Monopolizing Silent Sword Forest in Chang'an (3)
Having some time to herself, So-hye fully savored every moment of it.
To be precise, I was the one who kept clinging to her. So that no regrets would remain, so she wouldn't feel like something was lacking later on.
Twice in her room, twice in the medicine pavilion, and once in the corridor leading to the sleeping quarters.
So-hye in the corridor was particularly adorable.
It wasn't some hidden spot, but a corridor where a maid could walk by at any second.
Of course, I always kept my senses fully expanded, so there was never any chance of suddenly running into maids or servants.
Knowing that, the way she suppressed her moans with everything she had and acted all shy was incredibly striking.
What a shame. If it weren't winter, I would've tried it outdoors at least once. Well, there will be a chance for that later.
Anyway, the satisfied So-hye now wore a smile that never left her face.
Seeing her smile really is the best. A bright expression is proof that she doesn't have a single worry or concern, isn't it?
So whenever I look at her like that, my own heart feels at ease.
Yang Cheon-hak was still circling the perimeter of Silent Sword Forest.
The boy had no complaints or dissatisfaction either. At this stage, simply practicing his movement arts must be pure joy for him.
The more familiar he became with it, the faster his speed grew.
That's why he was drunk on his own velocity. He marveled at how his speed kept increasing.
It was the most fun time. The most enjoyable time.
There is no stronger motivation than watching your achievements pile up so quickly that you can see the progress with your own eyes.
Even when playing games, you can't sleep during explosive leveling phases. And when it's your own real achievement, there's nothing more to say. So I figured I could leave him alone for the time being.
Evening arrived. Seolha and Yeonhwa were nearly finished with their meditation.
As I watched over them, Seolha completed her circulation first.
"Huuu..."
A long, drawn-out breath. The moment she opened her eyes, Seolha beamed at me.
"Come here. Let me check on you."
Seolha rose from the bed and gracefully approached, settling onto my lap.
I placed my hand on her lower abdomen and gently sent a stream of energy through to examine her condition. The compressed Wuji had settled perfectly between her dantian, radiating steady power.
"Looks like it went well. From now on, even if you go about your daily life, the energy will blend on its own. Just remember to breathe a little deeper and longer than usual when you inhale and exhale. That way, the energy will convert fully into your own internal power along with your breathing."
"Yes, my lord."
Then Seolha lifted a hand to gently stroke my cheek before speaking again.
"My lord… you really are a mysterious person."
"What's with the sudden compliment?"
"Meeting you, my lord… I'm truly fortunate. Thank you. Truly."
"The feeling is mutual."
I pulled her into my arms. Her slender waist, the soft press of her chest against my face. That gentle sensation.
But these aren't empty words.
If I hadn't met Seolha, I might have moved far more violently than I do now.
Mount Tai Sect? The Red Enemy Gate? I wouldn't have spared them a second thought.
If something seemed suspicious, I would've barged in without warning, grabbed them by the collar, and demanded they spit out everything they knew.
The Demonic Cult? By now, Xinjiang might have been reduced to rubble.
Because I have the power. Because I have the ability.
The reason I didn't do any of that is because I now have things to protect.
Because I realized that the people I might harm have others who care about them too.
"Did you enjoy your time with So-hye?"
Seolha, still nestled in my arms, asked with a playful, crescent-eyed smile. There wasn't the slightest hint of jealousy or envy in her gaze.
It really is a blessing. The relationship between Seolha, Yeonhwa, and So-hye is exceptionally good. You can tell just from how affectionately they refer to one another.
"I did. So if you ever want to, Seolha, just say the word. I'll make time whenever you like."
"I'm happy right now, my lord."
She hugged me tightly, full of affection.
"Being happy now and wanting a little more are two different things, aren't they?"
"In that case… I'll be a little greedy. Should I think about what I want to do?"
"Yes. Anything at all."
"Understood, my lord."
With that, Seolha released the embrace and rose from my lap.
"Where are you going?"
"I took a full day off, so I should check on things. I'll go see So-hye."
"Will you? Alright. I need to keep an eye on Yeonhwa."
"Yes, my lord."
She gave me a light kiss, then walked away with that graceful, swaying step.
How does she move so enticingly? I nearly grabbed her right then and pulled her back into my arms.
I waited again. Before long, Yeonhwa finished her meditation and opened her eyes.
"Good work. Come here."
Yeonhwa was no different from Seolha.
She approached and sat on my lap. I checked her Wuji as well and confirmed it had settled just as perfectly.
"It went well. That's a relief."
"What were you talking about with Sister Seolha earlier, my lord?"
"You could hear us while circulating your energy? What if something went wrong?"
"I can't help what I hear. It's not like I can block my ears."
She had a point. I suppose I wasn't being careful enough.
"Is there anything you want to do with me, Yeonhwa? Something just for the two of us?"
"Really!? I'm so happy. Um… in that case, I'd like to see my brother Hwi. You told me he's doing well, so I'm not worried, but I still want to see him with my own eyes."
"That's not something we can do right away. Besides, if we go, Seolha would have to come too. It wouldn't be just you. So let's set that aside for now. I'll make it happen when the time is right."
"Ah, I see… Then… hmm."
After a moment of thought, Yeonhwa answered with a slightly wistful expression.
"When the weather warms and the flowers bloom, I'd like to take a walk with you, my lord. Just the two of us. Maybe look around the marketplace too…"
Her modest request brought a smile to my face.
A simple date. Something completely ordinary for most people.
Of course this child never had the chance for such things. The circumstances never allowed it.
After the Namgung Family's tragedy and years of her own illness, even though she's regained much of her brightness and the shadows have faded, those memories must still linger in her heart.
So even a common outing like that would require real courage for her.
"Alright. Let's do that. It's a good idea."
At my answer, Yeonhwa smiled beautifully, and I pulled her into a tight embrace.
Still… Namgung Hwi. Should I arrange a meeting? Yeah, I probably should.
In truth, the woman from the Azure Mountain Sect can only take him so far.
She was at the Transformation Realm.
I don't know the exact level of the Azure Mountain Sect, but for them to call her a legend of the mountain, she must be formidable.
But no matter how true the saying the student may surpass the master is, it's not easy for a disciple to overtake their teacher in a short time.
And there's no telling how long that might take.
It's entirely possible that decades could pass without Namgung Hwi ever reaching the Transformation Realm.
Because that is what the Transformation Realm is—true enlightenment.
I need to think about this seriously. About what to do with those two.
People with that level of skill who can also be trusted are rare.
If the woman from Azure Mountain and Namgung Hwi were available, my own work would become a little easier.
Besides, it doesn't feel right to keep Yeonhwa separated from her brother when she misses him this much.
A few more days passed like that.
I was now certain that the Wuji in both Seolha and Yeonhwa was stable, and I had given Yang Cheon-hak clear instructions on what to focus on for the time being. It was time to head out again.
"I'll be back."
"Yes, my lord. Don't worry about things here."
"Have a safe trip, my lord."
"If you need anything, please send word through a nearby pharmacy, my lord."
Seolha, Yeonhwa, and So-hye saw me off calmly, each offering a word.
"Take care, Master!"
And as always, the cheerful Yang Cheon-hak. The phrase remarkable improvement fits him perfectly.
"Yes. Don't even think about slacking off just because your master isn't here. Focus on your training."
"Of course! Haha!"
Honestly, I wasn't particularly worried. The boy was excited right now.
He'd probably keep training even if someone tried to stop him. After watching him these past few days, I was sure of it.
I left Silent Sword Forest once again, traveling light without even carrying a sword.
My first destination was, of course, Qing Mountain.
Since the topic had come up, I naturally needed to check on them. To see if they were doing well, if anything had gone wrong.
Well, with a Transformation Realm expert and the legend of Qing Mountain, I didn't expect any major problems.
I flew toward Qing Mountain like the wind, seriously contemplating what to do with them along the way.
By the time I arrived at Qing Mountain, I had made up my mind.
Yes. If those two confirm their feelings and become lovers, then I'll reveal myself.
If they've gone beyond a simple master-disciple relationship and become romantic partners, there shouldn't be any issues no matter where they go.
But if they're still stuck in the master-disciple dynamic, they need to stay in this environment for now.
A sudden change in circumstances could affect their relationship in unpredictable ways.
I arrived at the still-quiet Qing Mountain.
Since the sun hadn't set yet, Namgung Hwi was training shirtless, swinging his sword.
Training like that in this winter cold. He doesn't have to push himself that far.
Still, I couldn't call it a bad thing. It was one way to temper his mental fortitude.
Come to think of it, Namgung Hwi isn't in any state to be flirting with his master right now.
He's the same as Yeonhwa.
His family has been destroyed, and he can't even be sure if his relatives are alive or dead.
So something like this cold probably feels trivial to him.
Because the inside of his heart must be far more desolate and harsh.
In that sense, it might actually be fortunate that the woman from Azure Mountain is with him.
It's more important that someone is there to hold him back than letting him become a monster blinded by revenge.
The endings for half-baked avengers with mediocre skills are rarely good.
They usually ruin everything through impatience and recklessness.
The world only hears about successful revenge stories.
Failed revenge doesn't even pass through anyone's lips. It is quietly buried. Forever.
After watching them for a full day and a half, I could tell their relationship remained unchanged.
More than master and disciple, but less than lovers.
It felt like they only needed to take one more step, yet they were paused right there.
They're so close. They're certainly taking their time.
Then I should wait quietly. I can't open the lid now. That would ruin everything.
Time to head somewhere else. To a place I couldn't visit last time.
I descended from Qing Mountain and set off for my next destination—the Black Merchant Sect.