"Our Divine Healer's House may be a medical sect, but shamefully, we lack much experience in treating poisons. The Taeul Rage Poison requires delicate handling, so despite your busy schedule, we've come to you, begging forgiveness for the intrusion."
Sama So nodded slowly.
It made sense — a medical house that treated mostly civilians would naturally have little experience with martial world poisons.
'Still, they could have stubbornly insisted on treating it themselves. To seek help for the sake of the patient… their hearts are sincere.'
Treating Taeul Rage Poison itself wasn't especially difficult. The antidote was well known.
But that only applied to a standard treatment.
As mentioned before, the poison's properties were nearly identical to those of a tonic. Depending on how it was handled, the toxin could be transformed into medicine — producing the effects of a potent elixir.
Of course, achieving such a result required a master's touch.
Someone who had treated countless martial artists' afflictions.
Someone like Binghak Sama So.
"So you are the master of the Black Ghost Sect, Jang Sam? Then your misfortune may turn out to be a blessing. You may gain considerable inner energy today."
"Th-thank you."
"Don't thank me — thank this young man. He seems truly worried for you, as if you were family."
"…Ha… ha."
Jang Sam could only force a twisted smile — halfway between laughter, tears, and fury.
"Come inside. After you take the antidote, you'll need to circulate your internal energy in sync with my guidance. It will take some time."
"May I wait here, then? I'd like to make sure no one accidentally interrupts your treatment."
"Do as you please."
His voice was curt, but Sama So couldn't help being impressed once again.
'How considerate.'
He was one of the Ten Peaks — healers sought after across the world. Any other physician or student would have begged to observe his technique, to steal even a fragment of his methods.
But this boy chose instead to stand guard outside.
'He even waited his turn in line to see me earlier. Meanwhile, several so-called physicians today barged in ahead of patients. Truly, the Divine Healer's House raises its children well.'
Wi Jicheon's standing rose even higher in Sama So's mind.
Not that his face showed it — he remained as cold as ever.
'Could this boy be the one blessed by the Geo-Spirit Star (地靈星)?'
It had been nearly a month since Sama So arrived in Nanyang.
He had met nearly every medical student in the region, from the grand houses down to small local clinics.
But he had yet to meet anyone from the Divine Healer's House.
"Apologies. Our disciples are undergoing special training in preparation for the examination and cannot spare time for meetings."
It had been baffling.
A student refusing to meet with one of the Ten Peaks?
Still, he hadn't pressed the matter and decided to see them in person on the day of the medical examination instead.
'There were some promising faces elsewhere, though.'
The one who had caught his attention most was the eldest son of the Divine Healer's House — the one who had rejected his visit outright.
When they later spoke briefly, Sama So had been stunned by the depth of that young man's medical insight.
'So that's why they're called the Divine Healer's House.'
He knew well that their downfall had never been due to lack of skill.
The medical world was filthy — he knew that too.
Thus, Sama So felt both respect and regret toward them.
'And now the youngest, this Wi Jicheon… with such a virtuous heart, he'll surely become a fine physician.'
He hadn't seen the boy's true skill yet, but a healer's heart mattered as much as his talent.
A doctor without compassion often brought harm through pride, no matter how skilled he was.
"Then, let us begin the treatment."
Some time later, Jang Sam and Wi Jicheon stepped out of the clinic.
Jang Sam's eyes gleamed with vitality — the poison had not only been neutralized but transformed into energy.
He had gained a significant amount of inner strength.
'At this rate… I might reach the peak soon.'
With the new inner power and the New Ghost Soul Heaven Technique that Wi Jicheon had passed on to him, his martial ability was rising rapidly.
'Did that brat actually do me a favor?'
He shook his head furiously.
Favor, my ass.
That brat was a demon!
Because of him, Jang Sam had become stronger, gained fame as the "Dark Hero Who Knew Justice," and even ruled the southern streets of Nanyang — but a demon was still a demon.
"What's with that face?"
"…Nothing. But why did you do all this? You even went as far as using the Taeul Rage Poison…"
He truly didn't know what Wi Jicheon had been after this time.
Was it just to get Sama So's attention?
That devil wouldn't go this far for something so petty.
'Did he really do it… just to help me cultivate?'
No, impossible.
Wi Jicheon pulled something from his sleeve — a small booklet.
"For this."
"…What's that?"
"Can't you read? The 'Nanyang Examination Questions.'"
"…Don't tell me—"
"Yep. The actual questions for the medical examination. I took it while Master Binghak was treating you."
"!!"
He's insane!
He'd actually stolen the test?!
But then Jang Sam hesitated. Something didn't add up.
"…Wouldn't they just rewrite the questions once they find out?"
"Of course."
"Then why?"
"Because cheating isn't the goal."
With a flick of his finger, Wi Jicheon ignited the booklet, burning it to ash.
Jang Sam gawked. He hadn't even looked at it!
As the last ember vanished, Wi Jicheon smiled faintly.
"When Binghak realizes the exam questions are gone, how do you think he'll react?"
"He'll… get angry, obviously."
"Still don't get it? How have you survived this long as a sect master?"
Jang Sam bristled. How was he supposed to follow the twisted logic of a lunatic?
"With his rigid nature, he won't just be angry — he'll rage. And then, what do you think he'll do with the exam?"
"…Make it harder— wait."
Wi Jicheon nodded, satisfied.
"This happened once before. In another province, during an exam where Sama So was the proctor. Someone tried to steal the questions while he was busy treating a patient. Do you know what happened next?"
He didn't need to answer. Jang Sam could already guess.
"Because of Sama So's wrath, everyone who took that exam failed."
"…So what you're saying is…"
"I'm going to make sure no one passes the Nanyang examination — except for our Divine Healer's House."
That was his scheme.
All other houses would fail.
Only the Divine Healer's disciples would succeed.
Now that would make an impact.
Wouldn't the Divine Healer's House also face the harder questions?
'Doesn't matter. My disciples can handle anything. I'll make sure of it.'
When he returned to the Black Ghost Sect, his "disciples" — still rolled up in straw mats — heard him shout cheerfully:
"Everyone! I've developed a new training method for you! It's called the Blood-Breaking… uh, never mind the name. It's a wonderful technique!"
Time passed.
The day of the great examination arrived.
The atmosphere at the examination grounds was like that of a funeral.
All because of one incident a few days prior.
'Who's the insane bastard that stole Master Binghak's test?!'
'If you want to die, do it alone!'
'Which house did it? Huazhong? Iron Horse?'
'Maybe South Zhong — those bastards!'
Curiously, the Divine Healer's House wasn't even a suspect.
Even though Wi Jicheon had spent the longest time in Sama So's clinic that day.
All because Sama So himself had said:
"If that boy had stolen it, do you really think I wouldn't have noticed?"
Some physicians also trained in martial arts — Sama So was one of them, and his skills were top-tier.
Even while treating a patient inside, he could sense every movement outside.
And Wi Jicheon had come alone.
'Unless that boy has reached the peak realm, it would be impossible for him to slip past my senses.'
The other disciples who'd visited that day had come in noisy groups — it was far more plausible one of them had done it.
The Divine Healer's House, meanwhile, didn't even bother to defend itself.
While other houses turned pale and scrambled to deny their guilt, they remained calm and silent.
Sama So trusted his instincts.
'Wi Jicheon… that boy isn't the type to cheat.'
(If Jang Sam had heard that, he'd have said, "Physician Sama So, maybe check your own eyes first.")
In any case, the examination hall was filled with gloomy faces.
Then—
Slam!
The doors swung open, and a group of students entered.
The candidates from the Divine Healer's House.
But something about them was… off.
They weren't somber.
In fact, they looked cheerful.
Despite all the rumors, there wasn't a trace of tension or dread among them.
Their faces glowed — as if they'd been freed from some terrible burden.
'Heh-heh-heh… finally, the hellish lessons are over.'
'Senior Brother is evil.'
'Please spare me. Please spare me. Oh wait, it's over, isn't it? Still, please spare me, Senior Brother.'
Someone had stolen the exam questions? Who cared?!
They were finally free from that nightmare.
"My dear disciples! I've prepared yet another lesson for you!"
The memory of Wi Jicheon's bright, innocent face sent shivers down their spines.
No — he wasn't malicious.
He truly meant well.
And that was what made him terrifying.