Chapter: 108
The concept of an “Honorary Martial Artist” is a title granted by a sect to express gratitude when they owe a significant debt to an outsider.
“This person is a benefactor to our sect!” It’s basically a title you receive as a sign of appreciation.
I was currently asking Celestial Plum Blossom for official recognition as the benefactor of our sect.
It might have been shameless and a bit prideful, but I had little time to beat around the bush.
Celestial Plum Blossom wore a somewhat shocked expression upon hearing my request.
His face indicated that he hadn’t expected me to make such a request.
“…That’s quite a surprise.”
“I apologize for the suddenness of my grand ask.”
Initially, I had other requests in mind, but at this moment, I found myself in need of the honorary title from the Mount Hua Sect.
The reason Celestial Plum Blossom was pondering hard over this was probably because such a title was not something that could be bestowed lightly.
“I hate to pry, but is this because of the Taoist Qi within you?”
I nodded at his words.
“…If we must find a reason, then yes, that’s it.”
Receiving the honorary title would allow me to utilize the techniques of Mount Hua. Of course, I wouldn’t be granted access to their unique sword arts or internal methods, but it would provide me a legitimate reason to study.
This justification was significant for someone from the Orthodox Faction.
I could secretly learn, but I didn’t want to suffer the aftermath of being discovered later.
‘The biggest issue is that I have this Qi and can’t use it freely.’
The Qi I had received from the treasure of Mount Hua was coiling in my abdomen, useless to me.
I’d reached the fourth rank of the Destructive Flame Martial Arts thanks to it and attained the peak with Elder Shin’s guidance, but using it recklessly felt inappropriate.
「You could just use it secretly. Why are you overthinking it here?」
‘It’s not like I’m from the Unorthodox Faction; why shouldn’t I adhere to the rules?’
「That’s pretty rich coming from someone who used to burn down other people’s homes.」
‘…’
Elder Shin’s words hit home. I had indeed done such things in my past life, leaving me speechless.
Even so, when I say I want to live properly from now on, I truly mean it.
At least for this life, that’s my intention.
I broke the silence with Celestial Plum Blossom once more.
“Is it truly challenging to grant me that title?”
“No, that’s not the case. In fact, I had wanted to offer it to you myself.”
“Huh?”
“I’m aware of how much you have aided Mount Hua, so how could I not take that into account?”
He was planning on giving me that title?
My confusion was evident, and Celestial Plum Blossom continued after seeing my reaction.
“The reason I hadn’t brought it up was simply your ties to the Gu Clan. I doubt they would be thrilled about you receiving an honorary title from a Taoist sect…”
I could see the point of Celestial Plum Blossom’s reasoning.
It made sense. Gu Ryunghwa was an exception since she had essentially left the Gu Clan and integrated with Mount Hua.
In her specific case, the connection to her clan didn’t hold much significance as she didn’t know much about them anyway.
But I resolved to clearly respond to Celestial Plum Blossom.
“I’ll be fine with that. I doubt the clan will have much to complain about.”
This wasn’t just a guess; I was certain. If my father heard that I had received the honorary title from Mount Hua, the most I could expect from him would be, “I see.”
The Sword Master beside me chimed in.
“Leader, this child saved my life and mitigated potential dangers to the Immortal Healer. There is more than enough reason for him to be conferred that title.”
Gaining demonic Qi was one reason, and the other was merely coincidence, making me feel a tad guilty, but her words were accurate nonetheless.
Celestial Plum Blossom stroked his beard thoughtfully before nodding.
Is he about to give the approval?
“It wouldn’t be particularly difficult to grant you that title. I must discuss it with the elders, but the outcome is quite obvious.”
“Then…”
“However…”
He stared intently at me. “I understand your concerns about the Qi within you. Unfortunately, I cannot assist you in using that Qi.”
He referenced the busyness from efforts related to the incidents before the tournament. Moreover, today was the day I had to leave for the clan, so even if I gained the title, I wouldn’t have a teacher to guide me.
“There’s no need to worry yourself over that, Sect Leader.”
The Sword Master accompanying me might not be able to assist since she was still recovering, yet I had someone right beside me who could teach me better than anyone else.
「…Huh?」
After receiving approval from Celestial Plum Blossom, I returned alongside the Sword Master to the area where the carriages awaited preparation.
‘Honestly, I’m surprised he approved so easily.’
I even asked the Sword Master to support this plea of mine, but it turned out getting approval from Celestial Plum Blossom was simpler than I thought.
He mentioned my request wouldn’t count as a proper request and that I could still ask him something later.
‘Was this title always this easy to obtain?’
「I really don’t know. Such titles didn’t exist during my era.」
I asked Elder Shin for clarity, but he seemed equally in the dark. Regardless of what it was, things worked out smoothly.
Suddenly, the Sword Master beside me spoke.
“I’m curious if this will be sufficient.”
“What do you mean?”
“Although the title sounds grand, in the end, it’s just a name. If you’re interested in Mount Hua’s martial arts…”
“No, it’s not like that. There’s no need for you to worry.”
Mount Hua was focused on swords. I had no plans of delving into their techniques or martial arts. They were too heavily sword-oriented.
「So you just want to pick and learn how to circulate that Qi quietly then?」
‘It’s not as if I could master the plum blossom sword art in a few days…’
Assuming Elder Shin helped me, but still, I didn’t foresee myself having enough time to learn their deeper intricacies.
‘Right now, this is more than sufficient.’
Combining the wild nature of the Gu Clan’s flame arts with the Taoist Qi to temper it down. The difference was striking.
Celestial Plum Blossom indicated that he would send a letter of approval to the Gu Clan after conversing with the elders, but essentially, I had already received the green light.
When I arrived at the entrance after descending Mount Hua, it appeared all the carriages had been readied, surrounded by all sorts of materials. Upon closer inspection, I spotted a group of hulking men.
“…What in the world?”
They were obviously the second-generation disciples of Mount Hua; there were no others of such stature wearing their traditional robes.
The Sword Master also turned her head sharply upon noticing them.
Is she… embarrassed?
Reluctantly, I drew closer to the carriages.
“Make sure you stay healthy! Ryunghwa…”
“Don’t forget to eat properly; you can’t abandon us!”
“You’re looking too skinny, Ryunghwa! We should have given you more help with leg workouts.”
“Your arms are as thick as my fingers… how does that even work?”
“…My dear seniors, would you please consider leaving already?”
Gu Ryunghwa was pleading as she was encircled by the muscular disciples. Despite their genuine concern for her wellbeing, they still kept a respectful distance.
However, the moment they stepped back, their massive presence became a focal point.
Gu Ryunghwa exclaimed, “People are terrified of you guys…!”
“Huh? Who’s scared? They all look mesmerized.”
“Indeed, who could possibly be scared of backs as wide as mountains?”
「That’s a fair point.」
Elder Shin chimed in casually.
At this point, I felt like I might just lose my sanity. Apparently, I wasn’t alone in this feeling since Shinhyun, who had been keeping his distance, suddenly struck the heads of the dunderhead disciples with his fist.
– Thwack! Thwack! Bam!
I flinched at the sound echoing from their heads.
‘…Just now, I could have sworn the noise shouldn’t have come from a human skull?’
It sounded akin to smashing rocks. Simultaneously, the second-generation disciples began to tumble and writhe on the ground.
“Aaaaah!”
“Why is the big senior assaulting innocent people?!”
“…You idiots, just shut it; this is beyond embarrassing.”
I brushed past the dazed disciples to approach Gu Ryunghwa.
“Ryunghwa.”
“Yes, big senior?”
I noticed Shinhyun flinch upon hearing her respond boldly without flinching.
“…Seeing you act so confidently does bring me relief.”
“Thank you for your concern…”
“No, I did nothing; you overcame all this by yourself.”
Shinhyun’s hand trembled as he looked at Gu Ryunghwa. He seemed to be contemplating whether he should pat her on the head or not.
“Senior?”
Wondering what he was up to, Gu Ryunghwa asked, but he shortly withdrew his hand. It seemed he decided that now wasn’t the appropriate moment.
Instead, with an awkward smile, he said, “You travel safely.”
After their encounter concluded, he forcibly helped the still-srolling disciples to their feet and ushered them back up Mount Hua. At that instant, our eyes met for a fleeting moment.
– Please look after her well.
He communicated telepathically.
– I will.
I responded in kind. Upon receiving my reply, Shinhyun looked at me with sheer surprise. It appeared he hadn’t anticipated I could also communicate telepathically.
Almost instantly, he composed himself, nodded, and began striding back up the stairs slowly.
With everything seemingly wrapped up, I barely managed to step towards the carriages when someone called out and halted me.
“Young Master Gu…!”
Looking back, I found Yung Pung.
“Master Yung! How did you come down here?”
‘Didn’t I think third-generation disciples couldn’t come down here without permission?’
Yung Pung replied casually, “I just snuck down!”
‘This guy really is insane…’
How could he be so casual about breaking the sect rules?
「It warms my heart. He reminds me of my younger self.」
‘Seems like you’re the source of all issues, Elder Shin.’
I couldn’t help but shake my head.
“I rushed down because I heard news that you would be leaving today.”
‘Oh, I forgot to inform him about my departure in all the chaos.’
“Are you alright? I heard you had quite the ordeal yesterday.”
I learned that not only did he lose but fainted from being beaten since his opponent was none other than Shinhyun. Yet, he appeared to be in quite good condition now.
“Oh! Thankfully, he went easy on me; his hits were just painful but didn’t leave any marks on my body.”
“…Oh, I see.”
How could he say something so terrifying so cheerfully? He was basically implying he had been tortured but somehow had no signs of it remaining on him.
‘This sect is abnormal.’
No matter how I looked at it, they were just lunatics. With a smile, Yung Pung retrieved something from his pocket and handed it to me.
It was an item adorned with a plum flower symbol. As I surveyed my new gift, he continued speaking.
“This is my insignia.”
“Why are you giving this to me?”
“I’ve never used it myself… but I’d like to ask you to return it when we meet again.”
I couldn’t help but frown at such a statement.
‘Why is he doing something so lovey-dovey with me?’
I briefly wondered if Yung Pung belonged to some kind of club, but the young man continued unconcerned.
“And I hope you will accept my challenge when that time comes as well.”
“Hmm?”
I gave him a puzzled look, trying to decipher what he meant.
I caught a glimpse of the competitive spirit glimmering in his eyes.
Realizing his intent, I couldn’t help but smirk.
He was asking me to become his rival.
‘I can’t believe I’m treated as the Sword Dragon’s rival now.’
It was an indescribable feeling.
With a slight smile, I accepted Yung Pung’s item and tucked it away.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to our next meeting.”
Seeing my answer, Yung Pung grinned brightly, clearly pleased.
“Thank you. I learned a great deal from you.”
After leaving those words behind, he resolutely walked back up to Mount Hua without a trace of hesitation.
‘Interesting.’
‘It feels like I’ve been hearing grateful sentiments quite a lot recently. Still, I don’t feel like I’ve done enough to warrant all this.’
‘Elder Shin.’
「What is it?」
‘Are you really alright? Who knows when I might return to Mount Hua once I leave.’
Elder Shin had assured me he was okay when we spoke last night, but I felt it prudent to verify once more…
「There’s really no way for me to remain here.」
‘That’s true…’
「Plus,」
He paused to inhale deeply.
「I believe I’ve come to understand what needs to be done for the world, so staying here would hold no value. That’s why I’ll be fine. Don’t dwell on it.」
‘…Understood.’
Even when I tried to ask what he meant, Elder Shin only responded that he couldn’t divulge yet.
It was frustrating, but since he clearly didn’t want me to press further, I refrained.
“Master!”
Gu Ryunghwa, who was about to board the carriage, spotted me and the Sword Master, dashing toward us.
“Did you two just arrive?”
Gu Ryunghwa leapt into the Sword Master’s embrace, who instinctively patted the girl’s head. Witnessing this heartwarming scene, I queried, still looking at Gu Ryunghwa nestled in the Sword Master’s arms, “Is everyone already on board?”
“Yeah.”
“What about the Immortal Healer?”
“I heard he’s been in the carriage since morning.”
According to Gu Ryunghwa, the Immortal Healer was in the carriage prepared by Mount Hua, not the one from the Gu Clan.
I then asked Gu Ryunghwa casually,
“Did you pack all your clothes?”
“Ugh… My seniors have asked me that a dozen times, and now you’re asking too, big brother?”
“…Just checking.”
After some casual chatter, I climbed into the carriage, where Wi Seol-Ah greeted me with a broad smile. Namgung Bi-ah had already curled up and fallen asleep on the girl’s lap.
“Young Master!”
“Why is this girl sleeping again?”
“She said she was tired because she didn’t sleep well yesterday!”
“Seems like she’s always tired…”
Despite that, I tried to be as quiet as possible to avoid waking her up. While I was gazing out at the scenery, I heard the voice of the Sword Emperor.
“Let’s begin our departure.”
“Oh, yes!”
It suddenly clicked that the charioteer was the Sword Emperor. Realizing this, I adjusted my posture, feeling somewhat humble. Riding in a carriage led by one of the legendary figures of the world made me straighten up a bit.
Seeing this, Elder Shin questioned.
「Why is that man driving the carriage…?」
‘…I have no idea either.’
I was even more curious than Elder Shin about that.
With a powerful neigh, the carriage set off. Finally, I was leaving Shaanxi and heading back to the clan.
“Once I’m back… I should really take a break from traveling.”
This year alone, I had already visited Shaanxi and Sichuan, so I didn’t want lengthy trips anymore. As I mulled this over, Elder Shin suddenly spoke up.
「With how you’re talking, it doesn’t sound like things will unfold your way.」
‘…’
I made a concerted effort to ignore his ominous insinuation.
When we finally returned to the clan, I was confronted with an unexpected situation.
“…What are you doing here?”
I asked incredulously.
The girl blushed in response.
“H-Hello…!”
She had dark green hair and mesmerizing green eyes.
There, waiting for me at my clan, was the Poison Queen, Tang Soyeol, from the Tang Clan of Sichuan.
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