Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Henan Qing Mountain (2)
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North of Henan Province lay the Taihang Mountains.
A vast and rugged range spanning Henan, Hebei, and Shanxi Provinces.
Somewhere within those Taihang Mountains was a place called Qing Mountain.
But no one could say exactly where Qing Mountain was.
That was Qing Mountain—a place said to exist somewhere in the Taihang Mountains, yet known to no one by its precise location.
And in that Qing Mountain dwelt a mysterious sect known as the Azure Mountain Sect.
Little was reliably known about the Azure Mountain Sect.
Some claimed it was a sect with a single successor. Others said its numbers exceeded a hundred.
There were tales it consisted entirely of women, or that every member possessed extraordinary skill.
All of it was hearsay.
Sightings confirmed its existence, but no one had truly seen its inner workings.
That was the Azure Mountain Sect—and its legend.
Yet the Qing Mountain legend shared one common thread.
If one earnestly sought aid, they would grant it.
Climb the Taihang Mountains, purify oneself at the Qingliu Waterfall, then demonstrate one's sincere training nearby. The Azure Mountain Sect would appear and offer guidance.
"It's pretty vague. Sounds plausible enough, but utterly fantastical. China's a big place—plenty of room for recluses hiding in the mountains, and one of them might help out for fun. But legends like that? You'd find hundreds scouring the Central Plains."
"But... the Qing Mountain legend has quite a few stories passed down as true. It's not just empty rumor..."
"Sure. It could be real. But your brother-in-law's an odd one. From the Namgung Family, isn't he? He knows full well the prestige of his own sect, yet he chases after eccentrics and myths?"
"I hate to say it, but... the family was in dire straits."
Ah. Right. Of course.
The mighty Namgung Family of the world had fallen into dire condition after the Righteous-Demonic-Evil Great War.
And he was just a kid. The tragedy struck at nineteen—prime age to fall for such tales.
He must have heard the legend even younger, so it made sense.
"It's a bit ridiculous, but... it intrigues me anyway. At least more than that merchant group in Zhejiang or whatever young master in Hunan."
An attacked family. A retainer from a crumbling house. Escape, flight, bitter resolve, revenge.
Merchant groups or friends wouldn't help. Even in decline, it was still the Namgung Family.
If they couldn't stop it, why expect merchants or acquaintances to?
Especially after watching everyone around him die.
Namgung Hwi couldn't turn to them. He wouldn't want to see more people die before his eyes.
So relying on a mysterious sect or legend? Understandable.
Even without that, he'd want to flee where no eyes could find him.
I didn't know how ambitious Namgung Hwi was, but a gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after ten years.
With or without the Azure Mountain Sect, he'd want to survive, grow strong, and avenge himself.
Hiding alone in the mountains was a solid plan.
Bonus if he could hope for legendary aid on the side.
"Alright. Good intel. And conveniently close—suits me fine."
"Great hero. Are you seriously considering Hwa-a's words?"
Seolha looked at me with a puzzled expression.
"I said it intrigues me."
"But... the Taihang Mountains are enormous. Even if the third young master is truly there, we won't find him easily."
"No worries. I'm bigger."
She pondered what face to make at my baseless confidence.
Yeah. I wasn't expecting much myself.
If Namgung Hwi was there, it'd be absurd luck and coincidence.
Even without him, I could check if the Azure Mountain Sect was real.
Neither? Then it was just a good hike.
"Think of anything else. The Qing Mountain legend was decent. Suggest approaches like that."
"Yes..."
Namgung Yeonhwa furrowed her brow again, lost in thought.
I watched, then left. Seolha followed quietly.
The next day, over breakfast with Seolha, I brought it up casually.
"Heading to the Taihang Mountains today. Not sure how long it'll take."
"Great hero. You're really going?"
"If it were far, I'd hesitate. But it's close enough—we leave now, arrive before sunset. No burden."
"Pardon? Before sunset? To the northern edge of Henan?"
"Yeah."
"Good heavens."
Come to think of it, not just anyone could pull this off.
Even martial artists with internal energy and lightness skills had limits—energy wasn't infinite.
And human bodies weren't as tough as one might think.
"Don't worry. Back in five days at latest. Help that girl recover in the meantime. She can eat meat now."
Nothing much to do while Namgung Yeonhwa healed anyway.
Seolha's dantian was growing steadily, but still needed monitoring.
So I'd squeeze this in during the downtime.
"Understood, great hero."
"Oh, right. Before I go, let's check your dantian. See how it's progressing."
"Yes."
After breakfast, we returned to the room.
Seolha sat cross-legged on the bed as usual.
I shook my head at her.
"No. Not today. Lie down comfortably."
She obeyed without question, lying back. I sat beside her, placing a hand on her abdomen.
Infusing internal energy, I checked inside. Her dantian had grown noticeably.
The Great Return Pill and my true qi orb hadn't shrunk much, but this was smooth progress.
Hm. Promising.
Once she fully absorbed it all, it'd be impressive.
Absorbing a Great Return Pill completely was immense—even Shaolin rarely achieved that.
Plus my true qi mixed in.
She might become the top female martial artist. Seriously.
Checks done, I slipped my hand under her clothes.
"Gr-great hero?"
"Tsk. Don't speak rashly. I'm observing your inner state—opening your mouth carelessly invites qi deviation."
"You've already withdrawn your energy..."
"Shh. Still talking? Trouble brewing?"
I grabbed her breast.
"Y-you're teasing me."
She blushed shyly.
Even after all our times together, this innocence. A woman born to drive men wild. Truly.
My hand roamed her body slowly. She squirmed, savoring my touch.
Her clothes peeled away one by one.
She covered her face with her hands, embarrassed.
"It's... too bright. Embarrassing."
"It's fine. No one can see."
"You're seeing..."
"Of course I am. Only I get to see you bare."
I stripped her fully.
Her porcelain-white skin gleamed. My member reacted instantly.
Actually, from the moment I grabbed her breast.
I shed my clothes and mounted her.
"Oh... really."
Did she know such reactions only delighted men more?
I gripped her breasts, my mouth exploring her body.
Nuzzling her nape tickled her. Sucking her breasts drew soft moans.
Down her waist, lower... her body flushed with shame.
Parted legs. Her secret place.
"Ha-ah."
Oral stimulation heated her up. I felt the surge too.
My throbbing member demanded entry. I obliged.
"Haa... Great hero. Great hero. Ha-euk."
Thrusting in, she called my name, arms wrapping my head.
Moving hips. Creaking bed.
It was fine at first—why creak now?
Too many nights with her? Given the count, probably.
And we rarely stopped at once—definitely worn.
Even in this secluded spot, she muffled moans to whispers.
My breaths mingled with her cries. Flesh slapped flesh, filling the room with lewd sounds.
Wet smacks. Her nasal whines. Ragged breaths. Caressing hands.
After rolling like that for a good while, I marked her as mine in satisfaction.
But is this okay? At this rate, we'll make a child before her dantian forms.
Several rounds later, I lay on the bed, holding her close.
Hand stroking smooth skin. Sweet sensation.
"Ah. Tomorrow maybe?"
The thought slipped out. She giggled softly, amused.
"What? Funny?"
"Yes. Funny."
She draped an arm over me.
Like clinging to stop me.
But she lowered it subtly and spoke.
"Great hero. Please find the third young master. No blood ties, but he's like a brother to me."
Sincerity filled her voice.
The place that sheltered her. Kind people.
All dead now. Only Namgung Yeonhwa and Namgung Hwi left.
Her words were natural. Understood.
"Of course. If our Seolha asks."
I stroked her hair, then rose from the bed.
Had to go. Lingering meant staying all day exploring her body.
As I stood, she rose too, helping me dress.
I could manage alone, but her help felt nice.
"Then, I'm off."
"Yes, great hero."
I left Ink Sword Grove, dashing toward the Taihang Mountains where Qing Mountain awaited.