Chapter 108: The One Who Can Teach Better Than Anyone. (1)
Those who come up from Hwayun Hyun to the Huashan Sect to watch the Jeohwa-jeon actually tend to look forward to the second day more than the first.
Even if the third-generation disciples are impressive, the main fighting force is, in fact, the second-generation disciples.
Those with talent would have bloomed the plum blossoms long ago.
Or at least, this is the time when they slowly start to bloom the plum blossoms.
They were already visible even from afar. The petals blooming in harmony with the pure sword path and inner qi.
Unlike the third-generation disciples, one could tell just by looking at the distance between the sparring arena and the spectator seats.
[It's fine.]
Clear satisfaction could be felt in Shin No-ya's voice.
Meanwhile, I had to look around to find my companions.
As expected, it wasn't too hard to find them. Their atmosphere drew attention, so I just had to head to where a crowd had gathered to some extent.
As I moved my steps to the expected place, Namgung Bi-a, who was wearing a veil, was quickly looking around.
Did she notice?
Wi Seol-ah had already spotted me and was waving her hand vigorously.
I pushed through the crowd and approached.
"Young Master!"
"Did you come to watch today too?"
I stroked Wi Seol-ah's head as she welcomed me like a puppy.
Thud.
I felt a sensation on my stomach, and when I checked, Namgung Bi-a had leaned her head against my stomach.
Haa... haa...
I could hear her breathing. Since it sounded loud near my ear, she seemed to be breathing heavily, but why was she acting like this.
"Are you not feeling well?"
When I asked, she shook her head. She looked a bit exhausted, so I gently stroked her hair.
Her breathing slowly returned to normal.
"If you're not feeling well, go inside and rest. Why are you staying like this."
Is she acting like this because she's very tired? Wondering if she had a fever, I swiftly brought my hand to Namgung Bi-a's forehead.
Perhaps because it was a sudden touch, Namgung Bi-a trembled slightly.
Her forehead gradually grew hot.
Does she really have a fever? Her body was heaving slightly, making me wonder why she was like this.
[...Kid, you're doing more bewitching things than I thought.]
'What are you talking about?'
[Isn't it because you're needlessly touching her that this girl is acting like this?]
What kind of nonsense is that? I thought it was absurd for a moment, but I slightly took my hand off at Shin No-ya's words.
"Huuu..."
As soon as I took my hand off, Namgung Bi-a let out a deep breath. It felt a bit different from before.
'...Is it really because of this?'
Recalling how Namgung Bi-a's cold forehead instantly warmed up, I felt something fluffy.
For some reason, I felt embarrassed and wiped my hand on my clothes.
"Uu..."
After taking deep breaths, Namgung Bi-a looked at me and made a subtle expression.
Then she put her nose to my stomach and started sniffing.
"Are you crazy? There are so many people, what are you doing."
Startled by her sudden action, I pulled my waist back. Why is she suddenly acting like this.
"Something... has changed?"
Namgung Bi-a's gaze became a bit clearer. At her gaze examining my body, I had to swallow my inward surprise.
'...She's oblivious to everything else, but she's so sensitive at times like this.'
I could understand the Sword Empress or the Sword Sovereign, but how could she tell the difference? Her intuition was too outstanding...
Was it because she had the talent to inherit the title of Sword Empress in the future? It was a bit terrifying.
[...But the way she senses things is exactly like a dog.]
'How can you call a person a dog, Old Man...'
Even as I said that, I also thought to myself that her sniffing was like a cat or a puppy.
Suddenly, someone grabbed my clothes and pulled me down, and when I looked, it was Gu Ryeong-hwa.
"Oppa... sit down for now."
Gu Ryeong-hwa was paying attention to her surroundings. Looking closely, the gazes were gathering slightly towards us.
Especially the men's gazes were stinging.
I coughed lightly and sat next to Gu Ryeong-hwa. Fortunately, there was an empty seat.
I had to feel a strange emotion looking at Gu Ryeong-hwa. Because she wasn't trembling while holding my sleeve.
She was surprised, but didn't show it. I moved a little closer to Gu Ryeong-hwa and asked.
"You said you came looking for me earlier."
"Ah, I went to ask if you were going to watch the Jeohwa-jeon, but they said you went to train and you weren't there."
To me?
Gu Ryeong-hwa came to invite me?
This was truly surprising, so I couldn't help but open my eyes wide. Seeing my expression, Gu Ryeong-hwa scowled.
"Why are you making such an ugly expression?"
"...Ugly?"
"Sorry, it is just ugly."
" "
Saying that, she giggled by herself. Throwing out jokes was a surprisingly novel sight.
'Even if she hasn't overcome all of it.'
She must have overcome a lot, but I felt a bit bitter since I hadn't done anything to help her with that.
"But how did you know I was looking for you?"
"I went to see your master."
"...Huh? Why?"
"Why what? I just had some business and went to see her."
The Sword Empress seemed to have regained a lot of her health. Along with that, I once again realized that demonic qi could have that much of an effect on a martial artist of the Sword Empress's level.
"My master talks about you often."
"Huh? The Sword Empress?"
"Yeah. She kept saying good things about you."
Good things? I don't think I've done anything particularly worthy of looking good.
Still, if she sees me in a good light, it's a good thing, so it shouldn't be bad.
"So I refuted that those were all nonsense."
"..."
"Saying you resemble your mother, how could she say such nonsense..."
Her voice still contained a playful tone. Of course, the talk about resembling my mother was a part I couldn't understand either.
After some small talk, I said to Gu Ryeong-hwa.
"I'm planning to leave for the Gu Family tomorrow."
"Huh...? Tomorrow?"
"I decided to leave right after the Jeohwa-jeon ends. I've already informed your master in advance."
After this, I had to go find the Divine Physician and tell them. Gu Ryeong-hwa just nodded at the word that I was leaving tomorrow.
Gu Ryeong-hwa looked somewhat disappointed, probably because if she returned to the Gu Family, she wouldn't be able to come back to the Huashan Sect for at least a few months.
'Is she relieved that she's going with the Sword Empress at least.'
Since the biggest reason she didn't want to go to the Gu Family was the Sword Empress, her hesitation seemed to have lessened now.
The conversation seemed roughly over, so I turned my gaze to the Jeohwa-jeon.
Even Namgung Bi-a, who had slept soundly leaning on my shoulder just yesterday, had a focused face today.
'Did Yeongpung do well?'
No matter how much of a genius Yeongpung was or the youngest Plum Blossom Swordsman, the current second-generation disciples were strictly active powerhouses.
It seemed like it would have been tough for Yeongpung, who was still in the realm of a rising star, to compete.
Wondering if he had already finished his sparring match, I subtly asked Gu Ryeong-hwa.
"Junior disciple Yeongpung lost his first match; his opponent was the Eldest Martial Brother."
They said Yeongpung had to fight against Shin Hyeon of all people as his first opponent. If it were someone else, he would have at least tried a little.
'Still, since it's Yeongpung, he won't be discouraged just because he lost somewhere.'
He'll probably feel bitter, but he'll bounce back soon.
The Jeohwa-jeon ended earlier than when the third-generation disciples held it yesterday.
Seeing as there was some sort of communication to the elders midway, it seemed like the Murim Alliance had finally sent a message.
Since the sun was gradually setting, it meant a considerable amount of time had passed.
As expected, it seemed the Murim Alliance had made a move.
A spy? Or was the Alliance itself rotten.
Whichever of the two it was, it wasn't particularly surprising.
Unlike when I tried to slip out midway through the Jeohwa-jeon, this time I ended up watching it until the end.
It was true that the sparring matches of the strong swordsmen were fun, but the three pairs of eyes next to me watching so enjoyably were too sparkling.
Rather than the sparring matches, I spent all my time watching them that the time just flew by.
[So you're saying you used up all your time ogling the women.]
'...How does it become that?'
I retorted to Shin No-ya's words, but I thought it wasn't entirely wrong either.
When we reached the lodging after it ended, I said to Gu Ryeong-hwa.
"Stay for dinner."
At my suggestion, Gu Ryeong-hwa made a surprised face. It was a face that hadn't even imagined receiving such an offer.
"It's late."
Just looking at her, she would probably climb the mountain at night again to see the Sword Empress. It was obvious.
At my words, Gu Ryeong-hwa had a face of hesitation for a long time. Namgung Bi-a, who was next to her, quietly stroked Gu Ryeong-hwa's back.
Gu Ryeong-hwa pondered for a moment, then slightly shook her head.
"Later... I promised to eat with my master today."
I nodded at Gu Ryeong-hwa's answer. It seemed like it was still too much for her.
Even when she was joking with me earlier, she might have been pushing herself a bit.
"Next time... Let's definitely eat together next time."
Gu Ryeong-hwa, making a promise for the next time, was definitely smiling.
I didn't say much. This was enough.
"Alright."
After finishing a rough greeting with Gu Ryeong-hwa, I returned to the lodging.
There was a slightly fragrant smell coming from it.
It seemed they were making something using the mushrooms I had given them earlier.
'Maybe I should have fed her before sending her off.'
Suddenly, such a thought crossed my mind. As I entered the lodging first, Namgung Bi-a and Wi Seol-ah came in from behind, chatting away.
I figured they were probably talking about the Jeohwa-jeon they saw today.
"So, like I was saying earlier...!"
Wi Seol-ah stopped mid-sentence. She looked as if she saw something and flinched.
'What is she looking at?'
I moved along Wi Seol-ah's gaze, and there stood Hong Wa.
[It seems she's very angry.]
'...That she is.'
She had a face like a tiger. As far as I knew, attendants didn't learn martial arts, but I unconsciously shrank back a little.
"...Uh... Unni?"
"Seol-ah."
"Yes...?"
"Unni has something to say, can you come with me for a bit?"
"A, no...?"
"You'll come? Good girl, our Seol-ah."
Hong Wa forced a smile, but that was even scarier. Wherever her usual energy went, Wi Seol-ah was dragged away as soon as Hong Wa grabbed her.
"U, Unni... wait...! Young Maaaaaster!"
She called out to me pitifully, but I had no choice but to just wave my hand.
Fortunately, Wi Seol-ah was able to return around dinner time.
However, when she came back, she looked so thoroughly tormented that half her soul had escaped, and she buried herself in Namgung Bi-a's arms.
"Are you okay?"
When I asked, she didn't answer and just shook her head. Namgung Bi-a gently stroked Wi Seol-ah's head with a kind touch.
Seeing that, I playfully spoke.
"Do you want to eat some sweets?"
Soon after, I could see Wi Seol-ah's ears perk up. Seeing that, I laughed out loud without realizing.
As soon as the next day dawned, I went to find Maehwa-seon with the Sword Empress.
Since I had asked a disciple to leave a message the day before, it was easy to meet her when I arrived on time.
"...Welcome."
The somewhat gaunt face of Maehwa-seon caught my eye.
She must have heard about the branch incident. Seeing as the Sword Empress's expression was similar, she must have heard it too.
Maehwa-seon looked at me and forced a smile.
"It seems you've achieved a good enlightenment."
As expected, it seemed Maehwa-seon had also immediately noticed that I had reached the peak.
There were too many strong people around, which was also a problem.
"I'd like to congratulate you with peace of mind... but the situation doesn't allow it."
"It's fine. You don't need to worry about it."
At my answer, Maehwa-seon brought a box from behind and held it out.
"After talking with Tae-ui, she said your body seems fully recovered, so it would be fine to give you an elixir pill."
The closed box opened, and a subtle fragrance wafted from inside. Just by looking, I could tell how profound the inner qi condensed within it was.
"Originally, I wanted to give you the Jasodan... but the elders vehemently stopped me, so it's a shame I couldn't bring that."
As Maehwa-seon spoke with regret, Shin No-ya threw a fit.
[What? This crazy bastard, she tried to give you the Jasodan!?]
I could understand Shin No-ya's reaction on this part. The Jasodan is one of the few spiritual medicines that could stand alongside Shaolin's Sohwandan.
It wasn't easy for a Huashan Sect martial artist to consume, so there was no way it would be easy to give it to an outsider.
From my standpoint, it was a shame too... but right now, consuming more ki would be poison.
I still had the demonic qi obtained from the Asura, and I had to consume the flower I had acquired earlier.
"And this is..."
Maehwa-seon took out an accessory from her bosom and handed it to me.
I carefully received it, and it looked like a common accessory with a red jewel embedded in it.
"What is this?"
An accessory gift out of nowhere? Maehwa-seon spoke to me as if it was no big deal as I held the accessory.
"That is something Gu Yoon left in my care."
"Elder Gu?"
I was momentarily flustered by the suddenly mentioned name. It was because I hadn't expected Elder Gu's name to come up here.
"He gave it to me in advance to give to you when you leave."
"What do you mean..."
When I leave? Then since when did Elder Gu know I would join the Huashan Sect?
Putting aside my absurdity, Maehwa-seon continued speaking.
"If it were a precious item of the Gu Family, he would have hidden it to tease you... but no matter how I look at it, it doesn't seem like that."
"Hidden...?"
He would have hidden someone else's family precious item... What kind of dangerous talk is this.
It was terrifying to even imagine just what kind of wagers the drinking buddies Elder Gu associated with made, to make him treat such terrifying actions so casually.
[...They're crazy bastards... I tell you, crazy bastards.]
Shin No-ya's lament could be heard.
"With gratitude, this is all I can give you for now."
Maehwa-seon had a face that said she wanted to give more but couldn't.
I felt this was more than enough. It wasn't just one or two elixir pills; there looked to be at least five or six.
Moreover, just looking at the energy contained within, it was by no means a small amount.
I didn't know where to use the bracelet, so it was something I'd have to ask Elder Gu about later.
Given the current situation of the Huashan Sect, it was difficult to ask for anything more.
Even considering the other arrangements made for my return to the Gu Family and the care they took of me while I was at the Huashan Sect, it was an excessive repayment.
'But this isn't the important part.'
I looked at the Sword Empress, who was quietly listening beside me.
I had even gone as far as asking the Sword Empress to bring me here.
I carefully asked Maehwa-seon.
"Sect Leader."
"Yes."
"Do you remember me saying last time that I would have a request for you?"
"I remember."
"I would like to make that request now."
It was a part I had hesitated over. Given the current atmosphere of the Huashan Sect, I was reluctant to ask for anything, but I didn't know when I'd be able to return to the Huashan Sect.
Now was definitely the best time.
"That's a relief. Since I have more things to do for you, my mind will be at ease."
Maehwa-seon smiled as if she was actually pleased.
Even after seeing her smile, I hesitated for a moment, but I recalled that the Sword Empress had said it would be fine during our conversation.
Thinking of that, I opened my mouth for now.
"I would like to request... the position of the Huashan Sect's Honorary Disciple."
At my words, Maehwa-seon's eyes widened.