Chapter 150: Chaohu Lake (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 150: Chaohu Lake (1)
Namgung Jun returned safely to Hefei with the Yeongjun Merchant Group.
His purpose was twofold: to escort the three merchant groups that had cooperated with him to the very end, and to take a moment to rest and see for himself what had become of Hefei now that the Clear-Center Sect was gone.
The last time he’d joined the Yeongjun Merchant Group, he had only arrived in Hefei the day before their departure to maintain information security, leaving him no time to explore.
"Hall Master, would it be alright if I acted as your guide? Or perhaps my master…" Un-chan began hesitantly.
Namgung Jun shook his head. "You probably know the changes in Hefei better than anyone."
Taking only Un-chan with him, Namgung Jun strolled through the city streets. The members of the Azure Firmament Hall, worried about his injuries, had offered to accompany him, but he had ordered them to focus solely on resting at the Yeongjun Merchant Group's quarters.
"It's still crowded," Namgung Jun remarked.
"Hefei has always been crowded, but it's become even more lively since the Clear-Center Sect sealed its gates," Un-chan explained.
"Is that so?"
Un-chan glanced briefly in the direction of the Clear-Center Sect's former grounds before continuing, "The Clear-Center Sect and its lackeys committed all sorts of evil deeds behind the scenes, casting a dark shadow over Hefei. These days, you can actually see the brightness returning to people's faces."
"That is a relief."
"With the Hefei Branch of the Azure Heaven Association here, wicked martial artists can't run amok anymore. The chivalrous heroes of the Association also regularly visit the slums and help the marginalized."
Un-chan chattered on with a slightly excited expression, pointing out the subtle changes in Hefei that an outsider wouldn't easily notice and listing the city's unique charms as if boasting about them. He had seemed somewhat stiff at first, walking alone with Namgung Jun, but as he opened up, his tension naturally melted away.
Namgung Jun watched the boy’s profile as he eagerly talked.
Good.
It was a stark contrast to the face he had worn when they first met—a face that seemed to trust nothing in the world. Back then, the spite-filled expression on Un-chan's face had made Namgung Jun's own heart ache with a bitter sorrow.
It was truly rewarding to see the boy before him, finally reclaiming a smile befitting his age, even if it was a little late. How remarkable it was that a sharp blade, meant for slicing flesh, could bring such peace to a person's heart.
Perhaps a smile like that is the greatest praise a chivalrous hero can receive.
Namgung Jun spent half the day exploring various parts of Hefei with Un-chan. Of course, Hefei was vast, so they couldn't see everything, but it was more than enough.
"Steadfast Blade told me you're also training in martial arts, with the dream of becoming a chivalrous hero."
Startled, Un-chan let out an embarrassed laugh. "Meeting you had a huge impact on me, Hall Master. I used to think the world was filled only with swordsmen like those from the Clear-Center Sect."
"Then do you plan to travel the Jianghu someday? To become a chivalrous hero?"
Un-chan couldn't answer right away and simply trudged along. Only after taking about ten more steps did he slowly speak.
"When I first started learning martial arts, that was definitely my plan. But my thoughts have changed a bit."
"How so?"
"My younger siblings are learning the trade at the Yeongjun Merchant Group now. Traveling the Jianghu sounds nice, but protecting my siblings and the merchant group has become more important to me."
"You have made a noble resolve."
"Is it?"
Namgung Jun slowly caressed the hilt of the sword at his waist. "Among the countless swordsmen in the Jianghu, how many can truly harbor and maintain the desire to protect something? Far fewer than you think. The biting winds of the Jianghu—often called a forest of swords and a mountain of blades—are harsh, and the touch of cold steel withers the heart."
"But giving up on my dream of being a chivalrous hero still feels a bit disappointing," Un-chan admitted.
Namgung Jun shook his head firmly. "You don't have to wander the Jianghu performing righteous deeds to be a chivalrous hero. If you carry even a small sense of chivalry in your heart, you are already a hero right this moment."
"What is your chivalry, Hall Master?"
"To never turn a blind eye, and to forge ahead, upright and steadfast."
Un-chan fell silent, seemingly mulling over Namgung Jun's words.
Namgung Jun lightly patted him on the shoulder. "You don't need to copy me. Find the chivalry that you believe is right."
"Do you think I can find it, too?"
"Of course. Your life and the bonds you forge will naturally become your guideposts."
Un-chan's already flushed face grew even redder as the deep glow of the setting sun painted his features.
"Shall we head back to the merchant group now?" The sky, which had been turning crimson, was already darkening at the edges.
"There is a place I must visit alone," Namgung Jun said. "Tell my subordinates that I will be away for three or four days."
"May I ask where you are going?"
"Chaohu Lake."
Namgung Jun turned and headed south alone.
*
Chaohu Lake.
It was a massive freshwater lake in central Anhui Province, located south of Hefei. Inside the bird's-nest-shaped lake lay islands of various sizes, including Nosan Island, while numerous caves, hot springs, and forests blended together to create a magnificent landscape.
The crystal-clear waters teemed with crabs, silver fish, and shrimp, a welcome sight for the commoners casting their nets. Perhaps because of this, the inns surrounding Chaohu Lake offered a wide variety of dishes made with these three ingredients.
"Even as time flows, the emerald clarity of Chaohu Lake remains unchanged."
The waves washing over the shores were as vigorous as ever, and the lush golden pines and peonies boasted their own vibrant colors, holding their ground against the jade-clear water.
Namgung Jun stood alone, gazing at Chaohu Lake for a long time. He had visited this place often in his past life, but this was his first time seeing it in his current one. Looking at the lake brought a flood of memories. He had trained here with his disciples and had once visited the Bantang Hot Spring to recuperate after a duel with a master of the Demonic and Heretical Paths.
I also enjoyed quite a few of Chaohu Lake's delicacies with my disciples.
Recalling the meals he’d shared with them, Namgung Jun suddenly felt a pang of hunger. He took in the sight of the lake one last time before turning away and letting his feet lead him where they would.
Though the streets were unfamiliar, many spots seemed strangely recognizable. Despite the changes brought by time, some things still remained, holding their ground. As Namgung Jun wandered through the inner streets lined with inns, an aroma caught his attention.
At that moment, his heart began to beat a fraction faster.
It was a deeply familiar scent. A culinary aroma so vivid, it felt as though he had smelled it just yesterday.
His feet moved of their own accord, drawing him deep into an alleyway. When Namgung Jun came to his senses, he found himself standing before an inn tucked away in a corner, looking quite old.
This place is still here?!
The inn before him was etched deep in his memory. It was the very place he had settled on after taking his disciples to try every eatery around Chaohu Lake. Even back then, it had been a considerably run-down establishment; he never expected it to still be standing.
Namgung Jun walked toward the inn as if possessed.
Upon entering, he found it nearly empty, save for a few elderly men who looked like regular patrons. As Namgung Jun took a seat, an old man emerged from the kitchen. It seemed he worked alone, taking orders and cooking the food himself.
"We don't serve common fare like noodles or dumplings here. Is that alright?"
"I know," Namgung Jun replied. "You mainly use fresh ingredients from Chaohu Lake, don't you?"
The old man’s eyes, etched with deep wrinkles, sized Namgung Jun up from head to toe. "Have you been to our inn before?"
"A very long time ago."
"A very long time ago?" the old man scoffed, glancing at Namgung Jun's youthful appearance. "What would you like to order? We only sell three dishes here…"
"Isn't there one more? Chaohu Three-Delicacy Soup."
The old man tilted his head in confusion, scanning Namgung Jun once more. "That's a dish only our regulars know about… How do you…?"
"Is it possible to make it?"
"Since you came all this way knowing about the Chaohu Three-Delicacy Soup, of course I must make it for you."
The old man headed straight back into the kitchen.
Looking around the inn, Namgung Jun caressed the table before him. It was ancient and covered in all sorts of scratches. There were even sword scars, likely left behind by brawling martial artists. It was a miracle the table had survived without being smashed to pieces.
An aroma wafted from the kitchen. It was a scent he hadn't smelled in ages, yet it felt incredibly familiar. Namgung Jun moistened his salivating mouth with green tea. As the aroma grew richer and the clatter of cooking utensils echoed, sitting still became increasingly difficult.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Ah…"
Namgung Jun quietly observed the dishes the old man placed on the table. Though the bowls had changed, the food inside was exactly as he remembered.
Braised Silver Fish with Bamboo Shoots, steamed with young bamboo shoots and drizzled with black vinegar.
Emerald Forest White Rice Shrimp, stir-fried with bok choy and bamboo shoots.
Crabs in Yellow Wine, steamed with yellow wine.
And Chaohu Three-Delicacy Soup, boiled with all three seafood ingredients: silver fish, crabs, and white rice shrimp.
Gazing warmly at the four dishes, Namgung Jun began to savor them one by one.
With the Braised Silver Fish with Bamboo Shoots, he first tasted the crispness of the bamboo shoots, followed by the clean, delicate flavor of the silver fish wrapping around his tongue, before the tangy aroma of black vinegar lightly brushed his nose.
The Emerald Forest White Rice Shrimp offered a burst of sweetness from the plump shrimp, with the refreshing crispness of bok choy lingering on the finish.
As he cracked open the shell of the Crabs in Yellow Wine, the scent of the wine wafted up. Taking a bite of the crab meat filled his entire mouth with its rich aroma.
"Phew."
Namgung Jun closed his eyes, letting the flavors wash over him.
Did they pass this inn down through the generations?
Objectively speaking, the taste had changed. In a good way. The food was far more delicious than he remembered from his past life.
Finally, Namgung Jun looked at the Chaohu Three-Delicacy Soup. The soup itself was not unique to this inn; it existed in other establishments around the lake under the name Taihu Three-Delicacy Soup. However, the taste varied from place to place, depending on the ingredients and the order they were added. The effort poured into the dish also differed. This inn had put so much care into it that they had changed the name to Chaohu Three-Delicacy Soup and sold it only to regulars. Naturally, the taste was exquisite.
The reason the Sword Emperor of his past life had kept returning to this inn was because its Chaohu Three-Delicacy Soup was the best around the entire lake.
Namgung Jun carefully took a sip of the broth. The rich, savory umami of the three seafoods burst forth in a single spoonful.
At least this dish’s flavor hasn't changed.
Setting his spoon down, Namgung Jun remained lost in the lingering aftertaste for a long while. Then, he called out to the old man.
"Bring me a bottle of alcohol."
"Our inn doesn't have many kinds."
"At a place like this, it has to be Yellow Wine."
The old man, no longer particularly surprised, brought over a bottle of Yellow Wine. Taking a sniff, Namgung Jun found it to be of decent quality. He filled a cup to the brim and placed it on the opposite side of the table.
It was a cup of wine for his departed disciples.
It was always so much fun coming here with you all.
Raising his own cup toward the empty seat, Namgung Jun slowly tilted it back. He emptied the bottle cup by cup. With each one he drained, the faces of his disciples and the stories they had shared flashed through his mind. For this brief moment, it felt as though they were right there, sitting by his side.
Only after emptying the final cup did Namgung Jun gently push the memories back into a corner of his heart.
For now, this was enough.
I should bring Master Lee Se-ha here someday.
He was certain she would be thoroughly satisfied with the food.
Namgung Jun stared at the two empty cups for a moment, then turned away without any lingering regrets.
"Owner, that was a wonderful meal. I shall return."
Checking the money Namgung Jun had left on the table, the old man cried out in surprise. "Wait! This is far too much!"
But Namgung Jun had already vanished.
*
Having finished his satisfying meal, Namgung Jun took a stroll around Chaohu Lake. Perhaps because he had enjoyed food and wine that evoked such fond memories, he even temporarily forgot the sharp pain throbbing in his right shoulder.
Just as he was about to casually look around, Namgung Jun’s steps halted.
"Hmm?"
A faint ripple of Qi pulsed from across the waters of Chaohu Lake.
It felt as though it were calling out to him.
Sensing the extremely subtle Qi Wave, Namgung Jun's eyes narrowed.