Chapter 71: The Walking Dead (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 71: The Walking Dead (3)
While Gu Yangcheon and Namgung Bi-ah slept, a single light still burned in the sect leader's residence at the summit of Mount Hua.
Inside, the soft glow of a candle illuminated the room as the residence's owner brewed a pot of green plum tea. He was expecting a guest.
As he finished pouring the freshly steeped tea, the Celestial Plum Blossom spoke without opening his eyes. "Come in."
The door slid open with a soft creak.
The man who entered was none other than the Sword Venerable. He moved with a familiar ease, as if he had been here many times before. Calmly, he stepped inside and took a seat directly across from the Celestial Plum Blossom.
Once settled, the Sword Venerable spoke, his gaze fixed on his host. "My apologies for visiting at such a late hour…"
"It's quite alright. I've been feeling somewhat lonely these days, anyway."
The Sword Venerable's throat felt dry. He took a sip of the tea to moisten it, and the Celestial Plum Blossom waited patiently for him to state his business.
After a moment of collecting his thoughts, the Sword Venerable began. "I've come to ask you something."
The Celestial Plum Blossom already knew. He was aware of the question that drove the man to seek him out in the dead of night.
"Ask away. I'm listening."
Hearing this, the Sword Venerable did not hesitate. "My Lord, do you know the whereabouts of the Immortal Healer?"
The Celestial Plum Blossom opened his eyes. He had anticipated this question, but not the bluntness with which it was delivered. It spoke volumes of the Sword Venerable's desperation.
"I do," he replied promptly.
The swift affirmation caused the Sword Venerable's eyes to widen slightly. "Then… you were already aware that I was searching for him?"
"Indeed. I am also aware that the Wudang and Shaolin sects are searching for you." Though he did not know if they sought the Sword Venerable specifically, or something related to him.
"Then why tell me so readily?"
"Because I know you came here already possessing that knowledge."
"…"
The fact that the Sword Venerable had come to him so late made it clear this wasn't a social call based on the Mount Hua Sect's reputation.
"Isn't that right, Sword Venerable?"
"…Yes."
Shaanxi was a vast province. Even knowing the Immortal Healer was somewhere within its borders, the Sword Venerable had believed it would be a difficult, time-consuming search. Using his qi to sweep the area would only attract unwanted attention. He had prepared for a search lasting days, at minimum.
Contrary to his expectations, however, finding the healer's trail had been surprisingly easy.
Starting from Huayin had been the correct decision. He had felt an immense, dense concentration of qi emanating from the mountain vicinity. The Immortal Healer was no martial artist; while he possessed a faint aura unlike ordinary physicians, it was nowhere near this potent and heavy. This qi felt… Taoist. And it carried the subtle scent of plum blossoms.
It wasn't quite a locational spell—such magic would not have such a blatant, overwhelming presence. It was more accurate to call it a barrier. While similar to locational magic, the key difference was intent: one was for concealment, the other for defense. And the Sword Venerable knew of only one martial artist in all of Shaanxi capable of erecting a qi barrier of such immense scale.
"I wasn't entirely certain, which is why I came to ask you," the Sword Venerable explained.
Slicing through the barrier, no matter how sturdy, would have been a simple task for him. Yet, despite his desperation, he had chosen to seek an audience first.
"It seems you refrained from simply barging through."
"I thought it more respectful to ask before taking such action."
"…At this hour?"
"…"
"I'm only joking."
The Celestial Plum Blossom knew the Sword Venerable had been searching for the Immortal Healer these past few days, hence his absence. He did not, however, know the reason. What was important was that the leaders of Shaolin and Wudang were also looking for the Sword Venerable.
To move freely while evading those two… Is this the true capability of the Sword Venerable?
As this thought crossed his mind, the Celestial Plum Blossom posed a question. "Might I ask why you seek the Immortal Healer?"
The Sword Venerable's gaze immediately fell. "My reason… is the same as anyone else's who seeks him."
The Celestial Plum Blossom nodded. Everyone had their own reasons for searching out the world's greatest physician, but they all shared a common thread: the desire to live, or to save another's life.
He knew that despite the Immortal Healer's constant complaints and claims of wanting to retire, the man always discreetly revealed his whereabouts. At heart, he still wished to help people.
The Celestial Plum Blossom studied the Sword Venerable intently. It did not seem he was seeking the healer for his own sake. The Celestial Plum Blossom acknowledged the Sword Venerable as a peer among the world's top martial artists, but he alone knew the truth—that the man existed in a realm far beyond his own.
The Sword Venerable… How fearsome that title is.
Wi Hyogun carried himself with an aura of being above worldly influences. To see such a man appear so vulnerable and desperate was perplexing.
…Could the reason Shaolin and Wudang are hunting him be related to this?
The Celestial Plum Blossom's ideals had always differed from those major sects, so he was not privy to the undercurrents swirling around the Sword Venerable. He found their constant preaching about 'caring for the world's future' somewhat ominous. He far preferred individuals who were straightforward about their self-interest, like Gu Ryoon or the Immortal Healer himself—which was why he was friends with them.
His reverie was broken as the Sword Venerable spoke again. "…My Lord."
"Yes."
"I implore you to tell me where the Immortal Healer is."
"I believe the Immortal Healer's opinion on the matter is more important than my own."
"Then, shall I open the door myself and go 'there' to speak with him?"
The 'there' undoubtedly referred to the small hut where the healer was residing. The statement bordered on a threat—a declaration that he would break the barrier by force if necessary.
The Celestial Plum Blossom could only offer a bitter smile. "What if I said you are not permitted to?"
The Sword Venerable did not answer, but the Celestial Plum Blossom already knew the truth: the man was willing to pay any price to reach the Immortal Healer, even if it meant conflict with the Mount Hua Sect.
What could possibly drive him to such extremes?
When he had led the Murim Alliance, the Sword Venerable had never been an easygoing man, but he was never this desperate either.
The Celestial Plum Blossom let out a deep, heavy sigh. "Now is not the time."
"…"
The Immortal Healer was currently tending to the Plum Blossom Sword. Gu Yangcheon had been an exception, personally led by the Celestial Plum Blossom for a brief checkup. This was an entirely different situation.
"The Immortal Healer is currently attending to another. Even if you go to him now, you will not obtain what you seek."
"…"
"However," the Celestial Plum Blossom continued, staring into his teacup.
The Sword Venerable looked up, attentive.
"It is not entirely impossible."
"…What do you mean…?"
The Celestial Plum Blossom smiled faintly. "Can you do me a favor?"
The Sword Venerable did not verbally reply, but he straightened his posture. It was a clear acceptance.
* * *
Is this an emergency?
Am I going to face a crisis first thing in the morning…?
Those were my thoughts upon seeing Wi Seol-Ah. This was an emergency unlike any other.
On the surface, nothing seemed amiss, but every instinct screamed that a crisis was imminent. Wi Seol-Ah's eyes were different. Gone was her usual kind smile and puppy-dog expression, replaced by an unnervingly blank face. The always-smiling Wi Seol-Ah had vanished.
The prolonged, deeply uncomfortable silence made everything worse.
After standing there dripping cold sweat for a while, I finally managed to speak. "…D-Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah."
"…I see."
Her reply was utterly cold. I felt another wave of cold sweat coming on.
…Wait, why am I so nervous?
It's not like I did anything wrong, right?
Namgung Bi-ah was the stubborn one who insisted on sleeping here. I'm the innocent victim in all this…
So why do I feel so guilty in front of Wi Seol-Ah?
I felt that, as her master, I needed to say something. It seemed my usual leniency was making her forget her place. It was absurd for me, her master, to feel this way.
Having organized my thoughts, I glared at Wi Seol-Ah. I could see my own reflection in her pure, clear eyes. I decided to scold her for her attitude.
"…Do you want a yakgwa?"
"Yeah."
…Okay.
…You still don't refuse food, even at a time like this?
Just as my headache was intensifying from not knowing how to handle the situation, Namgung Bi-ah stirred awake behind me. Her eyes were still drowsy with sleep, but she looked inexplicably happy. She waved at Wi Seol-Ah.
"…Hi."
Wi Seol-Ah frowned at the gesture. Soon, her eyes began to well up with tears.
"Sis… you're so mean."
"…Hmm?" Namgung Bi-ah looked confused by the sudden accusation.
Wi Seol-Ah continued, tears threatening to spill. "I… I want to sleep with the Young Master, too."
She looked on the verge of bursting into tears. Namgung Bi-ah quickly moved forward and began wiping Wi Seol-Ah's eyes with her sleeve.
…What is happening?
"I want to sleep with him, too…" Wi Seol-Ah grumbled, but she didn't push Namgung Bi-ah away, allowing herself to be comforted. She continued her tearful complaints while being hugged.
I just stood there blankly, feeling like an idiot.
[Then why are you just standing there—]
"Then let's sleep together."
"Huh…?"
[Huh?]
Wi Seol-Ah glanced at Namgung Bi-ah upon hearing this, while my body froze in shock.
"What did you just say?" I asked.
Namgung Bi-ah replied with infuriating nonchalance, "We can sleep… together."
My headache intensified. Not only did I have to deal with Wi Seol-Ah's mood, but I also had no intention of repeating last night's sleeping arrangement. Plus, Wi Seol-Ah probably wouldn't want that either—
"Sis, can I really do that…?" Wi Seol-Ah asked, her eyes suddenly shining with anticipation.
Perhaps not…?
Namgung Bi-ah simply nodded in response.
"Really…?"
"Yeah, let's sleep together from now on."
The situation was spiraling into bizarre territory. I had to intervene before this went any further.
"What are you two talkin—"
"Young Master! Good mor—!"
My words were cut off by Yung Pung, who entered with his usual loud greeting. The moment he stepped inside and saw the scene—Wi Seol-Ah sobbing, Namgung Bi-ah hugging her, and me watching with a blank expression—his bright smile vanished. His eyes began to tremble.
"Uh… I, I came to tell you something…" he stammered. "It seems I came at a bad time. I-I'll come back later."
"Wait, no, this is the perfect ti— Master Yung Pung! Where are you going!?"
Whether he heard me or not, Yung Pung chose to make a swift exit.
Slam!
The sound of the door closing echoed through the suddenly silent room after he hurriedly left. He didn't return until half an hour later.