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Chapter 187: Nonsensical Action

After returning from Shaolin, the day to head back to Geum Mountain arrived quicker than expected.

Staying longer wouldn’t yield any benefits, and I had reached a point where there was nothing more to gain.

It was truly time to leave.

It had been only slightly over ten days since my arrival in Hanam, yet an unexpectedly large number of events had unfolded.

“On the contrary, I learned a lot.”

I gained knowledge and acquired some benefits.

“Did I forget anything?”

While hurriedly packing my things, I repeatedly asked Hongwa that question. Perhaps I’ve asked about five times now.

Thanks to that, Hongwa wore a slightly irritated expression.

“Everything is packed.”

“Really?”

“You didn’t have much to carry, so it should be fine.”

It felt slightly evasive, but it was okay.

Honestly, it was true that I hadn’t brought much luggage.

“What a bother it is to pack anything.”

As long as I had training clothes, that was enough.

[That’s very correct!]

‘…’

Noya’s agreement felt subtly off. Was it really okay for him to agree on things that shouldn’t be agreed upon?

[What’s wrong with a martial artist valuing training?]

Whenever I overslept in the morning, Noya would forcibly wake me up and make me train.

It had become a habit, now as natural as breathing.

Suddenly, I wondered how this old man trained when he was alive.

‘•••It probably wasn’t a normal intensity.’

Given that I was still using the training methods that Yeongpung had taught me, I couldn’t imagine the Hwasan Sword God doing any less.

Reading my thoughts, Noya smirked.

[Are you planning to gradually increase the intensity?]

‘Yes, I suppose I need to.’

Whether it was due to the energy I was consuming or the fact that my physical body was beginning to merge fully with the training, it no longer felt as strenuous as before.

‘Just a moment ago…’

Even when I had increased the intensity of my morning training, it felt strangely easy.

[You’re finally ripe, your physical body is catching up.]

Having reached the peak, my physical body and energy were melding together.

This state was usually referred to as ‘fully matured peak.’

[Then it’s time for the real trials.]

‘Yeah.’

I nodded at Noya’s words.

Having grown accustomed to the peak, it was time to progress toward reaching the Transformation Realm.

If the peak was the first wall for a martial artist, the Transformation Realm was akin to the grave of martial artists.

Most martial artists, despite their lifelong reputation as geniuses and hard work, collapsed without ever reaching the Transformation Realm.

For many, merely reaching the peak was already satisfying enough.

‘It’s unrelated to me, though.’

In my case, stopping here was not an option.

Since I had already traversed this path, there was no room for hesitation.

However, Noya’s reference to “the real trial” meant preparation would take longer than expected.

Not just training, I had to make the Lower Dantian more familiar with my body too.

Many would say enlightenment was necessary for that level, but in my case, it was different.

In my case, the energy was overflowing and still enough to fill the Lower Dantian.

Only when my vessel filled and overflowed could another world reveal itself.

Of course, this was a perspective uniquely mine.

How many humans could pull out enough energy to overflow the Lower Dantian?

Considering only someone like me, back in the day, who emitted energy like a demon might have thought of it.

‘For now, I need to solidify that vessel.’

Even though energy is energy, I had to focus on making my vessel stronger. That was the very reason for increasing my training intensity.

‘Will I be able to reach it before I’m of age?’

I had to reach it.

That way, everything would proceed more smoothly.

[You’re anxious.]

‘It’s not exactly a relaxing situation, is it?’

[True, a bit of urgency is necessary.]

The moment I set foot in the Three Gorges, I planned to escalate my training intensity.

“I should also ask my father about Yuseong.”

It’s about time to visit the Hao Gate’s Shanxi branch and steadily wrap up the tasks I’d set.

“Is Noya going to be okay?”

[Hmm? What do you mean?]

“I was asking if it’s okay to return like this.”

This was regarding Shin Noya’s comrades in Shaolin.

If I returned like this, it would be uncertain when I might come back here.

However, to my question, Shin Noya answered in his flat voice.

[What’s the problem? We will surely meet again someday.]

It felt like a matter-of-fact statement.

[And if I leave now, that damn fool will surely spew all kinds of curses.]

‘…Curses?’

A monk… cursing?

Thinking back, I remembered hearing a story about Noya getting caught for something back when the current sect leader was a child, involving meat or something.

So, that was Huang Abul Yeong?

Now it made a little more sense why those two were close.

…

“Like-minded spirits…”

[What’s that?]

“Nothing.”

[…Hmph, since the monk said he would rest, I’ll let him be. If he’s in the same state later, he’ll just get a nice little tirade of curses from me.]

Amidst the grumbling was a subtle feeling of affection and nostalgia.

After all, a comrade is a comrade.

“A comrade.”

I had never particularly lived with that in mind, so my understanding of it was vague.

“Ah, there is one person.”

Just one, someone who was probably sleeping at Wudang Mountain right now.

They were the one person I could somewhat call a friend.

But at this point, it didn’t matter since they wouldn’t remember me anyway, so it was a futile thought.

“I thought it would be nice to see their face this time.”

Unfortunately, they weren’t appearing at this Dragon Meeting either, so it had become uncertain when I might see them again.

“Young Master!”

As I finished packing, Wi Seol-Ah suddenly popped up and hugged me.

“I’m all ready!”

Gently stroking the head of Wi Seol-Ah nestled in my arms, I asked,

“Ready?”

“Yes!”

Seeing this, Hongwa rushed over and separated Wi Seol-Ah from me.

“Seol-Ah!”

“Waaah…”

Whenever she gets scolded, her sad expression is cute enough to catch my cheek.

“…it seems like there’s nothing to pinch.”

Seeing her noticeably slimmed-down cheeks hurt my heart.

[There’s pain and then there’s pain… Are you out of your mind?]

‘I haven’t touched Noya, so I don’t know.’

[…]

I heard Noya gulp altogether at my words.

Did I hit her too hard, I wondered.

Well, who told them to pick a fight?

But still, this was Noya’s fault.

While the attendants packed my stuff, I too descended to the inn.

Inside, it seemed the others had already finished sorting and were chatting away.

There was Nangong Bi-ah, who was sprawled snoozing, and Tang Soyeol calmly sipping tea.

And then…

‘Why is she here?’

Sitting quietly beside them, wearing a veil, was undoubtedly Moyong Hi-ah.

It had been the first time I’d seen her since we parted in Shaolin.

It had only been a few days, but still.

“Oh! Prince, you’ve arrived?”

Tang Soyeol spotted me and smiled brightly.

She had been unusually cheerful lately.

“Would you like to eat?”

“Haven’t you eaten yet?”

“There’s still time, so you can eat if you want.”

“Really? Then I’ll have a bit.”

As I approached, Tang Soyeol subtly pulled out a chair next to her.

The way she nudged the chair seemed to be an invitation to sit here.

Once seated, I immediately called for Jeomsosoi and ordered food. As always, noodles and dumplings were sufficient.

“But….”

Upon sitting, my gaze naturally drifted towards Moyong Hi-ah.

“Why is Moyong Young Lady here?”

Moyong Hi-ah didn’t even glance my way in response to my question.

What was this, ignoring me?

‘Why is she wearing a veil?’

She was wearing it the first time I saw her at Bachunmaru, but from then on, it seemed like she had stopped.

“Moyong Young Lady?”

After I called her twice, Moyong Hi-ah finally turned her head toward me.

Her movement seemed excessively stiff.

Could it be?

“Um… hello.”

“Are you unwell?”

“No…”

But why was her voice trembling?

She looked like something was wrong, so I quietly leaned toward Tang Soyeol and whispered in her ear.

“Why is she like that?”

Tang Soyeol shook her head vigorously.

Her expression clearly showed she had no idea.

“She came this morning without saying anything. She’s been like this ever since.”

So why…?

It felt like she had something to say, but her mannerisms were unusually unnatural.

In between the fluttering veil, her flushed cheeks and ears peeked through.

“Moyong Young Lady.”

“…Yes?”

Fortunately, this time there was at least a brief pause, and her answer came through.

“What’s going on?”

“Um….”

Moyong Hi-ah seemed to hesitate and suddenly fell silent.

An awkward silence followed, and I could hear her shallow breathing.

After a moment, she adjusted her posture and attempted to speak again.

“I heard you’re leaving today, and I came to say goodbye.”

The subtle tremor in her voice had faded.

Her movements, which had previously seemed unnatural, reverted back to normal.

Though it was great that whatever was bothering her dissipated, I still couldn’t shake off the curiosity about what had just happened.

“Goodbye, right?”

“Yes.”

Moyong Hi-ah carefully pulled out an item from her pocket and extended it to me.

As I took it, I asked her,

“What is this?”

“If you should use our sect in the future, this is a token to use freely.”

According to her explanation, it seemed like a privilege item from the Moyong clan’s Oxcheon Sect.

“Why are you giving this to me?”

The Oxcheon Sect was, if not the top in the Central Plains, at least a high-ranking organization.

Especially since they focused heavily on the import and export of textiles, due to their high quality, many women used their goods.

“Your martial robe seemed pretty worn out.”

Given how much I had been rolling around, it was indeed in tattered shape.

“I’m not particularly the type to care about clothes.”

At my words, Moyong Hi-ah smiled softly.

Though hidden by her veil, I could tell she was indeed smiling.

“It’s not something to feel burdened about. I just wanted you to use it comfortably.”

“…Thank you.”

With that kind of statement, it was hard to refuse.

I wondered if I needed to give something in return.

Though I belonged to a great family, I had nothing particular to carry.

Just then, while searching frantically through my belongings,

Moyong Hi-ah stood up calmly.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave first.”

“Uh?”

Her words suddenly made me stutter.

“Did you come just to give this?”

“Yes. It’s best to handle official matters quickly.”

Moyong Hi-ah’s words made my eyes widen.

An official matter means…

‘Did she really just come to maintain a light connection?’

That possibility calmed me a little. If she came from the perspective of the clan, there wouldn’t be a need to feel burdened at all.

‘Have I been overthinking?’

Had my relationship with the people around me grown larger than it should be?

I couldn’t help but wonder if Moyong Hi-ah had developed different thoughts about me as well.

Fortunately, it was just an overconfidence in myself.

‘Indeed, it’s strange for Moyong Hi-ah to think that way about anyone.’

I thought I was well-informed about Moyong Hi-ah, but I had made a mistake.

It was merely because she had shown exceptional talent at the recent Martial Arts Tournament.

As a member of a prominent family, she would wish to establish a connection.

“I’ll gratefully accept it, Moyong Young Lady.”

At my words, Moyong Hi-ah slightly bowed her head and offered a polite greeting.

Then, as if to say it was nothing, she elegantly walked out alongside the attendant.

“Oh, Gu Gongja.”

Just as she was about to step out the door, Moyong Hi-ah suddenly turned and called for me.

“Yes.”

As I responded, she appeared to hesitate over something.

To an outsider, it seemed like she was standing still, but with my heightened perception, I sensed her breath becoming slightly ragged.

She seemed to be taking deep breaths without it being obvious.

“Are you going to return to the Three Gorges right away?”

“Most likely.”

“…Is that so.”

Moyong Hi-ah appeared as if she wanted to say more, but ultimately shook her head and continued.

“Then, I’ll see you next time.”

With that final word, Moyong Hi-ah stepped outside.

Her pace felt a bit quicker than before.

It seemed she had something she wanted to say, but the farewell came off as rather formal.

‘…What was that about?’

I couldn’t pinpoint the reason why, but something felt off about that encounter.

It seemed like there was something more.

Around the time I started pondering what was going on with her,

[Noya’s voice drifted in with a reminiscent tone.]

“Just like.”

‘Who are you referring to?’

Did Noya just talk about Moyong Hi-ah?

If that was the case, I wanted to ask who she resembled, but the moment that thought crossed my mind, I clamped my mouth shut.

Noya gave off a vibe that suggested I should stay silent.

‘If I ask now, I might get cut for real.’

That instinct for survival was telling me so.

Praising myself for having kept silent.

“…I’m screwed.”

Tang Soyeol beside me mumbled something to herself.

“It feels like I stepped into another mess… When exactly? Why?”

“…Why are you so worked up?”

Everyone around me seemed to be losing it, which was downright frightening.

When I voiced my concern, Tang Soyeol quickly turned her attention toward me.

“Prince, flowers, right?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Flowers?”

“But why do bees keep getting tangled up?”

“If anything, it should be the other way around… It’s definitely strange….”

Ignoring Tang Soyeol’s ongoing muttering, I grabbed a dumpling.

It seemed like poking that would only wound me.

‘…Maybe I had a nightmare last night.’

There are days when everyone’s mind isn’t entirely clear.

Located in HuBei, Wudang Mountain.

In one of the Gu Paibang, the Wudang Sect specializes in swordsmanship and Taoism.

After traversing the high and steep mountain, a young disciple was huffing and puffing as he ran.

Just by observing the tightly clenched letter in his hand and his trembling gaze, one could tell how urgent his situation was.

After running for a while, the boy finally came to a halt under a massive tree.

“S-Sahyeong!”

Without a moment to catch his breath, the boy shouted.

His target was up in the tree.

“Sahyeong… Sahyeong!”

Even with the desolate cries of the boy, the person he sought didn’t seem to respond.

Eventually, after calling for quite some time, the boy gritted his teeth and shouted even louder.

“Damn you…!”

BAM!

“Gahhh!”

A rock, which had seemingly flown out of nowhere, hit the boy, causing him to tumble backward.

At that moment, someone landed right in front of the fallen boy.

“Your speech is quite crude, disciple.”

“…If I don’t act like this, Sahyeong won’t show up.”

The young man standing before the boy had an expression that resembled a deer caught in headlights.

His martial robe and the sword at his waist implied that he belonged to the Wudang Sect but looked far from the aura expected of a Daoist.

“Isn’t it the time when a heavenly-like Sahyeong should be awake? What’s the matter?”

“The sun is already up; who’s still sleeping…?”

“Do you want another hit?”

“…Usaheong has lost, you know.”

Upon hearing the boy’s words, the young man tilted his head.

“Of course. He didn’t have what it takes to win there.”

The disciple of Wudang who participated in the tournament. They had sent several in his place since he couldn’t participate himself.

What a ridiculous situation.

The boy rubbed his forehead and continued.

“That’s not the point. He says he lost in the preliminaries!”

“…Huh?”

The young man scrunched his brow at that revelation.

“Anyway, that’s not important, Sahyeong.”

“….What’s not important?”

Is it not important that a Wudang disciple lost in the preliminary round?

Then what could be?

“Do you know Gu Yangcheong?”

“G-Gua… what?”

The moment the boy spoke, the young man’s face contorted in confusion.

Sensing danger, the boy immediately handed the letter he had been clutching to the young man.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a letter sent by Usaheong.”

“He lost and even sent a letter? Haha….”

A kindly laugh belied the sticky undertone in it.

The boy felt as if those were definitely not words of goodwill.

‘Usaheong…’

The boy internally prayed for the safety of his senior.

As he continued reading the letter with a convoluted expression, the young man suddenly spoke.

“Is he saying we are close?”

The letter mentioned an overwhelming list of excuses that Usaheong had made about losing his match.

But considering the previous context, the young man furrowed his brow at the last line.

“Yes, it says that the person is close to Sahyeong.”

“Who?”

“Yes, Gu… Yangcheong.”

“So, who is that?”

‘Why are you asking me?’

The boy did his best to manage his expression.

The letter stated that Gu Yangcheong had claimed to be friendly with the sleeping dragon, yet the person standing right in front of him wore a confused expression.

“Don’t know?”

“…Yes, I don’t know much.”

“Well then, find out.”

“…Yes? What do you mean?”

“Well, he said he was friendly with me, but I don’t know, so find out.”

“…”

The boy stared wide-eyed at the young man, who was in fact, the Sleeping Dragon.

In response, he smiled kindly as he addressed the disciple.

“What are you doing? Run.”

Encouraged by that smile, the boy felt compelled to laugh.

‘Damn it.’

He cursed internally.

 

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