Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Signs of the Storm - 3
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My eyes were a bit misty, but as long as there were no issues, that was a relief. I pointed to the cart full of Byeokgok Pills.
"When taking the Byeokgok Pills, be sure to perform breathing exercises every day after using your internal energy."
"Hmm... That's not too hard."
"And no other food should be consumed."
Hongryeon widened her eyes and tilted her head. But this was non-negotiable, so I remained firm.
"These Byeokgok Pills are also intended for sale to other Daoist sects in the future. Some Taoists from places like the Wudang Sect abstain from grains."
"I see..."
"This test includes verifying if the Byeokgok Pills alone can sustain daily life. As you know, Daoist martial arts accumulate purer internal energy the more one abstains from grains."
She nodded. She seemed aware of that fact and didn't object.
"Of course, the Crimson Star Divine Art isn't affected that way... but continuous fasting still purifies the blood and energy, doesn't it? It's only about a month, so I'd appreciate your understanding. If it's too much, feel free to decline."
"Ah, no. I wouldn't refuse. Got it. The kids are in intensive training anyway. I'll let them know."
"I hope there are no complaints. Let me say it again: once it's all over, I'll treat everyone to a grand feast, so please bear with it."
At my smiling words, Hongryeon froze for a moment. Then she let out a deep sigh and averted her gaze.
"W-well then, I'll go on patrol. We can talk about the rest later."
She shot up from her seat and left. In an instant, she was gone from the inn, and I chuckled.
Good. This should ease concerns about poisoning to some extent. Not completely, but at least we've prepared.
"Hmm. So that's the Falling Sun Sword? I've heard the stories... Impressive skills indeed. Her aura lives up to the reputation."
At that moment, Elder Ki emerged from the back. Stroking his beard leisurely as he approached, he frowned at the jars in front of me.
"Tch. So this dreadful thing has finally been unleashed upon the world."
"Haha. You know of it too, Elder?"
"Of course. Only those horse-faced devils could smile while eating something this disgustingly tasteless. Anyway... It feels awkward just lounging around here. If it's alright, could you give me something to do?"
"You can rest easy."
"Staying here with that silent lump is a bit boring... right?"
He snapped his fingers and grinned.
"I heard from the errand boys that you're practicing martial arts, Young Master Yu. Shall I teach you a thing or two?"
I'm already struggling with the Subtle Taiji Fist—what more?
I shook my head, and he looked disappointed but nodded.
"If you don't want to, no helping it. Then..."
"If you're willing, would you join the patrols? There are worrisome rumors lately, and people are anxious."
"Oh, patrols. That sounds good. With me and that blockhead, we could traverse Crimson Star Mountain in a flash. And with the Moonlight Sword by your side, escorting won't be an issue."
Elder Ki smiled cheerfully and strolled out with Wei Yeol. The moment they stepped outside, their figures vanished like the wind. Lightness skill, perhaps?
Anyway.
One by one, pieces were falling into place to counter the Iron Blood Clan.
If only they all connect properly...
Even if twisting a chicken's neck wouldn't stop the sun from rising, the Iron Blood Clan's approach wouldn't lighten my load. If anything, it grew heavier.
Spotting my unease from the movements of the High Flower Group and the garrison, some other merchants had come scheming to buy not just this harvest's barley, but all my assets in Island Flower Village.
Merchants sense crises first. To them, crises are opportunities to make money.
If bandits attack a village, they loot or burn valuables. To avoid massive losses, some sell cheap and flee preemptively.
Of course, if the threat doesn't come, they suffer big losses. But if it does, they save their wealth and lives through quick liquidation and escape.
It was a gamble.
But since I intended to stop it, I could only snort at their schemes.
They even resorted to near-threats in response, but the stick knew the answer.
Anyway, from handling those trifles to preparing extras for the county magistrate, mapping patrol routes for Chaejin and the three masters at the inn, and planning a festival with the village head to calm the uneasy villagers amid the tense atmosphere...
There was much to do.
As I processed the growing pile of documents, sunset approached when a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
I said without lifting my eyes from the papers. Footsteps followed shortly, but no words. What was it?
Another merchant? Crimson Star Sect? The yamen? Or the village head?
Without looking up, as always, I said,
"Report."
I spat out the word and refocused on the documents.
Some villagers sensing danger wanted to liquidate assets and head to Yangwi Castle, asking if I'd buy their land. Decent yield, no issues buying it.
A bit of wasteland, but with a nearby stream and wells... Reclaiming it shouldn't be hard.
As I handled that and pondered mediation for tenant farmers' water dispute, I realized the servant who'd entered hadn't spoken.
Sensing something off, I looked up to find Hongryeon staring blankly at me.
"Uh. P-patrol's done."
"Oh dear."
Was it the sunset glow through the window? Her face was flushed.
"I've made a mistake."
I stood, offering her the chair. I moved to brew tea, but she quickly stopped me.
"No. I'll just rest a bit and go."
"If you're resting, I'll tell them downstairs. Have something to eat at least..."
"N-no, I just wanted to sit here a moment... Ah! C-can I have some of this water?"
"Of course."
"...You're busy, so keep working."
"Hm... Then I'll finish this document."
The yamen requested if I'd support building a sword forge—blacksmith shop for weapons.
Island Flower Village had one, but the skills were subpar. Makes sense; it's an early-game area that vanishes after chapter one, so no top gear.
The magistrate had a skilled artisan contact from his military days, now inviteable. Needed a site, so he asked for my help...
This type needed distance from bustle, and I had suitable owned land. He was eyeing it, but no reason to refuse, so I stamped the document.
"Done."
"Uh... Y-yeah. You were focused, huh? What was it?"
"Nothing much. Magistrate wants a sword forge; needed land, so he's asking for cooperation."
"Ooh. So we can get good weapons too... right?"
"Well... not impossible."
But that's only after repelling the Iron Blood Clan assault. If we fail...
Just thinking about it was horrifying.
That thought alone scorched my insides, and unconsciously, my hand went to the pipe.
"Ah. That."
"You gave it to me. But Senior Sister Hong, did you carve this yourself?"
She nodded slightly, her face still red in the sunset glow. Expectation filled her eyes. Come to think of it, I'd taken it without saying much. I lightly shook the pipe her gaze lingered on and brought it to my lips.
"Ack."
"I'm cherishing it. Thanks. Better craftsmanship than expected."
Maybe entrust her with patterns for pouches later? She seems good at this.
"...Th-thanks."
"No big deal."
Hongryeon watched me smoke fixedly, then abruptly stood.
Time to go?
As I rose to see her off, she waved frantically.
"No! No need to get up!"
"Still, let me walk you out..."
"Really, it's fine. You're busy, right?"
If she insists that much, no helping it. Sitting back down, I said to the fidgeting Hongryeon,
"Then take some candied fruit from downstairs."
"...Yeah. I'll enjoy it."
She looked unwell. Poison already? But her expression didn't suggest that...
She'd normally refuse outright, but flustered, she answered and hurried down. Peeking out the window, she left empty-handed, pretending not to hear my offer.
She paused, looked back, met my eyes. I waved.
Worried about forgetting the fruit?
Frozen in place, staring blankly, she hesitated, waved back, then lightness-skilled away.
Tch. Send it later.
I smoked and refocused on work. After finishing a few tasks, it was time for Five Animals Frolic, so I went down and did it.
"I'm back~!"
Chaejin approached beaming from patrol. Apparently hadn't met Elder Ki, Wei Yeol, or Hongryeon.
Makes sense. I'd assigned her the outskirts; Hongryeon the village center and roads; Elder Ki toward Crimson Star Mountain.
Better that way. They'd only bicker. Both top experts; fighting would just waste strength.
Anyway, with this, we've met all conditions for the Crimson Star Sect happy ending route uncovered by collective brainstorming during idle times!!
Empire elite soldiers armed with Qinghui Merchant Group's new gear, capable of fighting Demonic Cultists!
Two famed military masters!
Plus Moonlight Sword Chaejin!
Far stronger Crimson Star Sect disciples!
And we've ruled out poisoning risks at the sect, plus more if they help further?
Research shows this setup repels Iron Blood Clan with minimal losses, and with luck, capture their officer, the Iron Blood Water Emperor.
Good.
I'll grind you to dust. To dust.
When did I first think my heart was broken?
Maybe this morning. Or yesterday.
No.
Perhaps when Master said he'd teach the other disciples.
Yes. That's when my heart broke.
From knowing that while I received Master's lessons, I'd have to handle the duties the others covered.
Lately, the Island Flower Village patrols assigned by Crimson Star Sect.
As a righteous sect member, and with our long ties to the village, supporting patrols wasn't hard.
The Dao exists everywhere. One could gain insights patrolling, so it wasn't burdensome for Hongryeon.
Yet her heart began pounding because...
The unavoidable patrol spot was that place.
Don't think about it.
Don't pay attention.
But how?
Arriving at the inn, heart barely steadied, stumbling along.
The moment she saw him—his usual stoic face, deftly issuing swift orders to the servants.
Her heart broke again.
Stay calm. Even if he's a man worth respecting. Still, stay calm.
Suppressing her racing heart, she spoke with him, rushed through patrol to soothe the wild beating—but this damned heart still leaped madly.
Ah, what to do?
She knew the answer.
That night.
The night she first became aware of him, when Demonic Cultists attacked—her heart had whispered since then. She'd just ignored it, turned away.
Consciously avoiding that voice, she couldn't hold back after patrol and sought him out.
To demand: if you're the one who broke this heart, fix it.
And lost her words.
No, forgot to breathe.
He'd stopped her madly racing heart—with a single act, as she desired.
The room filled with bitter, thick tobacco scent, masked by men's common fragrance.
Mingled with his masculine scent.
Ink and paper aromas from those focused on work.
A potent mix, lethally alluring to her.
At its center: one man.
Backlit by sunset, his shadowed face bore an adult's gravity.
Sleeves rolled up, thick arms; large hands gripped documents.
His blazing eyes ignored her entry, fixed solely on the papers.
Ah, look this way.
Gaze at me with those eyes.
Chills from her heart's whisper.
What nonsense? We're not like that with Innkeeper Yu. Shut up.
As she inwardly pleaded with her heart, as if hearing, he looked up.
Gazed as her heart desperately craved.
That instant, her halted heart resumed.
Faster than before.
Madly, beyond her reason's control.
She barely remembered their talk after. Just thought: hurry back, steady yourself.
Gasping upon returning to the sect, her dear sisters approached.
"Did you train well today?"
Forcing a smile, Hongryeon sensed something off.
Ryuhyeon's expression was poor.
As Hongryeon puzzled, Master approached calmly.
"Sayoon's 'Uncle' sent a letter."
Good news, right? Then why this mood?
Sensing oddity, Hongryeon headed to the room with her, Ryuhyeon, and Sayoon.
There, reading the worriedly proffered letter, she bit her lip.
The letter from the 'Uncle' who'd greatly aided Crimson Star Sect.
"...Crimson Star Sect may be attacked. Prepare as follows..."
It warned of the sect's impending crisis.