Chapter 116: Let’s Make a Bet. (2)

Let’s Make a Bet. (2)

After telling Tang Soyeol everything I needed to say and parting ways, I went to find Shin-ui. Tang Soyeol had asked if I wanted to have lunch together, but…

Because it overlapped with the schedule my father mentioned, I declined due to time constraints.

Truthfully, I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it either.

At my refusal, he immediately became crestfallen, and the gloom that shadowed his face caught my eye, but there was nothing I could do.

I headed towards a small annex within the Sega.

Shin-ui’s annex wasn’t too far from the infirmary, and it was a bit smaller than the other guest annexes.

Originally, the largest annex had been prepared, but as soon as he saw the house, he apparently got angry, saying he had no intention of sleeping in a place like this.

‘Honestly.’

Having traveled together from Mount Hua to Shanxi for several months, I had come to understand Shin-ui’s personality to some extent.

Even though he seemed like a grumpy old man full of complaints, he was affectionate and couldn’t pass by someone in pain without helping.

One day during our camping trip, one of the attendants got splinters all over his hand while working, injuring his flesh.

The attendant didn’t pay much mind, saying it was a common occurrence, but Shin-ui, instead, scolded him, saying it would be a big problem if left untreated.

Whether it was bringing medicine or bandages. He seemed displeased by the presence of the wound…

He grumbled and spoke harshly, but his nagging continued until the attendant’s wound was completely healed.

For the elder, known as the greatest physician in the Central Plains, to go to such lengths for a mere attendant’s shallow wound, how burdensome must that have been for the attendant?

Later, I heard that since he was getting a ride in the carriage, he figured Shin-ui was just trying to do something.

Perhaps it was because such incidents repeated a few times, that by the end of the journey, many people had actually come to follow Shin-ui on a more personal level.

Shin-ui would say he found it bothersome and told them not to cling to him, but it seemed he secretly enjoyed being liked by people.

Though his characteristic crankiness never disappeared.

I arrived at the annex where Shin-ui was staying. As I arrived, Shin-ui happened to be outside, drying herbs, and was out front.

Noticing me, Shin-ui asked,

“What is it?”

“I just came to visit.”

“You strange fellow, aren’t you busy?”

“What business would I have being busy at home? I just eat and poop.”

“And you, who only eats and poops, what are you doing here?”

Just from our back-and-forth, I could feel how much closer Shin-ui and I had become. Originally, we weren’t at a level where we could have conversations like this.

Shin-ui looked at me calmly, then frowned and said.

“What the hell did you stuff yourself with all night?”

“…How did you know?”

“How could I not know? When your energy changed so drastically?”

Normally, not knowing would be the standard…?

Simply grasping another person’s energy is usually impossible for those with low martial arts cultivation, but Shin-ui was uniquely capable of doing so.

Of course, I don’t know the extent of his perception, but perhaps it would be impossible at a higher cultivation level than this.

‘He doesn’t seem to sense the demonic energy, though.’

He seemed to have noticed the part where my energy increased after eating the flower, but regarding the demonic energy, he still seemed clueless.

“…Well, shall I examine your body?”

At Shin-ui’s question, posed as if doing me a favor, I let out a ‘pfft’.

“Are you really doing that for my benefit?”

“What? Of course, I’m doing it for you, not for myself, am I?”

“First, wipe the curiosity from your eyes before you speak.”

“…Ugh.”

The moment he realized I was alive and well despite carrying multiple energies coiled within my body, Shin-ui began frequently examining my body as if I were a newly discovered, wondrous creature.

Since it was Shin-ui, not just anyone else, examining me, I often allowed him to, thinking it was fine.

Tired of him showing up constantly, as if trying to conduct research, I had recently started keeping a bit of distance.

“Why are you acting so high and mighty? You came here wanting this anyway, didn’t you?”

“You’re quite perceptive….”

“Stop talking nonsense and come sit down.”

“Yes.”

I sat carefully beside the wooden floor, and extended my hand as Shin-ui instructed.

His fingers moved, feeling my pulse and tracing the acupoints on my body. It didn’t take long.

“Your body is fascinating every time I see it, this shouldn’t be possible….”

As always, Shin-ui fell into thought after finishing his examination of my body.

From Shin-ui’s perspective, the violent internal energy formed by the Gu family’s cultivation method, and the subtle aura of demonic energy, coexisting without exploding was likely astonishing.

‘What would his reaction be if he knew about the demonic energy, making it three types of energy?’

Perhaps if he found that out too, he might become even more fervent in exploring my body.

Is this the curiosity of a physician, or something else?

“How is it?”

“Your accumulated energy has increased considerably. The instability I sensed when I first saw you is gone, so there should be no problem.”

“That’s a relief, I was worried I’d be treated like I had a limited time to live again.”

“What the hell did you stuff yourself with to end up like this? Did that Dohwa fellow give you something?”

“…Something like that.”

Regardless, since I obtained it around the Mount Hua Sect, it wasn’t entirely incorrect.

I always observed my body and checked my internal energy, but ultimately, the only one who could examine my physical condition more accurately was a physician.

Fortunately, the greatest physician in the Central Plains was nearby, and Shin-ui seemed interested in my condition, so it was a beneficial exchange.

As the examination concluded, I asked Shin-ui.

“Are you comfortable here?”

“What’s there to be uncomfortable about? Compared to a hut infested with bugs, I’m grateful.”

“Despite saying that, you requested to change annexes, didn’t you?”

“Since I’m not working, is it even reasonable for Hyuk and I to occupy such a large house?”

“Even though you say that, word spread that you were helping out the physicians at the infirmary from time to time, within a day.”

“…Which loose-lipped bastard is it?”

Seeing Shin-ui’s expression immediately crumple, I suppressed the laughter threatening to escape. Honestly, despite appearing so cranky, he was a kinder old man than anyone.

I wondered how someone like him ended up leaving the medical field. Shin No-ya spoke.

[He must have prioritized his own beliefs over honor.]

‘Those are profound words.’

[In a way, it’s a value that not only physicians but any martial artist should hold above all else.]

It depends on the person, Shin No-ya added.

Beliefs over honor. While I understood No-ya’s words, it was also something unheard of in the current martial arts world.

People learned martial arts for honor, and honor followed them as their achievements grew.

In fact, many honed their martial arts solely to pursue that preceding honor.

“Please make sure you eat properly. You’re not getting any younger.”

“What kind of person worries about a physician’s health? I take better care of myself than anyone, so stop worrying unnecessarily.”

“You skip meals every day, so what do you mean by taking good care of yourself?”

“Look at this brat? You’re the one who always stuffed yourself with dumplings, maybe I should nag you about that too?”

“…No.”

“Tsk. The examination is over, so go out and see Hyuk for a bit.”

At Shin-ui’s words, I asked with my expression what he meant. Shin-ui said, while putting the herbs into containers one by one.

“Since you came into Gu Clan, he seems to miss seeing you often.”

“Who does he miss?”

If it was about Zhuge Hyuk, Shin-ui’s words felt somewhat strange.

Zhuge Hyuk was someone whose relationship had been newly established, much like Shin-ui. After all, I had made an effort to get closer to him.

Zhuge Hyuk was also the person most different from my past life. There was the large burn scar on his face, and he was a man who showed various expressions and never tired of chattering away.

The current Zhuge Hyuk was a completely different person.

He had as few facial expressions as Namgung Bi-ah, and couldn’t speak, being mute. He communicated through short, simple sign language or by writing on the ground, but even that wasn’t done at length.

Following Shin-ui’s words, I left the annex to find Zhuge Hyuk. Finding him wasn’t difficult.

Since he had mentioned that his hobby and dream was cooking, I just needed to look in places related to that.

As expected, I found Zhuge Hyuk chopping vegetables in a corner of the annex.

“What are you doing here?”

At my voice, Zhuge Hyuk quickly turned his head. He then put down the kitchen knife he was holding and made a gesture with his hand.

I knew from seeing it a few times. It roughly meant, ‘Hello, brother.’

“I told you to rest as a guest, but this guy is already making something as soon as he arrived.”

Zhuge Hyuk’s claim that cooking was fun was true. He had actually made things alongside the attendants during the camping trip.

His skills were even good, and people enjoyed his cooking. In response to my words, Zhuge Hyuk made various gestures, and eventually picked up a stick.

Although the ground wasn’t suitable for writing anything, if I focused my attention, I could grasp what he intended to convey.

-It’s fun.

“…I suppose so. What are you making?”

-I don’t know. But this is also delicious.

“Another dish invented in your head?”

-Yes.

Zhuge Hyuk often cooked whatever he pleased, disregarding convention. As a result, his dishes had failed numerous times, but they had also succeeded many times.

I recalled a dish that had been well-received during the camping trip and said,

“That thing you made with fish last time was quite good.”

-Fried? Or boiled?

“Fried.”

-Shall I make it now?

“No, it’s fine, I just wanted to say it was delicious. I have business to attend to at lunch anyway.”

-Then I’ll make it for you later.

“…Uh, um…. Okay, I’ll visit again later.”

Normally, I would have refused, but Zhuge Hyuk enjoyed making things for others. Since he seemed eager to make something for me this time too, I didn’t refuse.

[Do you trust that child now?]

Shin No-ya suddenly asked.

Knowing fragments of my memories, he was likely asking cautiously about Zhuge Hyuk as well.

I answered No-ya’s question.

‘No.’

I could say with certainty. I didn’t fully trust him.

However, a sliver of trust had begun to form.

If he wanted to live differently, a faint hope, not quite hope, arose that perhaps that child could change too.

That’s why I haven’t acted yet.

And I hoped I wouldn’t have to act in the future either.

I said to Zhuge Hyuk.

“I mentioned we should have a meal together with Ryeonghwa later, why don’t you make something then.”

-…

Zhuge Hyuk paused before writing anything. I had definitely seen it. His body flinched the moment Ryeonghwa’s name was mentioned.

“You this bi-. Hyuk, your ears look like they’re turning red?”

At my words, Zhuge Hyuk hastily covered his ears. His pupils were even darting around. That’s just acting, right? It must be acting.

Zhuge Hyuk carefully made gestures and wrote something on the ground.

-…When…?

“…”

It seemed my assumption was mistaken. This guy really was a dangerous one.

---

After teasing Zhuge Hyuk a bit more, I bid farewell to Shin-ui and headed towards the center of Gu Clan. It was an important discussion, so it would surely take place there.

As expected, the further I walked, the more unfamiliar faces I noticed.

They were likely people from the Namgung family.

Upon arriving at the entrance, the people of Gu Clan bowed their heads and cleared the way for me.

Midway, I was caught by an attendant and had my clothes forcibly changed.

I had intended to go in casual attire, but apparently, that wasn’t acceptable.

‘It seems I’m not the last one here.’

Namgung Jin and my father hadn’t arrived yet, and only Namgung Bi-ah seemed to be sitting alone. Thinking it was rather convenient, I opened the door and entered.

“Since when have you been here….”

And then, as if my body had malfunctioned, I couldn’t help but freeze.

A pure white flower sat there.

It seemed I wasn’t the only one malfunctioning, as Shin No-ya also spoke in a slightly trembling voice.

[…With looks like that, one could dare call it sorcery.]

Sorcery, I wasn’t sure if it would truly have that effect on men.

Even if I had gone out looking half-asleep, I should have at least worn a veil, but the adorned Namgung Bi-ah possessed destructive power beyond necessity.

Even I, who had seen Namgung Bi-ah’s face often and grown somewhat accustomed to it, was now gasping for air at her current appearance.

As I stared blankly, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes turned towards me.

“You’re… here?”

“…I’m here.”

Even as I looked at her with trembling eyes, my gaze drifted to Namgung Bi-ah’s lips.

I had been a bit worried about the injured spot from earlier, but fortunately, the wound didn’t seem severe and had already healed quickly.

As I examined her face, Namgung Bi-ah said.

“Seol-ah was looking for you.”

“Ah, right. I left without telling anyone.”

Since I had left my quarters during the day without leaving word, Wi Seol-ah must have been looking for me. Instead of returning to my quarters, I went to Tang Soyeol, then to Shin-ui, and now here.

‘I’ll have to go find her later.’

Thinking that, I sat opposite Namgung Bi-ah. Meanwhile, I couldn’t bring myself to look at her face, and instead just stared blankly at the teacup in front of me.

‘I’m going crazy.’

What kind of foolish behavior is this? I can’t look because she’s too beautiful. Even as I cursed myself, I found it hard to lift my head.

Namgung Bi-ah seemed to notice this, and asked me.

“Am I… strange…?”

“Huh?”

“…Am I… strange?”

Her voice held a hint of disappointment, and only then did I slightly lift my head to meet Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes. Her gaze seemed somewhat anxious.

This girl, who usually seemed so vacant and indifferent, was becoming anxious over something as trivial as me not looking at her.

Although I couldn’t understand why, something was stirring within me over this trivial matter, my thoughts and body were reacting in such contradictory ways.

“…You’re not strange.”

“Then?”

A flicker of anticipation. A tiny spark of hope appeared in Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes. I could tell what she wanted without asking.

She used to seem unaware of her own beauty, but lately, perhaps her perspective had changed, as she seemed to have started recognizing her own charms to some extent.

Given her appearance, it would have been stranger if she didn’t know.

Unable to resist Namgung Bi-ah’s persistent gaze, I sighed and finally spoke.

“You’re… pretty. That’s good.”

Upon hearing my words, Shin No-ya, who had been holding back, finally spoke to me.

[Why did you have to add that pathetic afterthought?]

‘…You’re right.’

[What’s ‘okay’ about it? You claim to be a skilled martial artist, yet you’re acting so pathetic. You were fiery when beating up kids, but now, did someone douse you with water?]

‘Stop hitting me. It hurts.’

As I spoke, I glanced cautiously at Namgung Bi-ah. Even I thought it was a bit much.

However, contrary to my expectations, Namgung Bi-ah was smiling, seemingly pleased.

“I wanted to hear you say that.”

She said that and smiled brightly. It seemed she was no longer awkward about smiling, smiling brightly at me.

Ironically, the damn emotions that had piled up in my memory were being washed away by that simple gesture.

They wouldn’t be completely erased, though.

After all, I couldn’t forget the past you either.

Suddenly.

A memory surfaced: something I had said to you in the past.

-You resemble the moon.

At the time, it held no particular meaning.

Magyeomhu had fair skin, and since it was nighttime, moonlight seemed to cling to her silvery-white hair.

That was all. She just looked that way for a moment, which is why I said it.

I remember you standing still for a long time after hearing my words.

What were you thinking?

Now, I wanted to ask. What were you thinking back then?

There were so many things I wanted to ask. But now, I couldn’t ask any of them.

I had intended not to get involved with you in this life, but somehow, things got incredibly tangled.

“This is because of you.”

“Huh…?”

Shamelessly, I shifted the blame. Confused, Namgung Bi-ah replied with a vacant expression,

Seeing that, I burst into laughter.

After chatting like that for a while, an attendant delivered the news that my father and Namgung Jin had arrived.

I adjusted my posture slightly.

After all, it was a rather important schedule.

‘…I originally intended to run away.’

I was surprised at myself for having half-accepted it by now. Had I given up?

[You just accepted it because she was pretty, saying ‘thank you’.]

‘…’

I resented myself for not being able to deny Shin No-ya’s words.

Thus, the discussion between the Namgung family and Gu Clan quickly began.

I immediately became aware of one fact.

It was something I had vaguely anticipated before.

My father had remained silent when I asked, but now I knew for sure.

My father and Namgung Jin, were definitely on terrible terms.