I Spent One Night with the Terminally Ill Daughter of the World’s Greatest Warrior

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Ding.

The woman with black hair playing the pipa pretended to look down while scanning the banquet hall.

In this gathering, influential figures from the Gu File Room, the Five Great Families, the Martial World Alliance, and even some from the New External Martial World gathered.

It was essentially a meeting of prominent forces making a name for themselves in the Martial World.

If those gathered here were to conduct a massacre in the city where the Mo Yong Family resides, a hundred thousand could perish in a single moment—these were powerful martial artists indeed.

Ding.

The musician, Yeocheong, plucked the strings of her pipa, trying her best not to reveal her true identity.

“Oh, what a beautiful sound. That woman…”

“She seems to be a musician from the Imperial Palace. If the opportunity arises later, we should invite her to perform.”

Fortunately, no one had noticed her.

The fact that those powerful men regarded her as just a musician in the banquet hall was proof enough.

– There shouldn’t be any problems. Tomorrow, I will be here.

Except for the Martial World Alliance Leader, Mo Yongcheon, the strongest Sword Saint of the world.

– [Imperial Palace’s Best Sword] Yeocheong. If I go berserk, you must kill me then.

Musician Yeocheong.

She was one of the inspectors from the Imperial Palace, known in the Martial World as the master of the “Formless Sword.”

Only Mo Yongcheon knew her true identity.

Thus, she sought his tacit permission to safely infiltrate the banquet hall under the orders of the Imperial Palace.

She had been given three tasks.

“Martial World Alliance Leader. This time…”

“Ah, it’s been a while. How is Sichuan…”

To assess the dynamics of the Martial World.

Though it was a funeral, it wasn’t every day that influential figures gathered in one place from afar.

Given that the Golden Guard and Dongchang had just been rebuilt, a gathering of such important figures in the Martial World couldn’t be overlooked.

“Is it that the Mo Yong Family couldn’t find a solution after all?”

“Unless they discovered the legendary Taiyang Huoli, but they didn’t even manage that.”

“Oh, the carps that carry the energy of the sun? Indeed, if such a thing existed, someone would have already cured their Absolute Meridian Sickness.”

Two. Gather information about the incurable Absolute Meridian Sickness.

“I heard even the Imperial Palace is frantically looking for a cure.”

“Shh. Keep your voice down. There are no patients of Absolute Meridian Sickness in the Imperial Palace.”

“But what about the current Empress…”

“She may or may not have it. Tsk. That’s why they brought the woman from the Bureau here for no reason…”

The Imperial Palace was looking for a way to solve Absolute Meridian Sickness.

Now, the only existing Empress, who was even pregnant, hailed from the Martial World.

Though there are notions of inviolability, where is the line between the two in a world where men and women live under the same sky?

Especially if they were former comrades who shared life and death together.

“Ultimately, Absolute Meridian Sickness is just a matter of luck. It’s a disease that strikes only one in a hundred people. …It’s just that, if you catch it, you die.”

Yeocheong recalled.

If, officially, the number of girls afflicted with Absolute Meridian Sickness from the Martial World forces, including the Gu File Room and the Five Great Families, as well as minor factions, was counted, that number alone was a staggering—

One hundred and eight.

How many would that number grow if we included those hidden away or already deceased?

“Right. Is it possible for the Empress to give birth to a child with Absolute Meridian Sickness? And… if she can have another child, so be it.”

Ding.

In that instant, the pipa string trembled, but Yeocheong gently hid her mistake within the wave of sound.

“If the precious heir of the Mo Yong Family dies… what happens to Physician Seok?”

“Who knows? No one can tell.”

Three. To secure the one known as Physician Seok.

“We’ve only failed to tackle Absolute Meridian Sickness, but other ailments were treated well with medicine and skills.”

“Ever since he won the medical contest three years ago, he became famous for curing the Empress’s illness. It seems that fame will end today.”

Physician Seok Muwol.

Though he despised the title, the world had already dubbed him “Physician Seok.”

For someone to attain such a title in the Martial World was a monumental honor.

Even calling someone by their title instead of their name means everyone out there knows who they are.

“Shall we bring him into our family?”

“Seriously? You intend to bring that topic up today? Look there, he appears to be mired in a sense of defeat.”

Yeocheong shifted her gaze to a corner.

There stood a black-haired young man clad in immaculate white robes.

Not universally recognized as handsome—though quite pleasing to look at all the same.

Above average height, but his physique seemed somewhat petite compared to the well-muscled martial artists, though he had certainly trained his body to some extent.

Unlike the universally acknowledged handsome Sword Saints or the heavily muscled warriors present, he would likely place somewhere between thirtieth and fortieth among a hundred men.

“…Hmm.”

No, if better presented, he could easily climb into the twenties.

With just a bit of effort, he could be even more charming than others.

The reason for this belief lay in the overpowering skill of that young man.

He had failed to treat Absolute Meridian Sickness.

However, he had never failed in treating any other ailments.

Though obtaining materials had been challenging at times, if the materials were available, he possessed the ability to alleviate or cure any disease.

While such medicine might be looked down upon in the Martial World, it was a different story in the realm of the Imperial Palace.

Imperial Physician.

A physician responsible for the royal family.

Yeocheong received orders from the Imperial Palace: “If necessary, bring him to the Imperial Palace.”

Not unconditionally, but if necessary.

“If their precious one dies, do you think that physician will remain with the Mo Yong Family?”

“Exactly, which is why we need to probe him. At least after the banquet, or once the funeral is over.”

As Yeocheong and others began to assess the situation.

“Excuse me.”

Ding.

A woman in the garb of the Jeomchang Sect approached the young man.

Who would have thought someone would approach him even before the banquet started, but Yeocheong perked her ears to focus on their conversation—

“…!!”

However, she accidentally broke the string without realizing it.

Soft, gentle steps, as though walking on ice.

But that light footfall was so subtle and stealthy that it couldn’t be sensed unless one were a master or of similar caliber.

Even—

[Clang!]

“!!”

The Grand Disciple of the Jeomchang Sect, So Yeonjeok, flicked away the sword the young man was about to draw with a single finger.

Preventing him from even pulling his sword, subduing him with her ‘inner power.’

“Huh.”

Yeocheong sighed.

No wonder she was the daughter of the world’s strongest man; even without explicitly honing martial arts, she demonstrated such formidable prowess.

“What are you talking about right now?”

If she had trained in martial arts since a young age and it weren’t for her Absolute Meridian Sickness, it wouldn’t have been strange for her to match the likes of the current Imperial Palace Sword at just twenty.

“Where are you taking my physician?”

“……!”

Yeocheong almost extended her sword skills without realizing it.

That fighting spirit.

In an instant, the sharp killing intent she emitted toward So Yeonjeok was entirely—

“?”

Absolute Meridian Sickness, patient?

“???”

Yeocheong doubted her eyes.

That doubt was likely shared among other ‘supreme masters’ present.

“Why…”

“Vitality…?”

A patient of Absolute Meridian Sickness was alive.

Bristling with vitality, she was exuding killing intent and jealousy toward someone.

The typical flowing energy of Absolute Meridian Sickness, which seemed to break off, was nowhere to be felt.

The woman, who should have been emanating an aura colder than a corpse, was, in fact, radiating warmth and a clear rosy complexion, overflowing with strong vitality.

There were no signs of Absolute Meridian Sickness anywhere.

“!!”

As if she were completely cured of it.

* * *

Half a moment ago, that is, after Sword Saint Mo Yongcheon returned holding a wooden box.

– Listen carefully, both of you. Whether your Absolute Meridian Sickness is temporary or permanent, the fact that you’ve ‘recovered’ momentarily will undoubtedly get around.

Mo Yongcheon had stated flatly.

– Absolute Meridian Sickness is a severe illness linked to blood vessels and internal energy. And in the banquet hall, there are many masters with at least one round of internal energy, over sixty years of practice. There’s no way it won’t be noticed.

– Shouldn’t I act like I’m sick?

– Impossible. If it were just a few people, you could fool them, but even the pinnacle masters over there would notice your state immediately. You’re just… too healthy now.

Despite Mo Yongcheon’s assertion, Mo Yongseol wanted to hide that her condition had improved.

– Or you could disguise yourself as a dead person. If you don’t show up in public and hold a fake funeral.

– No way. Then others will throw flirtations at the physician.

– That’s likely so.

– Absolutely not. I can’t allow that…. Ah, there’s no way out.

There was no means to hide it.

– They’ll undoubtedly try to take the physician away.

– Right. As there’s no justification left for him to continue in the Mo Yong Family.

– …At least due to the physician, I’ve managed to live for the past three years ‘without hurting too much,’ so maybe those with daughters who also have Absolute Meridian Sickness want something similar. To leave this world while smiling a little longer might be their desire. …I can’t let the physician go.

The situation that would arise if it were hidden was something both Mo Yongseol and Mo Yongcheon, as well as I, would not want to see.

– Ha… After spending a night with the physician, it’s not something I wanted anyone to know that I’ve improved from Absolute Meridian Sickness…

But…

I began to have a thought at that moment, but the Sword Saint had not noticed the true feelings of Mo Yongseol.

– …Is it okay if I ask why? If it’s because you’re embarrassed or something.

– It’s not that; it’s just that other women… ahem, other women might have some strange thoughts.

Let’s correct that.

It wasn’t that she wanted to hide the fact that she had spent a night with me.

– What if those women get carried away and think that if they sleep with the physician, they’ll recover from Absolute Meridian Sickness?

Mo Yongseol seemed intent on blocking any situation where I would spend a night with another woman.

– …Physician Seok. Is that so?

– Yes?

– I’m asking if spending a night with you is truly a remedy for Absolute Meridian Sickness.

– How would I know?

I didn’t know either.

But in that situation, I definitely knew what the right answer was.

One.

– If I had known that was a cure, I would have hastened the treatment for Mo Yongseol’s Absolute Meridian Sickness, even if it meant getting stabbed by the Sword Master’s sword.

– Physician…

The mindset of a physician.

Two.

– And wanting to verify that, would it mean spending the night with another girl afflicted by Absolute Meridian Sickness? That would be absurd. It neither respects her nor is it respectful toward Mo Yongseol.

– Physician!

The relationship with Mo Yongseol.

– Understood. I now know your intentions; whatever happens in the future, act with dignity.

Whether he liked that answer or not, the Sword Saint imparted this advice as the head of the Mo Yong Family.

– The Mo Yong Family never retreats in the face of obstacles nor flees in despair.

The mindset one must have as a member of the Mo Yong Family.

So I had pondered.

What chaos would ensue if others saw Mo Yongseol, who had seemingly recovered from Absolute Meridian Sickness?

“Step back, Jeomchang.”

I could tell there was a conflict with the Jeomchang Sect now.

“My physician was my lover.”

“I was… a lover?! That too, was!”

So Yeonjeok’s cold facade cracked.

And her gaze turned to the crown pin atop Mo Yongseol’s head clutched close to her heart.

“Could it be…!”

“That’s right. We’ve now become lovers.”

Mo Yongseol nestled her head into my arm.

As I tried to pull my hand away, she pressed against my thigh, preventing it, pulling our bodies closer.

“!!”

My hand brushed against an embarrassing area, yet Mo Yongseol defiantly held her head high, clinging to me all the more.

“Isn’t that right, Physician? Or should I refer to you as ‘Seok-kyung’ instead?”

“This…”

With so many people, including So Yeonjeok, looking on, their gazes darting around in bewilderment.

Some were shocked by Mo Yongseol’s declaration.

Some were bewildered by her condition.

“…….”

In that instant, I felt the young men’s gazes directed toward Mo Yongseol.

Up until now, they had regarded her as someone “doomed to die” without any interest, but upon seeing Mo Yongseol display vitality, their eyes began to sharpen.

“I prefer the title of Physician.”

So, I turned to Mo Yongseol and slightly bowed my head.

“And since the ‘ceremony’ hasn’t even been held yet, would you kindly wait until then?”

“That’s a good point.”

Creak, creak.

Sword Saint Mo Yongcheon entered the center of the banquet hall.

“Now that we are all gathered, I shall speak as the host of this banquet.”

Mo Yongcheon stood before Mo Yongseol and me, turning his body to face everyone.

“Today’s banquet is to announce the engagement of my daughter Mo Yongseol and my… perhaps I should say my…”

GooOOO—

“……This banquet is to announce my daughter’s engagement.”

“Eh? Engagement?!”

An elderly warrior with a long beard, the Martial World Alliance Leader, sprang forward.

“Hey, Sword Saint! What in the world is…? Wasn’t there no such talk?!”

“Thirteen years ago, when my daughter first fell under Absolute Meridian Sickness, I proclaimed it to the Martial World, to the world.”

Mo Yongcheon extended his hand.

“I vowed that whoever cures my daughter’s Absolute Meridian Sickness would inherit my daughter and all that I possess.”

“!!”

Vivid azure energy flowed from beneath Sword Saint’s hand like starlight, becoming a sword.

“I will fulfill my promise. I declare Physician Seok Muwol as my daughter’s fiancé…”

“That’s absurd!!”

So Yeonjeok shouted.

“Hoh. What is it that seems absurd?”

“Physician Seok Muwol is someone with a bright future as a Physician! To engage him to a woman who is on the brink of death, is that your plan?!”

“T-That can’t be! So Sojeo!”

“That’s alright, Alliance Leader. Today is a joyous day, and I won’t hold any rudeness against you.”

While the others turned their eyes toward So Yeonjeok, I could clearly feel that Sword Saint experienced gratitude towards her for interrupting his remarks.

Otherwise, that killing intent would have been aimed right at my neck.

“I declare the engagement of my daughter, cured by Physician Seok Muwol, and my daughter’s betrothal to him, to our Mo Yong family…”

“Sword Saint.”

Now, the old monk, the New Ascendant, stepped forward.

“I know that you dislike anyone interrupting your speech, but my common sense is in tatters, and my judgment is clouded; I can’t help but ask. Please excuse me.”

“Speak freely, Senior.”

He struggled to get his words straight before naturally shifting the topic back.

Perhaps it was easier to give an honest answer regarding the current situation than to call me ‘son-in-law’ right away.

“Treating Absolute Meridian Sickness is something the Gongcheongsuk, Hyungsul Sam, the medicinal herbs, and even the Daehwan Dahn of Shaolin could not cure. What method did you employ to achieve this remedy?”

“That is—”

“I slept with him.”

Mo Yongseol was not an ordinary woman.

“When I spent a night with the Physician, my Absolute Meridian Sickness vanished.”

With those words, some gasped in astonishment, while others sparked with hope.

Gulp.

Oh dear…

And others were overcome with the desire to gouge their eyes out immediately.

“Isn’t that right, Physician?”

And I myself.

“Just…”

Regarding this situation, I couldn’t retreat or provide opening to those showing lustful gazes toward Mo Yongseol.

Members of the Mo Yong Family don’t retreat or flee.

“I’m sure it’s a miracle brought by our love.”

I raised my hand to cup Mo Yongseol’s chin.

Mo Yongseol quietly closed her eyes, standing on her tiptoes toward me.

Chup—

With the kiss, the sound of a porcelain cup shattering on the ground echoed throughout the banquet hall.

* * *

On that day.

Those who had gathered for someone’s death witnessed a miracle.

The Sword Saint, who could kiss his daughter without swinging his sword to behead that scoundrel—

If that were a miracle, then so be it.

They beheld.

The radiant woman, her Absolute Meridian Sickness cured, displaying a rosy complexion while kissing her lover.