Chapter 48
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Traces - 2
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I'd taken care of everything I needed to at the Emei Sect.
Joo Yuri's treatment was done, and I'd even finished observing and committing the Formless Sword Technique to memory.
Practically speaking, we'd done all there was to do, but that didn't mean we could just up and leave right away.
"We have to put a stop to the fight between the Emei Sect and the Four Black Alliances."
It was a good idea.
Sure, if the Four Black Alliances clashed with the righteous factions right now, the only ones who'd benefit would be the Blood Cult.
If the other righteous groups in Sichuan—like the Point Acupoint Faction, the Qingcheng Sect, or the Tang Family—mobilized upon seeing the Four Black Alliances stirring up trouble, the chaos in Sichuan would only intensify.
Considering the Blood Cult would exploit that disorder to make their move, it was best for the Four Black Alliances to withdraw for now.
But would the leader of the Four Black Alliances back down so easily?
"That guy I saw before was the type who even defied imperial orders."
She glanced at me as she said it.
Why me...? Oh, right. Come to think of it, Yu Ye-ryeon had agonized over whether to defy the imperial decree too.
"If he thinks it'll benefit the Four Black Alliances, he might not pull out of Sichuan."
"Father definitely would. But he's the type who meticulously calculates debts and grudges. Once he learns I survived thanks to the help of the Emei Sect, Jin Hyun, and Elder Kwon Hwang, he'll withdraw for now."
That did sound plausible.
The leader of the Four Black Alliances had lost it when he thought his daughter Joo Yuri was dead, burning bridges with the righteous factions—but he'd never tolerate the Blood Cult.
In the novel, there was that epic scene where he fought the Blood Cult to the death, brimming with tragic heroism.
Considering that side of him, he had a soft spot for his daughter Joo Yuri. If even she—who he saw as relatively weak—asked him to, the Four Black Alliances might actually stand down this time.
"If we play our cards right, they won't just withdraw—they'll even pay compensation and medical fees for the injured Emei monks."
I could see the face of Hye-won, the head of the Guest Reception Hall, brighten at her words.
Joo Yuri flashed a faint smile at the sight.
She must have been worried sick about the Emei monks who'd gotten hurt fighting the Four Black Alliances to save her.
At least it was a relief. There were injuries, but no one was in life-threatening danger.
If there had been, no amount of negotiation like this would have secured a truce between the two sides.
"So how do we make it happen? Do you have to go yourself?"
"No. I'm thinking of sending Yun-ryeong and Su-ryeong."
"But, miss..."
"I'll be fine. Elder Kwon Hwang is here, and so is Jin Hyun. Besides... Jin Hyun doesn't make a big deal out of my true self."
What? Your true self?
Over these past few days, Joo Yuri had completely dropped the polite, demure act.
Of course, she toned it down around the monks or Elder Kwon Hwang, but when it was just the two of us, she let her real personality shine through.
"So he'll help me out."
"Me?"
"You won't?"
"It's not that, but..."
What exactly was I supposed to do?
Play maid for her or something?
"Just put up with my whining when I'm worn out."
So basically, keep doing what I'd been doing these past few days.
Make snacks when she was stressed, listen to her vent her frustrations.
There were a few other things too... but nothing too hard.
"Teach me how to write a bit better too."
Replying to letters wasn't easy. Sending snacks worked for a day or two, but even if she loved my cooking, she'd get sick of it eventually.
Plus, she'd asked in her last letter for longer replies, so this time I'd have to really stretch it out.
"Fine. I'll improve that terrible handwriting of yours."
Thanks a lot.
"Alright, then that's the plan. I hope you two serve well as envoys."
"Yes, sir."
"Please take care of our miss, Elder. And you too, Young Hero Jin."
.
.
.
Unlike me, who agonized over every single line, Joo Yuri wrote without pause, her brush flowing effortlessly.
Truly one stroke, done.
Damn, that's impressive. How does she write like that?
"This takes training too."
She stamped the letter with her seal, folded it, and handed it to Yun-ryeong and Su-ryeong.
As we watched them leave the Emei Sect posthaste, Elder Kwon Hwang gathered us.
"Now, onto our business. We should head to the Tang Family first."
"Because of the blood poison they discovered, sir?"
"Mm. And the Tang Family has eyes and ears scattered all over Sichuan, so they'll have the latest rumors from everywhere."
"True. In Sichuan, the Tang Family knows more than even the Beggars' Sect..."
"Exactly. That's why we'll drop by there first and plan our next move. Any objections?"
"None."
"Then let's depart."
Elder Kwon Hwang sought out the head of the Guest Reception Hall the moment he made up his mind.
Hye-won, who oversaw the hall where we'd been staying, looked sorry to see us go, but you can't hold travelers back.
After our farewells, we descended from Mount Emei, where a monk awaited us at the base.
It was Yul-hwan of the Medical Hall.
"I'm relieved to see you all leaving in good health."
"Namo Amitabha... I can't thank you enough, monk."
"I've heard. Lady Joo asked the Four Black Alliances to withdraw."
"Yes. Father will definitely pull out of Sichuan."
"I hope so."
"It will happen. Though... it won't last long."
I agreed. The rift between righteous and evil factions wasn't something the Heavenly Martial Hall alone could mend.
"Even so... for now, we'll part with smiles."
"Yes. I pray all your endeavors succeed."
Still, they exchanged bows of mutual respect.
It was a heartwarming scene, in its own way.
As they bid each other farewell and turned away, Joo Yuri's gaze locked onto me.
"Something you want to say?"
She fell silent for a moment, then shook her head.
"Later."
Meeting Jin Hyun's gaze, Joo Yuri thought to herself.
He'd said he didn't want to see her die.
Thinking back, it was an embarrassing memory. She'd shown him her weak side, vulnerabilities laid bare—yet he'd accepted it all.
Her face flushing, heart pounding—that recollection wasn't unpleasant.
As she savored it, she glanced back at the receding Emei Sect.
A woman of the evil factions like her wouldn't linger long in a pillar of the righteous world like Emei.
Right. She belonged to the evil factions. She didn't mix with the righteous.
And the man beside her was righteous too.
Jin Hyun hadn't claimed to be righteous, true. But the place he called home was Sword Heaven Manor.
Home to Sword Heaven, one of the Eight Great Heavens of the Nine Provinces and a paragon of the righteous factions.
If those who lived there weren't righteous, who was?
In the end, she and he were fated to be enemies.
The bitterness welled up, and Joo Yuri let out a soft sigh without realizing it.
"Tired?"
"...Huh? What...?"
"If you're worn out, ride the horse."
We'd returned the carriage to the Emei offices and borrowed horses. One for Elder Kwon Hwang, but we could get another if needed.
"What about you?"
"I'll run."
His matter-of-fact reply made Joo Yuri bite her lip. After a brief hesitation, she nodded.
"I'll run too."
Worrying about righteous versus evil—that was a future problem, not now.
No need to fret over it just yet.
Right now, she just wanted to spend every possible moment with her comrade.
Running was basic training. No talent required—just endurance.
But it was better with two than alone.
"Hah... hah... hah..."
"Heuk... huu..."
She'd trained before, but never felt this refreshed after.
The joy enveloping her body was worlds apart from her sessions with the Four Black Alliances or the Heavenly Martial Hall.
"Rest here a bit, then back on the road."
"Got... it, sir."
"Huuu..."
As Elder Kwon Hwang watered the horse and let it graze while loosening up, Joo Yuri collapsed onto the grass.
"Hey. Stretch first."
"Ugh... I'm beat..."
It hurt, but it was a good hurt. Savoring the pleasant fatigue against her skin, she lifted her sleek legs.
"You stretch them for me."
"...Me?"
"Yeah. You promised to help. Yun-ryeong and Su-ryeong did it when they were around."
Jin Hyun looked exasperated at her pouty whine, but nodded.
"Fine. You do me after."
"Deal. Deal."
Unthinkable back at the Heavenly Martial Hall.
Of course. Showing weakness, whining like this—it was the opposite of the life she wanted.
A side she should never reveal.
But why? With Jin Hyun, she just wanted to let it all out.
Because he was a comrade?
Or was there more to it? Why could she act this way with him?
Joo Yuri pushed aside the swirling thoughts and flashed a mischievous grin at Jin Hyun as he massaged her legs.