Chapter 37: Black Lotus Union (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 37: Black Lotus Union (2)
In the end, the giant stronghold yielded only one thing worth taking: the Giant Spirit Divine Art.
After disposing of the remaining Giant Spirit Pills, Seo-jun and Chun-bong returned to Grandmother Chun’s house.
However, the atmosphere there felt a bit restless.
As Seo-jun glanced around to see what was going on, the strong-willed woman spotted him and approached.
“Benefactor, thank you so much.”
“Huh? For what this time?”
“It’s about Lee Hyang. She told me you gave her the push she needed.”
Ah, that? I wondered what she was talking about.
“It was nothing.”
“It certainly wasn't 'nothing.' I was so worried because Lee Hyang seemed so unstable, but now I can finally put my mind at ease.”
“Is that so?”
Come to think of it, she did seem a bit mentally fragile.
Seo-jun looked around and asked, “But is something going on? Things seem a bit hectic around here.”
“Ah, between Lee Hyang’s upcoming wedding and everything else, we’re thinking of heading out soon. We feel like we’ve imposed on Grandmother Chun for too long.”
“Aha.”
Seo-jun nodded, habitually reaching out to pat Chun-bong’s head.
“Whoops.”
She dodged? This brat. Just you wait.
“Then you can just travel with us. We were thinking of leaving soon anyway.”
“I hope we won’t be a burden…”
“The village isn't that far. See you tomorrow, then.”
Seo-jun waved and headed toward the main house.
The Wang family was there. Wang Dae-san spotted Seo-jun and offered a faint smile.
“Are you planning to leave?”
“It’s about time.”
“Are you heading toward Mount Hua, by any chance?”
“Oh, wow. How did you know?”
“With skills like yours, Benefactor, it’s only natural that you’d achieve great results in the upcoming martial arts tournament.”
Wang Dae-san was certain. With his benefactor’s skill, Seo-jun could even aim for the championship.
People would be flocking from all over Shaanxi and beyond, so he couldn't guarantee a win, but he had no doubt Seo-jun would perform exceptionally well.
Seo-jun returned Wang Dae-san’s smile with one of his own.
“I’ll try slicing a few people up with the Wang Family Blade Technique.”
“Haha… you shouldn't slice people during a duel.”
“Ayy, it’s just a figure of speech.”
“I’m glad to hear that, but…”
Why does it feel like no one trusts me lately?
It was tragic.
“Anyway, we’re heading in. Looks like So-ryeong needs to get to bed, too. The kid is nodding off.”
“I suppose so. Will you be leaving tomorrow morning?”
“Yeah. What about you, Uncle?”
“We’ll likely stay here until Guard Jang has fully recovered.”
“Aha. Well, see you tomorrow, then.”
“Rest well.”
As Seo-jun turned to head to his room after saying goodbye to Wang Dae-san, he noticed Chun-bong walking beside him, her cheeks puffed out in a pout.
“Whoa!”
Puffy-cheeked Geum Chun-bong? I can't pass this up.
He pressed his palm against her cheek, and a “Pffft!” sound escaped her mouth as the air leaked out.
“Gah! Get your hands off me!”
“Man, why have you become so rebellious all of a sudden?”
“Shut up. And what was that about a blade technique?”
“Oh, right.”
Since they were on the subject, he figured he should swing a sword around to see how he could incorporate it into his New Primordial Unity Divine Art.
“Follow me.”
* * *
In the backyard, Seo-jun performed the Wang Family Blade Technique using a sword.
“…….”
Chun-bong watched him with a grumpy expression.
Didn't I do a good job?
Seo-jun sheathed his sword and stood in front of Chun-bong, staring intently into her eyes.
“…….”
“…….”
“…Oh. I win.”
“I wasn't trying to have a staring contest!”
“Then why were you looking at me like that?”
Chun-bong’s brow furrowed deeply.
“Because I’m pissed, you jerk! A blade technique? Of all things, why would you learn a Half-Sword martial art!?”
“Half-Sword? What are you talking about?”
Is this brat calling a blade a 'Half-Sword' because it looks like a sword split in half? Just because it only has one edge?
If so, that was some serious weapon discrimination.
“Listen here, Geum Chun-bong! This older brother of yours didn't raise you to be like this!”
“No, I mean, you can do everything with a sword, so why bother learning a blade technique!”
“The vibe is different, you know?”
“The Yellow Cloud Divine Sword is a much better martial art!”
“Mm-hmm, the Yellow Cloud Divine Sword is indeed the best sword technique in the Murim.”
“Well… as long as you know.”
Chun-bong shut her mouth tight.
Seo-jun proceeded to ruthlessly squish the cheeks of the now-calmed Chun-bong.
Perhaps because she was pleased by the praise for the Yellow Cloud Divine Sword, Chun-bong didn't even resist.
Good.
After kneading her cheeks to his heart's content, Seo-jun scooped Chun-bong up.
“Let’s get some rest for today. We’ll have to start walking again tomorrow.”
“Oh, about that. How about we stop by a big city and travel with some traveling merchants? Or maybe go with an escort agency?”
“Why bother?”
“We could ride in a carriage and earn some money. Isn't that a good idea?”
“Oh?”
That sounded exactly like an Adventurer’s Guild quest.
In Wuxia terms, it would translate to being a wandering martial artist or a sell-sword.
A Ronin…
While their actual lives probably sucked, the word 'Ronin' itself had a certain romantic charm.
The Romantic Martial Arts Master, Lee Seo-jun.
Ronin Lee Seo-jun.
It had a nice ring to it.
“Fine. From now on, call me Ronin Lee Seo-jun.”
“I seriously cannot understand you…”
Chun-bong shook her head.
It was tragic.
* * *
The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Seo-jun prepared to leave.
His luggage wasn't much—just the same stuff he’d brought when he first left the back alleys.
Since the women finished their preparations at the same time, Seo-jun went to say his goodbyes to those staying behind.
“Uncle, let’s meet again sometime.”
“Of course, Benefactor. Please visit whenever you like. My family isn't far from this village, so you can always send word here.”
“Ah, right.”
Come to think of it, he didn't even know where Wang Dae-san’s family estate was located.
Scratching his head, Seo-jun waved to Wang So-ryeong and her guard, Jang Yu-ho.
“See you later. You too.”
“You have to come see me again, handsome oppa!”
“I wish you luck on your journey, Benefactor.”
There were more people to say goodbye to than he’d expected.
First, Grandmother Chun. Then the kind young man he’d met when entering the village and his companions. By the time he finished exchanging farewells with Seong Yi-hyang and Yang Chu-il, a significant amount of time had passed.
Mr. Seong? Who cares. He’d probably manage just fine on his own.
Anyway, they finally left the village.
He’d received directions and advice from Wang Dae-san before leaving, so there was nothing to worry about.
“Is it this way?”
“Yes, Benefactor.”
After walking along the mountain path for a bit with the women, they quickly arrived at the village where they lived.
“But is it really okay for us to leave without seeing Lee Hyang’s wedding?”
When Seo-jun asked, the strong-willed woman gave a small smile. It seemed she was the leader of the group.
“It’s close by. The wedding will be soon, and Lee Hyang said she’d send us word when it happens.”
“Aha.”
“I suppose it would be difficult for you to attend, Benefactor?”
“Hmm… probably.”
“That’s a shame.”
After dropping the women off at their village, Seo-jun shared a final goodbye with them and set off.
Now, only Chun-bong remained in his party. He felt a profound sense of relief and comfort.
“Whew. It’s nice being just the two of us.”
“You seemed to be talking just fine with them.”
Is she really going through puberty? Seo-jun chuckled at her slightly prickly response.
“That’s just how social life works, kid. I’m actually an introvert.”
“That is such bullshit.”
“Hmph.”
When he took the MBTI test, he really was a total 'I'.
Seo-jun pouted and unfolded his map.
“Let’s see…”
It was easy to read since he’d roughly drawn out the route according to Wang Dae-san’s instructions.
“It’ll be easier to just cross this mountain, right?”
“Yeah. Looks like we can get over it quickly.”
“Alright, let’s go, Geum Chun-bong!”
Seo-jun snatched Chun-bong up, hoisted her onto his shoulders, and sprinted.
To a martial artist in the Peak Realm, a steep mountain incline was no different from flat ground.
While tearing across the mountain as if it were a level plain, Seo-jun suddenly skidded to a halt.
“Gack…!”
Chun-bong, perched on his shoulders, pitched forward and grabbed his hair tight.
“W-what is it?!”
“Shh.”
His eyes sharpening, Seo-jun lowered Chun-bong from his shoulders.
His Qi Sensing had picked something up.
It was hard to describe, but it felt sinister and murky.
It clearly wasn't a good sign, and he quietly furrowed his brow.
“What’s wrong?”
He explained the presence he felt to the whispering Chun-bong. Her expression quickly hardened.
“Could it be…”
“Do you know what it is?”
“It’s probably those Evil Sect bastards. What you felt was likely the unique sensation of Death Qi.”
The Evil Sect. Seo-jun knew the gist of it.
More importantly, he remembered what Chun-bong had said before: that it was likely the Evil Sect who had directly attacked the Divine Sword Geum Family.
“What should we do?”
“Something’s strange. If you felt something that sinister, they’re probably not just ordinary Evil Sect thugs. The low-level ones are no different from the Black Path gangs.”
Chun-bong bit her lip and continued.
“But even though we're a bit to the north, this is still Shaanxi. Even if it’s the outskirts, this is Mount Hua Sect territory. Evil Sect bastards roaming around freely? It makes no sense. Are they planning a war? What on earth…”
“Knock, knock. Miss Geum Chun-bong?”
When he tapped her lightly on the head, Chun-bong jumped.
“Y-you startled me… What?”
“Are you worried?”
“Huh? O-oh, no? Why would I be worried? It’s dangerous, so let’s just pass them by.”
“Liar. You’re totally worried.”
“I said I’m not, so what are you talking about?!”
“No. I know you better than you know yourself.”
“What does that even mean…”
Chun-bong sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead.
Seo-jun grinned and scooped her up.
“Let’s go, Geum Chun-bong!”
“No! No, damn it, I said no!”
Too late.
Executing the Yellow Dragon Crossing the Clouds footwork, Seo-jun leaped toward the Evil Sect group, practically flying through the air.
“They might be from the Black Lotus Union!”
“Ayy, it’s fine. My gut says it’s okay.”
“You take the Murim way too lightly…! Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
They finally ran into them.
About a dozen men drew their swords the moment Seo-jun suddenly appeared.
The aura they gave off was formidable.
The moment she saw them, Chun-bong was certain. These guys were definitely from the Black Lotus Union.
And they weren't just foot soldiers. From the looks of it, several among them were in the Peak Realm.
As she gritted her teeth, Seo-jun set her down on the ground and stepped forward smoothly.
“Watch closely, kid.”
His front foot slid forward, becoming his axis. His waist twisted, and his hand gripped his sword in one fluid, natural motion.
“You can live however you want.”
Internal energy began to surge wildly within Seo-jun’s body. It was the Giant Spirit Divine Art. The violently flowing energy infused his body with explosive power.
He took a breath and held it.
Normally, the back foot should be the axis, but he was different. To him, the sword was merely a brush for performing the Primordial Unity Divine Art.
“So, trust your big brother and live however the hell you feel like. Got it?”
Most of his internal energy was channeled into the scabbard. He could always replenish it during the fight. The lavishly poured energy churned violently within the sheath.
Screee—!
The sword was drawn and swung in a single motion.
The Wang Family Blade Technique he’d learned from Wang Dae-san. That uniquely overbearing slash was unleashed through his blade.
────────────!!!
A golden wave of Sword Qi erupted.
The two men charging at him tried to block with their weapons, but they were sliced cleanly in half along with their steel.
The flying Sword Qi continued onward, cleaving through a dozen more trees before finally dissipating.
Severed corpses and scattered blood. A heavy silence, where not even a single insect dared to chirp, settled over the mountain.
“So, what should I do with the rest of them?”
Seo-jun smiled.