I think I understand what it means to “tremble for ten years.”
Hongryeon sighed heavily while reading documents in her room.
“Huuh…”
It was truly a relief. Since she had also visited the Mirror’s Illusion, she knew just how hard the pain was there.
The agony felt like cutting into her own flesh.
Perhaps the Sword Saint had to endure even greater pain.
And maybe, it was a blessing that the other disciples didn’t witness it.
“Once again, I’ve come to rely on you.”
Hongryeon faintly smiled as she thought of the man who returned to the inn. When she heard the Sword Saint’s agonized groans, she couldn’t even gather her thoughts properly.
In that situation, he remained composed.
He was even able to judge that he needed to go out to prevent the other disciples from feeling anxious or scared.
Ah, no wonder she couldn’t help but fall for him.
Of course, his combat power was low. He would probably be easily subdued by Sayoon, the youngest of Hongseong Clan.
But Hongryeon knew well that his strength should not be measured that way.
Strength of mind.
An unshakeable resolve in any situation.
Perhaps that was the true charm he possessed.
Hongryeon tried hard to hide the smile that kept breaking through.
-Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and in walked Yujeong. Hongryeon immediately stood up.
“Today was really tough for you.”
The Sword Saint must have been suffering immensely. If Amipa hadn’t assisted her, things could have been harder for the Sword Saint. So, Hongryeon expressed her heartfelt gratitude.
“It’s fine. It was something I was supposed to do.”
Rolling the prayer beads, Yujeong smiled brightly. After all, Amipa is a righteous sect, and so is Hongseong Clan.
It’s only natural for righteous sects to help each other.
Moreover, since Hongseong Clan and Amipa were situated quite far apart, there was little chance of friction.
“About the future…”
In the past, the leader of Hongseong Clan and High Monk Hyewhan from Amipa had a friendly relationship and exchanged ideas.
But after the incident at Hongseong Clan and the Sword Saint became the new leader, most exchanges with other sects had ceased.
It was unavoidable. The Sword Saint needed to gather her disciples immediately, and Hongryeon must have been busy just keeping Hongseong Clan afloat.
“I hope we can resume exchanges between Hongseong Clan and Amipa.”
Exchanges between sects are not merely about building friendships.
They share martial arts, advancing each other’s skills.
In other words, sending disciples to stay and learn from each other’s martial arts and spread that knowledge.
Currently, Hongseong Clan had such exchanges with Moonjeong one or two times a year, but Amipa was now suggesting to have more substantial exchanges.
“Well… I’ll have to consult with the Master, but I believe she will allow it.”
“But I think you’ll allow it.”
“It’s not a bad relationship, and we’ve helped each other. So, there’s no reason not to exchange.”
“Namu Amida Bul. Thank you very much.”
“Then how should we schedule the exchange?”
Since Amipha will slowly be heading back, wouldn’t it be better to send the disciples then?
Hongryeon thought about the current situation of Hongseong Clan.
For now, they had the leisure to create the fragrance pouches they needed. The herb cultivation was also minimal due to winter.
Most of the disciples were focusing solely on their training, so it might be better to take advantage of this opportunity for exchange now.
“I hope to bring along the disciples this time.”
“I see…”
Hongryeon nodded after a moment of thought.
“Then I’ll prepare the list.”
The next day, Hongryeon sought out the Sword Saint. When she arrived at the garden where the Sword Saint often stayed, she found her sitting cross-legged.
However, something felt off.
The Sword Saint seemed to be deep in thought, her eyes sparkling.
Then she broke into a smile, tilted her head, and her eyes sparkled again.
Suddenly, her face flushed, leaving her at a loss.
Seeing this unusual behavior, Hongryeon approached with curiosity.
“Master?”
“Y-You surprised me! Make some noise when you come…”
“But you usually come and go without a sound…”
Is it even possible for someone like the Sword Saint to not hear footsteps?
After clearing her throat, the Sword Saint resumed her usual expression, and Hongryeon recounted what happened with Yujeong. The Sword Saint nodded.
Exchanging with Amipha.
It certainly didn’t sound bad.
“Then let’s ask the disciples. If anyone wants to go, it would be better for them to join.”
“Yes.”
As mealtime approached, Hongryeon informed the gathered disciples.
She asked if they had any desire to spend the winter at Amipha and experience their martial arts.
Hongryeon stated that experiencing Amipha’s martial arts and training would be beneficial, and Hyunhwi raised her hand.
“Hey? Didn’t you just return from Moonjeong recently?”
“I thought it would be helpful to see Amipha’s martial arts.”
“I see. Then…”
At that moment, Yoohee raised her hand.
“Can I go with Sayoon?”
“Sayoon?”
Hongryeon looked at Sayoon. Under her gaze, Sayoon thought for a moment before speaking.
“…Because I want to become stronger.”
“Suddenly?”
As Hongryeon looked puzzled, Sayoon clenched her fist.
“…After seeing Master struggle yesterday.”
“I saw you struggling, you know.”
The Sword Saint always tries to protect them. Could it be because of her being their Simma?
Sayoon began to have a desire to grow.
More than now.
“Will I become stronger if I go to Amifa?”
“You will get stronger. Especially you, since you tend to grow stronger through experience.”
Ryuhyun, who was guiding Sayoon, nodded. The Sword Saint, watching her, spoke with concern.
“But Sayoon is still young.”
“I’ve already been to Moonjeong, and what Sayoon needs now is enlightenment, training, and experience.”
Ryuhyun wasn’t wrong.
Sayoon’s internal energy was sufficient, and she had learned all the Hongseong Divine Arts that could be learned at the moment.
To move on to the next level, she needed experience, enlightenment, and training.
And competing against the martial artists at Amifa would surely help her growth.
“…That’s true, but…”
“Master.”
Sayoon smiled brightly at the Sword Saint.
“I’ll come back stronger.”
Hearing her words, the Sword Saint could only nod in agreement.
“Then it’s decided. If you have things to do before returning to Amifa, make sure to get them done.”
As soon as the meal was over, Chaeran grabbed Sayoon. She was excited to hear that Sayoon was going to Amifa, despite her earlier plan to return to the inn after leaving Hongseong.
“What’s the good news?”
“Uh? I’m going to Amifa with you! It’s my first time going with a friend to a different sect.”
“Really?”
Though it would be nice if Chaeran could join her, Sayoon wondered if that was okay. Chaeran smiled leisurely at her.
“If I experience the martial arts of a strong sect like Amifa, I can get stronger too. Uh… You don’t mind, do you?”
“Of course not!”
Chaeran was Sayoon’s only friend and someone she could open up to. It was undoubtedly a joyful thing that she would be coming along.
*
I realized that the Sword Saint liked me, but nothing really changed.
I just had to work a bit harder than I was now.
So, while I was working hard as usual, Chaeran, who had gone to Hongseong, came back.
With Sayoon.
“Welcome back.”
“Hello! Hehe. Thanks for yesterday. I was so surprised… but I’m glad the Innkeeper was there. Just like you said, nothing happened…”
Though the truth was that something had happened. But there was no need to mention that, so I just smiled at Sayoon.
“Innkeeper. Do you have a room?”
“We do have a room.”
“Then I’ll stay for a while.”
“Is it the same room you used before?”
“Of course! But what about you?”
“I sent my sister on an errand.”
Yohwan came out with a small plate. She mentioned she would showcase some new dishes before heading to Amifa, and there were more surprisingly good dishes than I expected.
“Wow. That looks delicious~!”
Chaeran sat down with a smile. Seeing Sayoon fidgeting, I offered her a seat and noticed that Yohwan was bringing out dishes for them, so I closed the book I was reading.
“But why just for a little while? I thought you’d stay until winter.”
Is there something urgent at Moonjeong?
In response to my question, Chaeran casually replied.
“Oh, I plan to leave with Amifa. It shouldn’t take too long.”
“You’re going to Amifa? Why?”
“Martial arts exchange.”
Well, considering Chaeran had traveled a lot in Heavenly Bright Moon, it wasn’t particularly strange.
“I’m going too.”
“…Huh?”
What is this all about?
I was puzzled by Sayoon’s words, and she smiled brightly.
“Hyunhwi, Yoohee, and even Ryuhyun said going to Amifa would be helpful for me.”
Sayoon recounted what had happened during our meal.
It certainly wasn’t incorrect.
Even in Heavenly Bright Moon, she had grown strong quickly through experience.
Not to mention, I had directly witnessed it.
Her sword had become faster and sharper through duels with seekers and battles against evil monsters while going to Murim Alliance and Moonjeong.
Of course, while training at Hongseong wasn’t bad, gaining experience through exchanges with other sects was definitely a shortcut for her growth.
In our storyline, it was already recommended that as Hongseong grew and Seomhwa Village developed, we would frequently involve her in exchanges with other sects.
Among them, Amifa was one of the recommended sects to send her to. It aligned nicely with Yohwan’s events, and experiencing Amifa’s unique, mystical martial arts would help stabilize her mind, thus reducing her turmoil from Simma.
“Hmmm…”
“Uh? Innkeeper? What’s up?”
“No. Isn’t Yohwan going to Amifa this time?”
“That’s right.”
“Then… please take care of her.”
Overall, Sayoon going to Amifa wasn’t a problem.
The only issue was that I couldn’t go in…
What could I do?
I knew well enough that keeping her close wouldn’t necessarily make her happy.
“Since you’re going, make sure to learn well.”
Sayoon smiled brightly.
“Yes! And I’ll bring back a gift!”
What gift with no money?
Seeing her bright expression, I couldn’t possibly oppose her.
It’s heart-wrenching, but I’d have to let her go.
Of course, I wasn’t planning to just let her go.
I had to prepare.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.
