The infirmary for the Outer Disciples was quiet, save for the groans of the losers. The smell of medicinal herbs was thick enough to chew on.
Han Su lay on a cot in the corner, staring at the ceiling. His chest was wrapped in bandages, but every breath felt like inhaling broken glass. He had lost. To Ma Goo. The shame was worse than the pain.
Creak.
The door opened softly. A shadow slipped in, moving with the silence of a ghost.
Han Su stiffened, his hand reaching for a dagger under his pillow. "Who's there?"
"A friend," a hoarse voice whispered.
Jin Ryeong stepped into the moonlight. He looked pathetic—bruised face, bandaged arms—but his eyes were clear and sharp.
"You," Han Su spat, wincing as his ribs protested. "Ma Goo's dog. Did he send you to mock me?"
"Ma Goo is sleeping like a pig," Jin Ryeong said, pulling a stool close to the bed. He didn't bow. "I came because you are in pain. And because you are angry."
Han Su glared at him. "Get out before I call the guards."
"You could," Jin Ryeong shrugged. "But the sect doctors said your meridian network is shocked. You won't be able to cultivate properly for three months. By then, the Inner Sect exam will be over."
Han Su's eyes widened. It was true. "How do you..."
"I can fix it," Jin Ryeong cut him off. "Tonight."
Silence stretched between them. Han Su looked at the frail servant. It sounded insane. But he remembered the feeling in the arena—the brief moment when Jin Ryeong touched him, and his heart stopped racing.
"What do you want?" Han Su asked.
"I'm a businessman, Senior Brother," Jin Ryeong smiled. "I need resources."
Han Su hesitated, then reached into his sash. He pulled out a small jade bottle. "Three 'Spirit Gathering Pills'. They are worth fifty silver taels."
Jin Ryeong's heart skipped a beat. Spirit Gathering Pills.
"Deal," Jin Ryeong snatched the bottle.
[Item Acquired: Spirit Gathering Pill (x3)] [Grade: Low] [Effect: Aids cultivation. Permanently increases Base Qi.]
"Lie back," Jin Ryeong commanded.
Jin Ryeong placed his hands on Han Su's chest. He focused on his own Dantian. It was a dry, withered well, holding only 1 point of Qi. It was practically nothing. He couldn't use his Qi to heal; he had to use his physical stamina as fuel.
[Innate Ability Activated: Wicked Healing.]
Hummmm.
The neon green light pulsed. Jin Ryeong felt his energy draining rapidly, his stomach cramping as the System converted his calories and life force into healing energy.
[Ding!] [Target: Han Su] [Treatment Successful: Meridian Stabilization.] [Reward: +80 XP]
Jin Ryeong pulled back, gasping for air, sweat dripping from his nose. He was dizzy.
Han Su sat up, breathing deeply. No pain. "My god... It's really gone."
Jin Ryeong stood up, leaning against the wall to stop the room from spinning. "I am just a cleaner, Senior Brother. Remember that."
He moved to the door. "Oh, and Ma Goo has a weak liver. Aim for the right side, under the ribs."
Han Su smirked darkly. "I see. You really are a wicked little thing."
[Ding!] [Relationship Updated: Han Su (Accomplice)] [Karma: -15]