Chapter 118: Making a New Companion (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 118: Making a New Companion (2)
A young lady dressed in light traveling attire stepped out of the carriage.
The warrior guarding her immediately spoke up.
"My lady, the air is cold. Please, stay inside."
"I have trained in martial arts as well. This much is fine."
The girl stepped down and stood beside Igaryeo.
At this point, it would have been rude to retreat, so I stepped forward.
"Thank you. Then, if you'll excuse us for a moment."
As we approached the campfire, the other warriors grew wary. The scent of blood still clung to us, as the blood on our Blood Wind Squad uniforms had yet to dry.
"Please understand the smell. we were forced into a fight with a group that attacked us on the way," I said.
The girl shook her head.
"My father is Commander Do, a man who holds military authority. Having such a man as a father, I have grown quite accustomed to the scent of blood."
She was a woman of considerable fortitude.
She referred to herself as a "girl," but she looked old enough to be considered a young woman.
"My name is Danyeong. It is an honor to meet the New Dragon of Sichuan, whose name is so renowned throughout the province."
I was momentarily taken aback by her greeting, which was more typical of a female warrior, but I returned the gesture nonetheless.
"The honor is mine, to meet the daughter of Commander Do."
"The air here is thick with the scent of blood. Let us move elsewhere."
Danyeong looked at the corpses scattered nearby with a calm expression.
Though she wasn't a member of the Murim, she truly was the daughter of a Commander; she didn't even flinch at the sight of the bodies.
"The smell of blood might ruin the taste of the wine, but I have heard that a true warrior does not care for time or place when it comes to drinking. Please, have a cup."
I thought she was just being polite, but Danyeong actually picked up a wine bottle.
The escort warriors looked troubled, yet they didn't stop her. It seemed she often behaved this way toward martial artists.
Then again, as the daughter of Commander Do, she would naturally be familiar with warriors and martial arts; it made sense that she might even admire that world.
Still, it felt somewhat impolite to accept the drink so readily, so I hesitated.
However, knowing the courage it took for a woman of high status to personally pour me a drink, I spoke up gallantly.
"Thank you. This will be the most memorable drink this Eo has ever received."
As I held out my cup, Danyeong poured the wine.
Setting the bottle down, she spoke.
"This drink is a token of my respect for the New Dragon of Sichuan, who is famed for his righteousness in the Sichuan Murim. Both I and my younger brother have wanted to meet you more than anyone else."
"It is merely an empty reputation."
As I played the part of the humble hero, Danyeong countered.
"It is no exaggeration to say that your deeds are the very model of chivalry. You are far too modest. Are not the people following you also those who became your subordinates after being moved by your character?"
At those words, one of the Twin Heroes of Guiyang, who was drinking behind me, chimed in.
"She is right, My Lady. We follow our Lord because he is a man who truly practices righteousness."
One of the Seven Heroes, pausing mid-gulp, added, "Before we met our Lord, we were lower than rats. We were men who deserved to die, but our Lord not only spared us but turned us into honorable warriors. We would follow him into hell itself."
"Ah! What a wonderful sight. Who else could receive such respect from their subordinates? It is proof that Young Hero Eo is a true man of justice. I cannot imagine that people like you would ever try to ambush us. Don't you agree, Sister Garyeo?"
Igaryeo pouted and replied curtly.
"Well, my brother said Young Hero Eo is trustworthy, so I suppose he is."
That brat. How can she be so rude?
Well, I suppose someone raised with everything they ever wanted has no reason to cater to others.
Since I was the one with nothing, I just had to endure it.
In fact, it was more surprising that Danyeong—who could have been arrogant and overbearing due to her father's absolute power—was so considerate and humble.
Usually, growing up in such an environment would result in a personality more like Igaryeo's.
After a few rounds of drinks, I stood up.
We had to prepare our own camp, so we couldn't stay here forever.
Then a thought occurred to me: they didn't actually need to camp out here. There was a small county town we had passed earlier where they could have stayed the night.
We had passed it intending to stay at the next town, but we were forced to camp because the battle with the Demonic Cult League warriors had delayed us.
To pass by a comfortable place to stay and keep rushing until you're forced to camp... that means they're in a hurry. And if they're escorting both Jeom Binghwa and Igaryeo...
I shook my head.
It wasn't my business to worry about.
"Thank you for the hospitality, Lady Dan. We shall take our leave now."
As I stood, Danyeong rose as well.
"We have tents prepared here, so it would be better to avoid the night dew and stay with us. Also, would it be possible for you to travel with us for a while and tell me some stories of the Murim?"
When Danyeong made the offer, I quickly calculated what would be most beneficial for me.
The people attacking them weren't a large organized force, but rather individuals after a specific target, so they weren't a major concern.
In fact, the enemies we had to face were far more dangerous.
I decided that joining forces with them was the safer bet.
Even if they were government troops, they were all first-rate experts, and Danyeong's personal guard seemed exceptional. It made sense; a Provincial Commander would have no shortage of first-rate experts even within the military.
Furthermore, with the Ice Soul Divine Martial Team—the elite experts of the Ice Palace—and Jeom Binghwa herself, I figured we would be safe no matter who came.
"Since Lady Dan insists, I shall follow your wishes."
"Thank you. With Young Hero Eo here, even bandits won't dare look our way. Even the children in Sichuan know of the New Dragon of Sichuan. Moreover, you have emerged as the greatest prodigy of the Murim, capable of Manipulating Sword with Qi at will and possessing unpredictable martial arts."
As Danyeong praised me, Igaryeo grumbled.
"And yet, nothing is actually known about him. I asked my brother, and he didn't know a single thing about Young Hero Eo's background."
She was referring to my martial arts and my sect.
"I have revealed everything; it's just that people refuse to believe the simple truth. I merely learned the martial arts passed down through my family, so there is no 'sect' to speak of. My late father never active in the Murim, so he had no reputation."
Igaryeo scoffed.
"So, in the end, you're just a dragon that rose from a gutter."
"Hahaha, exactly. You could say a dragon rose from the gutter. My title is the New Dragon of Sichuan, so doesn't that literally mean a new dragon has emerged from the river?"
"That's quite a generous interpretation."
Looking at the still-grumbling Igaryeo, I felt a sudden urge to flick her forehead.
If she weren't Woo Cheong-rin's sister, I would have snapped back at her.
"Sister Garyeo, why are you being so rude to Young Hero Eo? He is not someone to be spoken to so lightly."
If Danyeong hadn't stepped in, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang behind me might have intervened. I could practically hear them huffing with indignation.
"Sister Dan, you're far too trusting for your own good."
"If we cannot trust Young Hero Eo, there is no one left to trust in the Murim. Chivalry and heroism aren't words used lightly. Young Hero Eo is a man who holds the title of Great Small Hero. I do not believe the eyes of the Murim are blind."
It was a bit embarrassing to have her defend me so fiercely.
"We'll see about that."
Igaryeo backed down, not wanting to argue with Danyeong. Seeing that, it was clear their relationship was quite deep.
For the stubborn Igaryeo to yield to Danyeong...
Thanks to that, we were able to enjoy a lavish meal prepared by Danyeong. Being the daughter of a Commander, even her emergency rations were high-quality.
The Blood Wind Squad washed their blood-stained uniforms in a nearby stream and dried them by the fire.
I had ordered them to wash because the scent of blood was so overwhelming.
I woke up early the next morning and performed a brief session of Energy Guiding Technique.
Now that I was doing this constantly, I truly felt like a real warrior.
The government soldiers had taken the night watch, allowing me to sleep deeply and recover my strength.
When I opened my eyes, the Blood Wind Squad was standing guard around me.
"I will take over the guard. You all should begin your cultivation."
The Blood Wind Squad simultaneously entered their meditation.
After they finished their cultivation before breakfast, we went to the stream to wash off our sweat.
After a delicious breakfast cooked by the soldiers, we set out on the road.
"Please, ride in the carriage with us."
True to her upbringing as the daughter of a military official, she didn't hesitate to interact with men.
She was no different from a woman raised in a martial family.
While her actions were modest and ladylike, her personality and mindset were similar to those of a female warrior of the Murim.
This time, Igaryeo didn't voice any objection.
"It is fine. I will ride my horse."
"No, please. I have so many stories I want to hear. Don't feel burdened and join us. I want to hear about what happened at the Nine Demons Chamber as well. Sister Garyeo told me you played a huge role there."
It was incredibly difficult to refuse Danyeong when she spoke with such sparkling eyes.
I hadn't been able to see her face clearly in the dark last night, but in the morning light, she looked as pure and fresh as a wild chrysanthemum. Her beauty felt innocent rather than flashy.
In contrast, Jeom Binghwa Igaryeo's beauty seemed much more radiant.
She truly is like a wild chrysanthemum.
I couldn't be cold to Danyeong when she was showing me such kindness. That wasn't how a man should act.
More importantly, befriending the daughter of the Sichuan Provincial Commander was a good thing.
If the Demonic Cult League or the Divine Light Sect were to attack, I could potentially pit the Commander against them. Danyeong's favor was far too valuable to ignore.
Of course, my motto was to admire beauty like a painting, but I told myself that appreciating the painting for a moment wouldn't hurt.
Before I knew it, my feet were already climbing into the carriage.
It was a four-horse carriage, the kind only someone of a Commander's rank could use. The interior was spacious enough to sleep in, and it even had a folding bed.
One more person wouldn't be a problem.
"I have a favor to ask."
As soon as I sat down, Danyeong spoke with a sudden, serious expression.
I hesitated for a moment. I didn't think it was the kind of question I could answer easily.
"I apologize, but I must hear the request before I can agree to it."
As I spoke cautiously, Igaryeo muttered, "How timid for a man."
I shot back at her.
"Still, I am bolder than your brother."
I spoke with a smile, and Igaryeo scowled.
"What did you say?"
Before Igaryeo could get angry, I turned back to Danyeong.
"What is the favor?"
Danyeong sighed and folded her hands neatly in front of her.
It was a posture that would evoke sympathy in any man.
"Could you accompany us to the Provincial Military Command?"
The Sichuan Provincial Military Command was located in Chengdu.
If I did that, I wouldn't have enough time to rescue Mok Seon-hwa.
"I am sorry. I also have urgent business, so I cannot accompany you all the way to Chengdu."
"I see."
Seeing Danyeong speak in such a pitiful tone, the words "Let's go together" almost slipped out of my mouth.
She melts a man's heart even without using mind control.
"I am heading toward Junggang. So, I will travel with you as far as the road to Chengdu allows."
When I said that, Danyeong bowed her head.
"Even though it was an unreasonable request, I am simply grateful that you considered it."
Well, since I only agreed because it benefited me, I felt a twinge of guilt. I do have a conscience, after all.
"But you haven't asked why we are being attacked by bandits."
I gave a thin smile.
"I'm sure you have your reasons."
"As expected, the New Dragon of Sichuan truly is a man of justice. Not everyone has the consideration to refrain from prying into others' affairs. Sister Garyeo, I think it's okay to tell Young Hero Eo. What do you think?"
Igaryeo answered indifferently.
"Do whatever you want. It's not mine, anyway."
Danyeong took another long sigh and began her story.
"I have a fifteen-year-old younger brother. He has been sickly since he was a child, and it turns out he has a severed meridian. To treat it, he needs a legendary herb, but it's so rare and difficult to obtain that I had to ask Sister Garyeo for help. We managed to find it, but the secret of the herb leaked to the bandits, and that's why we've been under attack."
But what kind of herb could it be that they would dare attack the carriage of a Provincial Commander? If they were caught, they could be branded as rebels and have their entire families executed.
As I was wondering about it, Danyeong spoke.
"The herb is the Thousand-Year Snow Blossom Fruit."
Huh? Isn't that a legendary herb that only exists in myths?
After thinking about the name for a moment, I let out a cry of realization.
"Ah! Now I get it!"