NOVEL NEXT Chapter 169
The Yangtze River waterway was quiet, wasn’t it?
On the other hand, the Green Forest region was rather noisy.
I sighed as I read a letter containing recent information about the two factions that had been allies of the Demonic Sect in the original story.
It has been half a month since I returned to the Martial Alliance.
Somehow, I ended up accepting Seo-ryeon as a lover too, and I was spending unusually peaceful days.
Days filled with practicing martial arts, eating meals, spending some time with the three of them, eating again, and immersing myself in further training.
I wondered if now that I’ve become a master, it’s time to slow down a bit, but alas, the Heavenly Demon in the original story became a monstrous being that reached the level of脱魔by the end.
At my current level, I might as well be a third-rate warrior on the roadside.
But then, what about the Grand Masters?
Martial artists talk about things like the Three Flowers Ascending to Purity or the Five Qi Gathering to the Origin, but the European martial system is different.
Initially, the usage of ki and internal energy are subtly different too.
I don’t know whether it’s a regional difference or a racial one, but there’s a difference in methods, so it’s uncertain if martial artists can achieve the level of 脱胎换骨.
In Europe too, there are only rumors about who has reached the Grand Master level, and their exact information remains shrouded in mystery.
Of course, if I were to venture deeper into Western Europe, I might be able to gather more information, but where I ended up is on the eastern edge of Eastern Europe, and I’ve neither been nor can go west.
Because if a soldier deserts, their end is execution.
“If only someone would handle this for me…”
I muttered pointlessly to myself and got up from my seat.
Staring at a letter that says nothing significant won’t change anything.
For now, with the Blood Fang Sect destroyed, the factions of Yunnan are fractured, likely either sizing us up or waiting for scraps.
They can’t help but be cautious against us who so abruptly killed the Blood Fang Sect leader and disappeared.
First things first, I need to handle what I can.
So, I ought to seek out the manuals of the Three Treasures Sword King, elevate my level some more, and find the opportunities that appeared in the original story.
Ultimately, the quickest way to elevate my level is through such opportunities.
“…And I guess I should share some with the kids.”
Having ended up with three under my care, it’s my duty to ensure they can at least defend themselves.
Though they already possess the rare ranks of superlative grandmaster, grandmaster, and first-class expert, one never knows when an unexpected threat may strike in the martial world.
At the very least, I want to ensure Seo-ryeon reaches the grandmaster level before I can rest easy.
Of course, I have bodyguards, but if the Demonic Sect’s invasion begins in earnest, I can’t be sure they would suffice.
“Auntie! Let’s go eat dinner!”
“A, alright.”
As expected, as dinner time arrived, Hye-ryeong came and pulled me by the hand.
Let me eat first and think afterward.
After all, as my ancestors said, ‘Even Mount Kumgang is better after a meal.’
I followed Hye-ryeong toward the dining hall.
—
“Uncle! Ah~”
“Hehe…”
“…”
What kind of atmosphere is this?
Uncertain whether Hye-ryeong came to eat or to feed, her behavior was unclear. Seo-ryeon watched fondly, occasionally joining in, while Mok-kyeong quietly ate, glancing occasionally at me and Hye-ryeong.
Since we were eating in a private room out of consideration for Seo-ryeon, it was a pleasant arrangement, but the strange atmosphere every day made my thoughts complicated.
Three.
It’s a group of three.
For some reason, if there had been psychological warfare among this trio, my mind might have split in real-time, but thankfully, their relationship is harmonious.
Is it because Hye-ryeong is clearly the leader?
Or conversely, maybe because the other two see me as their only option.
“I don’t have to care about the subtleties in the private room—it’s convenient!”
“You never cared before anyway.”
“Uncle, I’m only doing this much because I do care about subtleties.”
Hye-ryeong, it’s not exactly something worthy of your astonished expression, right?
“Sister Hye-ryeong, shouldn’t we give Sister Dan a chance now?”
Chance? What kind of chance?
I looked at Seo-ryeon who had spoken, then turned my gaze to Mok-kyeong she mentioned. Mok-kyeong, reacting to my gaze, gripped her chopsticks tightly and reached out to offer me a piece of meat.
A chunk of meat covered thickly with seasoning hovered in the air, dripping brown sauce back onto the plate.
“Uh, uh, Master Eun-gong. I, I…”
Observing Mok-kyeong’s face turning red, I opened my mouth and leaned forward. The chunk of meat, vibrating wildly, entered my mouth.
Mm, delicious.
“Thank you.”
“No, no. Compared to what Master Eun-gong has done for me, this is…”
“Sister Dan, you’re adorable.”
“Yeah, you’re so cute!”
“A, no! How could I…”
The two get along perfectly.
I smiled at Hye-ryeong teasing both Seo-ryeon and Mok-kyeong. Perhaps their good relationship stems from their perfect compatibility.
“Hem, let’s set aside the playtime and discuss work.”
“Ah, you mentioned there was something to talk about today, right?”
Seo-ryeon smiled and looked at me.
When I signaled, both Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong swiftly adopted serious expressions and looked at me.
“I intend to stay at the Martial Alliance for the time being before winter arrives.”
Winter in the Medieval era is dreadful.
Even with superhuman abilities, martial artists are ultimately just ordinary living beings against the fury of nature. Especially for me, who leads a horse around, winter isn’t a pleasant season.
The risk of slipping while riding increases, and my horse could catch a cold due to the cold.
“So, we’ll spend our time leisurely at the Martial Alliance for now?”
“For now, yes. I intend to focus on training. I still haven’t obtained the information I need.”
Information about the Holy Sky Trading Company, presumed to possess the Three Treasures Sword King manuals.
The unsettling movements of the Green Forest and Yangtze River regions.
The situation surrounding the Demonic Sect.
Only when all three pieces of information converge will I have a basis to act.
“I could ask my father and see if we can find out the information.”
“Wouldn’t that make me look too materialistic?”
“Considering all the things Hero Wi has done so far, how could anyone see it that way? Even my father, who was so particular about choosing his son-in-law, was a bit hesitant but eventually acknowledged Hero Wi.”
I scratched my head, recalling the complex expression of the Martial Alliance Leader when I met him two days after sealing the deal with Seo-ryeon.
“Let me put that on hold for now since I also have methods to gather information.”
“Please let me know whenever you need help.”
“I’ll gratefully take the sentiment.”
I don’t want to owe the Leader a debt.
Even if the Leader surely knows information about the Demonic Sect, I need to achieve other things with my own strength.
Considering I have an outstanding method of information gathering through Haomen, it’s only a matter of time before I obtain information about the Three Treasures Sword King.
“Miss Seo-ryeon, may I ask a question, perhaps somewhat impertinent? Are you practicing diligently?”
“Of course, I am. Even if I am in a situation where I am protected by guards, ultimately, it is my responsibility to protect myself. And you can address me more casually if you’d like.”
“It’s good that you show respect, but it feels a little too rigid and sad.”
“Can I call you Seo-ryeon then?”
“Yes, that’s what I’ve wished.”
Apparently, she preferred not to act too formal despite being the daughter of an exalted figure, unlike Hye-ryeong and Mok-kyeong.
“Right! So I’ve been putting in an enormous effort!”
“…I am practicing diligently, emulating Master Eun-gong.”
Hearing their statements, I chuckled and crossed my arms.
“Let’s set a goal to meaningfully elevate our levels by the end of winter. We don’t know when those Demonic Sect bastards will attack, but it’s unlikely they’ll attack during winter.”
Waging war in winter in this era would be akin to flailing in a surrendering fight.
That’s why I intend to invest this winter in training, finding opportunities, and if possible, in finding the Three Treasures Sword King manuals.
“Uncle, will you also spar with Miss Seo-ryeon?”
“Spar?”
At Hye-ryeong’s mention, Seo-ryeon looked at me with an astonished expression, as if asking if it was really true.
I nodded at her question and explained the method I had used to elevate Mok-kyeong and Hye-ryeong’s levels.
After listening to my explanation, Seo-ryeon exclaimed in admiration.
“Hero Wi…you’re truly remarkable. It’s rare for someone to go to such lengths…”
“Because it’s necessary.”
Yes, necessary.
Ultimately, everything boils down to needs.
Seo-ryeon sought me out because of a need.
And the reason I’m here doing all these things stems from necessity.
Perhaps it’s already gone beyond repair, but even if I’m doomed to fail, I’ll see this through to the end.
“We’ll resume the sparring from tomorrow, so everyone prepare.”
“Am I included?”
“If you wish.”
“…Thank you for your guidance.”
I responded to Seo-ryeon’s answer with a smile.