64 - I Spent the Night with the Youngest Daughter of the Martial Arts Leader

Title: Spent a Night with the Martial Alliance Leader's Youngest Daughter - Chapter 64 Despite receiving the pill from Namgung Hyuk, I couldn't consume it right away. Unlike typical tonics, an elixir wasn't something you could just toss into your mouth because it was supposedly good. An elixir... I used to seek them with fervor when I was younger—in pursuit of legendary substances like the Thousand-Year Flower or the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. Back then, I roamed ceaselessly, trying to break free from the bottom, hoping for some fortuitous encounter. I'd go exploring the peaks of ancient mountains, even digging through snowfields in the dead of winter. To an observer, I probably looked like a madman. In hindsight, it was all for nothing. A fortuitous encounter isn't called that for no reason. If a child could just stumble upon one, it wouldn't be an "encounter" at all. Kneeling before a statue in a cave nine times to find a reclusive master’s hidden scheme—those are just fantasies fit for novels. 'And... it's a good thing I didn't find one back then.' During those times, I cursed the heavens for my lack of luck, but in hindsight, not finding a real elixir was truly a blessing. Elixirs each have their specific properties and usages. Moreover, they contain vast energies that, if ingested without the capacity to handle them, could destroy one’s internal pathways, leading to ruin. Had a child, unversed even in basic disciplines and lacking someone to guide them, tried consuming an elixir… The mere thought was terrifying. Thankfully, the pill was virtually risk-free. Most elixirs had dominant properties, like yang or yin energy, requiring other elixirs to balance them out. This one, however, didn't need any such counterbalance. Of course, such is the case with the Shaolin. All it required was time and patience, to slowly amalgamate it with internal energy. 'But how would I know how to consume an elixir when I’ve never tried one?' The problem was, I'd never ingested an elixir before. Namgung Hyuk's guess was spot on. My master, who made every conceivable effort to elevate my martial skills, strictly controlled any access to elixirs. Claiming I hadn't fully matured as a vessel or some such thing. It was a bit disappointing for me, expecting some token of a master's affection, hoping for an elixir. Though I felt a bit let down at the time, looking back now, my master was right. The nature of the elixirs, consumed prematurely, could disrupt the very essence of my martial foundation. 'Should I ask someone to oversee the consumption?' Perhaps I should've asked Namgung Hyuk... But, somehow, that felt awkward. It felt similar to opening a gifted envelope right in front of the giver. I'd already benefited from his guidance duels, so requesting him to further oversee this made me self-conscious. And so, I ended up merely rolling the pill in my hand without consuming it. ‘Who could I ask for this favor…’ Overseeing this process required significant time and concentration, making it a burdensome request. The first to come to mind was Namgung Hyu. He'd likely help without question. However, I ruled him out. He was preoccupied caring for the pregnant Sang Wonyoung. He was already stretched thin, working diligently with distant relatives. Asking for his time would be encroaching on his personal life. ‘Could it be… the elder?’ Then I thought of Namgung Hwan. Again, I ruled him out. He would gladly assist, surely. But doing so might cost me several prolonged matches, far more than the time he'd invest in overseeing the process. I craved more time to reflect on my recent insights from dueling with Namgung Hyuk. “I’d love to help with your request, but it’s a bit challenging right now. It seems my wife might be pregnant.” “Is that so? Really?” “Yes. She’s had a fever and bouts of nausea for the past few days. The details await a doctor’s confirmation, but I should stay close for now. I’m sorry.” “It can’t be helped. This calls for congratulations, not apologies. I hope for great news.” “Thank you. It’s all thanks to you.” In a last-ditch attempt, I approached Namgung Jin, but he declined, having to care for Jo Simhyang. Ever since receiving my guidance, their harmony had significantly improved, becoming news in the clan. It seemed a long-standing issue had been resolved. I hoped he would enjoy the fortune he wished for as I was about to leave. “But, hey, if you need someone to guide you, why not ask Yeon Hee?” “?” “No one in our family is more familiar with elixirs than Yeon Hee.” “Yeon Hee?” “Indeed. As a child, she was pampered with everything precious by our father, even more so than the eldest brother.” That made sense. With a house full of sons, the birth of a daughter was more than welcome. Not to mention, she was the youngest. It’s no secret how dotingly Namgung Hyuk raised Yeon Hee. “She’s likely more skilled at guiding you in such matters than most.” “Thank you for the advice.” “Of course. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.” * “Master, what in the world happened to your face?” Yeon Hee shrieked, noticing a small scratch on Lee Se Woong's cheek. Although it was merely a superficial scrape, barely a graze from a fingernail, Yeon Hee appeared deeply troubled as though it were a significant injury. ‘I tried to cover it up with ointment just for this reason.’ The rest of my body healed discreetly thanks to the ointment, but the skin on my face was too delicate, taking longer to recover. “How could something mar this picture-perfect face! Did you get injured during practice with Father?” “I tripped and fell.” “Liar! It's a sword cut if I ever saw one. What if it leaves a scar...?” Yeon Hee seemed unable to bring herself to touch it, instead gazing at Se Woong’s cheek with worried eyes. “They use practice as an excuse to hurt you. I need to confront him about this!” “Please don’t make a fuss. Injuries happen in practice. And I earned an elixir out of it.” “An elixir?” My apologies, Namgung Hyuk. I failed to keep my promise, even after accepting the hush money. Inside, Lee Se Woong silently offered his sincere apologies. "A summoning pill! Did Father really give you something so precious?" "Yes. He said it's because he felt sorry for my injury, but it seems he intended to give it to me from the start." "Father..." Namgung Hyuk had a soft spot for Lee Se Woong. This realization held significant meaning for Yeon Hee. Could it be that her father's perspective had shifted since the last incident? "So, I'd like to ask you to guide me." "Huh? Me?" "Yes. Your third brother recommended it?" "Are you sure you want me for the task? Perhaps someone with greater martial prowess would be better suited..." "I have faith in you, Yeon Hee." Huh. Yeon Hee drew a deep breath. The mere statement from Lee Se Woong struck her with overwhelming impact. He referred to her as 'ours'... "You'll help me, right?" "Of course! You're my husband, after all! Since I was a child, I've sampled more elixirs than I can count. Entrust this to me, and I’ll guide the energy better than anyone else." "I'm confident in you." It was rare for Yeon Hee to boast about anything. Given her assurance, Lee Se Woong felt relieved as he took off his top. "Why are you...?" "Oh, were we not supposed to do it this way? I've heard direct skin contact aids the process. I'm not too familiar with it." "That's true! But suddenly stripping like that can be surprising. You should have said something first..." Lee Se Woong's bare torso was exposed, revealing a neat array of muscles that greeted Yeon Hee. Even his pulsating veins stood out. Yeon Hee felt her face heat up. 'Oh no, my face must be turning red.' Lee Se Woong removed his clothing for the sake of the guided technique, devoid of any ulterior motives. Gulp. Unintentionally, Yeon Hee swallowed hard and steeled her resolve. This was a necessary procedure, after all. Yet, she couldn't take her eyes off Se Woong's muscles, as if imprinting them on her memory. "Why are you acting so shy?" "Well..." "We've seen each other naked before." Woosh. Before she realized it, Lee Se Woong had gotten close enough to whisper softly into her ear. 'Why today, of all days?!' It was odd. He wasn't typically the type to express affection so actively. Usually, when Yeon Hee would flirt, Se Woong would just chuckle and brush it off. But now, he had suddenly become so direct. Had something changed within him? 'Yes, focus on the task!' Even though her heart pounded as if being hammered, Yeon Hee barely managed to calm herself. Now was the time to concentrate. She sat in the lotus position behind him, extending her hands to his back. ‘So firm.’ Lee Se Woong's body was clear and pronounced. Not even many women could manage such a physique. Pale, smooth skin contrasting with the prominent, reddish muscles. Yeon Hee had to take several deep breaths before she could settle herself. "Alright, I’m starting." Under Yeon Hee's guidance, Lee Se Woong swallowed the summoning pill. A subtle, incense-like scent reminiscent of temple offerings filled the air. The faint bitterness dissolved, giving rise to an invigorating warmth from his core. The energy of the pill steadily spread, moistening his internal energy with no resistance, as anticipated. This can be credited to the famed Shaolin method. Lee Se Woong discarded distractions, channeling the pill's energy through his pathways. It was an unfamiliar sensation. Perhaps due to the foreign energy flowing inside, distinct from his own internal energy. Occasionally, energy would spread contrary to his control. In such instances, Yeon Hee would step in, steering the pill's energy back on course. Rather than injecting energy directly, she simply guided its direction. Thanks to her, Lee Se Woong absorbed the pill's energy smoothly. “Phew... Is it done?” “Mostly. The energy that hasn't fully integrated yet will naturally blend with your internal energy as you practice your cultivation techniques.” “Really? I can’t fully sense it yet.” “You’ll notice in a few days. It blended with your internal energy much more smoothly than expected.” In total, four hours. That was the time it took Lee Se Woong to harness the energy of the summoning pill. Still in a daze, perhaps because this was his first time consuming an elixir. Given Yeon Hee's assurance, it must have been absorbed properly. As he got up, Lee Se Woong tilted his head slightly in contemplation. “Thank you, Yeon Hee.” “It’s nothing. It was my duty.” “You mean as your spousal duty?” “Of course! I must take care of my husband!” “Then I must reward you.” A reward? Before she could comprehend his words. Lee Se Woong stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. “Huh?” She let out a dumbfounded sound. And before she could worry about that, Yeon Hee’s mind went utterly blank. Lee Se Woong’s body was drenched with sweat. The rich scent of his sweat drifted off his neck. It resembled the fragrance of cypress wood, mixed with a distinctive musk. Unable to extricate herself, she was hit directly by it. Her breath quickened. Inhale. She took a breath to calm herself. Yet, with each inhale, the strong scent of Lee Se Woong filled her senses. That fragrance drove Yeon Hee to distraction. ‘I feel weak…’ The arms of Lee Se Woong, holding her tightly. His pulse communicated through their connected skin. ‘What now...’ Yeon Hee was helpless. Her face simply turning a deep shade of red. All she could do was lean against Se Woong, feeling wobbly. While adept at offense, Yeon Hee was utterly hopeless at defense. * Strange. Since the day I guided him through that energy transfusion. Yeon Hee seems to have been avoiding me.