Each province of the Central Plains had its own branch of the Medical Alliance.
Henan held the Kaifeng branch, but the closest one to Namyang was in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.
"Xi'an? But…"
Wi Jiseon's expression darkened.
Sending his youngest, only fifteen years old, on such a long journey troubled him deeply.
Even at best, it was a journey of over ten days on foot.
'What if that gentle child falls into the hands of bandits?!'
"There's no need for you to receive the award in person, is there? When your uncle passes through Xi'an someday, he can collect it then."
"But it's an award granted personally by Master Binghak. It feels only proper that I go myself. Besides, I want to see Xi'an for myself."
"You want to see it?"
"Yes. I've heard Xi'an has many great medical houses. They say its medical arts are far more advanced than Namyang's. I think it'll broaden my perspective."
Xi'an — the Eternal City of a Thousand Years.
Namyang was no small town, but compared to Xi'an, it was a pond beside an ocean.
Its history was ancient, its martial sects powerful, and its renowned physicians numerous beyond counting.
'Well, that's not exactly a lie. He probably will study other physicians while he's there.'
But Wi Jiseon didn't realize — his son's real goal was far less innocent.
'To collect money from my "target," I'll need the other medical houses to serve as leverage.'
Behind Wi Jicheon's gentle smile, a chill lurked.
Jang Sam saw that faint smirk and felt his spine turn to ice.
'You devil! What disaster are you planning to unleash in Xi'an this time?!'
He didn't know the details, but one thing was certain:
The peaceful city of Xi'an was about to experience a storm — a storm named Wi Jicheon.
'Well… at least Namyang will be peaceful for a while. Please, don't ever come back, you monster!'
But—
"Don't worry. Hero Jang Sam has kindly agreed to accompany me."
"…I— I have…? Ah— yes, yes! Indeed! I just happen to have business in Xi'an! What a coincidence! Clearly Heaven itself has commanded me to escort Young Master Wi Jicheon!"
Under Wi Jicheon's piercing gaze that screamed, Play along or die, Jang Sam forced out a trembling laugh.
'You wretched little demon!'
But worse than his own misery were the reactions of Wi Jicheon's family.
"Hero Jang Sam, we can't thank you enough! You know how delicate and soft-hearted our dear Jicheon is."
"Young Master Wi Jicheon… is indeed gentle. Very… gentle. Ha. Ha."
"If we had sent him alone, I'd never sleep again! Even now, I'm terrified. If something happens to that child on the road—oh heavens, my eyes, why are they watering like this!"
"Jicheon, make sure to stay close to Hero Jang Sam. If you start acting reckless, he has my permission to kick your backside."
"Ganga, if you're worried, just say you're worried!"
"Father, please stop crying! Jicheon will return safely!"
"If anything happens to Jicheon, I'll deal with Jang Sam first."
"Father, Brother, Sister — really, don't worry. I'll be careful and come back soon."
"Jicheon! No! You can't go! Nooooo!"
'…What a bunch of lunatics.'
Their tearful send-off, Jicheon's calm smile, and Jang Sam's face twisted like he'd swallowed dung — it was the perfect picture of family tragedy.
And so, with that, Wi Jicheon's journey to Xi'an was decided.
After brief preparations, they set out.
Though his official purpose was to receive the award from the Medical Alliance, there were a few extra details to arrange.
"You want me to give you temporary authority as Deputy Head Administrator?"
"Yes. I'd like to visit some trading guilds and herb dealers in Xi'an. There are far more there than in Namyang, and without a proper title, no one will take me seriously."
"Hm. Fair enough. It'll be a good experience for you."
Wi Jimu nodded, untroubled.
Unlike his brother Wi Jiseon, who worried endlessly for his son, Wi Jimu knew very well his nephew was anything but ordinary.
This was the same boy who had devoured the South Central Medical House whole, after all.
'Since Jicheon intends to become an outer physician, it'll be good for him to see the wider world. It'll help him grow into the role.'
He did wonder, though, if Jicheon's talents weren't being wasted as a doctor. His brilliance extended far beyond medicine.
'He's got an incredible knack for business. If he'd been born into a merchant family, he'd already be a tycoon. Shame about his hopeless paperwork skills, though.'
It was no surprise that Wi Jimu's eyes sparkled whenever he looked at him.
"Then, if I happen to find a good opportunity for trade with any merchants or apothecaries, may I go ahead with negotiations?"
"Hm?"
"I'd like to help our house however I can while I'm there. Don't worry, I won't make any risky deals beyond our means."
Those wide, earnest eyes — full of filial sincerity.
Wi Jimu chuckled warmly.
"Fine, fine. Take the Head Administrator's seal with you, then. But you know our financial situation, don't you?"
"Of course. We're broke."
"…Let's say, 'burdened with many responsibilities,' instead. Don't overextend yourself."
"Understood."
He had no idea how that seal would be used in the days to come.
After that, Wi Jicheon went to see his juniors.
"Greetings, Senior Brother!"
The disciples at Hall of Living Medicine flinched like startled birds.
'Did we do something wrong again?!'
'Please, Senior Brother, spare us!'
'Look at his pure eyes — no, don't look! They're terrifying!'
It wasn't that Wi Jicheon mistreated them.
He just had… an unusual way of being kind.
"Aseop, about that last treatment?"
"I—I made a mistake, Senior Brother! I'm sorry!"
"It's all right. Everyone makes mistakes. Especially apprentices like us. I'm the one who should apologize — I must not have taught you properly."
"…Senior Brother?"
"Why don't we review what we learned last time together, just to make sure it doesn't happen again?"
And thus began another of Senior Brother Wi Jicheon's Special Lessons.
The kind of lesson that made students wish they could trade places with the condemned in the Blood Sect's execution pits.
Still, none of them ever complained — for two reasons.
First, the results.
His training was terrifyingly effective.
One session with him improved their skills more than months of solo study.
Their progress was so great that no one would believe they were newly graduated apprentices.
Second, it wasn't fear that bound them — but gratitude.
'Senior Brother's not doing this out of malice. He really cares about us.'
'He's strict because he wants us to improve.'
'That's… what makes him even scarier!'
Now that he was leaving for Xi'an, they had hoped for a reprieve — but then he showed up.
Wi Jicheon approached each of them with warmth.
"Aseop, you've improved a lot. Your acupuncture technique's much steadier."
"Th-thank you, Senior Brother!"
"And Jonggeum, your cold's better?"
"Yes! The medicine you prescribed worked perfectly!"
"That's good to hear."
"Thank you!"
He smiled at each one, gentle as spring sunlight.
That was the most dangerous part.
Just when they thought they could hate him — he'd do something kind like this.
They'd grit their teeth and mutter, 'He's insane, but he's a good person.'
Of course, that was exactly how he wanted it.
'A good leader uses both carrot and stick. Be kind enough that they never dare run away.'
But he wasn't here to give carrots today.
He was here to reinforce discipline before leaving.
"Danyeo."
"…What?"
Danyeo scowled.
She was the only one among them who wasn't afraid of him — and still viewed him as her rival.
'Good. Every team needs one like her.'
Wi Jicheon planned to raise Danyeo into the future core of the Divine Healer's House.
She would one day be a renowned physician — perhaps even a master in her own right.
And he knew exactly how to handle her type.
"What a pity. I would've liked to bring you along to Xi'an. Winning the Hundred Sects Top Scholar Award all by myself feels a bit lonely."
"…What?"
Her eyebrow twitched.
Danyeo had finished second in the examination — but far, far behind him.
Before she could explode, he continued with a bright smile.
"But honestly, I'm relieved you're staying. I trust you the most, Danyeo. I know I can count on you to keep everything in order."
"…You trust me?"
"Of course. You're the one I rely on the most."
Her cheeks flushed red.
Her weakness — praise.
"While I'm gone, could I leave the others' training to you?"
"Y-you don't have to ask! I—I was planning to handle it anyway!"
And just a little nudge to her pride—
"Don't overwork yourself. I'd hate to burden you."
"Ha! Burden? You'll see! When you come back, you'll be shocked! Everyone, to the back courtyard — now!"
For reference, Danyeo ranked second in seniority among his disciples.
For no particular reason.
"Until Senior Brother returns, we'll be training hard every night!"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Louder!"
"Yes, ma'am!!"
"We'll crush Senior Brother's pride!"
"Crush it!!"
"LOUDER!! CRUSH IT!!!"
"CRUSH IT!!!!!!!"
Watching them shout with burning spirit, Wi Jicheon smiled faintly — proud and amused.
Then he turned to leave with Jang Sam.
Their destination: Xi'an.
But before reaching the city—
Wi Jicheon and Jang Sam unexpectedly crossed paths with members of the Huashan Sect.