Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Half Water, Half Meat
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"In that case, I think I can be of some help. I'll join you in searching for those herbs you're after."
Bok Yeon-hwa said nothing.
Judging by the atmosphere, this was as good as approval.
'Good. I've softened her guard a bit.'
At that moment, Bok Yeon-hwa stood up from her seat.
So Eun-ri and Han Ibi quickly rose to follow.
Han Ibi spoke.
"Cudweed may be easy to find, but it's no match for notoginseng when it comes to stopping bleeding."
Bok Yeon-hwa's face filled with astonishment as she said,
"Notoginseng? That's an incredibly rare herb..."
Han Ibi smiled leisurely and replied,
"That's right. It's long been said among famed herbs that northern ginseng pairs with southern notoginseng."
But in truth... Han Ibi was simply reading off the explanation from the 'Herbal Encyclopedia' right in front of him.
Unaware of this, Bok Yeon-hwa and So Eun-ri could only gape in admiration.
"Mix it into golden wound medicine, and the hemostatic effect is unparalleled. So, you'd end up with far superior salve than using something like cudweed. Of course, it's excellent on its own too."
Bok Yeon-hwa and So Eun-ri fell silent.
Still, from So Eun-ri's expression, it seemed she'd been somewhat impressed.
Han Ibi said with a slightly arrogant look,
"It's native to Yunnan Province, but it grows in Sichuan too, so if you look in the right places, it's not impossible to find."
'Actually, the 'Herbal Encyclopedia' alarm system found it...'
Han Ibi turned to Bok Yeon-hwa.
"Are there any other herbs you're looking for?"
Bok Yeon-hwa shook her head.
"We've wasted too much time already. The sun sets early in the mountains—we need to head down."
Sure enough, the pouch at Bok Yeon-hwa's waist was bulging.
Half water, half meat.
Han Ibi excitedly handed over all sorts of herbs to Bok Yeon-hwa.
Among them were several premium-grade ones far too expensive for mere emergency salves.
Unable to recognize their value, she remained utterly nonchalant...
The three now began their descent.
Bok Yeon-hwa took the lead, stepping into Flying Stream Step, the Qingcheng Sect's basic lightness skill.
So Eun-ri followed behind.
The two glided over the rugged mountain path like water striders skimming stones, their forms graceful and elegant.
'Whoa~!'
Han Ibi couldn't help but marvel.
Bok Yeon-hwa had years of training under her belt, so that made sense—but So Eun-ri's lightness skill was swift and beautiful beyond words.
Han Ibi thought,
'As expected of the heroine, So Eun-ri boasts exceptional martial prowess. To reach that level at her age... If she didn't have that broken personality, she could've been the protagonist instead.'
Then Bok Yeon-hwa called out from ahead.
"If you can't keep up, we'll go on without you."
Already nagging.
'Sigh. No patience is a talent, I suppose.'
Han Ibi shouted back,
"No, wait! I'll catch up soon!"
Han Ibi circulated his inner energy and activated Zhongli Swift Leopard Step.
He was confident no one in the Central Plains could match him in mountain running.
Like a water swallow, Han Ibi's legs kicked off the dirt and rocks, propelling him forward.
Trees whipped past his ears.
'And this is all thanks to who again...'
Song Myeong-cheon suddenly came to mind.
'Ah, Master... The Bok Yeon-hwa you longed for so much is right there. If only you'd met her once.'
Well. It was a tragic, unfulfilled love in the end.
Since the man's gone, a little reminiscing couldn't hurt.
Then he felt So Eun-ri glance back at him briefly.
Perhaps a bit more impressed now.
Han Ibi, now right behind the two women, said,
"Elder Bok and Junior Sister So, your lightness skills are truly magnificent. It's like watching a scroll of paintings unfold."
Bok Yeon-hwa shot him a look as if scolding his frivolity.
"Your tongue is even swifter than your lightness skill. Did you train in it separately?"
"Yes. It's one of the Zhongli Clan's secret arts, Zhongli Swift Leopard Step."
"Not bad as a movement technique."
"Hahaha. Thank you. But really, it's the result of running myself ragged gathering herbs every time. Talent can never beat hard work..."
Bok Yeon-hwa cut in.
"Fine. Seems your tongue's been honed by just as much tireless chatter. Cut the nonsense and hurry up."
Yes, ma'am...
This prickly feeling after so long... Right, it was remarkably like Song Myeong-cheon's.
'Aha... Now I get why they fell for each other. Opposites don't attract—it's similarity. Sigh. If he'd lived, they'd have made a dream couple...'
The three raced silently down the mountain path.
Only the rustle of brushing foliage vibrated softly through the peaceful, quiet woods.
Qingcheng Sect buildings soon came into view not far off.
Tiny disciples like ants bustled between the closely packed structures.
Han Ibi absentmindedly turned his head.
And then...
"Gasp!"
Han Ibi froze in shock, halting his steps.
A sense of déjà vu hit him.
He quickly realized why.
A massive oak tree, aged at least two centuries.
This was the very spot where Bok Yeon-hwa, Song Myeong-cheon, and Tak Bu-yong had sworn brotherhood.
Han Ibi felt a rush of emotion.
'So this is it...'
At that moment.
Bok Yeon-hwa's voice rang out.
"What are you dawdling for?"
The two women, a few steps ahead, turned and ran back toward Han Ibi.
'Oh no! I zoned out without thinking... What excuse do I make?'
Bok Yeon-hwa arrived first.
"What is it?"
'Screw it.'
"Wow! Look at this magnificent oak tree. What a stunning view, right? Haha. Gorgeous valley below, and this beauty crowning the hill."
Han Ibi braced himself, expecting a scolding if this was his usual pattern.
But... Huh?
He caught Bok Yeon-hwa gazing at the oak with a wistful expression.
Seeking validation, Han Ibi pressed,
"Truly magnificent scenery, isn't it?"
Bok Yeon-hwa nodded with hollow eyes.
'Di... Did she just agree?'
Excited, Han Ibi piled on.
"It's not a peach tree, but it'd make a fine spot to swear brotherhood. Full of charm. Real charm."
Her face suddenly hardened.
Snapping back to reality!
Bok Yeon-hwa said,
"What did you just say?"
Oh crap. Han Ibi stammered in panic.
"In a place this grand... I mean, swearing brotherhood here... Haha, wouldn't it be amazing? Surely you've read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Elder?"
A shadow of reminiscence crossed Bok Yeon-hwa's eyes.
Shing!
Suddenly, her sword flashed out with a sharp ring.
Its razor edge hovered an inch from Han Ibi's throat.
Though rattled, Han Ibi forced a calm smile.
Bok Yeon-hwa said,
"Are you mocking me?"
'Gasp, that's not it at all.'
Han Ibi flinched and replied,
"No, not at all. How dare I mock you, Elder? Romance of the Three Kingdoms is famous, but not everyone has to read it. Of course."
Bok Yeon-hwa glared at Han Ibi.
The standoff dragged on.
Han Ibi swallowed hard but struggled to stay composed.
Slowly, her sword lowered.
Bok Yeon-hwa turned calmly to So Eun-ri.
"Eun-ri. Let's go down."
So Eun-ri had no choice but to reply,
"Yes, Master."
The two dashed off down the secluded path.
Han Ibi watched their backs for a moment before activating Zhongli Swift Leopard Step to follow.
Nothing special happened after that incident.
Guess I worried for nothing.
No one asked Han Ibi where he'd been.
'Well... I'm the outcast. No one cares... Drank my own kimchi soup. Tch.'
Bok Yeon-hwa vanished somewhere after that day, but So Eun-ri occasionally crossed paths with him at the dining hall.
So Eun-ri's position was ambiguous.
A Qingcheng disciple raised in Wudang.
This stemmed from Bok Yeon-hwa never fully transferring to Wudang.
She was Wudang folk yet used Qingcheng martial arts and trained Qingcheng disciples.
That was So Eun-ri.
But for the latecomer So Eun-ri, fitting in at Qingcheng was a distant prospect.
From his observations over the past few days, Han Ibi concluded,
'I'm an outcast, and So Eun-ri's a wallflower.'
Yes.
No disciples treated her roughly, but none were warmly welcoming either.
Especially the female disciples' cold shoulders were obvious even to Han Ibi.
'Woman's greatest enemy is another woman... Timeless truth, wherever people live.'
She might ignore the isolation most times.
But mealtimes.
Mealtimes, when everyone gathered unavoidably, were impossible to dodge.
'Anyway, can't starve.'
Lunch was the same today.
At one table, the few female disciples clustered tightly around Yeo Nan-ju, their 'opinion leader' in the Qingcheng Sect.
As if straying even a moment would spell disaster...
Speaking of which, Han Ibi couldn't spot So Eun-ri with her rice bowl.
Come to think of it, he'd never seen her eat.
Among his skills, Han Ibi selected 'Tracking'.
Eagle's Eye Technique included a basic 'tracking' function.
His vision shifted to a deep green hue. He scanned widely for his target.
Then.
There she was!
So Eun-ri's back came into view. Bowl in hand, she slipped quietly out the dining hall's back door.
(To be continued in the next installment)