Chapter 126
Chapter 126
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 126
Chapter Title: Qingcheng and the Tang Clan
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Qingcheng and the Sichuan Tang Clan.
The word that had always described those two was just one.
Dogs and monkeys.
The relationship between dog and monkey.
The Qingcheng Mountains, home to the Qingcheng Sect, and Sichuan City were incredibly close. That meant their territories bordered each other.
The Qingcheng Sect found the poison-obsessed, money-grubbing Sichuan Tang Clan distasteful.
And the Sichuan Tang Clan despised the Qingcheng Sect as stuffy old Taoists.
It wasn't for nothing they were called dogs and monkeys.
In such a relationship, some prisoners trapped in Qingcheng had slipped into Sichuan City...
A martial artist let out a sigh.
"This time, the escaped prisoner Shinryeok Cheonpae is one of the most dangerous ones among them. He preys on men and women alike, earning him the nickname lust demon. And in that situation, he just had to hide in crowded Sichuan City..."
Narin flinched. Gwangyang freaked out.
"Men and women... what? He preys on anyone without discrimination?"
"Isn't he a mad bastard?!"
"That's exactly why it's a problem. A guy with such formidable martial prowess, and his mind twisted to boot-he's no different from a demonic cultivator. Warrior Jeok. Qingcheng doesn't forget favors. Won't you please stay with us a while longer? We want to repay you for capturing the Invincible Overlord."
"I'm fine."
It wasn't something done for reward. Just got caught up in it unexpectedly.
Besides, I'd already gotten everything worth getting. Just obtaining the martial arts to teach Narin was a huge gain.
I politely refused the arm holding me back and turned toward Sichuan City.
"Master, won't it be dangerous? If what he said is true, that means the city is crawling with escaped prisoners."
"A lust demon who even screws men... gives me chills just thinking about it."
"Can't deny it sounds risky. But we need food and proper rest."
If it were just me traveling alone, I'd have passed right through.
But things were different now. Camping might seem like rest at a glance, but fatigue builds up bit by bit.
I might be fine, but the two following me weren't.
Proper rest. Hadn't the First Demon said as much?
Balancing rest and training properly makes your skills grow faster.
We entered Sichuan City proper. The streets were chaotic.
People eyed each other warily as they passed.
Just the wanted posters pinned to the bulletin board in the city center numbered in the dozens.
No need to look to know where they came from.
"...That guy from next door yesterday..."
"Never come out at night..."
The whispers were thick with anxiety. At the top of the most striking portrait was a handsome young man.
That must be Shinryeok Cheonpae.
Judging by the portrait alone, he looked like a refined pretty boy. But the bounty was far higher than I'd expected, making it impossible to guess the extent of his crimes.
A major criminal. Not just in Qingcheng... from the mentions everywhere, he'd committed more than a few atrocities.
For now, I gave Narin and Gwangyang some pocket money. Train when training, rest properly when resting.
Narin and Gwangyang were delighted.
"Th-thank you! Master! How much is this?!"
"Sis! Let's split it half and half! Each do what we want!"
"Sounds good... perfect...!"
"No palming the bottom card!"
"Stick to well-lit areas. No dark alleys."
I left the excited pair and stopped by a shop to restock food.
With some spare time, better pick stuff that looks tasty. It'll help build their bodies too...
-Clack.
Our hands bumped. The startled man beside me opened his mouth.
"Were you going to take it?"
"I was thinking of it..."
"Then go ahead. I yield."
"Thank you."
I thanked him for the clean concession.
But it happened again at the next stall.
Hands reaching for the same item by chance again. His eyes narrowed.
"...Again?"
"...I'll yield this time."
"Thank you."
At the next stall too.
And the one after.
In our oddly overlapping paths, the man stared at me intently.
"You wouldn't be tailing me...?"
"I'd never."
"Fair enough. Who'd tail someone this sloppily? Heading far?"
"You seem to be preparing for a trip yourself, young master."
"Right. A bit of a long journey."
Once conversation started, we naturally ended up traveling together.
"New face... from far away?"
"Yes. Coming from the Kunlun direction."
"Kunlun? Mind if I ask your destination?"
"Murim Alliance."
"Murim Alliance... that's far. Any special ties?"
"Nothing like that. More like a hired sword. Oh, young master, that one's not great quality. Pick the one next to it."
"Really? Thanks."
He gave his name.
"Call me Hwi. Circumstances make it hard to give my full name."
"No problem. Everyone has their reasons. Call me Jeok-un."
"Jeok-hyung, then. If it's not too rude, mind if I ask a few more things? I'm not exactly seasoned at traveling..."
The man who'd introduced himself as Hwi scratched the back of his head.
"Clueless about the world. Preparing to travel but no idea what to pack, wandering around. Grabbed stuff at random, but not sure what's actually needed..."
"Of course. Ask away."
"Thanks, Jeok-hyung."
I wandered the market with him, picking up a few more items. Once satisfied, Hwi beamed at me.
"Thanks, Jeok-hyung. I'll repay this favor someday."
"Glad I could help."
"Safe travels to you too, Jeok-hyung."
Nice guy. Polite too. I waved as he left.
That aside...
There had been the scent of poison.
I vaguely guessed his identity. Probably from the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Leaving in such chaotic times. Made me a little curious where to.
But everyone has their reasons, so best not pry.
I returned to the inn I'd booked ahead. Gwangyang, who'd arrived first, greeted me.
"Master!"
The table was laden with food. Bottles of liquor stacked behind.
Gwangyang grinned. He picked up a bottle and shook it.
"Care for a drink? Swept up the famous dishes from this inn in Sichuan City."
"You could've drunk alone."
"Wanted to share one with you, Master."
I chuckled. Set down my luggage and lifted a cup.
Took a light sip. Gwangyang served food in front of me.
Like this, he seems so earnest. Persistent too... and his talent's top-notch.
Waste for him to rot with bandits. Good call picking him up. I'd thought so several times lately.
"Where's Narin?"
"Sis hasn't come back yet. Probably enjoying Sichuan City. Hard to find a city this developed."
"True."
Well-built city. Teeming with vibrant life inside.
Someone lively like Narin would have plenty to see. What puzzled me was Gwangyang not following her.
I lifted the bottle. Gazed steadily at Gwangyang receiving it with both hands.
Not following her...
Because he wanted time alone with me?
If so, only one reason.
"Wondering when you'll learn proper swordsmanship?"
"........."
Gwangyang flinched. His silence was answer enough. I sighed.
"Gwangyang. There's a reason I haven't given you a proper sword yet."
"...Still lacking basics?"
"That's part of it, but there's more."
"What..."
"The sword I have is the Three Disasters Swordsmanship."
I said it flatly.
"Mastering it to the limit takes endless time. I did that. If I'd learned something else in that time, I might be even better now."
"........."
"So I want you to walk a different path from me. That's why I'm looking for a sword that suits you. Better to leave it empty than teach half-assed. Get it wrong at the start, and it'll be neither here nor there later."
"........."
"Gwangyang. No need to worry. I'll find the sword that fits you. Didn't I promise? On the way to the Murim Alliance, I'd teach you martial arts."
I raised my cup. Clinked it lightly against his.
"I keep my promises, no matter what. Don't worry. I'll teach you. How to live a different life."
"...Yes, Master."
Gwangyang exhaled heavily. Drained his cup cleanly.
Shoved food in his mouth, then grinned sheepishly.
"Truth is... I thought maybe... you favored Sis... guess I was the idiot."
"Favored? Why would I?"
"Sis is cute, right? Compared to that, I'm a lanky beanpole, not much to look at... no pretty features. Talent's meh too... haha."
Self-deprecating words.
"Pretty features..."
I served food.
"Gwangyang. Narin's innate courage and unique body structure matched the Invincible Overlord's martial arts we encountered perfectly. Talent aside, fate itself pushed her forward."
"........."
"Rare types like that. Very few. Gwangyang. Me? No luck, no talent. Had to shove myself into hell to survive."
"...You, Master?"
"Heard 'mortal' so much my ears blistered."
Gwangyang blinked. I chuckled.
"Even so, I chose the sword."
"...Why..."
"Wanted to. Something beyond mere fascination drew me to it. Gwangyang. What did you feel seeing my sword?"
I filled his bowl with warm food bit by bit.
Gwangyang hesitated, then spoke.
"Cool... thought it was cool. Your sword's gotta be cool. Wanted to swing one like it myself."
"To get there, I honed my blade thousands, millions of times. Persistence was all I had. To swing that one 'cool' sword you admire, I mixed in blood and sweat countless times."
"........."
"Gwangyang. You have talents you don't even know about. But topping that is your steadfastness. Attitude without complaint, those feet that followed even grueling training that made you puke."
I set the full bowl before him.
"A flower blooming lush in rich soil is beautiful, of course. But I find wildflowers in barren land just as captivating. Any martial artist... anyone who's mastered the sword would think the same."
"........."
"Don't think you lack appeal. Don't think you lack talent. You already have both. Gwangyang. You..."
I smiled.
"Are better than me."
"......"
"Eat before it cools. Won't taste good cold."
Gwangyang stared blankly at me. His chopsticks trembled.
A sniffle. Chopsticks picked up food, went to his mouth.
But fell out without chewing.
"...No one's... ever said that to me."
"......"
"...Thank you, Master."
Tears plopped onto the table.
"I'll... work harder..."
Just spoke my honest thoughts.
I tilted my cup. Narin came in late, arms full of food.
"Gwangyang! Help with this! Master! Food... wh-what?! Why are you crying?! Did Master make you?!"
"Kkhuhuh..."
"...Wasn't on purpose."
"Cut it out! Grown man, geez...!"
"I-I'm not crying..."
That aside, really need to find a sword manual for Gwangyang...
What would suit?
...
Searched around for a manual for Gwangyang, but came up empty. Same for info on the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Sichuan City was a mess. Knowing prisoners lurked everywhere, people were extremely wary of strangers.
Eventually it'd ease with time, but who knew when...
In the end, I chose to leave Sichuan City. Contacting the Tang Clan could wait. Priority was blending into the Murim Alliance.
Restocked food and supplies, then hit the road again.
Two paths to the Murim Alliance.
Through Shaanxi's Zhongnan Sect...
Or Hubei's Wudang Sect.
I picked the latter. Simple reason: slightly shorter.
We hurried along. Started teaching Gwangyang basic sword grips, checked Narin's forms in spare moments.
Then, ran into someone unexpected. The man I'd chatted with briefly at Sichuan City's market.
"...Eh? Jeok-hyung?"
The man who'd called himself Hwi waved cheerfully.
Accompanied by warriors in Tang Clan uniforms.
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