Chapter 107: Someone Who Will Tell You Better than Anyone Else (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 107: Someone Who Will Tell You Better than Anyone Else (1)
The citizens of Huayin City who had come to witness Mount Hua's tournament found the second day far more thrilling than the first.
While the third-generation disciples had been impressive, the true power of Mount Hua lay with its second generation. These were disciples of considerable talent, many of whom had already seen their plum blossoms bloom. Even those who hadn't were on the cusp of that achievement.
From a distance, I could already perceive it—the blossoms flowering in harmony with their sword arts. Simply watching their duels made it clear they were on an entirely different level from the juniors.
[Not bad.]
I could hear the pride in Elder Shin's voice.
My reason for being here, however, was to find my companions. As expected, they weren't hard to locate; they were like a magnet for attention. I simply followed the crowd.
Just as I'd thought, as I approached the throng, I spotted Namgung Bi-ah scanning the area through her veil.
Did they notice me already?
Wi Seol-Ah had already found me and was waving enthusiastically. I made my way through the crowd toward them.
“Young Master!”
“Did you come to watch the tournament as well?”
I gave Wi Seol-Ah’s head an affectionate pat, which she accepted like a happy puppy.
-Pat.
Then I felt a light pressure against my stomach. Looking down, I saw it was Namgung Bi-ah, leaning her head against me.
-Huff… Huff…
Her breathing was loud and heavy. I wondered what was wrong.
“Are you feeling alright?”
She shook her head slowly at my question. She seemed tired, so I patted her head as well. Gradually, her breathing steadied.
“If you’re unwell, why are you out here?”
Was she simply exhausted? I moved my hand to her forehead to check for a fever.
The suddenness of the gesture made Namgung Bi-ah flinch. Her forehead, which had been cool, began to grow warm beneath my touch.
Does she have a cold? But why does she keep fidgeting like that?
[…Little shit, you're truly hopeless.]
What are you talking about?
[The girl is acting that way precisely because of how you're touching her.]
What nonsense is he spouting now? Even as I dismissed his words as absurd, I decided to test his theory and withdrew my hand.
“Ha…”
The moment my hand left her forehead, Namgung Bi-ah’s breathing became rough again, though it felt different from before.
…Could it really be because of that?
Remembering how her cool forehead had warmed so quickly under my touch, I felt a peculiar warmth stir within me. A sudden wave of embarrassment made me wipe my hand on my clothes.
“Hmm…”
Namgung Bi-ah looked at me with a strange expression. Then, without warning, she began sniffing at my stomach.
“Are you crazy? What are you doing with so many people around?”
I stepped back, startled by her sudden action. Why is she behaving like this all of a sudden?
“Something… has changed?”
Her eyes sharpened with clarity as she observed me. I did my best to hide my shock.
Compared to other things, she's incredibly perceptive when it comes to matters of cultivation.
I could understand the Sword Queen and the Sword Venerable sensing it, but how could this girl tell the difference?
Her sensitivity is frightening…
Was this a glimpse of the future Sword Queen? The thought honestly sent a chill down my spine.
[…But she really does resemble a dog.]
How can you call a person a dog, Elder Shin…?
Despite my protest, I had to admit the way she sniffed me was decidedly canine—or perhaps feline. Just then, I felt a tug on my clothes from below. Looking down, I saw Gu Ryunghwa.
“Brother… you should sit down for now.”
Gu Ryunghwa was acutely aware of our surroundings. Following her gaze, I realized many eyes were on us—particularly those of the men nearby.
I cleared my throat awkwardly and sat beside Gu Ryunghwa. Fortunately, there was an empty seat. As I looked at my young clansman, something felt strange. Her hand, clutching my clothing, was perfectly still.
I was surprised but didn't show it. Leaning closer, I asked softly, “I heard you were looking for me earlier.”
“Oh, I was going to ask if you wanted to watch the tournament together, but I was told you had gone out to train.”
Me?
Gu Ryunghwa was looking for me?
My eyes widened in genuine surprise. Gu Ryunghwa frowned when she saw my expression.
“Why are you making such an ugly face?”
“…What do you mean, ugly?”
“Sorry, but ugly is ugly.”
“…”
Seeing me rendered speechless, she giggled. It felt strange, yet comforting, to see her joking around.
She might not have overcome everything yet,
but it seemed she had made significant progress. I felt a twinge of guilt, knowing I hadn't done much to help her reach this point.
“But how did you know? That I was looking for you?”
“I went to see your master.”
“…Huh? Why?”
“What do you mean, why? I just had something to ask her.”
The Sword Queen had looked much healthier when I saw her. It was a stark reminder of how dangerous Demonic Qi could be, to have affected even someone of her stature so deeply.
“Master talks about you a lot.”
“Huh? She does?”
“Yes. She says many good things about you.”
Good things? I can't think of anything I've done to deserve that.
But I suppose it's not a bad thing if she sees me in a positive light.
“I told her that all her beliefs were lies.”
“…”
“Saying that you resemble mom… How could she spout such nonsense…”
I realized she was still joking. Even I found the idea that I resembled my mother to be a bit absurd.
After some more light conversation, I broached the subject of our departure.
“I'm planning to leave for the clan tomorrow.”
“Huh…? Tomorrow?”
“I decided to leave after the tournament. I've already informed your master.”
I still needed to notify the Immortal Healer as well. Gu Ryunghwa simply nodded upon hearing we were leaving the next day.
I assumed she felt sad because returning to the clan meant she wouldn't be able to come back to Mount Hua for several months at least.
It must be a little easier for her knowing the Sword Queen will be accompanying her.
Her main reason for not wanting to return to the clan had been her master, but it seemed those reservations had lessened somewhat.
After our conversation ended, I turned my attention to the stage. Namgung Bi-ah had slept through the matches yesterday, but today she was watching with intense focus.
I wonder how Yung Pung did.
Despite being Mount Hua's youngest prodigy, he was facing second-generation disciples. I thought it would be quite difficult for Yung Pung, who was still just a promising talent, to prevail.
I asked Gu Ryunghwa if he had already fought.
“Yung Pung lost his first duel. He was matched against the Eldest Senior Brother.”
Of all people, Yung Pung's first opponent had been Shinhyun. Against any other disciple, he might have stood a chance.
But since it's Yung Pung, he won't stay down just because of a single loss.
He might be disappointed, but he'll get back up.
The tournament concluded more quickly than it had for the third-generation disciples. Judging by the hushed conversations among the elders, they had finally received news from the Murim Alliance.
The sun was already setting; it had taken the Alliance a long time to send word. As expected, it seemed something significant had happened within their ranks.
A spy? Or something involving the entire group? Whatever the case, it wasn't entirely surprising.
I had considered leaving midway, but ended up watching the entire event again. It was entertaining to watch the skilled swordsmen clash, but the three girls' sparkling eyes as they followed the action were equally amusing. So, rather than watching the fights themselves, my time was spent watching them.
[So you're admitting you spent the whole time peeking at women.]
…How did you reach that conclusion?
Although I argued with Elder Shin, I couldn't completely disagree.
By the time we returned to the lodge, I turned to Gu Ryunghwa.
“Come eat with us.”
The young girl looked genuinely surprised by the invitation, as if she'd never imagined I would ask.
“It's late,” she said softly.
She was probably planning to go up the mountain to see the Sword Queen again. I didn't need to ask to know.
Gu Ryunghwa hesitated for a long moment after my offer. Then, Namgung Bi-ah, standing beside her, quietly stroked her back.
After a moment of thought, the young girl shook her head lightly.
“Next time… I already promised to have dinner with my master today.”
I nodded. There's still a long way to go. Her earlier joking with me had likely been a step outside her comfort zone.
“Next time… We'll eat together next time for sure.”
Gu Ryunghwa smiled as she made the promise. I didn't respond with words. This much was enough.
“Yeah.”
After seeing Gu Ryunghwa off, I entered the lodge. A delicious, fragrant scent hung in the air—the servants must have been cooking with the mushrooms I'd given them earlier.
Maybe I should have insisted she stay after all.
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah followed me inside, chattering about the tournament they'd seen.
“Yeah, so as I was sayi-!”
Wi Seol-Ah suddenly cut off. She seemed shocked by something she saw.
What is she looking at?
I followed her gaze and saw Hongwa standing there, her expression menacing.
[She seems absolutely furious.]
Y…Yeah.
Her face was like a tiger ready to pounce. I'd heard servants didn't learn martial arts, but even I felt a twinge of fear.
“…S…Sis?”
“Seol-Ah.”
“Yes…?”
“Sis needs to have a word with you. Can you come with me for a bit?”
“N-No…?”
“You'll follow me? What a good girl you are, Seol-Ah.”
Hongwa was struggling to maintain a smile, which only made her look scarier. All of Wi Seol-Ah's usual bravado vanished, and she was dragged away the moment Hongwa took her hand.
“S, Sis… Wait…! Young Masterrrr!”
She called for me, but all I could do was wave goodbye.
Thankfully, Wi Seol-Ah returned by mealtime. However, when she did, she immediately clung to Namgung Bi-ah with a completely soulless expression, clearly having been thoroughly scolded.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She didn't answer, only shaking her head weakly. Namgung Bi-ah gently patted her head with a soft, kind hand.
Seeing her state, I couldn't resist teasing her.
“Do you want a yakgwa?”
I saw Wi Seol-Ah's ears prick up immediately. I couldn't help but laugh aloud at her reaction.
* * *
The next day, I visited the Celestial Plum Blossom with the Sword Queen. I'd sent a message ahead with one of the martial artists, so we were admitted easily.
“Welcome.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom looked haggard, likely due to the events at the hideout. Judging by the Sword Queen's similarly grave expression, she had been informed of the news.
When she saw me, she managed a smile.
“It seems you've gained some enlightenment.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom also noticed immediately that I had reached the Peak realm. It was honestly problematic how many powerful figures surrounded me.
“I wish I could celebrate this with a clear mind… but circumstances do not permit it.”
“Please, don't trouble yourself. There's no need.”
After my response, the Celestial Plum Blossom retrieved a box from behind him and handed it to me.
“After consulting with Tae, he confirmed your body has fully recovered. It is safe to give you this herb now.”
When I opened the box, a faint aroma wafted out. Just by looking, I could sense the dense Qi condensed within the herb.
“I had wished to give you the Herb of Mount Hua, passed down through generations… but alas, the elders were quite insistent I refrain.”
Despite the disappointment in his voice, Elder Shin erupted in agitation.
[What?! This madman tried to give you the Herb of Mount Hua?!]
Elder Shin's reaction was understandable. The Herb of Mount Hua was a rare treasure, one of the few medicines that could rival the Shaolin Sect's divine pills. It wasn't something even Mount Hua's own disciples could easily obtain.
I did feel a flicker of disappointment… but for me, consuming more Qi at this point would be poisonous. Not only had I absorbed more Demonic Qi from Nachal, but I also had the mysterious flower to deal with.
“And this…”
The Celestial Plum Blossom took an accessory from his pocket and handed it to me. I accepted it carefully. It appeared to be a simple bracelet with a red gem set into it.
“What is this?”
An accessory, all of a sudden?
He responded as if it were nothing significant.
“This is something Gu Ryoon entrusted to me.”
“The Second Elder?”
I was shocked to hear the name. I hadn't expected to hear anything about the Second Elder here.
“He gave this to me, asking that I pass it on to you when you decided to leave.”
“What are you…”
Decided to leave? How long had the Second Elder known I would come to Mount Hua?
Ignoring my internal pondering, the Celestial Plum Blossom continued.
“If it were a treasure of the Gu Clan, I might have hidden it just to mess with him… but upon inspection, it doesn't seem to be particularly valuable.”
“Hidden it…?”
Hiding a treasure belonging to another clan… How daring of him to say that aloud. What kind of people did the Second Elder associate with, that they could joke so freely about such things? It was honestly unsettling.
[…These bastards are insane… Truly insane!]
“This is all I can give you for now.”
His expression made it clear he wished to give more, but his hands were tied. Yet, what he had provided was already more than enough. There weren't just one or two herbs, but at least five, each brimming with significant energy.
I didn't know the purpose of the bracelet, so I would have to ask the Second Elder about it later.
Moreover, given Mount Hua's current situation, it was difficult to ask for more. These rewards were ample, especially considering their assistance with our preparations to return to the clan and the hospitality we had received during our stay.
But that isn't the important matter right now.
I glanced at the Sword Queen standing beside me. I had requested her presence for a reason.
I spoke carefully to the Celestial Plum Blossom.
“Sir.”
“Yes?”
“Do you remember when I said I might have a request for you?”
“I do.”
“I believe now is the time to make that request.”
I hesitated. It felt wrong to ask for anything given Mount Hua's plight, but I didn't know when I would return. This was the perfect opportunity.
“I'm glad to hear it. I was feeling guilty for not being able to do more for you. This will ease my conscience.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom smiled.
I hesitated once more, but then remembered the Sword Queen's assurance that it would be alright. Steeling myself, I spoke.
“I would like to request… to become an Honorary Martial Artist of Mount Hua.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom's eyes widened in astonishment at my words.