Chapter 270: Winter Day Has Come. (1)

After the engagement ceremony concluded, there wasn’t much left to do.

The ceremony went ahead, and word of this would soon spread throughout the Central Plains.

All that remained was to return to my clan.

‘This trip wasn’t particularly long.’

Aside from the Namgung clan being a bit chaotic for a few days, it didn’t take too long.

In the first place, I hadn’t planned for it to be long.

If I had to put a timeframe on it, maybe just under seven days and nights.

Compared to other places I’d visited, it was quite a short period.

The ceremony was over, and the matter concerning the Namgung clan’s treasure, which I considered the main business, was also concluded.

There was no need to delay any further, so I started packing my bags.

It was time to return to my own clan now.

Of course, Namgung Jin-nim came out to see me off, sending me plenty of looks that pleaded for me to stay longer.

I pretended not to notice. Who knows what kind of trouble I’d get into if I stayed any longer.

Of course, he must have gained quite a few insights himself.

He could only send looks. He couldn’t hold me back any longer.

As for Namgung Cheonjun-ssi.

He looked relieved that I was disappearing.

Perhaps it was due to the demonic energy bound to his body, but his confused expression remained.

Was he still intoxicated from unleashing that purple lightning energy once?

It kept trying to crawl out, so I ordered it to stay put until I left and dealt with it.

I’ll probably get thoroughly chewed out later for not seeing a guest off, being a clan member and all.

What can I do?

Since he doesn’t want to see my face.

‘Outside… I think they said Moyong Hi-ah was waiting.’

From what I heard, she didn’t come inside the Namgung clan’s residence.

She was waiting outside.

It seems like we’re scheduled to depart together.

Did she really just come to Anhui to handle her schedule?

‘She lives a busy life.’

Considering Moyong Hi-ah’s constitution…

Seeing as she’s already taking charge of important clan duties.

It seemed like Moyong Hi-ah wasn’t destined for an easy life either.

‘For now.’

More than anything right now, I wanted to return to my clan quickly.

To recover my energy.

And I needed to sort out my future schedule.

I had to consider many things based on the words left behind by the person presumed to be the Thunder-Splitting Sword Namgung Myung.

“Are you okay not staying here?”

This was a question directed at Namgung Bi-ah, who was beside me.

Perhaps it was because the engagement ceremony had just ended.

It felt like the time spent with Namgung Bi-ah had become particularly long.

More accurately, it’s probably that her frequency of visiting me has increased.

To my question, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head as if she didn’t understand.

“Huh…?”

“I mean, can you come back with me?”

This was undeniably the Namgung clan’s territory.

As Namgung Bi-ah was a blood relative of this clan, she didn’t necessarily need to return to my clan.

Namgung Bi-ah merely shook her head at my question.

“…My home… isn’t here.”

“Then what, is our place your home?”

Since when did my clan become her home?

Namgung Bi-ah shook her head again, as if that wasn’t the case either.

“No.”

“Hmm?”

“You.”

“Yeah…?”

“…You are my home…”

So, that was enough.

That’s what Namgung Bi-ah said.

“…”

In a way, it was a statement filled with rather raw emotion.

I was momentarily speechless.

“Uh… um…”

I frantically racked my brain, wondering what kind of answer to give.

But no words came to mind.

“…Um… Right.”

I could only manage such a stupid answer.

No matter how many years I live, I’m hopelessly weak in these matters.

It’s truly laughable.

‘…Ugh.’

If Shin No-ya-nim were here.

I couldn’t imagine what curses he would have spat out.

He certainly wouldn’t have said anything nice.

“Ah… You don’t need to learn anything from the Clan Head, right?”

“Hmm?”

This was a personal question.

Namgung Jin-nim had gained enlightenment.

And one of the restrictions placed upon him involved teaching Namgung Bi-ah about his enlightenment.

If she stayed here, Namgung Bi-ah would have been in a position to receive proper enlightenment from Namgung Jin-nim.

But Namgung Bi-ah seemed to think this wasn’t necessary either.

“I don’t need it.”

“Oh?”

It was enlightenment gained by a master who had reached the Martial Realm, something that had been lost and rediscovered within the Namgung clan.

What did Namgung Bi-ah know to refuse it?

As such doubts arose.

“…I know the way.”

A firm answer came from Namgung Bi-ah’s lips.

Meaning she already knew the way and didn’t need anyone else’s enlightenment.

‘How arrogant.’

It was quite an arrogant statement.

Namgung Bi-ah possessed talent that ranked among the best I’d seen.

But she was still a late-stage disciple.

Even if she reached the peak, the ‘beyond the heavens’ is still too high.

To utter such words in that situation was quite arrogant, but…

‘It’s not entirely wrong, though.’

Conversely, considering Namgung Bi-ah’s talent and future.

It wasn’t entirely an incorrect statement.

She was a monster who competed for the title of Sword Empress while being a demon.

Recalling that even without a Heavenly Venerate, she was the one who single-handedly annihilated the Namgung clan, perhaps that future Namgung Bi-ah…

‘…has the talent to back up her arrogance, so it’s fine, is that it?’

There would be no point in me meddling further.

I didn’t bother bringing up anything about what she said.

I just nodded.

If that was Namgung Bi-ah’s choice, then respecting it was all that mattered.

“…When we get back… what will you do?”

This time, Namgung Bi-ah asked me.

How novel. She rarely asks questions like this.

“When we get back?”

What will I do when I return to my clan?

Hmm.

‘Time is too short.’

By the time I return, autumn will have arrived.

And winter won’t be far behind.

‘…Winter.’

Since I have a schedule to go to the Dragon Shrine in winter.

It seemed unlikely I could accomplish anything in the short time between autumn and winter.

“…Perhaps I’ll train?”

Heading to Wudang.

Or seeking out the Wudang Mad Immortal.

Or finding and consuming the White Horse Stone, etc.

There were many important tasks I had lined up.

But the time was too tight to accomplish each one.

I judged it impossible for now.

Namgung Bi-ah seemed to ponder my words intently.

“…Mm. I understand.”

She nodded, as if she’d realized something on her own.

How anticlimactic.

‘There is one other thing, though.’

If there’s something I didn’t bother telling Namgung Bi-ah.

It’s probably that I’ll visit the underground once more.

‘There’s something I need to check….’

It was a place I absolutely didn’t want to go, but…

I couldn’t help it.

There were things I could only know by going myself.

If there’s anything I truly wish for.

‘Shin No-ya-nim needs to wake up.’

Before the winter days arrive.

I hoped No-ya-nim would wake up.

While I vaguely missed Shin No-ya-nim, regarding the matter concerning Namgung Myung…

There were many things No-ya-nim needed to help with.

‘Also concerning the Iron King Kwon Cheol-geum…’

Since Thunder-Splitting Sword had mentioned the Iron King Kwon Cheol-geum.

It was possible No-ya-nim knew something.

‘So please wake up.’

What on earth could be the problem?

Why No-ya-nim wasn’t waking up.

I wanted to know that.

“It seems your preparations are complete.”

While I was chatting with Namgung Bi-ah.

Madam Mi appeared and approached us.

My father didn’t seem to be with her.

He seemed to have been here earlier, perhaps conversing with Namgung Jin-nim.

“Yes. It seems the attendants worked hard.”

This was my reply to Madam Mi’s words.

After all, it wasn’t me packing, but the attendants.

“Yes. Those children always have a hard time.”

Madam Mi also nodded.

And approached Namgung Bi-ah, not me.

She adjusted the slightly disheveled martial attire on her.

“Ah… Th… thank you.”

“It can be unsightly if you’re disheveled outside.”

“I apologize…”

“Soon, you will become a member, so you need to cultivate carefulness.”

‘…Why go that far…’

I subtly clicked my tongue inwardly at Madam Mi’s words.

Putting aside Namgung Bi-ah, who was being corrected.

I, who lived so carelessly, had nothing to say in response to those words.

When was the last time I wore decent clothes?

I think I only wore them briefly during the engagement ceremony.

Meanwhile, Namgung Bi-ah seemed to stiffen at Madam Mi’s words.

Why is she acting like that?

‘…Did the word ‘member’ bother her?’

Was it Madam Mi’s words about becoming a member of my clan upon marriage that affected her?

Namgung Bi-ah’s posture had changed noticeably.

Namgung Bi-ah already acted with a refined posture when meeting my father or Madam Mi, but…

Did it become even more pronounced?

After that, Madam Mi continued to adjust Namgung Bi-ah’s hair.

And brush off any dust on her clothes.

Finally, she patted her shoulder lightly before turning and heading towards her carriage.

As she passed, her gaze swept over me briefly, making me swallow nervously.

She’s someone whose thoughts are impossible to read.

I wondered what she thought upon seeing me.

‘…At any rate, I don’t think it was anything good.’

That was the feeling I got.

Then again.

I already knew Madam Mi didn’t particularly like me.

Madam Mi entered her carriage.

After waiting a little longer.

I saw my father walking from afar.

Seeing Namgung Jin-nim walking alongside him,

It seemed they were indeed having a conversation.

“Greetings, Clan Head.”

“Greetings… Clan Head.”

I greeted Namgung Jin-nim.

Namgung Bi-ah bowed her head to her father, showing respect.

“Are your preparations for departure complete?.”

“Yes.”

My father nodded at my answer.

Meanwhile, Namgung Jin-nim’s gaze was still fixed on me.

The meaning conveyed by that gaze was so burdensome that I tried my best to avoid it.

“It was a good encounter. I hope we meet again.”

“…Yes, may we have a good connection…”

“Definitely.”

“…”

His emphatic words made my stomach churn.

Meanwhile, his gaze, now much more composed, caught my eye.

It seemed the enlightenment he gained was significant.

Meanwhile, Namgung Jin-nim shifted his gaze from me to Namgung Bi-ah.

Although the way he looked at his daughter felt slightly peculiar.

“…Be careful on your way.”

He seemed somewhat better than before.

Perhaps this was also due to Namgung Jin-nim having more peace of mind.

I wasn’t interested enough to know for sure.

“…”

At his nonchalantly spoken words.

Namgung Bi-ah flinched momentarily, then slowly nodded.

Her gaze seemed quite awkward.

Afterward, Namgung Bi-ah got into the carriage.

I followed suit and took my seat in the carriage.

As soon as I sat down and settled in, Namgung Bi-ah leaned her head on my shoulder as if she’d been waiting.

It felt familiar now.

“We shall depart.”

“Mm.”

Answering the coachman’s words.

Hiiing!

Immediately, the sound of hooves followed with a powerful neigh.

Only hearing that did I finally…

…realize that the engagement ceremony’s schedule had completely concluded.

---

Time flowed.

And so.

The seasons passed autumn, moving towards winter.

The woman felt the flowing breeze as she packed her belongings.

Her luggage consisted of only a few clothes.

And a single worn sword.

For the woman, this was enough.

Unnecessary baggage would only be a hindrance.

“…”

As she packed them one by one.

The woman reached out a snow-white hand and opened a drawer.

Inside the drawer was a faded hair ornament.

A piece carved as if to symbolize the sun.

For a while, it was an item she held close while falling asleep.

There were times she couldn’t sleep without it.

It was a cheap trinket that could be bought for a small sum at the local market, but…

“…”

The woman carefully packed the ornament and put it in her embrace.

It was currently the most precious item she had left.

After packing her incredibly simple luggage.

The woman dragged herself outside.

Outside was the cold dawn, the sun not yet risen.

The darkness was profound, but the woman paid it no mind.

She simply moved her feet.

Because she wanted to go as soon as possible.

As she walked out with a calm gaze.

“Are you already planning to depart?”

Uptuk.

A voice that made the woman halt her steps was heard.

Upon identifying the owner of the voice, the woman immediately bowed her head in greeting.

“…Were you not sleeping?”

“When you get old, you naturally lose your nighttime sleep. Khkh…”

“…”

“You, on the other hand, being young, there’s no way you lack sleep. Why are you trying to leave this early in the morning? I thought the departure was scheduled for three days later?”

“…I received permission.”

“Permission from your grandfather?”

“Yes.”

At the woman’s words, the old man, Shin Ui, nodded.

Then it should be fine.

The woman soon asked the old man.

“Did you come looking for me?”

“Yes, I had a feeling you were about to leave… Look at this, didn’t my intuition hit the mark perfectly?”

“…”

Shin Ui, looking at the woman, took something out of his pocket and threw it.

Tak.

The woman lightly caught the object that flew towards her.

What the old man threw was a fortune pouch, neither too big nor too small.

“Ah.”

The woman, having confirmed the object’s identity, gave a short reaction.

“I told your grandfather, and I told you too.”

The woman’s head moved at Shin Ui’s voice.

“The energy you possess is so strong that I couldn’t block it all.”

“…”

“On the contrary, thanks to it, you’ve become a bit more human…”

“I am human.”

At the woman’s firm voice, Shin Ui’s expression, which had been mid-sentence, changed slightly.

Because he realized he had made a mistake.

The old man looked at the woman, smiled bitterly, and continued.

“That’s right, I misspoke. My apologies…”

“No… It’s alright.”

“Yes… At least I’ve prepared enough for you to get through the winter days. Make sure to take it once every seven days and nights.”

“…Thank you.”

The woman bowed her head to Shin Ui’s consideration.

She could tell he had put thought into it.

As she held the fortune pouch, the old man asked.

“Are you not planning to go with that Jang Ga fellow?”

“…”

“Seeing your expression, I think I understand. No answer is needed.”

Shin Ui also wore a somewhat displeased expression.

He had a handsome face, outstanding talent.

An excellent family background, and good manners, yet…

Somehow, that Young Master Mi didn’t quite appeal to me.

At the same time, another face surfaced in my mind.

‘That promising kid, despite his rudeness, I felt some affection for him.’

It’s been about two years, maybe.

He recalled the face of a fierce-looking young boy from the family of flames.

Even back then, his expression, unnaturally mature for his age, was bothersome.

The fact that I still remember him even after all this time must mean I felt some affection for him.

‘And that…’

That child is probably the same.

Shin Ui thought so and sighed inwardly.

The image of a child swept up in the affairs of decrepit old men.

Was far from happiness.

Knowing that.

Shin Ui made the effort to find the woman this early morning.

“Be careful.”

“Thank you.”

The woman showed respect to Shin Ui’s words.

And then resumed her steps.

Time passed, several seasons changed.

And winter arrived once more.

‘…Will I really be able to see him now?’

The woman’s steps were filled more with anxiety than excitement.

Seasons changed, environments changed.

And she herself had changed.

‘Will he… recognize me?’

Could he recognize her?

The woman felt anxious about that,

But more than that.

The thought of seeing him again spurred the woman onward.

Her destination was Henan.