195 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.195 Twenty Chapters - Collision, Turbulence (1) --- Mok Liwon was still at the Zhuge Family's estate. This was due to the irreversible injuries of the family head, Zhuge Byeok. The Zhuge Family's estate serves as the crucial supply line connecting the front lines and the Central Plains. If this place were to be breached, the situation on the front would deteriorate, so he, along with Ma Ilsuk, was filling Zhuge Byeok's absence. Today was yet another one of those days. Unorthodox faction members emerging from the front aimed for the family estate. They were there to fend them off and escort the passing supply convoys. "Brother Mok." Zhuge San, who had fully regained his energy, draped an arm over his shoulder. "Good work. Let's head back." "Ah, you did well too, Brother Zhuge!" Mok Liwon smiled brightly as he sheathed his sword. "Now, are we expecting no more supply convoys for a while?" "That's right; there shouldn't be any major schedules until the supply train that headed to the front returns." "Good news." "Hmm?" "I've had insights from battling that I haven't had the chance to consolidate. I suppose I'll need to immerse myself in training for a while!" A slight look of alarm crossed Zhuge San's face. Mok Liwon already knew what he was about to say. "Please don't look at it that way. Regardless of talent, a martial artist should naturally be serious about training." "You're aware you're spouting nonsense, right?" "...I don't know where to hide from such high praise." He genuinely meant it. The next candidate for the title of supreme martial artist, Mok Liwon was indeed aware of the name he was given. Furthermore, with his experiences in Jianghu piling up, Mok Liwon knew just how gifted a martial artist he was. However, he had no intention of resting on such an empty reputation. "I heard news from the front lines. Brother Sword Dragon is achieving significant feats." "Are you eager?" "I won't deny it. But I don't plan to neglect my duties. I don't like falling behind, after all." Mok Seon-oh once said. A rival growing alongside you is the most valuable relationship for a martial artist. Mok Liwon could now acknowledge those words. Indeed, the looming sense that the Namgung Jincheon he had managed to overtake might catch up at any moment filled Mok Liwon with a burning desire to progress. "Remember to rest occasionally. You're living too solemnly." Zhuge San said, gesturing with his chin toward a corner of the street. "So, why not... today, perhaps a brothel..." There was a fairly sizable brothel there. Making eye contact with the courtesans at the entrance, Mok Liwon blushed and quickly lowered his head. "N-no, I'm fine. I have no interest in women!" "Nonsense... Brother Mok, listen. What is a man? What is a hero? It's someone who can cover even his lustfulness with magnanimity! If you're so weak toward women, could you fulfill a man's role in crucial moments?" Zhuge San's reprimand made Mok Liwon flinch. His eyes furtively turned towards Zhuge San, curiosity subtly bubbling within them. "Crucial moments, you mean...?" "What else? I'm talking about that crucial moment with someone you love!" Zhuge San put on a mischievous face. Mok Liwon continued to listen closely to Zhuge San's voice, even as his body tensed. "Think about it, a man should know how to lead a woman. But! Imagine on the first night with the person you love—if you don't know what to do, what would your partner think? Surely, they'd think, 'Ah, I made a mistake in marrying,' right?" Strangely enough, there was a level of persuasiveness in his words. Despite the embarrassment, despite the intense embarrassment, Mok Liwon couldn't help but think of Tang Hwaseo. There's no denying it; Mok Liwon truly favored Tang Hwaseo. Though the current circumstances are not favorable and they are apart, it doesn't diminish the feelings he harbors. Rather, it deepens the longing and affection. With the limited time spent together, he finds himself imagining a future with Tang Hwaseo. He contemplates what kind of image he should present when they finally reunite. This, too, was part of that extension. 'She always led me.' Wouldn't he merely appear as a brother someone has to always take care of? Would he not seem like a child left by the riverside? Shouldn't he, as a man and not just as a martial artist, also show progress? Mok Liwon's gaze wavered. Zhuge San's voice grew firmer. "So, Brother Mok, today, why not experience being a man. Look? From what I hear, the owner of that brothel lost her husband during the last Blood Affair and has been managing it alone day by day. How can, as someone who prides himself as a hero, one overlook such a woman?" Mok Liwon was still being barraged with a storm of persuasion. It was amidst this fervent exchange that a voice interrupted. "So, is that all your last words?" It was an immensely familiar and missed voice. "Zhuge San, are those all your last words?" Mok Liwon's body froze. He could tell Zhuge San was just as stunned. ‘That voice…’ It was Tang Hwaseo. It was Tang Hwaseo's voice, along with the scent and subtle fragrance, both unmistakably hers. Sharpening his senses, it became more certain. His heart began to thunder wildly, realizing this. His face flushed hot, and a smile crept onto his lips. His head snapped around. There, as always, with the intention to kill in her glare, stood Tang Hwaseo staring at Zhuge San. "My lady!" Mok Liwon exclaimed in joy, and only then did Tang Hwaseo turn her attentions to him. "Yes, Brother Mok Liwon. It has been a long time, hasn't it?" "Indeed! How have you been? Were you injured? Seeing you after so long…" You seem to have become even more beautiful. It was almost too overwhelming to meet her gaze. Mok Liwon swallowed his words and tried to calm the corners of his mouth. Tang Hwaseo chuckled softly. "I've been well. I'm glad to see Brother Mok Liwon is also doing well. I would like to catch up more, but may I take care of Zhuge San first?" Zhuge San's body shook sporadically. To Mok Liwon, it resembled the rigor mortis of a corpse. Zhuge San was already a dead man. It was none of Mok Liwon's concern. "Please do!" Mok Liwon said, smiling brightly, and Tang Hwaseo formed a satisfied expression. Zhuge San quivered with betrayal. "Br-brother! What's the meaning of this…." Thud! --- Translation Notes: - **혈사 (Blood Affair)**: This term was translated as "Blood Affair" to capture the essence of the event, which likely involved conflict or bloodshed. - **소협 (Brother)**: Used as a term of address, indicating warmth and familiarity, translated as "Brother" reflecting a close relationship between martial artists. - **루주 (Owner of the Brothel)**: "Luju" was left as "owner" to fit the context of the passage, referring to the one running the brothel. - **기루 (Brothel)**: Translated to "brothel," referring to an establishment commonly appearing in historical or martial arts contexts as a place frequented by martial artists. Character Genders Identified: - Tang Hwaseo was identified as she/her based on contextual references and interactions. Contextual Details: - The passage contains references to martial values, reputations, and the relationships between martial artists, highlighting the camaraderie and unseen rivalries that propel the characters forward. - Mok Liwon's internal struggle and desire to improve for Tang Hwaseo indicate an underlying romantic subplot. Changes Recommended: - None. The above content retains clarity in character relationships and intentions within the context described. Tang Hwaseo grabbed Zhuge San by his hair. "Ugh, sister! It's not like that..." "Sure, let's go discuss what's not like what, shall we?" Tang Hwaseo dragged Zhuge San toward the estate. Mok Liwon blushed at her confident silhouette. 'She's truly a formidable woman!' A woman whose formidable presence is another part of her charm. Mok Liwon suddenly thought. 'I, too, want...!' He wanted to be a man so impressive that Tang Hwaseo could lean on him without hesitation. "Hero, why not spend some time here~." A courtesan standing outside the brothel invited with a gesture. Mok Liwon awkwardly smiled and lowered his head in refusal. 'Not something like that...!' In another sense, to be manly. * Zhuge San pondered. 'Why.' Why is there no way to win against Tang Hwaseo? Even now, having reached the Transcendent Peak Realm, where a clear distinction of realms exists, he found himself helpless against Tang Hwaseo's poison. It was strange. This was indeed a weird anomaly. "Ugh..." Lying sprawled on the ground, Zhuge San clutched his rumbling stomach, trembling. As he squirmed, Tang Hwaseo looked down at him, her legs crossed. "What? Manliness? Brothel?" He had nothing to say. Truthfully, it was indeed true that he'd used Mok Liwon. But what else could he do? To meet someone like the brothel owner in a good atmosphere and share drinks, someone with Mok Liwon's anonymous face was necessary. Crying out, "The Zhuge Family's Young Master is here!" would only create a coercive atmosphere. Of course, voicing such grievances wouldn't help. This sinister and violent sister was unforgiving, especially to him. "It's just... Brother Mok seemed to only be immersed in training—" "Ah! You clearly haven't had enough! You still haven't come to your senses!" Tang Hwaseo sighed deeply and got up. Zhuge San forced a crooked smile under the shadow over his head. "Sister, may I say one thing?" "Speak." "Could you please make it something other than diarrhea poison?" It's more than enough already. It's what he said, but it seemed like a plea falling on deaf ears with Tang Hwaseo. Judging by the smile spreading all over her face, it was clear. "I heard you." She only listened. After that, Zhuge San was left in a disastrous state with diarrhea. * It was exactly as expected. The reason Namgung Jincheon mentioned Mok Liwon and a woman was likely because Zhuge San had been stirring trouble with Mok Liwon. Looking at Mok Liwon, it seemed no incident had occurred, yet Zhuge San's impudence was no less irritating. The punishment had just been delivered. "This time, I made sure it ends quickly. Be grateful." "...I don't know how to thank you for your grace, sister." Zhuge San smirked and scratched the back of his head. Such a feeble display. Tang Hwaseo's smile turned slightly bitter. "I heard the news on my way here. There's been a change with the family head." "..." Zhuge San's smile gradually faded. Tang Hwaseo silently watched for a moment. She knew something. She could roughly gauge from his attitude how Zhuge San felt about his family. Maybe it was because of their shared circumstances. Both of them had reached the point of feeling resentful towards the family that gave birth and raised them, prompting them to run away. Tang Hwaseo exhaled briefly before asking. "Are you okay?" "There's nothing not okay." "Isn't your heart uneasy?" "I'm trying to let it go. I'm a man, after all." Zhuge San laughed heartily. In that smile, Tang Hwaseo could see a semblance of relief. She had a realization. 'He made a different choice than I did.' She had met Zhuge Byeok as soon as she arrived here. He enlightened his own death as a martial artist, unable to walk again, yet carried a bright expression. Thinking about that reason alongside Zhuge San's appearance gave her an answer. "Was forgiveness easy?" Tang Hwaseo inquired. Despite no regrets, there was this lingering doubt of ‘What if I had made a different choice?’ "I haven't forgiven yet." With Zhuge San's reply, Tang Hwaseo looked up at the sky. "...Is that so." "I'm trying to, little by little. I want to become the kind of man capable of doing such things." 'She has always been the one to lead me.' Mok Liwon's earlier words came back to him, filled with a sense of awkwardness. It was a side of him Tang Hwaseo was seeing for the first time. "Didn't Brother Mok always say that a hero is someone who deliberately chooses the hardest path?" Indeed, Mok Liwon did say that. Recalling his innocent face, a smile crept up on Tang Hwaseo's lips. "Are you planning to become a hero?" "Wouldn't that be cool? Plus, given my nature that dislikes being tied down, it seems to suit me perfectly." "Just don't meddle with widows, and you might succeed." "That too is heroism." "Surely." Tang Hwaseo chuckled. Then she looked at Zhuge San. ‘Transcendent Peak Realm, huh.’ He had surpassed her that much already. No, perhaps he had been ahead of her all along. Zhuge San didn't try to reveal his martial prowess willingly. Is it the right timing? Or is frustration welling up? Tang Hwaseo reflected and then answered responsively. "Congratulations on your achievement." A heartfelt congratulation indeed. Though there was bitterness, it wasn't directed at Zhuge San. "Thank you." Rather, it was frustration directed at herself for starting to fall behind her peers. "Well then, I'll be off. Take a rest." I need to strive harder, surely. Of course, given her study in poison techniques, my efforts would differ from theirs. "Are you going to Brother Mok?" "Yes, I came just to at least see his face." "Oh, right, you mentioned you led the supply convoy." Zhuge San chewed his lips for a while, then finally spoke. "Um... just keep in mind not to give him any..." "Sana, you sure talk a lot." Zhuge San's mouth clamped shut. Finally, an expression of satisfaction appeared on Tang Hwaseo's face. ‘Don't presume to give advice.’ Don't sprinkle ashes on a finished dish, as they say. Guilt flashed across Zhuge San’s face. Tang Hwaseo didn’t bother to contemplate the reason. There wasn’t any worth to it, after all, she reasoned. Continue to Next Episode --- Translation Notes: - **여장부 (Formidable Woman)**: "Formidable Woman" appropriately conveys the strength and command in the expression, reflecting the admiration Mok Liwon has for her. - **배님 (Sister)**: Translated as "Sister," capturing the seriousness and respect inherent in addressing a female superior or peer within a martial arts context. - **대공자 (Young Master/Heir)**: "Young Master" reflects his status within the family, someone of high regard and position. - **만면 가득 떠오른 미소를 보면 확실하다 (The smile spreading all over her face confirmed it.)**: This phrase emphasizes Tang Hwaseo’s obvious enjoyment or satisfaction in the penance she delivers, indirectly showing her relief or pleasure in taking charge. Character Genders Identified: - Tang Hwaseo: Female, based on contextual references within the text. Context Details: - The dynamics reflect martial hierarchy and personal relationships where respect, obligation, and admiration interplay uniquely among martial artists. - Tang Hwaseo asserting her dominance over Zhuge San complements the traditional gender role reversal seen with warriors in martial arts tales. Changes Recommended: - None, as the current interpretation remains true to the narrative intended in the original language context.