Chapter 239: Did the Two of Them Fight the Entire Murim?

TL: FoodieMonster007

Ma-ui looked out the window.

The clinic had few patients today. Some days were like that, seeming to suggest a day of rest like the leisurely clouds. However, today was not one of those days.

The clinic door burst open and someone entered.

It was Geom Mugeuk, drenched in sweat and carrying the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon on his back. An immense heat radiated from him.

"Please save him!" Geom Mugeuk said, then collapsed.

Startled, Ma-ui caught the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon and laid him on a sickbed.

He moved to lay Geom Mugeuk on another bed, but Geom Mugeuk regained consciousness. "I'm fine," Geom Mugeuk said. "Please treat the Smiling Demon."

"You are not fine."

Ma-ui saw Geom Mugeuk's complete exhaustion. He ran on sheer willpower just to speak and move.

"The Smiling Demon first."

Since the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon was the more urgent case, Ma-ui hurriedly checked his pulse. He noticed a powerful energy suppressing the man's wildly fluctuating blood vessels.

"What is this energy?"

"It's the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng."

Geom Mugeuk struggled to his feet and walked to the bed. His legs trembled so much that walking was difficult, but he couldn't stand by while he worried about the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon.

Ma-ui removed the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's top. "If it weren't for the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng, he'd already be dead," Ma-ui said.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's condition was still perilous.

Ma-ui quickly opened his acupuncture bag. Large and small needles packed the leather case tightly.

He began placing the needles with skillful hands. The essence of an inimitable medical art imbued each needle.

After placing the needles, Ma-ui performed moxibustion on the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's qi center with an unknown medicinal herb. A unique medicinal aroma filled the clinic.

"Ughhhhh."

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon let out a pained groan.

This time, Ma-ui took out a long, red needle and inserted it. He pushed it so deep one might wonder if such a long needle should go in that far.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's expression seemed to ease, but then he began to convulse.

Ma-ui quickly withdrew the needle and placed new ones in different acupoints. His hand movements were fast and precise.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's convulsions stopped.

The Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng's energy had kept the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon alive, but now it interfered with the treatment, posing the greatest risk. Ma-ui had to gather the energy in one place before he could finish.

Crises continued to arise, and Ma-ui skillfully overcame them, proving why he was known as a divine doctor. If it hadn't been Ma-ui, the patient's condition would have been impossible to even attempt treating. The process consumed an immense amount of mental energy, and sweat poured like rain from Ma-ui's forehead and body.

Geom Mugeuk watched the treatment with bated breath. He felt like he would die from exhaustion. He had run like a madman. Without exaggeration, it was more difficult than fighting Yayul Han.

Still, he couldn't take his eyes off them for a single moment.

After the war-like treatment finally ended, the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon entered a stable condition.

"We've passed the first crisis for now," Ma-ui said. "It's not time to be relieved yet, but he's a man of great fortitude, so I believe he'll endure it well."

"Please, save him!"

He had run that long distance without rest because Ma-ui was waiting. He believed that if no one else could save the man, Ma-ui could.

Ma-ui nodded. "I will do my best."

"Thank you."

Only then did Geom Mugeuk's tension release, and he slumped to the floor.

Ma-ui checked Geom Mugeuk's pulse to assess his condition. Geom Mugeuk was also completely exhausted.

"How on earth did you make it here in this condition?" Ma-ui asked, astonished. In such a state, moving his own body would have been difficult, let alone running while carrying someone.

"Here, take this first."

Ma-ui handed him a pill. It was a medicine to replenish energy in cases of exhaustion.

"I'm fine."

"I'm not fine with it. Hurry up and take it."

"Thank you."

Geom Mugeuk took the medicine.

Ma-ui also applied an ointment to Geom Mugeuk's injuries. Looking at the wounds on both Geom Mugeuk and the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, it was clear they had fought a truly great battle.

Just then, a martial artist entered and delivered a messenger pigeon.

After checking the message, a surprised Ma-ui asked Geom Mugeuk, "Where did you run from?"

The message stated that Geom Mugeuk had departed with the injured Extremely Evil Smiling Demon and that Ma-ui should prepare. Astonishingly, Geom Mugeuk had run faster than the messenger pigeon.

Is this even possible?

And while carrying the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, no less.

If it had been anyone else, he would have assumed there was a mistake. Seeing Geom Mugeuk's current state, however, he thought it might actually be possible.

In truth, there was something else Ma-ui wanted to ask.

He knew Geom Mugeuk had left to kill Yayul Han. He was curious about what happened, but he felt he already knew the outcome. They had returned too injured for it to be a success.

I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry.

As Ma-ui turned to check on the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, Geom Mugeuk spoke from behind him. "I delivered your message to Yayul Han."

"!"

Startled, Ma-ui turned around. Geom Mugeuk leaned against the wall, looking up at him.

"I looked into the dying Yayul Han's eyes and delivered it clearly. That this was your will."

Ma-ui was so shocked he could only stare with wide eyes, unable to speak. After a long while, Ma-ui finally asked, "Did you kill Yayul Han?"

"Yes, I killed him."

"Did you really… kill him?" Ma-ui's voice trembled, and soon his whole body shook.

"Yes, I killed him."

"Thank you, thank you so much."

Ma-ui sat facing Geom Mugeuk and clasped his hands.

"Please live the rest of your life in peace now. Your family would want that too."

A surge of emotion overwhelmed Ma-ui. He fell prostrate before Geom Mugeuk, still holding his hands. An indescribable feeling welled up inside him. He had wished for this moment for so long, imagining it thousands, even tens of thousands of times.

Suddenly, the image of his son came to mind.

Father, you're busy for our sake, right? When you're not busy, you'll play with me, won't you?

Tears streamed from Ma-ui's eyes. His son would have been middle-aged if he were still alive, but to Ma-ui, he remained a child.

I'm sorry I couldn't play with you more. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you I loved you more.

In Ma-ui's heart, his son smiled brightly.

The tears flowed even more freely.

Yes, when we meet again, I'll play with you a lot.

It was the moment Ma-ui finally set down the heavy stone he had carried in his heart his entire life.

When Ma-ui lifted his head from crying, he saw Geom Mugeuk asleep against the wall. The wave of accumulated fatigue, brought on by the relief that everything was over, had finally claimed him. He slept so deeply that he wouldn't notice if someone carried him away.

Thank you, Second Young Lord. I will never forget this debt of gratitude.

Just then, a person arrived.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon entered, his face full of worry. He had heard Geom Mugeuk went straight to the clinic upon arrival and had rushed over at once.

Although the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon, lying on the bed receiving treatment, caught his eye first, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon went to Geom Mugeuk's side.

"Are you alright?"

"He ran all this way without rest while carrying that man. How could he be alright?"

However, Ma-ui's expression was relaxed. He could tell that Geom Mugeuk was safe.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon grumbled petulantly. "Why is that damn masked fellow so precious!"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon crouched in front of Geom Mugeuk. Through the open collar of his clothes, he saw the Ghost Armor he had given him. It was covered in blood.

"Causing trouble in my old age."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon picked up a blood-soaked Top-Quality Heavenly Silk that had fallen beside the bed and wrapped it around the hilt of the Black Demon Sword. Then, he stood the sword up next to Geom Mugeuk.

"Are you really troubled?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look at your face reflected in that bronze mirror over there."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon lifted his head and looked at the mirror. "What am I supposed to be looking at?"

Ma-ui simply gave an enigmatic smile. He could clearly feel it. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon had changed recently, and he knew what had started that change.

Just then, the Fist Demon arrived.

"What happened?"

The man's massive build made the clinic feel completely full when he entered.

After greeting the two men, the Fist Demon first asked about the well-being of the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon lying on the bed. "Is the Smiling Demon alright?"

"We'll have to wait and see, but it seems he's past the crisis."

He seemed to have come just to check on the Smiling Demon, but Ma-ui knew better. The Fist Demon had come because he worried for his disciple's safety.

"Your disciple is only exhausted. He'll be fine after a few days of good rest."

A look of relief crossed the Fist Demon's fearsome face. Ma-ui realized for the first time that the Fist Demon even had expressions. He now knew his feelings for Geom Mugeuk ran deep enough that he wouldn't hide that relief.

Second Young Lord, you are truly remarkable.

However, that wasn't the end of it. Someone else entered the clinic.

"What's with these sorry states?" the person said. "Did the two of them fight the entire murim?"

The person who entered, reeking of alcohol, was the Drunken Demon.

He skipped the greetings and crouched in front of Geom Mugeuk. After staring silently at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, the Drunken Demon spoke to the other two Demon Supremes.

"When he wakes up, he'll be going around bragging about his heroic tales, so we'll have to avoid him for a while."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon chimed in. "We'll be lucky if he doesn't give a long-winded speech."

Just then, another person entered.

"What are you all doing next to an injured person?"

The Flower Sword Supreme was the last to arrive, her ageless beauty unchanged.

Ma-ui was inwardly surprised. He already knew that Geom Mugeuk associated with the Demon Supremes, but he hadn't expected all of them to show up.

The Drunken Demon clicked his tongue as he looked at Geom Mugeuk. "Little brother, what is this? No pretty women have come."

"I'm right here."

At the Flower Sword Supreme's words, the Drunken Demon spoke again. "Little brother, is it right for only old people like us to show up and not a single pretty, young woman? Back in my day…"

Just then, Lee Ahn and Cheon Sohwi arrived.

Surprised to see the Demon Supremes gathered, Lee Ahn's eyes widened. She didn't dare approach, but the Blood Heaven Blade Demon gestured for her to come closer.

When the Demon Supremes cleared a path, she sat down in front of Geom Mugeuk.

"He's only sleeping, so don't worry," the Blood Heaven Blade Demon said.

At his words, Lee Ahn shed tears. The moment she heard that Geom Mugeuk was safe, tears just started pouring out.

Seeing him asleep from sheer exhaustion felt more heart-wrenching than if he had collapsed from his injuries. How tired must he be to not wake up even in a situation like this?

She was so upset and sorry that she hadn't been by his side. If the Demon Supremes and Ma-ui weren't there, she might have just shouted. That she would quit as the head of the Ghost Shadow Squad and follow him from now on. To please take her with him.

She wanted to offer her shoulder for Geom Mugeuk to lean on so he could sleep comfortably. Of course, she couldn't bring herself to do it with the Demon Supremes watching.

Cheon Sohwi also watched worriedly from behind. Since the Fist Demon was present, she stood at a slight distance and didn't step forward.

And there was one more person who would cap off today's visits.

Everyone's gaze turned to the door in unison. They knew who had arrived even before he entered the room. A person whose presence alone announced his arrival, without even releasing his qi.

The Heavenly Demon Geom Woojin had appeared.

The Demon Supremes, Lee Ahn, and Cheon Sohwi lined up on either side and paid their respects politely. "We greet the Cult Leader."

After receiving their greetings, Geom Woojin first asked about the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's condition. "How is the Smiling Demon's condition?"

"Fortunately, he has passed the dangerous crisis. He is a very robust person, so he should return to his former self soon."

"Spare no medicine."

"You don't need to worry about that. The energy of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng is currently undissolved in his body. If he absorbs it after he recovers, he will become much stronger."

Everyone was startled at the mention of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked back at Geom Mugeuk. "Looks like that greedy brat even gave up the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng," he said.

Only then did Geom Woojin's gaze turn to Geom Mugeuk.

His gaze towards his son was indifferent. After looking down at the sleeping Geom Mugeuk for a moment, Geom Woojin said something unexpected.

"Leaving him here will only interfere with your treatment, so I'll take this one with me."

Geom Woojin strode over and lifted Geom Mugeuk into his arms.

Everyone was shocked at the sight. They had never once imagined the sight of Geom Woojin holding someone in his arms.

Even if he were to hold him, they would have expected him to use telekinesis. However, Geom Woojin bent down and personally lifted Geom Mugeuk into his arms.

To the Demon Supremes, the sight was utterly unfamiliar and shocking.

Geom Woojin ignored the Demon Supremes' surprise and walked out of the clinic holding his son.

"Still envious?" the Flower Sword Supreme asked.

The Drunken Demon answered her question. She had expected a typical reply, something like, 'Being held by the Cult Leader? No way! I'd hate it more than anything!'

"I wouldn't know. I've never been held by Father."

The Flower Sword Supreme turned to look at the Drunken Demon. "Are you drunk?"

The Drunken Demon just giggled and drank his liquor.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon also grumbled petulantly. "That insolent brat! He tenaciously took my miracle herbs, but he gives away the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng?"

At that, Ma-ui came to Geom Mugeuk's defense. "If he hadn't given it up, that man would have died."

"Let him die then!"

After the Blood Heaven Blade Demon left, the other Demon Supremes also bid farewell to Ma-ui and departed. Lee Ahn and Cheon Sohwi also bowed to Ma-ui before leaving.

Left alone, Ma-ui let out a light sigh. It felt as if a great storm had just swept through.

He walked over to the bed where the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon was sleeping.

Ma-ui looked down at him with a gentle gaze. This man had fought alongside Geom Mugeuk for his revenge. Words could not repay such gratitude. He would repay it by saving the man's life.

"I am determined to save you, so hang in there, you giant dao wielder. If for no other reason, you must hang on for the sake of the one who carried you on his back and ran all this way, shouldn't you?"

Ma-ui looked out the window. The sky he had seen earlier now seemed to be saying this.

Like the clouds drifting leisurely across the sky, live the rest of your life in peace.