222 - Linker

Translated and Implemented Instructions # 222 Taejeonbi Novol Volume 9 Chapter 22 Chapter 57 Being a Slacker is Not Easy (2) Descending the stairs, Wi Yeonho observed the group settled in a circle around what seemed to be the common area of their lodging. “Oh?” As Jin Yeran and Wi Yeonho reached the bottom of the stairs, the eyes of the others around fixed on them both. Naturally, more gazes were entranced by Jin Yeran than Wi Yeonho. It stands to reason that an unparalleled beauty would capture attention more effectively than an averagely handsome man with dreamy eyes. The concentrated attention from the group struck Jin Yeran's face relentlessly. Feeling the pressure of those stares on her, Jin Yeran blushed slightly, partially covering her face with her sleeve as she halted. “Hmm?” Seeing her stop, Wi Yeonho asked innocently. “Are you not coming down?” “...No.” “Hmm?” Clueless as to why Jin Yeran had paused, Wi Yeonho tilted his head slightly and began descending first. Following suit, Jin Yeran trailed behind him quietly. One among those watching the pair leapt to his feet and began walking towards Wi Yeonho, or more precisely, towards Jin Yeran behind him. “To think someone so beautiful exists in the world.” “...I don't think I am particularly attractive?” The man gazed at Wi Yeonho with a bewildered expression. “No, I wasn't talking to you...” “Pardon?” As Wi Yeonho gave a look that seemed to ask why the man was addressing him, he waved his hand dismissively as if swatting at flies. “Would you kindly step aside?” “I was planning to, but it seems you're the one blocking the way. It'd be nice if you could let me pass.” Realizing he was the one blocking the stairway in his eagerness, the man stepped aside. As Wi Yeonho strode forward along the cleared path, Jin Yeran followed closely behind him. “Wa-wait!” Although the man called out in desperation, Jin Yeran, as if not hearing him, pursued Wi Yeonho without turning her head. But to her misfortune, Wi Yeonho halted in his tracks. “Didn't Father tell you to come here?” “What?” “You said Father wanted us to meet here, right?” “Oh...” As Jin Yeran glanced around, there was no sign of Wi Jeonghan. “Where could he have gone?” Jin Yeran fretted, tapping her foot impatiently. It was the first time she had garnered such collective attention from men. While she had attracted many eyes as a physician, that was in a professional capacity. As a physician, she felt no shame, but as a woman named Jin Yeran, she wasn't accustomed to a man's gaze. “Called us here and then vanished?” While scanning the area, Wi Yeonho began to slowly move again. “W-wait, where are you going?” “As Father isn't here, I should head back and rest.” “He told us to come here.” “I know. But getting even a brief rest is beneficial.” “Aren't you afraid you'll be in trouble?” “Hehe, you don't know Father,” Wi Yeonho chuckled warmly. “My father always scolds me no matter what I do. So instead of trying to avoid scolding and going through the trouble, it's wiser to just be at ease and accept it'll happen.” “...” Jin Yeran's face flushed slightly. ‘This is too much.’ If she were to remain while he nonchalantly left, what was she to do? She couldn't very well follow an outside man's room while under everyone's watchful eyes. While she did occasionally visit Wi Yeonho’s room, doing so when unseen and doing so when everyone was watching were worlds apart. How could a grown maiden bear to do such a thing as others watched her intently? Jin Yeran felt betrayed by Wi Yeonho, who seemed oblivious to her predicament. But Wi Yeonho was indeed oblivious, and the man speaking to him was even more so. “I am Ak Seohee of the Shandong Ak Clan. Could you grant me the honor of knowing your name, Miss?” “W-what rudeness!” Jin Yeran's face turned a bright crimson. “Haha, revealing one's name in the martial world is hardly a grave matter, is it?” Indeed, women of the martial world tended to be more liberated compared to noblewomen. Unlike women of nobility who led sheltered lives, those in the martial world frequently met people and did not shy away from revealing their names. However, Jin Yeran could hardly be considered a martial artist. Though traveling with Wi Jeonghan and others due to circumstances, Jin Yeran was a physician, not a martial artist. Those around her presumed that any woman within the Jeongmumeng headquarters was naturally a martial artist. The situation was tangled up. "I'm not interested in continuing this conversation. Goodbye." As Jin Yeran attempted to retreat, Ak Seohee reached out and blocked her path. “What, what do you want?” “Please, miss,” Ak Seohee said, smiling broadly. “I’ve stated my affiliation, so isn’t it only courteous to tell me where you hail from?” “Why should I?” “Are you disregarding the Ak Clan?” Jin Yeran couldn’t fathom why the conversation flowed like this. She hadn’t asked for their origins, so why was she obliged to inform them of her own? It was the subtly different manners of the martial world that caused such misunderstandings. “Do I have to?” “No, you're not obliged. But…” Ak Seohee's gaze fixed on Jin Yeran as he spoke. “Wounded honor must somehow be restored, after all.” Though seemingly innocuous, his words were an unmistakable threat. Jin Yeran glanced desperately at Wi Yeonho. “Huh?” Wi Yeonho looked at Jin Yeran, oblivious, and shrugged. “...Can you do something?” “Do something?” “Yes.” “But aren't you two conversing?” “...” Do you call this a conversation, you clueless fool? How did I end up with someone like this?! --- Newly encountered words: - 위험한 (Wiheomhan / 위험한) → Dangerous Translated and Implemented Instructions Though anger surged within her, Jin Yeran calmed her rising frustration by pressing her hand against her chest. Becoming agitated here would be the worst move. She, capable of such sound judgment, knew this well. 'I mustn't drag Young Master Wi into this.' Though flustered enough to seek his help, Jin Yeran fully understood that a man interjecting here would likely escalate into a matter of pride. When a man starts a pride contest, matters tend to scale. ‘Moreover, Young Master Wi is a significant martial artist.’ The Shandong Ak Clan was renowned enough for even her to know of them. It stood to reason that embroiling Wi Yeonho in troubles with such a place would not bode well for him. She could not risk Wi Yeonho suffering due to her. With unwavering resolve, Jin Yeran spoke with a firm expression. “I am Jin Yeran from Seongsujang.” It was painful to invoke the name of Seongsujang on her own accord, but having no clear affiliation left her with no other choice but to introduce herself this way. “Jin Yeran from Seongsujang?” Ak Seohee tilted his head, indicating unfamiliarity. His first thought was that Seongsujang was a medical establishment; why would someone from there be here? Surely, none of those competing in the Martial Arts Tournament needed treatment... “Jin Yeran?” The voice carried a note of surprise. Though Ak Seohee was unaware, someone in the group clearly recognized the name Jin Yeran. “Are you the Jin physician, known in the martial world today as the Nameless Saintess?” “N-Nameless Saintess?” Jin Yeran was taken aback. Who on earth had concocted such a grandiose title? “N-no, that's not true.” She waved her hands frantically in protest. “Aren’t you the one who made a name for yourself treating blood-poisoned patients from the incident in Nasan? Are you denying it?” “Well... I did treat the patients, but I’ve never heard of myself called the Nameless Saintess.” The man merely smiled. “It’s a common tale for a person to be the last to hear of their burgeoning fame. It's an honor to meet you. My name is Ho Cheolsan of Blue Dragon Sect.” “Oh, yes.” Bewildered, Jin Yeran bowed her head deeply. “Hey, Cheolsan, so this is the Nameless Saintess?” “It seems so.” “Hahaha, what a fortune for today. Who’d have thought I’d meet the Nameless Saintess here?” Ak Seohee burst into hearty laughter. “It is a pleasure to meet such an esteemed person. Would it be possible for you to join us today? It would be a valuable experience and broaden our views to meet such a distinguished guest.” With this invitation, Jin Yeran hesitated, caught between actions. Her gaze drifted towards Wi Yeonho, who yawned conspicuously, seemingly bothered by it all. Yet, Wi Yeonho only met her gaze with a questioning look. ‘I won’t! I won’t! Forget it!’ How can someone be so oblivious yet lazy at the same time? Even if a person is lazy, they should at least have some awareness! Her reluctance to cause trouble was at war with her desire for him to assist her as a gentleman might. Seeming to catch on to her restless gaze, Ho Cheolsan turned his attention towards Wi Yeonho, speaking calmly. “And you are?” “I’m Wi Yeonho.” “...Wi Yeonho?” “Yes.” Ho Cheolsan’s face became perplexed. What sort of upbringing led a person to introduce themselves in such a manner? Isn’t it customary to mention one’s affiliation or family alongside their name? Oblivious to Ho Cheolsan’s perceptions, Wi Yeonho met his gaze with a sense of justification, as if saying, ‘I’ve given my name, what more is expected?’ “Wi Yeonho, you say... then are you perhaps the brother of Wi Sanho?” “Yes.” “Hmm, I heard Wi Sanho’s younger brother was missing.” “I seem to hear that a lot. It feels like the whole world knows I was missing.” “Hahaha, naturally. Wi Sanho is of such formidable repute that investigations into those around him are inevitable. Not to mention the rumor that your father scoured the land in search of you. It’s been widely spread.” “...Oh, really?” “A considerable sum was also offered as a bounty.” Wi Yeonho scratched his head. Only moments earlier, he had lamented not being able to live peacefully due to his older brother and father, and now hearing such things, his tiny remnant of a conscience stirred after a long while. 'I should be filial.' It dawned on him that despite being troublesome, their intentions were not ill-intended. The same was true for his master. ‘Wait, just a second?’ Why is it that everyone who likes him so desperately wants to make him suffer? Shouldn’t affection mean embracing someone’s nature as it is? It was truly a lamentable situation. “In any case, how wonderful. So what’s your relationship with this Miss Jin here?” “Huh?” “Are you traveling companions?” Wi Yeonho replied with a slightly surprised expression. “No relation at all.” Instantly, Jin Yeran’s face hardened like ice. Simultaneously, the atmosphere in the room grew colder. “Huh, what is this? Why is it suddenly so chilly?” Unaware of the situation, Wi Yeonho fussed cluelessly. There is truly no remedy for lack of perceptiveness.