Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: The Reason Rules Exist - 8
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The Sword Saint relaxed her strength only after her disciples emerged from the Secret Realm.
As streams of water flowed back into the well, restoring it to its original state, she scanned the faces of her disciples.
Even a single trip into the Secret Realm had visibly spurred growth in some of them.
"Review what you gained today and let it sink in before you rest."
Though exhausted, the disciples didn't take her advice lightly. When it came to martial arts, the Sword Saint's words were never wrong.
Some withdrew alone, while others paired off for sparring, heading to their respective spots.
Once the disciples had dispersed, the Sword Saint approached Sayoon, who held two swords.
"Was that your reward from this Secret Realm?"
"Yes."
"Mind if I take a look?"
Sayoon unhesitatingly offered the new sword. The Sword Saint drew it from its sheath and held it up to the moonlight.
The straight blade gleamed perfectly, its balance proving the weapon's fine craftsmanship.
"Master?"
"Fine sword."
"Yes!"
The Sword Saint patted Sayoon's beaming face, then headed to her room. Trailing behind her, as expected, was her senior disciple Hongryeon.
"Master."
"Hm?"
"Are you all right?"
Her voice carried genuine worry, halting the Sword Saint mid-step.
All right, was she?
"Of course. More importantly, did you gain anything from that Secret Realm?"
"I confirmed my junior sisters' growth. That's enough."
"Heh. Yes. That's enough."
With light steps, she approached Hongryeon, patted her head, and continued on.
Into the darkness.
To where she belonged.
.
.
.
Today was a day full of events. A guest visited our Crimson Star Sect—a male guest, no less.
He's someone who helps us a great deal in the sect. Not just me, but the other senior sisters have benefited from him too.
And this time, he provided even greater assistance. If things go well, it might ease the burden on our Senior Sister considerably.
These days, every single day feels like something to be grateful for, brimming with happiness.
It's not just me.
Yuhee Senior Sister feels the same, Ryuhyeon Senior Sister too. Even Hyunhwi Senior Sister and O Sejin Senior Sister.
Everyone's been smiling more lately. Oh, of course, we smiled before, but...
I thought about when it started, and it was right after Uncle's letter arrived.
Haha. Isn't that strange?
But I often wonder if that's really the case.
Since the other senior sisters think similarly, maybe it is.
No. I just want to believe that.
Yuhee Senior Sister once told me that the god of happiness wanders with a masked face.
No one knows when or where it'll appear, or when it'll vanish, so it hides itself while bringing joy to people.
In that sense, Uncle seems just like it.
Because he brought happiness to us.
Still, it's a shame.
I don't know who Uncle is, so I can't do anything for him in return.
He just keeps giving, and I just keep receiving. That bothers me.
When will I be able to repay him?
P.S.
I entered the Secret Realm you mentioned and obtained a sword. This blade will join your letter as one of my treasures.
So, if you could...
Would you name this sword for me?
"All done."
Sayoon set down her brush on the inkstone bathed in moonlight. She reread the black characters etched on the crisp paper, then nodded shortly.
While it dried in the breeze, she glanced around the room.
Her senior sisters, worn out from late-night training, slept with peaceful expressions.
Hoping that serenity would last, she smiled softly, placed the letter on the table, and closed her eyes.
It was her ritual after every letter.
Imagining "Uncle."
Who was Uncle?
The same vague fancy every time—nothing but shadows.
Just hazy imaginings in her mind.
Back when she lived in the slums.
Staring up at the world with dead eyes, unable to look away.
There was one person she envied most.
A girl in patched, ragged clothes.
That girl was Sayoon's ultimate object of longing.
The reason was simple.
She'd meet the girl returning from school, and a large hand would stroke her head with affection.
Her father—who protected her from harsh thugs on the way home, a face now faded from memory.
A man who loved his daughter more than anyone, cherishing her above all.
Sayoon opened her softly closed eyes and gripped the sword she'd just obtained. A fine blade. Some said it was plain for a reward from conquering a Secret Realm, but...
To Sayoon, it was more splendid and cool than anything.
Thanks to Uncle.
Thanks to Star.
Sayoon closed her eyes again and hugged the sword close. Though cold steel, holding it made her feel like Uncle was beside her, even if his face remained unknown.
"...I miss you."
Longing for an Uncle she'd never met, Sayoon lay on her bed.
What was he really like?
She pictured the faceless Uncle from her imagination.
The one stroking her head. With that image, Sayoon slowly drifted to sleep.
The next day dawned.
Knowing I'd visit the Crimson Star Sect made it a refreshingly fine morning.
If only detaching Chaejin—who'd clung to me from dawn, begging to tag along—hadn't been necessary.
After finishing morning duties, I ascended Crimson Star Mountain and found Sayoon waiting at the sect gate.
"Hello!"
She greeted me brightly, full of energy. Nice. Today felt promising.
"Uh... You didn't have to come all this way. What'd you bring today?"
"It's rude to visit on business empty-handed."
A white lie, really.
I'd just enjoyed watching her eat the sweets yesterday, so I brought more.
"Don't feel burdened. The Crimson Star Sect and I are in business together now."
"Uh... Are we?"
Unsure about that part, Sayoon just tilted her head. But soon her sunny smile returned as she led me in.
Like yesterday, past the gate, Ryuhyeon and the disciples waited. Having received the protective formation again, I handed her the entire box of sweets.
"You really could've come empty-handed..."
"I'm getting lunch too—how could I show up empty-handed? Now that we're partners in business, if the Crimson Star Sect disciples don't perform, I won't profit either."
"Well, if that's how it is."
Ryuhyeon took the box without further protest.
After hearing it'd be dessert post-meal, I headed to where I'd buried the white jade plaque yesterday.
"Hmm..."
Luck was on my side, it seemed. Unearthing the plaque, I saw dark demonic energy staining the pure white surface.
"Do you know what demonic art it is?"
"Based on the letter from Pavilion Lord Hyunryeong... Let's see. Traces of White Bone Claw. Heavenly Yang Demonic Art too. I'll check elsewhere."
While examining the plaque, I spotted not just demonic arts from Celestial Moon, but unfamiliar ones too.
But that wasn't my concern right now.
Not yet, anyway.
"Is that all?"
"Mm."
The last plaque showed no change—a failure. Still, this was enough; no need to return.
"Shall we head to lunch then? Everyone's waiting."
Time had passed during the retrieval. I accepted Sayoon's offer and went straight to the dining hall.
The worn, humble hall was spotless, at least.
Inhaling the savory aroma of grilling meat, I entered to find all the disciples seated.
"Welcome. Business done?"
"Yes. This should suffice for identifying the demonic arts."
"Ha! Then eat up. They've all been waiting for you, guest innkeeper. Oh, and I'll grill the meat..."
"I'll handle it."
"...I grill well too."
The Sword Saint pouted slightly, glancing at Ryuhyeon, who showed no sign of yielding the tongs.
In the end, Ryuhyeon manned the large brazier.
"Eat it while it's hot!"
Perfectly browned meat landed before me. Surprisingly tasty. As I marveled, Ryuhyeon smiled.
"Heh. I'm really good at grilling meat."
Impressive.
As I chewed, the dining hall door opened.
A red-haired woman strode in, effortlessly carrying a massive cauldron.
"Kids! Bowls..."
Hm? What?
Our eyes met.
Hongryeon, the Crimson Star Sect's senior disciple, froze mid-sentence. Then she stared at me intently.
Under her persistent gaze, I swallowed my bite and asked outright.
"Something on my face?"
"Uh. Uh. Ah. Yeah! Er!"
She made odd noises, thoroughly flustered.
Was there really?
"N-No, not that. Ugh... Why all of a sudden..."
Averting her eyes, she scooped rice—mixed barley and grains—into old bowls. Nutritious, at least.
The disciples dug in eagerly. Meanwhile, Hongryeon edged closer to me. But she couldn't meet my gaze.
Fumbling, flinching like a guilty puppy, she finally mumbled softly.
"...You're helping us out again."
Ah, so that's why.
As the sect's senior disciple leading the Crimson Star Sect, she must feel embarrassed that her shortcomings burdened the others.
No wonder she panicked seeing me, tied to that matter.
"Don't say that. This is a fair deal between me and the Crimson Star Sect, so no need to feel burdened. Leave that to me and focus on your training. I hear you're under the Sword Saint's guidance lately."
No reply. She just stared blankly.
But it was brief. Her face flushed anew, and she retreated hastily, calling to Yuhee.
"Yuhee! Give the guest innkeeper lots of rice!"
"What about you, Senior Sister?"
"I snacked earlier—I'm full! You all eat plenty! No leftovers on the meat!"
With that, Hongryeon bolted from the hall.
Ha.
What an exemplary eldest sister.
Yielding meat to the juniors in case it ran short.
Dining with the Crimson Star Sect felt quite honorable. Especially with Sayoon right across from me.
Prime cuts made the meat delicious, and Hongryeon's soup and side dishes suited my taste for bold flavors—no complaints. Actually, quite good...
After the meal and contract talk, reluctant as I was, it was time to leave. Sayoon didn't escort me today.
Trudging back openly regretful, I reached the inn, dismissed the Crimson Star disciple, and entered my room.
A Postal Gate courier waited outside.
"What is it."
In his hands: a box and a letter.
The letter was from Cheonghwe Merchant Group. Unfolding it, they wanted to meet next week.
Perfect timing—I needed to discuss Crimson Star matters anyway.
Still, going alone felt off...
"Chae Junior Sister! Chae Junior Sister!"
"Huh? What's up? This late? Training?"
"No. Need to head to nearby Yangwi Castle. Come with?"
"No big deal. Let's go."
With nothing pressing, Chaejin agreed casually. As she stepped out, I eyed the box.
From Sayoon? Or elsewhere?
Checking the name, I was surprised.
A completely unexpected one.
"Hongryeon...?"
Why send me this?
I opened the box: a sheet of paper and a wrapped bundle.
Unwrapping revealed a slender pipe.
For smoking tobacco—existed in Celestial Moon too.
But unlike my memory's plain version, this bore an exquisitely carved lotus in full bloom, turning it into artwork.
Hongryeon made it?
Talented hands. Crafting something like this.
Wait—did she make goods like this and want supply contracts?
Examining the pipe, I turned to the paper.
"...Ha."
Not a sales pitch.
I loaded the pipe with tobacco and lit it.
Pale smoke filled the room.
Inhaling its bitter scent, I tapped Hongryeon's note.
- Thanks always.
A single short line brought a smile.
Thanks.
"I'm more grateful."