Chapter 15: Sect Token (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 15: Sect Token (1)
A fully grown Descending Immortal Spreading Snow.
It was distinctly different from the immature specimen held in the hands of the Divine Healer of Ten Thousand Ailments. Even a glance at the faintly glowing green beads was enough to tell that this was a true spirit herb.
“Quite a coincidence. For two people to find the spirit herb at nearly the same time... How many beads are inside your petals?” the Divine Healer asked me.
“There are seven.”
Upon hearing my answer, the Divine Healer gave a small smile and nodded. It was an official certification that this was a proper Descending Immortal Spreading Snow.
“Kwahahahaha! Truly worthy of being my disciple!”
Hae Ak-cheon burst into a fit of wild laughter, praising me in high spirits. The way he glanced at the Blood Hand Witch, Han Baek-ha, while doing so was clearly intended to mock her.
– He’s absolutely loving this.
‘He’s an old man with a lot of pride.’
Han Baek-ha merely furrowed her brows, staring blankly at the spirit herb. Surprisingly, there was no sign of resentment toward me. Instead, why did she look as if she were filled with regret?
“Sigh...”
I turned my head at the sound of a sigh coming from beside me. Young Lady Ha Yeon was looking back and forth between the spirit herb and me with an exasperated expression. Her face practically screamed, Why didn’t you tell me about this?
Isn’t it obvious?
Our original deal was for the two of us to find the herb together. But she had entrusted that task to her master, the Blood Hand Witch. While I trusted Ha Yeon, who had taught me a miraculous body lightening method as payment for our deal, trusting the Blood Hand Witch was an entirely different matter.
“We had something to confirm, didn't we, Young Lady?”
At my words, she gave a reluctant nod. I approached Hae Ak-cheon and asked, “Master, may I ask you one thing?”
“Kwahahaha! Of course, of course. Ask anything, and I shall answer.”
Intoxicated with joy, Hae Ak-cheon granted permission readily.
“Did the Sixth Blood Star say she would give you a Sect Token?”
“A Sect Token?”
Since it was difficult to mention it directly with the person in question standing right there, I gave a slight nod toward the Divine Healer. Understanding the gesture, Hae Ak-cheon snorted and spoke.
“Give me a token? Ha! She laid down the law, saying I shouldn't even dream of a token if I didn't grant her request. What are you talking about? Tsk, tsk.”
“When did I ever go so far as to lay down the law?” Han Baek-ha countered, her brow twitching at Hae Ak-cheon’s words.
“Hmph! Then did you say you would give it to me?”
“That is...”
She couldn't find the words to follow up. Looking at the atmosphere, it seemed Hae Ak-cheon had exaggerated slightly, but it was clear she had stated she wouldn't give him the token unless he granted her request.
The conclusion was reached.
I turned around and looked at Young Lady Ha Yeon with a pitying expression, sending her a look.
‘I was right, wasn't I, Young Lady?’
Reading my silent message, her face hardened as she nodded. It was clear from her expression that she was not in a good mood.
But what could be done? A bet is a bet.
“Then, I’ll be in your care.”
At my words to her, everyone including Hae Ak-cheon and the Blood Hand Witch looked puzzled. There had been another bet between her and me.
Before arriving here...
.
.
[What? You’re saying you don’t trust my master?]
[I apologize for saying I cannot trust a senior of the sect, but I am not certain the Sixth Blood Star will actually hand over the Sect Token.]
[That... Master gave her word.]
[And what if my master refuses the Sixth Blood Star’s request?]
[Even then, she will give it. I can give you my word on that, Young Master.]
[I wonder.]
[Phew. Young Master, did you die after being scammed in a past life? Is my word really that hard to trust?]
I was a bit taken aback by the mention of a "past life."
[I even taught you a body lightening method. Can’t you trust me?]
[...I trust you, Young Lady. However, let’s look at it from the other side. If my master were to go back on his word to me, I would have no choice but to follow my senior’s lead, wouldn't I?]
I was implying that if her master changed her mind, she would have to follow suit. To put it bluntly, as a disciple, she was in a position where she had to do whatever the Blood Hand Witch ordered. If the Witch was demanding something from Hae Ak-cheon using the Sect Token as a condition, it was highly likely she wouldn't give it up if the request wasn't met.
[I don't think so. My master will keep her promise.]
[Are you certain?]
[Of course. Where would you find a disciple who dares to doubt their own master?]
The Blood Hand Witch, Han Baek-ha, had raised her disciple well. To think their trust was this deep.
[Then shall we make a bet?]
[...A bet?]
[Since your master took the Descending Immortal Spreading Snow anyway, our plan to say we found it together has gone up in smoke, hasn't it?]
[W-well, that’s true. I’m truly sorry about that...]
[No. From your perspective, Young Lady, you were attacked once, so it’s only natural you’d hand it over for safety. Right?]
[Exactly! But I already told you that earlier...]
[Regardless, the terms of our original deal have changed, haven't they?]
[...I suppose so.]
[I’ve lost the chance to obtain two Sect Tokens, so shouldn't there be something to compensate for that?]
She glared at me.
[Young Master... looking at you, you really have the heart of a thief.]
[A thief? I’m merely looking out for my own interests.]
[Hmph. With those wits, you certainly won't starve to death anywhere.]
[Thank you for the compliment.]
[...It wasn't a compliment. So, what are you betting?]
She grumbled but took the bait.
[It’s simple. You trust the Sixth Blood Star, and I’ll trust my own judgment.]
[You’re far too overconfident in your judgment. You’re going to get hurt.]
[Then I’ll simply lose the bet.]
[And the stakes?]
[If my judgment is correct, I should receive something at least equal to or greater than the Divine Healer’s Sect Token, shouldn't I?]
[You! You really are...]
Were you going to call me a thief again? Unlike you, Young Lady, I didn't start out in the Blood Cult, so my days are a constant struggle. I’m in a position where I have to seize every opportunity I get.
[Phew. So, what is it that’s equal to the Divine Healer’s Sect Token?]
[It seems both the Six Blood Valley and the Sixth Blood Star are treating that 'Noble Person' with the utmost devotion.]
[...That’s true.]
[If they are someone of such high status, I find myself coveting their Sect Token.]
[Ha!]
I understood her reaction. I was essentially asking for the Sect Token of the Blood Cult Leader’s granddaughter. I certainly had some nerve. But since Ha Yeon thought I didn't know who that Noble Person was, it didn't matter.
[Is it difficult? Didn't you say you were close with that Noble Person?]
[I am close, but...]
[You just have to win the bet, don't you? Surely you don't distrust your own master?]
[I trust her!]
[Then let’s bet.]
[What do I get if I win?]
[Didn't you say the Sixth Blood Star has a request for my master?]
[Yes.]
[I will add my voice and try to persuade my master. That way, you won't be losing out either, will you?]
I wasn't the kind of person he’d listen to just because I asked, but I could at least say the words. Ahem.
[If that’s all, isn't it my loss? How hard is it to just add a few words?]
[You don't know my master. He doesn't have the title 'Bizarre' for nothing.]
[Pardon?]
[From the very first day I joined the sect, I was hung upside down from a cliff by a rope for over four hours. Persuading such a man requires immense courage from me.]
[Oh dear...]
She looked shocked. Anyone who knew that eccentric old man would naturally react that way. But she didn't let me off easily.
[Still, it doesn't change the fact that I’m at a disadvantage, Young Master. Do you take me for a pushover?]
[Tsk. Then I suppose it can't be helped.]
[Don't try to trick me with wordplay. Offer a price that truly persuades me.]
[Then I will also give up on the Divine Healer’s Sect Token that the Sixth Blood Star obtained. This should make the stakes even, shouldn't it?]
[You’ll... give up the token? Then what about your Dantian treatment?]
She wavered at the bold proposal. It was only natural. It was as good as giving up on life as a martial artist.
[What else can I do? I have to offer a corresponding price. Regardless, these conditions are enough to make the bet valid, aren't they?]
I’m sorry, Young Lady. The Blood Hand Witch isn't going to get that token anyway.
[Hmm...]
After some thought, she nodded. However...
[Let’s bet. But instead of giving up the token, I’ll consider your willingness to offer such a price as enough.]
[Pardon?]
[I already taught you a body lightening method. It would weigh on my conscience if you couldn't treat your Dantian and never saw the light as a martial artist.]
[Are you sure? I’m grateful, but...]
[In exchange, you must risk your life to persuade the Venerable.]
[Understood.]
[Goodness. I don't know why we’re making a bet where we both lose. Anyway, don't blame me if you end up hanging from a cliff again.]
Looking at her expression, she was certain of her victory. That’s likely why she accepted the bet.
.
.
That was what happened before we arrived at the guest house. Thanks to that, I was now in a position to gain the Cult Leader’s granddaughter’s Sect Token in addition to the Divine Healer’s. It was a good bet.
[You had something up your sleeve.]
Ha Yeon’s voice reached my ears via Sound Transmission. She was calling me out for hiding the real spirit herb. I did feel a bit bad about that part. But if the Blood Hand Witch had possessed the real herb, we would have done all the work while she became the final winner.
I wanted to reply that I was sorry via Sound Transmission, but unfortunately, I hadn't learned how to do that yet.
– Shall I teach you?
The Lesser Conversation Sword spoke to me, but it was too late to learn and use it right now. I simply put on a regretful expression. This should be enough. After all, the person who should truly be sorry was the Blood Hand Witch, who had broken her promise to Ha Yeon.
[Sigh... fine. A bet is a bet. I’ll get the Noble Person’s token for you somehow.]
She conceded cleanly. Seeing this, I realized her character was greater than most. Most of the children of so-called prestigious families or the successors of famous masters I had met before would never do anything that went against their own interests. Breaking promises was a common occurrence for them.
But she was different. Was it because I now had a background like a Venerable, unlike before? Regardless, I liked her straightforwardness.
Whoosh!
After sending the transmission, she glared at the Blood Hand Witch with sharp eyes. Even if she is her master, won't she get in trouble for glaring like that? No matter how disappointed she is, showing it so openly...
‘Wait?’
At that moment, Han Baek-ha’s right hand turned blood-red. It looked like she was using her signature martial art, the Blood Hand Jade.
“What do you think you’re doing now?!”
Hae Ak-cheon roared at her sudden action. In that instant, something unexpected happened.
Thwack!
‘!?’
With her blood-red palm, Han Baek-ha struck her own left hand, severing her index and middle fingers. Because the power of the Blood Hand Jade was so great, her two fingers were sliced off as if by a blade. Blood dripped onto the stone floor in front of the guest house.
“Ha!”
Even Hae Ak-cheon was at a loss for words at the sudden turn of events. Then, Han Baek-ha, her face contorted in pain, offered a fist-and-palm salute with her bleeding hand and spoke to Hae Ak-cheon.
“Sixth Blood Star Han Baek-ha offers her apologies to the Venerable.”