196 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

### Episode 196 - Clash, Raging Currents (2) --- The steps of Tang Hwaseo(당화서)/ Poison Phoenix (독봉) as she wandered the manor were light. It was because she was thinking of the man she would meet at the end of this walk. A reunion after several months, how could she not be delighted at the prospect of seeing the face she had only longed for and engaging in conversation once more. "He doesn't seem to have changed much." The meeting was too brief to make a definitive assessment. ...No matter, it's fine either way. If they were to talk, she'd naturally come to know of any changes. With that pleasant thought, Tang Hwaseo headed towards the training ground where Mok Liwon (목리원) would be, and soon, met him. "Ah, young lady!" "Were you in the middle of training?" "I was just about to finish up!" As Mok Liwon rose from his position, wiping away his sweat, there was a peculiar motion that stirred her heart. She thought she'd grown accustomed to his features, yet the brief absence made seeing them again slightly awkward. "Have you concluded your business?" "Yes, I've spoken with the head of the family and also met Zhuge San." "Then you must be free now." "I'm not really." "Hmm?" "Because I need to spend time with Brother Mok." Tang Hwaseo replied with a playful smile, causing Mok Liwon to blink in surprise. Soon, with a bursting 'bang' of laughter, Mok Liwon nodded his head. "That's indeed true! Would you wait just a moment? I'll wash and be right out." "Yes, let's go for a meal." "That sounds good. I know a great place." "I'll leave it to you today." Mok Liwon approached, and as Tang Hwaseo left the training ground with him, a deeper smile spread across her lips than when she had arrived. There was no need to tell him why she covered her mouth with her hand while exchanging brief chatter. "I'm flushed." The reason being she feared her blushing cheeks might be noticed if her face grew any hotter. --- Mok Liwon emerged, having prepared for the outing. Tang Hwaseo's eyes widened. "Are you no longer wandering around in your training clothes?" "Ah, the King of Beggars scolded me! He said that if I'm to carry the name of his disciple, I must also mind how I appear to others. Fortunately, Brother Zhuge helped me out." Mok Liwon wore a black long robe. From the subtly shining fabric, it was evidently high-quality silk. How could she describe it? In the midst of the rich color created by his glossy hair and the black silk garment, Mok Liwon's fair skin and features stood out even more, making him appear more exquisite than usual today. "Does it look strange?" At his awkward inquiry, Tang Hwaseo vigorously shook her head. "You look lovely." She said, before clearing her throat with a 'ahem!' Mok Liwon chuckled brightly. "I'm relieved! I've always worried that these kinds of clothes wouldn't suit someone who became a martial artist like me!" As Mok Liwon stood beside her, his subtle scent tickled Tang Hwaseo's nose. She felt her heart pound with a flutter. "Has he changed a bit?" He seemed somewhat more composed. Strangely, he appeared more mature, making her feel slightly awkward. "Let's go!" At Mok Liwon's prompting, Tang Hwaseo began to walk slowly. His hand swung casually by his side, catching her attention needlessly. Should she hold it or not—such thoughts filled Tang Hwaseo's head as they continued walking. --- "Black Dragon! You've come again today!" "Hello! May I request the five-flavored braised meat, since I have a guest today?" "Certainly!" They had arrived at an inn on the main street. As soon as the young man, who seemed to be a waiter, recognized Mok Liwon, he greeted him warmly, and Tang Hwaseo thought. "He wasn’t exaggerating." He said he knew a good place, but it seemed as if they had come to his regular spot. The inn seemed rather upscale, not quite what she expected of Mok Liwon's taste. As those thoughts surfaced while she scanned her surroundings, Mok Liwon spoke. "Brother Zhuge introduced me to this place. The five-flavored braised meat here is exceptionally delicious." "Have you given up on the cold noodles and bamboo leaf green wine?" "No way, I still have it at least once a day." Mok Liwon laughed heartily. "A martial artist’s meal, isn't it?" Some things hadn’t changed. The unease from seeing only unfamiliar sides of him slowly dissipated once again. Tang Hwaseo smiled. "You could have had a meal of cold noodles." Her remark, wondering if he was holding back his preferences for her sake, was met by Mok Liwon's reply. "Even I know now. When dining with someone precious, there should be formality." It was a statement with a bright smile, as if it was no big deal. Yet, “Precious...!” The word felt like a pounding in her heart. Was it intentional? Judging by his expression, it didn’t seem planned, but she didn’t want to think it was a thoughtless remark either. Ah, her face was heating up too much. Why did her lips move of their own accord, constantly forcing her sleeves into action. "Thank you for the gesture." Tang Hwaseo spoke, covering her mouth. "The meal is served!" Fortunately, a dish to capture the attention had arrived. The aroma of the five-flavored braised meat that quickly made its way to the table was enough to whet her appetite. Was it Zhuge San’s recommendation? If it's from that fellow, who’s rather picky when it comes to food, it wouldn’t have been a careless recommendation. Taking a bite with her chopsticks, she felt indeed, the reason for such a recommendation. "How is it?" To Mok Liwon's inquiry, Tang Hwaseo responded with a bright smile. "It's quite wonderful." "I'm glad to hear it. Let's enjoy our meal." Mok Liwon picked up his chopsticks and began eating one bite at a time. Tang Hwaseo couldn't help but repeatedly glance at his figure. “Did he perhaps learn dining etiquette?” Mok Liwon was once the charming martial artist who filled his mouth and chewed like a squirrel, yet now he was eating with proper manners. That appearance was both commendable and, in a way, a little disappointing. Would she no longer see him as he once was? Did he change in the time they spent apart? Those concerns arose in her mind. “...No, Hwaseo, isn’t this too unbecoming?” Tang Hwaseo did her best to push aside the thoughts that surfaced. As they exchanged casual chatter and finished their meal, Mok Liwon spoke. "Shall we have some tea?" After whispering something to the waiter, tea was promptly brought out. --- **New Terms Explanation:** 1. **Young Lady** - '소저' is used to refer to Tang Hwaseo, indicating a respectful or polite address typically used for a young woman of higher social standing. 2. **Five-flavored braised meat (오향장육)** - A traditional dish known for its distinct and rich mix of flavors. 3. **Bamboo leaf green wine (죽엽청)** - A type of alcoholic beverage, traditionally known in Chinese culture. 4. **Long robe (장포)** - Refers to a traditional style of clothing. **Character Gender Identification:** - Tang Hwaseo: Identified as female. **Notes:** - Connotations of certain words were taken into consideration, such as "소중한" for "precious," which has an intimate significance. - Clothing and food terms retain their cultural implications, essential for preserving the narrative's local color and context. - The gentle humor and underlying affection in the dialogue are showcased to maintain the character dynamics. - Adjustments to character names or attributes might be required to better fit evolving descriptions or affiliations. ### Episode 196 - An Awkward Dynamic --- It was such an awkward setting. Usually, she was the one to lead the atmosphere, while Mok Liwon would simply laugh and enjoy whatever came along. Could this be the sentiment a parent feels watching their child become independent? Tang Hwaseo felt a strange, indefinable emptiness as she sipped her tea. "So, how have you been these days, young lady?" Mok Liwon inquired. Smiling, Tang Hwaseo replied. "Attending to the frontlines’ supplies. Met with other unit members and was heading to the rear for the next supply shift." "Oh! Other unit members?!" Mok Liwon's eyes sparkled. His seemingly restless demeanor, as if he might spring up from his seat any moment, somewhat dispelled the awkward atmosphere. With a grin, Tang Hwaseo said, "Yes, everyone is just the same as ever, especially Sword Dragon." "I think I understand what you mean. I'm glad to hear they're well." Mok Liwon appeared satisfied with her answer. As she observed his expression, Tang Hwaseo asked, "But how about Brother Mok? I haven’t heard much about what you’ve been up to, and I’m curious." "Hmm? Oh, well, there wouldn’t have been much opportunity for you to hear about me." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, eliciting curiosity in Tang Hwaseo’s keen ears. What kind of experience could have made him so composed, she wondered? "I went to Yunnan." "Yunnan…." Tang Hwaseo abruptly froze. Yunnan. No one in the martial world of Central Plains would be unaware of what lay there. "…Blood Demon Battle?" Tang Hwaseo’s expression darkened slightly. Because she knew that the Blood Demon Battle was a place of special importance to Mok Liwon. It was after the bloodshed that Mok Seon-oh(목선오) had retrieved the abandoned infant, Mok Liwon, from that place. At least, that was what she knew. "Correct. The King of Beggars(걸왕) said there was some information we needed to verify." "Information… you say?" "Yes. So together we went there, and can you believe it, we encountered an elder of the Demonic Sect." Tang Hwaseo’s face grew serious. "An elder…." "The King of Beggars had some information. It’s gained quite a bit of credibility now." With a serious expression, Mok Liwon leaned forward. "It seems the Blood Heaven Sect and the Demonic Sect are linked." His words caused Tang Hwaseo’s expression to stiffen profoundly. --- It wasn't just because of the information linking the Demonic Sect and the Blood Heaven Sect that her face had hardened. The thoughts of Mok Liwon's origin, and the reasons why he went to the Blood Demon Battle, ransacked her mind. Tang Hwaseo couldn't immediately bring herself to ask. To directly inquire about why he was at that place in his past. Mok Liwon seemed ready to slowly recount everything he’d learned, yet with each disclosure, one fact was branded deeper in Tang Hwaseo’s consciousness: 'Brother Mok doesn't know.' He wasn't considering why he was there in his past. Whether it was an instinctive omission or something within Mok Liwon's awareness, Tang Hwaseo did not know. But that didn't mean this fact could be buried. This is a very dangerous truth. If Mok Liwon indeed originated from the Demonic Sect, if his Heavenly Slaughter Star and Supreme Demonic Physique existed to master demonic arts. No matter the character of Mok Liwon now, he would undoubtedly become a notable adversary to the righteous martial world due to his potential threat. 'No.' An alarm sounded in her mind. 'That won't do.' The thought that she must uncover a definitive causal relationship took dominion in her head. So after ending the outing and parting with Mok Liwon, Tang Hwaseo swiftly hurried off in search. “To meet the King of Beggars.” To meet the man closest to the truth. --- ### New Terms and Explanation: 1. **Sword Dragon (검룡)** – Presumably a nickname for a unit member, translating to "Sword Dragon", implying a character with notable prowess. 2. **Blood Demon Battle (혈마전)** – Refers to a significant event or location related to demonic happenings, tied personally to Mok Liwon. 3. **Yunnan (운남)** – A location significant in the narrative, known within the context of the martial world. **Character Genders Identified:** - **Mok Liwon**: Male - **Tang Hwaseo**: Female **Notes:** - The dialogue's emotional undertone gives depth to Mok Liwon's and Tang Hwaseo's relationship, maintaining the narrative's intimacy. - Cultural and narrative-specific terms are preserved to retain original context and depth. - The translation highlights the internal conflict and burgeoning realization for Tang Hwaseo when faced with Mok Liwon’s possible origins and implications, maintaining the tension and narrative flow.