Chapter 121
Translator: penny
Chapter: 121
Chapter Title: Farewell to Sa Hye-rin
Of course, objectively speaking, the odds of that were slim.
If the Blood Cult had truly intervened in the Great War of Righteousness and Evil, they wouldn't just give up after being thwarted once.
'And we don't even know if this was the trigger that started the Great War.'
It was all just my one-sided speculation.
There was nothing certain.
For now, keeping various assumptions in mind, I turned back to Sa Hye-rin and spoke.
"So, what are your plans now, Sa Small Master?"
She seemed undecided, pausing to think for a moment.
Then she carefully scanned the surroundings.
Far more corpses than survivors.
Bodies in gray robes lay scattered everywhere, each riddled with round holes.
Sa Hye-rin took in the traces of battle before letting out a small sigh.
"Rather than heading straight to the Four Black Alliance, I think I should return to the Death Command Sect first and report what happened today. I still need to avenge my disciples, after all."
For talk of revenge, her expression was remarkably calm.
There wasn't a hint of sorrow.
'Truly, an unorthodox sect is an unorthodox sect.'
One of the biggest differences between righteous and unorthodox sects was their attitude toward their members.
Righteous sects were bound by master-disciple bonds, feeling like family.
Unorthodox sects, on the other hand, generally treated disciples like subordinates.
Even among disciples, strict hierarchies based on seniority were rigidly enforced.
So while both righteous and unorthodox sects sought revenge for fallen members, the meaning behind it was worlds apart.
For righteous sects, it was the "normal revenge" for losing a close comrade.
For unorthodox sects, it was closer to "punishment" to avoid looking weak.
In that sense, Sa Hye-rin's demeanor was quintessentially unorthodox.
'Which works in my favor.'
If they were righteous sect members, we wouldn't be having this casual chat right now.
They'd be too busy grieving.
As I nodded, Sa Hye-rin took the initiative this time.
"By the way, where were you headed with the Sword Phoenix, Mok Young Master?"
Her interest in me was a good sign, but mentioning Moyong Hui rubbed me the wrong way.
Still, there was no helping it now.
I needed some kind of approach.
'Tch, what to do?'
Honestly, doing anything to Sa Hye-rin here was next to impossible.
Moyong Hui was watching us from less than forty paces away.
What could I even try?
But knowing that in my head didn't settle my heart.
If I acted purely rationally like that, I wouldn't be the Lecherous Demon—I'd be some monk somewhere.
My mind raced faster than usual.
But no solutions came.
'...Damn it, not just today of all days.'
After endless agonizing, I decided to aim for another day.
That made my task simple.
Maximize her favor toward me right now.
Recalling my Flowery Playboy days seducing courtesans, I answered Sa Hye-rin warmly.
"We were heading to the Murim Alliance."
"The Murim Alliance?"
"Yes. As you said, the martial world feels off lately. So we're joining the Alliance to make a name for ourselves."
Joining to make a name.
In other words, entering the Murim Alliance to openly oppose the unorthodox sects.
Her expression hardened slightly at my words, and she let out a soft sigh.
"Then we might meet as enemies next time."
She'd clearly been impressed by my skills earlier.
From her perspective, it was a natural reaction.
I'd single-handedly fended off a pinnacle expert and over a dozen first-rate masters with ease.
She might not peg me at Flower Realm, but she'd assume I was at the cusp of pinnacle.
Instead of agreeing, I furrowed my brow and continued in mock offense.
"Sa Small Master, what a harsh thing to say. We've forged this bond—how could we be enemies next time?"
"Of course I don't want that either... but if you join the Murim Alliance, won't we end up fighting someday?"
"Maybe, but we could just exchange greetings and part ways amicably."
She gave a wry smile, deeming my words unrealistic.
"What if you're with others? What about their eyes on us then?"
A very practical question.
But I answered with shameless confidence.
"Do I strike you as the type who cares about that?"
She finally burst out laughing with a "pfft."
Her face brightened noticeably.
"No, you don't seem like that at all, Mok Young Master."
As we chatted amiably with Sa Hye-rin, I felt a prickling stare.
Turning, I saw Moyong Hui in the distance, cheeks puffed out.
Her face said, "How long are you going to keep this up?"
It was about time to part ways.
'Tch, such a shame.'
Gazing at Sa Hye-rin's beautiful face stirred regret again.
I wanted to travel with her, but the situation made it impossible.
Should I drag her to the Murim Alliance, or follow her to the Death Command Sect?
Following her there wasn't entirely out of the question, but...
'Hye-ah would really hate me for it.'
Besides, the directions weren't favorable.
The Death Command Sect was in northern Hebei.
We'd already passed that route.
Completely opposite ways, so escorting partway wasn't an option either.
Sa Hye-rin clearly knew this too, sending me a wistful look.
"I'd love to deepen our acquaintance, Mok Young Master, but it seems we must part here."
She added in a quiet voice, "The Sword Phoenix is watching," with a smile.
Feeling the eyes on me too, I replied with a silent smile.
As we parted,
I tossed one last question to the departing Sa Hye-rin.
"Sa Small Master, will you be alright?"
"Hm? With what?"
"The Shandong Evil Family might come after you again."
Of course, the chances were low.
They'd failed, and why chase her assuming I'd stick around forever?
Still, just in case, I worried...
"No need to fret. We'll scatter and travel separately on the way back. And once we reach Jeonam Castle, we'll have help."
Sa Hye-rin exuded confidence.
She figured traveling alone would let her escape easily enough.
Speaking of Jeonam Castle, one person immediately came to mind.
'The Shadow Gate Sect Leader?'
I considered asking but held back.
No point tipping off the Shadow Gate Sect Leader if it wasn't them.
'With that much confidence, she'll handle it fine.'
I'd thought of assigning Cheon Woojin, but no need.
Partly because I worried they might hit it off.
'He's pretty capable himself.'
Of course, Cheon Woojin wouldn't dare touch a woman I'd claimed unless he was suicidal, but who knows women's hearts?
I didn't want to kill my own subordinate.
[My lord...? Is something wrong?]
Sensing my killing intent, Cheon Woojin sent a transmission from afar.
Ignoring him, I gave Sa Hye-rin a kind smile.
"Then take care on your way back, Sa Small Master."
"Yes. Thank you so much for today. When you have time, visit the Death Command Sect. I'll make sure to repay you."
Repay with her body, naturally.
As if reading my mind, Sa Hye-rin added,
"And next time..."
She trailed off, glancing at Moyong Hui.
Lowering her voice,
"Come alone, without the Sword Phoenix."
She whispered softly, winking with one eye.
'Whoa, she's no joke.'
Her beauty was one thing, but she knew how to tease a man's heart.
Especially after keeping it subtle throughout, only leaving a slight opening at the end—she was one sly vixen.
She might not actually mean repaying with her body, but I chose to think positively.
'Gotta make time someday... Ah, wait...!'
I'd forgotten: the Death Command Sect gets wiped out early in the Great War too.
Fortunately, I had some vague predictions.
And useful pawns like the Shadow Gate Sect.
'Tch, guess I need to look into it more closely...'
As Sa Hye-rin and the Death Command remnants departed, Moyong Hui approached like she'd been waiting.
"Hubby, what were you chatting so enjoyably about with Sa Flower?"
Facing her sassy demeanor, I lied without changing expression.
"Just how the Death Command Sect ended up fighting the Shandong Evil Family."
Not really a lie—we did talk about that.
Moyong Hui eyed me suspiciously.
"You seemed awfully chummy for that."
"Nah, nothing like that. Let's get going."
I naturally wrapped an arm around her waist.
She leaned into my chest, clearly not minding.
After about ten paces, Moyong Hui asked casually,
"So, hubby, when are you planning to visit the Death Command Sect?"
She must have heard everything.