Chapter 160: Flame Wheel Art-1
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 160: Flame Wheel Art-1
The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Yeom-jin summoned So-yu and In-ho.
Seeing Yeom-jin’s unusually solemn expression, the two sat before her with faces tight with tension.
"Yesterday, So-yu crossed the threshold."
"Do you mean she succeeded in the Typification of Internal Energy?" In-ho asked.
Yeom-jin nodded.
In-ho turned to So-yu with an impressed "Ooh~" on his face. So-yu, embarrassed by his flippant reaction, jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow.
"And so, I have called you because I believe the time has come."
Yeom-jin’s gaze fixed on So-yu.
So-yu swallowed hard.
"So-yu. From this moment forward, you are the Flame Wheel Master."
Namgung So-yu’s eyes grew as wide as saucers.
"Master? What do you mean? Me, the Flame Wheel Master?"
At So-yu’s protest, Yeom-jin unfurled her fan.
"Just as you have been called my successor disciple and the successor until now, you know that I am called the Flame Wheel Master."
"I believe you are old enough to understand exactly what these words mean."
At Yeom-jin’s calm declaration, So-yu’s face crumpled.
"My learning is still shallow. How can I possibly inherit the name of the Flame Wheel Master?"
"I have passed on everything I know to you. And you have mastered it all—setting aside the matter of experience."
Yeom-jin continued, her gaze unwavering.
"I was about your age when I received the title of Flame Wheel Master. So do not tell me it is too early."
You can fill the gaps in your experience and proficiency as you wander the Murim, Yeom-jin added.
"Then what happens now?" In-ho asked with a composed expression, unlike So-yu, who was staring down at her knees with a conflicted face.
"I shall head straight to the Murim Alliance. I intend to report the succession officially."
"If you say 'I,' does that mean we aren't going to the Murim Alliance?" In-ho asked for clarification, noting the boundary Yeom-jin had drawn.
"It is merely a matter of changing the name on the register. There is no need for us all to go together."
Yeom-jin studied So-yu’s complexion.
"From now on, do not follow me. Travel the world as a pair and help those in need."
Yeom-jin was indirectly announcing her departure.
"...So-yu."
Yeom-jin called out to her disciple with a bittersweet smile.
The disciple flinched at the call but did not lift her head. She didn't want to show the tears she was secretly shedding.
Sigh. Yeom-jin let out a small breath, stood up, and walked over to So-yu.
She pulled the girl, who fit perfectly in her arms, into a hug and gently patted her back.
"It’s not as if we’ll never see each other again. Why are you crying so sadly? I am merely laying down the name of the Flame Wheel Master."
"But..."
A cracked, thick voice escaped So-yu’s lips.
Yeom-jin held her tighter as So-yu struggled to suppress her sorrow.
Squeeze. So-yu could feel her master’s heart.
"Your master has lived as the Flame Wheel Master for seventeen years."
"Now, I wish to spend the rest of my life as a single person named 'Yeom-jin.'"
"......"
"For the time being, I plan to return to my hometown and rest. I must tend to my parents' graves as well. When the time is right, I will send word through a messenger."
Yeom-jin promised a future meeting.
"Master..."
So-yu reached out and hugged Yeom-jin back.
It was the image of a master and disciple who had been bound by the name of the Flame Wheel Master for a long time.
Watching them, In-ho felt a slight sting at the bridge of his nose; they looked like a devoted mother and daughter.
*
"As I said, I will head to the Murim Alliance to settle matters and then go to my hometown."
Having finished her preparations to leave, Yeom-jin told So-yu and In-ho her plans as they saw her off at the mountain slope.
"Once you finish up here, head to Hanam. If there are people suffering there, help them. That is the duty of a martial artist."
"Yes, don't you worry," In-ho replied with a bright smile. Yeom-jin looked at him and smiled back.
"In-ho, I am truly glad you are here. Thanks to you, I can set my mind at ease. You are a real blessing."
"Haha, I suppose I am a bit of a lucky charm."
In-ho joked around, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
"Indeed. I feel as though the burden I’ve been carrying has finally been lifted. For a while, I think I’ll just live a life of leisure and laze about."
With light steps, Yeom-jin practically flew down the slope. The two watched her until she became a tiny dot and vanished from sight.
"...Let's go back."
So-yu spoke after staring in the direction Yeom-jin had disappeared for a long time.
On the way back to the slash-and-burn village.
As she pushed through the thick brush, So-yu kept looking back. She felt a lingering regret that she couldn't see her master all the way to the foot of the mountain.
Right. She said she’d contact us once her business is finished.
Promising herself they would meet again, she looked at the back of her companion walking ahead of her.
Seeing those broad, sturdy shoulders, So-yu’s face flushed.
Master did say it was alright...
Yeom-jin had spoken in a way that suggested there would be no problem if she and In-ho were to be together.
Thinking that her master had implicitly approved of their relationship, So-yu felt a strange sense of anticipation for the days she would spend with In-ho.
*
Three months later.
While in Hanam, So-yu and In-ho received a letter delivered by a messenger from the Murim Alliance.
[Yeom-jin. Deceased.]
The message the letter conveyed was short and clear.