Episode 325: If Only We Could Return to the Past

It’s a common tale of regret, but for Dang Mujin, it sparked a glimmer of possibility. While true time travel was out of reach, there was someone who had shown a way to restore one’s body to its former state—Hwayeon Shinni.

Of course, this wasn’t the solution Tuhee had asked for. But as a healer, Dang Mujin naturally sought ways to save lives.

Tuhee didn’t want to die; she simply hadn’t found a better option. If a different solution could be found, it would be all the better.

Yet, regaining a youthful body wouldn’t solve everything. The real issue was the deep-seated corruption in her mind, the madness it had brought.

What truly mattered to Dang Mujin was this question:

“If I gain a new body, can I expel the corruption and reclaim a clear mind?”

The answer wasn’t certain, but the mere possibility was enough. Dang Mujin made up his mind.

“What?”

When Dang Mujin shared his plan with his companions, they couldn’t hide their surprise.

“You want to meet Hwayeon Shinni? She’s in Junggyeong.”

“Yes. I’ll go as quickly as I can. If I push myself and skip rest, I can be back in a month.”

Namgung Myung and Hong Geolgae weren’t thrilled. The idea of delaying their plans for over a month didn’t sit well with them.

But Hyungong was different.

He could see that Dang Mujin had made up his mind, and trying to stop him would be futile.

In such situations, it was wiser to step back and earn some goodwill.

Hyungong spoke up.

“Dang Mujin, I respect your decision. If there’s a chance to heal someone, what’s a little delay?”

Dang Mujin, along with Yeom and Seolhwa, looked at Hyungong with wide eyes. Hyungong maintained a calm demeanor.

Hyungong asked again, “What about Tuhee’s internal injuries? We came here to treat those, remember?”

“The initial treatment is done. She just needs to take the powdered medicine and follow Yeom’s prescriptions. It might take some time, but with rest, she’ll recover.”

With Dang Mujin’s assurance, Hyungong moved on to the next question.

“Got it. Is there anything we should do while you’re away?”

“Well, you could train. Or, if there’s nothing else, you could help Yeom gather herbs and antidotes. If things don’t go well, we might need to use them to ease Tuhee’s suffering. Who knows, we might even find a rare herb.”

“Understood.”

Hyungong replied confidently, and Dang Mujin set off for Junggyeong.

Hyungong had gleaned a clue from Dang Mujin’s words.

“A rare herb, huh. Brings back memories.”

Though he hadn’t mentioned it to the others, Hyungong had knowledge of herbs and antidotes.

As a child, before he discovered his martial arts talent, he had explored various paths, including becoming a herbalist. He had heard that those who could find rare herbs could make a fortune.

The idea of not having to work tirelessly year-round was appealing. One big find could allow for years of leisure.

Mount Wudang was a perfect place for a budding herbalist like Hyungong.

The highest peaks and several nearby ones were off-limits to other herbalists, leaving many untouched herbs and rare plants for him to discover.

In fact, Hyungong had consumed more than half of Mount Wudang’s rare herbs. Though he never found the ultimate elixir, the minor herbs he did find, when consumed regularly, had significantly boosted his internal energy.

With his accumulated energy, sharp intellect, and a bit of luck, Hyungong had surpassed the pinnacle of martial arts earlier than anyone else.

Reflecting on these memories filled Hyungong with confidence.

“Maybe I haven’t been able to break through the ultimate barrier because I haven’t had any rare herbs lately. This is my chance.”

Hyungong pondered deeply.

In his past searches, he had learned that rare herbs often grew in peculiar places. For instance, where trees were unusually lush, or where the grass was yellowed and sparse, or where there was an inexplicable chill, or where sunlight shone brightly in a dark forest.

And he suspected there was something peculiar about the cave where Tuhee stayed.

“I have a feeling.”

To spend days in a cave, one would need food and water. While food could be brought in with the villagers’ help, water had to be sourced from within the cave.

The fact that water could be found inside the cave seemed suspicious to Hyungong. The cave itself was odd.

Caves were rare on high rocky mountains, yet here was one on a modest hill. And to find water inside?

There was more evidence.

Tuhee had mentioned that her martial skills had improved since she first secluded herself in the cave. For someone with a troubled mind to advance in martial arts was highly unusual.

“I have a hunch.”

Hyungong approached Tuhee with a proposal.

“Sister.”

Hyungong had a knack for catching people off guard with just a word.

”…Huh? Sister? Me?”

“Yes. Who else would I call sister?”

“You’re kidding. With our age difference, calling me sister is a stretch.”

“Does age matter? We look only a few years apart. Anyway, you’re not planning to go into the cave today, are you?”

Tuhee’s face brightened noticeably.

”…No, I’m feeling okay today.”

“In that case, would you mind if I cleaned the cave?”

“I don’t mind, but it’s a bit embarrassing. Is there a reason to clean it?”

“I have a hobby of cleaning. A tidy space lifts my spirits.”

“If that’s the case, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

With Tuhee’s permission, Hyungong entered the cave. As expected, there was a deep, wide pool at the back.

He held a torch and looked up. The ceiling was slightly damp, but no water dripped down. The walls weren’t wet either.

“That means the water is coming from the ground.”

It was unbelievable. On flat land, maybe, but here, in a cave halfway up a hill? The ground was higher than the surroundings, yet water was rising from it.

Hyungong scooped up some water with his hands, took a sip, and then sat cross-legged to meditate.

A faint energy spread from his stomach. Clear and refreshing. It was extraordinary.

“I was right.”

Hyungong plunged his face into the pool and drank deeply.

After drinking his fill, he stood up with a sly smile. He could enjoy this water for a month.

An ordinary person might have been content with such unexpected luck, but Hyungong was no fool. Opportunities were meant to be seized.

“Next step…”

If he hadn’t been talented in martial arts, Hyungong might have become the world’s greatest herbalist. He pondered with his sharp mind.

Just as vines bear fruit and gold gathers in veins, rare herbs have their own paths.

The energy in this pool wasn’t dense, but the total amount was comparable to a top-grade elixir. Such a fortuitous find was rare.

Surely, there were many more rare herbs around this hill.

With Dang Mujin’s request to gather herbs and antidotes, he had the perfect excuse.

“I’ll gather herbs and antidotes as Dang Mujin asked, and keep the rare ones for myself.”

With a satisfied grin, Hyungong approached Namgung Myung and Hong Geolgae.

“Are you busy right now?”

“Uh… not really. Why?”

“I’m planning to gather herbs and antidotes, as Dang Mujin requested.”

“Why are you so eager? Is there a rush…?”

As expected, Hong Geolgae seemed reluctant. But Hyungong skillfully persuaded him.

“Dang Mujin rarely asks for favors. It’s been a while, so I want to make an effort. Imagine his surprise if we return with a bounty of herbs and antidotes.”

“Hmm.”

There was no need to convince Namgung Myung. He was the type to go along once the mood was set. As expected, Namgung Myung got up and headed out with Hong Geolgae.

“Let’s not move together. Spread out and search in different directions. Let’s find out where there are more… herbs first.”

“Got it.”

Just then, Seolhwa suddenly opened a book and started studying.

But you can’t escape sacred labor with such a flimsy excuse.

“Seolhwa, could you come over here for a moment?”

Before long, Seolhwa had to join in the search for herbs, poisonous plants, and possibly the elusive spirit herbs hidden among them.

Less than two weeks after setting out, Dang Mujin arrived in Zhongjing. He had never traveled such a long distance so quickly before.

He was so exhausted that as soon as he entered the alley of the tavern district, he felt his entire body melt with fatigue.

As he entered the tavern alley in the early evening, the tavern’s courtesans gathered around him.

“Master Dang, it’s been a while!”

“You look utterly worn out. Perhaps you should spend a relaxing evening at our tavern today…”

He hadn’t rushed here just to idle away in a tavern.

Politely declining their invitations, Dang Mujin headed straight for Deungsun Pavilion.

A familiar face greeted him as the owner of Deungsun Pavilion came out to welcome him.

“It’s been a long time!”

“Indeed, it has. I was wondering if Elder Haryeong is…”

Dang Mujin was about to ask for the usual meeting with Hwayeon Shinni but changed his mind.

He was too tired; if he sat down now, he might just fall asleep on the spot.

“Actually, could you tell me where Elder Haryeong is staying?”

“You wish to go to her directly?”

“It seems a bit odd for someone of my status to keep asking her to come to me.”

The owner of Deungsun Pavilion nodded in agreement.

“If you go straight down that way, you’ll find a tavern called Jeogeum Pavilion. It’s known for having many courtesans around, and you’ll always hear the sound of flutes, so you won’t miss it. The room at the very end of the second floor is where Elder Haryeong resides.”

Those courtesans were likely part of the Hao Mun, led by Hwayeon Shinni. Dang Mujin nodded.

“Understood. I’ll see you next time.”

Dragging his weary body, Dang Mujin trudged along until he found the tavern with an unusually large number of courtesans. Looking up, he saw the sign for Jeogeum Pavilion.

“Sir, would you like to come this way?”

The courtesans approached, trying to lead him, but Dang Mujin waved them off gently.

He trudged up to the second floor. The courtesans were visibly surprised to see a guest head straight upstairs.

“Sir, sir!”

They called after him, but Dang Mujin paid no heed.

As he approached the innermost room, another courtesan stepped in his path.

“Sir, beyond this point is not for guests. Please follow me this way…”

“I know. I’m here to see Elder Haryeong.”

“I’ll inform her for you. May I have your name?”

“Just tell her it’s Dang Mujin. And there’s no need to announce me. I’ll find my way. It’s the room at the end, right?”

“But—”

“It’s fine. I’m well aware of the Elder’s hobbies.”

Unlike most, Dang Mujin was well-acquainted with Hwayeon Shinni and knew her various quirks, like her fondness for romance novels.

Hwayeon Shinni never bothered to hide such things from him.

In a way, Dang Mujin was someone who had entered the inner circle of Hwayeon Shinni.

He skillfully maneuvered past the courtesan.

Though she seemed to have some martial training, it wasn’t enough to stop someone like Dang Mujin, who had mastered the Shadowless Step and the Cloud Step.

“Sir!”

The courtesan called out from behind, but Dang Mujin ignored her and stopped in front of the door.

He spoke towards the room.

“Elder Hwayeon Shinni, it’s Dang Mujin. I’m coming in.”

He gently pushed the door open.

At that moment, he sensed something strange. It felt like there was more than one presence in the room.

His senses sharpened instantly.

Dang Mujin flung the door wide open. The room was modest, with a few bookshelves, but not very spacious.

And for a brief moment, he thought he saw a large, gray figure disappearing beyond the window.

‘An intruder?’

But it seemed odd to call it an intruder. Hwayeon Shinni was calmly reading a book, as if nothing had happened. Though, the book was upside down.

In a slightly stiff voice, Hwayeon Shinni asked Dang Mujin,

“What… what brings you here so suddenly? If you had sent word, I would have come to you.”

“Wasn’t there just an intruder?”

“An intruder? No, there was no one. I’ve been alone all day.”

Though a bit skeptical, Dang Mujin knew his senses weren’t sharper than Hwayeon Shinni’s, so it seemed pointless to argue.

‘Must be seeing things from exhaustion after traveling such a long distance.’

With that thought, Dang Mujin explained his purpose for visiting.

“I came to ask you something.”

“Really? You could have come tomorrow for that…”

Though Hwayeon Shinni seemed slightly annoyed, she didn’t drive him away or scold him.

“So, what is it that you want to know?”

“Elder, I want to know about the phenomenon of returning to youth.”

“Returning to youth?”

He thought she might be reluctant to explain, but surprisingly, Hwayeon Shinni readily shared her knowledge about returning to youth and the transformation of bones and sinews.

Returning to youth, a phenomenon where a person who has attained enlightenment and elevated their martial prowess reverts to their youthful appearance.

Transformation of bones and sinews, a state where one’s body becomes ideal for practicing martial arts.

Though these are legendary states, people often perceive them differently, but in truth, they are not so different, according to Hwayeon Shinni.

“The only issue is that you can’t be sure of the outcome beforehand. I didn’t expect to become this young myself.”

Hwayeon Shinni concluded her explanation.

Now came the most crucial question.

“If someone with a clouded mind due to demonic energy were to achieve returning to youth, could they expel the demonic energy and regain clarity?”

Dang Mujin didn’t have high hopes for the answer. After all, the mind and body are not separate. He was merely grasping at straws.

Yet, unexpectedly, Hwayeon Shinni nodded confidently.

“Most likely, yes.”

“Really?”

Her prompt response made Dang Mujin a bit uneasy.

This question could change Tuhee’s life, so he needed the most accurate advice possible.

He asked again.

“Is there anyone else besides you who has achieved returning to youth? Perhaps a hidden master I don’t know of?”

“There was one among the previous generation of masters. Master Zhang Sanfeng achieved it. But among the living, I’m the only one.”

“Then how can you be so sure it would expel the demonic energy? There’s no one with a similar condition.”

Hearing this, Hwayeon Shinni frowned.

“Sometimes, you ask very impolite questions.”

“Pardon?”

”…Never mind. Don’t worry about it. I know you didn’t mean any harm.”

Dang Mujin pondered why Hwayeon Shinni seemed irritated but couldn’t figure it out.

Only one matter remained. Dang Mujin asked Hwayeon Shinni,

“Elder, could you accompany me to the south of Dongting Lake?”

“Dongting Lake?”

“Yes.”

Dang Mujin explained Tuhee’s situation to Hwayeon Shinni.

Initially indifferent, she soon became deeply engrossed in his story.

When he finished, Hwayeon Shinni sighed.

“I see. It’s a dire situation. You must be exhausted from rushing here for Tuhee’s sake.”

“That’s right.”

“Very well. Let’s go together.”

“Shall we leave right away?”

Both of them glanced out the window. The western sky was painted with a reddish sunset.

For ordinary people, it was too late and dangerous to travel, but for Dang Mujin and Hwayeon Shinni, it didn’t matter whether the sun was up or down.

However, Hwayeon Shinni shook her head.

“No. You must be very tired. Rest well today.”

“I’m fine. I can move right now.”

When Dang Mujin insisted, Hwayeon Shinni glared at him.

“Do as you’re told. Go back and rest today.”

”…Understood.”

Though eager, he couldn’t argue when Hwayeon Shinni was so concerned about his condition.

As Dang Mujin rose to leave, Hwayeon Shinni gave him a stern warning.

“Don’t get impatient and come back before dawn tomorrow. If you do, I won’t go to Dongting Lake with you. I dislike hasty children.”

“I understand.”

“If you decide to wait a few more days, just let me know.”

“Yes.”

Dang Mujin bowed to Hwayeon Shinni and left the room.

As he closed the door, he felt as if there were two presences inside the room now.

’…Am I seeing things again? I must be more tired than I thought.’

Shaking his head, Dang Mujin descended to the first floor. The owner of Jeogeum Pavilion was waiting for him.

Seizing the opportunity, Dang Mujin asked,

“Do you have a vacant room where I could stay for the night?”

Dang Mujin scanned the first floor of the tavern. It seemed there weren’t many patrons today, so he thought he might enjoy a quiet day of rest.

Just then, the tavern owner shook his head.

“Unfortunately, all our rooms have just been booked.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I would love to host a renowned hero like yourself, but as luck would have it…”

Dang Mujin nodded with a wry smile.

“Just my luck.”

It wasn’t a big deal. Even if it wasn’t this particular tavern, there were dozens of inns and taverns in the alleys of Junggyeong.

As usual, Dang Mujin returned to Deungseonru and fell into a deep sleep.