Master's Request (1)
I was taken aback by the Black Crimson Flute Immortal's words.
He must suspect something about my relationship with my master.
Someone of his caliber would notice, after all.
My constitution, my martial arts—everything about me.
My master had told me not to mention that I was his disciple if at all possible, so I'd kept quiet on purpose. But there was no hiding it here.
"I... "
But before I could finish, another voice cut in.
"He's my disciple, Father-in-law."
I looked up to see my master standing there, having returned at some point.
When did he get back from the trading trip?
A quick glance around revealed a laundry basket piled high with clothes.
He'd just arrived.
My master offered the Black Crimson Flute Immortal a respectful cupped-fist salute.
"It's been far too long, Father-in-law."
"Indeed it has. And this young man is your disciple?"
"Yes."
The Black Crimson Flute Immortal eyed me for a moment, nodded, then asked again.
"I see. Then what connection does your disciple have to the Snow Wind Palace?"
"None at all. We simply crossed paths by fate, and I took him as my disciple."
"Is that so?"
At that moment, the door opened, and my master's wife emerged from inside to greet him.
"Father, you're here."
"Yes."
"......"
"......"
Their silent staring might have seemed stifling to anyone else, but not to me.
I knew what the Black Crimson Flute Immortal was capable of.
I recalled the previous life, when he'd visited to cure my illness.
When he'd asked if I treated the Bamboo Grove Beauty well because she was his daughter, I'd replied that I simply cherished people and valued talent.
His response then had been, "That's sincere. So that's why she made the request."
Taking those words as a clue, it meant the Bamboo Grove Beauty had seen through my true intentions with her words and actions.
They were both showing the same reaction, which implied they shared the same ability.
Both the Black Crimson Flute Immortal and my master's wife would often gaze intently at someone during conversation.
I watched their faces.
The subtle shifts in expression told me they weren't speaking, but they were reading and sensing each other's hearts.
My master stood there with a calm expression, so he must already know.
But... he looked a bit uncomfortable.
Well, who could be at ease in front of their father-in-law?
Even Brother Jeong Ho had been on pins and needles around Lord Jin.
Then the Black Crimson Flute Immortal turned to my master.
"Tsk tsk, you're injured."
What? My master was hurt? I hadn't noticed at all.
So that's why he'd seemed uncomfortable—not because of his father-in-law, but the injury.
I quickly asked my master.
"Are you wounded, Master?"
"Just a minor injury from the trading trip. Nothing to worry about."
He spoke calmly, but if it drew a tsk from the Black Crimson Flute Immortal, it wasn't minor.
What on earth had happened to injure a master like him?
I'd have to look into it.
The Black Crimson Flute Immortal spoke gruffly.
"Come inside. I need to take a look."
"Thank you."
Still, knowing the Black Crimson Flute Immortal would treat him eased my mind.
My role in escorting him here was done, and I could deliver the reward later, so I decided to take my leave.
"Then I'll be going."
"Good work."
"Take care."
"See you tomorrow."
"Yes, Master. Please take care of yourself."
With that, I left them behind and returned to the Eunhae Merchant Group.
That evening, hearing that the Black Crimson Flute Immortal had returned, I headed to the annex where he was staying.
Then I heard flute music drifting into my ears.
The beautiful, resonant tones spreading through the air were unmistakably his handiwork.
I recognized it because, in my previous life, I'd once heard the flute he played.
That's what earned him the title Black Crimson Flute Immortal.
Unlike his usual blunt demeanor, the flute's melody was refined, poignant, and deeply melancholic.
Today, it sounded especially sorrowful.
As I reached the annex entrance, the flute fell silent. The Black Crimson Flute Immortal, seated at a stone table in front, looked at me.
"You've come."
"Yes."
I approached, offered a cupped-fist salute, and said,
"In gratitude for treating my older brother's children, I've brought a modest reward."
I pulled a bill of exchange from my bosom and offered it.
He took it, glanced at it, and tucked it away without a word.
"Then I'll take my leave."
I bowed and turned, but had to turn back almost immediately.
"Thank you."
"Pardon?"
"My daughter, the children, my son-in-law—we've finally settled down, thanks to you."
His expression turned bittersweet as he continued.
"Honestly, even with our circumstances, it pained me to see them wandering."
"I haven't done much, but I'm glad I could help."
"I figured you'd say that. I'm planning to leave early tomorrow morning."
"Why not stay longer? Master's injury..."
"A bit of salve will fix it."
"...Ah, yes."
He replied curtly to my words.
"I gave him the medicine, so he'll handle the treatment. And it's time for me to go."
"That's a shame."
"Partings are always regrettable."
"Thank you for not refusing my request back then."
"Somehow, I didn't want to."
After a brief silence, the Black Crimson Flute Immortal bid farewell.
"Well, off you go."
"Yes. Farewell in advance. Safe travels."
I left the Black Crimson Flute Immortal's annex.
He was the one who'd saved my life in my previous existence. With that in mind, I'd added a personal sum to the reward my father had given.
I chuckled to myself.
He'd acted nonchalant, but I'd seen his hands trembling.
What an stubbornly honest man.
...
...
The next dawn.
Waking from bed, I learned from Palgap that the Black Crimson Flute Immortal had departed.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, truly a man like the wind, sir."
I nodded at Palgap's words.
He came and went like the wind, after all.
But I had a feeling we'd meet again someday.
Not just because his daughter and son-in-law lived nearby, but for some other reason—a premonition.
...
...
Right after finishing my morning meditation, my master entered my annex.
He always timed it perfectly.
"Good morning."
"Yes, Master. Good morning. How's your injury?"
"It's fine. Shall we begin training?"
And so, I was put through the wringer under my master's guidance once more.
What's amazing is that he always stops right when I think I truly can't go on.
But lately, that limit came later and later, which was a bit disappointing.
As I gasped for breath, my master looked at me and said,
"Starting tomorrow, you'll learn a true area-of-effect technique."
"Pardon?"
Could it be... that one?
"The tenth form of the True Snow Twelve Forms Swordsmanship: Snow Avalanche. It expresses an avalanche through swordplay, perfect for facing multiple foes."
Anticipation welled up in me.
In my previous life, my skills had stalled at first-rate, so I'd never known its true power.
Master had said you needed at least peak realm to grasp it.
His words continued, snapping me from my thoughts.
"And I'd like to have a talk."
My master's serious expression told me this wasn't casual conversation.
"Understood. I'll wash up and come."
"Go ahead."
With Palgap's help, I quickly cleaned up and headed to the reception room in my annex, where my master waited.
He sipped tea, gazing at the view from the room.
I sat before him, and Palgap poured tea.
Considering it was before breakfast, it was a grain tea.
Palgap, as always.
After a sip, my master spoke.
"I asked to speak with you because I have a favor to ask."
My master asking me for a favor?
Surprised yet curious, I wondered what could make him so grave.
"I'm listening."
"You must know I'm from the Snow Wind Palace."
"Yes, you told me before."
"Father-in-law mentioned seeing traces that might belong to the Snow Wind Palace. I want to verify them, but as you know, my injury makes the journey impossible."
My master cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem, and my wife won't let me go."
"......"
"We need to go before winter sets in, so we must depart before the sixth month ends. That's why I'm asking you: please go there and confirm if it's truly remnants of the Snow Wind Palace."
"I..."
"I know it's not easy. You're busy, and it's far away."
"It's not that. Even if I go, how would I recognize Snow Wind Palace traces?"
"Don't worry. If it's genuine, as Father-in-law described, it will react to Snow Wind Palace martial arts."
...
...
After hearing my master's request, I asked for time to think.
If it were close, I'd have agreed readily, but the place was the North Sea.
The North Sea was far and treacherous.
Refusing wasn't easy either.
The bill of exchange in my hand.
The fee my master had given as commission.
It showed his desperation.
To ask—no, commission me like this.
If not for the injury, he'd have gone himself.
After agonizing, I called Palgap.
"Palgap."
"Yes, young master."
"Pack our things in advance."
"Pardon? Where are we going, sir?"
"The North Sea."
"......"
...
...
That afternoon.
I headed to Father's office for permission to leave on external business.
"Come in."
As I entered, Father looked up.
"What is it? We covered important matters at the Silver Moon Pavilion meeting earlier."
Straight to the point, I said,
"Father, I'm going to the North Sea."
"The North Sea? Hm, did a seafood spot called North Sea open up recently?"
"I wouldn't need to tell you if it were."
"That frozen hell of blizzards?"
"Yes."
"The one with the Ice Palace?"
"Yes."
Father asked repeatedly in bewilderment, then regained composure.
"Why?"
"A personal commission."
After a moment's thought, Father sighed deeply.
"Fine. If it's you, there's a reason. Be careful."
"Thank you."
"When do you plan to leave?"
"As soon as possible."
Heading back to my annex after Father's approval, I pondered what to watch out for around this time.
Nothing, probably?
...
...
That afternoon.
I informed Palgap and my four escorts that the trip to the North Sea was set.
They simply nodded without reaction.
"By the way, has anyone here been to the North Sea?"
Jin Yu Warrior spoke up.
"I know it somewhat."
Come to think of it, Master had called Jin Yu Warrior "an old connection from long ago."
Probably from the same sect.
That explained his knowledge.
"But not recent information."
Naturally, I just nodded.
That evening,
I headed to the sundry shop elder's place.
I needed to say goodbye before the North Sea and ask His Majesty to forgive any delays in my duties.
We'd pass through Beijing en route, but meeting the Emperor would cause delays.
As we walked, Palgap asked,
"Are you worried, sir?"
"We've decided to go, but there's a problem."
"What's that, sir? You look quite serious."
"While I'm away at the North Sea, I won't see Geonhyeok or Boyeon. What if the kids forget my face?"
"Pardon?"
Palgap looked flustered but quickly composed himself.
"No need to worry. Even after three years, they'll treat you like they saw you three days ago."
"You think?"
"Yes. This filthy world favors pretty faces— that's certain."
Huh? Something odd slipped in there?