28 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈 Chapter 28 〉 Five Organs of the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly (1) * * * A long line stretched out towards the city's exit. Amidst the people waiting for the inspection, there was a curious buzz of murmurs. It was an astonished admiration that seemed almost spellbound, directed at a certain man. "Heavens..." "Oh my..." The man was clad in black silk. His hair shimmered black like the deep night, contrasting with his alabaster skin and a high, prominent nose. Along with eyes that seemed to harbor a hint of melancholy and lips of bright red. He seemed almost like a manifestation of the concept of beauty itself—his closed eyes giving off an aura of being utterly detached from the world. "What do you think? Isn't it convincing?" Zhuge San whispered to Tang Hwaseo. He was dressed like a beggar, with all sorts of filth smeared on him. Tang Hwaseo could only let out a disbelieving chuckle. ‘To think this would actually work.’ Disguising Mok Liwon as a young nobleman to smoothly pass the inspection had seemed an unlikely plan, but looking at the current situation, it felt oddly plausible. ­­Just keep quiet and look at the ground, Young Mok. I'll do the talking. If the guard asks any unnecessary questions, just frown a bit. ­­Understood! You can count on me! ­­Young Mok, do you really think this will work....? ­­Trust me! A moment suddenly resurfaced in Tang Hwaseo's mind from right before. She glanced a little at Mok Liwon, who was still expressionless. He truly was handsome. But there was something else Tang Hwaseo could sense. ‘He's absolutely dying of boredom.’ His twitching lips suggested an intense boredom beyond the ordinary. Indeed, for someone who could chat endlessly without pause if left alone, keeping his mouth shut must be pure agony. His poor, comical appearance made Tang Hwaseo gently grab his arm. "Young Mok, just hold on a little longer. Our turn will come soon." "Understood…!" As he spoke, trying to smile widely, he was startled and shifted his expression to a firmer one. This too was amusing to Tang Hwaseo, who smiled slightly. Even so, she avoided looking directly at Mok Liwon. Naturally, she lacked the confidence to meet his eyes. ‘This is entertaining.’ Zhuge San barely managed to suppress his laughter at the sight of Tang Hwaseo fidgeting. However, there was a sense of regret, for he had missed the chance to make Mok Liwon dress in women's clothing. ‘Tsk, a cross-dressing would have been fun too.’ They had attempted it, but it ended in failure due to Mok Liwon's strong aversion. ­­Cross-dressing? You mean to mimic a woman?! Zhuge-brother! Why are you trying to disgrace me so? Zhuge San could not comprehend the intense rejection, for he did not know how much Mok Liwon had been teased by Ma Ilsuk for his girlish appearance in his childhood, leaving him with a sense of regret. "Next!" Amidst it all, the voice of the guard rang out. Zhuge San lifted his head, realizing it was finally their turn, and told Tang Hwaseo. "Let's go." "Alright." Tak­. Stepping forward, tension lingered on Tang Hwaseo's face. * Jang Gajang's warrior Gochang. He looked at the trio before him, still bearing scars from a previous attack by unknown assailants. Controlling his shocked heart. ‘Goodness, they're unbelievably handsome.’ Even though the woman beside him was stunningly beautiful, his attention was mostly drawn to the man. The shabby servant behind hardly captured any interest. One would surely get the sense that this man lived in a world of his own. And the clothes he wore? Even though Gochang worked for a wealthy household, he could instantly recognize the cost of such attire. ‘Clothes worth at least a few gold pieces.’ Gochang's sense of tension increased. Though he did not know their identity, it was obvious they were of unusual background, and he thought it wise to be cautious. "Um, ahem. I will begin the inspe…." "Sigh…." The man sighed and frowned. ‘What, what's this?!’ In an instant, many thoughts crossed his mind. Had he perhaps done something to displease this man? Or was it that the situation of having to queue and undergo inspection was itself annoying to him? Gochang had to work hard to calm his pounding heart. But this didn't mean he could boldly proceed with the inspection. Why wouldn't it? It was only a disadvantage to provoke someone who clearly appeared of high status. No matter how wealthy the Jang household was, they wouldn’t stand up for him against such individuals just because of him. "The, uh, inspec…." "Sigh…." "...." The man, Mok Liwon, sighed diligently. He was faithfully completing the task assigned to him. However, it indeed seemed awkward. Tang Hwaseo sensed that if they did nothing, the other side might notice something odd and decided to speak. "The roads are busy, and it seems to have turned his nerves sharp. Please do understand." "Oh, no, I'm…. " "My lord… couldn't sleep well due to the commotion that started since dawn." Tang Hwaseo's cheeks flushed a little red. Indeed, the two of them were pretending to be a married couple. Though their act of using the term "my lord" was awkward, Gochang understood Tang Hwaseo nonetheless. ‘Well, if a husband is handsome like that…’ It would be natural to be shy and embarrassed while smiling. "Oh, no problem at all. Sorry…." “Don’t worry about it. We'd appreciate it if you could let us through. As I mentioned, we've got a busy schedule ahead.” "Ah, yes!" Gochang quickly made way for them. Tang Hwaseo gently locked arms with Mok Liwon, chuckling softly. "Thank you for your effort." And with that, they exited through the gate accompanied by their servant. It was only when they disappeared from view that Gochang realized he hadn't asked for their identity. ‘...Well, I doubt those people are who they are.’ Even though the saying goes that doubts can lead one astray, there were too many people Gochang needed to inspect. * "It was a success! We've safely left the city!" As soon as they distanced themselves from the city, euphoria erupted amongst them. --- Terms Translation: - Young Mok (목 소협) -> This term refers to Mok Liwon, possibly addressing him as a young swordsman or an equivalent term. Literal translation could be "Young Brother Mok," but "Young Mok" keeps the sense of familiarity. - My lord (부군) -> Contextually used in a play-acting scenario where Tang Hwaseo refers to Mok Liwon as her husband. Literal translation could simply be "husband," but "my lord" fits the performative and gentle context used in the original. - Jang Gajang (장가장) -> Initially might seem a person's name but contextually refers to a household or family that Gochang is associated with or works for. Literal translations might confuse this with a name rather than a household or estate reference. No changes required to the previous list of terms given the new context. Mok Liwon, shedding the weighty demeanor he had carried until now, lit up with childlike joy. "As expected, Brother Zhuge! I had faith in you!" "Indeed, you could praise me even more!" "I really felt the might of the Zhuge Family once again!" "More." "It's so grand and marvelous that I'm left in awe!" "Excellent!" The scene was like a comedic play. Tang Hwaseo watched them with an expressionless gaze, but then noticed Mok Liwon turning his head. "You were incredible too, miss! I've never seen such excellent acting in my life." Flinching. Tang Hwaseo's shoulders trembled. Her gaze wandered aimlessly into space as Mok Liwon's sparkling eyes bore into her. "Well, you see, it was..." "Did you prepare those lines beforehand? Or was it improvisation? I, Mok Liwon, would love to learn acting from you!" "Th-that’s…" It was overwhelming. Or rather, it was flattering. Such adoration in those eyes and a head thrust forward left her feeling inexplicably honored. "Enough already. It was really nothing…." "But what if it's too impressive!" Mok Liwon's excitement showed no signs of stopping. It couldn't be helped. Disguise and acting. Escaping from enemy territory through these means. All of this was aligned with the life of a wandering hero that Mok Liwon had always dreamed of. It was reminiscent of the fifth chapter of the "Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes," where the protagonist, the Killer Hero, performed similar feats. As Mok Liwon gushed, his hair flowed smoothly. The silk robes he wore fluttered. Dark as they were, they beautifully accentuated his fair skin, making Tang Hwaseo feel a bit dizzy at the sight. "How can one do something like this well? How do you make that gentle smile? Like this? Or like this?" Mok Liwon lifted the corners of his lips with his index fingers, leaning in close. His scent became more pronounced. Tang Hwaseo felt a 'snap' in her mental faculties due to the rising embarrassment. "S-stop it!" Thwack­! "Guh…!" Tang Hwaseo's fist landed squarely on Mok Liwon's solar plexus. Caught off guard by the surprise attack, Mok Liwon gasped for air and kneeled to the ground while Tang Hwaseo quickly moved to apologize. Beside them, Zhuge San hesitantly retreated from Tang Hwaseo, distancing himself. ‘Shouldn’t she work on that habit of letting her fists fly first?’ Zhuge San was wary, fearing that the wrath might turn on him next. * After about three days of travel, the trio arrived at their destination. Beyond them loomed the massive rocky mountains piercing through the clouds, one of the Three Mountains of Zhongyuan—Mount Huang (黃山). "This is Mount Huang! One of the must-see destinations in Anhui!" "Oh! I’ve heard from my master that enjoying the elegance with pines from the highest peak of Mount Huang was quite extraordinary!" "Haha! Your master knows his stuff!" While Mok Liwon and Zhuge San continued their enthusiastic banter, Tang Hwaseo focused her mind to suppress the tension building inside her. ‘Finally.’ They'd finally made it here. This was the first step to stop running. Here, she would meet the Fist Dragon Il-un and head to Shaolin’s head abbot. Clenching her fist tightly, she spoke. "...Let's go now." "Are we climbing Mount Huang?" "No, not that. The Dragon-Phoenix Assembly is held here in Xian County, so there's no need to climb up there." "Oh…." A hint of disappointment crossed Mok Liwon's face. Tang Hwaseo chuckled softly and added. "But it wouldn't be bad to climb if we have time later. It's my first actual visit to Mount Huang too, so I am curious." "Oh!" Mok Liwon's face brightened instantly. If he had a tail, it’d be spinning like a windmill by now. That's how full of excitement his expression was. Tang Hwaseo couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret seeing his excitement. 'Very soon, we might have to part...' The thought seemed to poke at her heart. * The Dragon-Phoenix Assembly was a festival open to the young warriors of Jianghu, but it wasn't an event anyone of age could casually participate in. It was literally a contest separating dragons and phoenixes. As such a prestigious event, there were minimum qualifications to meet. "Well, it's nothing to us. The stature of a storied family is quite helpful at such times." "What about me?" "Don't you worry. With a recommendation from my sister and me, we can secure a spot for you, Young Mok. After all... it's not like you'd fail any entrance test, but why deal with the hassle?" "Indeed! As expected from Brother Zhuge!" "Hmm-hmm!" In an inn in Xian County. The three sat and conversed, preparing for the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly registration process. Mok Liwon had noodles and Bamboo Leaf Green, Tang Hwaseo had dumplings, and Zhuge San had Five Spice Beef. "Young Mok, you'd better start eating. Otherwise, your noodles will swell." "Ah, right! Understood!" Mok Liwon started eating belatedly following Tang Hwaseo's advice. As usual, he devoured the noodles like a drink, then took a sip of Bamboo Leaf Green, letting out a contented sigh and drawing a smile. "The Bamboo Leaf Green of Mount Huang has a different flavor!" "Do you fancy Bamboo Leaf Green that much, Young Mok? Try this too; it should suit your taste." "Oh! Then…." A joyful meal continued. As Zhuge San and Mok Liwon chuckled heartily, Tang Hwaseo watched with a gentle smile. "Welcome!" The server shouted loudly. It was a sound so loud it even instilled a sense of tension not felt since entering the inn. This was enough to arouse curiosity amongst the trio. Who could it be to inspire such a loud and resonant greeting? With that thought, they turned their gazes to the entrance. And their expressions turned to one of surprise. "...Shaolin." Entering the inn were four monks with gleaming bald heads. Each was a young man. Their aura was overwhelmingly powerful, unmistakable as anything other than Shaolin. --- Terms Translation: - Dragon-Phoenix Assembly (용봉지회) -> This term signifies a prestigious martial competition, specifically using the imagery of dragons and phoenixes which often denote power and grace in literature. - Bamboo Leaf Green (죽엽청) -> A type of drink, likely tea given its mention alongside food, and preserved its original name for cultural depth. - Chronicles of The Jianghu Heroes (강호협객전) -> Retained as originally appears as it's a title of a publication within the narrative world. - Mount Huang (黃山) -> A famous mountain in China, known internationally as Mount Huang or Huangshan, maintained the Chinese term to honor its historical significance. - Five Spice Beef (오향장육) -> A dish name, directly translated for clarity and to capture the essence of the dish. - The Three Mountains of Zhongyuan (중원의 삼산) -> Given its cultural and geographical significance, translating to highlight its eminemce in the region. No changes required to the previous list of terms given the new context. Nonetheless, even without such cues, there was someone among the Shaolin group whose presence instantly confirmed their identity to Tang Hwaseo and Zhuge San. At the forefront, sitting down with a head so square it seemed it could crush rocks. "...Fist Dragon Il-un." Tang Hwaseo's initial target, Fist Dragon Il-un, was there. As they entered, a hushed silence fell across the inn. The atmosphere among the trio also grew tense, as Il-un raised a hand while sitting down. "Excuse me, server. Could I get a dish of Dongpo Pork?" Then he paused midway. Il-un pursed his lips in contemplation before adding a few more words. "...Ah, without the pork." Suddenly, Zhuge San burst into uproarious laughter. --- Term Translation: - Dongpo Pork (동파육) -> A famous Chinese dish, retaining the original name for cultural authenticity. - Fist Dragon Il-un (권룡 일운) -> Maintained as is given its established context within the earlier parts of the narrative and the list of translated terms.