Chapter 132: Don't Touch Him
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 132: Don't Touch Him
Just before my departure for the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament, the Second Elder came to see me off.
“You only just returned, and now you’re leaving again.”
“I know. I’m not quite sure how I ended up living like this.”
In my past life, I would have been lazily lounging around the house at a time like this. The stark contrast with my current situation was almost enough to make me laugh wryly.
“I’ve heard this trip won’t take too long, at least. That’s a relief.”
Given the distance, it truly wouldn't be a lengthy journey.
Then, the Second Elder changed the subject. “Around the time you return, Yangcheon, this old man will not be at the clan.”
“Huh? Second Elder, are you going somewhere?”
“It appears the Fifth Swordsmen Army has encountered some difficulties.”
“The Fifth Swordsmen Army…”
That was the unit currently led by Gu Huibi. They were dispatched on a search mission. But why would the Second Elder need to go himself? Did something significant happen around this time? I couldn't recall any major events.
“Don’t worry. It’s not a serious problem.”
“Who in the world would worry about you?”
If anything, I’d be more worried for his opponents.
“Also, the upcoming Nine Dragons' Day this winter shouldn’t be an issue, since both your sisters will be here.”
“You mean my second sister and the youngest?”
“Yes.”
The Nine Dragons' Day occurred twice a year. It seemed Gu Ryunghwa and Gu Yeonseo would be the participants this winter.
I wonder if it’s alright for Gu Ryunghwa to participate, since she’s from Mount Hua.
I suppose she must be permitted, given the lack of any objections.
I had also heard that Gu Yeonseo decided not to participate in the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament this year. Whether her choice was due to her attendance last year or my own participation this time, I didn't know.
…Gu Ryunghwa and Gu Yeonseo, huh.
As I contemplated the dynamics between the two, concern for Gu Ryunghwa’s well-being arose, given the obvious strain in their relationship. But I also thought she might overcome Gu Yeonseo, just as she had back at Mount Hua.
I should probably be more concerned about Gu Yeonseo.
I didn’t have a clear idea of her current state, as our last meeting had been less than ideal. I didn't know how much she had grown through her secluded training, but Gu Ryunghwa was not to be underestimated either.
“Oh, Yangcheon.”
“Yes?”
When I responded, the Second Elder pulled something from his pocket. “I heard you’ll be visiting the Shaolin Temple, so—”
“I refuse.”
“Hmm?”
I cut him off immediately upon seeing him reach for something. This man… considering how he once made me responsible for delivering Mount Hua’s treasure, who knew what he would try to pawn off on me now that I was Shaolin-bound?
“I am not taking anything from you, Second Elder.”
“For heaven’s sake, how can you refuse without even knowing what it is?”
“…Whatever it is, I’m not taking it.”
Who knows? He’d won Mount Hua’s treasure through a drinking bet; it was entirely possible he’d employed a similar scheme for some relic from Shaolin.
The Second Elder smiled and produced a purse. “You brat, acting like I always make you run errands. I just wanted to give you some allowa—”
“Thank you, Lord Second Elder! You’re the only one who truly cares for me.”
“…You grow more shameless by the day. What am I to do with you?” He sighed but still pressed the purse into my hand. “I didn’t put much in there.”
“In that case, I might be a little disap— Just joking! Please, lower your hand!”
I would have been struck if I’d hesitated a moment longer. When I shook the purse, I heard the distinct clink of silver coins. And judging by its considerable weight, the Second Elder had been generous, contrary to his words.
“Thank you.”
“Yep. Take the opportunity to cause some real trouble over there.”
For a second, I thought I’d misheard him. It sounded so… normal.
“…Didn’t you tell me to keep a low profile on my last trip?”
When I went to Mount Hua and Sichuan, I distinctly remembered him nagging me to avoid stirring up trouble, citing my position and the privileges that came with it. Now he was encouraging me to cause a ruckus?
The Second Elder looked at me as if I were the strange one. “You are going to the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament to cause trouble. That place will be teeming with people vying for attention.”
He might have been exaggerating slightly, but he wasn’t wrong. Fame might be secondary to a martial artist, but it held considerable weight. The reason youths my age attended the tournament was to make a name for themselves. Their jealousy over titles like 'Lightning Dragon,' 'Sword Dragon,' 'Poison Phoenix,' or 'Sword Phoenix' stemmed from the fact that these were symbols of recognition—a sign that they were acknowledged as martial artists who would lead the future.
“Though I probably don’t need to tell you that.”
“Where did you get such firm conviction?”
“Even if I told you not to cause trouble, history suggests you’d do the exact opposite. Telling you to cause trouble might actually make you behave.”
“…”
It was depressing that I couldn’t argue.
The Second Elder and I chatted a while longer before Gu Jeolyub approached us, covered in sweat. “Y-Young Master, the carriages are loaded.”
“Already?”
That was disappointing. There must have been less baggage than I’d thought.
Despite his heavy breathing, Gu Jeolyub respectfully bowed his head upon noticing the Second Elder. “Good day, Lord Second Elder.”
“Ah, Jeolyub. You’ve grown quite a bit since I last saw you.”
Gu Jeolyub offered an embarrassed smile. He did seem taller than before. I had grown a little this year too, but not as much as him… a fact I didn’t particularly appreciate.
The Second Elder looked at Gu Jeolyub and then spoke to me via sound transmission.
-Go a little easy on this child. He’s had a rough time.
-That might be difficult, but I’ll try, I replied in kind.
The Second Elder seemed momentarily surprised by my use of sound transmission, but he let it pass, already aware of my martial realm.
“Anyway, have a safe trip.”
“Yes.”
With that, the Second Elder turned and left. It seemed he was indeed busy. The last thing I saw was Gu Ryunghwa watching from a distance with a sullen expression.
I boarded the carriage, and we set off for Hanam, the location of the Murim Alliance.
And yes, Gu Jeolyub was riding a horse.
* * *
The seasons shifted swiftly after our departure. Autumn yielded to winter’s embrace. The beautiful maple leaves gracefully fell into slumber, promising to return with the coming year.
I, too, felt a flicker of excitement, facing my first winter since my resurrection.
As I watched the snow falling outside, Wi Seol-Ah spoke to me, offering a dumpling. “Young Master… aren’t you cold?”
“Hmm? I rather enjoy the chill.”
“Sir Gu… most people would be freezing dressed like that…” Tang Soyeol added.
Even so, I didn’t feel much cold after reaching the Fifth Star of the Flame Art. Thanks to that, my attire hadn't changed much from what I wore in summer. Others probably thought I was suffering terribly.
“Young Master, would you like my coat?”
“If I took your clothing, I’d face quite the backlash.”
Wi Seol-Ah was bundled in fur garments. I heard they were made from the fur and leather of a beast, and surprisingly, crafted by the Sword Venerable himself. Given his hobby of sculpting, it seemed he was skilled with his hands.
As for Tang Soyeol, she came from a noble clan and had many attendants to care for her. It appeared she was also looking after Namgung Bi-ah quite well. Even now, Bi-ah was sleeping peacefully between Tang Soyeol and Wi Seol-Ah.
“What is she, a bear? It’s like she’s hibernating.”
Her hours of sleep had increased lately.
As if speaking for her, Tang Soyeol smiled and said, “Big sister does sleep a lot when it’s cold.”
“Are you sure it’s just the cold? She slept plenty when it was warm, too.”
“That is true…” Tang Soyeol averted her eyes, unable to refute it. “…Would you like some tea, perhaps?”
“I’ll have to refuse if it’s the same poisonous tea from last time.”
“Aww.”
During our last encounter, she had generously offered me tea. I accepted, only to discover later it was infused with a herb that raised body temperature. It was harmless, but incredibly bitter.
This is why I can’t let my guard down.
Our time together hadn’t been long, but I’d grown comfortable enough around Tang Soyeol. She had even left her own carriage to spend time in mine.
I took a bite of the dumpling Wi Seol-Ah offered. “When did you get these?”
“Bgack wghen we wgent hu duh tohwn lasht thime.”
“Sorry. Tell me after you’ve finished eating.”
I couldn’t understand her with her mouth full, but I gathered she’d bought them when we stopped in a town.
She eats so much but doesn’t gain any weight.
Initially, I’d been concerned about Wi Seol-Ah’s slender frame, but thanks to her eating an absurd amount, her cheeks were filling out again, which was nice to see. She wasn’t skinny anymore but looked healthy, slowly returning to her former self. Still, I felt a bit sad that her soft cheek fat had diminished.
When I touched her cheek in disappointment, it was still soft as jelly.
She still has some baby fat left.
I’d be truly disappointed if she lost that, too. My warm hand seemed to comfort her, as Wi Seol-Ah leaned her face further into my touch.
“Is it warm?”
“Young Master’s hand is always warm…!”
My body still radiated considerable heat, even in winter.
Looking outside, the snow fell slowly but steadily, beginning to accumulate.
After watching for a moment, I called out to the guy on the horse. “How much longer?”
“We should be arriving shortly, I believe,” came an exhausted reply.
The rider was none other than Gu Jeolyub. The Sword Venerable had been on horse duty previously, but he hadn’t joined this trip. It was strange and made me think. His absence meant he had allowed Wi Seol-Ah to come without him.
I wonder what he’s thinking.
I didn’t know much about the Sword Venerable, and that made me uneasy.
[…Couldn’t you simply admit that you don’t trust him?]
It’s been a while since you showed up.
It was Elder Shin’s voice, sounding deeply weary. As the season changed, he claimed he disliked the cold and had been speaking less, even though he insisted spirits couldn't feel anything.
[I may not feel the cold… but winter feels difficult.]*
What was the difference? Neither Elder Shin nor I could understand.
Anyway, other escorts or Muyeon could have easily taken charge of the horse, but I had assigned the task to Gu Jeolyub after hearing of his capabilities. Though Gu Jeolyub, having been raised in privilege, looked annoyed when I gave the order, he didn’t talk back. Since he knew a martial technique involving heat generation, I had to give him something to do.
Considering how he follows all my orders, it seems the First Elder or Father has found and exploited a weakness.
It was probably the First Elder; I doubted Father would intervene. Gu Jeolyub didn’t seem to be doing anything else in the meantime.
Except for that one time he tried to start a conversation with Tang Soyeol and got rejected.
Very coldly and bluntly, at that.
-Apologies, but your face is too unpleasant for me to handle. Please stop talking to me.
It probably wasn’t the weather that made him feel cold after hearing those words. That day, Gu Jeolyub was rendered speechless and didn’t even eat.
He doesn’t seem to be pursuing the hibernating bear or Wi Seol-Ah.
It likely wasn’t because Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah weren't pretty. Objectively, Tang Soyeol was indeed beautiful, but those two were in a league of their own. I suspected he was restraining himself because Namgung Bi-ah was engaged to me, and he’d been beaten up the last time he tried anything with Wi Seol-Ah.
Is that why Tang Soyeol is his target?
However, he doesn’t seem to be putting in much effort.
Could he truly be here as a mere pawn?
Despite his constant annoyed expression, he obeyed every order. Beyond occasionally sparring with Muyeon, he did nothing else—though I never missed a chance to jab at him with words.
-You, bring me water.
-I did earlier.
-Did you clean the carriages?
-I did this morning. As you instructed yesterday.
-…Have you eaten yet?
-Not yet.
-…Let’s eat.
He was surprisingly competent.
Why?
Why is he so good at this?
“I don’t understand.”
“About what?”
“Just everything. Whether it’s him, or him, or that guy… I don’t get it.”
“Young Master, Grandpa always told me the world is beyond complete understanding.”
“…Elder Wi taught you many things, huh.”
Early education is a powerful thing.
I spoke to Muyeon, who was walking alongside the carriage. “Muyeon.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
He responded while looking ahead, yet his qi emanated from his body, enveloping the immediate vicinity. It seemed…
…He’s overcoming his barriers.
Whatever had happened, it wouldn’t be long before Muyeon broke through to the next realm. He was putting in that much effort.
“Do we have to go to the Murim Alliance immediately upon arrival?”
“No. We can rest first at the lodge they provided.”
“They provided a lodge?”
That wasn’t standard procedure. It seemed the Murim Alliance was concerned about something.
I would know if I’d ever participated properly.
The one time I participated after becoming young lord, the day descended into chaos. Because of the incident that occurred at that Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament. I would have learned a great deal if that damned event hadn't happened.
I just have to… make sure nothing like that happens this time.
It was a catastrophic incident. Because every young prodigy present at that time met an untimely end.
According to the records, there were no casualties that day. But I knew the truth. Everyone except me died.
…Can I call that a resurrection?
As recorded by the Murim Alliance, everyone survived, myself included. The problem was that no one else remembered the Abyss.
…
I’ve lived a long time, including this current life, but the ache in my heart remained just as sharp when I thought back to that day.
How pointless.
It was in the past. And it was something I had to prevent from recurring.
“Young Master.”
I focused on Gu Jeolyub’s voice.
“The palace is now in sight…”
“Is that so? Could you wake that bear up?”
At my words, Wi Seol-Ah shook Namgung Bi-ah, who had fallen asleep leaning on Tang Soyeol.
“Oomph…”
“Sis! You need to wake up!”
“Agh! You drooled, sis…!”
I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.
Hanam, huh.
I drew in a breath, savoring the chilly air. The heart of the Orthodox Faction, the root of every problem.
After a long journey, I had arrived at Hanam, home to the Murim Alliance and the Shaolin Temple.
* * *
Bacheonmaru, the lodge provided by the Murim Alliance.
In a room where luggage was being unpacked, a beautiful woman frowned. Though her expression held a hint of displeasure, it did little to diminish her remarkable beauty.
“Perhaps we arrived too early, My Lady.”
The woman smiled slightly at her servant’s words. “…What can we do? That person is said to be arriving around this time.”
Her eyes held a hue reminiscent of a clear sky. Staring into them, the servant asked cautiously, “Shall I prepare a drink?”
“…I’m tempted, but it’s fine. It wouldn’t go unnoticed if I had some now.”
The woman gazed out the window at the falling snow, lost in thought.
“Sori.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
“Isn’t life such a drag?”
Hearing the woman’s sudden, harsh words, the servant stumbled while unpacking. “Mistress, please…! Be careful with your words!”
“Who cares? No one’s here.”
“What if the lord heard you…”
“Father? Would he fly all the way here from Yoryung?”
“…If it’s the Lord, he might.”
The woman chuckled at her servant’s response. She had to admit her father might actually do such a thing.
After watching the snow for a long while, the woman closed the window. “It’s cold.”
She disliked snow, no matter where it fell. As she calmed her shivering body, the Ice Phoenix, Moyong Hi-ah, thought to herself that winter was a truly tedious season.