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Chapter 108: A Person Who Knows Best

Those who climbed up from Hwaeum-hyeon to Hwasan Sect to see the Jehwa Contest were indeed more expectant of the second day than the first.

Even the Three Great Disciples thought so because the main forces were actually these grand disciples.

Those with talent would have already made the plum blossoms bloom.

Well, it’s about that time for the plum blossoms to start blooming anyway.

You could already see it from afar. The beautiful petals blooming in harmony with the clean Sword Path.

Unlike during the time of the Three Great Disciples, just the distance between the sparring stage and the audience seats told a different story.

[Looks good.]

I could feel a distinct pride in Shin Noya’s voice.

Meanwhile, I had to look around to find my group.

It wasn’t that hard to find them. The atmosphere was drawing attention, so I just had to head to where a crowd was gathering.

As expected, I moved toward the anticipated spot and soon spotted Nangong Bi-ah, who was wrapped in a veil.

Did she notice me?

Wi Seol-Ah had already spotted me and was vigorously waving her hand.

I weaved through the crowd and approached.

“Young Master!”

“Did you come to watch today, too?”

I patted Wi Seol-Ah’s head as she welcomed me like a puppy.

Thud.

I felt something pressing against my belly and noticed Nangong Bi-ah leaning her head against me.

Huff… huff…

I could hear her breath. It sounded loud in my ear; it seemed like she was taking long breaths. What was going on?

Are you not feeling well?

When I asked, she shook her head. I gently combed her hair aside as she looked slightly odd.

Her breathing gradually returned to normal.

“If you’re not feeling well, you should go inside to rest. What are you doing here?”

Could it be she’s tired? I wondered if she had a fever and reached out to place my hand on her forehead.

Maybe it was the sudden touch, but she shivered slightly.

Her forehead was getting warmer.

Does she really have a fever? I noticed her body twitching a bit, which made me wonder what was happening.

[…This little brat is surprisingly cunning.]

‘What do you mean by that?’

[You keep poking around unnecessarily, causing her to act like this.]

What kind of nonsense is that? At that moment, I felt a bit surprised and slowly withdrew my hand.

“Huff….”

As soon as I pulled my hand away, Nangong Bi-ah took a deep breath. It seemed a bit different from before.

‘…Could it be because of this?’

I recalled how her cold forehead had suddenly warmed up, giving me a fluffy feeling.

Feeling strangely shy, I wiped my hand on my clothes.

“Ugh…”

Nangong Bi-ah looked at me with a peculiar expression as she caught her breath.

Then, suddenly, she buried her nose into my belly and started sniffing.

“What are you doing? There are so many people around!”

Startled by her sudden action, I pulled away. What on earth was happening?

“Something… feels different?”

Nangong Bi-ah’s eyes seemed a tad sharper. I had to swallow my surprise as I noticed her scrutinizing me.

‘…She’s sharper in this regard than she is in other matters.’

It was one thing for a sword demoness or the sword master to have that skill, but how can she tell the difference? It’s quite exceptional…

Perhaps it was a talent she’d later receive the title of a Sword Demoness for; it felt slightly intimidating.

[…But her senses are more like a dog’s.]

‘Comparing a person to a dog is a bit much, Noya….’

Though I thought that, I couldn’t help but feel that sniffing is quite cat- or dog-like.

Just then, someone tugged at my clothes, pulling downward, and I turned to see Gu Ryeonghwa.

“Oppa… please sit down.”

Gu Ryeonghwa was nervously scanning the surroundings. Discovering that attention was slightly drawn this way.

Especially the stares from the young men felt piercing.

I cleared my throat and sat next to Gu Ryeonghwa. Luckily, there was an empty spot.

I had to feel a strange emotion towards Gu Ryeonghwa as she held onto my sleeve without trembling.

I was amazed but didn’t show it. I leaned slightly towards her and asked.

“You came to find me earlier, right?”

“Ah, I came to ask if you were going to see the Jehwa Contest, but they said you went to train.”

She came to invite me?

That was shocking enough for my eyes to widen. Gu Ryeonghwa scrunched her brows at my expression.

“Why do you have such an ugly face?”

“…Ugly face?”

“Sorry, it’s just that you seem ugly.”

“ ”

After saying that, she started giggling to herself. It was quite refreshing to see her being playful.

‘Though she couldn’t overcome everything, she must have faced many things.’

It felt a little bittersweet that I hadn’t done anything to help her with that.

“But how did you know? That I was looking for you?”

“I met your master.”

“…Huh? Why?”

“Why? I just had something to do, so I met him.”

The Sword Demoness looked much healthier. Along with that, I felt the influence the demon energy had on a martial artist like her.

“Your master talks about you a lot.”

“Really? The Sword Demoness?”

“Yeah. He said many good things about you.”

Good things? I didn’t think I had done anything to warrant that.

But if I’m seen positively, that’s not a bad thing.

“So I argued that all those were nonsense.”

“…”

“How could someone like him say you resemble your mother…?”

There was still a playful tone in her voice. Of course, the statement about resembling my mother was something I personally found odd.

After some light chatter, I told Gu Ryeonghwa.

“I plan to set out for the Se Family.”

“Uh…? Tomorrow?”

“After the Jehwa Contest ends, I decided to leave immediately. I’ve already informed your master about it.”

Afterward, I needed to visit Shin Yi to let him know. Gu Ryeonghwa merely nodded at my news of departing.

The somewhat disappointed look on her face was likely because she wouldn’t come back to Hwasan for at least a few months once I went to the Se Family.

‘At least I’m going with the Sword Demoness, so I can feel at ease.’

The biggest reason for me not to go to the Se Family was the Sword Demoness, so now it felt somewhat less hesitant.

It seemed our talk was wrapping up, so I shifted my gaze toward the Jehwa Contest.

Even Nangong Bi-ah, who had been lazily sleeping with her head on my shoulder yesterday, was now focused.

‘I wonder how Yeongpung did.’

No matter how much of a genius Yeongpung was as the youngest sword master, present grand disciples were still active fighters.

Considering that Yeongpung was still somewhat in the latter half of his growth, it would’ve been tough for him.

I casually asked Gu Ryeonghwa if they had already had their spar.

“Yeongpung lost in his first spar; his opponent was a grandmaster.”

It seems Yeongpung had coincidentally faced Shin Hyeon right from the start. If it had been anyone else, they might have attempted to give it a go.

‘Still, Yeongpung wouldn’t get too disheartened over a loss.’

He might feel somewhat bitter, but he’d bounce back quickly.

The Jehwa Contest ended earlier than the one that the Three Great Disciples had yesterday.

In the middle, it seemed there was some communication with the Elders since the Martial Alliance finally sent their notice.

As the sun began to set, it also meant quite some time had passed since I left.

It seemed the Martial Alliance had kindly offered hands to the opponents.

Is it a spy? Or is the alliance itself rotten?

Either way, it wasn’t surprising.

Unlike when I attempted to slip out in the middle of the contest, this time, I ended up watching till the end.

Sure, the strong sword masters’ spar was interesting, but the three pairs of bright eyes next to me were too captivating.

I spent all my time observing them instead of the contest.

[So you spent all your time staring at the girls?]

‘…Is that really what happened?’

Even while refuting Shin Noya’s words, I couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t entirely untrue.

By the time I reached the lodging, I told Gu Ryeonghwa.

“Let’s eat before going.”

At my suggestion, Gu Ryeonghwa looked utterly surprised. She seemed taken aback, as if she hadn’t expected such an invitation.

“It’s late.”

I could tell she was planning to climb the mountain again to see the Sword Demoness that night. It was obvious enough.

At my words, Gu Ryeonghwa hesitated for quite a while. Nangong Bi-ah quietly patted her back from the side.

After a moment of contemplation, Gu Ryeonghwa slightly shook her head.

“Later… I made plans to eat with my master today.”

I nodded at Gu Ryeonghwa’s response. That seemed to be a bit too much for now.

Even when she playfully teased me earlier, it might have been pushing it a bit.

“Next time… next time, let’s definitely eat together.”

Gu Ryeonghwa, promising for next time, was surely smiling.

I didn’t say much. That was enough.

“Okay.”

After we finished up and exchanged goodbyes, I returned to my lodging.

A faint, fragrant scent wafted through the air.

They must have been using the mushrooms I handed over earlier to make something.

‘Maybe I should have let them eat it.’

That thought crossed my mind. As I entered the lodging first, I heard Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah quietly chatting as they came in.

I guessed they were talking about the Jehwa Contest they had seen today.

“So earlier…!”

Wi Seol-Ah’s sentence abruptly halted. She looked shocked at something.

‘What is she looking at?’

Following Wi Seol-Ah’s gaze, I found Hong Wa standing there.

[Looks like she’s really angry.]

‘…What now.’

She looked just like a tiger. As far as I knew, the servants were not trained in martial arts, yet I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“…Um… Sister?”

“Seol-Ah.”

“Yes…?”

“I have something to say. Can you come with me for a moment?”

“N-no…?”

“Are you saying you’ll come with me? Good girl, Seol-Ah.”

Though Hong Wa forced a smile, it was even scarier. The moment Wi Seol-Ah was caught, she was pulled away.

“Sister, wait…! Young Master!!!”

She called out to me pitifully, but all I could do was wave my hand helplessly.

Fortunately, Wi Seol-Ah managed to return by dinner time.

However, when she did come back, she looked half-dead as if her soul had escaped.

“Are you okay?”

When I asked, she shook her head in refusal. Nangong Bi-ah kindly patted Wi Seol-Ah’s head.

Watching them, I jokingly said.

“Do you want some rice cake?”

Immediately, I saw Wi Seol-Ah’s ears perk up. That made me laugh out loud without realizing it.

The next day, the moment the sun rose, I went with the Sword Demoness to find Maehwa Seon.

I had previously asked a scholar for a message, so I could meet him easily at the appointed time.

“…Welcome.”

The somewhat haggard face of Maehwa Seon came into view.

She must have heard about the branch matters. Judging by the expression on the Sword Demoness’ face, she must have heard something too.

Maehwa Seon forced a smile upon seeing me.

“It seems you’ve gained a good enlightenment.”

It seemed she immediately sensed that I had reached a certain level of understanding.

With so many strong individuals around, this was quite a dilemma.

“I wish I could celebrate it peacefully, but… the situation won’t allow for that.”

“It’s alright. You don’t have to worry about it.”

In response to my answer, Maehwa Seon brought out a box from behind and handed it to me.

“After talking with Taeui, he said your health seems fine, so he believes he can give you a Spirit Pill.”

As the box opened, a subtle fragrance wafted through the air. Just by looking, I could tell the amount of energy condensed inside was extraordinary.

“Originally, I wanted to give you the Jasodan, but… the Elders insisted I couldn’t bring that.”

As Maehwa Seon lamented, Shin Noya interjected.

[What? That madman wanted to give you the Jasodan!?]

I understood Shin Noya’s reaction instantly. The Jasodan was one of the few elixirs that could be relied upon alongside the Shaolin’s summons.

It wouldn’t be easy for someone from Hwasan Sect, let alone a foreigner, to be given something they couldn’t even eat.

I felt a bit regretful too; consuming this elixir might prove to be poisonous.

Considering the demon energy obtained from Nachal, I still had to digest the blossoms I had acquired earlier.

“And this…”

Maehwa Seon pulled out a decorative item from her possessive reach and handed it to me.

I cautiously accepted it; it looked like an ordinary ornament with a red gem.

“What is this?”

Suddenly a gift of a decorative item? Maehwa Seon spoke nonchalantly to me.

“That’s a treasure entrusted to me by Gu Ryoon.”

“Elder Gu?”

I was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected name. I hadn’t thought Elder Lee would come up out of the blue.

“He told me to give it to you when you leave.”

“What does that mean…?”

When I’m leaving, does that mean he knew I was heading to Hwasan Sect beforehand?

Pushing aside my bewilderment, Maehwa Seon continued.

“If it were a treasure from the Gu family, he would have hidden it to tease you… But it doesn’t look like it’s such a thing.”

“Hidden…?”

If it’s a treasure from someone else’s family, why would they want to hide it…? This sounded dangerously vague.

What kind of ways would Elder Lee’s drinking buddies use to cover my energy, to participate in such dreadful behavior without a second thought? The thought alone was frightening.

[Those madmen… They truly are.]

Shin Noya’s lament echoed in my ears.

“I wish I could give you more, but this is all I can offer right now.”

Although Maehwa Seon wanted to give me more, she wore a pained expression.

To me, this was more than enough.

It wasn’t just a couple of Spirit Pills; it looked like at least five or six.

Not to mention the energy carried within could never be considered small.

As for the bracelet, I had no idea what to do with it, so I would have to ask Elder Lee about it later.

Considering the state of Hwasan Sect right now, it would be tough to ask for anything else.

If I also counted the benefits of being accommodated in the Se Family and what they provided while I was in Hwasan, this was an excessive reward.

‘More important than this is something else.’

I quietly gazed at the Sword Demoness beside me.

After all, I had gone through efforts and requests just to bring her along.

I cautiously asked Maehwa Seon.

“Sect Leader.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you remember that I mentioned I had a request for you last time?”

“I remember.”

“I’d like to make a request regarding that matter now.”

It was a bit of a hesitant part. Given Hwasan Sect’s current atmosphere, I felt quite reluctant to ask for anything.

However, who knows when I’d be able to come back to Hwasan?

Now seemed the most appropriate moment.

“I’m glad to hear that, as I have more I want to do for you, it’ll put my mind at ease.”

With a smile that seemed genuinely pleased, Maehwa Seon nodded.

Though I hesitated for a moment, I recalled the conversation with the Sword Demoness, which assured me that it’d be fine.

Now, with that thought in mind, I opened my mouth.

“I’d like to request the honorary disciple position of Hwasan Sect.”

Maehwa Seon’s eyes widened at my words.

 

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