Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Reunion at the Inn
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Yeon Mi-ryeong, who had been facing away from the sunlight, turned to look at me. A spark lit up in her subdued eyes.
She walked over slowly and stood before me. She lowered her head.
"Brother Mu."
"...Lady Yeon."
"You can call me Mi-ryeong."
Fortunately, Yeon Mi-ryeong's external injuries weren't severe, but there was one part that worried me the most.
The tendons that had been severed long ago. They weren't completely cut, thankfully, but most of them were ruined, so she couldn't run recklessly.
Even if the Myriad Sages Divine Healer came, could he fix it?
Ju Ryeong-ryeong's eyes sparkled as she saw Yeon Mi-ryeong in my arms. She glanced at me, then carefully took her into her own embrace.
"...I've seen her before, but... she's really small."
"...Sister Ju?"
"Yeah? Sister? Oh. Yeah. Right. I'm the big sister. What's up?"
"No, nothing. Just... a little..."
Yeon Mi-ryeong closed her eyes. She leaned her head against Ju Ryeong-ryeong with a soft tap.
"It feels nice... Can I stay like this just for a bit?"
"O-of course! Absolutely! Aaaah! Mu-myeong! This kid is too cute! Right?! Right?!"
"Yes, she is."
"Ehehehe..."
Judging from her situation, it was actually a welcome development.
Ju Ryeong-ryeong had once lost a family-like little sister...
Forming another such bond would surely help her.
I met eyes with Yeon Mi-ryeong, cradled in Ju Ryeong-ryeong's arms.
"The physician said a light walk might do the body some good. I was thinking of heading to the nearby inn to pick up some food. Would you like to join us?"
"...Can I come too?"
"Of course."
"I want to go."
"Ryeong-ryeong. Take care of Lady Yeon."
"Got it. Leave her to me. Now... slowly..."
We left the building for the first time in ages. It was morning, five days after the incident.
We wove through the crowds and arrived at the inn. Most buildings were in ruins, but repairs were progressing swiftly.
The survivors from various sects were pitching in with the reconstruction. Once these prideful martial artists got to work, heavy materials were moved in no time, and wooden houses rose up quickly.
In the first place, only the central area had been completely flattened; the outskirts were just superficially damaged. Naturally, recovery was rapid.
"I heard a lot of people died this time."
"No joke..."
Masses of unaffiliated demonic cultivators had perished, and most of the Blood Cult spies mixed among them had lost their lives as well.
Many warriors dispatched from the sects had also fallen. Acmin was currently a cauldron of chaos, and ironically, the Returning to Black Night Squad affair was quickly buried amid the bloodbath that had unfolded.
Everyone was just whispering about the Blood Cult.
Thanks to that, Yeon Mi-ryeong's identity itself was safe. With her veil on, no one gave her more than a passing glance as they brushed by.
Still, just in case, I requested a private room. The waiter rubbed his hands together apologetically.
"Sir, with so many guests, the usage fee is a bit..."
"We'll pay."
"Thank you!"
We ordered some food to go, and in the meantime, decided to enjoy a slow meal. Ju Ryeong-ryeong carefully portioned out bites for Yeon Mi-ryeong.
"My hands aren't injured, so I can do it myself."
"But you're still hurt."
"...You're hurt too, Sister Ju."
"I'm totally fine. Practically a monster."
Yeon Mi-ryeong wiggled her hands. She scooped some food into a bowl and set it in front of Ju Ryeong-ryeong.
"You eat too, Sister Ju."
".......!"
Ju Ryeong-ryeong's eyes trembled.
"Mu-myeong. I think I just got proposed to."
"That's going too far."
"How about some congratulatory money in advance?"
"I said it's too far."
Still, it was a relief to see them getting along. Yeon Mi-ryeong subtly pushed a bowl of food toward me as well.
"Brother Mu."
"Yes, Lady Yeon."
"Thank you... for avenging my enemy."
"It was tied to my own affairs as well. No need to thank me so much..."
"Thank you, Brother Mu."
"Lady Yeon has a stubborn streak, I see."
I nodded slightly.
"I'll keep it in my heart."
Yeon Mi-ryeong smiled faintly. Suddenly, a loud thud came from the next room.
"...Isn't it?"
"...It is. Lady Seo."
Murmuring voices. I flinched at the familiar tone. I glanced toward the door.
-Knock knock.
A light rapping sounded. I subtly signaled Ju Ryeong-ryeong.
"Me? Why me?"
I pointed at her and shook my head. Ju Ryeong-ryeong cleared her throat awkwardly.
"Who is it?"
"It's Yeon Gwang. I heard a familiar voice and wanted to check inside briefly..."
"Yeon Gwang? No."
"Just for a moment. The voice sounds just like the man I serve as brother... Could you make an exception?"
Ju Ryeong-ryeong shot me a look. What do we do? He's calling you benefactor.
I wanted to let it slide quietly. Who would've thought we'd run into each other at an inn like this?
...No, with so few places properly operating in Acmin now, crowds gathering here was inevitable.
I sighed. I pulled a mask from my belt and slipped it on. I signaled the others to don their veils.
"Come in."
"...That voice...!"
The door opened. Yeon Gwang's face stiffened as he faced our masked group. Seo Cho-hee, peeking from behind him, was the same.
Her eyes darted around wildly. Then, sniffing the air like she caught my scent, she beamed.
"Senior Brother!"
What, are you a dog?
"...Long time no see, junior."
"I-is it really you, brother?! What brings you here?!"
"Just passing through on a mission. What about you two?"
"We were dispatched to Acmin for real combat experience. I'm officially part of the Brainpower Unit now... Lady Seo is here on other business."
"I'm here for medicinal ingredients only available in Acmin, for family matters. We need them to craft something the clan requires... If I'd known you were here, Senior Brother, I'd have come sooner!"
The empty seats filled up. Ju Ryeong-ryeong asked quietly.
"Friends of yours?"
"...Sort of."
"Hello! Sorry for the late introduction! I'm Yeon Gwang of the Brainpower Unit!"
"Seo Cho-hee of the North Gate Books! I admire you, Senior Brother...!"
"...You're popular."
"No."
"You are, though?"
"No."
After correcting her twice, I sighed. Yeon Gwang rolled his eyes.
"Brother, why the mask...? We already know what's behind it."
"Is this part of your mission? If so, we can leave right now..."
"My previous face and this one are different."
"What?! Then the old one was fake?!"
"You could say that."
Greed flickered in Yeon Gwang's eyes. Seo Cho-hee too.
"No matter what face you have, Brother, I'm prepared to keep your secret for life. If it slips my lips, I'll cut out my own tongue."
"I'll never yield to torture. Even if they pierce my body with a thousand needles, I won't breathe a word. Senior Brother."
"......."
"Brother."
"Senior Brother."
This is why I avoid running into you guys...
Under their intense gazes, I finally removed the mask. A few people already knew, and these two didn't seem the type to blab.
I'd never had followers this loyal before... so I didn't quite know how to handle it.
It's not that I didn't cherish them. They were precious connections.
But... it felt a bit awkward, that's all.
"Happy now?"
"...Grrrrraaah!!! Broooother!!! Even your only flaw-your looks-wasn't real!!!"
"P-paper! Paper! I have to record this moment!"
"What's with these kids?"
"No idea. Lady Yeon, just ignore them and eat."
"The veil's in the way."
"It's fine in front of these guys. They're lighthearted and quirky, but..."
Well, still.
One thing I could say for sure. I smiled faintly.
"Their lips are sealed tight. They'll stick to their principles even on a cliff's edge."
"......! B-broooother..."
"I... even if I die... it's... good..."
The commotion died down. As the atmosphere normalized, Yeon Gwang's eyes widened.
"The last successor of the Seven Stars Gate...! Then surely..."
"Keep it secret."
"Yes, Brother!"
"I'll never tell, even under threat! Senior Brother!"
"You're way too intense. These kids are fun."
Ju Ryeong-ryeong giggled. She naturally fed bites to Yeon Mi-ryeong, now comfortably in her arms.
Yeon Mi-ryeong accepted them with a serene expression. Seo Cho-hee spoke up hesitantly.
"Um, Senior Brother."
"Yeah?"
"Can I take a closer look at your face?"
"...Most people wouldn't ask that."
"Staring too hard would be rude..."
"Go ahead."
The meticulous scrutiny was a tad embarrassing. But not unbearable.
Seo Cho-hee scanned me thoroughly, then covered her eyes with her hand. She tilted her head several times, then clamped her mouth shut.
"Senior Brother, were you... at the center of Acmin that day by any chance?"
"...What?! No way! Lady Seo, you mean...!"
"The one who crossed swords with that presumed Blood Demon...!"
"That black-shadowed man! The one the sects warned everyone to keep quiet about...!"
"Senior Brother!"
"Brother!"
"Seniiooor Broooother!!!!"
"Broooother!!!!"
"Ahaha! What are these kids on?! They're hilarious!"
I was embarrassed for myself.
Please stop...
...
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer.
The man who had finally arrived, wearing a veil that hid his face, moved silently through the clinic.
His aged voice was gruff. Yet an inexplicable aura flowed from him.
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer examined the Nine Heavens Jade Maiden and drew out his needles.
"You'll heal without scars."
"Never dreamed I'd receive treatment from the Myriad Sages Divine Healer."
"Even if your body is far beyond ordinary mortals thanks to surpassing the Flower Realm, abusing it leads to regrets later. I recommend no movement until fully healed."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer examined the Flower Heaven Fist Demon and clicked his tongue.
"It'll heal on its own if left alone."
"Hey, treat me properly too!"
"Your externally forged body is recovering fine on its own. Why interfere? Let it be. No need to baby it."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer's expression hardened as he examined the Death Blood Unit's Wol-hyang.
"This is serious."
"Aw, come on, old man. It's not that bad."
"To endure this pain... remarkable willpower. But... it's fixable. Fortunately, you ingested something when your life hung by a thread. This energy... Returning to Black Night Squad?"
"Sharp as ever, old timer. Busted. Kyaa. So embarrassing."
"You've gained a fortuitous encounter. Treatment won't be an issue thanks to it. But don't move recklessly. Wounds could worsen. And stop eating meat."
"You know about that too? As expected of the Myriad Sages Divine Healer."
"With meat stench wafting off you, it'd be weirder not to notice. Eat something healthy. Weeds or whatever."
"Urk. Just thinking about it makes me wanna puke."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer sighed as he examined Black Wind.
"Condition's bad, but... not critically so."
"Feels like I'm dying."
"Drama queen. A few needles, and you'll walk soon enough. You're with Full Moon, right? Hunt people too?"
"Best discussed separately. Right?"
"Fair point."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer shrugged after examining Ju Ryeong-ryeong.
"Sturdy as hell. Next."
"Hey, say something about me."
"Next."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer scanned Black Peony's face after examining her.
"Body wounds aren't severe, but... the burns on your face... not ordinary burns. Self-inflicted by inner demons?"
"...Yes. That's right."
"Other physicians can't touch it. Too late."
"......"
"But I'm different."
"R-really?!"
A gleam flashed in Black Peony's eyes. The Myriad Sages Divine Healer shrugged.
"The Cult Leader sent word to tend to the warriors who made great contributions this time. If I can't heal a mere inner demon burn, the name Myriad Sages Divine Healer would ring hollow."
"H-how long... will it take?"
"A month to heal. But you'll need isolation. Complex surgery, regenerating scars... you'll have to hole up in a dark room for that long."
"I-I'll do it! Please help!"
"That's why I'm here. Now, finally..."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer checked Yeon Mi-ryeong's ankle.
"This can be fixed too."
Yeon Mi-ryeong sniffled for the first time. Her steadfast shoulders trembled faintly.
"R-really...?"
"As long as there's life, I can heal anything. That's why they call me the Myriad Sages Divine Healer. No need to worry. Last successor of the Seven Stars Gate."
The Myriad Sages Divine Healer stood.
"I'll heal every last scratch. Trust only me."