Chapter 197 - Suzaku Battle Leader Cha So-ryeong
Returning to her annex, Cha So-ryeong shed her armor and sank into the hot spring in the backyard.
Disappointing.
She frowned delicately, recalling Yeon-hoo's overbearing demeanor toward her.
The rumors swirling around Yeon-hoo in Baekya-beol boiled down to two things. One was his unbearable arrogance, and the other concerned the brutality of his methods. There were a few more whispers, but almost none painted him in a positive light.
Cha So-ryeong had dismissed them all as jealousy toward the lord who now commanded two major factions. But that notion had shattered completely after meeting him. Her curiosity and intrigue about the man who led two forces had evaporated in an instant.
He was even worse than the rumors.
No matter how charitably she tried to view him, she couldn't.
I didn't come here expecting special treatment just because I'm a battle leader of Baekya-beol, but at least basic courtesy...
The more she thought about it, the worse her mood became, so Cha So-ryeong lay back in the water. She remained motionless for a long while.
Bubble, bubble.
How much time passed before bubbles rose? Splash!
Cha So-ryeong thrust her head above the surface and exhaled deeply. Her eyes widened.
In the corner of the backyard, on a chair, sat a lone figure quietly sipping tea. It was a mysterious woman with her face veiled in thin silk.
Cha So-ryeong hurriedly stepped out of the hot spring. Her naked form was perfection itself, as if sculpted by the gods. But the scars crisscrossing her body proclaimed her a warrior first and a woman second.
Without even drying her wet body, Cha So-ryeong slipped into her discarded clothes and approached the woman.
"The quarters must have felt confining, miss."
"No. I love it here."
The veiled woman lifted her teacup as she continued. "I just wanted to enjoy some fresh air with my tea. I haven't had a proper cup since arriving."
Cha So-ryeong perched on a nearby rock and called toward the back. "Bring me a cup of tea too."
She turned her gaze back to the veiled woman. Her eyes held a mix of pity, warmth, and gentleness.
"They say the head of the Iron Blood Family is quite fearsome... What was he like?"
"Just... as the rumors described, I suppose."
"So he really is arrogant, cruel, selfish, and rude."
"Not quite to that extent."
Cha So-ryeong smiled faintly. A female warrior entered with tea. Cha So-ryeong savored the aroma for a moment before turning back to the veiled woman.
"Iron Blood Family guards will be accompanying us. Even if it's inconvenient, please be extra cautious about concealing your identity."
"Don't worry. I've got the human-skin mask and this veil. Still, I'll be careful."
The veiled woman set down her cup and surveyed the annex. "This place is so cozy and beautiful. It's only been less than an hour, but it already feels like home."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Battle Leader."
"Yes?"
"Can we... come back here?"
"Miss, why say such things again..."
"I'm sorry. Even though I'm trying to grow stronger, it's not easy. For someone like me who's never left Baekya-beol, the world out there is just too frightening..."
The veiled woman's voice trailed off. Pity filled Cha So-ryeong's eyes.
At that moment—
"Battle Leader, a visitor."
Cha So-ryeong set down her cup and rose at the voice from behind. "You should head inside now."
"Got it."
Only after watching the veiled woman enter her room did Cha So-ryeong head to the front yard.
At the annex's main gate stood Dongbang Ri and two female warriors. Cha So-ryeong first glanced at the women, then fixed a sharp gaze on Dongbang Ri.
Seeing nothing unusual, she softened her eyes and stepped outside.
Dongbang Ri spoke to her. "My lord commanded me to attend to your needs during your stay. First, please accept these."
The two female warriors handed over two large baskets. Two members of Jujakjeon stepped forward to receive them, filled with essentials for women—and just what Cha So-ryeong needed as well.
"Convey my thanks to the family head."
"I'll be staying there until you depart, so let me know if you need anything else."
Dongbang Ri gestured to the left side of the annex. A small pavilion stood there—a dormitory for the warriors managing the annex.
Though managed by male warriors, they had all vacated upon Cha So-ryeong's arrival. She assumed Yeon-hoo had sent Dongbang Ri and the women out of consideration.
Unexpected.
Still, it didn't turn her dislike into fondness. The first impression had been too intense.
"Rest well."
Cha So-ryeong watched Dongbang Ri's retreating figure, frowning slightly. That woman has a similar air to the Iron Blood family head...
Dongbang Ri hadn't even offered a fist salute upon first sight or departure. Even Cha So-ryeong, indifferent to such formalities, couldn't help but feel irked. Basic etiquette existed, after all—especially toward a battle leader of Baekya-beol.
Well, retainers end up resembling their lords.
Cha So-ryeong turned away with a wry smile.
Then a voice whispered into her ear. "Family head, shall I prepare more tea?"
"Thank you."
Cha So-ryeong's eyes widened slightly as she whipped her head around. Family head?
* * *
Dongbang Ri wrinkled her nose at the overpowering men's cologne stinging her senses and opened the window.
The annex's backyard came into full view. The steam from the hot spring wafted to her face.
First time. I've never felt this intimidated by a female expert...
Cha So-ryeong's image lingered in her mind. She'd feigned composure, but her heart had raced right up until they met. Ever since fleeing with her sect's retainers, her dream had been to grow as strong as Jujakjeon's leader, Cha So-ryeong.
Meeting her had felt suffocating. She'd barely managed to look her in the eye while suppressing her pounding heart.
But now, it was different. Her heart had calmed, and her once-tangled thoughts had regained their usual cool clarity.
Just becoming like her isn't enough.
Grit. Her pearly white teeth pressed into her lip.
I'll surpass her. With the martial art my lord created just for me, nothing's impossible.
* * *
The next morning, Cha So-ryeong sought out Yeon-hoo again—to bid farewell before departure.
"Were the quarters comfortable?"
"Thanks to your consideration, family head, she rested very well and sends her gratitude. She also wished to pay respects in person but asks for your understanding due to circumstances."
"As long as she rested well."
Yeon-hoo lifted his teacup. Cha So-ryeong matched his pace and sipped hers.
Then Baek Mu Yeong entered. Cha So-ryeong set down her cup and alternated glances between him and Yeon-hoo.
"This man will assist you, Battle Leader Cha."
"Just him... alone?"
"Too many would hinder mobility and invite complications. And I doubt you'd want that either..."
"My thanks again for your consideration, family head."
"Treat him with respect—he's like my own limb."
"I shall. Then, I should take my leave."
"Safe travels."
"I'll be off, my lord."
Yeon-hoo silently nodded as he watched Cha So-ryeong depart with Baek Mu Yeong. She was every bit the remarkable woman the rumors claimed. Her poised demeanor and spirited gaze, all while observing proper etiquette, even impressed him.
Yeon-hoo thought of Dongbang Ri. I hope this provides sufficient stimulus...
* * *
At Iron Blood Family's main gate, as Jujakjeon and the carriage prepared to depart, Seobaek, Songyeong, Yuksoon, and others came to see Baek Mu Yeong off. Jo Yeong was there too, of course.
All wore bright expressions, but Jo Yeong's regret was plain. And another equally disappointed was Namho, son of Sea King Namgon.
With their instructor Baek Mu Yeong gone, training would halt.
Baek Mu Yeong turned to the two. "Don't slack off while I'm away."
"No worries."
"Yes, sir!"
"Come back safe, brother."
"Don't forget souvenirs."
Baek Mu Yeong mounted the warhorse Seobaek had brought.
Watching from afar, Cha So-ryeong couldn't hide her inner surprise. Not one is ordinary. And so young too... How many more talents does Northern Murim hold?
Word of Northern talents had spread through Baekya-beol. Chief among them was undoubtedly Blood King Sin Hwi. Young, powerful experts surrounded Yeon-hoo, credited with the bulk of Northern Murim's conquest of the Northwest.
Shame I couldn't see the Blood King...
Every warrior revered Blood King Sin Hwi—and Cha So-ryeong was no exception. In truth, she'd been more curious about him than Yeon-hoo.
We'll meet someday.
Pushing aside her regret, Cha So-ryeong spurred her horse to the lead. She raised her hand, and the carriage rolled forward, followed by Jujakjeon's experts. Baek Mu Yeong brought up the rear.
As they passed the gate and entered the main road—
Thud thud thud!
A single rider charged from ahead, kicking up dust in a furious gallop. The momentum was so intense that Cha So-ryeong placed her hand on her sword hilt, bracing for trouble.
She glanced at Baek Mu Yeong, silently asking who it was.
Baek Mu Yeong shifted aside to look, then turned back. "Seems like the Blood King."
"...!"
The atmosphere around Jujakjeon shifted entirely. Baek Mu Yeong felt it viscerally and smirked. Well, he's the Blood King for a reason.
* * *
From his quarters' window, Yeon-hoo watched Cha So-ryeong's group pass the gate. Dongbang Ri stood beside him.
"What did she look like to you, my lord?"
"That woman?"
"Yes."
"As the rumors say."
It was curt, but said it all. Dongbang Ri knew the rumors about Cha So-ryeong well enough.
Now Yeon-hoo asked. "And what did you make of the battle leader?"
"Intimidating enough to make my heart race. I couldn't even meet her eyes at first."
Yeon-hoo smiled faintly at the honest answer. Dongbang Ri looked at him.
"Can I surpass her?"
"No confidence?"
"I do!"
Dongbang Ri answered loudly before blushing in embarrassment.
"Then that's enough. With enough will, nothing's impossible. Master the forms I gave you perfectly for now. Your internal energy issue will resolve soon."
"Got it. The Blood King's arriving, so I'll prepare more tea."
"Appreciated."
Yeon-hoo turned back to watch. Sin Hwi was reining in his warhorse after its blistering charge.
Meeting the even more famous Blood King will have them all on edge. Heh heh heh.