Trifling Matters. (1)
Having visited Shaolin, it was already time to return to Jinshan, Shanxi.
Even if I stayed longer, there was little I could do. It was a time when there was nothing more to gain.
I really had to leave.
Strictly speaking, it had been a little over ten days since I arrived in Henan, but more things happened than expected.
‘On the other hand, I also learned a lot.’
I learned, and I gained.
“You haven't left anything behind, right?”
Even as I hastily packed my belongings, I kept asking Hongwa. About five times, maybe.
Thanks to that, even Hongwa had a slightly annoyed expression.
“You have packed everything.”
“Really?”
“Since you didn't bring much luggage, you should be fine.”
It felt like a slightly roundabout way of pointing it out, but it was fine.
To be honest, it was true that I hadn't brought any packed luggage.
‘Why bother bringing annoying things.’
Clothes for training were enough.
[You speak very rightful words!]
‘...’
It felt somewhat subtle when Noya expressed agreement as if he empathized.
Should I say he empathized with something he shouldn't have?
[What is the problem with a martial artist valuing training?]
If Noya thought I was waking up a bit late in the morning, he would force me awake and make me train.
It became a habit, so now it had changed into something natural.
Suddenly, I wondered how this old man trained when he was alive.
‘...It probably wasn't a normal intensity.’
Especially from my position, where I was using the exact training method Yeongpung used.
The man called the Huashan Divine Sword didn't seem like he would have done less than that.
Noya, who read my thoughts, immediately scoffed.
[Aren't you also thinking of gradually raising the intensity?]
‘Yes, I do need to increase it.’
Perhaps because I ate the Ki, or perhaps because my internal energy was gradually starting to synchronize with my body.
Compared to before, training wasn't all that difficult anymore.
‘Just now, too...’
Even when I trained in the morning, I raised the intensity a bit more than usual, and the fact that I felt perfectly fine was proof of that.
[Your body has finally ripened.]
The state where the flesh and internal energy were mixed upon reaching the Peak.
This was usually called the Matured Peak.
[Then, from now on is the critical point.]
‘Yes.’
I nodded at Noya's words.
Since I had become accustomed to the Peak, I now had to advance to reach the Transformation Realm, but.
If the Peak was the first wall from First-Class, the Transformation Realm was like a graveyard for martial artists.
Even if one polished their martial arts while being called a genius their entire life, the majority of martial artists collapsed unable to reach the Transformation Realm.
Just reaching the Peak meant one was already on a different track, so there were many who were satisfied with that.
‘But that has nothing to do with me.’
In my case, not only could I not stop here.
Since it was a path I had already walked, there was no need to hesitate.
Nevertheless, the reason Noya called it a critical point for me was because the preparation would take longer than expected.
Not only the internal energy, but also making the pierced middle dantian familiar to my body.
Many said it was a realm that required enlightenment.
My case was different.
Internal energy that would more than fill the dantian.
When the vessel became completely full and reached the level of overflowing, only then would another world emerge.
This was, of course, from my perspective.
How many people in the world could draw out enough internal energy to overflow their dantian?
It was a method only someone like me, who had frantically extracted and circulated internal energy with demonic arts at the time, could attempt.
‘First, I need to build a body that can support that internal energy, though.’
The internal energy was one thing, but right now, I had to focus on making the vessel solid. That was also the reason I wanted to raise the training intensity.
‘Will I be able to reach it before I turn twenty?’
I had to reach it.
Because things would become much easier if I did.
[You are impatient.]
‘The situation isn't really one where I can afford to be relaxed, is it?’
[That is true, a moderate amount of impatience is also necessary.]
Anyway, the moment I arrive at the Shanxi branch, I will have to raise the training intensity.
‘I also need to ask my father about things related to Yuseong.’
Visiting the Haomun Shanxi branch after a long time... It was time to finish the tasks I had set up one by one.
‘Are you okay, Noya?’
[Hm? What do you mean?]
‘I am asking if it is alright to just return like this.’
Noya's comrade in Shaolin.
It was a question about Huangya Foying Tieying.
If I returned like this, I didn't know when I would come here again.
However, Shin Noya gave a nonchalant answer to my question.
[What is the problem? We will see each other again someday.]
Words as if it were obvious.
[Besides, even if I go see him now, that damn bald-headed bastard will just spew a load of curses, so.]
‘...Curses?’
A monk... cursing?
Come to think of it, Noya mentioned before that the current Abbot was caught eating meat when he was young or something.
Was that Huangya Foying?
Somehow, I felt like I understood a little why the two were close.
..
‘Birds of a feather...’
[What, you brat?]
‘It's nothing.’
[...Hmph, that rotten monk said he'd rest on his own, so I should let him rest for now. If I see him later and he's still in that state, I can just shower him with curses then.]
Within his grumbling words, a subtle affection and longing could be felt.
Still, a comrade and a close friend is a close friend, I suppose.
‘A close friend, huh.’
Since I hadn't lived lingering on such things, it was a relationship I didn't know well.
‘Ah, there is one.’
Just exactly one. A guy who would probably be fast asleep on Wudang Mountain right now.
He was the only guy I could call a close friend.
But by now, he wouldn't remember anyway, so it was pointless.
‘I thought it would be nice to see his face this time.’
Unfortunately, since he didn't appear at this Dragon and Phoenix Gathering, I didn't know when I'd see him.
“Young Master!”
Just as I finished packing, Wi Seol-ah popped out and hugged me.
“I'm all ready!”
I stroked Wi Seol-ah's hair, who was buried in my arms, and asked.
“You're done?”
“Yes!”
Seeing this, Hongwa hurriedly approached and peeled Wi Seol-ah off me.
“Seol-ah!”
“Eeiing...”
Her face turning teary whenever she got scolded was so cute that I tried to pinch her cheek, but.
“...It seems there's no cheek to pinch.”
The baby fat that had noticeably decreased compared to when I first saw her made my heart ache.
[There are other things to be hurt over... Are you in your right mind?]
‘You don't know because you haven't touched it, Noya.’
[...]
At my words, I heard Noya momentarily gasp for air.
I wondered if I hit too hard.
Well, who asked him to pick a fight.
But this was Noya's fault.
While the servants were packing my luggage, I also went down to the inn.
At the inn, the others had already finished organizing and were chatting.
I could see Nangong Bi-ah dozing off while lying down, and Tang So-yeol calmly drinking tea.
And.
‘Why is she here?’
Sitting quietly beside her wearing a veil was clearly Murong Hui-a.
It was the first time I saw her since we parted at Shaolin last time.
Though it had only been a few days.
“Ah! You're here, Young Master?”
Tang So-yeol discovered me and smiled brightly.
Tang So-yeol, who had been smiling a lot more than usual lately.
“Would you like to eat?”
“Didn't you already eat?”
“There's still time left, so it should be fine if you eat.”
“Really? Then I guess I'll have a little.”
As I approached, Tang So-yeol smoothly pulled out the chair next to her.
She patted the chair with her hand, as if asking me to sit here.
After sitting down, I immediately called the waiter and ordered food. As always, somen and mantou were enough.
“But...”
As soon as I sat down, my gaze naturally went to Murong Hui-a.
“Why is Miss Murong here?”
Even at my question, Murong Hui-a didn't direct her gaze this way.
What, is she ignoring me?
‘Why is she wearing a veil?’
When I first saw her at Bacheonmaru, she was wearing one, but after that, she didn't seem to wear a veil around.
“Miss Murong?”
When I called out a second time, only then did Murong Hui-a turn her head this way.
Turning her head, her movements looked extremely stiff.
Huh?
“Hel...lo.”
“Are you sick somewhere?”
“No...”
But why is her voice trembling like that.
She looked like something had broken, so I sneaked up to Tang So-yeol next to me and whispered in her ear.
“...Why is she acting like that?”
At my question, Tang So-yeol also shook her head vigorously.
She had an expression saying she didn't know either.
“She came in silently this morning. She's been in that state ever since.”
So why on earth...?
I thought she came because she had something to say.
For such a case, her gaze management was quite unnatural.
Through the occasionally fluttering veil, I caught a glimpse of her flushed cheeks and ears.
“Miss Murong.”
“...Yes.”
Fortunately, although there was a brief pause this time, an answer came back.
“What is the matter?”
“Uh... well...”
Murong Hui-a tried to say something, then suddenly clamped her mouth shut.
Silence fell, and I could hear the sound of Murong Hui-a breathing softly.
After a brief moment passed, Murong Hui-a composed herself and brought up the topic again.
“I heard you are leaving today, so I came to bid you farewell.”
The subtle trembling in her voice had disappeared.
Her movements, which had only felt unnatural, became natural once again.
I was bothered by her somewhat malfunctioning demeanor, so it was good that it was gone, but.
I still didn't know why Murong Hui-a acted like that just a moment ago.
“A farewell, you say.”
“Yes.”
Murong Hui-a carefully took an object out of her embrace and handed it to me.
I received it and asked her.
“What is this?”
“It is a seal I am giving you, so that you may use our merchant guild comfortably if you ever do so in the future.”
At Murong Hui-a's words, I examined the object.
A ring embedded with a blue jade.
Following her explanation, it seemed to be an item that would grant me special privileges at the Okcheon Merchant Guild operated by the Murong Sect.
“Why are you giving this to me?”
Speaking of the Okcheon Merchant Guild, while it might not be the best in the Central Plains, it was a place with a fairly high standing.
Especially since it focused on exporting and importing tea and silk.
They also used it to make clothes, and thanks to the quite high quality, it was a place frequented by many women.
“Your martial arts clothes were quite worn out.”
Since I rolled around so much, my clothes were pretty damaged.
“...I don't really live paying attention to that sort of thing.”
At my words, Murong Hui-a smiled slightly.
Because of the veil, it wasn't visible, but she was definitely smiling.
“It is not something that would burden you. I am just giving it so you can use it comfortably, so please don't think too much of it.”
“...Yes, thank you.”
When she put it that way, it was hard to refuse.
I wondered if I should give her something too, but.
Even though I was of the bloodline of a prestigious family, I didn't actually have anything on me.
When I was wondering if I should urgently rummage through my luggage.
Murong Hui-a calmly rose from her seat.
“Then, I will take my leave first.”
“Pardon?”
At her words, I ended up letting out a flustered sound instead.
“Did you come just to give me this?”
“Yes. It's better to finish public business quickly.”
At Murong Hui-a's words, my eyes widened slightly.
If she said it was public business.
‘Is it to lightly form a connection?’
Because of those words, my mind felt a bit at ease. If she approached from the sect's standpoint, there was no need to unnecessarily feel burdened.
‘I read too much into it.’
Perhaps it was because the emotions the people around me gave me were particularly large.
I even worried that Murong Hui-a might have come to harbor some other thoughts about me.
Fortunately, it was just my self-consciousness running wild.
‘Right, the very idea that Murong Hui-a would harbor such thoughts about someone was a strange thought to begin with.’
I thought I knew Murong Hui-a fairly well, but I made a mistake.
It was simply because I stood out in this martial arts tournament.
She probably came to form a connection as a bloodline of a prestigious family.
“I will gratefully accept it, Miss Murong.”
At my words, Murong Hui-a slightly bowed her head and paid her respects.
Then, as if she had no lingering regrets, she headed towards the door with her servant in an elegant gait.
“Oh, right. Young Master Gu.”
Murong Hui-a, who was about to walk out the door, suddenly called out to me.
“Yes.”
When I answered, Murong Hui-a didn't reply and just took on a hesitant posture.
Looking at it another way, it seemed like she was just standing still.
Because my field of vision had broadened as my realm rose, I could feel that Murong Hui-a's breathing had become slightly rougher.
Should I say she was taking deep breaths as inconspicuously as possible?
“Are you returning to the Sect right away?”
“Probably.”
“...I see.”
Murong Hui-a, who was about to say something more but stopped, slightly shook her head and continued speaking.
“Then, I will see you next time.”
With those final words, Murong Hui-a stepped out the door.
Somehow, her footsteps were faster than before.
It seemed like she had something she wanted to say, but for such a case, it was too formal of a farewell.
‘...What was that?’
I couldn't pinpoint it, but it was an oddly unsatisfying meeting.
It felt like there was something more.
Just as I was pondering why on earth she was acting like that.
[As expected, she resembles her.]
Noya spat out in a distant voice.
‘Who are you talking about?’
Was he talking about Murong Hui-a just now?
If so, I was going to ask who he said Murong Hui-a resembled, but.
A sudden thought crossed my mind, and I clamped my mouth shut.
Shin Noya was also giving off a vibe as if telling me not to ask.
‘If I ask now, I feel like I'll really get chewed out.’
My survival instincts were telling me that.
I was praising myself for not bringing it up.
“...It's ruined.”
I could see Tang So-yeol muttering something to herself next to me.
“It seems like it got tangled up again... Exactly when? Why?”
“...Why are you acting like that too.”
The kids somehow all seemed to be out of their right minds, which was getting scary.
When I asked with a worried voice, Tang So-yeol snapped her eyes towards me.
“Young Master, are you a flower?”
“What are you talking about, a flower?”
“Then why do bees keep swarming around you.”
“Usually, this should be the opposite... It's definitely supposed to be...”
I left Tang So-yeol alone as she kept muttering to herself.
And picked up a dumpling to eat.
Because touching that seemed like it would only be my loss.
‘...She must have had a nightmare at night or something.’
There are bound to be days when everyone is out of their right mind.
Wudang Mountain, located in Hubei.
It was the place where the Wudang Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects and One Faction, which focused on swords and the Dao, was located.
Past the high and steep mountain, a young Daoist was running while panting heavily.
Just from looking at the letter clutched tightly in his hand and his trembling eyes, one could tell how urgent he was.
After running for a long time like that, the boy was only able to stop his legs once he reached under a giant tree.
“Se... Senior Brother!”
The boy shouted without even having time to catch his breath.
The direction was up the tree.
“Senior Brother... Senior Brother...!”
Even at the boy's sorrowful voice calling out, the person the boy was looking for didn't seem to have any intention of appearing.
Eventually, the boy, who had been shouting for a long time, ground his teeth and shouted in an even louder voice.
“You damn...!”
Smack!
“Kkeueok!”
From a stone that flew from nowhere, the boy screamed and fell flat on his back.
Soon after, someone landed and appeared in front of the fallen boy.
“Your speech is like dog crap, my junior brother.”
“...If I don't do this, you won't come out, Senior Brother.”
The person who appeared in front of the boy was a young man with a somewhat blank face.
Because of the martial arts uniform he was wearing and the sword hanging at his waist, one could guess he was a Daoist belonging to Wudang.
But he looked somewhat far from the aura a Daoist would give off.
“You should know it's the time when your heaven-like Senior Brother needs to sleep, so what is this matter?”
“The sun is high in the sky, what sleep...”
“Do you want to get hit again?”
“...Senior Brother Woo lost.”
At the boy's words, the young man tilted his head.
“That makes sense. He wasn't in the position to win there.”
The fact that a Wudang disciple went to the martial arts tournament. Since he didn't go, he probably selected a few and sent them.
As if they would succeed.
The boy rubbed his struck forehead and continued speaking.
“That's not it, he says he lost in the preliminaries.”
“...What?”
The young man frowned at those words.
“Anyway, that's not what's important, Senior Brother.”
“...That's not what's important?”
You're saying it's not important that a Wudang disciple lost in the preliminaries of the martial arts tournament?
Then what is important?
“Senior Brother, do you know Gu Yang-cheon?”
“Gu... What?”
At the boy's words, the young man's frown deepened.
The boy instinctively felt that if he said the wrong thing here, he would get hit again.
Driven by a fierce survival instinct, the boy immediately handed the letter he was holding to the young man.
“What is this.”
“A letter from Senior Brother Woo.”
“The guy who went and lost even sent a letter? Haha...”
Something sticky was buried in his benevolently laughing voice.
The boy realized that was definitely not a good emotion.
‘Senior Brother Woo...’
The boy simply hoped for his Senior Brother's safety inwardly.
Putting that aside, the young man, who had been reading through the letter for a while, suddenly spat out words.
“He says he's close with me?”
It was a passage listing excuses for why he lost.
Since this wasn't an important content, the young man skimmed over it.
But he couldn't help but furrow his brows at the phrase written near the last lines of the letter.
“Yes, if this is correct, Fourth Martial Uncle told me to come ask you...”
“Who?”
“Gu... Yang-cheon.”
“So. Who is that.”
‘Why are you asking me that?’
The boy desperately tried to manage his facial expression.
It was written in the letter that a person named Gu Yang-cheon claimed to be close with Jamryong.
But the person right in front of him had an expression of not knowing.
“You don't know?”
“...Yes, I'm not sure either.”
“Then go find out.”
“...Pardon? What did you say?”
“That guy says he's close with me, but I don't know him, so go find out.”
“...”
Not knowing what kind of dog crap this was, the boy stared at the young man, no, at Jamryong, with a dumbfounded expression.
Jamryong smiled benevolently and spoke to the boy.
“What are you doing, Junior Brother. Run.”
At that smile, the boy also smiled.
‘Fuck you.’
He merely spat out a curse inwardly.