Chapter 38
Chapter 38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Chapter 5. To Go Far, One Takes a Rest (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Far off in the distance, Bursting Moon Peak came into view. Though the wind carried a hint of warmth, the eternal snows capping its summit showed no sign of melting.
Nestled at the eastern edge of the Tianshan Mountains, Bursting Moon Peak was revered as a sacred mountain by the locals.
How could they have named the massive lake midway up its slopes the Heavenly Pool otherwise?
From the pavilion in the rear garden of Western Heaven Villa, the peak's majestic form stood out in sharp relief.
The villa's master, Eun Ha-seong, had chosen this very spot to establish Western Heaven Villa precisely because the view of Bursting Moon Peak was unmatched.
Eun Ha-seong was sixty-two this year. Yet his appearance betrayed no hint of passing forty.
His eyes gleamed fiercely like a tiger stalking prey, complemented by a blunt nose, firmly pressed lips, and a sharply angled jaw that lent his face an even more intimidating edge.
Eun Ha-seong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the peak. He loved the sight of it blanketed in snow—so much so that he had built Western Heaven Villa here, where it was seen at its finest.
Behind him stood a man in his early fifties, rigid as a statue. The elder's face and neck were marred by horrific scars that twisted like writhing earthworms.
The old man's name was Jo Hyeol-san, Eun Ha-seong's longtime confidant and the villa's chief steward.
After a long silence contemplating the peak, Eun Ha-seong suddenly spoke.
"Where is Cheon-saeng?"
"No word yet."
Jo Hyeol-san replied deferentially.
"Hmm. He's late this time."
"What trouble could there be?"
"True enough."
Eun Ha-seong nodded.
Gyeong Cheon-saeng was one of the men he trusted most. He had been a key contributor to founding the villa and possessed a loyalty so profound that he would gladly lay down his life for his master.
"Give Cheon-saeng some rest when he returns."
"Understood."
"And the situation at Blood Demon Mound?"
"Manpower shortages remain an issue. But things should ease once Cheon-saeng is back."
"Manage it well, as you always do."
"Understood."
Jo Hyeol-san bowed deeply.
Eun Ha-seong's gaze returned to the peak.
"New Blood alone won't satisfy me. You know that."
"Of course. How could I not know your will, my lord?"
"The day our dream comes true is near. We must be all the more cautious now."
"I'll redouble my efforts."
"Mm."
It was then that Eun Ha-seong nodded.
"My lord."
A Western Heaven Villa warrior came running toward the pavilion.
Jo Hyeol-san frowned at the man. This was the master's private sanctuary for repose. One had to tread with utmost care here.
His subordinates knew that full well, yet this one's frantic approach grated. Still, assuming there was good reason, Jo Hyeol-san pressed his lips tight and watched.
Finally reaching the pavilion, the warrior dropped to one knee.
"Forgive me, my lord. The matter is too urgent."
"It's fine. What is it?"
"A guest has arrived seeking you, my lord."
"Me?"
A puzzled look crossed Eun Ha-seong's face.
He rarely showed himself to outsiders unless the matter was gravely important. That was why, despite countless visitors over the years, so few had ever met him.
The problem was that his men knew this better than anyone. Trivial guests were turned away at the gate. For one to come running like this meant the visitor was no ordinary figure.
"Who?"
"The young pavilion master of the Bloodscale Pavilion."
"Bloodscale Pavilion?"
A glint of surprise lit Eun Ha-seong's eyes. Jo Hyeol-san mirrored the expression as he glanced at his lord.
"My lord?"
"Hmm. Have they caught the scent?"
At Eun Ha-seong's murmur, Jo Hyeol-san's face grew grave.
"If they've truly sniffed us out, it's dangerous."
"Indeed. But the time has come. Frankly, if they hadn't noticed by now, that would be the strange part."
"What will you do? Perhaps we should eliminate—"
"First, I'll meet them. I need to know how much they've pieced together before devising countermeasures. Escort them to the Empty Guest Hall."
A cold smile curled Eun Ha-seong's lips.
"Understood."
The subordinate replied and dashed off.
"Bloodscale Pavilion..."
Twenty years ago, a brilliant ronin named Sim Su-myeong burst onto the New Blood scene. He possessed exceptional martial prowess and commanding leadership even among wanderers.
Fierce as a beast in battle, yet blessed with a magnanimous spirit, Sim Su-myeong drew many followers. Those warriors who rallied to him formed the Bloodscale Pavilion.
Though founded by ronin, no one dared belittle it—their strength rivaled any middling sect in the Central Plains.
Five years back, when Blood Killer Wind rampaged through New Blood territory, the pavilion had stayed uncharacteristically silent. That opened the door for Western Heaven Villa to punish him.
Had they acted first, the villa's current rise would have been impossible.
"Interesting. So they've finally begun to stir?"
Eun Ha-seong's smile deepened.
The once-deserted Empty Guest Hall now flickered with lantern light. Warriors stood guard around it as Sim Ok and Black Old Man entered.
Sim Ok murmured softly at the sight of the vigilant warriors.
"Their presence is formidable."
"Be cautious, miss."
"I know, Black Old Man."
The two opened the doors and stepped inside. There waited Eun Ha-seong and Jo Hyeol-san.
Neither spoke as they entered.
'A test?'
Sim Ok's eyes sharpened.
She glanced between the two before settling her gaze on Eun Ha-seong.
"I, Sim Ok of Bloodscale Pavilion, pay my respects to the master of Western Heaven Villa."
"Welcome. I am Eun Ha-seong, lord of Western Heaven Villa. How did you know?"
"Your aura feels a touch stronger than a great hero's. And I sense the bearing of a ruler."
"The bearing of a ruler. Bloodscale Pavilion has a keen-eyed young pavilion master. Your master must envy you."
"Thank you."
"Sit."
Eun Ha-seong gestured for Sim Ok to take a seat.
They sat as one, while Jo Hyeol-san and Black Old Man stood behind their respective masters.
"What an honor to meet Bloodscale Pavilion's young pavilion master here."
"The honor is mine, meeting the renowned master of Western Heaven Villa."
"Is it now?"
A faint smile played on Eun Ha-seong's lips—endlessly benevolent on the surface.
Even Sim Ok, who had studied him beforehand, might have been fooled by his facade otherwise.
"Have some tea."
At his words, Jo Hyeol-san promptly brought a tray.
Eun Ha-seong personally set water to boil on the brazier and added leaves to the pot.
"This is tea grown only in these Tianshan Mountains. It should suit your taste."
"What an honor, to be served tea brewed by the master himself."
"You're only the second outsider to receive this. Consider it honor enough."
"I'm curious who the first was."
"Someone you couldn't even imagine."
"That only makes me more curious."
"Excessive curiosity can sometimes invite disaster."
"I have a stubborn streak—I can't let curiosity slide. It gets me scolded by Father often enough."
Sim Ok flashed a bewitching smile. Eun Ha-seong smiled back.
"Well, a young person's curiosity can fuel growth at times."
"Thank you for understanding."
"It seems ready."
Eun Ha-seong poured tea into a small cup and offered it to Sim Ok. She lifted it to her lips.
"The subtle fragrance is exquisite."
"Most think Dragon Well or White Dew is best, but Tianshan tea is no lesser. It's not cultivated, so I hire herbalists to gather it. Quite rare, you see."
"Thank you for sharing such a treasure."
"What care I for a niece-like figure? There's plenty of tea—drink freely."
The smile on Eun Ha-seong's lips deepened.
"It's truly wonderful."
"I'll pack some for you to take when you leave."
"Thank you."
"By the way, how is your father? I keep meaning to visit, but time slips away."
"He says the same. He wants to meet you someday."
"What an honor."
"He always said that if Western Heaven Villa's master walks the righteous path, he could rule all of New Blood."
"The righteous path..."
The words lingered heavily. Yet Eun Ha-seong's expression had subtly hardened.
Sim Ok didn't miss the change.
"And he bade me tell you this: he believes in you without doubt."
"Such undeserved faith. I must repay it. Did he send you just to relay that?"
"Something like it."
"Arrange a meeting with your father sometime. I can't ignore such kind words as a junior."
"Understood."
"I'll prepare a banquet tonight. Stay the day."
"My thanks for your hospitality."
"No need for such words between us... Chief Steward Jo will show you to your quarters. See you at dinner."
"Understood."
"Off you go, then."
At Eun Ha-seong's gesture, Sim Ok rose.
Jo Hyeol-san stepped forward.
"I'll escort you. This way."
"Thank you. See you later, then."
Sim Ok offered a formal clasp of fists to Eun Ha-seong before following Jo Hyeol-san out. Black Old Man trailed silently behind.
Once the doors closed, leaving him alone, Eun Ha-seong muttered low.
"Insolent brat!"
Jo Hyeol-san led her to a small annex deep within Western Heaven Villa.
"You'll stay here tonight."
"Thank you."
"I'll send someone to fetch you for dinner. Rest well."
"I will."
"Also, if I may overstep—please avoid going out if possible."
"Why is that?"
"Ferocious beasts roam wild here. If Bloodscale Pavilion's precious young lady met harm on our grounds, we'd bear the full brunt of the fallout. For both our sakes, I hope nothing of the sort occurs."
Jo Hyeol-san stared straight at Sim Ok, his eyes gleaming coldly.
She nodded.
"Understood. With beasts about, I'd best stay in. I will."
"Thank you. Then, until dinner..."
Jo Hyeol-san smiled and withdrew.
Sim Ok watched his retreating back for a long moment.
"Ferocious beasts? How ridiculous."
Her scoff scattered on the wind.