Chapter 50
Ch. 50 .｡.:✧ Sacrifice ✧:.｡.
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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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“So, what brings you back here?”
Dokgo Hyun asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
I smiled faintly, then replied,
“Please accept this.”
“…What is this?”
Swish—
I presented him with the remaining portion of the Red Lotus, the one I hadn’t given to Ha-seol.
Dokgo Hyun’s initial confusion quickly morphed into something akin to awe as he recognized the crimson flower.
I knew he’d immediately understood its significance, the potent medicinal properties of this hard-won treasure.
“How… how did you obtain this?”
“…I cannot reveal that.”
“Hmm…!”
“I trust you understand.”
I spoke respectfully.
Dokgo Hyun paused, then nodded slowly.
“You may already know, but this flower is called the Red Lotus,” I continued.
“…I’d only heard of it in legends. I never thought I’d see one in person.”
“Boil the root for several days and administer it to Hwa-ryeong, along with a Yang-based elixir or spirit herb.”
“…!”
“It should alleviate the pain caused by her blocked meridians.”
“You…”
Dokgo Hyun’s eyes widened in disbelief, then softened with gratitude.
He looked at me with a mixture of awe and appreciation.
I simply nodded.
“I hope this will help Hwa-ryeong recover.”
“…Thank you. I… I don’t know how to repay you. Even Heavenly Slaughterer will be indebted to you when he learns of this.”
“I don’t expect anything in return. Consider it a fair exchange for the spirit herbs and teachings you’ve given me, separate from the compensation for the Hao Clan assassin incident.”
“Hwa-ryeong’s Nine Yin Blocked Meridians… even the Hao Clan Leader, with his vast wealth, couldn’t find a cure. You’ve given us hope where there was none.”
“…”
I remained silent.
Dokgo Hyun’s gaze was steady, unwavering.
“The Hao Clan will likely contact you soon, but if you ever need anything, do not hesitate to visit.”
“…You’re too kind.”
“Not at all. Considering the value of this Red Lotus, I should be bowing to you.”
Dokgo Hyun’s voice was tinged with emotion as he bowed deeply.
“…Elder Dokgo.”
“You are a benefactor of the Hao Clan, and a benefactor to Heavenly Slaughterer, and to me, Dokgo Hyun, the Hidden Healer.”
“Please, raise your head.”
Dokgo Hyun smiled faintly and straightened up.
I scratched my head, returning the formal bow, then said,
“I would love to stay and chat, but I left my sister, Ha-seol, at Mount Yunhaeng, so I must be going.”
“You came all the way from Mount Yunhaeng?”
“Indeed.”
Dokgo Hyun looked astonished.
“…Even a first-rate martial artist would need several days to travel that distance using lightness skill. You covered it in just a few hours? Remarkable…”
‘It actually took me just one hour… but I don’t need to tell him that.’
“…”
I simply nodded and bid him farewell.
“I must take my leave, Elder Dokgo. I’ve been quite busy traveling lately.”
“Take care. I’ve heard rumors that Fighting Demon is furious about the recent incident.”
“Fighting Demon?”
“Indeed. While he may not suspect you of killing the Shadowless Swordsman, it’s best to return to Mount Hua as soon as possible.”
“…”
“Even though he’s a member of the Unorthodox Factions, he wouldn’t dare attack you directly, not while you’re under the protection of Mount Hua, one of the Nine Great Sects.”
“I understand. I’ll be careful.”
Dokgo Hyun smiled, seemingly relieved.
“Then, be on your way.”
“…I wish you peace, Elder Dokgo.”
With his dismissal, I activated my lightness skill and shot into the air.
Whoosh—!
The wind whistled past my ears as I soared through the sky.
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I arrived at the inn in the village at the foot of the mountain, the prearranged meeting place with Ha-seol.
“You’re here, Oppa.”
“Indeed.”
“Are you ready to leave?”
As Ha-seol spoke, I noticed a waiter approaching with a tray laden with food.
Steaming hot dishes, freshly prepared.
It was my seventh bowl of noodles.
As I reached for it, I felt Ha-seol’s gaze upon me.
She looked slightly pale.
“It seems you’re still hungry, Oppa…”
“…Hmm.”
I coughed, then looked at the noodles.
I swallowed, then pushed the bowl away, forcing myself to regain control.
I looked at Ha-seol, whose gaze had cooled slightly.
“You should eat something too.”
“…No, thank you. Just watching you eat is enough to fill me up.”
“…”
I tilted my head, then glanced at the mountain of food on the table.
The waiter hadn’t even brought out all the dishes I’d ordered.
He’d initially hesitated, wanting payment upfront, but seeing Ha-seol seated beside me, he’d wisely kept quiet.
The reputation of the Silver River Trading Company’s only daughter carried considerable weight.
I cleared my throat, trying to lighten the mood.
“Ahem… How are the guards? Are they alright?”
“…I should have told you sooner.”
“Hmm?”
“One of my guards… he’s dead.”
“…What?”
“Na Hee-rin… when I refused to cooperate and continued to resist, one of my guards tried to protect me… she killed him.”
“…”
I stared at Ha-seol.
The dam of her composure finally broke.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke and her voice trembled.
“I remember his name. He was always so kind, so attentive. He was there for me when I had to take over as acting head of the trading company at such a young age… The Jianghu… it’s a cruel place for those with compassion.”
“…”
“Even as she dragged me here, I wanted revenge. I know it’s wrong, but I wanted you to make her suffer, Oppa.”
“…”
“I hate myself for understanding the harsh realities of this world so young. But… it’s not fair. He died protecting me… he didn’t deserve that…”
“…Ha-seol.”
“People might think I’m cruel, but I can’t help it. The more I think about the wrongs done to me and those I care about, the more ruthless I become… Am I a terrible person?”
“…”
“Is it wrong that I felt… almost a sense of satisfaction when she died?”
Ha-seol’s eyes were filled with tears.
A heavy silence descended upon us.
I set down my teacup and sighed.
Then, I spoke, my voice soft and gentle.
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