Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Secret Hideout, Hidden Secrets (3)
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"The tea leaves are all top-notch."
"Really?"
"Looks like the shopkeeper put in some extra care. You must've had a tough trip getting them."
"Tough? Nah, I got to sightsee a bit, so it was nice."
Murong Sujing stood up after selecting the tea leaves.
"Since you're here, have a cup before you go. I'll brew it for you."
"Sure, why not?"
Perfect timing—I actually have something to talk about.
Murong Sujing looked utterly relaxed and natural as she boiled water and sorted the leaves herself.
"Sis, something's different about you."
"Hm?"
"You used to seem so fragile somehow."
"Must be because I'm healthier now."
That wasn't the whole story.
Her aura's changed too.
There was a subtle dignity about her that made her hard to approach, even in her relaxed state.
Yet in front of her big sister, it felt like she could throw any tantrum in the world and it'd all be okay—like with a mother she couldn't even remember. Sujing would accept anything, complaints or otherwise.
She was generous and solid.
Definitely different from before.
Day by day, the changes were clear—and utterly natural.
"How's your progress?"
"Huh? What progress?"
"With the Twin Dragon Technique."
Murong Suhyang smacked her lips without thinking.
"Not sure if it's going well."
"Why? Something holding you back?"
"I'm doing pupil training on top of it, like the idiot said. The inner energy buildup is definitely way faster than with the old heart method."
"And?"
"...It's just making me uneasy, I guess."
She meant the rapid progress was throwing her off instead.
If the old heart method's accumulation speed was one, then combining pupil training with the Twin Dragon Technique put it at seven or eight. On days when she focused exceptionally well, it even hit ten or more.
At least seven times faster—sometimes over ten.
No matter the difference in level, the gap was ridiculous.
"I looked over the Twin Dragon Technique manual, and it's on par with the Mixed Origin Heart Method—an impressive art. Your brother said the two heart methods form its foundation, but I think mastering just this one would make you first-rate."
Of course, perfecting an inner energy method alone wouldn't make a true master.
That made it all the more remarkable. It felt like this method alone could turn someone into an expert. It was leagues beyond the techniques she'd trained before.
"Studying the Mixed Origin Heart Method and Twin Dragon Technique made me realize everyone has martial arts suited to them. Your talent shines, but maybe the Twin Dragon Technique fits you perfectly, speeding up your accumulation."
Spot-on insight.
"Y-you think so?"
"Sure, at the beginner stage, accumulation is always faster. The higher the level, the harder the progress in any study."
"Fair enough, then."
"So what's the issue? Even if something feels off, your brother would spot it and guide you carefully."
It wasn't just blind, familial faith.
Murong Bi's judgment had proven exceptional so far. He'd catch even the slightest error like a ghost and offer advice that, in hindsight, was uncannily precise.
Blood ties formed the base, topped with trust in his skill.
How could she not believe?
Well...
Murong Suhyang subtly lifted her left foot.
He spotted this right away too.
Just then, Murong Sujing brought over the teapot and cups.
"All set. Give it a try."
"Thanks."
The faint, floral aroma was refreshing and soothing.
"So, what's bothering you?"
"Huh?"
"You look like you have something to say."
Her sister's perceptiveness was ghostly, rivaling the idiot brother's—field aside.
Murong Suhyang cut straight to it.
"Sis, ever hear the rumors floating around town?"
Murong Sujing moistened her throat with a sip before answering calmly.
"Nothing besides the Hong Sword Clan incident."
"Whoa, you heard that?!"
"I did."
"I only caught it on my way to pick up the tea earlier! Who could've guessed the Hong Sword Clan would end up like that?!"
"Yeah. I was shocked too."
"They say the patriarch and both sons are all dead. How...?"
"......"
"When did you hear, Sis?"
"Yesterday. The Chief Steward heard the rumors in town, looked into it, and reported back."
Murong Suhyang nodded, then pouted.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You were busy training. I was gonna mention it today, but you rushed off to buy tea after saying you'd be quick and get back to cultivating."
"Oh... uh."
She felt awkwardly embarrassed.
But embarrassment was one thing—seriousness another.
"I have a bad feeling... the idiot's tangled up in it."
"You think so?"
"It all happened after he came back, right? Could be coincidence, but... after the Ten Sword Sect thing, it's hard to call it that."
A faint smile played on Murong Sujing's lips.
"Is that right?"
"And that guy, when the Chief Steward was around, he bragged about how the Black Tiger Gang mess was more than just raiding a thug den, shoulders all puffed up. If that's the case..."
"I think the same."
"Huh?!"
"I figure there's a high chance Bi's involved in the Hong Sword Clan matter."
"R-really?"
Delighted her hunch was right, Murong Suhyang's face soon flushed beet red.
"Then we're in big trouble!"
"Did you ask your brother?"
"As if he'd spill easily. That's why I came to you!"
"Then we're good?"
"What're you talking about?"
"I don't agree he'd never tell you straight, but the old you would've grilled him without thinking. Why not this time?"
"Well... doesn't seem like he stirred trouble on purpose... it's serious, sure, but he looks way too calm..."
Watching her youngest hem and haw, warmth filled Murong Sujing's eyes.
"Right. Your brother's not the type to act without thought."
"Even so, it's a problem. I might let it slide, but he should've told you."
Her displeasure rang clear in her voice.
Still, seeing her sister unruffled dulled her own fiery momentum.
"He must have a plan."
"Even with a plan, shouldn't big stuff like this get reported to the acting matriarch?"
"Maybe that's why."
"Huh?"
"Maybe Bi doesn't see this as a big deal."
Murong Suhyang's jaw dropped.
"If this isn't big, what is? The sky falling?!"
"Could be."
"...Ugh."
"If the rumors are true, maybe that mystery expert who took down the demon-possessed Hong patriarch is your brother."
"Nah, no way."
If Hong Junak had truly cultivated demonic arts and gone berserk, even the idiot brother would struggle.
She'd thought him amazing overpowering Hwang Gyu, but slaying a true demon? Doubtful.
Not that she'd ever seen a real one.
Hwang Gyu...
Recalling that time stirred another doubt buried deep in Murong Sujing's heart.
"Anyway, pretend you don't know until Bi tells you himself."
"The whole town's buzzing already."
Murong Suhyang grumbled, then gulped her tea and coughed. Still too hot to down in one go.
"At least you know now."
"Heading back to train?"
"Yeah. Would be nice if you weren't busy and could join."
Murong Sujing smiled gently.
"Your big sis is working hard too."
"Oh yeah?"
"After duties, your brother checks my martial arts every night."
Murong Suhyang's eyes went wide.
"At night?"
"I'd love dawn sessions too, but he says I'm not ready, so no pre-dawn training—sleep till early morning."
"That guy's just making excuses 'cause he can't wake up early."
She said it, but acknowledged he cared more about her sister's health than she did.
"I'm off then."
"Good luck today."
Murong Suhyang hesitated a moment.
"What? More to say?"
"Huh? Nah. Let's eat dinner together later."
"Sounds good."
With that, Murong Suhyang opened the door to the acting matriarch's quarters and stepped out.
Whoosh.
The wind had a real bite now.
Time for thicker clothes. Winter was near.
What was that about back then?
The words she couldn't ask her sister.
The question lingering since the fight with Hwang Gyu grew more tangled in her mind with time.
Murong Suhyang recalled her brother's shout at Hwang Gyu.
'Do you have any idea how much I hid myself just to keep tabs on scum like you who mock the main house, skim from its businesses, and lurk like ghosts in its shadows—one by one?'
His response to Hwang Gyu's question about hiding his strength.
Yes. Her brother had hidden his power.
To study the family arts, to evade potential bandits' eyes.
But what nagged her was his final words.
'Scum lurking in the main house?'
What could they gain from a backwater clan with nothing to offer? Had such people even existed?
If so, how had her brother known? Why not tell them?
"...So frustrating."
Murong Suhyang sighed.
"Is it 'cause I'm too young he won't say anything?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Nice view."
"It is, Young Master."
The two walking the western mountain path—not the town road—looked leisurely and carefree.
"I remember passing here a few times as a kid. It's barren, but somehow feels abundant."
His words carried a wistful nostalgia.
Old Man Gwak chuckled.
"Remember this path? When you were little, this old servant carried you along it a few times."
"Oh, did I? Must be that memory."
"Heh, you were so young back then."
Even without that, it wasn't far from home. Living in Wuhuan so long, he'd traversed it dozens of times.
Yet Old Man Gwak voiced no doubt, just chimed in.
"This is a new side of you, Young Master."
"What do you mean?"
"You need more meat on those bones, but your face is full of life."
He'd eaten and trained plenty even after the Hong Sword Clan business.
Murong Bi now looked like a different man from half a month ago—not overstatement. Even calling him a lean everyman fit.
Perhaps that's why his innate sharp features shone, highlighting his handsome looks.
"Physician Yang, right? Been taking his meds. They keep me energized daily."
"Heh, good to hear."
Murong Bi halted and glanced back.
Over half a shichen from home—nearly ten li already.
"...I told them ahead of time, and with Stone Tower Slave around, a day off should be fine."
"Pardon?"
"Old Man Gwak."
"Yes, Young Master."
"How's your joint training going?"
Old Man Gwak's eyes flickered.
But his voice stayed steady.
"Doing my best."
"Good."
Murong Bi eyed the western path again.
"You raised me, the acting matriarch, and the little miss through hard times. Now it's our turn to look after you, right?"
"Pardon?"
"Light footwork practice, and I'll carry you to some nice spots. Sound good?"
"N-nice spots?"
"Oh, and no refusing."
Murong Bi hoisted Old Man Gwak onto his back.
Old Man Gwak flinched instinctively but was too startled to react—already airborne.
"Hold tight. It'll take a bit."
"Y-Young..."
Boom!
Murong Bi's form turned to a streak of wind.