Chapter 7

Chapter 7
## Chapter 7

### Chapter Title: Celestial Pure Jade Milk (1)

—

At the break of dawn, the four siblings alongside Cheol Woo made their way to the Clear Heart Clinic, situated near the southern gate.

Their goal was to consult with the medical practitioner who had managed to prevent a catastrophe by providing a treatment plan that closely matched Sima Jin’s specific ailment.

Sima Hyeon had attempted to delay the trip, pointing out that they still possessed a supply of medicine and suggesting a day or two of recuperation first. However, Sima Geon was consumed by urgency and refused to waste a single moment.

The Clear Heart Clinic turned out to be far more expansive than they had imagined.

Despite the early hour, a massive line of patients had already formed. There were even several men stationed throughout the crowd to maintain order and discipline.

Observing this organized chaos, Sima Geon found himself placing more confidence in the man responsible for Sima Jin’s care.

“That is a formidable line. It appears we arrived far too late.”

Sima Geon stared at the winding queue with a look of deep regret.

“Its reputation is well-known in these parts. Just remain patient for a moment.”

Sima Ho nudged Sima Geon’s shoulder and walked forward with an air of confidence. He marched toward the men who were barking orders at the crowd and dismissing various complaints.

Despite his assertive approach, as soon as he reached the men, Sima Ho bent his back in a respectful, hurried bow.

“Who are those individuals?”

Cheol Woo inquired, looking perplexed.

“Members of the Neighborhood Justice Society,” Sima Hyeon replied with a touch of bitterness.

“I see.”

“They extort fees under the guise of keeping the peace. They don’t just haunt this clinic; they are at almost every major business around here.”

“They claim it’s for the public good. But why is he acting so submissive? Last night he was boasting about being a pillar of strength or some such nonsense.”

Sima Hyeon let out a heavy, weary breath at Cheol Woo’s observation.

“A pillar? Please. He’s just talking big—he’s nothing more than a low-level lackey.”

“Hahaha! Well, everyone has to start somewhere.”

Unlike Sima Hyeon’s irritation, Cheol Woo seemed unfazed. If anything, there was a spark of interest in his gaze.

Once the conversation with the enforcers concluded, Sima Ho walked back with his chest puffed out, as if he hadn’t just been bowing and scraping seconds prior.

“Everything is arranged. Follow me this way.”

Sima Ho brushed off Sima Hyeon’s glaring eyes, took hold of Sima Jin’s hand, and guided the group toward the left side of the building.

Sima Geon followed silently, Cheol Woo trailed behind with a smirk, and Sima Hyeon, though still sighing, had no choice but to join them.

Circling the left exterior wall, they came upon a side entrance.

Usually, such a door would be bolted shut, but a rugged-looking man stood there, holding it open for them.

“Much appreciated, brother,” Sima Ho said with a polite nod. The man simply gave him a rough pat on the back.

“Move it, get inside quickly.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey, keep up the good work.”

As Cheol Woo passed by, he slapped the man’s shoulder with a hand as wide as a massive lid.

The man recoiled as if he had been struck by a heavy sledgehammer, staring at Cheol Woo’s retreating figure with a grimace of pain.

Entering through the side door, the group walked directly into the main treatment hall where various medical staff were attending to the sick.

“There are so many patients, but the number of doctors is equally impressive.”

Sima Geon was struck by the sight of so many busy physicians working in tandem.

“In this entire region, not just Sohung, there isn’t a larger facility. There is one in Hangzhou, but that is reserved for high-ranking officials and the elite.”

Sima Hyeon, who had gained significant experience while working as an escort, shared his knowledge.

“What is truly remarkable is how fast this place expanded. When we first brought Jin’er here, there was only one small hall, and the Smiling Hemp Robe Physician was the only one on staff.”

“The Smiling Hemp Robe Physician?”

“The one looking after our sister. He earned the nickname because he never seems to lose his smile.”

“Doesn’t look like a fraud to me, boss,” Cheol Woo remarked, scanning the environment.

“He certainly better not be,” Sima Geon replied with a heavy nod.

Based on everything he had heard, the Smiling Hemp Robe Physician was clearly a doctor of high caliber. However, it troubled him that even a man of such skill could not fully identify the root of Sima Jin’s sickness.

As they stepped further into the hall, a man named Oh Hwan, who was busy directing patients, spotted them and hurried over.

“Oh, you have arrived? It isn’t your scheduled time—has something happened?”

Sima Ho moved to the front.

“The situation has shifted. Inform the physician.”

“I understand. Follow me, please.”

Oh Hwan escorted them to a private chamber reserved for significant guests.

“Wait here for a moment. I will summon the Master immediately.”

About thirty minutes passed after Oh Hwan’s departure.

“I am coming in.”

A deep, calm voice announced the arrival of Hwang Jeong, the proprietor of the Clear Heart Clinic and the man known as the Smiling Hemp Robe Physician.

Sima Geon felt a dual sense of surprise upon seeing him.

First, the man looked remarkably youthful. Second, it was immediately clear that he was more than a mere healer. Though not a top-tier master, he was undoubtedly trained in the martial arts.

‘A physician who practices martial arts?’

Sima Geon wasn’t the only one who noticed; Cheol Woo was also observing the man with a curious glint in his eye.

[He’s quite capable for a doctor, boss.]

Sima Geon gave a nearly imperceptible nod to Cheol Woo’s mental message as the Smiling Hemp Robe Physician offered a warm, welcoming smile.

“I was surprised to hear of your arrival. Since you still had medicine, I feared the young lady’s health had taken a turn for the worse. Fortunately, that does not appear to be the case.”

The Smiling Hemp Robe Physician was already beginning his preliminary observation of Sima Jin.

“No, she is fine. My brother was simply anxious to speak with you, so we came as fast as we could.”

“I understand.”

The Smiling Hemp Robe Physician shifted his gaze between Sima Geon and Cheol Woo before focusing entirely on Sima Geon.

“I am Sima Geon.”

Sima Geon offered a respectful bow, which Hwang Jeong returned with equal grace.

“Hwang Jeong.”

‘He leaves a favorable impression. And he seems modest.’

Sima Geon felt an immediate sense of respect seeing that Hwang Jeong wore simple, aged hemp clothing despite his obvious prosperity.

“I have been treating your siblings for years, yet I was unaware an eldest brother existed.”

“There were complications that kept me away. Upon my return, I discovered Jin’er was suffering. Knowing you were the one helping her, I had to come see you.”

Sima Geon spoke with the highest level of courtesy.

“To say I am ‘helping’ might be an overstatement… regardless, you are welcome here.”

Adjusting his posture, Hwang Jeong spoke with a somber tone.

“Your sister’s condition is a heavy burden on my heart. It serves as a constant reminder of the limits of my own skill.”

Sima Hyeon immediately spoke up in defense of the doctor.

“Please, do not say that. Jin’er is only standing here today because of your efforts.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I have yet to truly identify the source of her ailment. I am not curing her; I am merely delaying the inevitable.”

“I was told that more potent medicinal ingredients might be more successful.”

Hwang Jeong nodded solemnly at Sima Geon’s remark.

“The herbs we use now show results, so it stands to reason that superior ones would be more effective. That is my hope, at least.”

“Which herbs specifically?” Sima Geon asked.

“Well…”

Hwang Jeong paused, glancing toward Sima Hyeon and Sima Ho. He knew the current medicine was already a financial strain on them, and he was aware of the sacrifices they made to pay for it.

The issue was that the better alternatives were exponentially more expensive.

“To counter the cold Yin energy that is overwhelming her system, we use herbs with powerful Yang properties. Fire Spirit Grass is the primary component.”

Both Sima Geon and Cheol Woo nodded. The name alone suggested a fierce heat.

“What would be better than that?”

“Fire Spirit Grass is ranked by quality. The pinnacle is Millennium Fire Spirit Grass. Others with similar traits include Gold Spirit Fruit and three-century-old wild ginseng. Even greater results could come from the Snow Mountain Flower Carp’s inner core, Ten-Thousand-Year Fleeceflower Root, or Celestial Pure Jade Milk—but those are priced beyond reason and are virtually impossible to locate.”

Sima Geon’s expression turned grim as he heard the names of these legendary medicines.

While some were unfamiliar, the reputations of Ten-Thousand-Year Fleeceflower Root and Celestial Pure Jade Milk were the stuff of myths. Even a tiny portion would cost a literal fortune and was rarely seen on the market.

“I cannot promise a total cure, but since Fire Spirit Grass has an effect, these legendary items likely would as well. The hurdle is the price—it is astronomical.”

Seeing no immediate protest from Sima Geon, Hwang Jeong added in a low voice.

“Of course, those last few I mentioned would be the most ideal…”

“Can they actually be found? I am unfamiliar with the Snow Mountain Flower Carp, but the Ten-Thousand-Year Fleeceflower Root and Celestial Pure Jade Milk are known to me. They are said to be able to bring one back from the brink of death. But as you noted, finding them is like trying to pluck stars from the sky.”

“You are well-informed. Yes, it is a monumental task. I have never seen the carp, and I have only laid eyes on the root once. But as for the Celestial Pure Jade Milk…”

Hwang Jeong suddenly cut himself off, realizing he had said too much.

Sima Geon didn’t miss the slip.

“Can the Celestial Pure Jade Milk be obtained?”

“That… well…”

Hwang Jeong looked deeply conflicted and fell silent.

Certain that the physician knew a specific source, Sima Geon pleaded with sincerity.

“I beg you to tell me, Physician. Is there a path to acquiring the Celestial Pure Jade Milk?”

“No, I really shouldn’t…”

Hwang Jeong tried to wave the question away, but he eventually let out a heavy sigh. Sensing the gravity of the moment, Sima Hyeon and Sima Ho both bowed deeply.

“Please, guide us, Physician.”

Sima Jin, still holding onto Sima Geon’s hand, looked on with tearful eyes and a pale face—even Cheol Woo lowered his head in a bow. Hwang Jeong could no longer remain silent.

“It is not entirely out of reach.”

“Then that means…”

A flicker of hope ignited in Sima Geon.

“Yes. It is possible to get Celestial Pure Jade Milk. Only a small amount, but it is available.”

Sima Geon’s heart raced at the doctor’s confirmation.

“Does the Clear Heart Clinic have it in stock?” Sima Geon asked with desperation.

“Good heavens, no. No medical clinic could possibly keep such a treasure. It would be far too perilous.”

While Celestial Pure Jade Milk could save Sima Jin, it was a holy grail for martial artists. If word got out that the clinic held such a thing, the building would be burned to the ground by seekers of power within a single night.

Sima Geon, body tense, asked, “Then where is it?”

After a long, troubled silence, Hwang Jeong breathed out and spoke.

“Have you heard of the Water Dragon Merchant Association?”

Sima Geon shook his head, but Sima Hyeon, listening closely, spoke up.

“The one located in Hangzhou?”

“The very same. One of the most powerful trade guilds in the Central Plains. Not long ago, the Chairman’s son contracted a rare form of malaria; they sent for me with great urgency. I was able to treat him, and during my time there, I discovered they have Celestial Pure Jade Milk. The Chairman showed it to me as a potential remedy—it left me speechless.”

“Was it used for the boy?” Sima Geon’s voice trembled.

“No. It is a divine elixir; while it would have worked, using it for malaria would make every physician in the world laugh at the waste.”

The group exhaled in collective relief as Hwang Jeong shook his head.

“What is the price?” Sima Geon asked, leaning toward the table.

“Well…” Hwang Jeong found it difficult to say.

“How much for the Celestial Pure Jade Milk?” Sima Geon demanded.

“I didn’t ask for a formal price, but the Chairman mentioned a figure once in passing. It is a sum that most cannot even fathom…”

“Just tell me the number.”

Sima Geon’s voice rose; startled, Hwang Jeong leaned in and whispered.

“Three hundred…”

“What was that?”

“Three hundred gold nyang.”

A deathly silence fell over the room.

A single silver nyang could provide a comfortable life for a family of four for an entire month.

With one gold nyang worth twenty silver, the idea of three hundred gold was beyond comprehension.

Sima Geon turned his gaze toward Cheol Woo.

Cheol Woo frowned, counting on his fingers for a moment before nodding.

“The liquid assets we have on hand won’t be enough, but if we part with that particular item, we might reach it.”

“What item?” Sima Hyeon asked tentatively.

“We came across something while working as mercenaries at Mandeok Mountain. I thought it was just a glowing pebble, but it turned out to be worth a fortune.”

Sima Geon broke into a wide grin at Cheol Woo’s casual explanation, nodding his agreement.

“True, the appraisers nearly fainted when they saw it.”

Sima Geon was thinking of the Night-Luminescent Pearl they had secured after the fall of the Demon Buddha Temple at Mandeok Mountain.

It was somewhat small, but to the right collector, it was priceless.

“Do not worry. I will find a way to secure it. Physician.”

“Yes.”

“I intend to purchase the Celestial Pure Jade Milk. Can you facilitate a meeting?”

Hwang Jeong stared at Sima Geon, his mouth hanging open in shock.

The Water Dragon Chairman’s request to keep the secret of the elixir was forgotten in the face of Sima Geon’s resolve.

Standing up reflexively, Hwang Jeong nodded his head vigorously.

“Yes—yes, I will reach out to them immediately.”