Chapter 550: Wudang
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 550: Wudang
“Oppa?”
The unfamiliar title grated on my ears.
The person standing across from me looked just as flustered, staring at me with wide, trembling eyes. Her already large eyes were now perfectly round.
“Why are you here, Oppa?”
I furrowed my brow at Gu Ryunghwa’s question.
“That’s exactly what I wanted to ask you.”
Why was she here?
“Why are you here?” I repeated.
“You’re one to talk!”
We stared at each other, both utterly dumbfounded. Who would have thought I’d run into a relative in a place like this?
Moreover, it had been a very long time since I’d last seen Gu Ryunghwa. Although she was family, she had left to join a Taoist sect. Given the distance between us, we had no reason to cross paths unless it was a special occasion.
How many years has it been?
I think the last time I saw her was four or five years ago. Perhaps because of the time that had passed, the Gu Ryunghwa I met now had changed considerably. The little girl with chubby cheeks was gone. In her place stood a woman with an air of maturity.
Hmm.
How should I put it? If Gu Huibi or Gu Yeonseo possessed the sharp, striking features characteristic of the Gu Clan, Gu Ryunghwa’s appearance had a certain softness to it.
It was just…
She looks like Mother.
Her face reminded me of my mother from my memories. As I studied her, Gu Ryunghwa was doing the same to me, likely for the same reason. No, wait—her gaze seemed to be fixed more on my body than my face.
“…Oppa.”
“Hm?”
“Why… why did you get so big?”
“…What?”
Gu Ryunghwa’s voice was filled with disbelief. Big? What did she mean by big? But looking at her eyes…
Ah.
She must be talking about my height. I had shrunk my frame a bit using martial techniques, but I still wasn't small.
Did I not shrink enough?
My body had grown significantly during the Shedding. I’d tried to adjust it back to my original size, but it wasn't easy.
The people around me are just too damn tall.
The people I usually associated with were much taller than average, so it was hard to judge my own size by eye. That was probably why Gu Ryunghwa looked so bewildered.
“I ate well and slept well, so I grew a bit.”
“A bit…? N-No, you got a lot bigger.”
For some reason, Gu Ryunghwa was looking at me with an expression of profound injustice. It seemed she really didn't like that I'd grown taller. Indeed, the Gu Ryunghwa before me now was on the smaller side, though her proportions were excellent.
She seems to be about the same height as Tang Soyeol.
It couldn't be helped. Most people born into the Gu Clan had smaller frames. The First Elder and my father were the exceptions; historically, there weren't many tall people in our clan. Even in my past life, I barely reached six cheok, which was quite small for a male martial artist.
Considering that, it was only natural that Gu Ryunghwa was small. Therefore, I had no choice but to ignore her resentful glare.
“…So, why are you here?”
At my question, Gu Ryunghwa frowned slightly. Just as she was about to speak—
“Sago.”
A voice calling for Gu Ryunghwa came from behind. It was the other presence I had sensed earlier. Hearing herself addressed, Gu Ryunghwa pressed her lips together. I glanced at her before shifting my gaze to the owner of the voice.
A young man was walking across the moonlit ground. Though it was night, it felt as if the light was uniquely gathering around him.
Whoosh—.
A faint scent of flowers drifted on the wind blowing from his direction. This was definitely not my imagination.
“It’s been a while,” the young man said with a smile, looking at me.
Tall, ridiculously handsome, and wearing a deep, serene smile. He still had a punchable face.
Looking at him, I muttered, “…Brother Yung Pung.”
The young man’s identity was none other than the youngest Plum Blossom Swordsman of the Mount Hua Sect—the prodigy who currently held the title of Sword Dragon.
He was Yung Pung, the Sword Dragon of Mount Hua.
“Haha!”
At my call, Yung Pung gave an awkward laugh and walked over.
“I didn't expect to see you here. Have you been well?” Yung Pung approached me with his characteristic gentle smile.
“Yes, and you, Brother….”
As I spoke, my gaze briefly swept over him.
“You seem to have been doing well. Very well, in fact.”
“Hahaha….”
Even as I spoke, I was inwardly astonished.
Look at this guy.
Yung Pung’s level was extraordinary.
He’s on the verge of breaking through a wall, isn't he?
Just a few years ago, Yung Pung had barely reached the Peak Realm. But now, astonishingly, he was on the cusp of the Fusion Realm. What’s more…
His Qi has deepened considerably.
The Taoist Qi of the Mount Hua Sect had become immeasurably profound within him.
“…What have you been doing all this time?”
I wasn't going to ask, but at this level, I couldn't help my curiosity. What on earth had he been doing at the Mount Hua Sect to change this much?
When I asked, my voice laced with doubt, Yung Pung replied while still looking awkward.
“I didn't think you'd notice right away. As expected of Young Master Gu.”
“I don't think it's something one could miss.”
It was absurd. It would be one thing if Yung Pung were trying to hide his level, but far from hiding it, he was practically flaunting it.
How could I not notice something that huge?
His presence was maximized. An immense aura was radiating from Yung Pung.
That’s why I noticed.
The reason I could sense someone approaching from so far away was because of the current Yung Pung. How could anyone not know when he was emitting an aura like that?
“Ah.”
Hearing my words, Yung Pung reacted as if he’d just realized something.
“…Oh dear, it seems I've made a mistake.”
As Yung Pung spoke, his aura gradually began to diminish. The wind around us died down, and the scent of flowers gently vanished. Once his aura had completely disappeared, I understood why he had been radiating such energy.
“It seems you've only recently attained enlightenment.”
“Haha….”
Yung Pung laughed sheepishly. He must have recently had a breakthrough and grown rapidly. That would explain why he couldn't control his aura and was letting it leak out.
Sigh.
Seeing this, Gu Ryunghwa, who was standing beside me, suddenly let out a sigh. She then snapped at Yung Pung.
“…I told you to hide your aura, for goodness' sake!”
“Sago, was I that obvious?”
“Of course you were!” Gu Ryunghwa shot back with an exhausted expression. “Don't you remember how many demons were drawn to us on the way here because of your aura, Junior Brother Yung Pung?”
With a martial artist's aura that strong, any demons that sensed his presence would have been drawn to attack them.
“I'm sorry. I tried to hide it, but… it's not as easy as it looks.”
When Yung Pung spoke with an apologetic look, Gu Ryunghwa fell silent, as if she had nothing more to say. It seemed she knew he wasn't doing it on purpose.
“Forget it…. You took care of all the demons anyway, Junior Brother.”
“Not at all. Sago, you also put in a great effort…”
“I have a conscience, so you don't have to say that.”
“…Yes, ma'am.”
At Gu Ryunghwa’s firm words, Yung Pung shut his mouth. Watching them, I finally spoke up.
“So, what's the deal with you two?”
No matter how I looked at it, it was a strange pairing. A third-generation disciple like Yung Pung traveling with a second-generation disciple like Gu Ryunghwa. Aside from that, it was odd for two people who should be at the Mount Hua Sect to be so far away in Hunan.
“Well…”
Gu Ryunghwa started to answer, but…
“It is an order from the Sect Leader.”
Yung Pung cut in as if to stop Gu Ryunghwa from speaking further.
“The Sect Leader?”
“Yes.”
If Yung Pung was talking about the Sect Leader, he meant the Celestial Plum Blossom of the Mount Hua Sect.
“The Celestial Plum Blossom sent the two of you all the way here?”
“Yes.”
A third-generation disciple, who rarely leaves the sect, paired with Gu Ryunghwa, who, despite being a second-generation disciple, was still very young? It was a combination that made no sense.
I wanted to ask more, but I didn't. I understood the meaning behind Yung Pung’s words.
The fact that he specifically mentioned the Sect Leader...
It implied this was a critical sect matter that couldn't be discussed without permission. He meant to shut down any further questions. Once I realized that, I immediately lost interest.
“I see. Then that's fine.”
As I gave a nonchalant reply, Yung Pung smiled faintly at me.
“…You haven't changed, Young Master Gu.”
Haven't changed? There's probably no one who's changed more than me.
“Is that a compliment?”
“Yes. I was hoping that at least you wouldn't have changed. I'm glad.”
It didn't really sound like a compliment, but I decided not to pick a fight over it.
“…So, why are you here, Oppa?”
I turned to look at Gu Ryunghwa.
“Shouldn't you be in Shanxi?”
I briefly considered how to answer. Since nothing particular came to mind, I decided to just be blunt.
“Me? I ran away from home.”
“What…?”
For a born scoundrel, there was no simpler explanation.
“I just wanted to get some fresh air. So I left.”
At my words, Gu Ryunghwa’s expression immediately changed. It was a look of slight disdain.
“Oppa….”
“…I was about to go back. I'm on my way home right now, you know?”
Honestly, I was thinking of heading straight to Henan instead of home, but that didn't matter. Gu Ryunghwa gave me a brief, incredulous look before her eyes darted around, scanning the area. It felt like she was looking for someone.
“What are you doing?”
“Then where's Unni?”
“Unni?”
Confused, I repeated her word, and Gu Ryunghwa replied with an expression that said it was obvious.
“If you're here, Oppa, doesn't that mean Unni is here too?”
“…No, I mean.”
I stopped myself. I barely managed to hold back the words that were about to fly out of my mouth.
Which unni are you talking about?
If I said that, I knew whatever affection Gu Ryunghwa had for me as a relative would completely evaporate. As I hesitated, Gu Ryunghwa said impatiently.
“I'm talking about Sis Bi-ah.”
“Ah.”
Only then could I nod. She meant Namgung Bi-ah.
“Isn't she here?”
“She's….”
Gone a bit far.
I briefly wondered if I should tell her.
“I haven't heard from her in a few years. I thought if you were here, she would be too….”
Hm?
I frowned at Gu Ryunghwa’s words.
“Heard from her? What do you mean?”
“Huh? Oh, I exchange letters with the unnis sometimes. Unlike a certain someone, they're good about writing back.”
“...”
I stared blankly at her. The 'certain someone' she was referring to was obviously me. Whenever Gu Ryunghwa sent me something she called a letter, I never sent a reply. It was annoying, and I didn't have anything to say in writing.
But…
…Who did she say she's been in contact with?
Aside from the fact that Namgung Bi-ah was corresponding with Gu Ryunghwa, I had to focus on the word she used. Gu Ryunghwa had clearly said 'unnis,' plural, not 'unni.'
“'Unnis'...? Who on earth have you been writing to?”
At my question, Gu Ryunghwa looked at me as if wondering why I was even asking.
“Sis Bi-ah, Sis Seol-Ah... Sis Soyeol sometimes, too….”
She started listing names one by one. As the names rolled off her tongue, a slight headache began to form.
“Oh, but I talk to Sis Hi-ah the most.”
“...”
Even Moyong Hi-ah was on the list.
“She even came to visit and we had a meal together last time.”
“What? Who did you say you ate with?”
“Sis Hi-ah.”
Moyong Hi-ah and Gu Ryunghwa had a meal together. I could understand Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah, since they'd met her at least once. But Tang Soyeol and Moyong Hi-ah had never even met her—so when on earth had they been corresponding with Gu Ryunghwa?
And…
When did she go to Shaanxi?
With her busy schedule, when on earth did Moyong Hi-ah find the time to go to Shaanxi? And without me knowing? A dizzying feeling washed over me as this completely unknown fact came to light.
“Ah, Oppa.”
“Huh…?”
As my eyes were darting around, Gu Ryunghwa sidled up to me and whispered.
“That thing about you and Sis Hi-ah getting married next year... is it true?”
“…What the hell?”
“Then what about Sis Bi-ah…?”
“No, what kind of bullshit is that? Who told you that?”
“Sis Hi-ah did... She said you'd probably be getting married next year...”
“I'm going to lose my mind. Seriously.”
What kind of nonsense has she been telling this kid? Who's getting married to whom? If Moyong Hi-ah really did tell Gu Ryunghwa something like that…
I'm going to have to grab her and have a talk.
I needed to ask her directly if she said that. Of course…
…Though not right now.
Moyong Hi-ah was currently working on a business venture with Lady Mi. On top of that, she was carrying out a task I'd given her, so I couldn't see her often. Lately, I was lucky to see her face even once a month.
So…
I'll have to grill her when I see her next.
I needed to find out what she'd been up to behind my back. As I was planning how to discipline Moyong Hi-ah, Gu Ryunghwa’s expression crumpled slightly.
“…Did I... say something I shouldn't have?”
“No, it was very useful information.”
“I feel like I'm going to get scolded by Unni later….”
Gu Ryunghwa’s eyes shifted nervously before landing on the person behind me. It was Seong Yul, watching us from a distance.
“Is that person your friend, Oppa?”
“Hm?”
“The one... called the Sleeping Dragon of Wudang...”
At her words, I frowned.
“How do you know about that?”
How would Gu Ryunghwa know I was acquainted with the Sleeping Dragon? At my question, Gu Ryunghwa’s face fell, and she gave a slightly awkward laugh.
“Unni….”
It seemed this information also came from that damned 'unni'. Which unni could it be this time? Just thinking about it gave me a headache.
“That's not him.”
“It's not?”
“Does he look like a Taoist to you?”
Of course, that bastard Woo Hyuk also had too many issues to be called a proper Taoist. But for the sake of a quick explanation, I decided to pretend I didn't know that. I glanced at Seong Yul and gave Gu Ryunghwa a vague explanation.
“He's just an acquaintance. You don't need to worry about—”
“Brother Seong?”
“…Hm?”
As I was making excuses about Seong Yul, Yung Pung, who was beside me, spoke up as he looked at him.
Flinch.
At Yung Pung’s words, Seong Yul flinched and his body trembled. He looked utterly shocked. Seeing Seong Yul’s reaction, I wondered if they knew each other.
What's wrong with him?
The guy's eyes were trembling with anxiety. Seeing that, it seemed they had some kind of unusual relationship.
* * *
SHAAAAA—!
Snow whipped through the air on the howling wind. The fierce blizzard made it impossible to see even a step ahead. It was a truly blade-like cold. No matter how many layers of clothing one wore, their body would freeze in no time.
Thus, people called this place the Land of Severe Cold. A land where not a day passed without snow, where the wind never stopped to let spring arrive.
From beyond that land…
KRAAAAAA—!
A monstrous roar pierced through the sound of the wind.
Rumble—!
The ground shook with a deafening boom.
Thud—! Thud, thud—!
Upon the earth, which trembled as if in an earthquake, a figure bundled in fur was walking. His destination was the source of that colossal sound.
RUUUUMBLE—!
KRAAAAA—!
Though the continuous explosions of sound were enough to inspire fear, he simply continued his slow walk. After walking a little further, he began to smell an unidentifiable burning scent.
Grrrrr—! KRAAAAAA—!
The sounds had grown much rougher, but hearing them and smelling the scorched air, he knew. It was slowly coming to an end. Realizing this, he quickened his pace.
After walking a little further…
RUUUUMBLE—!!
Along with the loudest roar yet…
THOOOOM—!
Something fell, and the ground shook with a heavy thud!
And then, the young man could see it. In the distance, upon the ravaged earth, lay a giant, red-furred, ape-like demon. The burning smell was also coming from it.
“Whoa.”
Looking at the scene, the young man let out an involuntary exclamation of awe.
“You really burned it to a crisp. Were you letting off some steam?”
The young man spoke in a nonchalant tone, but no answer came. Naturally, his words weren't directed at the already dead demon. The young man’s gaze was fixed on the woman standing atop it.
As if she didn't feel the cold, she wore only a simple outer robe. Her white hair was tied back simply. Her snow-like skin was striking, but the look in her eyes was colder than the weather itself.
Looking at her, the young man said, “Do you know how long I've been looking for you? Samae.”
“...”
The young man continued to speak, but the woman still didn't look at him. She reacted as if she couldn't hear him at all. But the young man didn't stop.
“I know you're angry that our departure was delayed, but what can you do? The Lord of the Ice Palace said he had unfinished business.”
“...”
“Our master and Senior White Ripple Sword were making such a fuss. I don't know why it's always my job to find you, Samae.”
“...”
“Did you get lost again? Hey, next time, could you at least leave a trail of breadcrumbs so you're easier to find?”
“...”
Despite being continually ignored, the young man persisted, but as expected, the woman just stood there silently. Seeing this, the young man finally let out a deep sigh.
“Jesu-ssi. Hey, at least listen to—”
“…Why… are you here?”
“...”
At the long-awaited reply, the young man had to clutch his forehead.
“…Damn it.”
It was the curse his friend always had on his lips. For some reason, Woo Hyuk felt like he finally understood why he said it so often. Sighing repeatedly, Woo Hyuk looked at the woman again and began to speak.
“…The Young Lady is looking for you, Jesu-ssi.”
“The Young Lady…?”
The woman’s expression was full of puzzlement. She couldn't understand why the Young Lady would be looking for her.
“Mm, from what I hear,” Woo Hyuk said. “She has something she's curious about regarding that friend of ours, Yangcheon…”
“…!”
“If you don't want to go, Jesu-ssi, I can make an excuse for… huh?”
Woo Hyuk stopped mid-sentence. The woman who had been right in front of him just a moment ago had vanished.
Just then.
“Let's go.”
Hearing the voice from behind him, Woo Hyuk whipped his head around. In that direction, the woman was already walking as if she intended to leave immediately.
“...”
Woo Hyuk stared in disbelief, but the woman was already on the move. Seeing this, Woo Hyuk called out, “Jesu-ssi! That's the wrong way!”
“...”
At Woo Hyuk’s correction, the woman changed direction, but from where he stood, that was also the wrong way.