Chapter 177: Signs of War (3)

‘What does he mean by this?’

Sima Bai knew well how much Cho Un-hwi longed to find the woman he called “Seol-hyang.” He had expected him to recognize her at a glance, but the answer he received was unexpected.

“Why? Is it strange?”

“…Actually, yes.”

“It’s not so strange.”

*Rustle.*

Putting down the portrait, Cho Un-hwi filled his cup and swallowed it along with his regrets.

“Ah-. The Seol-hyang I know would be hard to recognize.”

“Isn’t she exceptionally beautiful or noticeable?”

“That’s not it.”

It’s just a simple fact.

“She has many scars on her face.”

“Scars… you say?”

“Some of them, she said, were caused by me. I don’t remember, though.”

It might have been during the time I went mad while practicing demonic arts.

“……”

This was a topic Sima Bai hadn’t anticipated, leaving him unsure of how to respond.

“She went through many near-death experiences, which changed her appearance quite a bit. At times, half her face was melted by poison.”

She said she was fine, but it pained me to see her cry in secret.

“…I see.”

“The worst was the last time. The most memorable image is of Seol-hyang dying in my arms.”

When did this happen? In which world?

(TLN: bich conect the dots please)

Though he was now sitting in the cozy interior of a peaceful sect, drinking, his mind seemed to be wandering through a bloody past and future.

Even so, Sima Bai didn’t think to stop him. He tried to empathize and share in his master’s words as much as possible.

“You must have suffered greatly.”

“I did. I wanted to share my warmth with her as she grew cold in my arms, but there were those who kept stabbing me in the back.”

So I killed them all.

“I killed every last one of them. Eventually, it felt like the world was half-submerged in blood.”

When I returned to her side, she was cold.

“She was colder than the winter. I tried countless times to revive her warmth.”

“…I see.”

“When I came to my senses, about a month had passed. I was reaching my limit, too.”

Even I have my limits after fighting thousands and exhausting my energy.

“Honestly, I didn’t care anymore. I felt like whatever happened, happened.”

That’s when it happened.

“I took a closer look at her face than ever before.”

“Your wife didn’t give up easily, did she?”

“Not at all.”

Cho Un-hwi chuckled, finding something amusing.

“She was quite a stubborn woman. She’d get upset if I stared at her for even a moment.”

She wouldn’t even eat with me unless she put on light makeup. Can you believe that?

“The conclusion is this. The most vivid image of her is covered in scars.”

“It’s no wonder you don’t remember her childhood face.”

Finally understanding his deep pain, Sima Bai refilled his cup.

“So how do you plan to recognize and find your wife?”

“Do you know?”

*Pour.* As they refilled their cups, Cho Un-hwi continued.

“I was confident. If I heard her voice, if we stood together, I would know for sure.”

“…I see.”

“But honestly, I’m not sure. Or maybe I am.”

Her determined eyes and unwavering sense of justice would still be there.

“Those are innate qualities that don’t change easily.”

“Indeed.”

“And some things don’t change, no matter how much they’re erased or worn away.”

*Tap tap.*

Tapping the portrait, Cho Un-hwi smiled.

“Her eyes look quite similar. The expression when she wrinkles her nose is defiant.”

Most importantly.

“When I saw the portrait, it felt like a lightning bolt struck my head.”

This has to be her.

It must be her.

“So you’ll know for sure when you meet her.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Maybe it’s almost time to leave.

Muttering, Cho Un-hwi emptied his cup and set it down.

“But even if I leave, I need to finish things with the youngsters.”

“You plan to handle it personally?”

“If I hadn’t extended my hand, maybe. But once I’ve taken someone’s hand, I don’t let go easily.”

The world is cold and lonely. I don’t want to ignore the small, warm hand clinging to me like a maple leaf.

“If that’s your wish.”

*Bow.*

Putting the portrait away, Sima Bai stood up.

“Perhaps it’s better to use my son.”

“Do it as you see fit, Uncle Sima.”

“As you command.”

Sima Bai responded without hesitation.

Dawn was breaking.

***

*Flap.*

The One-Eyed Sword God, Dokgo Yul, unrolled the letter brought by the carrier pigeon.

His indifferent eyes lit up.

“At last.”

Will I meet his wife?

As a faint smile crossed Dokgo Yul’s stern face, there was a rustling sound, and the imposing Ma Gil-sang appeared.

The Light of the Flame Ma Gil-sang, or the master of the Flame Dragon, was surprisingly relaxed in his attire.

“Hmm. You’re already up.”

Scratching himself through his disheveled pajamas, he glanced at the carrier pigeon with curiosity.

“A carrier pigeon? From where?”

“News from Myojinmun.”

“Myojinmun? That sounds familiar. Ah.”

Finally recalling, Ma Gil-sang smacked his forehead.

“Oh, right. That’s where your master is. I forgot.”

It seems I’ve been too relaxed for a while.

Laughing heartily, Ma Gil-sang casually draped an arm around his neck.

‘This annoying righteous sect guy.’

Having just received news from his master, Dokgo Yul wanted to savor the moment, but the unwelcome guest dampened his mood.

“Is there news from your master?”

“He seems to be doing well.”

“That’s good to hear. If it weren’t for the Lone Flying Swordsman Wang Woo, the damage would have been worse.”

And the Heavenly God of the Azure Sky is in Suzhou now.

“Have they met?”

“They meet occasionally to discuss martial arts.”

In truth, he complained about having to keep an eye on the shameless guy eyeing his masters young disciple, but Dokgo Yul gave a diplomatic answer.

“It’s enviable to have someone to discuss martial arts with.”

A friend who understands your thoughts just by watching you play an instrument.

“Haha. But you have me!”

“Haha.”

Suppressing the urge to punch Ma Gil-sang, who was acting overly familiar, Dokgo Yul said.

“I should visit.”

“Where? Suzhou?”

“It’s time to leave here.”

“We’ve rested well.”

This was a branch of the Murim Alliance in Shaanxi Province.

They had been treated well, but Ma Gil-sang, a martial artist at heart, couldn’t stay idle for long.

“You were the one who insisted on coming here.”

“Now that I’ve rested, I feel too relaxed.”

“You’re right. A martial artist can’t afford to be too relaxed.”

“Alright. Shall I come with you?”

“Together?”

“Elder Wang Woo could be helpful.”

Ma Gil-sang was dissatisfied with not having had a deep conversation with him.

“A man who dedicated his life to restoring his sect’s martial arts and then retired must have valuable insights.”

“Haha.”

Why is this nuisance coming along?

Though he was dissatisfied, he couldn’t refuse his superior and benefactor.

“Alright. Let’s prepare.”

“I have a few things to take care of before we leave.”

“Can’t you leave those to the branch staff?”

“No, I can’t.”

He needed to carefully manipulate the documents to cover his masters wife tracks.

‘I can’t leave this crucial task to others.’

Thinking this, Dokgo Yul answered firmly.

“I don’t take even small tasks lightly.”

“As expected of the One-Eyed Sword God, the embodiment of righteousness.”

***

The Namgung Clan was trying to lure Namgung Yun-ho out in various ways.

But he rarely left elder Wang Woo’s residence, causing frustration.

“This is frustrating.”

Unable to see his son for days, Namgung Musan threw up his hands.

“Il-jun, have you tried contacting him?”

“It’s not easy. Especially since Temporary Instructor Cho Un-hwi returned, I haven’t seen him.”

Namgung Il-jun was equally frustrated.

“He’s so perceptive that even pretending to meet by chance is difficult.”

Yesterday, I waited for over an hour on the path he frequents.

I had confirmed that the Euncheon Hall disciple often went for early morning walks to fetch spring water.

“But strangely, he skipped yesterday.”

“He’s so perceptive that it’s hard to run into him in this small sect.”

“What do we do…”

Should we use force?

As he contemplated extreme measures.

“I think it’s time I stepped in.”

Namgung Chan, who had been silent, finally spoke.

“Father, you shouldn’t have to get involved.”

“Yes. If necessary, we can send the Azure Sky Hundred Sword Squad.”

Despite his sons’ objections, Namgung Chan slowly shook his head.

“I’ve been silent and waiting because I wanted you, Musan, to establish your authority as the head of the family.”

The name of the Sword Saint is highly respected.

Yet he had refrained from stepping forward to avoid overshadowing his son.

“But we don’t have much time left.”

Soon, the Murim Alliance will send the Blood Tear Stone.

When that happens, we’ll have to go to the Huashan Sect. But with no progress, he could no longer wait.

“Then I’ll send word. If you step in, Elder Wang Woo won’t be able to refuse.”

“It’s not Elder Wang Woo.”

A Sword Saint can easily gauge the skill and atmosphere of his opponent.

And living long enough, he can see what young people can’t.

He saw that his sons were barking up the wrong tree.

“Temporary Instructor Cho Un-hwi. I want to meet him.”

***

“Is it true that old ginger is spicier?”

That was Instructor Cho Un-hwi’s first thought upon being summoned.

“I didn’t expect him to call me instead of Uncle Sima.”

He had seen through the fact that moving him would move Namgung Yun-ho.

The head of a family indeed had a different eye.

“On the other hand, the head of the Namgung Clan.”

He may have martial skills and authority, but he’s too inexperienced.

He didn’t know how to skillfully coax his opponent and only knew how to push hard.

‘He’ll get more experienced over time.’

He understood why Namgung Chan took his son around.

He must be trying to teach him flexibility, gentleness, and cunning.

“Well, it’s none of my business.”

I’m just an instructor from Dongcheon Hall.

A poorly paid employee earning ten nyang of silver a month.

The agreed meeting place was in sight.

The luxurious pavilion looked expensive, far beyond the reach of a poorly paid instructor.

Yet there were no shadows of people in the grand building.

Did they reserve the whole place?

“They sure know how to intimidate.”

Chuckling, Instructor Cho Un-hwi walked towards the pavilion.