A Quiet Departure
“It is finished.”
A voice echoed through the chilly air. Following the Chief Blacksmith's words, I looked at the object resting before me.
A massive greatsword. It was Full Moon, the legendary blade once wielded by Yoo Chun-gil.
“The edge was merely rusted, so I ground it down. The Cold Iron itself wasn't in terrible shape, so I performed a few extra maintenance steps during the restoration process.”
I examined the weapon from various angles as I listened to his explanation. To be precise, I was only pretending to examine it.
Even if I look at it, it's not like I know anything about swords.
When they said it was temporarily restored before, it had looked perfectly fine to me, so I had assumed it was completely repaired.
Even looking at it now, I couldn't really tell the difference.
[It turned out well. His skill is not bad at all.]
Yoo Chun-gil, who was personally inspecting the blade, chuckled.
“It seems to have turned out well,” I repeated his sentiment aloud.
I echoed his words exactly.
[The sheen of the edge is in excellent condition.]
“The edge is in excellent condition, too.”
[He must have controlled his hammer strikes well when working the Cold Iron. The durability and strength are perfectly balanced.]
“...The durability and strength seem exceptionally well-balanced.”
As I filtered and delivered the rest of the ghost's commentary, the Chief Blacksmith's expression shifted slightly.
“Your eye for blades isn't half bad.”
Seeing the corners of his mouth twitch upward, it seemed my words had pleased him.
“Pick it up.”
“Ah, yes.”
At his prompting, I carefully gripped the hilt.
I attempted to lift it with one hand.
Throb.
Ow.
A sharp pain shot through my right arm immediately, forcing me to meekly grip it with both hands instead.
What a monstrous sword.
How on earth did he swing this thing with one hand?
And that was back when his cultivation realm was even lower than mine is now.
Yoo Chun-gil had definitely wielded this sword single-handedly while using my body.
...There's no way.
Even now, having reached the Peak realm, it felt impossible. Of course, my right arm wasn't fully healed yet, which played a part, but even accounting for that, this weapon was absurdly heavy.
“Hmm.”
I lifted the greatsword and inspected it closely.
[Try channeling your sword qi into it.]
Following Yoo Chun-gil's instructions, I channeled my internal energy.
Whoosh!
“...!”
Sword qi enveloped Full Moon. Seeing this, the Chief Blacksmith's eyes widened.
“Oh...”
I was just as shocked. The sheer volume of energy Full Moon absorbed was beyond luminous—it was downright radiant.
Is this why martial artists obsess over high-quality swords?
Both the Sacred Sword and Full Moon were the same.
Their capacity to hold energy was on an entirely different level. What was that saying about a bad workman blaming his tools?
That's complete bullshit.
With tools this good, how could anyone not care about their equipment?
I gave Full Moon one last look before gently setting it down.
“It's... wonderful. Truly.”
I meant every word.
“Heh, heh, heh.”
The Chief Blacksmith let out a hearty chuckle.
“I am glad it is to your liking. Ah, and one more thing.”
Reaching into his robes, the Chief Blacksmith pulled out an object and handed it to me.
What was this?
A cold sensation met my palm as I took it.
...Looks like a guard of some sort.
It looked roughly like a wrist guard.
“Chief Blacksmith. What is this...?”
I looked up in curiosity, and he replied nonchalantly.
“It is nothing major. Just a little something I threw together with the leftover Cold Iron.”
“Ah. I see. Nothing major... wait, Cold Iron?”
Had I misheard him? I could have sworn he just said he made it out of Cold Iron.
“I used the scraps.”
“...Even if it was just scraps...”
Cold Iron was incredibly precious even when sold as mere dust. To make a whole wrist guard out of it, just how much leftover material did he have?
“Why are you giving this to me...?”
“Consider it half a token of welcome, and half a token of gratitude.”
“Excuse me?”
“The welcome is directed toward Hero Yoo, and the gratitude is directed toward you. Take it without reservation.”
“I'm not sure what you have to be grateful to me for...?”
The Chief Blacksmith chuckled at my confusion.
“You allowed me to witness something truly magnificent.”
Saying so, he pointed toward my waist. Resting there was the Sacred Sword Dang Ye-ran had forged.
“It feels as though a long-standing clog in my chest has finally cleared. So, take it.”
“…….”
I remained silent.
So that's what this is about.
His gratitude stemmed from the fact that I had given Dang Ye-ran the opportunity to forge a sword.
“I have a question for you.”
“Speak.”
“Why is everyone in this family so incapable of being honest?”
“…….”
The Chief Blacksmith's eyes widened. Then, he burst into a booming laugh.
“Hahaha! You are right. Most of us are indeed like that.”
“...I didn't say it to make you laugh, though.”
“It is rather embarrassing, but true.”
“…….”
He chuckled heartily for a moment longer before gradually quieting down.
“Perhaps that is why we feel all the more grateful to you. Whether it is me, or the Family Head.”
“...What?”
I frowned at his words.
“I highly doubt the Family Head feels that way.”
“Who knows?”
The Chief Blacksmith chuckled again at my certainty.
“One can never be sure.”
I stepped out of the Iron River carrying Full Moon. As I walked out holding the wooden case, I caught sight of the sky painted in the soft hues of dusk.
I've retrieved Full Moon...
With the Poison King's permission, I had successfully reclaimed Full Moon from the Chief Blacksmith. This meant all my major business with the Dang Clan was officially concluded.
At this rate, we really can leave tomorrow.
Since I had already notified Do-hyeong and Cheon Ui-jin, all that was left was to prepare for departure.
I'm finally going back.
I could finally return to Henan.
...I only stayed here for a few days, but Henan is starting to feel like home.
In truth, Henan was just as uncomfortable and troublesome as this place, but strangely enough, it felt like I was heading home.
Keeping that in mind, I glanced to my side and spoke.
“Hey. Did you pack all the luggage?”
“…….”
At my question, the guy standing next to me, Dang Cheon-il, flinched.
“...Everything... is ready.”
“Really? Good job. I guess geniuses really do work fast, huh?”
“…….”
Dang Cheon-il's face contorted. I swallowed a laugh at the sight.
I don't know why, but just looking at this guy cracked me up.
Overall, the harvest was pretty good.
I had gained a lot during my stay with the Dang Clan.
Honestly, there were no losses, only gains.
...And a massive amount at that.
Starting from the Great Pill, to the Sacred Sword, to other top-grade armaments, and even securing the Dang Clan as a temporary backer.
On top of all that, my cultivation had reached the Peak realm.
...I'm pretty sure I was only a second-rate martial artist when I first set out.
What kind of crazy bastard goes from third-rate to a Peak master in less than a year?
Even I found it hard to believe.
It was still surreal to think that I was now a Peak master.
Now, what's left is...
I had to figure out how to use the Great Pill I secured from the Dang Clan.
And I need to organize the report I'll deliver when I return to Cheongwol Gate.
I could work on that during the journey.
So much had happened, so I had to make sure the report was flawless.
Well, to be precise, the most important thing was ensuring no blowback fell on me.
“So, how do you feel? Aren't you excited to go to Henan?”
“…….”
“Answer me.”
“...I am excited.”
“Excited, my foot. Your face practically screams that you don't want to go. You really need to take some acting lessons.”
I patted Dang Cheon-il on the shoulder.
At that, his expression soured even further.
This guy was terrible at lying.
Look at him trying so hard to suppress his temper.
Normally, he would have exploded by now. It was almost impressive to see him holding it in like this.
“Hey.”
“...Yes.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“...Go ahead.”
“You.”
I stared at Dang Cheon-il, who was deliberately avoiding my gaze, and spoke.
“Why are you going to such lengths for Lady Dang?”
“……!”
Dang Cheon-il's eyes snapped to me.
“What...!”
“It was you, wasn't it?”
I ignored his shock and pressed on.
“The reason Lady Dang was able to stay in the Iron River smithy. The reason she was shielded from the family's complaints.”
“…….”
“All of that. It was your doing, wasn't it?”
Dang Cheon-il was struck speechless. His face was a mask of shock and consternation.
I held back a smirk. As I said, this guy really couldn't lie to save his life.
“...How... How did you...”
“What do you mean, how?”
It was easy enough to deduce simply by looking at the facts.
I was curious why he kept reacting that way, so I did a bit of thinking.
At first, I thought it was simple animosity.
But as time went on, it felt off.
What Dang Cheon-il showed toward Dang Ye-ran wasn't hatred or contempt.
It was anger, but beneath it lay a faint, underlying worry.
Especially...
What happened at the very end.
It was even more obvious considering the attitude and words Dang Cheon-il had directed at Dang Ye-ran after losing the duel.
And there was another thing.
“I was a bit curious. How Lady Dang managed to stay in the Iron River all this time.”
Dang Ye-ran had spent nearly ten years in the Iron River without forging a single sword.
Despite having no achievements to show for it, she had remained there.
No matter how close they were as family—no, precisely because they were family...
That shouldn't have been possible.
A direct descendant of the Dang Clan staying in the Iron River—a place of symbolic importance—without producing any results.
Yet she wasn't kicked out and was allowed to maintain her position.
Furthermore...
She wasn't used for any political purposes either.
For a child of a prestigious clan, their primary political utility...
...was naturally to expand the clan's influence through marriage alliances. Yet Dang Ye-ran had no betrothal.
...Though I almost got dragged into that mess myself.
Well, I managed to escape that, so whatever.
“But the Family Head doesn't strike me as the type to just let something like that slide...”
To think he let it go simply because of his daughter's stubbornness...
The Poison King I had observed was absolutely not a man to tolerate such indulgence.
Which meant...
“There must have been some arrangement that made him look the other way.”
And as for what that arrangement was...
“I figured you might have had something to do with it.”
“...Based on just that?”
“Just that? Those are massive clues.”
The clearest indicator had actually been the Poison Sovereign's reactions, but there was no need to mention that.
Next was Dang Cheon-il's attitude and the way Dang Ye-ran treated him.
"Love-hate" would be the perfect description.
Even when Dang Cheon-il crossed the line and spoke harshly to her...
...Dang Ye-ran merely shrank back, never getting angry.
Though it had been quite a surprise when she suddenly beat him like a dog.
Dang Ye-ran is stronger than Dang Cheon-il.
Once Yoo Chun-gil's words were proven true...
...Why does she act so meekly around him?
The question had taken root.
And as I pieced together the clues...
...I concluded that Dang Ye-ran has a reason she can't bring herself to get angry at Dang Cheon-il.
What could that reason be?
I could infer it from Dang Cheon-il's final outburst.
His words back then...
...sounded close to resentment.
Did he say he hated her holding back for his sake?
What was she holding back? I didn't know, nor did I care to find out.
But...
My gut tells me...
...that Dang Ye-ran's decision to stop training in martial arts is somehow tied to Dang Cheon-il.
That was my guess.
And since Dang Cheon-il knew it too...
...Is that why he acts the way he does?
These siblings certainly had quite a dramatic backstory.
This is exactly what I meant when I said the Dang Clan people aren't honest.
Every single one of them was like this.
What a bizarre family.
Oh, but of course...
...That doesn't justify his shitty attitude.
No matter his reasons, it didn't change the fact that Dang Cheon-il was a prick.
“…….”
He didn't say a word in response.
The look of sheer exposure on his face was confirmation enough.
“So, I'm thinking the reason you bowed your head to me is related to this as well. Am I warm?”
I gave him a knowing look. He quickly averted his eyes.
“...Do I have to answer that?”
“No, you don't have to.”
I wasn't that curious anyway.
As for me...
As long as I can tease him and use him to my advantage, I'm satisfied.
I only cared about how obedient he would be.
His relationship with Dang Ye-ran? Their complicated sibling dynamic?
Honestly, I couldn't care less.
It was just that...
Dang Cheon-il cares about Dang Ye-ran far more than he lets on.
Even if it meant swallowing his pride.
That's all I need.
For a person, whatever they value more than their pride becomes their leash.
For Dang Cheon-il, Dang Ye-ran was that leash.
That was more than enough for me.
[...Look at that face. You look like a child who just found a fun new toy.]
I wiped the smirk off my face at Yoo Chun-gil's comment.
A toy? Please.
I've simply gained a valuable friend.
I genuinely believed that.
A day passed.
From early morning, the estate was bustling with activity as people moved busily.
Members of the Dang Clan were busy loading luggage onto the carriages. I watched them from a distance, tilting my head.
...Hmm...
They were loading Cheongwol Gate's belongings for our return to Henan.
Seeing it in action finally made it feel real.
We're finally leaving.
I was finally going back.
Though it hadn't been that long in reality, my journey to Sichuan felt exceptionally drawn out, and now it was finally coming to an end.
Thank goodness.
I was truly relieved.
I really didn't want to be held up here any longer.
I had worried I might be stuck here for a few more days. After all, the Poison King had been attacked, and I had spent time under surveillance because of it.
I had assumed I wouldn't be allowed to leave until the situation was resolved to some extent.
...But things worked out smoothly thanks to the Rain of Flowers Filling the Sky.
My offer to teach the Rain of Flowers Filling the Sky to the Poison Dragon had paved a smooth path back to Henan.
The Poison King had extended a favor, disguised as a transaction.
“Hmm.”
Among the people carrying luggage in the distance, I spotted a particularly fierce-looking fellow.
Dang Cheon-il was squeezed in among the servants, helping to carry the bags.
His face was a picture of discontent, yet he worked without a single complaint. If anything, it was the servants who were busy walking on eggshells around him.
Naturally, I was the one who had ordered him to do it.
“...What in the world is going on there...?”
Cheon Ui-jin also looked bewildered, wondering why the infamous Poison Dragon was carrying luggage.
“Don't mind him. He said he wanted to do it.”
“...Excuse me?”
“It's a long story.”
I waved my hand, telling him not to worry.
“Ah, you heard that he's coming with us, right?”
“...Yes, I did hear about it, but...”
“That's how it turned out.”
Dang Cheon-il was heading to Henan with us. Cheon Ui-jin didn't look particularly pleased about this fact.
No doubt he was concerned about the guy's past behavior.
“You don't need to worry. I'll make sure his leash is tied tight.”
“A leash?”
“Yes. A leash.”
I planned to tie it very securely.
So tight that he wouldn't dare bark anywhere.
Is Senior Do-hyeong still talking with the Poison King?
Do-hyeong seemed to be having a final discussion with the Poison King, and most of the luggage was already loaded.
As I was looking over the scene...
“Young Master...!”
From afar, Dang Cheon-il's leash...
...no, Dang Ye-ran, came running toward us.
Seeing her, Dang Cheon-il froze in the distance.
“Ah. Lady Dang.”
“...I... I heard you were leaving.”
“Yes. The schedule suddenly worked out that way.”
“...Isn't it too sudden?”
“Well, I've been here for quite a while.”
If it were up to me, I would have left much sooner, but circumstances hadn't allowed it.
“Thank you so much for the sword. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.”
“...Ah...”
“Hmm?”
Dang Ye-ran must have rushed over in a hurry, as her hair was slightly disheveled. Seeing this, I reached out.
I gently smoothed down a stray lock of her hair.
Startled, Dang Ye-ran gasped and quickly touched her hair.
“Did you just wake up?”
“...Ah, yes... Yes...”
“It is quite early, after all.”
The sun hadn't even fully risen yet.
“I was planning to leave without saying goodbye since it was too early, but I'm glad I got to see you like this.”
“…….”
“It was a pleasure, Lady Dang.”
“...You are truly leaving.”
“Yes.”
At my response, Dang Ye-ran bit her lip, looking as if she wanted to say something more.
“This place isn't my home, after all.”
So, I cut her off.
Hearing my words, Dang Ye-ran flinched slightly before pressing her lips together.
What had she been trying to say?
I was curious for a brief moment, but I brushed it aside.
No matter what it was, hearing it probably wouldn't do me any good.
“Lady Dang.”
“Yes...?”
“By any chance, do you have no intention of active martial arts practice?”
“...Pardon?”
She looked taken aback by the sudden question.
“...Do you wish for me to walk the path of a martial artist?”
“No, it's not that. Just...”
“…….”
“...I just thought it would be a waste of your talent. Don't pay it any mind.”
A talent great enough to easily overpower Dang Cheon-il, one of the Seven Great Talents.
It felt like a bit of a waste for her to focus solely on metallurgy without ever blooming as a martial artist.
That was why I asked. I knew she must have her own reasons, so it was just a casual inquiry, but...
“...I will think about it.”
Dang Ye-ran spoke with a thoughtful expression.
“...We will meet again, right?”
“Hmm...”
Next time.
Well.
Would we ever have a reason to meet again?
“If I ever come back to Sichuan, I suppose we will.”
Otherwise, we probably wouldn't cross paths.
I answered with honest pragmatism.
“...I see.”
Dang Ye-ran nodded, her expression turning somewhat crestfallen.
Looking at her now...
...she really does look like her brother.
Especially that face that can't hide a single lie.
Her emotions were written so clearly on her face that it was impossible to miss.
But I can't.
I had to pretend not to notice.
It was a luxury to entertain feelings I could never reciprocate.
“...Next time, we must meet again. I will come find you.”
“Sure. That sounds good.”
I treated it as a polite, empty promise—like saying "we should grab a meal sometime."
After all, a direct descendant of the Dang Clan—especially a woman who didn't walk the path of a martial artist—would have no justification to travel all the way to see me.
“Everything is ready!”
Hearing the shout, I turned back to Dang Ye-ran.
“Looks like they're ready.”
The carriage was fully prepared. It was finally time to leave.
At my words, Dang Ye-ran fidgeted with her fingers.
“...Have a safe journey.”
“Yes. I wish you well, Lady Dang.”
I meant it.
She was a rare, normal person among the prestigious clans.
I genuinely hoped she would be happy.
Without hesitation, I turned around and walked toward the carriage.
I ignored the gaze boring into my back.
By the time I reached the carriage, Do-hyeong had already arrived.
“Senior. You're here?”
“Yes.”
Do-hyeong nodded and handed me a letter.
“The Family Head asked me to deliver this to you. He also sent his apologies for not being able to bid you farewell in person due to urgent business.”
“Ah.”
He couldn't see us off.
Did something happen?
I had expected him to show his face at least once more, if only because of the Rain of Flowers Filling the Sky.
It seemed he was caught up in something incredibly pressing.
Well, whatever.
It didn't matter what it was.
I took the letter and climbed into the carriage.
Sensing Dang Ye-ran watching from outside, I deliberately sat in a seat far from the window.
...First, let's take a breather.
I closed my eyes in exhaustion.
My mind was too tired to think any further. I needed to rest, even if only for a moment.
With that thought, I focused on my breathing until the carriage began to move.
...That was really not easy.
It had been a grueling trip.
I would be able to rest a bit on the way back.
And...
...Will I finally be out of the spotlight now?
I was mentally exhausted from all the unwanted attention I had received in Sichuan, being called the "Young Sword Saint" and all.
Once I left this place, things would surely quiet down.
I could finally go back to living a peaceful life.
Or so I hoped.
But I did not know.
I did not know that the waves I had stirred were far more violent and shocking than I anticipated.
Nor did I know just how exponentially deep and wide a rumor, once leaked into the Central Plains, could spread.
At that moment...
...I had absolutely no idea.