31 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈 Chapter 31 〉 Five Chapters - Dragon-Phoenix Assembly (4) * * * "Monk! Have you been well?" "Welcome! Was everything alright on your way here?" Il-un was taken aback. It was due to the overwhelming hospitality from Tang Hwaseo and Zhuge San, which was beyond any reason he could fathom. "Y-yes... There were no incidents in the city..." Although he appreciated the warm greeting, it felt a bit excessive. As these thoughts crossed his mind, Mok Liwon warmly smiled and brought over another chair. "Monk! Please, have a seat! Today, let's discuss the story we promised!" "Oh, anytime." Il-un responded to Mok Liwon's courtesy with a gentle smile. He then glanced at Tang Hwaseo and Zhuge San. For some reason, their gazes bore a certain weight. "By the way, since the monk is here, shouldn't we bring more food? Wait here, Mok. I'll be right back, but keep the monk company in the meantime." "Got it!" Zhuge San gave a thumbs-up. "Monk, I'll fetch something to suit your taste!" Thud— Il-un grasped Zhuge San's wrist. There was enough strength in Il-un's grip to crush Zhuge San's hand if he desired. "I've eaten. I snacked on some vegetables before arriving." It was a tear-jerking defense. Il-un was anxious, fearing Zhuge San might serve him meat, and thus, he seated him. "Ahem... So, have you talked to anyone else yet?" "Ah, everyone seems to be in groups, so I haven't approached anyone yet." At Mok Liwon’s dejected response, Il-un nodded with a bitter smile. 'I thought as much.' Now that he thought about it, there wasn't anyone at this banquet familiar to these two. The one possible exception was Zhuge San, but who would have the courage to approach him first at such an event? It dawned on Il-un the reason for their eager welcome as soon as they saw him. ‘They must have felt awkward.’ To be tucked away like this at a grand gathering indeed might have been embarrassing. "This is perfect. Would you like to accompany me? I need to greet other patrons, and while we're at it, I'll introduce you, Mok, to the others." "Is that really okay?!" "Would I lie about such a thing?" As he spoke, Il-un's gaze shifted to Tang Hwaseo. "Why not join us? It has been six years since you last visited here, Tang patron." "Well, yes..." Tang Hwaseo nodded and clenched her fists under the table. ‘Not bad.’ It was a good opportunity. Building a closer relationship at this banquet would certainly be advantageous in the future. "Then, shall we go? Oh, may we greet the members of the Emei Sect first?" At that, Tang Hwaseo hesitated. "Emei... you say." Why the Emei Sect first? Such a thought flickered, but upon reflection, it made sense. Shaolin and Emei shared a similar Buddhist lineage, and even aside from Bai Feng's lecherous nature, her depth in martial arts was indisputable. Tang Hwaseo suppressed the discomfort welling up inside and nodded. Mok Liwon, too, felt a similar... perhaps different unease, having recently heard rumors about Bai Feng. ‘S, Seductive Phoenix...’ Just the thought of potential trouble crossed his mind. "Il-un, it's been a year, hasn't it?" "Ah, Monk Hyewoon." Whether she came over knowing their conversation, or simply upon seeing Il-un, Bai Feng Hyewoon approached with her Emei disciples. Il-un and Hyewoon exchanged smiles with a bow. As this happened, Mok Liwon flinched. ‘Why, why is she looking at me…!’ Hyewoon, with narrowed eyes, seemed to cast a sly smile his way as well. Mok Liwon, unnerved, instinctively hid behind Tang Hwaseo. Hyewoon's brow furrowed slightly at the move. After raising her head again, she erased any trace of her previous expression and addressed Tang Hwaseo. "It's been a while, hasn't it, Tang patron?" "...Indeed." A brief silence ensued. Within it, Zhuge San whispered to Mok Liwon. "Mok, it seems to be a contest of glances between these women." "R-really...?!" Mok Liwon swallowed nervously, silently cheering for Tang Hwaseo. There was no particular reason; it was simply that the starkly pale woman seemed frightening. "Tang Patron..." Hyewoon drew out her words, giving Tang Hwaseo a once-over from head to toe. She then added with a sly smile. “…It seems as if time has stood still for you, unchanged even after six years.” A comment that might seem like a compliment. To a martial artist, however, it was almost a grave insult. She was highlighting that Tang Hwaseo’s martial prowess hadn’t advanced. "Who knows, maybe the unchanged perception is what you wish for?" "Is that so?" "The monk I remember hasn't changed either." Hyewoon's eyebrow raised slightly. Then, she lowered it again, painting a subtle smile across her face. "Well, why not find out in the dueling ring?" Tang Hwaseo stifled her rising irritation. She wanted to retort, but couldn’t find the words to counter such an unassailable statement. Five years after leaving her family. Though she had reached the intermediate first-rate martial artist level, Tang Hwaseo had yet to reach the Peak Realm. By forgoing all the support, education, and absorbed lethality from her family, she was experiencing setbacks. Despite having no regrets about that decision, she found it frustrating to be unable to respond to a rival who was looking down on her. 'This is why I wasn't inclined to confront her.' Something more unfortunate loomed for Tang Hwaseo. It was that Hyewoon's attention had turned toward Mok Liwon. "I don’t recall meeting the patron standing behind you. May I receive an introduction?" For a moment, a fiery feeling surged within Tang Hwaseo. Following the surge, anger pooled behind her eyes, with veins visibly rising. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Bai Feng (백봉/白鳳) - Seductive Phoenix (색봉/色鳳):** This name was inferred through context, given Bai Feng's reputation and previous mention, representing her notorious seductress reputation. 2. **Mok (목):** A shorthand addressing of Mok Liwon was used to create familiarity and immersion, as is common in English when speaking informally. 3. **Seductive Phoenix (색봉/色鳳):** Translated this based on the connotation of her rumored behavior and personality, which may evolve with story progression. These terms and interpretations are meant to maintain the authenticity and literary style of the narrative while ensuring accurate cultural transference. "Ah, this is Patron Mok," Il-un introduced, seemingly unaware of Tang Hwaseo's feelings. "I wonder if Monk Hyewoon has heard; he's been making a name for himself recently under the nickname Black Ink Sword." A peculiar gleam flickered through Hyewoon's eyes at the mention. "Ah, Black Ink Sword...!" Mok Liwon instinctively took a step back. The crescent-shaped curve of her eyes seemed terrifyingly ominous. Mok Liwon's instincts were screaming. 'No, don't engage...!' That woman was dangerous. "Patron Mok? Is that how I should address you?" Hyewoon's smile widened, taking on a rather mischievous look. 'How adorable.' She pondered whether she had found a rather appealing plaything this time. Hyewoon felt a thrill of excitement welling up inside. "He's part of my party," Tang Hwaseo's assertion gifted Hyewoon another layer of joy. ‘More than just a party member, isn’t he?’ Their connection seemed rather affectionate. Not only did Mok Liwon hide behind Tang Hwaseo the moment their eyes met, but Tang Hwaseo also reacted with fiery anger when attention was turned to him. ‘The challenge of stealing is going to be quite enjoyable.’ A stifled laugh escaped her lips. Despite her vows as a nun, she couldn't resist her eccentric tendencies that were beginning to surface. "A party member, you say... May I hear more about this?" Hyewoon speculated. Imagining the expression on Tang Hwaseo's face, known for her elegance, if she were to lose a man to someone else. Watching frail bonds unravel and degrade into unsightly chaos. 'How delightful....' Indeed, experiencing such things was far preferable to secluded meditation in the mountains. "My lady...." Mok Liwon, cowering, sought help from Tang Hwaseo. Fortunately, Tang Hwaseo's rationality returned at that plea. It was a good thing. If Hyewoon had moved any closer, Tang Hwaseo was so frustrated that she might have resorted to violence. Tang Hwaseo calmed her heart, mindful of Mok Liwon's subtle hold on her sleeve, and spoke. "You seem to have an interest in others' affairs." "Others? That's quite a harsh way to put it." "I didn't know monks were so interested in worldly affairs." "My training is still lacking. However, if I can't resist an urge, sometimes confronting it head-on is a solution, don't you think?" "Hmm, it sounds like an excuse to me." The atmosphere between them sharpened. Or rather, Tang Hwaseo's response pointedly did so. Even Il-un, initially bewildered by the exchange, could sense the tension seeping into the vicinity. While various reactions unfolded, Zhuge San watched with keen interest. Boom— The grand doors of the banquet hall opened with a resounding sound. * The unexpected moment came swiftly. Silence shattered the stillness. The previously sharp atmosphere lost its sting. All eyes in the banquet hall converged in one place. "...He's here." Someone voiced with displeasure and envy. Step— A man entered the banquet hall. "Mok, even at a glance, you recognize him, don't you?" Zhuge San remarked. Clearing away the confusion of moments ago, Mok Liwon stood, gaze fixed on the entrance in a daze. Royal blue silk robes billowed. A sharp-featured, handsome man resolutely entered the hall's center. Even amidst it all, a peculiar trait wildly captured Mok Liwon's attention. Sky-blue eyes, reminiscent of the vast azure sky. That was it. "Namgung Jinchun...." "Yes, that is the man known as Namgung," Zhuge San affirmed. Namgung Jinchun's presence alone was striking. Every step he took articulated an inexhaustible, imposing aura, and everyone he glanced at seemed compelled to avert their eyes as if by unspoken agreement. 'On the threshold of the Peak Realm.' At just twenty-two years old. He was Tang Hwaseo's age-mate. And yet, already at such a level. "Upcoming World-class Individual." The person people were speculating about. A World-class Individual to be in the future. Zhuge San still chuckled heartily. "Isn't it enviable? No better example expresses being born distinctly different." "Distinct...?" "Namgung was born under a star." At that term, Mok Liwon's fingertips trembled slightly. His gaze instinctively fixed on those piercing blue eyes. "Emperor Star(帝王星). Namgung was destined to rule from the moment he arrived in this world." Suddenly, Namgung Jinchun turned to look at Mok Liwon. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Black Ink Sword (묵검/默劍):** This term refers to Mok Liwon's alias, reflected in both his martial prowess and somber demeanor. Alternate translations could include Silent Sword or Quiet Blade. 2. **Emperor Star (帝王星):** A term often used to signify someone destined for greatness or leadership, acting as a metaphor for Namgung Jinchun's inherent aptitude and overwhelming presence. These terms were kept to reflect their original tone and significance, ensuring the text's essence remains intact through the translation.