Chapter 22
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Off to the Tang Family! (1)
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Dragon-Phoenix Tournament had come to an end.
I watched Ji-yeon, who had earned herself a nickname, with a satisfied smile.
She wasn't even my disciple or anything.
Still, the fact that she'd gained enlightenment just by watching me felt pretty gratifying.
Oh, and Ji-cheon had picked up a nickname too, for the record.
Zhuge Book Dragon.
It wasn't quite as impressive as Ji-yeon's exploits, so it lacked a bit of flair.
But he seemed content enough, without any jealousy toward his little sister.
Well, as long as he's happy with it.
To begin with, Hwa-ryeon was just overwhelmingly powerful, and Ji-cheon hadn't quite matched her as well as his sister had.
His swordsmanship left a lot to be desired, truth be told.
Still, no denying his exceptional talent or the fact that he's already incredibly strong.
It's not for nothing that he's the strongest among the later-generation disciples and called the Little Sword Phoenix.
'...Hard to believe a girl like that wants to be my disciple.'
She'd even begged me to take her in if she got kicked out of Mount Hua.
In the end, I'd accepted her proposal with a casual "Sure."
'Hmm...'
Maybe I should start my own sect.
Honestly, my martial prowess is more than enough.
Heck, people are already calling me things like Blood Demon or Fairy.
Starting a sect and playing the mysterious recluse could be fun.
With an official sect, I could take in disciples, exchange with other sects, and even poach later-generation talents like Hwa-ryeon who've gone astray.
'Not a bad idea.'
I was nodding to myself when—
"Where do you plan to head next, Benefactor?"
"Ah..."
Ji-yeon, sitting primly and gazing at her sword, turned to me with the question.
'She never even uses that thing—why does she always carry it around?'
I answered her while thinking that.
"Thinking of heading to the Tang Family of Sichuan next."
"The Tang Family...? I thought you'd go to nearby Wudang."
Ji-yeon tilted her head.
Sure, going to Wudang would've been easier in terms of time and stamina, all things considered.
But there was a reason I was set on the Tang Family anyway.
'...Wudang's still... not ready for that.'
Really, I wasn't mentally prepared for Wudang yet.
I mean, coming out of Dragon-Phoenix Tournament with bells on their sword hilts, jingling away.
'Nearly killed them right there.'
I could overlook Hwa-ryeon's Fire Whispering Mist Dew Rain, but that...
That just felt wrong, and the thought wouldn't leave my head.
Where's the Taiji? What is this with the five colors? Wudang, really?
Where's the Daoism?
It's a Daoist sect, for crying out loud.
Wudang's whole vibe reeked so much of Korean shamanism that I seriously considered wiping them out.
If I can't kill them, better to die myself.
"Feels like I'd snap if I went to Wudang."
"I suppose. They're extra sensitive to evil factions and blood ghosts, after all."
"...Are you saying this girl seems like some evil rabble or blood ghost monster?"
I took off my bamboo hat and asked, and Ji-yeon let out a squeak, bowing her head in apology.
I couldn't help but chuckle, waving it off.
"Anyway, you've been through a lot on my account, Miss."
"Ah..."
"Time to stop being a burden and be on my way."
Well, I'd probably swing by the Zhuge Family to chat with Hyun-deok before leaving for good.
But for now, a preemptive farewell, I figured, flashing her a grin.
"Gonna catch some sleep. I'm beat."
"Ah... Yes. It was a pleasure, Benefactor."
"Liar."
I grinned mischievously at her "liar," and she flustered, clearing her throat awkwardly.
A few days after Dragon-Phoenix Tournament ended.
Back at the Zhuge Family, I'd sorted my things, organized the gifts, and prepped to leave.
Finally, departure day arrived.
In the guest quarters of the Zhuge Family.
From morning, I did my Qi Circulation Breakfast to clear my mind.
[Miss, you don't really need to bother. It won't be that effective anyway—what kind of Qi Circulation Breakfast is breathing itself, when your body naturally circulates qi in harmony with nature?]
"...Still feels refreshing. Call it meditation."
Snow Python told me to do whatever and flopped down in front of me.
I wasn't even thinking of stopping her anymore.
"It's not like Qi Circulation Breakfast is bad. Why stop me?"
[Because...! It hurts my pride! I made you this incredible body!]
She seemed wounded that her masterpiece was being used for weird stuff.
I burst out laughing, poking at Snow Python with my finger.
"Aww, is that so? Poor thing, no one appreciating how great you are?"
[Ugh... Stop poking!!]
Snow Python huffed indignantly.
Seeing her cool down bit by bit, I pulled my hand back.
"Your yin energy's getting intense."
[Hee hee.]
"Ugh, you silly spirit beast."
I pouted and reached out to Snow Python.
"Time to go."
[Got it.]
Snow Python climbed onto my body.
It felt awkward at first.
Now, having her attached felt completely normal.
'Guess I've gotten used to it.'
Humming a tune, I opened the door.
"Benefactor."
"Young Master Zhuge."
"Did you sleep well?"
Ji-cheon greeted me politely.
"If you're doing breakfast qi circulation before leaving, please let us know."
"Ah, breakfast was fine."
"I see..."
Ji-cheon looked a touch disappointed.
Excluding Dragon-Phoenix time, I'd stayed at the Zhuge Family about seven weeks.
Seemed he'd grown fond of me in that time.
"Thanks for the gracious hospitality during my seven-week stay."
"I'm glad."
"Young Master, I hope you keep honing your martial arts and become a pillar of the righteous faction."
"......"
He gazed at me with moved eyes, then nodded firmly.
"I'll see you off all the way."
"Thank you."
But where's Ji-yeon?
I tilted my head in wonder.
Early morning.
Ji-yeon freshened up the moment she woke and headed straight to her father's quarters.
Not for any special reason.
'...Maybe I can gain even more enlightenment by sticking close to Benefactor.'
An irrational impulse, even by her own admission.
But her senses were telling her:
If she followed the departing Benefactor now, she'd achieve something unprecedented.
Benefactor's martial arts were special.
She used multiple sword styles entirely.
Taiji flows and blooming plum blossoms—two distinct sword arts.
And hidden within them, countless deliberations and philosophies.
She hadn't seen Taiji properly.
But glimpsing that footwork that floored her in an instant had unraveled the clue to Heavenly Mechanism Bewildering Step.
And watching those dazzling moves in the spar with Hwa-ryeon had filled her with admiration and excitement.
Yes, like the thrill when Father first taught her the Secret Dart Arts.
More insight from that single spar than from rising from third-rate to peak first-rate.
The thought that she'd never feel it again gripped her mind.
*knock knock*
"Come in."
"...Family Head."
She called him gravely.
Father was already seated with Mother, as if expecting her.
"......"
"......"
No one spoke first.
They knew what the other would say.
"You're leaving."
"...I'll return, Family Head."
Ji-yeon couldn't inherit the family head position as a woman.
Not even with her exceptional Insight Eyes.
She could only assist him.
She'd told herself that was enough.
Grateful to be born in a family where she could shine.
But right now...
"I want to grow, Family Head."
"......"
She wanted to travel for a while.
"I'm not abandoning the family. I know I was born a Zhuge daughter and enjoyed much because of it. I know full well that even my talents bloomed within the Zhuge embrace."
"......"
Hyun-deok said nothing, gesturing for her to continue.
So Ji-yeon pressed on.
"...Right now, to fully awaken the talents the Zhuge have given me, I wish to leave briefly, experience the world at a master's side."
"Sounds like becoming a disciple."
"Just temporary escort."
"Escort."
"Yes. A Zhuge daughter visiting sects for training, with Benefactor kindly providing protection..."
"......"
Ultimately, she wanted to learn from Ha-yeon.
Not as a formal disciple—just some guidance for a time.
Zhuge folk were insatiably studious, to a fault.
The family had thrived on that alone.
Still, sending his daughter down such a harsh path didn't sit well.
'...A letter from the Alliance Leader arrived.'
Keep close tabs on Benefactor's movements.
So, he'd have to assign a watcher anyway.
The one way to gain intel without breaking trust:
"Very well, I permit it."
Send his daughter.
"Thank you, Family Head."
Ji-yeon knelt, head bowed low.
Then she sprang up and threw herself into Hyun-deok's arms.
"...I'll be back soon, Dad."
"...My girl."
"Don't worry too much. I'll write often."
"Good."
Hyun-deok smiled warmly, stroking his adorable daughter's head.