Episode 40

Siblings (1)

At a fabric shop in Chengdu.

The shop owner, dozing off in his chair, was abruptly awakened by someone.

"Master, master."

"Wh-what! It's not meditation if you— Huh?"

Startled awake, the shop owner saw the face of his young apprentice standing before him.

"You rascal! Didn't I tell you not to wake me unless it's my wife?"

"I-I'm sorry, master. But I remembered you said to inform you immediately if there was any news about the Tang family..."

At the mention of the Tang family, the shop owner's irritated expression instantly transformed.

His eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Ohhh! What happened this time?"

"Yes! It's something huge again!"

Recently, the most fascinating topic among the people of Sichuan was none other than the Sichuan Tang family.

And particularly, its young master, Se-woon.

Perking up his ears, the excited apprentice began his tale.

"Rumor has it that the leader of the Emei Sect personally proposed to Young Master Tang, offering to take him as the Divine Doctor's disciple!"

"...Huh?"

The shop owner tilted his head in confusion at this unexpected news.

"You scoundrel! Who are you trying to fool? The Emei Sect only accepts female disciples—how could their young master possibly join?"

"I-it's true! The servant attending the young master is my... well, let's say a childhood friend of mine. He swore it happened!"

"R-really now?"

"Come on, why would I lie to you, master?"

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"Hoh, that's truly remarkable."

"Yes, but what's even more astonishing is that he refused the offer!"

"Gasp! Y-you're serious?"

The shop owner unconsciously swallowed hard, letting out an exclamation of disbelief.

It was simply that unbelievable.

First declining the position of Martial Alliance Leader, and now turning down the chance to become the Divine Doctor's disciple?

Two months ago, he would never have believed such a thing.

But now...

'Hmm. If it's that young master of the Tang family, I suppose it's possible.'

While joining a female-exclusive sect as a man might raise eyebrows.

Se-woon refusing the Emei Sect leader's offer didn't even warrant suspicion anymore.

In just two short months, Se-woon's reputation and standing had completely transformed.

Then, the shop owner smirked slyly and added,

"But I wonder why the young master didn't follow them to the Emei Sect? Hehe, if it were me, I'd have run after them barefoot."

"...What?"

"Eek! M-mistress!"

"D-dear, it's not what you think—"

"Fine, I'll send you off! All the way to the afterlife!"

"Ah! Aaah!"

The Tang Family Escort Agency had reopened.

Simultaneously, the signboard of the Manhae Escort Agency was smashed to pieces.

Abandoning the name that had caused so much turmoil, the Sichuan Tang family declared a fresh start under their own banner, marking their resurgence with determination.

The response to the boldly renamed Tang Family Escort Agency was overwhelmingly positive.

With Tang Mu-yeol now holding dual titles as family head and agency master, visitors flocked daily to the gates, creating a bustling scene.

"Congratulations on the reopening, Family Head!"

"It's been too long, Master Tang!"

"Hmm, even the leaders of the Juga Faction and Righteous Sword Sect have come?"

"Y-yes, of course! How could I, an ally of the Tang family, miss such a celebratory occasion?"

"I-I feel the same, Master Tang."

"Hmm."

The mid-sized factions of Sichuan—including the Juga Faction and Righteous Sword Sect, who had once clung to the Qingcheng Faction while belittling and ignoring the Tang family—now arrived bearing lavish gifts.

Of course, even with the Qingcheng Faction's influence waning, the Tang family hadn't yet surpassed them.

But given the Tang family's recent meteoric rise, it was only natural.

They had rushed to mend fences, desperate not to be seen in a bad light.

"W-we deeply apologize for any past misunderstandings..."

"We've prepared gifts, just in case you might—"

"Well, since it's a joyous occasion, please enjoy yourselves before heading back."

"M-Master Tang!"

"D-Tang Family Head! No, I mean, Master!"

But forgiveness wasn't guaranteed for everyone.

Tang Mu-yeol, who had resolved to change for his son's sake, no longer acted as leniently as before.

He drew clear lines, decisively severing ties where necessary, astonishing all who visited the agency.

"Is it true the young master pursued Dokma to the end and severed one of his arms?"

"Haha, while there's truth to it, the rumors are greatly exaggerated."

"They say fortune favors the brave. I can't help but envy you."

"You flatter this humble one excessively—I hardly know where to hide my face."

Despite the failed escort mission for the Martial Alliance, the Tang Family Escort Agency's reputation had soared.

Se-woon's relentless pursuit of Dokma and severing his arm had significantly elevated the agency's standing and credibility.

Rumors swirled that escort requests were pouring in so rapidly that contracts were already booked solid for half a year.

With such momentum, many speculated it wouldn't be long before the agency rose to challenge Sichuan's Four Great Escort Agencies.

But among all the visitors, one person held their utmost interest.

"...Master Tang, I understand your young master hasn't had a proper match since breaking off his engagement years ago."

"Ahem, I happen to have a daughter of marriageable age..."

"Master Tang, in times like these, you really should secure a good daughter-in-law..."

Leaders from various families and sects had turned into matchmakers, circling Se-woon like a pack of wolves.

A prodigy who had declined offers from both the Martial Alliance Leader and the Divine Doctor.

To them, Se-woon was a guaranteed path to prosperity.

But...

No matter how long they waited, none caught even a glimpse of him.

Not that it mattered.

Because at that very moment...

"...Se-woon, couldn't we slow down a little?"

"Ah, no can do, sister. We've still got a long way to go."

Se-woon was climbing a towering mountain alongside his elder sister.

The day after Se-woon declined Abbess Geumhwa's offer.

The three members of the Emei Sect promptly left the Tang estate and returned to Mount Emei.

Naturally so.

Abbess Geumhwa had extended her stay beyond the originally planned schedule solely to treat Se-woon.

Se-woon was left with nothing but gratitude toward Abbess Geumhwa.

Not just for the Golden Elixir Pills and the Energy Pushing Technique.

Her parting gaze had radiated genuine concern ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠for him.

Yet, as he reminisced, Se-woon's expression subtly shifted.

'Still...'

His mind drifted back to the conversation he'd had with Abbess Geumhwa's two disciples before their departure.

Ha-yeong left without explaining Cheong Yeon's cryptic remark, departing with her master.

Watching her retreating figure, Se-woon felt an inexplicable unease.

'...I really hope I don't get entangled with them again.'

It was true that his encounter with Dokma had briefly brought them closer.

But.

The horrific memories from his past life that resurfaced whenever he saw her.

Prevented Se-woon from drawing any closer.

Unconsciously, deep sorrow clouded his eyes.

'...I feel guilty toward Abbess Geumhwa.'

It seemed unlikely he'd ever visit the Emei Sect of his own volition.

But Se-woon didn't know then.

That fate always flows in unpredictable directions.

Just then.

"Whew. Se-woon, how much farther?"

'Ah, right.'

A voice like rolling jade beads reached Se-woon's ears.

A woman's voice, subtly reminiscent of his own.

His sister, Tang Se-rin, stared at him with her characteristic impassive expression.

"Ah, yes. Just a little farther, sister."

"...You said the same half an hour ago."

"This time I mean it."

"Sigh..."

Days earlier, when Se-woon rose from his sickbed, his mother had collapsed in tears on the spot.

His sister, however, had approached with the same stoic expression, silently patting his back.

Some household members had whispered behind her back, criticizing her for being too cold.

But Se-woon understood instantly.

She was desperately controlling her emotions, fearing that showing vulnerability would only deepen their parents' grief.

How overjoyed she truly was at his recovery.

How many sleepless nights she'd spent in secret anguish while he lay unconscious.

That's why Se-woon had—

On the day of the Tang Family Escort Agency's reopening, he'd taken his sister out.

Initially, Tang Se-rin had protested, citing his incomplete recovery.

But after Se-woon insisted on spending time just the two of them, she reluctantly agreed.

That morning, she'd meticulously prepared—her hair elegantly styled, wearing delicate silk shoes.

Now, after traversing rugged mountain paths, her clothes and shoes were caked in dust.

"...I didn't realize 'outing' meant mountain training to you."

"Haha. They say movement is good for health, sister."

"Ugh, you and your silver tongue..."

To an outsider, she might have seemed sternly angry with Se-woon.

But he knew better.

'Hmm, seems she's a little sulky.'

Not angry—just mildly pouting.

Though her expression remained neutral, the slightest pout had formed on her lips.

A nuance only Se-woon could detect.

'I really don't get why people find her intimidating.'

As the siblings bantered while ascending, Tang Se-rin cautiously broached a topic.

"...Se-woon."

"Yes?"

"Now that we're alone, there's something I want to discuss."

What is it?

Her serious tone made Se-woon listen attentively.

"Recently, the leader of the Tang Elite Unit and its warriors complained to Father about you."

The name of the Tang family's ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠elite combat force surfaced again.

Se-woon's brow twitched.

"Hmm. I heard similar complaints before. I don't understand why Uncle Tang Bi and his subordinates are making such a fuss."

"...The biggest issue seems to be about that escort from the Martial Alliance who's supposedly arriving soon."

"Hmm. Debating my intentions before they're even revealed feels like the Tang Elite Unit is overstepping."

"Se-woon, they're not acting out of self-interest."

Seeing Se-woon's cold gaze, Tang Se-rin spoke firmly.

Not to defend the unit, but out of concern for her brother.

Se-woon fell silent, letting her continue.

"Moreover, they're part of the Tang family too. Mending strained relations is something you, as young master, must learn."

She wasn't wrong.

Their eyes met in silent understanding.

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."

Se-woon smiled brightly in response.

Instantly, the worry in Tang Se-rin's eyes vanished.

"You rascal."

"Ah, come on. I'm not a child anymore."

"To me, you'll always be that five-year-old boy."

With what seemed like pride, she impassively ruffled his hair.

The siblings chatted amiably as they continued their journey.

Until finally.

Crunch.

Se-woon halted at their destination.

"We're here, sister."

Midway up Moon Mountain.

The abandoned mine Se-woon had received from the Martial Alliance as compensation for the assassination attempt came into view.

The former stronghold of the Sichuan Overlord.