"What do you mean by the problem solving itself? Are you saying there's no longer any reason to seal my meridians? that there was never really a problem to begin with?"
While I was confused, I was also delighted to hear that I wouldn't have to seal my meridians after all. The intense craving seemed to agree with this outcome as well, withdrawing its influence on its own.
Still, I couldn't help but feel concerned. Wasn't there still the issue of death energy circulating within my body, gradually reducing my lifespan? Did that suddenly no longer matter?
However, I knew Doctor Guyang wouldn't say something like this without reason. Instead of jumping to conclusions, I decided to wait patiently for his explanation.
"Before that, Young Lord, do you remember when I told you about your constitution, being born with reverse meridians?"
"Yes, of course. We were just discussing that earlier. What does this have to do with what I asked?"
"Well, Young Lord… the thing is, you're not the only person with this constitution. There have been numerous cases of people with the same constitution
, yet all of them remained untreatable."
"??!!"
This was shocking. I had never thought that there were others who faced the same problem as I did, especially since no records of such people could be found.
Now I finally understood why Doctor Guyang had so easily accepted my excuse, that the Reverse Qi Flow Method came from an unknown grave belonging to an unknown demonic art user.
He must have assumed that the grave belonged to someone with the same constitution, someone who had faced the same problem and created the Reverse Qi Flow Method as a solution.
"Because of these numerous cases, the constitution was eventually named. It was deemed worse than both the 'Lunar Yin Body' and the 'Solar Yang Body,' and thus it was called the 'Reverse Body.'"
"…Reverse Body."
I had definitely heard that name a few times during my years as a scholar. It was known as a heaven-forsaken constitution. I had dismissed it back then as irrelevant to my pursuit of cultivation.
That alone was strange. As someone obsessed with knowledge related to cultivation, I should have researched all known unique body constitutions.
Yet for some reason, I always avoided anything related to the Reverse Body like it was almost as if it were a plague, something to be feared. It was as though I was instinctively afraid to learn about it.
"When we named it as such, there were reasons behind it. Some of them you already know, but there are others you have yet to learn."
"Yet to learn?"
It seemed there was far more to my condition than I had been told. A familiar sense of dread welled up inside me it stronger than ever was but there was no reason to avoid information that could be useful.
This sense of dread had always prevented me from even touching the topic of the Reverse Body. Only after regressing did I gain enough control and resistance to face it.
I suspected that this dread wasn't coming solely from my intuition or instincts. It was likely also influenced by the intense craving, something I had only recently gained control over after my regression.
"It was discovered that people with this constitution often die before reaching the age of twenty."
"Twenty?!!"
"Yes. It was found that death energy circulates through their bodies instead of life energy, reducing their lifespan and causing numerous severe symptoms."
I was completely shocked by the revelation. Those with the Reverse Body were only capable of living until the age of twenty. No wonder that without life energy, there was nothing to sustain their lifespan.
I realized why the other doctors never told me. They must have known that I would fall into despair had I learned the truth.
Still, this information contradicted my previous life.
I had lived until the age of thirty-five before being killed and I could have lived even longer.
That meant something didn't add up. Was it because my qi blockages suppressed the death energy that I was able to live that long?
"Then… does that mean I only have five years left to live?!"
"Calm down, Young Lord. Allow me to explain further."
I couldn't help but stand up and shout as fear overtook me. The thought of having only five years left in my second chance at life terrified me.
I hurriedly demanded answers from Doctor Guyang. Though startled, he didn't seem surprised by my reaction.
He urged me to calm down so he could continue. After taking several deep breaths, I finally managed to sit back down.
"Yes. When I first discovered your constitution, I believed you would die before reaching the age of twenty. That is why I chose to hide the truth, so you could live with a false hope of tomorrow. But all of that changed today."
"Changed? What changed?"
"When I examined your body before sealing your meridians, I noticed something different it became something unlike before."
I could now clearly see how much Doctor Guyang cared for me as a doctor. He hid the truth, yet never stopped me from pursuing cultivation, allowing me to live without despair.
I also understood why he had abruptly stopped before sealing my meridians. He had discovered something new something beyond my severe internal injuries.
This made me curious. Why hadn't this been mentioned in my previous life? That meant my constitution still existed, but something had changed.
"Different? What's different about my body now compared to before?"
"Before, your condition fit every symptom of the Reverse Body. But today, while the symptoms remain similar, they are vastly different."
"Similar, but vastly different? What do you mean?"
"Previously, your body suffered from death energy circulation far less only because of your qi blockages. After you broke through them, I expected you to suffer immensely, just like the others who weren't fortunate enough to have qi blockages."
'So there were cases like mine… except they didn't have qi blockages. That must have been devastating.'
"But after examining your body more closely, I discovered that it doesn't react to death energy the same way as the others or even like living beings in general."
"???"
I had suspected something like this. Despite having a year's worth of death energy in my body, I hadn't suffered any adverse effects.
This was extremely odd and concerning since experiencing different symptoms could either be good or extremely bad for me
Perhaps Doctor Guyang had finally found the explanation to this strange phenomenon that's happening.
"Your body responds differently. Death energy normally weakens a person and damages their health. But for you, instead of harming you, it causes you to flourish just as life energy would."
"??!!"
I was stunned. My suspicion had been confirmed as it was something I had been confused about.
Ever since breaking through my qi blockages, I had been growing stronger day by day, slowly, but undeniably. That contradicted everything I was told about my constitution.
But with what doctor Guyang just revealed it made everything make some sort of sense.
"So… does that mean I don't have to worry about death energy anymore?"
"I can't say with absolute certainty yet as further examination is needed. But yes you no longer need to worry."
"YES!!"
I shouted in relief. The crushing mental burden of sealing my meridians vanished instantly.
This meant I no longer had to delay my cultivation in search of a solution that may take years to find.
Still, another question surfaced, an important question that I really need answers for my own sake.
"Then… does that mean I can cultivate freely now?"
"There is something else you need to know about your cultivation."
"There's more?"
My heart couldn't help but tighten as there seems to be more to know before I could get a clear answer.
I couldn't help but feel dread at what Doctor Guyang would reveal next as anticipation was at all time high.
Since I realized that a major concern was still present and needed answers.
'What if I still couldn't cultivate despite everything?'
"You can cultivate freely now. The main problem has been solved. However, what matters is how your cultivation works."
'Yes! I can cultivate… but I should wait.'
"While different, the principle remains the same. But your cultivation speed is far faster than normal that makes it very reminiscent of a Heavenly Body."
"Heavenly… Body?"
That was unbelievable because what he said was truly absurd to say since that would change everything.
The Heavenly Body was considered the greatest talent in cultivation because the speed of cultivation is ten times faster than the normal person.
That's why just comparing my constitution to such a talent was very unbelievable especially since before I couldn't even cultivate.
"You must be mistaken. Perhaps it's just the leftover qi herb energy—"
"Do you think I can't tell the difference between herb reliance and true talent? Are doubting my skills as a doctor?"
"I apologize for doubting you."
Doctor Guyang didn't seem offended by my act of doubt understanding my disbelief and acting professionally.
Still, everything felt too convenient as things are just been going very smoothly that it was odd.
It all feels like all of this Is going to come back to stab me in the back when the time came.
'First, my Reverse Body no longer shortens my life. Now I have talent comparable to a Heavenly Body? This is absurd.'
There has been numerous cases of miracles ever since I have regressed that things felt way too good to be true.
Either the Heaven's are really paying me back for all the made me go through it this is just a part of Heaven's one big scheme.
I suspected that the Scroll of Reminiscence was the true cause of all this since after all regression in of itself was a miracle then perhaps every miracle stemmed from it.
'and to think I treated that scroll as some worthless trash…'
Shame welled up inside me for treating such a valuable relic the way I did and referred to it as trash.
"Then, Doctor Guyang… does this mean I have overwhelming talent?"
"Of course not. Talent alone doesn't guarantee success."
"Then… is there something else?"
"Yes. You are the first of your kind. This condition deserves its own name."
I'm being to select a suitable name for my unique constitution being the first ever kind to be discovered.
I have to think of a name that perfectly suits it as this would be carved to the records with my name on it as this would be the first time my name would be carved to history.
After spending some time of careful thinking for a suitable name I spoke.
"The Reverse Heavenly Body."
This would be the name that would be the first instance of Jeonsa Grace name would be carved into history.
Doctor Guyang smiled upon hearing the excellent and suitable name the young lord gave.
He expected that the young lord would give a embarrassing name like what young children his age would but impressively he didn't.
"A fine name indeed."
"For that I Thank you for giving me the chance to live the life I always wanted."
"It is my duty. I wish you success for your future endeavors."
We exchange thanks for each other contributions to this successful discovery.
I was truly thankful for him for telling the truth if he chose to hide it I would have been left stranded and clueless look for what could be years.
Since all said and done I prepared to see him out, but he stopped me by remaining seated at his chair taking a sip of his green tea.
"Is there anything else?"
"I have a small favor to ask of you before I go."
A sense of discomfort rose from hearing a request from Doctor Guyang making me feel a certain feel of dread.
This feeling of dread wasn't the terrifying kind but from a feeling discomfort from something uncomfortable.
All I knew was that whatever Doctor Guyang small favor was going to be it would be very uncomfortable.
"What do you want?"
"I wish to study your body so that I could understand this condition and identify others that may have it like you."
'I knew it!!'
I knew this was coming the moment he said I had a new and unique body constitution. I had only been hoping he wouldn't ask for it.
The reason I felt so uncomfortable was simple, it would involve me stripping naked and being examined thoroughly, being touched in all kinds of areas.
I knew this because he had done the same thing when I was still a child, back when I first met him, most likely after discovering my naturally instilled qi blockages.
'I don't want to go through that ever again!'
I never wanted to experience that again. It had traumatized my younger self because of how uncomfortable and invasive it was.
I knew Doctor Guyang wasn't doing it out of perverted desire, but purely for research, like any proper doctor would. Even so, that didn't make the experience any less traumatizing.
Still, I couldn't outright reject his request. If his research succeeded, it might benefit others who suffered from the same constitution as mine.
'hmm... If I allow him to conduct his examination, he might be able to form a solution based on my Reverse Heavenly Body.'
If anyone had the ability to do that, it would be the Life and Death Doctor Guyang So Hwang.
This could give hope to those who shared my the same constitution in my previous life, people who never had the chance to overcome it.
After thinking it over for a while, I finally made my decision and spoke my answer.
"Fine. I'll grant your request."
"Great! Then shall we begin the—"
"Only if you're willing to offer something in return."
"What?!"
The moment I agreed, Doctor Guyang could no longer contain his excitement and was already prepared to begin immediately.
I hurriedly stopped him and made my condition clear. If I were still my younger self, I might have accepted out of pure compassion, but I was no longer that naive. I wouldn't do something like this without receiving something in exchange.
Despite my discomfort and reluctance to relive that experience, I realized this was an opportunity to gain something beneficial.
"Then I'll offer you a crate of gold coins for three days of examination."
"Then that's a no."
"Then just two days!"
"Still no."
"Then just one day!"
"…No. Did you honestly think I have a problem with money?"
"Argh!"
The instant I said that, he understood what I meant and immediately began bargaining with gold.
It wasn't that I doubted he had the money, I simply rejected his offers because I had never lacked wealth to begin with.
As an heir to the cult leader's throne, I received an allowance far exceeding that amount. It was one of the few perks of my status, and I made sure to remind Doctor Guyang of that while lightly teasing him.
'If I'm going to do something like this, I might as well gain something truly valuable out of it.'
"Fine! I'll give you my token in exchange for three days of examination."
SLAM!
Doctor Guyang slammed a small jade token onto the table. The words LIFE and DEATH were carved into its surface.
My eyes widened in disbelief at the jade token as I never expected that he would actually offer something of that caliber.
That jade token allowed its holder to request Doctor Guyang's services once, no matter the matter. It was a one-time command to the Life and Death Doctor himself.
The fact that he resorted to this showed just how desperate he was to examine my constitution.
Meanwhile, I couldn't help but rejoice at this unexpected harvest.
'How unexpected! With this, I could ask him for treatment if I ever end up in a dangerous state of condition.'
"Ahem. Alright, but only one day, and it must be today. That's my final offer."
"Tsk… damn brat. Fine, it's a deal."
I maintained my composure as I accepted. Even so, I decided to push my luck just a little more, adding one final condition while knowing full well that, given his desperation, he wouldn't refuse.
It might have earned me some annoyance on his end, but that was something that could be resolved later.
Once Doctor Guyang agreed, he wasted no time and prepared to begin the examination immediately.
And despite how uncomfortable this experience was going to be I accepted it choosing to endure the uncomfortable experience of having my body exposed and touched.
****