“That’s nice. This time, Cheonhwa Palace plans to go all out against Hongseong. I hope you can assist us in having a fair duel.”
It seemed she had no more words to say. She stood up and looked straight at me.
“If we stay here this time, we could boost the reputation of this inn among the orthodox martial arts world.”
This time, the annex we’re making is done with serious intent. It’s set to be a two-story stand-alone building with a garden included.
With the Murim Alliance branch being established there and engineers cooperating through it, it will be luxurious too.
Even Cheonhwa Palace shouldn’t show too much dissatisfaction.
I spoke calmly, and she seemed satisfied as she nodded.
Then, after putting on her mask, she bowed to the Sword Saint.
“Then, I’ll see you next time.”
Cheonhwa Palace had left, and after finishing my meal, the Sword Saint and Hongseong’s disciples all returned to Hongseong. While they were away, I entered my office to handle some work and fiddled with what Sayoon had given me.
Just as I received the award for commercial prosperity, I was about to host a distinguished guest.
I glanced out the window to observe the construction site of the new annex while looking at the plans for it.
The new annex being built on a pretty spacious vacant lot was quite large, with a garden and training ground set up as well.
The lodging costs would certainly be much higher than standard guest rooms, but for Cheonhwa Palace, they could definitely afford it.
Plus, it’s two buildings being constructed this time. If all goes well, both could welcome Cheonhwa Palace folks as their first guests.
“What a generous gift.”
I thought about Sayoon’s smile from earlier and placed the Award for Commercial Prosperity on the table.
I know almost everything basic about Cheonhwa Palace and Joo Yeryeong.
Anyway, she was someone who also appeared in Heavenly Bright Moon and had a special position in our scenario, even if she wasn’t particularly major; she was still quite popular.
Cheonhwa Palace values negotiations a lot, so even though this is a revenge match, there shouldn’t be any sneak attacks.
I recalled the setting of Cheonhwa Palace from Heavenly Bright Moon.
In the past, one of Cheonhwa Palace’s disciples had fallen into the dark sect, and finding and dealing with that disciple was one of Cheonhwa Palace’s events.
Of course, since it relates to the dark sect, it wasn’t an easy event… but the rewards were pretty tempting, and gaining prestige was also easy, so it’s possible that Sayoon could trigger that event through this duel conference.
I know how to break the news, so I could simply convey it through a letter.
KNOCK KNOCK.
At that moment, I heard a knocking sound on the door.
“Come in.”
“Is it okay for a moment?”
Entering through the door was Chaejin. She seemed to hesitate, like she had something she wanted to say. When I looked at her, she scratched her cheek and spoke.
“Um… about that annex. With two being built, I was wondering if I could use one of them when it’s completed…”
“Don’t you like where you are now?”
“It’s not that… It’s just that at Cheonhwa Palace earlier…”
“Oh.”
“Ah.”
Is it because of the story that it would be better if the members of the prestigious sect stayed at the inn for a long time and improved its reputation?
I shook my head, smiling at Chaejin.
“The annex is pricey. Of course, Moonjeong is a wealthy place, but there’s no need to go that far.”
“But we aren’t even paying for the lodging right now…”
“If I’m helping all the time, it wouldn’t be polite to charge for lodging as well.”
Thinking back to when Chaejin revealed the fight among the martial artists a while ago, making them sweat and leave with friendly smiles, I felt even more so.
“So you don’t need to worry about that.”
“Is that so?”
As Chaejin sat down, she let out a big sigh. I handed her tea with a smile.
“I’m always grateful and trust you, so please don’t worry unnecessarily. Besides, do you think the martial arts book that Sayoon and Chaeran brought will be helpful?”
“Yeah. I’ve skimmed through it, and it seems quite helpful.”
“That’s good. And it seems our Doje will be coming soon, so how about learning a bit then?”
With the weather improving and Chaeran back from Amifa, she should be returning to Moonjeong soon.
That way, I could leave Moonjeong in her hands, and Doje could come leisurely.
“I think not returning to Moonjeong too often might be a bit of a problem.”
“Hehe. Don’t worry about that. I’m fine.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes! I usually don’t go that often, anyway!”
Is that really okay?
*
The disciples who had traveled far had returned. As expected, Na Yerin was happy, but thinking about today’s events, she couldn’t be overly joyful.
A duel with Cheonhwagung. She had intended to gradually engage in exchanges with other sects, but she didn’t expect them to come asking for a duel so soon.
Could today’s events have reminded her of past duels with Cheonhwagung?
Feeling uneasy, she looked at her wrist.
On it was the rosary that Sayoon had given her.
Of course, it was a rosary, but unlike the ones often used by disciples of Buddhism, it seemed designed for those who do not follow the Buddhist law, without feeling out of place.
Perhaps that’s why the jade-green rosary suited her delicate wrist, almost like a bracelet.
“Hehe.”
It must have been hard training at Amifa, yet they even brought her gifts.
Furthermore, Hyunhwi and Yoohee also brought her elixirs from Amifa as gifts.
For Na Yerin, who wished for her disciples’ growth, the actions of the three disciples were truly heartwarming.
Sitting alone in the garden, Na Yerin slowly wiped the smile from her face.
That was that, but reflecting on today’s events…
In the past, Hongseong had been like this too. Many sects had sought exchanges and wanted duels.
After all, Hongseong had never turned down a duel request.
Strong ones don’t run away.
Even after becoming the sect leader, she had wanted to be willing to accept any duel requests that came her way, but knowing the circumstances of the sect, the prestigious sect had avoided asking for duels recklessly.
“I always wanted to accept a duel request if it ever came, but considering the circumstances of the sect, the regular disciples didn’t dare to make an impulsive challenge.
But hey, a duel conference request just came in.
That means Hongseong Clan has really started to normalize, huh?
And, regarding how it happened…
She barely managed to hold onto the corners of her lips that were lifting unconsciously. She fully understood whose efforts were instrumental in bringing Hongseong to this point.
“Master.”
“Uh, huh?!”
The Sword Saint, who was happily chuckling while picturing his face, was suddenly startled.
It was Hongryeon. Her first disciple, the one magnificently leading Hongseong.
When she called, the Sword Saint cleared his throat lightly and started controlling his expression.
“Is there something good happening?”
“…I, uh, just feel good. So, what’s going on?”
“You’re going to the inn for dinner tonight, right?”
“Of course. I got an invitation, after all.”
Right. They had seen each other earlier in the day, but this time she was directly invited.
So there was no reason not to go.
Of course, there were plenty of disciples around, and since it was in thanks for the gifts from Hyunhwi, Yoohee, and Sayoon, there wouldn’t be much opportunity for long conversations with him, but still, a brief chat should be possible.
“And it’s about the duel conference…”
At Hongryeon’s serious tone, she nodded after a moment of thought. Of course, that part couldn’t be overlooked.
“The duel conference, the Princess probably won’t be stepping in, right?”
“I doubt it.”
Such events usually meant disciples stepping up, so for the Sword Saint, that was no problem at all.
She was hoping more for Hongryeon’s fame to rise rather than her own, and she didn’t think for a second that Hongryeon would lose.
“Are you nervous, by any chance?”
“Not at all.”
Hongryeon shook her head. Her goal wasn’t just to see how far she could go; it was a mere stepping stone to reach the level of Cheonhwa Palace.
Internal energy.
For martial artists, it’s a realm you want to at least touch once.
Through that, she wanted to stand even more confidently.
Thus, the duel with Cheonhwa Palace was just a stepping stone.
The Sword Saint was satisfied with her answer, which could be seen as somewhat arrogant.
Yeah. That’s my disciple.
“By the way, I’m not very familiar with Cheonhwa Divine Art. Master, do you know anything about it?”
The Sword Saint thought for a moment and nodded.
It was from the past, but she had experienced the Cheonhwa Divine Art and had won against them.
Of course, things would be different now. They would have remembered that loss and worked hard to enhance their Cheonhwa Divine Art.
“But you should know at least the basics. Let’s train starting tomorrow to prepare.”
“Yes!”
The disciples of Hongseong Clan arrived at Seomhwa Village just past the peak busy hours of the inn’s dinner service.
Although he offered to treat them, Hongryeon, who had no intention of eating for free, fiddled with the ticket she had brought and smiled sweetly.
“Hmm?”
It was when I came down to Seomhwa Village and arrived near the inn that I found the usually quiet inn bustling with noise.
“Go ahead first.”
“Sure.”
Hongryeon nodded and dashed ahead, while Chaejin was quickly wielding her weapon in front of the inn.
She was facing three martial artists.
Were they bounty hunters? Or just martial artists who enjoyed fighting?
The important thing was that they were filled with murderous intent.
“Gah!!”
As Chaejin swung her weapon to defend against their attacks, one of them was sliced in the chest. Simultaneously, another woman staggered back, spitting blood, while the last one gritted his teeth in anger.
“You filthy bitch!”
“Who are you calling a filthy bitch?”
Snorting, Chaejin sliced through the air. At that moment, the moon shattered, and blood was spilled.
Having neatly taken care of the three martial artists, Chaejin was putting her weapon away when she noticed Hongryeon.
“Oh. You’re here?”
“…What was that just now?”
“What do you think?”
Shrugging, Chaejin said nonchalantly.
“They were trying to fight inside without a care. The innkeeper warned them, and I just dealt with them since they ignored my multiple warnings.”
At her calmly spoken words, Hongryeon frowned slightly.
I heard there have been more martial artists coming to Seomhwa Village lately.
Entering the inn with a face full of reluctance, she saw Jeomsoi cleaning up the mess left behind.
Sighing at the sight, Hongryeon, unaware of her feelings, was greeted with a bright smile from Yu Wol.
“Welcome! But where are the others?”
“Oh, they’re on their way.”
Soon after, the Sword Saint and the disciples of Hongseong entered. They looked shocked at the state of the inn.
“This is a bit much…”
Sa-yoon’s voice trembled. She’d heard stories of martial artists fighting in inns, but seeing it like this was heartbreaking.
Just earlier today, everything was neat…
“I’ll help clean up!”
“No need for that. The damage isn’t that severe.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s fine.”
The Sword Saint spoke with concern, but Yu Wol dismissed it casually. They could pay for the damages with the belongings of the dead.
And along with that, the fact that Chaejin warned them multiple times means they were prepared for the consequences.
According to him, soldiers from the government came to collect the repairs Yu Wol demanded from the money they had.
Yu Wol smiled at Hongryeon, who was watching the scene with serious eyes.
“Let’s head inside. The meal is ready.”
Seeing him seemingly unbothered despite the chaos, Hongryeon thought to herself.
I feel like I need to take some action here.
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