Chapter 3
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: The Child of Mount Hua Awakens
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Chang'an was far noisier than I had imagined.
The murmur of crowds buzzing in every corner of the marketplace, the merchants shouting at the top of their lungs to lure in customers, the hiss of steam rising white from massive cauldrons.
All those sounds tangled together into something utterly different from the clear, crisp birdsong I'd heard for over a decade in the mountains.
Every noise here was sharp and eager, all aimed at one goal: profit.
I couldn't help but hunch my shoulders.
It was because the faint sensation of Senior Disciple's robe brushing my skin from just moments ago still lingered so vividly.
"Don't wander too far," she had murmured softly, her words hanging heavy on my neck like an invisible chain holding me back.
Still, my eyes kept darting around.
Burly merchants grunting as they unloaded sacks of rice, a street vendor fanning out colorful silk like a banner, an old woman with wrinkled hands silently grinding herbs, a mother hurrying along with a whining child strapped to her back.
The world was right here, so close.
In this narrow street alone, countless people breathed and lived their own lives.
That was when it happened.
"Thief!"
A short scream sliced through the clamor.
My body reacted first.
"If someone picks a fight, don't engage—just run. Got it?"
Senior Disciple's worried voice rang sharply in my ears, but my feet were already kicking off the ground, propelling me forward.
Strictly speaking, this wasn't someone picking a fight with me, was it?
So it should be fine. That flimsy rationalization flashed through my mind.
I shoved through the crowd, picking up speed.
Shoulders bumped, curses flew, but I didn't stop.
The thief ducked into an alley.
It was narrower, but empty, so I could run even faster.
He seemed to know the terrain of Chang'an—his toes hit every crack in the stones precisely.
I drew in a deep breath.
I didn't force my inner energy to rise.
Even without it, my trained body was more than enough to catch a petty pickpocket.
At the alley's end, he collided with someone and staggered.
I didn't miss the moment.
I lowered my stance, coiled power into my thighs, and sprang forward.
My hand seized the back of his neck.
The sweat-soaked fabric stuck fast to my palm.
"Ugh!"
He twisted, trying to hide his pouch.
I wrenched his wrist and yanked the pouch free with a snap.
I didn't use excessive force.
Instead, I leaned in close and growled low.
"It ends here."
His eyes wavered.
Only then did I take in my surroundings.
Red lanterns hung from every eave, incense smoke drifting thick under the lantern light.
Laughter leaked from the windows—high-pitched giggles, drawn-out moans, the clink of cups.
I was in the heart of the pleasure district, lined with brothels.
I reflexively pulled my robe collar tight.
The air here was sticky.
Sweat, liquor, perfume, and something I didn't want to name all mixed together.
He wriggled free from my grasp, shoved me, and bolted.
No point chasing him down for a fight.
I had the pouch, at least.
Then footsteps came panting from behind.
It was the woman from before.
Her face was flushed, her eyes wet.
I held out the pouch.
"This yours...?"
She clutched it with both hands, hugging it to her chest like the world's greatest treasure.
Her eyelids fluttered as she blinked, tension draining from her shoulders with a slump.
"Great hero! This grace... I..."
Unable to finish, she bowed repeatedly. I raised a hand lightly to stop her.
"No big deal. Be careful on your way."
"I'll never forget this."
She melted hurriedly into the crowd and vanished.
"Whoa...!"
That was when it happened.
A light clap echoed softly.
Somehow, it pierced my ears with crystal clarity.
Amid Chang'an's cacophony, only that sound clawed relentlessly at my ears.
"Did you see that? He snatched that thief with one hand."
"A true hero..."
"And that refined face too. The world really is unfair."
People edged closer, slyly narrowing the gap.
The air in the space before me rushed in all at once as the crowd pressed forward.
Countless gazes pricked my neck like needles.
Right then, something hot and soft pressed against my back.
"My hero~."
Laughter burst from in front of a brothel draped in red lanterns.
Courtesans in a row, their silk sleeves fluttering in the night breeze, hairpins glinting coquettishly overhead.
Slim jade fingers brushed my sleeve end lightly, as if dusting off dirt.
"Oh my, such elegant hands too."
"Was there someone like this in Chang'an? Face and all... not a single flaw."
Their words wrapped around me like sticky spiderwebs.
Praise, sure—but it felt like a tough noose snaring my ankle.
"A hero deserves a proper welcome."
One courtesan stepped forward with sultry grace.
With each step, her musky perfume thickened.
Her smile flashed even white teeth; her elongated eyes curved sensually.
She gestured toward a crimson-curtained alley.
Booze fumes and riotous laughter seeped from beyond.
"Come in for a bit. Tonight, we'll serve our hero all the drinks we can carry."
"Yes, just one cup. One cup, then go."
"That poor woman couldn't repay her debt—we'll do it for her."
More applause from the onlookers.
Someone yelled "One cup!" and the crowd laughed and cheered along.
The narrow alley grew narrower.
People crowded behind me too, blocking the way.
I drew in a breath.
My mouth went dry as dust.
'...Isn't this more dangerous than any provocation?'
I gripped my robe collar tight.
Sweat trickled down my spine.
One wrong step here, and the path back would blur forever.
The courtesan extended her hand toward me.
Her fingertips hovered, almost brushing my knuckles.
"Hero. To our house."
I tried to ignore them and turn away.
But all sides were already layered with crowds and courtesans.
"Where are you rushing off to?"
A soft voice came with delicate touches that stung like nettles, slipping under my clothes.
A hand trailed over my chest through the thin fabric, choking my breath.
Then sharp nails grazed my nipple without warning—goosebumps erupted across my skin.
"Hah...!"
It was a sensation utterly alien to me.
Hot waves spread from where the stranger's touch lingered.
Reason screamed to snap out of it, but my body betrayed me, reacting on its own.
Something surged hot and urgent from deep in my gut.
I felt my crotch dampen, soaking my pants without warning.
"Oh my, look at this. Already so wet."
"How cute. They say martial artists have no experience—guess it's true. A real virgin."
The courtesans' laughter turned brazen.
Their eyes locked on my groin; my face burned like fire.
In that instant, the boldest one slid her hand inside my pants.
Cool, soft fingers gripped my burning hardness and stroked slowly up and down.
"Ngh...!"
A feeling I'd never known exploded through me.
Helpless pleasure shook me; my vision swam.
My mind blanked white in the shocking rush.
If I stayed like this, something irreversible would happen.
I clung to the last thread of reason and roughly shook off the hand holding me.
"S-stop this!"
With a desperate shout, I shoved through the crowd and bolted.
Regretful sighs and laughter chased me as I ran, eyes fixed straight ahead.
My heart pounded madly, about to burst; the unfamiliar heat between my legs refused to cool.
I tore through the crowd like a madman, bursting out of the alley.
I clenched my teeth and hurried on.
Chang'an's night streets still buzzed.
Even amid the different clamor, my ears strained for those lewd laughs behind me.
I berated myself harshly.
Head down, robe collar clutched tight.
One glance back, and those sticky gazes would snare my ankle.
I practically ran until the faded sign of Clear Wind Inn came into view.
The crooked pillar and shabby exterior brought paradoxical relief.
Pushing through the door, warm oil and thick liquor scents assaulted my nose.
The ground floor teemed with guests; no one spared my return a thought.
That indifference was a blessing.
Eyes on the floor, I climbed the creaking stairs.
Each groan of the old wood sent my heart plummeting.
At the door.
I steadied my ragged breaths once, twice.
My palms were slick with sweat.
I wiped them roughly on the back of my hand, then cautiously pushed the door open.
"...Senior Disciple. I'm back."