21 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈 Chapter 21 〉 Guangzhou - Anhuí Province (2) * * * Several weeks had passed since Mok Liwon had earned the nickname Black Ink Sword (흑묵검). Finally, the two of them arrived in Anhuí province. "Oh, wow...!" The sight of numerous people bustling along the main road, and the long row of shops lining either side. Amidst the noise that filled the air, Mok Liwon's expression brightened considerably. "Miss, what is that?" The inevitable question that accompanied visits to such bustling places. Tang Hwaseo suppressed a chuckle and answered Mok Liwon's query. "It's a street stall. They usually sell simple snacks." "I smell chicken." "Yes, it's chicken." Mok Liwon's Adam's apple bobbed. The mention of food seemed to whet his appetite. Thinking there was no reason not to buy something since they were there anyway, Tang Hwaseo approached the vendor. Just then. —Look over there at that person! —My gosh... How can someone look like that...! —Who's that beside them? Who do they think they are to be standing there? The voices of young women pierced her ears. By now, she was somewhat used to such exclamations. It was admiration for Mok Liwon's striking appearance that drew attention wherever he went. Normally, it would have been something she'd dismiss, but the last remark truly annoyed Tang Hwaseo. "Who do they think they are?" What kind of manners was it to speak such nonsense to someone they’d just met? With fire in her eyes, Tang Hwaseo turned her head towards the source of the voice. The direction she looked revealed young women with swords at their waists. The clothing they wore was uniformly white martial attire. Tang Hwaseo's brow furrowed. "...Emei Sect." They were nuns from the Emei Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects. From their hair and the way they carried themselves, they appeared to be secular disciples. "Sure enough, we're in a place where such people would start appearing." Seeing the nuns startled and fleeing upon making eye contact with her, Tang Hwaseo let out an incredulous laugh. Her fists clenched tightly. It was an effort to suppress her rising anger. "...The next town is the assembly." There was one village left until they reached the venue of the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly. Since the Emei Sect nuns would surely participate there, punishing their impudent mouths could wait until then. Tang Hwaseo clicked her tongue at the rising annoyance and spoke to Mok Liwon. "Mok, shall we be off?" "Uh? Alright!" Revealing her discomfort, Tang Hwaseo began to walk away. Mok Liwon, who had been gazing longingly at the chicken, followed behind her with a dejected expression. * In the inn at the center of the village. Tang Hwaseo continued her thoughts while watching Mok Liwon satisfy his hunger with noodles and bamboo leaf wine. "There is only one reason to attend the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly." It was a publicly visible place where the Tang family could not easily target her. Knowing that moving in secret was impossible, the idea was to expose her whereabouts to the world, thus binding their hands. "During the martial arts tournament, the Tang family won't approach me." No, to be exact, it was more accurate to say they wouldn't dare to. Given the family head's nature, he wouldn't forbid family members from raising their names at an external event. "The goal is to make contact with Fist Dragon (권룡 Il-un)." She needed to meet Fist Dragon Il-un, the representative prodigy of Shaolin of this generation. Once she conveyed her desire to meet the head monk of Shaolin through him, her business in Anhuí would be done. Heading straight to Shaolin Temple with him would prevent the family from interfering after the meeting concluded. "If it comes to that..." Tang Hwaseo's expression darkened. The thought struck her that she might have to part ways with Mok Liwon once business in Anhuí was concluded. In fact, they were supposed to separate. They had only agreed to stay together until the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, and it wouldn’t be practical to include him in the plans thereafter. Yet, Tang Hwaseo couldn’t shake off a feeling of suffocating unease. "Have I grown too attached?" The thought that she might miss his incessant chatter by her side all day brought a bitter smile to her lips. "My lady?" "Oh, yes." "Aren't you going to eat?" Tang Hwaseo turned her gaze to Mok Liwon. He had finished his meal and was intently staring at the fish dish before her. "Would you like some?" "May I?!" "Go ahead. I'm not in the mood to eat." Mok Liwon happily skewered a piece of fish and ate it. As he did, his face brightened with happiness and satisfaction. "It's so delicious...!" Seeing him become so content over a simple meal seemed to wash away Tang Hwaseo’s idle distractions. Tang Hwaseo thought perhaps this was what people meant when they said watching someone eat made one feel full. Just then. "Mok, I have a place to visit briefly. Could you stay here alone for a while?" "Hmm?" "It's a place I need to visit alone." Tang Hwaseo explained to Mok Liwon. The reason was straightforward. She needed to go to the Beggars’ Union to receive results from an investigation she had left to her subordinates back in Su Yang county. Given the personal nature of the matter, she didn't want him getting involved and risk getting into trouble, so she spoke up. Mok Liwon nodded earnestly. "Understood! Then I'll just explore the streets by myse—." "No. Stay put." Tang Hwaseo’s expression hardened. Mok Liwon flinched slightly and cautiously asked her. "Why not...?" "What if you get lost? Or worse, what if you follow a stranger and something happens to you?" Mok Liwon blinked, then burst out laughing and waved his hands. "Oh, come on, my lady! Do you think I’m a child? Worrying over something like that." I'm worried because you are like a child. ...These words were too tender-hearted for Tang Hwaseo to say directly to his face. "...Anyway, it won't take long, so please just stay seated here." "Sightseeing..." "Answer." "...Alright." Seeing Mok Liwon’s sullen face, Tang Hwaseo was filled with remorse, but there was no other way. Tang Hwaseo sincerely worried about him. --- New Terms and Their Translations: - Su Yang county(수양현) -> This is interpreted as the Su Yang county, a location relevant to the plot, maintaining the flavor of the original text. Changes to previously listed terms: - No changes are needed. This translation preserves the humorous and caring relationship between Tang Hwaseo and Mok Liwon, emphasizing Tang Hwaseo's protective nature and Mok Liwon's innocence. The subtle humor is maintained, notably in the exchanges and inner thoughts about Mok Liwon's naïveté. The translation also successfully captures the vibrant imagery of the marketplace in Anhuí. Even now, women were sneaking glances at him from all directions. One couldn't predict what might happen if he ventured out into a wider space. There might be a temptress enticing him with the promise of sweets. "Do you understand, warrior? If a stranger asks you to go somewhere, you mustn't agree casually. Especially if someone offers you sweets, you need to be cautious. Also, if anyone invites you for a drink, make sure they are a martial artist." Anxious concerns continued like a series of nagging warnings. Mok Liwon had to suppress the urge to say, "I'm not a child!" He certainly didn't want the stream of nagging to go on longer than necessary. * In the corner of the inn that Tang Hwaseo had departed from, Mok Liwon quietly poured himself a drink. Though there was some discontent about Tang Hwaseo restricting his sightseeing, Mok Liwon stayed put regardless. Even someone as socially oblivious as Mok Liwon knew how well she treated him. Why wouldn’t he? During his stay in Su Yang County, when he first ventured into Jianghu, he learned what kind of person she truly was. "The lady is truly..." Mok Liwon continued his thoughts about Tang Hwaseo. She was indeed a remarkable beauty, just as he initially thought. From Su Yang County to Anhuí, he hadn’t come across anyone as pretty as Tang Hwaseo. Not only that, but he hadn’t met anyone as kind as her toward others. "I'm glad I decided to follow her!" The conviction that following her was the right path for becoming a virtuous hero grew stronger with every reflection. Mok Liwon’s heart felt a fluttering excitement. "When will she return?" Suddenly, the thought arose that he hoped Tang Hwaseo would come back soon. Soon, a smile blossomed on his face. And with it, sighs of admiration erupted from all around. As people began to swoon over the sight of Mok Liwon drinking alone, "Hey there!" Thump- Someone took a seat across from Mok Liwon. Mok Liwon lifted his head. "Hmm?" Before him was a man of similar age. One might describe his impression as a face resembling a weasel. A pair of slanted eyes, a sharp nose, and a sly smile; Mok Liwon inquired about the man first. "Who might you be, sir?" "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself!" With a sly smile and an air of mischief, the man stood up, assumed a respectful posture, and addressed Mok Liwon. "My name is Wangmo. I was curious about the story of someone drinking alone like that, so I came over." Mok Liwon blinked at the man, then replied with an awkward grin. "I'm waiting for my companion. I appreciate your interest, but I think you should go on your way." "Uh, well, no, I—" "I'm sorry." Mok Liwon's smile broadened. Though it wasn't his usual, innocent smile. "My companion warned me to be wary of sudden visits from martial artists." "What did you say...?" "Especially if they're of First Rank or higher." The man's body trembled slightly. His expression momentarily faltered but quickly reverted to a smiling facade. "Hey, what kind of joke is that? Look at me, don't you see the clothes I'm wearing? And this brush and book here. I am an academic pursuing education for an official position—" He was abruptly interrupted. Because in the middle of his sentence, Mok Liwon had thrown a chopstick. Thunk- The man caught the chopstick deftly, just before it struck the center of his forehead. Mok Liwon spoke. "For a scholar, you have quite a knack for catching things with energy in them, don't you?" There was a sharpness in Mok Liwon's expression. "Was it not a warning to be cautious of those who hide their true identity?" Even if it wasn't Tang Hwaseo who cautioned him, this was something that Sword Saint Mok Seon-oh and King of Beggars Ma Ilsuk had warned him about, to the point his ears were sore from hearing it before he set foot into Jianghu. While Mok Liwon was filled with romantic and poetic anticipation of his ventures, he was also someone who listened to the advice of others. Given the suspicious nature of the unexpected encounter, it was too suspicious to greet the man warmly. The man began to sweat profusely. "It is just that..." The atmosphere grew tense. The man showed discomfort at the aura emanating from Mok Liwon, and Mok Liwon's suspicion only grew because the man couldn't provide an explanation. Suddenly. "What are you doing?" A clear feminine voice cut through the tension. Mok Liwon turned his head towards the source of the voice. And his face lit up brightly. "My lady!" It was Tang Hwaseo, glaring coldly at the man. Mok Liwon stood up, cheerfully rushing towards her. "Did you finish your business well? You're back quite quickly!" "Yes, and I see you also stayed put. Well done." Tang Hwaseo offered Mok Liwon a brief smile before turning her cold glance back to the man. The man's face took on a deflated tone. "...Oh, what are the chances you'd return so soon," he muttered. Mok Liwon blinked in surprise. The man's words were clearly directed at Tang Hwaseo. Moreover, his manner implied that he was acquainted with her. Puzzled by the situation, Mok Liwon wore a bewildered expression as the man spoke once more. "It's been a long time, sister." Tang Hwaseo sighed deeply. "I've lost track of how many times I've told you, I'm not your sister." "My lady...?" Tang Hwaseo disregarded Mok Liwon's inquiry and addressed the man once more. "Let me ask again." "Hmm?" "What were you attempting to do to my companion?" Her voice dropped to a chilling tone. Then, she uttered the man's name. "Zhuge San." Mok Liwon's jaw dropped. --- New Terms and Their Translations: - Wangmo(왕모) -> Interpreted as Wangmo, representing a new character's name that interacts with Mok Liwon. - Su Yang County(수양현) -> Retained as it is a geographical location significant to the narrative context. Changes to previously listed terms: - No changes needed. This passage delved into Mok Liwon's protectiveness and Tang Hwaseo's vigilant care for him, while revealing a new character's cunning nature. The name "Zhuge San" hints at a connection to the scheming Zhuge family, creating anticipation for potential plot developments. This layer of mystery enriches the narrative, sustaining reader engagement.