Chapter: 107
As the visitors climbed from Huayin City up to Mount Hua to view the tournament, they naturally looked forward to the second day more than the first.
This was also true for the third-generation disciples, but when it came down to it, the main forces belonged to the second-generation disciples.
Those with talent would have already made their plum blossoms bloom.
And even if they hadn’t, it was about that time for the plum blossoms to start blooming.
It was already visible from afar. The pure sword paths and the competing energy blossoming like petals.
Unlike during the third-generation disciples’ time, just looking at the distance between the dueling stage and the audience told me plenty.
「Not bad.」
I could clearly sense Elder Shin’s pride from his voice.
In the midst of it all, I had to look around for my companions.
As expected, it wasn’t too difficult to find them. The atmosphere was drawing people in, so I just needed to head towards any area where a crowd was gathering.
As I shifted toward the anticipated spot, I quickly spotted Namgung Bi-ah peeking around through her veil.
Did she notice me?
Wi Seol-Ah had already spotted me and was waving her hand enthusiastically.
I made my way through the crowd to them.
“Young Master!”
“You came to watch today, too?”
I patted Wi Seol-Ah’s head, and she welcomed the gesture with the enthusiasm of a puppy.
— Pat.
I felt something against my stomach and looked down to see Namgung Bi-ah leaning against it.
— Huff… Huff…
I could hear her breathing. Given how loud it was, it seemed she was breathing heavily; I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.
“Are you feeling okay?”
She shook her head at my question. She looked somewhat exhausted, so I gently patted her head.
Her breathing began to normalize little by little.
“If you’re unwell, why are you out here? You should be resting.”
Is she really that tired? Worried that she might have a fever, I moved my hand to check her forehead.
Her reaction was a bit abrupt; Namgung Bi-ah flinched at the sudden touch.
Her forehead became gradually warmer.
Does she actually have a fever? Why does she keep fidgeting like that?
「…You little rascal, doing something more devilish than I expected.」
What on earth are you talking about?
「She’s acting like this because you’re getting all hands-on with her.」
What kind of nonsense is that? I was caught off guard by his ridiculous words, yet the curiosity got the better of me so I pulled my hand away.
Phew…
As soon as I withdrew my hand, Namgung Bi-ah began to breathe heavily again. It felt a bit different from before.
…Is it really because of that?
The thought of how Namgung Bi-ah’s cold forehead turned warm as soon as I touched it made me feel unusually fuzzy inside.
Feeling somewhat bashful, I wiped my hand on my clothes.
“Hmm…”
Namgung Bi-ah was giving me a peculiar look.
Then, without warning, she leaned in and started sniffing my stomach.
“Are you out of your mind? With so many people around, what are you doing?!”
I jumped back in surprise at her sudden action. What is she doing all of a sudden?!
“Something… changed?”
Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze sharpened. I needed to hide my shock while she examined my body.
…She’s more sensitive to these things than I thought.
I could understand the Sword Master and the Sword Emperor being perceptive, but how on earth could she distinguish the difference like this?
Is she that much of a genius…?
Perhaps it’s because she was destined to take on the title of Sword Master herself someday, but I felt a shiver run down my spine.
「…But really, she does resemble a dog.」
Elder Shin! How can you call someone a dog?
While I protested internally, I couldn’t help but think her sniffing reminded me more of a cat or a puppy.
At that moment, I felt a tug on the bottom of my clothing, and when I looked, it was Gu Ryunghwa.
“Brother… let’s sit for a moment.”
Gu Ryunghwa was scanning the area nervously. Looking around, I noticed that many eyes were upon us.
Especially the men.
I let out a faux cough and sat down beside Gu Ryunghwa. Thankfully, there was an empty seat.
As I looked at my young companion, I couldn’t help but feel something was off. She wasn’t trembling as she cupped the fabric of my clothing.
I was surprised, yet I hid it well. I leaned closer to Gu Ryunghwa and asked, “I heard you were looking for me earlier.”
“Oh, I went to see if you wanted to go watch the tournament, but they said you had gone out to train.”
Me?
Gu Ryunghwa wanted to look for me?
I couldn’t help but widen my eyes at this surprising revelation. Gu Ryunghwa frowned at my reaction.
“Why are you making such an ugly face?”
“…What do you mean, ugly?”
“Sorry, but ugly is ugly.”
“….”
Seeing my speechless expression, she giggled. It was strange seeing her joke around.
She might not have conquered everything, but it seems she’s come a long way, though I feel a bit bad since I didn’t really help her.
“But how did you know? That I was looking for you?”
“I spoke with your master.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Why? It’s just that I had something to ask her.”
When I saw her, the Sword Master looked much healthier. That also reminded me how ominous the demonic Qi could be, affecting even the Sword Master.
“She talks about you a lot, you know.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Yeah. She says a lot of good things about you.”
Good things? I don’t recall doing anything worthy of praise.
Still, if she thinks highly of me, maybe that’s not so bad.
“So, I rebutted that all of her opinions were just nonsense.”
“…?”
“She absurdly said I resembled Mom…”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her ongoing jest. I also thought it was quite nonsensical to say I resembled my mother.
After some casual talks, I decided to bring up the topic of leaving to Gu Ryunghwa.
“I’m planning to leave for the clan tomorrow.”
“Huh…? Tomorrow?”
“I’ll be heading out right after the tournament. I’ve already informed your master.”
I still needed to visit the Immortal Healer to notify him. Gu Ryunghwa simply nodded upon hearing I would leave the next day.
It seemed she looked a bit sad, probably because going back to the clan meant she wouldn’t be returning to Mount Hua for several months.
‘But at least she’ll be more at ease since the Sword Master is accompanying her.’
Her reluctance to return to the clan was primarily because of her master, yet it appeared she was growing a bit more comfortable now.
Having wrapped up our chat, I shifted my gaze toward the stage.
Namgung Bi-ah, who had been sleeping beside me yesterday, was now fully focused on the matches.
‘I wonder how Yung Pung is doing…’
Although Yung Pung was a remarkable prodigy, the second-generation disciples were currently fighting, so it seemed quite challenging for him.
I couldn’t help but inquire with Gu Ryunghwa if he had already fought.
“Yung Pung lost in his first duel. He faced a big senior, you know.”
Yung Pung had to fight none other than Shinhyun as his first opponent. If it were anyone else, he might have had a chance.
‘But since it’s Yung Pung, he won’t be too moped about it.’
He might feel a tinge of disappointment, but he would bounce back swiftly.
The tournament wrapped up much earlier than it had when the third-generation disciples were competing.
Judging by how discreetly the elders had begun conversing amongst themselves during the event, it seemed they had finally received news from the Murim Alliance.
By the time the sun began to set, it indicated that a considerable amount of time had passed since I left.
As expected, it looked like the Murim Alliance had gotten involved in events — was it a spy operation? Or had they simply rotted from within?
Regardless of which it was, it didn’t particularly surprise me.
I had planned to sneak away in the middle of the tournament, yet once again, I ended up watching the entire thing.
It is correct that it’s enjoyable watching powerful swordsmen engage in battles, but I was also fascinated by the bright eyes of the three girls watching the bouts.
Thus, far more time slipped by as I watched their reactions rather than the matches.
「So, you’re saying that you wasted all your time ogling women.」
‘…How did you even conclude that?’
Although I countered Elder Shin’s remark, I couldn’t deny that there was a hint of validity to it.
By the time we returned to the lodge, I turned my attention to Gu Ryunghwa.
“Come share a meal with us.”
The young girl wore a surprised expression at my invitation. She looked incredulous, as if she never imagined I would make such a suggestion.
“It’s late.”
She likely planned to head back up the mountain to see the Sword Master again. I didn’t even need to ask to know that.
Gu Ryunghwa hesitated for quite a while upon hearing my offer. Namgung Bi-ah, who stood beside her, quietly stroked her back.
After pondering for a moment, the young girl shook her head slightly.
“Next time… because I already promised my master I would eat with her today.”
I nodded. “It seems it’s a bit too much for now.”
I figured that even during her playful taunting from earlier, she was slightly stepping outside her comfort zone.
“Next time… I’ll definitely eat together with you next time.”
Gu Ryunghwa was smiling while giving that promise.
I didn’t say anything in return; this was sufficient for me.
“Okay.”
Once I wrapped up my farewell with Gu Ryunghwa, I made my way back to the lodge.
A pleasant aroma lingered in the air, hinting at something delicious being cooked.
It seem the maidservants were utilizing the mushrooms I had provided to make something.
‘Maybe I should’ve insisted she eat with us after all…’
Suddenly, I began to think this way. Having entered the lodge first, I saw Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah coming in, whispering to each other.
‘They must be chatting about what they saw at the tournament earlier.’
“Yeah, so as I said…!”
Wi Seol-Ah abruptly paused in her speech. It seemed she’d caught sight of something that startled her.
‘What on earth are they looking at?’
Following Wi Seol-Ah’s gaze, I saw Hongwa standing there with a fierce expression.
「She looks pretty furious.」
‘Y-yeah…’
Her face resembled that of a tiger, ready to pounce on Wi Seol-Ah. I had previously heard that maids didn’t practice martial arts, but at that moment, even I felt a shiver of fear.
“…S-Sis?”
“Seol-Ah.”
“Y-yes…?”
“I have something to discuss with you, shall we step out for a moment?”
“Ah, no…?”
“Are you going with me? What a good girl you are, Seol-Ah.”
Hongwa tried hard to maintain a smile, but that only served to make her more intimidating. Wi Seol-Ah seemed to lose her usual strength, immediately dragged away as soon as Hongwa grabbed her.
“S-Sis… Wait…! Young Masterrrr!”
She called out, but all I could do was wave my hand helplessly.
Fortunately, Wi Seol-Ah returned when it was time for dinner.
However, when she did come back, she immediately clung to Namgung Bi-ah with a dazed expression, looking as if she’d lost half her soul after getting scolded.
“Are you alright?”
When I asked, she didn’t respond and simply shook her head. Namgung Bi-ah gently patted Wi Seol-Ah’s head with a nurturing touch.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but tease her a little.
“How about some yakgwa?”
Almost immediately, I noticed Wi Seol-Ah’s ears perk up at the mention. Seeing her reaction made me burst into laughter.
The following day, I went looking for the Celestial Plum Blossom along with the Sword Master.
Since I had previously asked a martial artist to pass on the message, I was able to find him without any difficulties.
“Welcome.”
The somewhat haggard face of the Celestial Plum Blossom caught my attention.
It was likely due to the events that transpired at the hideout. Given that the Sword Master bore a similar expression, it seemed she had heard the news as well.
Upon noticing me, she managed a smile.
“It seems you have gained considerable enlightenment.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom quickly noticed I had reached the peak realm.
Having so many strong individuals around me certainly posed a challenge.
“I’d like to congratulate you comfortably… but the circumstances aren’t allowing it.”
“That’s fine. No need for that.”
As I spoke, the Celestial Plum Blossom took out a box from behind and handed it to me.
“After speaking with Tae, he mentioned it seemed your condition had improved enough to allow for this herb.”
As I opened the box, a subtle fragrance filled the air. Just by looking at it, the amount of condensed energy within the herb was evident.
“I wanted to gift you the renowned herb of Mount Hua, which has been passed down for generations… but sadly, the elders were adamantly against it.”
Upon hearing that, Elder Shin suddenly erupted.
“What?! That lunatic actually tried to give you the herb of Mount Hua?!”
I couldn’t blame Elder Shin for reacting that way. The herb of Mount Hua was quite a rare medicine, one of the few that could rival the herbal medicine from Sorim.
There’s no way they’d so simply hand over something that even martial artists from Mount Hua couldn’t easily obtain.
I did feel a bit disappointed… but consuming any more energy at this moment would only poison me.
I still needed to consume the demonic energy I acquired from Nachal, along with the mysterious flower I previously obtained.
“And this…”
The Celestial Plum Blossom took out an accessory from his possession and handed it to me.
I accepted it cautiously; it appeared to be a common accessory adorned with a red gem.
“What is this?”
An unexpected gift of an accessory took me aback. The Celestial Plum Blossom, appearing nonchalant, responded.
“Gu Ryunghwa had handed it to me.”
“The Second Elder?”
The sudden mention of that name surprised me. I hadn’t anticipated hearing about the Second Elder at this moment.
“He instructed me to give it to you when you decided to leave.”
“What?”
Prior to my departure? Just how long had the Second Elder anticipated that I would come to Mount Hua?
Leaving my bewilderment aside, the Celestial Plum Blossom continued speaking.
“If it were a treasure from the Gu Clan, I would keep it hidden to tease him… but upon examining it, it doesn’t seem like it’s a treasure at all.”
“Hidden it…?”
He planned to conceal someone’s family treasure…what kind of audacity did he have?
What type of company was the Second Elder keeping that made such actions seem trivial? The thought sent shivers down my spine.
「…They’re lunatics… absolute lunatics!」
“I can only offer you this for now.”
It was evident that he wished to provide me with more gifts, but his hands were effectively tied.
Even so, this much was already sufficient for me.
It wasn’t just one or two herbs; this seemed to amount to at least five, and the energy contained within was far from negligible.
I had no idea where I could apply this bracelet, so I decided I would need to ask the Second Elder about it later.
Currently, given the state of the Mount Hua Sect, it was going to be difficult to ask for anything more, considering all the kindness they had shown me and the arrangements made for my return to the clan.
“But the essential thing isn’t this…”
My gaze shifted slightly to the Sword Master, who had been quietly listening beside me. After all, I had invited her presence here for a reason.
I cautiously turned to the Celestial Plum Blossom.
“Sir.”
“Yes?”
“Do you recall my mentioning that I would like to ask you for something?”
“I remember.”
“I’d like to make a request now.”
I hesitated in bringing this matter up. Given Mount Hua’s current atmosphere, it was really awkward to make a request, but I had no idea when I might return.
And now was the right moment.
“It’s a relief to hear that. I’ve been feeling guilty because I wanted to assist you further, so your request will lightened my heart.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom beamed with a smile.
I hesitated momentarily but recalled the encouragement I received from the Sword Master.
With that thought in mind, I finally breathed out.
“I would like to request… to be the honorary martial artist of Mount Hua.”
Upon hearing my words, the Celestial Plum Blossom’s eyes widened.
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