Chapter 108: Someone Who Will Teach You Better Than Anyone. (2)

An honorary disciple is a title bestowed when another sect receives a great favor from an outsider, containing gratitude.

This person is a benefactor of our sect! It’s something received like a token.

I am currently asking Mae Hwa-seon-nim to officially recognize me as a benefactor of the sect.

It was arguably brazen and embarrassing, but there wasn’t much time to beat around the bush.

At my request, Mae Hwa-seon-nim wore a slightly surprised expression.

It was an expression that seemed to say, ‘Surely, they didn’t expect me to make such a request.’

“…This is awkward.”

“I apologize for bringing this up so suddenly.”

Originally, I had intended to make a different request, but now, the position of an honorary disciple of the Mount Hua Sect was necessary.

The reason Mae Hwa-seon-nim is contemplating now is probably because this position isn’t something that can be granted easily.

“If I may ask, is it because of the Daoqi within your body?”

I nodded at Mae Hwa-seon-nim’s words.

“…If I must find a reason, then yes.”

If I receive the position of an honorary disciple, I can use Mount Hua’s martial arts. Of course, I wouldn’t be privy to things like the Plum Blossom Sword Technique or their internal cultivation methods, but it would create a justification for learning them.

This justification was an important aspect for someone of the righteous path.

I could learn it secretly, but I didn’t want to handle the backlash if I were discovered later.

‘The biggest problem is that I have Daoqi but can’t use it freely.’

The Mount Hua Sect’s demonic Daoqi, unable to be drawn out, was coiled solely within my dantian.

With the Daoqi’s help, I reached the fourth stage of the Nine Flames Wheel Technique, and with Shin No-ya’s assistance, I even reached its peak. However, it was still a part that felt uneasy to use carelessly.

[Just use it secretly; you’re quite meticulous in places like this.]

‘I’m not from a demonic sect, so shouldn’t I uphold certain principles?’

[That’s hardly credible coming from someone who used to set people’s houses on fire as a demonic cultivator.]

‘…’

Shin No-ya’s words struck me right in the gut. Given what I did in my past life, I had no rebuttal.

Nevertheless, my declaration to live properly now was sincere.

At least, that was my intention for this life.

I posed the question again to the silent Mae Hwa-seon-nim.

“Is it indeed difficult for you to grant the position?”

“No, it’s not that. In fact, there were aspects I wanted to suggest myself.”

“Yes?”

“Who else but I knows that you’ve done quite a bit for the Mount Hua Sect? How could I not have considered it?”

He wanted to give it to me? I expressed my doubt at Mae Hwa-seon-nim’s answer.

As if to resolve my doubt, Mae Hwa-seon-nim continued.

“The reason I didn’t bring it up was simply because you are from the Gu family. I thought the Gu family wouldn’t particularly welcome an honorary disciple position from another sect…”

I think I understood what Mae Hwa-seon-nim meant.

There certainly were such aspects. In Gu Ryeon-hwa’s case, she practically left home and immersed herself in Mount Hua, so that’s one thing.

The reason it didn’t matter was probably because Gu Ryeon-hwa wouldn’t know much about the Gu family in the first place.

Regarding this, I could firmly tell Mae Hwa-seon-nim.

“I am fine. My family probably won’t have any particular objections.”

It wasn’t an expectation that it would be fine, but a conviction.

If I told my father I received the position of an honorary disciple, it would surely end with the three words, ‘I see.’

At my words, Geom-hu, who was beside me, chimed in slightly.

“Sect Leader, this child not only saved my life but also potentially averted danger for Shin-ui. Isn’t the justification for granting the position more than sufficient?”

The first reason was the benefit of acquiring demonic energy, and the second was that it happened by chance, which was a bit tricky, but strictly speaking, the words were correct.

Mae Hwa-seon-nim stroked his long beard and nodded slightly.

Was it a sign of permission?

“Granting the position won’t be too difficult. I’ll have to discuss it with the elders, but if I bring it up, the answer is already decided.”

“Then…”

“However, child, I understand your concern about the energy within your body, but it troubles me that I’m not in a situation to teach you how to use it.”

He meant he was busy due to the incidents during the Jehwajeon period.

Moreover, I was leaving for the Sega today, meaning even if I received the honorary disciple position, I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goal.

“You don’t need to worry about that part.”

Geom-hu, who is accompanying me, is still in recovery and cannot utilize energy, but beside me, there was someone who could teach me about this better than anyone else.

[…Huh?]

---

After receiving Mae Hwa-seon-nim’s permission, Geom-hu and I returned to where the carriage was being prepared.

‘I’m surprised I received permission so easily.’

I had not only asked for a favor but also requested Geom-hu to vouch for me, yet Mae Hwa-seon-nim’s permission was easier than expected.

In fact, he even said that this wouldn’t be considered a favor and asked me to discuss it again later when the time is right.

‘Does he normally grant things so readily?’

[I don’t know either. This title didn’t even exist during my time.]

I asked Shin No-ya, but he didn’t seem to know.

Whatever the case, it was a fortunate outcome.

Suddenly, Geom-hu, who was beside me, spoke.

“I’m not sure if this will be sufficient.”

“What are you referring to?”

“The title sounds grand, but in the end, it’s merely honorary. If perhaps you are interested in Mount Hua’s martial arts…”

“No, I’m not particularly interested in that, so you don’t need to worry.”

The Mount Hua Sect is a sword sect. As their internal cultivation methods and martial arts themselves are heavily focused on swordsmanship, I had no intention of delving into their martial arts.

[So you intend to shrewdly skim off only the methods for circulating Daoqi, is that what you mean?]

‘It’s not like I’m going to spend day and night practicing swordsmanship to bloom now….’

It would be another matter if Shin No-ya were to help, but I didn’t think I’d have that much time.

‘For now, this is enough.’

Wrapping the rough internal cultivation method with Daoqi to reduce its danger.

Just this alone showed what a significant change it brought.

Mae Hwa-seon-nim said he would send a letter to the Gu family after meeting with the elders, but it was practically a granted permission.

Descending from Mount Hua Sect and heading towards the entrance, the carriage was already fully prepared. And something was surrounding the prepared carriage.

Upon closer inspection, they were lumps of muscle.

“…What is that now?”

Judging by their appearance, they were the second-generation disciples of Mount Hua Sect. There couldn’t possibly be anyone else with such physiques wearing those bursting plum blossom robes.

Geom-hu also glanced away slightly upon seeing them.

Surely not… Is she embarrassed?

I didn’t want to approach them, but I had no choice but to move closer to the carriage.

“Take care! Younger Sister…”

“Eat well, and don’t forget us?”

“Younger Sister, you’re too thin. I should have helped you more with lower body exercises.”

“Your forearm is like my finger… Does this even make sense?”

“…Older Brothers, could you please leave now?”

Gu Ryeon-hwa, surrounded by the muscle masses, spoke as if pleading.

Despite their concern, it was evident they were keeping their distance so as not to frighten Gu Ryeon-hwa.

Thanks to that, they were drawing the attention of everyone around.

Gu Ryeon-hwa shouted, almost screaming.

“People are getting scared…!”

“Huh? Who’s scared? Everyone’s looking with admiration.”

“Besides, who would be scared of a back carrying such a mountain?”

[That’s true.]

Shin No-ya subtly interjected.

At this point, I felt like I was losing my mind.

Perhaps I wasn’t the only one, as Shin-hyeon, who was standing further away, smashed his fists into the heads of his fellow disciples.

Thump! Thump! CRASH!

I flinched at the subsequent booming sounds.

‘…Didn’t that sound like something that shouldn’t come from a human head?’

It sounded just like rocks being crushed.

Simultaneously with the sound, the second-generation disciples rolled on the ground.

“Aaaargh!”

“The First Senior Disciple is hitting innocent people!”

“…It’s embarrassing, so shut your mouths, you damn junior disciples.”

Shin-hyeon passed by the groaning disciples on the ground and approached Gu Ryeon-hwa.

“Younger Sister.”

“Yes, First Senior Disciple.”

Shin-hyeon’s eyes twitched at Gu Ryeon-hwa’s clear, unwavering voice.

“…Yes, seeing your resolute demeanor puts my mind at ease.”

“Thank you for your concern…”

“No. I did nothing; you overcame it all on your own.”

Shin-hyeon looked at Gu Ryeon-hwa, hesitating with his hand.

He seemed to be contemplating whether or not he could pat her head.

“…First Senior Disciple?”

Gu Ryeon-hwa asked, wondering what he was doing, but Shin-hyeon soon put his hand down.

He seemed to have judged that it wasn’t the right time yet.

Shin-hyeon chuckled awkwardly and said.

“Never mind. Please have a safe journey.”

After finishing his words, he roughly pulled up the disciples sprawled around and walked back towards Mount Hua Sect.

At that moment, Shin-hyeon and I briefly made eye contact.

-Please take good care of my Younger Sister.

Shin-hyeon’s telepathic message reached me.

-Yes.

I immediately replied telepathically. Hearing that, Shin-hyeon looked towards me with a surprised expression.

He apparently hadn’t expected me to be able to use telepathy.

In that brief moment, Shin-hyeon quickly composed his expression, nodded, and slowly walked up the stairs.

Thinking everything was settled, I started to approach the carriage when someone called out to me.

“Young Hero Gu…!”

Upon looking, it was Yeong-pung.

“Dojang…? How did you get down here?”

Third-generation disciples aren’t supposed to come down from Mount Hua Sect carelessly?

To my question, Yeong-pung casually replied.

“I just snuck down!”

…This guy really is crazy.

How can he openly admit to breaking the rules so brazenly?

[It warms my heart seeing my younger days.]

‘In my opinion, No-ya is the source of all problems.’

I couldn’t help but shake my head.

“I heard you were leaving today, so I came down in a hurry.”

Ah, I hadn’t told Yeong-pung.

Due to moving around so much, I had forgotten about Yeong-pung.

“Are you alright? I heard you took quite a beating yesterday.”

Of all people, to face Shin-hyeon as the first opponent, and not just lose but get beaten unconscious, I heard.

Yeong-pung’s condition seemed better than expected.

“Ah! Thanks to my Martial Uncle’s consideration, I was only hit painfully, but no marks were left on my body.”

“…Ah, yes.”

How can he say something so terrifying with such cheerfulness?

What he means is that he was made to feel immense pain, but beaten in a way that left no traces.

‘This sect is not normal.’

No matter how I looked at it, they weren’t normal.

Yeong-pung smiled and took something out of his robe, handing it to me.

It was an item with a plum blossom pattern drawn on it.

As I looked at it, wondering what it was, Yeong-pung continued.

“This is my Hero’s Robe.”

“…Why are you giving this to me?”

“It’s something I’ve never used before… When we meet again next time, I hope you’ll return it to me then.”

At Yeong-pung’s words, my brow furrowed slightly without realizing it.

‘What is this, something lovers would say to each other, being directed at me?’

Wondering if Yeong-pung might be into that, I glared at him, but he continued without seeming to notice.

“And at that time too, please accept my challenge match.”

“Hmm?”

I looked at Yeong-pung with a peculiar expression.

I was trying to figure out the meaning behind his words.

I sensed a faint competitive spirit in Yeong-pung’s eyes.

Sensing that, I let out a small, involuntary laugh.

Yeong-pung was essentially asking me to become his rival.

‘To be subjected to this by the Sword Dragon of the world.’

It was an indescribable feeling.

I smiled slightly and finally accepted Yeong-pung’s item, tucking it into my robe.

“Yes, I’ll look forward to it next time.”

Seemingly pleased with my answer, Yeong-pung beamed.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, Young Hero, I was able to realize many things.”

With those words, Yeong-pung ascended Mount Hua Sect without hesitation.

‘Strange.’

Lately, I seemed to be hearing the word ‘thank you’ quite often.

I didn’t feel like I had particularly done anything significant.

‘No-ya.’

[What is it.]

‘Are you truly alright? Once we leave Mount Hua now, we don’t know when we’ll return.’

In our conversation last night, No-ya had assured me he was fine, but I still felt the need to ask one more time.

[There was no way for me to stay here in the first place, was there.]

‘That’s true, but…’

[And.]

Shin No-ya took a breath and spoke.

[I think I have some idea of what I need to finish, so there’s no point in staying here. Therefore, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.]

‘…I understand.’

Even if I asked what that meant, No-ya’s only answer was that he couldn’t tell me yet.

It was frustrating, but I couldn’t press him further when he wasn’t willing to explain.

“Master!”

Gu Ryeon-hwa, who was about to board the carriage, spotted me and Geom-hu and ran over.

“Are you here now?”

Gu Ryeon-hwa ran up and hugged Geom-hu.

Geom-hu naturally patted Gu Ryeon-hwa’s head.

Watching Gu Ryeon-hwa in the embrace, I asked.

“Is everyone already on board?”

“Yep.”

“What about Shin-ui?”

“She was already in the carriage since this morning.”

According to Gu Ryeon-hwa, Shin-ui had a carriage provided by Mount Hua Sect next to the Gu family’s carriage.

She seemed to be riding in that one.

I casually asked Gu Ryeon-hwa.

“Did you pack all your clothes?”

“…My older brothers already asked me that dozens of times. Are you asking too, brother?”

“…If you packed them, fine.”

We got into the carriage while exchanging various trivial conversations.

Inside the carriage, Wi Seol-ah greeted me brightly.

Namgung Bi-ah was already asleep, lying on Wi Seol-ah’s lap.

“Young Master!”

“Is this one sleeping again?”

“She said she couldn’t sleep well yesterday and was tired!”

“She always seems tired, though…”

Still, I sat beside her carefully, just in case she woke up.

As I watched the scenery outside for a moment, I heard Geom-jon’s voice from the front.

“Then, we shall depart.”

“Ah, yes!”

Come to think of it, Geom-jon was the coachman.

As soon as I realized it, my posture became somewhat humble.

A carriage driven by one of the Three Heavenly Lords seemed to have the effect of making one find their manners.

Watching that, Shin No-ya asked.

[Why is that fellow driving the carriage…?]

‘…I don’t know either.’

I wanted to know more.

Puh-hee-heeng-! With a powerful neigh, the carriage began to move.

Finally, the schedule in Samcheok was over, and we were returning to the Sega.

“When we return this time… I should rest from long journeys for a while.”

This year alone, Samcheok and Sichuan… Upon returning, I was done with long journeys.

As I was thinking that, Shin No-ya, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke.

[Hearing you say that, it doesn’t seem like it will turn out as you say.]

‘…’

I tried my best to ignore the ominous remark.

---

Time flowed by, and by the time we returned to the Sega.

I had to face an unexpected situation immediately.

“…Why are you here, Young Lady?”

To my dumbfounded question, the girl replied, blushing.

“Ah, hello…!”

A girl with deep green hair and bright green eyes, captivating.

It was Tang Soyeol, the precious jewel of the Sichuan Tang Sect, the Poisonous Bee, right there.