Chapter 139: Falling Sword, Long Sky. (1)

Falling Sword Jang Cheon.

It has already been seven days and nights since arriving in Hanam.

Today too, snow was falling from the sky.

As if to prove the season, the snow piled high on the ground was enough to turn the world white.

Ppo-deuk.

Every time I stepped on the piled snow, a cute sound could be heard.

“Wow! Wow!”

Wi Seol-ah, bundled up tightly in fur clothes, had a bright expression, as if the piled snow was utterly fascinating.

Well, perhaps due to the land’s influence, it doesn’t snow or rain much in Shanxi.

“Hooo…”

The weather was particularly cold today, it seemed, as my chilled ears began to ache slightly.

“Young Master! Where are we going right now?”

Hopping like a rabbit, Wi Seol-ah ran up and asked me.

I stroked Wi Seol-ah’s black hair with my hand.

‘She seems to have grown a bit taller.’

Just as I had grown a lot this year, Wi Seol-ah had too.

If there was a slight difference, it was that our eye levels seemed similar originally.

Only that I had become a little taller.

I playfully ruffled Wi Seol-ah’s hair and said.

“The Murim Alliance.”

“What kind of place is that?”

“It’s a place where there are kids who pretend to be white but are actually black.”

“I know that! The doggie in front of our house looks like that.”

Doggie…?

As I tilted my head, wondering what that was, Hong Wa, who was beside me, offered a slight explanation.

“I believe she’s referring to the cats that sometimes come and go from our residence.”

“There are cats at our residence?”

Hong Wa flinched in surprise at my question.

What is it, was that something I shouldn’t have said?

After hesitating for a moment, Hong Wa, seemingly having made up her mind, said.

“…I apologize. As soon as we return, I will deal with the cats…”

“What are you talking about…! I was just asking, that’s all.”

Deal with the cats, what does she mean deal with them…

“Atchoo!”

As I let out a hollow laugh at the absurd remark, a sneezing sound came from ahead.

Turning around, I saw Namgung Bi-ah wiping her nose.

She seemed dressed warmly enough, but was she cold?

For reference, the fur coat Namgung Bi-ah was wearing was a gift from Tang Soyeol.

“Cold?”

“…A little.”

“Then wrap yourself in internal energy.”

As for me, since the martial arts I learned are what they are, I don’t particularly feel the cold.

Namgung Bi-ah wouldn’t be the same.

Usually, in times like this, people wrap their bodies in internal energy to feel a bit better, but…

“…Because it’s bothersome…”

“What part of that is bothersome…?”

It seemed Namgung Bi-ah was not like that.

Goodness, she finds that bothersome.

After briefly looking at Namgung Bi-ah’s hands, reddened by the cold, I offered my hand.

Namgung Bi-ah hesitated, wondering what was happening, then cautiously reached out her hand.

“What kind of mentality is it to be freezing to death but not even wear gloves?”

“Bother….”

“Never mind, just forget it.”

Talking to her will just give me an ulcer.

I quickly grabbed Namgung Bi-ah’s hand and blew warmth into it.

The hand I held felt like a block of ice.

If she was going to be this cold, she should at least tuck her hands into her sleeves or pockets.

Making people worry.

As I used a bit of internal energy, Namgung Bi-ah’s hand quickly warmed up.

However, separately, her face seemed to have turned a bit red.

“Is your face cold this time?”

As I let go of her hand and reached towards her cheek, Namgung Bi-ah flinched and retreated.

“…S-stop.”

Namgung Bi-ah, perhaps knowing her own face had turned red, tried to cover it with her clothes.

Since it wasn’t covered properly, she hid her face with her hair.

“…What are you doing?”

Her hair was long enough to cover her face, but it looked quite comical.

It was an action I couldn’t understand no matter how I thought about it.

My hand, which had failed to reach Namgung Bi-ah’s cheek and felt awkward, found its way to Wi Seol-ah.

“Wow! Young Master’s hands are warm!”

Seemingly pleased by the warmth, she rubbed her cheek against my hand.

Every time I felt the sensation on Wi Seol-ah’s cheek, I felt a sense of regret.

Feeling the subtle difference in texture, I said to Wi Seol-ah.

“You’ve lost weight again, haven’t you.”

“Huh…?”

“Do you really want to get scolded?”

“Why… why would I get scolded?”

“Because it’s something to be scolded for!”

Why is that?

I had definitely told Hong Wa to prepare more food.

As if answering my doubt, Hong Wa urgently said to me.

“I’m feeding her well, from three to four meals a day.”

“What about late-night snacks?”

“She eats them on her own even if I don’t prepare them.”

Judging by what she said, it seems she is eating well.

But why doesn’t she gain weight?

It was truly a mystery.

Not just by word, but seeing it directly, she eats an enormous amount.

‘Then how much was she eating when she seemed a bit chubby before?’

Could it be that she ate that much more just a few months ago?

The thought crossed my mind, and it was a bit frightening.

Lately, Wi Seol-ah has been spending more time alone, and it seemed like she was hiding something.

‘Hiding something from me.’

Even if she is hiding something, she is at an age where that’s possible.

I couldn’t help but feel concerned for some reason.

While I was fiddling with Wi Seol-ah’s cheek like that.

There was a subtle presence approaching.

“Hmm?”

Wondering what it was, I saw Tang Soyeol approaching with a very shy expression.

“Miss Dang?”

“Young Master Gu…”

Then she subtly extended her hand.

Strange?

I thought I clearly saw Tang Soyeol wearing gloves earlier.

Those very expensive-looking fur gloves.

But where did those gloves go? Tang Soyeol’s hands were bare now.

“My hands are cold too…”

Before Tang Soyeol could even finish her sentence, Namgung Bi-ah snatched Tang Soyeol’s hand.

“…My hand is still warm.”

With her hand still warm from my energy, she vigorously rubbed Tang Soyeol’s hand.

While her hands seemed to be warming up, Tang Soyeol’s expression turned sullen.

[What a mess…. Or should I say, a cat-astrophe?]

As Shin No-ya sighed in lament, it seemed there was one more person thinking the same thing.

“…How is it that even after a few days, things remain so harmonious.”

It was Moyong Hi-ah, whom I hadn’t seen much for several days.

After Namgung Cheon-jun briefly showed his face and disappeared, I barely saw Moyong Hi-ah afterwards either.

Around the time we left the Bcheonmaru, Moyong Hi-ah reappeared and joined our company.

Since we were heading towards the Murim Alliance anyway, and Tang Soyeol subtly showed signs of wanting to go together, I didn’t express any particular dissatisfaction.

Unlike at the inn, Moyong Hi-ah’s face, now without her veil, was still the same.

A cat-like face that exuded a strange aura.

Was the alluring atmosphere, even when just standing still, due to her unique eyes?

Perhaps her brilliant sky-blue eyes also played a part in giving off that feeling.

Maybe it was because I was looking for a moment, but I made eye contact with Moyong Hi-ah.

Moyong Hi-ah met my gaze and gave a slight, knowing smile.

‘What is it?’

It was a captivating smile that would have easily made any ordinary man fall for her at first sight.

‘Why is she acting like that?’

From my perspective, it was utterly uninteresting.

The reason she made that expression wasn’t a very good one.

Moyong Hi-ah is someone who knows all too well that she is beautiful.

She was a woman who knew very well that her face was highly effective on men, and knew how to use it.

And usually, when she makes that kind of expression, she’s laying the groundwork to captivate her target.

Knowing her intentions fully, I felt like any potential liking I might have had would only decrease.

‘Maybe it’s because of the kids next to me, I’ve gotten a bit used to it.’

If I kept looking only at Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah, the people of the opposite sex around me would seem like lumps of clay.

I simply gave a slight nod to Moyong Hi-ah’s smile and turned my gaze away again.

[Youngster.]

‘Yes.’

[…You know, I feel rather cold lately.]

‘Yes…?’

Do ghosts feel the cold too? It was like that last time too; for some reason, she seems particularly weak in winter. Is there a problem?

[Why do women like that flock to you alone? I feel an unnerving chill about it. Am I nearing my death?]

‘Ah, crap…. I thought something was actually wrong.’

I worried for nothing.

Why is this person, who died hundreds of years ago, suddenly saying such pitiful things?

[Do you know!? Do you know my heart, which couldn’t even date properly because I was supporting the sect!?]

‘Why are you taking it out on me?’

She’s acting weirder and weirder; maybe I really need to find a decent female ghost.

‘…But where would I find one.’

Should I go see a shaman?

No, I’m worried they might end up deciding they need to exorcise Elder Shin instead.

[What nonsense is this? Why would you try to exorcise me?]

‘Looking at you from front or back, given your personality, you’re closer to an evil spirit….’

[Follow me out. Before I ascend to the celestial realm, I will surely take you with me.]

Just as Elder Shin seemed about to yell in frustration, Mu Yeon matched my pace and spoke.

“Young Master.”

“Hmm?”

“We have arrived.”

Before Mu Yeon could even say it, my gaze was already fixed on the massive building ahead.

Walls surrounding a vast area, far exceeding the size of Gu Manor, let alone the Tang family’s estate we visited in Sichuan.

And within them, large buildings stood firmly.

This place is called the heart and center of the orthodox sects.

The Murim Alliance.

For me, it was a place I hadn’t seen in years, including before my regression.

---

Entering the Murim Alliance wasn’t particularly difficult. After all, I had stayed at the Bcheonmaru.

I had more than enough means to prove my identity.

Now, I was in the waiting room to attend the Yongbong Convention.

‘A Gold-grade room.’

Recalling that the room at Bcheonmaru was Silver-grade, I needed to think about why the treatment had suddenly changed.

‘What’s there to think about… it must be because of the Pavilion Lord.’

The Pavilion Lord’s letter of recommendation, which I handed over along with the invitation when entering Bcheonmaru.

It was probably thanks to that being passed up the chain.

The privileges granted by a recommendation from one of the Three Lords were already becoming apparent.

This wasn’t entirely a welcome development.

Well, what can I do? It’s already happened.

“The banquet is scheduled to start in about an hour. If you need clothes to change into…”

“It’s fine. I brought my own.”

“Understood.”

The Yongbong Convention is for later-generation disciples to show how much they’ve grown that year and to let many people know how brilliant their talents are, but…

The essence the Murim Alliance inwardly pursues is the management of connections.

Honestly, just going there to fight and return leaves a bad taste, but going there to mingle with those of good lineage and make acquaintances…

It was meant to refine future relationships.

Without that, there would be no reason for prominent families to send their kin.

[…It’s rotten, truly rotten. It wasn’t like this in my day.]

If one wants to show the results of their training, the tempering of their body, and their conviction as a warrior.

‘Somewhere else would be better than here.’

The Divine Dragon Academy, a sword training institution created by the Murim Alliance.

And the Divine Dragon Festival, held separately.

If you were to compare, that would be better.

This is Divine Dragon, that is Divine Dragon, even the alias is Divine Dragon.

It felt like the Murim Alliance really liked Divine Dragons.

‘Divine Dragon….’

Why did the giant snake I encountered in Bigō in the past suddenly come to mind?

The monster that most resembled the dragons I imagined.

The golden eyes of the snake looking at me remained vividly in my memory.

‘Is this too sudden?’

Even I thought it was a rather abrupt thought.

Is it because I’m nervous?

‘Nervousness in a place where kids play.’

It must be physical tension rather than mental.

I decided to think of it that way.

“Young Master, your clothes…”

“Ah, right. Could you help me?”

Hong Wa carefully approached and helped me put on the clothes.

Having to change clothes is such a hassle.

It makes sense, as the first day of the Yongbong Convention is a banquet.

It probably means we should meet, chat a bit, and have some exchanges.

Thanks to that, I also had to wear clothes that looked presentable, albeit semi-forcibly.

Even my father, who seemed not to care about such things at all, gave me these, telling me to wear something, so it seems important.

As I neatly changed my clothes, I said to Hong Wa.

“Could you remove the accessories?”

“Ah, don’t worry, Young Master. I figured you might say that, so I didn’t bring any accessories.”

“…”

That’s disappointing in its own way.

Usually, at times like this, you’d expect me to be surprised, saying, ‘Our Young Master usually desires shiny and expensive things so much, but now he doesn’t!’

Shouldn’t you react like that?

‘You’re adapting too quickly….’

I wondered if it was because Hong Wa, like Wi Seol-ah, had spent some time traveling with me.

“Isn’t it too plain?”

“This is plain?”

The clothes, accented with red fabric and gold embroidery to give them personality, might have looked plain compared to what others would wear, but…

“These probably cost much more than your combined salaries, from head to toe.”

They are absolutely not ordinary clothes.

At my words, Hong Wa’s eyes widened like saucers.

The wood used to build Gu Manor, as well as the clothes we wear, are all top-quality.

“So they don’t spare any expense when it comes to places like that.”

My father’s thoughts were truly unfathomable.

Finally, I looked for a string to tie my hair.

Wi Seol-ah approached with the string, as if she had been waiting.

“Young Master!”

“Huh?”

“Can I try tying it?”

“What, my hair?”

“Yes!”

At Wi Seol-ah’s words, Hong Wa urgently tried to reprimand her, but I raised my hand to stop her.

“Go ahead.”

“Yay!”

What’s so difficult about this?

Upon receiving my permission, Wi Seol-ah quickly turned around and started fiddling with my hair.

Her technique looked somewhat clumsy, but there shouldn’t be a problem.

If it looked too strange, Hong Wa would fix it.

‘Did Wi Seol-ah have nimble fingers?’

I don’t think she did, based on my memory.

Even in my past life, I had seen her fumbling around, unable to tie even a single knot properly.

As expected, the more she fiddled with it, the more Hong Wa’s expression in front of me turned desperate.

“…Seol, Seol-ah.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll… I’ll do the rest…”

“Why?”

I’m curious too.

“Why are you doing that?”

“It’s nothing. Young Master, nothing’s wrong…”

Would anyone believe her with that expression of facing impending doom?

“There’s no problem with Young Master’s hair.”

“If that’s a lie, are you going to do the same thing to my hair right now?”

“…There is a very small problem.”

In the end, Wi Seol-ah stepped back with a disappointed expression, and Hong Wa hastily began to fix it.

Knock, knock.

I sensed someone outside the waiting room door.

-Young Master Gu, are you there?

“J-just a moment.”

At the voice calling for me, Hong Wa’s hands became hurried.

It seemed something wasn’t going smoothly.

-I’m here to see the Young Master right now…. Oh! Alliance Leader, just a moment….

Creak.

The door opened abruptly, even though I hadn’t given permission.

I thought there was still time until the banquet. What is it?

“Sorry for the sudden visit…”

Seeing the man who opened the door, I froze, and he froze too upon seeing me.

A middle-aged man with a friendly appearance. The martial arts uniform he wore proudly bore the character for ‘Alliance Leader’.

And this man was someone I knew.

“Alliance Leader…?”

The Murim Alliance Leader, Falling Sword Jang Cheon.

The current head of the Murim Alliance, a man who commanded the attention and respect of many orthodox sect members.

Why would such a person come looking for me now?

“Well…”

Jang Cheon, about to say something to me, subtly covered his mouth.

‘Is that old man smiling?’

Surely he’s not laughing at my hair…?