Ice Palace… and even rumors of the Blood Cult appearing. We haven’t seen this level of unrest in ages. A storm of violence could break at any moment.”

Baek Mu Hyeon let out a heavy sigh, finished his drink, and went on.

“That is precisely why I brought it up. It felt a bit intrusive, and I apologize for that.”

“Please, do not apologize. I have been deeply pondering these matters myself.”