Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: Winter Farewells
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"So."
Perhaps it was his imagination, but Paeng Yeonhwa's voice sounded icy.
"You're really going to do it?"
It wasn't his imagination. Bang Jun glanced around nervously at the sharp edge in Paeng Yeonhwa's voice and expression.
Dang Heeran's face wasn't much better, even if not quite as stormy.
"I said no, but I made a promise, so what choice do I have?"
"You're not harboring any ulterior motives, are you?"
"You're not serious, right?"
Wi Seongcheon shot back in disbelief.
"Why not? Senior Jeong Miju is more than worthy of a little crush. She's the precious heir of the Golden Name Escort Agency, the top escort service in the martial world, and her looks and skills are outstanding too."
"You're skipping over her personality."
"...Your personality isn't exactly a picnic either."
"What did I do? I'm a pretty decent guy. And I have zero ulterior motives toward Senior Jeong Miju. I'm just doing it because of the promise—nothing more."
"Still, calling you her lover? Senior Jeong Miju sure doesn't hold back. Nailing it down like that is going to cause headaches later."
"I told her that too. That it might get annoying down the line. But from what she said, she has no intention of ever getting married. Even if she changes her mind someday, she claimed she's not so petty that a little thing like this would tarnish her reputation."
Wi Seongcheon recalled Jeong Miju's smug, triumphant smile as she said it.
Of course, someone like Jeong Miju would have suitors lining up based on her own merits, regardless of her background.
"And she said it's just pretending to be lovers, not actually committing to it."
"Then?"
"She said it'd be enough to just give off that vibe appropriately. Guess I'll find out once I get there."
In any case, refusing was impossible for Wi Seongcheon.
He'd received plenty of favors from her already, and flat-out rejecting her would make them outright enemies.
Over one refusal? Yeah, even one refusal. That was Jeong Miju's personality.
'I can't let that happen.'
One of the Four Flowers.
The heir of the Golden Name Escort Agency, whose influence spanned the entire martial world.
To ordinary folk who didn't practice martial arts, the name Golden Name Escort Agency carried even more weight than the Nine Great Righteous Sects.
"Guangxi, huh? That's pretty far."
"Think of it as an early visit. Guangxi's right next to Guangdong, isn't it?"
Starting next spring, seven students from each year at Yicheon Academy would head to the Black Forest.
It was a monumental event—the first formal exchange between Yicheon Academy and the Black Forest after centuries without contact—so the selection process would be rigorous.
Naturally, they'd pick seven from the upper class each year, and Wi Seongcheon's name would be on that list.
"It's not quite Guangdong, but Guangxi is still a hub for the unorthodox sects. Watch yourself so you don't pick fights."
"Especially with the Zhuge Clan."
Paeng Yeonhwa spoke with a hint of worry, her edge softened, and Dang Heeran nodded as she chimed in.
"They probably won't take a liking to you."
The Zhuge Clan and Heavenly Flower Sect were polar opposites.
While Heavenly Flower Sect had shifted from unorthodox to orthodox, the Zhuge Clan had gone the other way, from orthodox to unorthodox.
It was three hundred years ago, but the Zhuge Clan's sudden defection—when they were one of the Five Great Families alongside the Namgoong Clan, Tang Clan, Paeng Clan, and Hwangbo Clan—had shocked the orthodox martial world.
"Even if we're on opposite sides, do they really hold a grudge?"
Wi Seongcheon chuckled dismissively.
* * *
The grand dueling arena, expanded for the tournament finals, was getting good use for events like this.
Such ceremonies were usually held in the Martial Studies Hall's auditorium, but at the strong insistence of graduate representative Jeong Miju, all future academy events would use the grand dueling arena.
The reason for Jeong Miju's insistence was simple.
They'd poured a fortune into expanding the arena, but she was graduating without even using it a handful of times.
She didn't want to feel like it had all been a waste, so she'd negotiated with Yicheon Academy to use the arena even for minor events.
Thanks to that, hundreds of students were out in the midwinter cold, sitting in the spectator stands.
The wind had died down a bit, only for fat snowflakes to start falling.
Not every student had reached the point of being impervious to cold, so the weaker ones huddled under blankets, sniffling.
Despite the blizzard, the graduation proceeded as planned.
Watching it gave Wi Seongcheon a strange feeling.
'Three years left.'
He hadn't even been here half a year.
Among the fourth-years, the only ones he'd gotten close to were Jeong Miju and Seo Baek from Frivolous Sentiments.
The rest of the seniors were total strangers.
Yet thinking of them graduating and leaving the academy felt oddly off. For Wi Seongcheon, who'd grown up entirely within Heavenly Flower Sect, it was a thoroughly unfamiliar sensation.
'In three years, I'll be up there too.'
Assuming he graduated without incident, new first-years would arrive next year, and he'd become a second-year, called "senior" himself.
It was hard to imagine right now.
"What're you thinking about?"
"My own graduation someday."
"That's three years away. Why think about it already?"
"Three years flies by. For one thing, I don't want to graduate in a snowstorm like this."
"When we go to Guangxi together, ask Senior Jeong Miju to get a roof built on the arena."
"She'd try to kill me."
They bantered like that while watching the ceremony.
Jeong Miju read her graduation speech—ghostwritten by Seo Baek—while snow poured down on her. It wasn't anything worth paying close attention to.
She'd learned much over four years at the academy, would engrave the spirit of chivalry befitting an orthodox martial artist deep in her heart, care for the weak, and stand against evil.
And with that, the graduation ended. The end-of-term ceremony that followed was nothing special.
Return to the academy on time. Don't forget you're Yicheon Academy students even out in the world—don't do anything shameful.
That summed up the director's exhortation.
Finally.
Everyone stood and clapped. A standard send-off for the graduating seniors.
"Should've prepared some fireworks at least."
"In this weather?"
"Or hired a band. That would've made it feel more proper."
Jeong Miju said it with a smirk. Just words, nothing more.
Graduating from the academy after four years. Lately, it'd gotten boring—she'd even wished for it to end sooner.
"But the last few months were fun."
"...Huh?"
"Thanks to you, junior."
Jeong Miju turned her head as she spoke. The ceremonies were over, but plenty of students had come down to the arena.
To chat with close seniors.
"Why are you bawling?"
"I'm not."
U Ha-yeon pouted. Even as she said it, her eyes were red and teary.
"It's just so cold. All because of you, sis—if it'd been in the auditorium, we wouldn't be getting snowed on."
"They spent big on expanding this arena. Gotta use it often, right?"
Jeong Miju grumbled as she pulled a handkerchief from her bosom and handed it to U Ha-yeon.
She'd insisted she wasn't crying, but U Ha-yeon meekly took it and dabbed at her eyes.
"It's not like graduation means the end, right? You won't disappear from my life forever?"
"I won't see you as often as before."
"Then quit and come to Golden Name Escort Agency. I'd make you my personal guard."
"What about Huashan Sect?"
"There's no rule saying disciples of the Nine Great Righteous Sects can't do other work."
"I'll ask Master."
"As if Grandmaster Nakhwa Jeokyeon would allow it. Anyway, stop crying. We can still meet after graduation. If you miss me, come visit often."
U Ha-yeon's eyes reddened further at the pat on her shoulder.
She sniffled and threw her arms around Jeong Miju.
"...See you later, sis."
"Don't rub your face too much—snot'll get on me."
"You're so gross."
"It's your fault for sniffling."
Jeong Miju turned to look at Wi Seongcheon.
"Junior... no, you're not my junior anymore since I graduated."
"Call me whatever's comfortable."
"Right, little bro. Don't quit Frivolous Sentiments just 'cause I'm gone—take good care of Ha-yeon. And recruit some new members while you're at it."
"I'll do my best."
"I'll go console Ha-yeon a bit more, so say your goodbyes to your friends too."
"T-take care. Junior. Look after Miju sis."
U Ha-yeon's sobs grew louder. Wi Seongcheon backed away discreetly.
Dang Heeran stood with Cheonsal.
Seeing Wi Seongcheon approach, Cheonsal narrowed his eyes, then smiled faintly and stepped back a few paces.
Wi Seongcheon bowed politely to Cheonsal before speaking to Dang Heeran.
"You're heading straight back to the Tang Clan?"
"Yeah, I need formal permission from Grandma."
Her expression was a bit stiff with worry over it, but she tried not to show it as she shook his hand.
"See you next time."
Bang Jun looked like he was on his deathbed.
If it were farther away, he could dawdle all he wanted, but the Beggar Clan headquarters he had to return to wasn't far from Yicheon Academy.
"Told me to be back in four days."
Bang Jun's face crumpled.
"If I don't make it back next semester, light some incense for me."
"No way the Divine Beggar's gonna kill you."
"He'll make me wish for death."
Dang Seona stood with the Twin-Headed Venomous Snake.
She stayed at a distance, just staring at Dang Heeran with Cheonsal, without approaching.
"Not going back together?"
"We'll meet at the Tang Clan."
Dang Seona glanced at Wi Seongcheon.
"Going with Senior Jeong Miju, huh? A shame—I'd have liked to go to the Tang Clan with you if possible."
"I'd love to visit too, but not this time."
"No need to be so scared. Like I said before, meeting Grandma would actually help you."
Dang Seona gave a thin smile.
Tae Heemyung and Yeongjin were with the Supreme Sword Sage. They weren't returning to their sects—instead, they'd head to the front lines with him for two months.
Yeongjin wasn't the Supreme Sword Sage's disciple, but the master planned to offer him advice on the sword instead of martial arts.
"Will you return to Yicheon Academy next semester?"
"Probably not. Nurturing young talent is rewarding, but alas, I can't devote myself to it fully."
The Supreme Sword Sage smiled faintly at Wi Seongcheon.
"I'm sorry I couldn't teach you more, but we'll cross paths again someday."
Despite the cold, Tae Heemyung's face was flushed red.
The tension of training at the front lines with her master, plus the fact that Yeongjin—and even U Ha-yeon—would join her, had her heart pounding.
Rejected publicly or not, she still harbored feelings for U Ha-yeon.
"See you around, benefactor."
Jinu, bandages off both arms, stood with the other Shaolin monks.
Wi Seongcheon returned Jinu's beaming clasped hands with a fist-and-palm salute.
Hwangbo Seongu stood with Haji Tae.
Wi Seongcheon grinned and waved, but Hwangbo Seongu just snorted without responding.
Haji Tae waved lazily instead.
Seemed they were heading back to the Hwangbo Clan together.
"Where are you off to?"
"Nowhere."
Mu Yeonjun replied.
Sang Irin was nowhere in sight. She was still hospitalized in the medical ward.
No internal injuries, so she could discharge, but she hadn't.
The reason was obvious.
'Embarrassed, probably.'
Or in despair. Either way, none of Wi Seongcheon's business.
"Staying at Yicheon Academy?"
"I'm entering secluded training for two months."
Mu Yeonjun answered flatly.
He had nowhere to go. No family, no sect.
He could go anywhere, but Mu Yeonjun had no desire to.
"Vacation time, and you're living like a monk."
Wi Seongcheon muttered as he passed him by.
Mu Yeonjun turned to watch his retreating back. He tilted his head at the unfamiliar pang in his chest.
'...Regret?'
Probably. Mu Yeonjun smirked and turned away.
Paeng Yeonhwa was with Cheong Ubin.
"You sure you're okay? Better to come to Qing Forest with me than return to the Paeng Clan."
"Thanks for saying that, but Qing Forest is a mysterious sect."
"Not so much anymore. We take guests now."
Cheong Ubin gave Wi Seongcheon a knowing smile as he approached.
"Can't be helped, then. Good luck."
'What am I supposed to buck up for...?'
Paeng Yeonhwa looked bewildered, but Cheong Ubin chuckled like he knew everything and turned away.
"You're really going back to the Paeng Clan?"
"I told you I have a reason."
"You never said what it is."
Paeng Yeonhwa pouted at Wi Seongcheon's jab. She wagged her tail up and down while glaring at him.
Truth be told, her eyes were on Jeong Miju, standing behind him.
Having finally shaken off U Ha-yeon, Jeong Miju stood at a distance, arms crossed, waiting.
"...Maybe I should just go with you..."
"You could."
"No, I can't."
Paeng Yeonhwa hesitated, then shook her head.
"It's martial arts. There's still a technique at the Paeng Clan I haven't learned."
"...Martial arts?"
"Yeah."
She hadn't wanted to see it before.
But after meeting Wi Seongcheon, she wanted to change. And she'd realized how weak she still was.
So she'd made up her mind.
That's why she had to return to the Paeng Clan this time.
"Guess it can't be helped."
Wi Seongcheon smiled and offered his hand.
Paeng Yeonhwa blinked at it for a moment, then beamed.
"See you later."
Her swishing tail receded into the distance.
"You've got it good, junior. So many friends."
Jeong Miju approached Wi Seongcheon, who'd been standing there blankly, and teased him.
Wi Seongcheon laughed in exasperation.
"What do you mean, many?"
"You weren't about to say few, were you?"
Wi Seongcheon was at a loss for words. He tilted his head, then burst out laughing.
"Can't say that."
That odd feeling during the graduation.
Now he knew what it was.
'Regret.'
He'd spent most of his twenty years in Heavenly Flower Sect. Aside from Paeng Yeonhwa ten years ago and his brother, he'd never been close to peers.
When his father had pushed him to attend Yicheon Academy, he never imagined he'd feel this regret—or have people to bid farewell to.
"Ah."
Brushing snow from his hair, Wi Seongcheon looked up at the sky.
He'd weathered winter snows plenty of times before.
But today's winter felt lonelier, colder somehow.