To Sichuan (2)
Namgoong Juhee's belly was bulging hugely after her private meeting with Jin Hyeon Jin-in.
It wasn't like she'd somehow conceived a life in that short time—no, it was simply because she'd stuffed herself silly.
To Namgoong Juhee, food had always meant greasy meat, steaming soup, and fluffy white rice.
Vegetables? Greens? Those were just for rinsing the palate now and then, never meant to take center stage—that was her firm belief.
But now, her thinking had changed.
Stuff it full of seasonal veggies and wild greens, toss in fermented soybean paste and pepper, and it felt like chewing on the essence of the season itself.
And you couldn't overlook the neat side dishes arranged beside it.
Each one burst with fresh juices, sweet nectar spilling out with every bite.
Dare vegetables taste this good?
Namgoong Juhee's mouth worked busily.
"That unrefined young lady is the Little Sword Empress?"
"Didn't the sect leader say it himself?"
"Hobuk Branch champion... impressive, sure. Impressive, but..."
"No, even so, Little Sword Empress?"
She was too absorbed to notice the whispers around her.
Better that way, really.
Had Namgoong Juhee overheard, her shoulders would've shot straight to the heavens.
It was the weight of the title Sword Empress.
A nickname any woman who wielded a blade dreamed of. It signified the greatest female swordswoman of the era.
Not a few women called themselves Sword Empress as a result.
Most got ignored, slapped with new nicknames instead.
But Namgoong Juhee was different.
The one who'd dubbed her Little Sword Empress was none other than Jin Hyeon Jin-in.
One of the Thirteen Masters of the world, head of the Wudang Sect—no greater authority in name alone.
For such a figure to personally vouch that Namgoong Juhee was the Little Sword Empress of today... no one could refute it head-on, and it was already etched in people's minds.
Poor Little Sword Empress title. All it could do was hope Namgoong Juhee never climbed to full Sword Empress.
"Huuu... good eating."
And whatever.
Namgoong Juhee polished off seven bowls of rice before calling it quits.
She patted her plump, stuffed belly and headed back to her lodging, where Hwangbo Un sat putting on airs.
"This is the women's quarters, you know? Decided to switch from young master to pervert? Here to steal some ladies' underthings?"
"......Don't say creepy shit. With the Hobuk Branch over, there's hardly anyone left anyway."
"Fair enough. So why the heavy attitude?"
Hwangbo Un pinched his brow at the grinning Namgoong Juhee.
Not because he was thinking, How'd I end up with a girl like this—no.
The scar crossing her eye was nagging at him.
"Geum Jeong Geom, and twenty-five Peak experts, was it? You worked hard."
"Yeah, pretty much. Why bring it up out of nowhere?"
In that time, Hwangbo Un had only taken down six Peak experts.
Impressive for a late-stage disciple, but he had no intention of lingering there.
His pride stung at being outdone by his close friend (or so he claimed), and every glance at Namgoong Juhee's scar made his heart ache dully.
"A man's got to stand on his own someday—can't keep owing Namgung Sojeo forever."
"You get it, huh. If you've got any conscience, pay back at least one of those debts."
"......Wasn't it just one life I owe Namgung Sojeo?"
"Hey, if I hadn't grabbed Geum Jeong Geom, where do you think he'd be?"
Namgoong Juhee playfully tapped her head and laughed.
An infuriatingly cheeky sight, but... not wrong.
Hwangbo Un chuckled dryly in response.
"Namgung Sojeo was heading to Sichuan originally, right?"
"Yup. Heard they do spicy food like pros."
"Then this is farewell again."
Hwangbo Un rummaged in his bosom as he spoke.
He'd already given her a Hwangbo family guest plaque last time via Hwangbo Gang—didn't want to hand over something else and risk her misunderstanding his feelings.
So what emerged from Hwangbo Un's bosom was six taels of silver once more.
"Use this for travel expenses."
"Ooh! As expected of the young master! Thanks!"
"Tch, that damn young master talk."
"I call you young master 'cause you are one. So where you headed?"
Hwangbo Un shut his mouth at Namgoong Juhee's question.
Meaning he didn't want to say.
"If you're in Sichuan long, we might meet again."
With a dramatic flourish, Hwangbo Un spun on his heel.
As expected of a young master—strikes a pose like nobody's business.
Namgoong Juhee tossed one last line at his back.
"Next time we meet, level up your skills!"
She had no idea Hwangbo Un's face had turned beet red.
Whether it was anger or something else, only he knew.
As she packed her scant belongings in the lodging, Yi Hayeon poked her head in hesitantly.
What's this one want to say?
Namgoong Juhee flung open the bedding like last time, burrowing into the bed.
"Wanna hop in?"
"Hee-ya, stop teasing me for real."
"I'm serious? Catch a nap before Sichuan."
Yi Hayeon slapped her flushed cheeks hard—hard enough to make Namgoong Juhee flinch.
It justified the unnaturally red face, at least.
"......What's up?"
"No, nothing. More importantly, Hee-ya."
Yi Hayeon's eyes were dead serious.
Like she'd made some huge resolution.
Namgoong Juhee quietly adjusted her posture.
"I... think I have to leave you for a bit, Hee-ya."
No whining or tantrums like before.
Namgoong Juhee listened silently.
"I've been too complacent. I thought not baring my teeth at the upper branch would end it... but yeah, I'd have nipped the bud of unease myself."
"So?"
"Gotta rally forces again. Gather branches that share my vision, hire escorts. I'll be pretty busy for a while."
Namgoong Juhee nodded readily.
She wanted to stay with Hayeon, sure—but what could she do if work called?
Blocking a friend's path for selfish reasons wasn't her style.
"Can't be helped, then. Where to?"
"Cheongju first. You're going to Sichuan, right, Namgung Sojeo?"
"Yeah, tons of good eats there."
"Hehe, yes. Try the mala hotpot—its fiery flavor is the best."
Saliva pooled in Namgoong Juhee's mouth at the thought.
She'd never cared for mala as a man, but as a woman, she was hooked on spice and sweets.
Just imagining it made her drool.
"Anything else?"
"Sichuan's got the Dang family... oh, and I hear one of the Eight Young Experts is there too."
"Eight Young Experts sound dangerous, no?"
Namgoong Juhee's brows furrowed.
The brute who'd ambushed Hayeon, and Geum Jeong Geom who'd scarred her this time—both Eight Young Experts.
Strong and hostile. That was her image of them. Six now, technically.
"No... um, that one's a bit special. Probably won't harm you, Hee-ya."
"Good to know."
"Yeah, hehe. Should be no danger. Travel safe."
Caught up in the pleasant news, Namgoong Juhee drifted into thought.
First solo trip since Hefei—needed some comfort at least.
Time to rest up, indulge in gourmet bliss.
And Dang Hwaeun, was it? The world's most beautiful person was in the Dang family too—perfect chance to admire that beauty on the side. A flawless trip.
That was when Namgoong Juhee's thoughts reached that point.
"Hee-ya."
A strangely chilling voice snapped her back.
"What're you thinking?"
"Huh? About what?"
"Nothing, just... you went quiet all of a sudden."
A flash of déjà vu hit Namgoong Juhee's mind.
When was it?
Picnic with his girlfriend to see cherry blossoms.
His eyes naturally drifted to a passing woman's ample chest, and a sharp remark flew his way.
"Oppa, what're you doing?"
"Hee-ya?"
Namgoong Juhee clocked that Yi Hayeon's tone was exactly like that.
Ridiculous.
Never dreamed he'd hear it as a woman—let alone from another woman.
"......Yeon-ah, take care. I'll miss you."
"No, Hee-ya. Don't change the subject—"
Inductive data from countless dates with girlfriends: prolonging this was a mistake.
You'd just get carpet-bombed, emotions flayed till you were spent.
Partings were best kept brief.
Namgoong Juhee raised a finger to her brow, then flicked it away lightly.
With one line.
"I'm off! Casting off all chains and shackles, chasing my happiness!"
Yi Hayeon could only laugh helplessly and wave.
Somehow, getting mad at a farewell like that would've left her regretting it forever.