noveltune Chapter 46:
Chapter 46:
Chapter 46:
“An infirmary, you say? What do you mean by that?”
“The treatment method used by Novice Mu-jin is unlike anything found on the continent. Surely, there are patients across the continent, like Abbot Hyun-gwang, my mother, and myself, who cannot be cured by traditional methods used by the existing medical practitioners. I want to open an infirmary to treat such patients using Novice Mu-jin’s methods.”
This was an instinct as a merchant.
Right after receiving Mu-jin’s treatment and Hyun-gwang’s heat and electrotherapy, Ryu Ji-gwang was convinced. He was certain, “This is a profitable venture.”
Moreover, Ryu Ji-gwang had connections as the Sangdanju of the world’s five largest trading groups. Connections with high-ranking officials and local wealthy individuals.
Many of these high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals were elderly, and there were not a few who complained of symptoms similar to his mother’s.
If he introduced such individuals to Mu-jin and proceeded with treatments, he could generate tremendous profits.
Of course, it could be risky to launch such a business after just one treatment.
If the treatment effects were minimal, it would be easy to be accused of fraud by high-ranking officials or wealthy individuals.
Nonetheless, the reason Ryu Ji-gwang was determined to push this business forward was because of more than just his merchant’s intuition.
“Recently, the movements of local branches have been unsettling.”
It was for the safety of his family.
When he or his mother, or any of his family members, were in danger, Ryu Ji-gwang chose Shaolin as a refuge. More precisely, he chose Hyun-gwang.
The extraordinary skills Hyun-gwang displayed during the recent treatment had a significant impact on Ryu Ji-gwang’s decision.
Cheonryu Sangdan had become a huge trading group by transporting countless items across the continent.
As such, Cheonryu Sangdan was both a trading group and a courier service. Naturally, to handle numerous business trips, they employed numerous escorts and had a considerable number of martial artists.
Even as the Sangdanju of such a significant trading group, Ryu Ji-gwang had never seen anyone perform the kind of miracles Hyun-gwang demonstrated.
Initially, he thought about approaching Hyun-gwang directly.
“But he was the epitome of a monk who had cut ties with worldly affairs.”
Never having seen Hyun-gwang indulge in alcohol or meat, Ryu Ji-gwang concluded that approaching Hyun-gwang with wealth would be the worst method.
Thus, Ryu Ji-gwang decided to connect with Shaolin through Mu-jin, whom Hyun-gwang cherished, and to maintain a steady relationship with Shaolin through him. By conducting business together.
However, whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, Chubodangju Hyun-myeong only understood half of Ryu Ji-gwang’s intentions.
“The Sangdanju has suggested a considerable treatment fee for Mu-jin’s method. So, it seems like the infirmary you want to open in Deungbong-hyeon would only be for the wealthy. Amitabha.”
“He only had the intention of doing business with the wealthy.”
“I intend to donate half of the profits from the clinic to Shaolin.”
“I have repeatedly told you, our Shaolin does not engage in commerce through the abilities of our disciples.”
“I don’t understand why you consider it as commerce. Wouldn’t it be enough if half of the clinic’s profits were used by Shaolin to aid the poor?”
“If we treat only the rich to earn money, the world will criticize Shaolin.”
“......”
Ryu Ji-gwang did not show it outwardly, but he sighed inwardly with frustration.
If such a proposal had been made to any other sect or the Five Great Families, which were not limited like the Beggars’ Sect, they would have gladly accepted it.
No, it would have been fortunate if they only accepted it. Some sects and families, which only pretended to be righteous on the outside, would have instead fiercely extorted more money from him.
‘While I don’t have to worry about being extorted, it’s frustrating that we can’t communicate.’
As Ryu Ji-gwang was thinking this, Mu-jin cautiously spoke up.
“If I may be so bold, may I say a word?”
“Humph. How can you suggest that I would do such a thing? However, even if I did not, surely some would curse her.”
Mu-jin shook his head at Hyun-myeong’s response.
“Living in the mundane world does not make people fools, Master Chubo-dangju. The people of that city understood her profound intention and compassion. During her ride, everyone stayed inside their homes, not daring to look at her.”
There had been one person who spied on her, someone who would later become infamous in modern times for voyeurism. But Mu-jin felt no need to mention that part of the story.
“Just as that woman’s act might be criticized by some, the people will understand Shaolin’s compassion. And even if they do not, what matters is that we are making an effort to save beings.”
Hyun-myeong and Hye-min closed their eyes and chanted Buddha’s name for a moment.
When they reopened their eyes, the torment seemed to have lifted, leaving them with a clearer gaze.
“Sigh. Sangdanju benefactor. We will agree to open the clinic under the condition that half of the profits are used by Shaolin to aid the needy and that there will be a free treatment facility in the clinic. However, this matter requires the abbot’s approval. We will inform the abbot and decide on the specifics based on his decision.”
“Thank you for your decision, Chubodangju. My mother and I will continue to visit Shaolin for treatment, so please contact us when any decisions are made.”
Ryu Ji-gwang expressed his gratitude with a respectful bow, to which Hyun-myeong responded with a half-bow.
That evening.
While Mu-jin was sparring in Hye-gwan’s pavilion, Abbot Hyun Cheon visited Hyun-gwang. Hyun Cheon had already heard everything that had happened at Chubodangju from Hyun-myeong, and his visit to Hyun-gwang was to relay those events.
“As expected, Mu-jin is the one who will guide our Shaolin in the right direction, senior brother.”
Hyun Cheon had felt as if he’d been struck when he heard the story from Hyun-myeong.
The only curious point was how Mu-jin knew such an ancient Sogdian tale.
“Hahaha, so Mu-jin has earned a hundred gold coins for Shaolin and is set to earn even more in the future. Abbot.”
“Yes, senior brother. Shaolin will lead the way in helping others through the money Mu-jin brings in.”
“Hahahaha.”
Hyun-gwang let out a hearty laugh, staring directly at Hyun Cheon.
“Then, shouldn’t we reward Mu-jin? He has brought in a significant amount of money for the benefit of all.”
“A reward? What kind of...”
When Hyun Cheon asked, Hyun-gwang raised the bottle he was holding, took a sip, and then spoke.
“How about giving him a Great Restoration Pill, Abbot?”
“W-what are you saying, senior brother?”
“Mu-jin has brought in a large sum of money for Shaolin. Isn’t it fitting to reward him with at least one Great Restoration Pill?”
Hyun-gwang’s words, spoken as if it was the most natural thing in the world, made Hyun Cheon feel dizzy.
‘The rumors about senior brother losing his mind after failing to reach Nirvana, they must be true!’
He then noticed a peculiar fragrance wafting around him.
“Senior brother!? That bottle... could it be...?”
Hyun Cheon asked in shock, to which Hyun-gwang replied with a mysterious smile.
“What does it matter what’s in this bottle? Hahaha. If a Great Restoration Pill is too much, then at least a Lesser Restoration Pill should be given.”
“....”
Hyun Cheon pondered.
He wondered if the person before him was not Hyun-gwang but an impostor from the Green Forest Thieves.