Welcoming Guests (4)
“Lady Saintess.”
“Is it done?”
“Yes. The indoor humidity has been reduced to an acceptable level. It should be safe to move the patients now.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Not at all. In that case, we’ll transport the patients right away.”
“The Gong couple shouldn’t be moved yet. The poison is fully purged, but their fevers haven’t completely subsided. Fortunately, they’re both young and vigorous, so their vitality is recovering quickly. Let’s monitor them for another day or two before transferring.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, please bear with it just a bit longer.”
“Think nothing of it. Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
As the man withdrew, the woman resumed moving her brush.
Scritch-scratch.
Her calligraphy was truly a work of art. It embodied the pinnacle of the eight principles of writing, blending delicacy and mysticism in perfect harmony. Even to an illiterate eye, her flawless script was breathtaking—and it mirrored her appearance.
Her skin was whiter than any woman of the Central Plains could boast. Golden hair, brighter than gold itself, cascaded to her waist like molten rivers, soft as silk. Tall for a woman, her figure curved with graceful perfection. Her pupils were a striking blue, her frame sturdy yet refined, her features sharply defined.
This was the look of people from far beyond the Central Plains—west of even Tianzhu.
Beautifully ethereal to some,-like to others. An exotic beauty rare in these lands.
“This should suffice.”
She gently waved her sleeve to dry the ink. Though her features hailed from the Western Regions, her script and demeanor bespoke a deep immersion in Central Plains etiquette—perhaps even more refined than a native’s.
Once the ink had dried, she neatly folded the letter.
The woman sighed.
“It needs to arrive within five days... I worry.”
Rising from her seat, she headed to the next room.
Scree!
Three hawks fluttered their wings inside. She tied the letter to one’s ankle. The paper was small, but on the hawk’s modest frame, it covered both legs.
“Sorry to always burden you like this. Now, off you go.”
Flap-flap!
After dispatching the messenger hawk, she gazed deeply at the night sky beyond the window. Clouds were scarce, stars poured down like rain, and a not-quite-full moon glowed serenely.
“It’s bitterly cold. So dry, too.”
White breath escaped her lips.
“How can the Central Plains be this frigid? They say the south feels like spring even in winter. Once this is over, I’d love to see it.”
Her tone carried a wistful longing.
Gazing at the sky, she suddenly flashed a mischievous grin, like a playful child.
“There must be so many new herbs to discover, right? Ah, it excites me.”
Propping her elbow on the windowsill and resting her chin in her hand, a strange thrill lit her face.
“Central Plains medicine is truly mystical, isn’t it? Things like blood circulation and qi meridians. Well, ‘they’ handled qi quite well too.”
She caressed her lower abdomen.
“Internal energy is so profound. Just forming the dantian makes one feel this warm and secure. If I’d known, I would have learned from them sooner...”
Her voice trailed off.
“...”
Silence fell for a moment. The two remaining hawks turned to her.
Staring blankly out the window with inscrutable eyes for a long while, she finally closed them.
“When will I ever be free?”
Opening her eyes again, she smiled and stroked a hawk’s chin.
“You’re lucky. You have wings. Even now, if you wanted, you could fly away anytime.”
She spoke with a sigh.
“Isn’t that right, Jam Yeong-il-ho?”
Slither.
From the shadowed corner, a man wrapped head to toe in black bandages emerged. His pupils, like hers, were blue—but cold where hers were clear and deep.
The man knelt on one knee.
“I greet the Saintess. Have you been well?”
“Regrettably, yes.”
“That’s a relief.”
Gi U-hui smiled bitterly.
“Here to check on me? To see if I’m wavering?”
“An additional order has come from above.”
“...”
“Remain at the Martial Alliance as long as possible.”
Gi U-hui’s eyes trembled.
“Is that all?”
“Yes. If further orders come, we’ll contact you separately.”
“Understood. Nothing else?”
“We’ve heard you’ve begun cultivating an internal energy method.”
Her face hardened. As expected, they were still watching her. The problem was, she hadn’t sensed a thing.
Gi U-hui was born with extraordinary instincts. Even before learning any martial arts, she’d survived countless assassins. Those senses had only sharpened over time—now, she could detect presences from two hundred zhang away if she focused.
Spotting Jam Yeong-il-ho’s presence immediately was a prime example.
His stealth was so supreme that even the Central Plains’ top assassins would yield. Yet someone had monitored her without detection.
“Who was it?”
“The method you’ve learned is third-rate. If you wish, the Church will bestow its martial arts.”
“Who sent you? I felt no presence, no gaze.”
“It was the Church Lord himself. If you desire it, simply say the word.”
Church Lord.
Gi U-hui let out a sigh.
“Is the Church Lord... well?”
“Of course.”
“...No illnesses or ailments?”
“The Church Lord is a divine being. Mortal maladies cannot touch his sacred form.”
“...”
“Just in case, I’ve brought two internal energy manuals. They fuse Church profundities with Central Plains techniques—even those familiar with our Church won’t link them to our doctrines.”
Slither.
Jam Yeong-il-ho placed two manuals on the table.
“Memorize them fully, then burn them immediately.”
Staring at the manuals, Gi U-hui sighed again.
“Since you’re here, grant me one request.”
“Speak.”
“We’re short on herbs. One merchant group helped before, but they’re struggling lately and can’t secure enough.”
“...”
“Can you procure the herbs I requested within five days?”
“Impossible.”
“...”
“We’ve received reports that an escort team has departed from the Martial Alliance. Unlikely as it is, if they trace the herbs’ origins, it could become troublesome.”
Gi U-hui gritted her teeth.
“Then give me money. I’ll handle it myself. If procurement delays, the patients are at risk...”
“The Saintess is not one to dispense grace to such lowly folk in a place like this.”
“...!”
“Infiltrating the Martial Alliance is not your duty either. Yet you endure this trial because of your original sin.”
Despite their insurmountable status gap, Jam Yeong-il-ho’s words cut like a dagger—cold and sharp.
Gi U-hui knew it. He pitied her. His harshness stemmed from concern.
“Even that original sin could vanish if you willed it. You know how dearly the Church Lord cherishes you.”
“...”
“Sever ties with these insignificant souls and realign your devotion. The Church Lord won’t abandon you for this.”
“Jam Yeong-il-ho.”
“Yes, Saintess.”
Fire blazed in Gi U-hui’s eyes.
“They’re not insignificant. They’re humans, with blood and flesh like us.”
“Their blood and flesh differ, making them insignificant.”
“...”
Gi U-hui sighed.
“Leave now. I’ve heard the higher-ups’ command.”
“Saintess.”
“I don’t want to talk anymore.”
Jam Yeong-il-ho gazed at her steadily, then bowed his head.
“Then, I take my leave.”
Slither.
He vanished. Just as mysteriously as he’d appeared—no trace of any technique.
Gazing sadly out the window, Gi U-hui turned to the table. The two manuals gleamed eerily in the moonlight.
She muttered self-mockingly.
“Saintess? Divine Maiden? Ridiculous. All I know is medicine, yet they demand money like I’m some entrusted treasure.”
Tears trickled down her cheeks.
She picked up the manuals.
“Jam Yeong-il-ho. They’re not insignificant. If anyone is, it’s me.”
* * *
Neigh-hiiing!
Four horses whinnied roughly in unison.
“Shall we camp here today?”
At Yeon Hojeong’s words, Muk Bi smacked her lips.
“I’ve been wondering for a while now.”
“Hm?”
“Why do you love camping out so much? We could just hit the nearest inn.”
“What’s wrong with it? Great scenery, bonding with nature and all.”
“It’s too damn cold to talk about scenery!”
Winter had brought heavy snow. They’d packed furs and wind-repelling cloaks just in case, but this wasn’t weather for overnighting in a snow-blanketed forest.
Yeon Hojeong snorted.
“What’s internal energy for? Besides, circulate it and you won’t feel the cold at all.”
“It’s not us—it’s the horses.”
“Prime stock, raised on spirit herbs. Tougher against cold than you.”
“Don’t talk about the horses like that.”
Muk Bi dismounted with a weary groan.
Mo Yong Woo chuckled.
“Muk Division Head has a point. Do we really need to sleep in the woods?”
“It’s romantic.”
Mo Yong Woo gave up persuading his mad blood brother. Even Gang Ryang alone, at peak realm with potent inner energy, wouldn’t suffer from this chill with focus.
In the end, unable to sway Yeon Hojeong’s mule-headedness, the group settled in the snowy woods for the night.
Sizzle!
Chopping damp wood, drying it, and igniting— a bonfire roared to life in moments.
“Whew, warm.”
Gang Ryang extended his hands toward the flames.
Yeon Hojeong asked him.
“Not hungry?”
“No, brother. It’s only been one shichen since we ate.”
“Riding’s no joke.”
“I’m decent with a blade. Just doesn’t work on you.”
“True enough. Belly’s full, so grab your sword and follow.”
“Pardon? Sword? Why?”
“You said you’re not hungry.”
“Yeah?”
“Train when you can. Come on. Father said to shape you up proper before bringing you back.”
Gang Ryang’s eyes turned deadly serious.
“Very well.”
He might seem a bit dim at times, but his thirst for strength was genuine. Snatching his greatsword, he followed Yeon Hojeong.
Mo Yong Woo said,
“Don’t overdo it. It’s just starting... already gone.”
He glanced at Muk Bi.
She smiled awkwardly and bowed her head.
Mo Yong Woo returned an embarrassed nod.
“...”
The awkwardness was suffocating; even the roaring bonfire seemed ready to die out.
One geng later.
Mo Yong Woo cautiously spoke.
“If you’re not tired, shall we spar...”
Snore-snort.
Muk Bi was already asleep. Deeply, judging by her even breaths.
“...All that grumbling, and she crashes fast.”
In the end, Mo Yong Woo poked at the fire alone for two shichen.