Chapter 120
Chapter 120
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Reunion at Moon Harbor Tower
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Je-gal Seol-ha was practicing the ultimate arts of the Sacred Sound Jade Spirit Sect in a valley on Gokyeol Mountain.
But her sonic technique wouldn't flow as she intended, frustration boiled over, and she spat out some curses—only to get caught.
Even so, Je-gal Seol-ha beamed with innocent cheer.
At least, she appeared that way on the surface.
"Hehe, Master. Curses? Your disciple was merely curious about one way worldly folk vent their anger..."
"That won't fly. Trying to gloss over it again?"
"Ah."
"No 'ah' about it. One must always maintain propriety in speech and action, whether anyone's listening or not."
"Your disciple will engrave Master's teachings deep in her heart!"
"Seol-ha."
"Yes, Master! Your disciple is all ears!"
"......"
Despite her lively disciple's outburst, Lady Eumhu remained silent.
Over Seol-ha's smiling face, she could picture Yang-hui grinning just the same.
The way she tried to talk her way out of a scolding was exactly like her senior brother.
"Seol-ha... This lady sometimes misses the old you."
"I don't miss the old me one bit. Thinking back on that painful past still makes my heart ache."
"......"
Indeed, Je-gal Seol-ha had carried a traumatic past as a child.
But still.
"You're so sly and shameless. Such impudent, cunning answers."
"Ah, thank you for the compli—wait, not a compliment! But I'm still grateful, Master!"
Lady Eumhu's expression went blank for a moment upon hearing her disciple's words.
Where had that girl from a famed house gone—the one who knelt and begged to be taken as a disciple after seeing her father's grief?
Her disciple had grown swiftly, now a touch taller than her master.
Still so lovely and endearing.
Her fist clenched involuntarily.
'Little Brother! I'll make you pay for this someday!'
A child is like a blank white sheet of paper—depending on what you write, it becomes a masterpiece or mere scribbles.
That was why, when accepting Seol-ha as a disciple, she'd demanded she cut ties with the secular world.
'Little Brother ruined it all.'
Taking Je-gal Seol-ha as a disciple had been an excellent decision in hindsight.
Her adorable pupil had revered her master like the heavens, skimped on sleep to train relentlessly, and possessed talents that more than satisfied Lady Eumhu.
The problem was...
"Seol-ha. Where has your respect for your master gone?"
Je-gal Seol-ha looked genuinely shocked. She covered her mouth and pleaded earnestly.
"Master! Your disciple truly reveres you as highly as the heavens!"
"......"
At well over a hundred years old, with vast experience, Lady Eumhu could see through the heart of her clever but merely sixteen-year-old disciple.
Having lived alone her whole life, until now.
Seeing a disciple who truly viewed her master as family, with genuine respect and affection, always warmed her heart.
But that was that, and this was this.
The master-disciple relationship she'd vaguely dreamed of differed greatly from their current dynamic.
'Sigh. My... authority as a master...'
If they'd stayed secluded on Gokyeol Mountain as planned, doling out teachings just the two of them, things wouldn't have turned out like this.
The root of all problems traced back to her secular disciple, Yang-hui.
When she'd taken her in at eight, the girl was now sixteen.
They hadn't always been together, but Yang-hui had joined them for about three months every year.
Nearly eight years of that time spent mostly with him, excluding Lady Eumhu.
With his bold personality, he'd been more than enough to stain Seol-ha's blank canvas.
'At least she learned his sense of justice and heroic spirit...'
"By the way, Master. What is Senior Brother up to? It's almost time for him to visit the mountain!"
Look at her now—rolling her eyes and changing the subject. Really...
"Sigh. Seol-ha. Little Brother won't be coming to Gokyeol Mountain this year."
"What?! Why...?"
Suddenly, Lady Eumhu felt a pang of pity.
A girl who should be playing with friends her age had been cooped up in the mountains for eight years already.
Even if it was her own choice, it had to be lonely and boring.
'That's why she reacts so strongly.'
"Little Brother sent a letter. Take a look."
Je-gal Seol-ha snatched the proffered letter and scanned it eagerly.
Master, I hope this finds you well and thriving? Due to family matters, I won't be able to visit for lessons this year, so I send this letter instead. [...] [...] I believe it's about time for Seol-ha to walk the Path of Perfect Resonance. Thus, I have a request. There's a perfect opportunity—why not send her? Seol-ha's eyes widened as she looked up at Lady Eumhu.
Her sparkling gaze made her intentions plain without a word.
"M-Master. Can I go?"
The Sacred Sound Jade Spirit Sect had a time-honored tradition and essential training rite passed down through generations.
The Path of Perfect Resonance.
"Originally, exquisite sounds and melodies should delight all ears. The way our sect pursues is also the Way of the Common Folk, so descending to the world to refine it is necessary."
How could one pursue the true Way shut away in the mountains?
One must venture into the secular world. To attain the Way, one must walk it.
Thus, the sect had always sent its disciples down to hone their sounds amid the masses.
'I planned to send her around twenty, but...'
Seol-ha's achievements had advanced the timeline by years.
Her talent far exceeded Lady Eumhu's expectations.
Reaching first-rate at sixteen said it all.
"Seol-ha. Do you want to go?"
"Yes! I want to descend and diligently ascend to the Realm of Attained Sound!"
Another sigh escaped.
"Seol-ha."
"Yes, Master."
"This master is worried sick."
"Worries are like mist—they only cloud the eyes. Please trust your disciple!"
"......"
She had a way with words. Always.
How did such a sharp mind waste itself on glib talk?
"Seol-ha. You're still young and immature. And... considering other issues. How could I not worry?"
But weeds toughen in the storm.
Despite her words, Lady Eumhu had no intention of raising her disciple like a sheltered flower.
"Je-gal Seol-ha. Disciple of this lady."
Hearing her name called gravely, Seol-ha straightened her attire and composed herself.
"Your disciple awaits your words."
"I command you to descend the mountain. Walk the Path of Perfect Resonance and fill your sound."
"I shall fulfill your command and return with achievements that honor you and our sect's Way!"
Her solemnity lasted exactly that long.
After bowing deeply, Je-gal Seol-ha dashed back to her quarters to pack.
Watching her go, unease welled up again.
'If that frail child gets hurt... or swept into the world's filth...'
Her worries spiraled, leaving her fidgety.
'No, this won't do.'
Lady Eumhu had become a full-fledged doting master.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ With her travel pack slung over her back, Je-gal Seol-ha unleashed One Step to Heaven and soared down the mountain like a bird in flight.
According to Yang-hui's letter, their meeting spot was Hangzhou.
Specifically, Moon Harbor Tower, five days hence.
'Eek! Hangzhou! Senior Brother really knows his stuff.'
Hangzhou of "Heaven above, Hangzhou below" had long been a dream destination for Je-gal Seol-ha.
Now a proper disciple of Lady Eumhu, and with Hangzhou boasting the world's finest musicians, how could she resist?
"Let me see. Even leisurely, three days should do it?"
From Gokyeol Mountain in Jiangxi to Hangzhou in Zhejiang was a ten-day carriage ride.
Yet she spoke of three days.
One of the sect's twin ultimate arts was peerless lightness skill, after all.
Her heart pounding with excitement, she raced nonstop through day and night, reaching Shangshan on the Jiangxi-Zhejiang border.
'Markets! People! It's been forever!'
The familiar sights thrilled her. Ears and nose reveled in the decade-missed clamor and scents of the living world.
'I'll stay at an inn nearby tonight.'
Before stepping onto the main road, she pulled a silk veil from her pack to cover her face.
Flowers draw bees and butterflies with beauty and scent, whether wanted or not.
She had no desire to attract stares.
"Waiter!"
"H-Huh...!"
The waiter, mid-hawking customers, froze like stone upon turning.
Ignoring him, Je-gal Seol-ha stated her business.
"An inn with amazing food and clean beds. Know one?"
"Y-Yes, yes!"
She followed the stuttering waiter—arms and legs swinging awkwardly like a puppet—into Shangshan Inn.
"Welcome, huuuh!"
The innkeeper gawked, rigid and bug-eyed. She spoke casually.
"One room, and prepare a meal. Something I can eat right away would be great."
"Y-Yes, got it...!"
She sat, setting her pack aside.
About half a shichen later, the innkeeper brought lavish dishes that looked heavy even in two hands.
"This seems excessive. How much for it all?"
"No charge! Just enjoy it!"
"Really? Thanks."
She smirked faintly and dug in.
To eat, she had to lift her veil occasionally—each time drawing gasps from around her.
"Gasp!"
"How can a person...!"
"Friend, have I died and ascended?"
"You're still in the mortal realm."
Ignoring the reactions, Je-gal Seol-ha focused on her meal.
After years of simple mountain fare, every dish was a delicacy of the world.
"Ah, so full. Innkeeper, don't toss the leftovers—give them to beggars nearby."
As she rose after her request...
"Miss, mind if we finish it?"
"Leftovers from a peerless beauty—truly immortal fare."
"Haha, better if the miss joins us longer!"
Je-gal Seol-ha eyed the three burly men approaching.
Shabby clothes, cocky attitudes—clearly lowlifes who'd dabbled in martial arts.
"How about it? It'll be fun for you too, I'm sure."
"Kehkeh, right! With heroes like us, any woman would enjoy herself!"
"That veil looks bothersome—allow me!"
As one hand reached out, she curled her lip mischievously.
Snap! Bones cracked through the inn.
"Aaaagh! My arm! My arm!!"
"Daring to ambush us?"
"You bitch! Are you insane?"
"You started it. Shut up and come at me."
She leaped, kicking one flying, all while beaming brightly.
"I'll shut your mouths for good, you filthy bastards!"
Ah, so refreshing.
Cursing freely felt amazing!
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After that brief encounter at Dongpa Inn.
Yang-hui awaited his next meeting with So Wol-hyang.
Tracking her was simple.
Thanks to past-life memories, he knew her workplace and the next few years' events inside out.
'Around now... her debt at Moon Harbor Tower should be about three hundred gold taels.'
Courtesans were often bound to brothels.
Many were daughters of impoverished scholars turned to the trade.
Or raised in them from the start.
So Wol-hyang was no different, owing a fortune to Moon Harbor Tower's madam.
A reason unknown to all: she was the precious daughter of the So Clan.
'Though as a courtesan, she's one of Hangzhou's Three Beauties and a pure artist of the top rank.'
Courtesans carried stigma, but...
A pure courtesan who sold arts, not her body—especially top-class—was the idolized flower of countless scholars.
Thus, So So-so of the Tang-Song transition era was hailed as the finest courtesan ever.
The issue was the madam of Moon Harbor Tower.
'That damn scum. Heartless despite the elegant name.'
Moon Harbor Tower drew its name from the Moon Palace jar, one of Hangzhou's West Lake's grandest, flashiest brothels.
Its madam ranked among the worst scum Yang-hui knew.
'Makes things easier, though. It's been three days already. Hope the chance comes soon.'
Speak of the tiger, and he appears.
As Yang-hui watched the entrance, a rowdy group entered.
"Come on, drink up! All night long!"
"Of course! With famed Wol-hyang all night!"
"Sorry, lads. Today, I claim the flower!"
"Big talk from a guy who's failed ten times!"
They bantered loudly as they entered.
Silken finery bespoke wealth or power.
Their guards numbered over ten combined.
'Perfect timing to head in and wait.'
He waited another shichen past dusk before approaching.
That delay would make his entrance impeccable.
'Sigh. Sneaky, but necessary against that miss.'
Striding confidently, he beckoned the Moon Harbor Tower waiter.
"Waiter, welcoming guests?"
"Welcome, young master!"
The sharp-eyed waiter scanned his attire.
Yang-hui ostentatiously flicked his lavish silk sleeve; the waiter bowed obsequiously, rubbing hands.
"Welcome to Moon Harbor Tower! But your companion...?"
Adu, standing behind, blinked with cow-like innocence at the waiter's gaze.
"Ignore the monk."
Adu was abruptly a monk as they climbed the stairs, ears pricked.
Nearby: boisterous laughter and a familiar voice.
An empty room adjoined perfectly.
"This one. Finest dishes, finest wine. No meat—there's a monk."
"Right away!"
As he savored the delivered fare, voices drifted from next door.
"Hahaha, Wol-hyang miss. For tonight, I paid over two gold taels! Two hundred silver in tips!"
"How'd you snag the reservation? Massive bribe."
"Even Hangzhou's Three Beauties can't command two hundred silver for one night!"
Two hundred silver: half a year's labor for a grown man.
So Wol-hyang's fame would peak in five years.
But even now, she was every man's dream.
"My feelings run this deep. Pour me a cup?"
"This girl offers joy only through music and dance—no pouring wine."
"Tch. Two hundred silver, and so cold?"
"Not even two thousand would bend my principles."
Brief silence. Then a raised voice.
"I've admired you for ages—must you refuse? I cherished you like a rare flower."
"Grateful for your admiration, but a flower cannot move to pour wine."
Yang-hui couldn't help admiring.
Right. Flowers don't pour wine.
Her sharp tongue was impeccable, past or present.
But...
The rejected man thought differently.
"......Pour it."
"Young master. As I said..."
"Enough. You're really angering me. Pour!"
'Perfect.'
Bam!
He kicked open the door.
All eyes turned amid the chaos.
"Couldn't ignore a grown man bullying a woman."
Stating his intent plainly, he scanned the seated men.
'No wonder tempers flared fast. All thoroughly drunk.'
One staggered up, veins bulging at Yang-hui.
"Bullying?! Who are you to barge in so rudely?!"
"You don't need to know."
"Insolent! Get out, or taste our wrath!"
He shrugged.
"Can't. I know someone here."
So Wol-hyang gazed quietly.
Calm as a serene lake amid peril— just like her.
"Buddhism speaks of fateful ties. Seems you and I share one."
"How did you come here? Did you investigate me?"
"Investigate? What man pries into a woman's past? Pure chance. Or deeper ties."
Their bond from his past life was no thin thread.
"Gentlemen. The Drunken Immortal said the Way of Wine is not yielding to inebriation. How about calling it a night?"
His crafted words fell flat.
"Guards! Someone! Toss this fool out!"
Footsteps thundered in.
Their guards from nearby rooms, plus Tower security—over ten by the sound.
"You asked for it—take your beating and scram! Know your place next time!"
Warriors filled the room, making it feel cramped.
"Apologies, young masters. We'll handle it."
"What kind of brothel is this?! We paid for this?!"
"Deepest regrets. We'll eject him now."
Treated as a guest yet to be ousted—their families must hold sway.
Second-raters no matter the number.
As Yang-hui rolled his shoulders to fight...
"Chunxiao yige qianjin, qiu yuan luoye chen chen."
A sudden beautiful verse.
No mere tune.
A melody that stirred souls, enchanting all who heard.
"Spring night's fleeting moment values a thousand gold; deep night, spring breeze gently swings the swing."
Her voice rolled like jade beads: Su Dongpo's Spring Night.
All froze mid-motion.
A figure appeared at the door.
That instant...
"......!"
"......!"
Man or woman, all lost words.
Mouths agape, eyes wide—they could only gape.
Fish forgets to swim, drunk on Xi Shi's beauty.
Moon hides shyly behind clouds from Mao Qiang's allure.
"What, you've been here?"
A slender jade hand extended.
Flower-face moon-pose, vermilion lips pearly teeth curved in a smile.
Beauty transcending the mortal world.
Thus called...
Peerless Beauty.
Je-gal Seol-ha smiled brightly at Yang-hui.
"Senior Brother, hello?"