Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Building Inner Power as Easily as Eating Candy - 3
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Should I say it was as expected, or just par for the course?
I already knew from the last incident that Hongryeon was a member of the Sayoon Faction, just like me.
Arms naturally bend inward, after all. So my job was to take her side.
"Then, is that why you've come to see me?"
She nodded hesitantly, and the moment she did, Chaejin's sharp gaze stabbed right into me.
"What's so special about this guy? You're not seriously thinking of bringing a man into the Crimson Star Sect, are you?"
"Ugh..."
Hongryeon couldn't get the words out. Her face flushed slightly as she hemmed and hawed.
"It's... kind of awkward to talk about it here..."
She kept stealing glances at Chaejin.
Hmm... I had a pretty good idea what was going on. I called Hongryeon over and whispered in her ear so quietly that Chaejin couldn't hear.
"Are you here to ask for credit?"
"Eek."
She flinched, her shoulders—which were always held so confidently—trembling. Haha. Yeah, that made sense.
The Crimson Star Sect's upkeep depended entirely on Hongryeon's exploits.
So if she had to hunt for spirit medicines and break through secret realms to find them, they'd need someone to fill her spot.
But what if there were no missions assigned to the other disciples right now?
With mouths to feed but nothing to put in them, it was only natural for cash-strapped Hongryeon to turn to the closest option: me.
The sect's policy wouldn't allow begging from disciples' families or other sects, after all.
"...This is really embarrassing to say."
Her face beet red, Hongryeon bowed her head, and I patted her shoulder.
"We're not strangers. I can spot you that much."
"Huh?!"
We're the Sayoon Faction!
People running toward a single goal!
So what if it's credit? We'd do that much in a heartbeat!
Truth be told, I'd rather just give it to her outright, but that would go against the sect's rules—and it'd crush Hongryeon's pride.
So credit it was. That felt right.
We're no strangers, after all!
"Like I said before, you're like a child to me."
"...Yeah. Um."
"It's not so bad to lean on an adult now and then. Especially if that adult is someone you've acknowledged."
"Have I... acknowledged you?"
Forgotten already?
I shrugged at her puzzled expression.
"Didn't you say I was a good guy?"
She blinked, those confident eyes of hers locking onto me.
As I always say, I live my life without a shred of shame under the heavens.
Even if she saw it that way, nothing changed.
"...You're right. You are a good guy. Someone I've acknowledged."
And then silence again. Followed by a deep sigh.
"In that case... can I lean on you just a little?"
"Of course. But this is credit, so make sure you pay it back."
"What?! What's going on? What are you two whispering about? Are you two actually dating?!"
That loud country bumpkin. Ignoring Chaejin, who was yelling her head off with bulging eyes, I met Hongryeon's gaze as she looked up at me with wide eyes.
"...Is this really okay?"
"Of course!"
If the reason you're about to drop everything is to make Sayoon stronger, what wouldn't I do for you!
At my firm tone, Hongryeon finally let out a sigh of relief.
Her face, no longer tense like before, softened as she looked up at me and gave a subtle wink.
"Mm... I won't forget this favor. And of course, I'll settle the bill properly. But if it's a personal request, I can handle it..."
"I have no intention of using the Crimson Star Sect, the Sword Saint, or your fellow disciples. Don't worry."
Hell, if anyone tried that, I'd take them out myself first.
"See? My eyes didn't deceive me. You really are a good guy."
Obviously.
There are no bad people in the Sayoon Faction.
I smiled at Hongryeon, and she smiled back at me.
"Oh. And about that meal we talked about before—could we do it tomorrow? I figured I'd stuff the kids full before heading out..."
"No problem."
"Aaaah! Why are you both ignoring me?!"
Because we don't need to listen to a bad kid!!
With business settled, Hongryeon left without hesitation. Chaejin, left behind, stomped her feet before turning to go.
But there was only one inn in Island Flower Village right now.
Leaving meant camping outside, so in the end, she grumbled her way inside.
"One room."
"Three nyang of silver."
Without a word, she placed the silver coins in my hand. She started up the stairs but paused midway.
"You. What's your deal with the Crimson Star Sect?"
What's my deal...
Tough question.
I personally cherished and supported the Crimson Star Sect, but who knew what they thought of me.
So I didn't answer. She glared at me sullenly before storming upstairs.
"Will you be okay, boss?"
Chaejin was a renowned master in the martial world. A few errand boys approached me worriedly, seeing our bad vibes, but it was no big deal.
What could she do, even if she was pissed? Kill me?
Besides, as a righteous sect member, she wouldn't attack without cause.
Back in my room, a Postal Gate disciple was waiting. He bowed as usual and handed me a letter.
Oh... Sent another one?
I smiled and unfolded it.
I think I finally get what it feels like to grow a little every day.
At the Crimson Star Sect, we start mornings with basic stamina training and runs up Crimson Star Mountain. That's when I finally beat my personal record. Still dead last, though.
Looking back, they say human growth is like bamboo after rain—sudden spurts.
Uncle, oh. I got your letter. Since our benefactor said to call you Uncle, that's what I'm doing.
Senior Sister Yuhee read your letter and said, 'Even if he's a guy, wouldn't Oppa be better?' But I couldn't ignore the title you picked yourself.
Anyway. After treating the senior sisters to candy with the silver you sent, I realized something.
The Crimson Star Sect's signature art, Crimson Star Divine Art, refers to a baleful star. A red star.
It's huge, powerful, and ferocious.
Yet even a baleful star holds the meaning of sacrifice—burning itself to protect others.
So giving away what’s yours, sharing with others... that felt like enlightenment.
Thanks to that realization, Senior Sister taught me a technique, even though I'm still sorely lacking.
Of course, she said it was because I need to protect myself.
Everyone else's training got tougher too.
That's probably why my hands are still shaking as I write this. Not just me—the other senior sisters too.
I wanted to buy more candy for the struggling sisters with your silver.
But Senior Sister Hongryeon told me to save it.
I'm struggling with the new technique because my inner power is lacking, and to build inner power, I need spirit medicines—which don't come cheap.
Still, I wonder if it's okay to use the grace you've shown me just for myself.
But I guess it is.
I need to get stronger.
I hear things are chaotic out there lately. I pray the red star's blessing watches over you, Uncle.
Thinking of you under the moonlight.
From Sayoon, disciple of the Crimson Star Sect.
P.S.
Lately, Senior Sister's smile seems shadowed. She's always so strong, the pillar for us all. Is something weighing on her? What could it be?
I hope she finds someone to open up to, like you—who reached out to a nobody like me!!
So that's why her cute, round handwriting was shaking a bit. Even if it's the simplest stance from the later Crimson Star Divine Art, forcing it on her like this was bound to take a toll.
Especially with her inner power so low.
Sayoon's most urgent need right now was definitely inner power.
I tapped the letter thoughtfully, nodded, grabbed a brush, and quickly wrote back.
It was around the time we were prepping for lunch rush the next day.
Normally, laborers would come in early for a quick bite, demanding liquor and cold noodles. But today's first customer was different.
A beautiful woman in worn but spotlessly clean Crimson Star Sect robes stepped in.
"Um... hello..."
The awkward, hesitant girl drew a boy over.
"From the Crimson Star Sect, right? This way, please. Your reserved table is ready."
After hearing from Hongryeon yesterday, I'd instructed the boys. Sure enough, the girl's expression brightened.
"But... is this really okay?"
"It's fine."
"Ah. You're the innkeeper?"
She smiled awkwardly and clasped her hands in greeting.
"I'm Ryuhyeon, disciple of the Crimson Star Sect. Senior Sister Hongryeon sent me with the others."
"Hm? Where's the Falling Sun Sword?"
"Senior Sister has business today and couldn't come... um... and."
She let out a small sigh. Glancing at the lively junior sisters filing in behind her, she muttered embarrassedly in a tiny voice.
"The credit..."
"Ah. Don't worry about that."
"Thank you so much! How can we ever repay this..."
"That's between me and the Falling Sun Sword. No need for you to fret, Junior Sister Ryu."
She thanked me profusely, still embarrassed, as flower-like girls streamed into the reserved room. Only after they were all in did Ryuhyeon follow. I shouted toward the kitchen.
"Bring out the prepared dishes!!"
"Yes, sir!!"
A spirited shout echoed from inside, and soon the boys carried trays into the room. First came simple porridge, then stir-fried eggplant and vegetables—a Celestial Moon dish that boosted energy, Earth Three Fresh.
Cheers and gasps of admiration rose with each dish.
Thinking one of them was Sayoon made my chest swell with pride!
The boisterous, joyful meal full of laughter wound down.
The door creaked open, and out came the Crimson Star Sect disciples, faces beaming with satisfaction.
Among them, I spotted Sayoon holding hands tightly with that girl Yuhee from before, her eyes melting into a happy smile.
She looked blissful.
No worries, no shadows—just sparkling like pure light.
Our eyes met. Recognizing me, she widened hers slightly and tilted her head.
My gaze didn't waver, and she responded with a soft smile and a little bow.
Ahh.
My moon...
So far away...
Yes. This is what I—we—wanted to see...
Now I can die satisfied...
.........
Wait, thinking about it, that's not enough.
More!!