8 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword
〈 Episode 8 〉 Traveling Martial Artists and the Enchantress (2) * * * Jinghua Pavilion, hailed as the finest brothel in Suyang Prefecture. On its topmost floor sat a woman, eyes closed, in a lotus position. She was a beauty. Her jet-black hair flowing like silk, her slightly parted red lips synchronizing with her breath, and the red silk robe draping her body. Every aspect of her possessed vibrant colors that sent tingling sensations through those who beheld her. "Young Lady." A voice resonated from somewhere, prompting the woman to open her eyes. Her fierce yet still elegant gaze moved toward the voice. "What is it?" "Someone is investigating you." "…What?" "A martial artist we've never seen around here." "Is it the Illyun Society?" "It seems not. Their tactics are way too crude to belong to the Illyun Society, and their attire and weapons are shabby at best." The woman furrowed her brows. "Have you discerned their purpose?" "It remains unclear." "How about their martial skills?" "…It seems they have surpassed at least the First rate. Their qi is exceptionally refined." "First rate…" The woman muttered, letting out a dry chuckle. "Which filthy dog has caught my scent this time?" "Shall we handle it?" "Hyanga, your sincerity is admirable, but it's best not to engage in tasks beyond your capabilities. I wouldn't want to see you go in vain." The woman unfolded her legs and stood up. Her gaze turned to the wide view from the window, overlooking the entirety of Suyang Prefecture. A bitter expression crossed her face. When did it begin? Since abandoning her family name and escaping, enemies always lurked around her like shadows aiming for her neck. Whenever she thought life was bearable, they'd follow her, and when she tried escaping to find a way to live, persistent shadows would trail her. Weary of it all, she let out a lamenting sigh. "Aren't they ever tired? Here they are again, showing signs." "…We can't be sure it's them yet." "If not them, then where could such a martial artist suddenly arise?" The voice faded away. Perhaps unable to figure out what answer to give, most likely fidgeting restlessly above the ceiling now. Imagining that scene, she chuckled softly and asked. "Where is the guest?" "Ah, he's on the second floor of the pavilion." "So, how did they act this time? Did they make a fuss to summon me, or did they threaten while invoking the family name?" Her question hung in the air for a moment, shrouding the space in silence. Impatient, she tilted her head. "Hyanga?" "Err…." The voice named Hyanga hesitated. Noticing the increasing suspicion on her face, the hesitation was palpable. "…He's being entertained. Quite timidly, at that." With those words, her expression turned peculiar. * "Oh dear, so cute. Hm? Look over here." "S-stop it…!" "Eek! He said stop it! So cute!!!" The corner room on the second floor of Jinghua Pavilion was noisy. While a noisy brothel would seem natural, there was something unusual about this noise. Wasn't it odd? Typically, in such places, the guests would laugh loudly while the courtesans giggled softly, fluttering around them. Yet here, the scene was reversed—a courtesan laughed heartily, and the guest blushed shyly. Who was this guest, you ask? It was Mok Liwon. "How can you women dress so scantily…! It's unbecoming, to say the least!" Mok Liwon spoke with a trembling voice, eyes squeezed shut. His hands busily tried to cover up the revealing attire of the courtesan beside him. It goes without saying, the courtesans giggled even more at this. "Oh my, how considerate!" Ae-weol, a courtesan sitting right next to him, laughed heartily and playfully patted Mok Liwon on the shoulder. Some might question treating a guest this way, but it's clear Mok Liwon was unfamiliar with such matters. 'A pushover.' Guests could be categorized into types. Those who were wealthy and well-acquainted with such settings. Those who wielded no wealth but acted with utmost arrogance during their visit. And those who valued decorum highly and would complain to the establishment if breached. These were the so-called "Three Great Insufferables" among courtesans, inversely mirrored by Mok Liwon's kind. An ignorant young man unfamiliar with women. Someone whose shabby attire suggested he wouldn't make a fuss regardless of how he was treated. Commonly referred to as "pushover," one could skimp on the service, yet Ae-weol had no intention of doing so today. "Dear boy, are you eighteen?" "Y-yes…." A young and appealingly handsome man. Having walked in voluntarily, feeling timid amongst a bevy of courtesans, there was no reason not to shower him with attention. "Oh dear, if you're already indulging in this, you're in for trouble later!" Playful and teasing, Ae-weol's words made Mok Liwon blush fiercely, shrinking his shoulders in embarrassment. 'This isn't right!' He had to ask about…! He intended to gather information about the enchantress rumored to reside on the top floor of this pavilion! "Um… About that enchantress…." "Oh dear, are you suggesting you want to play with another woman in front of me?" …No matter what he said, the response was always playful like this. "That’s not it…!" Mok Liwon squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to defend himself. The courtesans surrounding him laughed even harder. As the chaotic situation prolonged, thankfully, a lifeline was extended to Mok Liwon. The door to the room creaked open. --- **Explanation of Translations:** - 경화루 (Jinghua Pavilion): Translated directly to "Jinghua Pavilion" as it refers to a specific location within the story. - 수양현 (Suyang Prefecture): Translated to "Suyang Prefecture" for a clear reference to a geographical area within the narrative. - 일륜회 (Illyun Society): Translated as "Illyun Society," maintaining the context of a group or organization. - 기본역량극성 (three great insufferables): Translated to "Three Great Insufferables," adhering to the narrative's description of undesirable guest types in a courtesan hierarchy. - 요녀 (enchantress): Retains its literal translation as "enchantress" to reflect the character's mystical allure within the story. Alternatives were not taken here due to the need to preserve the story's unique settings and character dynamics. Literal translations would lack the cultural and contextual nuances vital to the narrative’s integrity. Accompanying him was a small figure wrapped tightly in a cloak and wearing a mask. "Cease." At the soft command, the courtesans quickly recoiled, moving away from Mok Liwon in surprise. Finally relieved from the attention, Mok Liwon blinked and stared at the masked figure in front of him. Even from those eyes peeking through the mask, formidable internal power could be sensed. 'A martial artist?' Mok Liwon's expression calmed slightly. 'Judging by the presence, it's a First rate level. The martial arts used must be a type of swift swordsmanship, or perhaps a stealth technique?' This line of reasoning was one Mok Liwon had developed during his training with the King of Beggars in the mountain ravines. The atmosphere was so sharply tense that the courtesans hiccupped anxiously. Seeing Mok Liwon's sudden poised demeanor, the masked figure swallowed hard before speaking. "…The host of the pavilion wishes to meet you." The term "host" made Mok Liwon's eyes gleam. 'The enchantress…!' Based on the information he heard, the original host of this place had handed over Jinghua Pavilion after being mesmerized by her performance on her first day here. That was said to be her initial prowess. "Just as well. I was planning to meet the host here," Mok Liwon said, standing up and dusting himself off. Lowering his voice and confidently broadening his shoulders, he spoke. Yet, the masked figure could only let out a derisive laugh. The masked figure, So-hyang, who was the closest aide to the host, glanced between Mok Liwon and the courtesans. It was irksome to hear him act so dignified after having just been frolicking about in this very spot. Even Mok Liwon couldn't defend his behavior just moments prior. "Ahem…!" He awkwardly cleared his throat, diverting his gaze away from the masked figure. * Jinghua Pavilion was a grand structure that rose up to five floors. Following behind the masked figure, Mok Liwon extended his sensory perception. 'Seven hidden assassins. All genuine martial artists of Second rate.' In addition, the guards stationed on the floors varied from those who just reached the beginning of First rate to those at the peak of it. 'Are they all martial artists?' This presence was suspicious. Mok Liwon calmed his earlier light-hearted demeanor, readying himself to draw his sword at any moment. "Enter here." At the door to the topmost floor, Mok Liwon gave a sideways glance to the masked figure before stepping forward to the door. 'There's a presence—eight of them.' The host would be sitting in the center, while the henchmen must be clustering on the ceiling. They are all at least First rate martial artists. Indeed, considering the host's security, it's admittedly excessive. With such thoughts, Mok Liwon opened the door. Creak. And then, his body froze momentarily. "Welcome." The room was spacious. So wide that several dozens of people could sit comfortably if needed. Yet, contrary to the vastness, because of the relatively few furnishings, it should have seemed barren. However, the moment the door opened, Mok Liwon felt the room was extremely tiny. ‘Beautiful….’ Beautiful. The thought filled his mind as the stunning woman occupied his entire line of vision—his gaze entirely consumed by her. Thus his view became strangely narrow. Thud. Mok Liwon felt as if his heart skipped a beat. * For the woman, Hwaseo, upon seeing Mok Liwon, the first emotion she registered wasn't anything else. ‘So young?’ Shock. That was it. ‘I was informed he was at least of the First rate.’ Yet this young man, no matter how generously estimated, seemed barely in his early twenties. The possibility of rejuvenation or transformation was not even worth considering. If he had achieved such a high level, he would've been able to completely disguise his inner power, undetectable even to Sohyang. ‘A member of a prestigious family?’ That possibility stood out more prominently. If he had grown up consuming all sorts of rare and potent herbs within a prestigious family, it made sense to reach such a level, further emphasized by his obviously privileged and refined appearance. ‘If he is indeed from a prestigious family, he must be killed here at any cost.’ Such a thought briefly crossed Hwaseo's mind, but she quickly composed herself. ‘…No, not yet. It's premature to make such assumptions.’ Hwaseo tightly swallowed the rising tension and forcibly maintained her expression before bowing her head. "I am Yeon-Hwa, the host of Jinghua Pavilion. May I ask for your name, sir?" Gathering information was the priority. It was crucial to determine whether this individual posed a threat or if he could be recruited as an ally. Hwaseo quickly organized her thoughts, waiting for his response. Seconds flowed by, turning into minutes. Still without a reply, Hwaseo furrowed her brow and lifted her gaze. What met her eyes was a peculiar scene. “Uh, um….” An utterly moronic look, muttering incoherently with a deeply flushed face. And his eyes spinning in circles. Hwaseo internally scoffed. ‘Is this an attempt to lower my guard?’ It seemed like he was showing a gullible facade to invite negligence. After all, someone of First rate practitioner's caliber would typically have formed a certain degree of unshakable resolve based on their nature. “Hero?” A word offered with the intent of discouraging foolish acts. In response, Mok Liwon flinched visibly, revealing his shock. ‘He-hero…?’ That single word made Mok Liwon's heart race faster than it had when he first saw her. Being referred to as a hero was a scenario Mok Liwon had only ever dreamed of, and it left him nearly unable to compose himself. Mok Liwon felt a fever rise with his pounding heart and froze in surprise before regaining control of himself. Swish! Then swiftly drew his sword. “What sort of vile sorcery is this?” His booming voice reverberated through the room. Upon hearing this, Hwaseo stiffened, and the guards on the ceiling began to draw their weapons. “You ensnare me with enchantment! Yet I, Mok Liwon, shall not fall for your wiles! Reveal your true nature, wicked enchantress!” Mok Liwon deduced. This allure was undoubtedly driven by wicked enchantment techniques. --- **Explanation of Translations:** - 경화루 (Jinghua Pavilion): Maintains as "Jinghua Pavilion" referring to the specific setting of the story. - 소향 (So-hyang): Translated as "So-hyang," a character name retained to reflect its cultural and narrative significance as the aide to the host. - 요녀 (enchantress): Translated as "enchantress," which captures the mystical and negative connotations associated with the character within the storyline. - 색공 (enchantment techniques): Translated to "enchantment techniques," which denotes a specific mystical or magical method of manipulation in martial contexts. The translations aim to maintain the story's cultural depth and nuances, avoiding overly literal translations that would strip away the narrative's traditional and contextual shades. Alternative translations for terms like "hero" could be "Great Warrior" or "Valiant One," yet "hero" was chosen for its directness in expressing admiration, a reaction fitting Mok Liwon's awe. If not for that, how else could he explain the trembling of his heart? Or the muddled thoughts that clouded his mind the more he looked at her? Mok Liwon's voice echoed for a long time within the room. Listening to his words, Hwaseo eventually registered the meaning behind his outrageously misguided statement and looked bewildered. And then she thought. ‘What kind of fool is this?’ Just where did this lunatic come from? …Or something along those lines.