Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: The Reason Rules Exist - 2
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Originally, when something's not allowed, doesn't that make people want to do it even more? That's human nature.
Just like that, in Celestial Moon, players challenged the no-men-allowed zones with gusto—and quite a few even succeeded.
Among them, the easiest method was infiltration.
I recalled the most common tactics used for sneaking into various no-men zones, starting from the nuns' quarters at Botam Hermitage, one of those restricted areas, and shook my head.
Invisibility arts more advanced than Shadowless Step were essential for infiltration. It'd be easy with that, but the prerequisite quests were a nightmare, and sneaking in like a thief didn't sit right with me. So, ruled out.
Then, like the Black Yin Palace breakthrough event, borrow the magistrate's authority, take down the defenders, and force my way in?
That made even less sense.
As someone who needed to strengthen the Crimson Star Sect, why pick a fight with them?
A few other methods came to mind, but I shook my head at those too.
For a super gentleman like me, a card-carrying member of the Super Manly Club, cheap tricks weren't necessary.
So, the day after meeting the magistrate, I headed straight to Crimson Star Mountain and boldly declared it to the Crimson Star Sect disciple guarding the gate.
"...Uh. So, you want to enter the Crimson Star Sect?"
The path I'd chosen was a frontal assault.
A real man declares his intent openly and walks right in.
"The magistrate asked me to conduct an investigation."
"We already sent the investigation report... One moment. I'll go ask."
I watched her hurry up the path and sat on a nearby chair. The landscape bursting with Thousand-Day Plum Blossoms was a sight to behold.
All the more reason I had to prevent this mountain from going up in flames, no matter what.
How long had I waited patiently, without even lighting my pipe?
A woman descended from the gate.
It was Ryuhyeon, the Crimson Star Sect's second disciple.
"I heard. Innkeeper Yu, you need to investigate the Crimson Star Sect?"
"Yes. Here."
I showed her the cooperation request from the magistrate. It commissioned me, an external investigator hired by the government, to inspect the sect's interior, identify the Demonic Cultist who attacked, and collect traces of their demonic arts using a white jade plaque.
Only after scrutinizing the officially stamped document did Ryuhyeon let out a deep sigh.
"I understand the magistrate's request for cooperation. However... as you know, our Crimson Star Sect is a no-men zone."
"That's precisely why I'm asking for some leeway. There are ways around it, aren't there?"
"Umm..."
Crimson Star Sect disciples were sensitive to their sect's policies. They went to great lengths to uphold Crimson Star's teachings, even refusing clan support. They wouldn't want to break the no-men rule lightly.
"It might sound like a threat, but souring relations with the government would be troublesome."
No matter how much martial sects claimed independence from the government, they couldn't completely ignore each other like strangers.
"I get it. The government provides us with plenty of conveniences too."
"So, what's your decision?"
"I'd need to ask my master. She's currently training the senior sister..."
No wonder I hadn't seen Hongryeon lately. She was training under the Sword Saint.
"I heard the training hall was half-destroyed. Do you have space to train?"
"Yes. There's another training ground behind it. But unless there's something special, we're told not to approach..."
"Must be tough."
"Not really. Thanks to your consideration, innkeeper, with the patrols to Island Flower Village, my workload's lightened up a lot."
Sending patrols to Island Flower Village had reduced her burdens considerably. Ryuhyeon gave a wry smile and shrugged.
"And the bounty from last time."
"Hmm..."
"Anyway, I'll check with my master."
"Please do."
"Take care."
After finishing with Ryuhyeon, I descended the mountain. Back at the inn, as I sat in the backyard to smoke my pipe...
"Where'd you go with your bodyguard?"
It was my long-term guest, Chaejin.
Clad in her Full Moon Pavilion-style form-fitting outfit, she naturally approached and even more naturally tried to lead me deeper into the backyard.
"Got something on your mind? Why not go home?"
"I haven't sparred with Hongryeon yet."
After the Demonic Cultist raid, I'd sent several challenge notices, but Hongryeon ignored them cleanly.
I understood.
She had urgent sect matters to handle first.
And training under the Sword Saint took priority over sparring with Chaejin, so of course she couldn't.
Still, after days like this, lingering without leaving felt like obsession.
"And my member's training isn't done. Gotta do it right! Properly!"
Was this her masochistic side?
"Why so diligent?"
"If I accepted it, I have to put in the effort."
She said it so matter-of-factly, I had nothing to say. I nodded, and when I didn't stand, Chaejin clicked her tongue briefly and sat beside me.
"So? Where'd you go?"
"To the Crimson Star Sect."
No need to hide it, so I explained. Listening quietly, she grinned and poked my side with her elbow.
"Should I tag along and challenge Hongryeon to a spar? Interrupting her training might make her accept. The Sword Saint won't hit me."
"Sword Saint might not, but the Crimson Star Sect will step up. Want a taste of the Crimson Star Sword Formation?"
No matter that Chaejin was from a righteous sect and Full Moon Pavilion's senior disciple, causing trouble there wouldn't end mildly.
"Nah, not that. But what now? The government assigning you means they're compromising. If the Crimson Star Sect refuses..."
"Well..."
I stubbed out my fully lit pipe and stood.
"If they have any sense, they'll compromise. Come on, let's train."
A smile crept onto Chaejin's lips.
After getting thoroughly drilled by Chaejin, handling some work, and dealing with the regulars, evening came. As usual, I wrapped up the day with Five Animals Frolic.
As I puffed on my pipe watching the sunset dye the sky red, a visitor from the Crimson Star Sect arrived.
Ryuhyeon, with a bright expression.
"Master approved."
"Good news."
Truly great news.
In preparing against the Iron Blood Clan's raid, every bit of government aid would help immensely.
Beyond that, if the Crimson Star Sect rejected, the government might stand idle if the sect were attacked.
"But no entering restricted areas..."
"Restricted areas?"
"Where disciples stay, master's residence, sect records archive, etc. Anywhere else is fine."
"Ah, that's fair."
"And one disciple must accompany you at all times. For guidance anyway. Only you, Innkeeper Yu, are approved."
"Agreed."
"Great. When will you come?"
I thought a moment, then nodded.
"Tomorrow morning."
The next morning, as I packed, Chaejin whined.
Simple reason: she wanted to go too.
As if.
I asked if she'd pick a fight with Hongryeon—just in case—and she averted her eyes like a guilty pup, pretending otherwise.
So, I left the whiner behind and headed to Crimson Star Mountain.
"Welcome!"
Grey-haired, gentle Sayoon greeted me at the gate with a bright smile.
Today was off to a good start.
"Didn't expect you to greet me."
"Oh? Would someone else have been better?"
As if. Sayoon welcoming me was a blessing.
I shook my head, and she beamed. She naturally fell in step beside me and began explaining calmly.
"Normally, the senior sister handles this, but she has training today..."
"Nothing more vital for a martial artist than training. I understand. I heard she's getting intensive Sword Saint training—tell her no need to worry about me."
"Haha. Yes. Since fighting that Demonic Cultist, it seems the senior sister gained some realization."
Glad to hear it.
For facing the Iron Blood Clan, a stronger Hongryeon was nothing but good.
"Must be tough."
"Haha, probably. Come in."
The sect gate dividing outer from inner Crimson Star Sect came into view.
No man had ever crossed it in Celestial Moon. I was about to.
I swallowed nervously, and Sayoon smiled softly from inside the gate.
Alright. Let's go!
"Huuu..."
"Why so tense?"
"Entering the realm of the Crimson Star Sect—how could I not be?"
Was it my imagination?
The moment I crossed, a chill crept over my body, bringing an eerie feeling.
Sayoon smiled reassuringly at my unease.
"Don't worry. We'll all protect you, innkeeper."
She seemed oddly cheerful, a bit excited, her steps light. Spotting what I carried, she tilted her head.
"What's that? Looks heavy—let me..."
"Couldn't come empty-handed, so I brought gifts. Not heavy, don't worry."
"Ah... You didn't have to."
"Nothing expensive, no burden. The Crimson Star Sect compromised for my sake; least I can do is reciprocate."
"Is that etiquette?"
"Basics of social life."
Chatting idly, we climbed rough stone steps. As dilapidated buildings appeared in the distance...
I spotted women standing with swords drawn.
About a dozen.
Everyone except those on patrol, it seemed.
Staring unblinkingly, they bore no resemblance to the cheerful girls I'd seen at the inn.
They exuded the sharp hostility and spirit of prestigious righteous martial artists.
Leading them was Ryuhyeon.
Sayoon joined them seamlessly. Ryuhyeon, hand on her sword hilt, gazing down, slowly drew her blade.
Shring.
A razor-sharp sound chilled my flesh.
"Advance."
A curt word. In unison, sword hums rang out as disciples drew blades.
Following Ryuhyeon's lead, they pointed tips at me.
Hostility?
No, not quite.
"Welcome to the Crimson Star Sect. Now that you've come here."
Ryuhyeon erased even her usual smile, her tone icy.
"The Crimson Star will protect its guest, come what may."
Her vow-like declaration filled the air around me with crisp clarity.
High-level masters could harm with sword aura alone.
Just as they could protect with it.
Proving it, the disciples' auras enveloped me protectively.
"Fear not. Hesitate not. If there's work to be done, do it."
As her voice strengthened, the energy around me intensified.
The other disciples' expressions turned grave, their presence palpable on my skin.
"The scarlet guardian star shields you."
Suddenly, the clarity surged, dispelling the chill and sticky unease since crossing the gate.
Ryuhyeon, who had aimed at me briefly, nodded and sheathed her sword.
Click.
In perfect sync, the others followed. Only then did Ryuhyeon flash her warm smile and clasp hands in salute.
"Welcome, Innkeeper Yu."
"...Should I thank you for the hospitality? What was that?"
"One of the Crimson Star Sword Formations: Guardian Star Formation. You know Crimson Star Mountain is a Sacred Mountain, right?"
"Yes."
"Then you know the Crimson Star Sect's role here? We also suppress bizarre incidents drawn by the mountain's spiritual energy."
"Hmm..."
"The Crimson Star Sect itself is the anchor controlling the overflowing spiritual energy. Disciples like us train in Crimson Star Divine Art to counter the odd occurrences that cling like insects, but you can't, innkeeper."
"I see."
"Especially someone with your yang energy might trigger more. That's why we deployed the Guardian Star Formation."
So, this was the Crimson Star Sect's way of protecting me?
"That explains why it's a no-men zone."
"Mostly. Hehe. Can't let a guest get hurt. But we can't deploy it every time."
Their consideration drew a laugh from me.
Then, time to make them smile too.
"Couldn't come empty-handed—brought gifts. Please accept."
I unwrapped the cloth, revealing the bamboo box inside. The grave righteous martial artists instantly reverted to the familiar girls.
Girls are definitely made of sweets, spices, and all things nice.
Nothing else explains transforming at the sight of candy.
I distributed the high-end sweets, specially made by the chef on my orders, to the lined-up girls.
Seeing their joy as they received them with both hands filled me with pride. Sayoon's lingering blush made me grin unwittingly.
As they each took theirs...
The last woman extended her hands delicately.
Her deep navy hair, like the sea, swayed at waist level, lightly tied at the ends.
A short, patched training robe revealing her thighs, height reaching my shoulder, a mysterious beauty.
Barefoot yet impeccably clean white feet, without a speck of dirt.
Her clear yet fathomlessly deep eyes fixed on me motionlessly as I placed a sweet on her outstretched hands.
Me, and the Crimson Star Sect disciples...
No one noticed her suddenly appear at the line's end, though she hadn't been there before.
So, I saluted her politely after handing the sweet.
"Innkeeper Yuwol of Island Flower Village pays respects to the Crimson Star Sect Leader."
The woman staring plainly before me.
Was the Crimson Star Sect Leader.
The Sword Saint, Nayerin.