Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: The Reason Rules Exist - 6
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The most important issue was settled, leaving only the matter of the demonic cult.
I asked the Sword Saint without much expectation, but just as Hyunryeong had said, she didn't know who the demon cultists who attacked her were.
"They used demonic arts, but I just cut down every single one I saw."
In other words, they weren't much of a challenge for her.
So, not elder-level, after all.
"Did they say anything?"
"I asked who they were, and they just shouted, 'Die for the Heavenly Demon.' They used some demonic arts... but I lopped off their heads before they could properly unleash them... Tsk. Don't worry, from now on I'll check what attacks they're using before I cut them down."
No, just cutting them down without questions suits me fine. Why bother listening to their excuses?
Anyway, questioning the Sword Saint about this would just be a waste of time.
I took a sip of tea and bowed my head. There were two cups on the table where the Sword Saint and I sat, and candied fruit was placed only in front of me.
It was the candied fruit she'd set aside for me after training a few days ago.
Treating me with something I'd given her seemed to embarrass her a bit, as Ryuhyeon's face was slightly flushed.
But apparently, serving only Thousand-Day Plum Blossom tea to a guest felt even more embarrassing.
Instead of eating my share, I offered it to her.
A bright smile bloomed on the Sword Saint's face at the sight. But only for a moment. She swallowed hard and cut the candied fruit in half.
Oh. As expected of the Sword Saint.
Slicing it perfectly in half with a bamboo knife like that.
She pushed the halves toward Ryuhyeon and Sayoon.
"I'm satisfied with what I ate earlier, so you two have them."
She didn't look satisfied at all, but her determination to look after her disciples showed her true heart. She might lack talent in management, but her love for her disciples and sect was genuine.
After the master and disciples politely refused each other back and forth, the candied fruit eventually went to the disciples. That's when I stood up.
"Anyway, I need to come back tomorrow to check the white jade plaque... So, I'll see you then."
"Do that. And come empty-handed tomorrow. We've only been receiving from you every time, so it's only right we treat you properly this time. Ryuhyeon, can you manage it?"
Ryuhyeon looked stunned.
"Master making such a normal statement..."
"Heh heh. Your master is at least this much."
"I'm not one to cry easily, but tears are welling up..."
As I listened to their exchange in disbelief, the Sword Saint grinned.
"It's only proper to repay what you've received. I'll go hunting today, so prepare plenty of meat without worry..."
"Yes! Let's have lunch together!!"
"You don't have to."
"Please don't refuse. Now... even with the Guardian Star Formation, it's not recommended to linger too long, so off you go. Aren't you a busy man?"
With those light words, the Sword Saint patted Sayoon's head. Lucky.
"Can you escort him to the inn?"
"Of course!"
Sayoon nodded with a bright smile. The Sword Saint gave a short "Mm" in response. As I turned to leave, she spoke up.
"By the way, how is Chaejin?"
Chaejin...
She must mean Chaejin. Hongryeon must have mentioned her. Of course she would tell her master about her rival.
"Yes. Fine."
She's probably chugging liquor like mad at the inn right now.
The moment I show up, she'll vent her drunken ramblings and wail about "member-nim."
"I see. Keep pushing forward steadily without stopping. You'll surely grasp the 'Insight of Flow.' That's all the advice I can give."
I left Crimson Star Mountain. I wanted to watch the disciples training a bit, but it would be rude for an outsider to do so without permission.
So, without another word, Sayoon and I exited the sect gates.
The wind scattered petals from the Thousand-Day Plum Blossoms, creating a fantastical scene. As we walked, admiring it, Sayoon spoke up.
"Um, innkeeper."
"Hm?"
"Please don't take Master's words too much to heart."
"Huh? Why?"
"That time when you first met, she suddenly said to cheer up like she was comforting you..."
Ah, that?
I already knew the Sword Saint was like that. No malice intended.
"Still, it seems Master took a liking to you."
"Really?"
"Master doesn't mention anything at all to people she doesn't like."
As we walked along, Sayoon shared an old story.
On her way to Crimson Star Mountain after becoming the Sword Saint's disciple, martial artists in the places they stopped had sought her guidance. To Sayoon, they seemed superior to her, but the Sword Saint didn't say a word about martial arts to them.
"I heard after joining the sect that she doesn't think even a single word is worth wasting on those she doesn't approve of. In that sense..."
Even though I learned the Subtle Taiji Fist from the Chae clan, I made the cut for her?
Not bad.
Time is relative; its flow feels different depending on the situation.
Pleasant times always pass quickly.
Unlike training with Chaejin, which dragged on forever.
Talking with Sayoon, we reached the inn in what felt like an instant.
Of course, I didn't waste that moment.
I learned a bit about the Crimson Star Sect's current situation at a level she could share, and some of Sayoon's personal past.
Hearing her speak happily about her past nearly brought tears to my eyes.
She said even living in the slums had its good moments. When I asked what, she said seeing the beautiful flowers tossed from an official's flower carriage as it passed.
How do you hold back tears at that?
Good grief...
Seeing a few flowers was her idea of a good day...
What do I even do with her?
Anyway, it was a enjoyable and informative time.
I learned she's quite content now and finds great happiness in being with everyone.
In that case, I must protect it.
Upon arriving at the inn, Sayoon bowed politely and left. Shame. But what can you do?
I watched the direction she went until she was out of sight, feeling a deep pang of reluctance, then entered the inn.
"Oh! You're back?! I was waiting! Come on! Since you're late, training..."
I turned right back around.
Haha. Even someone like me forgets to report to Hyunryeong after finishing work.
Better go report quickly.
"Turning on your heel the moment you see someone—what village manners are those?!"
"Let's work first. Work."
Chaejin called after me as I headed to the magistrate's office, but I really did have business.
Entering the office, I found it bustling.
Soldiers were sweating profusely, training vigorously in the parade ground.
"Ah, isn't that the innkeeper?"
One of the officers spotted me and approached. I smiled at him and scanned the training soldiers again.
Hm. Solid bunch.
Thinking these are the ones who'll fight the Iron Blood Clan later made me want to do something.
"You're all working hard even covered in dust. I'll send over some pork and liquor via messenger, so use it to moisten your throats and relieve your fatigue."
"Oh? You don't have to do that!"
"It's gratitude for those who always work so hard for Island Flower Village, so please don't refuse."
"Aw, shucks..."
Bonds form through such exchanges. The officer grinned and shouted to the training soldiers.
"The innkeeper's covering drinks today! Train hard!!"
"Yes, sir!!"
After boosting the soldiers' morale like that, I went to find Hyunryeong. He was quite satisfied with my report from the Crimson Star Sect.
Then, he stepped outside with me and pointed calmly at the training soldiers.
"If you're keeping your promise to me so diligently, then I must do the same."
Ah, so that's why they're training like this? Not knowing when I might call?
Not bad.
Really not bad.
It would be even better if Sayoon could properly access the Crimson Star Sect's second hidden secret realm.
Two rabbits and one deer.
Game brought by the Sword Saint.
She set aside the most delicious cuts separately, and they ate dinner with the rest.
It was a joyful day for the disciples. Candied fruit for lunch, and meat for dinner.
"Senior Sister Ryuhyeon, that was delicious!"
"What, this much?"
The Sword Saint had hunted it, but Ryuhyeon had cleaned and cooked it. Normally Hongryeon's job, but she couldn't burden her with it on top of her intensive evening training.
After the sisters' harmonious meal and evening training ended, as they headed to their rooms...
Sayoon approached Ryuhyeon carrying a large box.
"From the Postal Gate."
"Oh? Then I'll sort it, so you all go to bed first."
After letting the other sisters retire, she took the box from Sayoon. Then, the small box on top fell off.
"Ah..."
The moment Sayoon saw the name, her face lit up. No wonder.
It was a box from "Uncle."
"Oh, let's take a look. Wonder what he sent this time."
She headed to her room with Sayoon, box in hand. As they were about to open it together...
"Hm. Is that from that 'Uncle' of yours?"
"Eek! Master, no. Can't you make some noise when you come?"
The voice from behind. At the Sword Saint's words, they couldn't help but calm their startled hearts.
Crimson Star Mountain was a sacred mountain, so spirits and elves often appeared.
Of course, those practicing Crimson Star Divine Art were immune to mere petty ghosts, but a scare was a scare.
The Sword Saint said nothing, as if their reaction was nothing to fuss over.
"Sigh... Yes, this is from Sayoon's 'Uncle.'"
Interest flickered across the Sword Saint's face. The map in the letter he'd sent recently. She'd heard about the Crimson Star Sect's secret realms too.
Nayerin hadn't become sect leader normally.
Her senior sister, designated as the next leader, had fallen to qi deviation and corrupted, killing her master and fellow disciples.
Inevitable that the oral secrets passed only to sect leaders—someone obsessed solely with martial arts—remained unknown to her.
But someone knew of a potential secret realm?
Her interest piqued then, and with another letter arriving, it was natural she'd want to see it.
"May I join you?"
"Of course."
Sayoon had no doubt "Uncle" sent something good. She opened the box right away, revealing a pouch of silver taels and a thick letter, as usual.
Gazing at it, Sayoon recalled the letter she'd sent last time.
Please, let it have what Uncle wants this time.
With tense hands, Sayoon broke the seal and slowly unfolded it.
Not just Sayoon—Ryuhyeon and the Sword Saint's eyes widened too.
It was a map again.
But that wasn't the only reason for their shock.
The map was all too familiar.
It was of the inside of the Crimson Star Sect.
"...This is."
"The well near the training cave, right? The one we don't use anymore."
The three exchanged glances and hurried outside. They reached the well behind the training cave. Without a word, they all peered inside.
But all they saw was rippling water.
"Better to go in."
The Sword Saint raised her hand. Vast inner energy reversed the water's flow in a miracle.
The submerged water rose like a dragon ascending.
-Splash! Sploosh!!
The deep well's water surged up, exposing the bottom. Performing such a feat with mere qi harmony, yet she showed no boastfulness.
As if it were natural, she led Ryuhyeon and Sayoon inside. On the opposite side from where water flowed in, they found a wall seemingly blocked artificially.
-Boom!!
The Sword Saint swatted it like brushing off dust. The wall crumbled, revealing a passage beyond whose destination was unknown.
"Let's go."
How far did they travel through the passage? Thinking they'd reached around behind the sect gates...
They stopped.
"...To think such a place exists."
A secret realm.
The Crimson Star Sect's second dormant secret realm welcomed them.