Chapter 94: Preparation. (3)

Preparation (3)

While the Mount Hua Sect was in the midst of preparations for the Jehwajeon, I returned to my quarters after finishing my afternoon training.

Normally, I should be making preparations to return to Sega around now….

‘Things got a bit complicated.’

Now that Gu Linghwa had expressed her intention to return to Sega, the timing needed to be delayed a bit.

Especially since even the Sword Matriarch said she would go.

‘Does that mean she wants to go together?’

Since she said she’s going to the Gu Family, I thought it probably meant she wanted to go together.

She said she would come find me later to talk, so I can find out then.

I think the Divine Doctor also said she would come find me too….

It was about time to gradually finish up various things.

‘First, I should go find the Plum Blossom Immortal.’

Probably, even if I don’t go find her, there might be parts where the Plum Blossom Immortal should approach me, but from the position of a junior, going to find her first would be a better look.

Especially since there are things I need to ask for as well.

‘To do that, I need to meet the Sword Matriarch first.’

I was thinking of getting the Sword Matriarch’s help when I go find the Plum Blossom Immortal later to state my requests.

That’s why I had already spoken to the Sword Matriarch in advance.

As I returned to my quarters, roughly organizing my plans, Wi Seol-ah, who was hanging laundry far away, spotted me and approached.

“Young Master!”

“What’s up? You’ve barely been seen lately.”

It was the face I’d seen only during meal times for the past few days, so seeing it like this felt a bit novel.

‘Is she busy? She looks tired.’

Wi Seol-ah’s face, looking a bit gaunt, catches my eye.

Since Wi Seol-ah has exceptional stamina, it didn’t seem like having a lot of work would tire her out.

“Is something wrong?”

“Yes?”

“You look very tired.”

So I just blurted it out and asked.

If even Wi Seol-ah looked tired, there must be something going on.

Wi Seol-ah smiles with her eyes at my question.

“I’m fine! Nothing’s wrong!”

She firmly grabbed her own waist with her hand and puffed out her chest wide.

It was a gesture showing as if she was healthy and perfectly fine.

At that sight, I chuckled and ruffled Wi Seol-ah’s hair.

“Hmph!”

I was doing nonchalantly things I couldn’t have done before, wondering if I could even dare to touch her.

Seeing it like this, this too was quite a change.

After ruffling it for a while, I said to Wi Seol-ah.

“Shall we go out and look around the Hyeon today?”

“Yes!?”

At my words, Wi Seol-ah, surprised, asked again.

Is it that surprising?

Usually, except when I had business, I hadn’t suggested going out…

She was so surprised that her eyes widened like saucers.

“Wh-when… right now?”

“Are you busy? If you still have work left….”

“No! It’s not left! I’ve finished it all, nothing is left at all!”

“Oh, okay, I see. That’s a relief.”

She shouted urgently, lest I cancel it.

At that sight, I suppressed my lips trying to curl upwards and said to Wi Seol-ah.

“I’ll wash up quickly and come out, so wake her up a bit and bring her out.”

“Yes… Yes? Bring her out?”

“Hm?”

“Yes?”

She looked at me, as if she didn’t understand what I meant at all.

But soon, realizing it was about Namgung Bi-ah, she started glaring at me.

“…It feels wrong to just leave her behind, doesn’t it?”

I tried to make a flimsy excuse, but there was no way it would work.

Of course, since Wi Seol-ah has her own personality, she just glared for a moment and didn’t say much.

Instead, she let out a puff of air like a sigh and went to wake Namgung Bi-ah.

I felt a little sorry, but choosing another way seemed difficult.

‘I can’t believe I’m starting to worry about things like this.’

It was surprising even to myself.

Thinking about someone was difficult in itself.

After washing off the slight sweat from training and changing into clean clothes, I came out to find Namgung Bi-ah being held by Wi Seol-ah.

“…Ughhh… You’re heavy, unnie…!”

“Mmmph….”

“What are you two doing?”

Namgung Bi-ah was draped over Wi Seol-ah, still half asleep with a drowsy expression.

Naturally, since there’s a difference in their build, Wi Seol-ah looked like she was being crushed under Namgung Bi-ah.

Lately, Namgung Bi-ah seems to be sleeping a lot; is something going on?

“If you’re sleepy, want to go back and sleep? We can just go by ourselves.”

When I said that, Namgung Bi-ah suddenly straightened up.

Although she still looked tired, she seemed intent on showing that she could go out without issue.

Then, she rummaged through her sleeve and pulled something out.

“A veil…?”

Surprisingly, it was a veil.

I had told her so many times to wear it; did she bring it along?

Besides, there was an aura about her that attracted lingering gazes, but even so, they did decrease after she wore it.

It wasn’t like she often went through crowded places, but the glances she caught while coming and going were burdensome.

Perhaps Namgung Bi-ah found it satisfactory after trying it.

“You’re well-prepared.”

“This… is comfortable.”

“Young Master! Shall I call Mu-yeon oppa?”

“Hm?”

I had told the guards that I might go out soon, so I thought Mu-yeon would have come out already.

‘Why isn’t Mu-yeon out here?’

Actually, it was something I could just leave behind, but if I did that, it was obvious Mu-yeon would nag me when I returned later.

Besides, I had already received quite a scolding for getting injured last time.

“Why do you keep going alone when you have a perfectly fine guard?” he said.

‘At that time, it was so urgent I couldn’t help it.’

Since Mu-yeon had said that much, is something the matter?

Surprisingly, Namgung Bi-ah provided the answer to this question instead.

“He went to spar.”

“He went to spar?”

“With a Mount Hua Sect disciple.”

“A disciple? Who.”

If it’s a Mount Hua Sect disciple Namgung Bi-ah is talking about… it wouldn’t be Gu Linghwa, so there seems to be only one other person.

“Are you talking about Yeongpung?”

“Yeah.”

Mu-yeon went to spar with Yeongpung?

What’s this about, suddenly and out of the blue?

Mu-yeon had vehemently refused sparring with Namgung Bi-ah or others since he was on guard duty.

“He sparred with me too.”

“What…?”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s words, I unconsciously asked again.

He sparred with Namgung Bi-ah too? This is the first I’m hearing of it.

I don’t know how she took my reaction, but Namgung Bi-ah quietly added.

“…I lost.”

I didn’t ask who lost.

I could tell from Namgung Bi-ah’s subtly shadowed expression.

‘In the first place, to even compare with Mu-yeon….’

Even considering all the fortuitous encounters I’ve had, Mu-yeon was still at a higher martial arts level than me.

I recalled when I was at the Sega clan, and the members of each sword brigade asked Mu-yeon to return.

‘If we’re talking about skill level, Mu-yeon is definitely not at an ordinary level.’

He might not be able to match Yeongpung, but he’s definitely not weak.

In the first place, it was not the martial prowess that a youth who barely passed the age of twenty, let alone a late-blooming disciple from a prestigious family, could possess.

“Sparring… What’s gotten into him?”

At my words, she stared intently at me. Feeling uncomfortable with her gaze, I asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“My feelings… I understand it a bit now.”

Muttering something, Namgung Bi-ah quickly returned to her usual expression.

Wi Seol-ah, hugging Namgung Bi-ah’s waist, was asking me with her expression when we could leave.

Since I mentioned it suddenly, if Mu-yeon wasn’t here now, he wouldn’t have heard it.

Then it’s okay to just leave him behind, right?

If worse comes to worst, there are other guards too….

As I was getting ready to leave, Namgung Bi-ah said to me.

“When you get back… spar with me….”

“…”

I froze at Namgung Bi-ah’s words.

Ah, right….

Thinking about it, I remembered how much time had passed since the day we agreed.

After all, he sparred with Yeongpung too, so it should be fine.

‘Remembering my past life feels quite unsettling, though.’

Since I couldn’t refuse forever, I had to accept it eventually.

“Later, when we get back, if I have nothing else to do, we’ll do it.”

“…!”

Perhaps it was surprising to get a definite answer, as a rarely seen change in expression appeared on Namgung Bi-ah’s face.

Especially on the corners of her mouth.

Seeing her lips trying to sneakily curve upwards, I chuckled and walked away.

Is this really something to be so happy about?

Probably, since there would be travel time, it would be night by the time we returned.

If I have nothing else to do then, it would be nice to spend some time.

‘There were no issues when I sparred with Yeongpung last time, so it should be fine.’

If I used my internal energy excessively like when fighting the Blood Demon, then maybe not, but I thought it was okay for now.

Around the time I returned after looking around the Hyeon and grabbing a quick bite to eat.

The sparring Namgung Bi-ah was looking forward to could not take place.

Something came up.

“You’re finally here.”

When I returned after looking around the Hyeon, the Divine Doctor was sitting in my room.

---

Lately, it felt like many guests were visiting my room.

Not to mention Yeongpung, the Sword Matriarch, Gu Linghwa, and now the Divine Doctor.

‘I think I heard she said she was coming….’

I vaguely remember the Sword Matriarch mentioning it. However, the Sword Matriarch, who said she’d come along, wasn’t visible; only the Divine Doctor had arrived.

“What brings you here….”

“I came to check on your condition. Why are you so surprised?”

“No, it’s not that. I’m just flustered.”

Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze felt sharp from behind, but what could I do? It wasn’t just anything; she came to check my condition.

In the end, I gave a gesture indicating ‘next time’, and Namgung Bi-ah disappeared with a slightly sulky expression.

“Hmm…. Did I pick the wrong time to visit?”

Sensing the situation, the Divine Doctor cleared her throat.

“It’s fine. You took the time to come.”

“It’s nice that you say that, at least. Sit down.”

The examination that started right away didn’t take long.

As for problems with my body, there was nothing else remaining except for demonic energy.

“Hmm…. What a truly wondrous body you have. What kind of changes could have possibly occurred for your energy to become so stable….”

Although she called it an examination, from my perspective, the Divine Doctor was closer to doing research.

The meaning reflected in the Divine Doctor’s eyes clearly indicated so.

‘…What if she actually tries to cut open my stomach?’

What she said last time must have been a joke.

It had to be….

To her various questions, I answered vaguely.

The Divine Doctor showed great interest in the Gu Family’s martial arts that expel stagnant energy, but since she is not a martial artist, it was vague to explain in detail.

That was my excuse.

In the first place, there was no way to explain it.

Wouldn’t saying something like, “Our martial arts are just like that! I don’t really know!” be enough?

Of course, it would be a bit troublesome if the Divine Doctor suddenly brought this and came asking at the Sega clan.

‘Even so, she wouldn’t come to the Sega clan, right?’

The Divine Doctor was a sought-after figure throughout the Central Plains.

She wouldn’t deliberately come to the Gu Family, who doesn’t seek out the Divine Doctor.

Probably.

In the end, perhaps unable to find anything significant, the Divine Doctor exhaled, seemingly disappointed.

“Well… your body seems healthy.”

“…Why do you say that with such disappointment?”

You look displeased that I’m healthy?

“Surely that wouldn’t be the case.”

“Right? It must be my imagination?”

She vaguely evaded the question, then quietly took out a wooden token from her robes and handed it to me.

“Take this.”

“What is this?”

“Can’t you tell by looking? It’s a wooden pass.”

“I know it’s a wooden pass, but I’m asking what its purpose is.”

“Since I am a physician, I don’t have much I can give you.”

She was trying to give me something. I told her the treatment was enough, but why is she trying to hand me something else?

“I don’t have much to give, but I received this a while ago. If you take it to the Kaebang later, you’ll be treated well.”

“Why are you giving something like this to me?”

Judging by the feel of it, I could tell it was an unusual item.

Moreover, if it’s related to the Kaebang….

It reminded me of the black token Peng Woo-jin gave me before, making it feel somewhat strange.

“Originally, there was someone I wanted to give it to, but I couldn’t, so I kept it. Think of it as a fee for a request rather than a reward.”

“A fee for a request… you mean?”

“Yes, I have one request for you.”

As expected, I thought it was too generous a reward to just give like that….

So there was a reason.

‘It’s not asking if she can cut open my chest, right?’

If it was, I was ready to run away immediately.

“I heard the Sword Matriarch will accompany you when you leave.”

“…Ah, I did hear she said she would. But I’m not sure yet.”

For now, I am the overall leader of the current party, so she can only accompany us after my permission is granted.

I’m also not sure if it’s possible for the Sword Matriarch, whose treatment just ended, to leave the Mount Hua Sect.

The problem was what the Divine Doctor said next.

“I seem to need to go along too, as I have some business in the Gu Family.”

“What?”

“I’ve already told that guy Dohwa, and besides, I’m not someone who gets rejected easily, so it should be fine.”

Perhaps thinking I would naturally grant permission, she said she had already spoken to the Plum Blossom Immortal.

“…Why?”

“Hm?”

I blurted it out without thinking.

I was dumbfounded.

Why on earth are they all abandoning their nice neighborhoods to gather at my place…?

‘Is my house smeared with honey?’

---

-I understand what the Alliance Leader wants, but do you think I can do it?

-I have seen her too, regarding that girl, but since that guy Dohwa has spoken, I haven’t bothered to confirm.

-Just because I’m called the Divine Doctor doesn’t mean I’m actually a god.

At the Divine Doctor’s firm words, the Sword Master fell silent and finally asked a single question.

-Then, are you too saying it’s impossible…?

-…

The Divine Doctor doesn’t lie regarding treatment.

The Sword Master believed that one fact alone.

Therefore, the expression and silence the Divine Doctor wore revealed the answer.

Realizing the Sword Master had figured it out, the Divine Doctor let out a deep sigh.

-A human, especially someone who isn’t a martial artist; meddling with their energy carelessly is a difficult task.

-Not to mention the time required, just considering the necessary ingredients could potentially uproot the entire Sega clan.

-…Those things, I….

Alliance Leader.

The Divine Doctor cut off the Sword Master.

-Before acquiring those things, please grant the request I made to the Alliance Leader first. I believe that takes priority.

-…

-Until then, I will not give any answer.

It was a firm statement, and an unreasonable one.

If you refuse, that’s the end of it.

But the Sword Master was not in a position to give such an answer.

It was a single ray of light barely shining through the pitch-black darkness.

Recalling his granddaughter’s face smiling at him, the Sword Master steeled himself once more.

Quietly relying on a single light source, he began writing a letter.

After drying the densely written words, he carefully folded it.

On the very first page, the phrase ‘Alliance (盟)’ was written.

The letter was none other than correspondence meant for the current Murim Alliance Leader, Jang Cheon, the Joyful Sword.