Chapter 42: Severed Meridian (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 42: Severed Meridian (1)
On his way back to the main fortress of the Azure Heaven Association, Namgung Jun fell deep into thought.
As he reviewed the shortcomings and areas for improvement from his last mission, his reflections inevitably turned to the Association itself.
It’s true. We’re stretched far too thin.
The world was vast, and the followers of the Demonic and Heretical Paths were countless. In contrast, true heroes were scarce. The Azure Heaven Association could not possibly handle everything alone.
Furthermore, the Association wasn't just providing public relief; it was also confronting the monolithic power of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult. This dual burden meant their resources were stretched even thinner. Of course, they had branches all over the world and an elite force known as the Ten Halls at the main fortress, but there were clear limits to their reach.
They said there’s a secret faction that supports the Azure Heaven Association. I wonder when I’ll learn about them.
Namgung Jun gazed at the forest stretching out before him. He would have to make camp here for the night.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to gather like-minded people and establish a new sect or clan, just as I did in my past life.
He envisioned establishing a righteous faction, one that could become a new pillar of the Jianghu, much like the current Three Sects and One Gang. While the Three Sects and One Gang didn't exert influence across the entire world like the Azure Heaven Association, they diligently fulfilled their roles within their respective territories. Without them, the Association would never have been able to extend its influence so widely.
In fact, the Association’s presence was minimal in regions where the Three Sects and One Gang were active. Unless a major incident occurred, they trusted those factions to maintain order, directing their own resources elsewhere.
“A new pillar to support the Righteous Faction's Jianghu.”
Lost in thought, Namgung Jun let out a soft chuckle. That was still a distant dream. For now, he had to focus on the present.
He had already entered the forest and needed to find a suitable place to rest for the night.
His smile deepened.
Beyond a thicket, he saw a distinct silhouette.
Sunlight filtered softly through her pitch-black hair. It was tied neatly, flowing down on both sides to frame an elegant jawline. Sensing Namgung Jun's presence, the woman’s heavy eyelids slowly lifted. Her pupils were exceptionally dark, and as they absorbed the faint light, her eyes resembled a starry night.
“Gung-jun?”
“I don’t know anyone by that name.”
“Jun, you never play along with my jokes.”
Lee Se-ha pouted for a moment before a smile broke through. She had spotted the two clouds embroidered on Namgung Jun’s sleeve.
“Looks like you’ve returned from a solo mission.”
“Yes. I also passed my promotion exam.”
“I wasn’t worried about that in the slightest. You are my disciple, after all.”
Lee Se-ha watched proudly as Namgung Jun sat beside her. “How was your first solo mission?”
“It went smoothly. It also gave me much to think about.”
“What kind of thoughts?”
When Namgung Jun shared the ideas that had occupied him on his journey, Lee Se-ha nodded in agreement.
“That makes sense. The Demonic and Heretical Paths are certainly widespread, but the biggest problem is the sheer, overwhelming power of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.”
“Indeed. And unlike ordinary sects, we can’t just accept anyone who comes knocking.”
Lee Se-ha nodded, then asked casually, “So you’re thinking about a new sect. Are you planning to strike out on your own one day, Jun?”
“That’s still in the distant future. For now, I must remain loyal to the Azure Heaven Association. What about you, Master?”
“Me?”
Namgung Jun nodded. Lee Se-ha gazed into the distance for a moment, then tilted her head.
“I don’t know. I’ve only ever lived for revenge against the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult… To be honest, I don’t even know if I can achieve it in my lifetime.”
“The culprit was the Light-and-Shadow Left Envoy, correct?”
“Yes.”
It was the Light-and-Shadow Left Envoy of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult who had annihilated the Supreme Vista Lee Family, Lee Se-ha’s clan. He was one of the Left and Right Envoys, the Demonic Cult Leader’s closest aides. As things stood, there was no way Lee Se-ha could match him.
Namgung Jun didn’t offer empty platitudes or false assurances. Instead, he spoke of what came after.
“You should also think about what you will do after your revenge, Master.”
“After revenge?”
“You must rebuild your clan. You should live with the goal of that reconstruction in mind.”
“That’s true, I suppose.”
Chuckling, Lee Se-ha patted Namgung Jun’s head. “To think I’d be getting comforted by my own disciple.”
“It wasn’t comfort. It was advice.”
“Same difference.”
Staring intently at Namgung Jun, Lee Se-ha smiled warmly. “Or maybe I’ll just follow you to whatever sect you build. After all, the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula will be passed down in my disciple’s sect.”
“I’ll save a seat for you on the Elders’ Council.”
“What? The Elders’ Council?”
Raising an eyebrow, Lee Se-ha lightly pinched Namgung Jun’s cheek. He chuckled and let her do it without dodging.
“Phew. That mission was brutal. I was exhausted on the way back, but talking to you has helped me feel a bit refreshed.” Lee Se-ha stretched her legs out with a long sigh.
Noticing the faint scent of blood that clung to her, Namgung Jun asked, “Are your injuries alright?”
“You noticed? Wounds like this are just part of the job. I’m fine.”
“Let me change your bandages.”
Namgung Jun skillfully produced some golden sore ointment and clean bandages, then began to unravel the dressing on Lee Se-ha’s arm. He deftly sprinkled the ointment over the wound and wrapped it with a fresh bandage, his movements quick and practiced.
Lee Se-ha, who had been quietly watching him work, was thoroughly impressed.
“Those guys at the Heavenly Sword Hall must have drilled you hard. You’ve become so proficient.”
“It’s a simple skill.”
“I really did choose a wonderful disciple.”
As they talked, the sun began to set.
“Master, I will take the first watch.”
“Will you be alright?”
“Yes. Compared to you, I’m in perfect condition.”
“Oh, please.”
Lee Se-ha didn’t refuse his kindness. Lying down on her blanket, she turned her head to face him. She stared intently, but Namgung Jun pretended not to notice, keeping his gaze fixed in the opposite direction. Finally, she called out to him, drawing out the word.
“Jun-ah.”
“Yes, Master.”
“I can’t sleep. Tell me an interesting story.”
“Please go to sleep.”
Under the gentle, shimmering starlight, the low murmur of their conversation continued on.
* * *
On their way back to the Azure Heaven Association’s main fortress, the master and disciple decided to stop at an inn for a break.
“I’ve been wanting to bring you here, Jun. The chef is a true master.”
“If you say so, Master, then I look forward to it.”
Having visited the inn several times before, Lee Se-ha ordered with practiced familiarity. Namgung Jun’s shoulders twitched as an endless stream of dishes flowed from her lips.
“Master, haven’t you ordered a bit too much?”
“I’m not in the best shape after my mission, disciple. I need to replenish my strength.”
“Hmm.”
Before long, the waiter began bringing out armfuls of food.
There was Yellow-Mushroom Chicken Soup, boiled with a whole chicken, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. Smoked Ham stir-fried with wild greens and tea leaves. Red Fruit Shrimp, flash-fried in soy sauce and balanced with sugar for a clean taste. Xiaoyao Chicken, a honey-glazed fried chicken simmered gently in a broth infused with medicinal herbs like wild ginseng, white atractylodes, and goji berries. And finally, Fat Kingfish in Milk Broth, made by boiling Huai kingfish and pork in chicken broth until the soup turned a milky white.
It was a magnificent feast.
“Heh. Since it’s our first time eating here together, I splurged a little.”
“I’m not sure we can finish all this.”
“It’s fine. If there are leftovers, I’ll finish them.”
Although it looked like enough food for seven people, Namgung Jun simply nodded.
Lee Se-ha tore a drumstick from the Xiaoyao Chicken and placed it on his plate.
“Go on, try it.”
As Namgung Jun touched the meat with his chopsticks, it slid effortlessly from the bone. The meat was incredibly tender, and the complex blend of medicinal herbs and seasonings left a rich aroma and flavor lingering in his mouth.
“It’s delicious.”
Seeing Namgung Jun’s eyebrows twitch in appreciation, Lee Se-ha let out a satisfied laugh.
“Now, shall I begin?”
After cleansing her palate with a few bites of the Smoked Ham, Lee Se-ha began to eat in earnest. Her chopsticks and spoon moved with relentless speed. Food vanished into her mouth, yet she chewed so rapidly that her cheeks never seemed to bulge, save for the occasional, slight puff. Surprised by the sight, Namgung Jun even stopped eating for a moment to watch her, mesmerized.
If the inn’s chef was a master of cooking, Lee Se-ha was a master of eating.
“I never knew you enjoyed food this much, Master,” Namgung Jun said with genuine admiration.
Wiping her lips elegantly, Lee Se-ha replied, “Before I met you, good food was my only pleasure in life.”
“Then I’ll have to seek out many more skilled chefs.”
Lee Se-ha nodded with satisfaction. “Exactly. Another duty for you as my disciple.”
It seemed there would be no leftovers after all. In fact, he was starting to worry there wouldn't be enough. Fearing his share would vanish, Namgung Jun also began to move his chopsticks in earnest.
For a time, only the occasional clinking of tableware could be heard as the master and disciple enjoyed their meal.
Thud!
“Yeo-jin!”
Suddenly, a woman who had been eating quietly at the next table collapsed. Her lips were blue, and her body was wracked with violent tremors. The fit was severe, but the sight was strangely familiar to Namgung Jun.
That woman. Could she be…?
His eyes narrowed as a realization struck him.
“Of all the times, why now?!”
Her companion shot to his feet, grabbing her wrist to check her pulse. The woman groaned in pain, and the man’s expression grew rigid.
Just as he pulled a needle case from his pocket—
Crash!
The inn door burst open, and a group of martial artists stormed inside. Scanning the room with fierce, wolf-like eyes, they quickly spotted the collapsed woman and her companion.
“There they are!”
“Looks like her affliction is acting up! This is our chance!”
“Secure the Red Cloud Fire Ginseng first!”
As the martial artists lunged forward, the man, who had drawn a needle from his case, roared, “You inhuman bastards!”
Deciding needles alone wouldn't be enough, he pulled five jade vials from his green sleeves. At the sight, the charging martial artists hesitated, clearly wary of the vials in the green-robed man’s hands.
The man in green spoke urgently, his voice filled with desperation. “We were the ones who found the Red Cloud Fire Ginseng! It’s medicine to save my sister’s life! How can you be so shameless as to try and steal it?”
He cried out pleadingly, but the martial artists facing him weren't listening.
“Heh, you must be new to the Jianghu, kid. Finding something first doesn't make it yours. The one holding it at the end is the true owner.”
“The Red Cloud Fire Ginseng can greatly boost one’s internal energy. Why would we let you waste it on some girl we don't even know?”
“Hand it over now, and we’ll spare your lives!”
With no intention of compromising, the martial artists began to slowly close the distance.
“You unprincipled bastards!”
The man’s hand, clutching the jade vials, trembled violently. He seemed far more worried about the woman behind him than the men approaching.
Just as the martial artists were about to pounce, blue Thunder Qi erupted from both sides of them.
“Stop.”
“Seriously, there are far too many rotten bastards in the Jianghu.”
Rising to their feet in perfect sync, the master and disciple blocked the path to the young man and woman. As Namgung Jun and Lee Se-ha unleashed their Qi Waves simultaneously, no one in the inn dared to move a muscle.