Your sword has become even sharper.”
“Lord Wi, you have also improved greatly.”
After finishing our brief sparring session, I bowed respectfully to Elder Ha-jin, showing him the deference he deserved. Even amidst his busy schedule, he never neglected his training—a gesture of respect that was only right.
Considering that the position of Sect Leader often demands political acumen over martial prowess, his persistence in honing his skills was commendable. To think he spared no effort, even sacrificing sleep to further his practice…
There are those who rely on their natural talent and grow lazy in their training.
“Haha, I still have a long way to go. Thanks for sparing with me today.”
“Not at all. Given everything I’ve gained from your sect, it’s the least I can do…”
Though it may seem like I give little in return, sparring with the next leader of the Hainam Sword Sect proves quite beneficial for me.
With Hye-ryeong or Ha-jin, their mastery of the Hainam Thirty-Six Swords is still lacking, leaving their swordwork insufficient for meaningful practice. Moreover, Elder Baek, being of advanced age, feels reluctant when I request sparring sessions. Hence, Elder Ha-jin remains my ideal partner.
And considering the opportunity to foster a bond with the future Sect Leader, asking for friendly sparring sessions like this is truly a blessing to me.
“Thank you for your efforts!”
Hye-ryeong handed us towels as soon as the practice ended. Wiping the sweat from my face, I watched as she engaged in conversation with Lord Wi.
“Thank you, Hye-ryeong.”
“Don’t mention it, Elder Brother!”
“I’m unsure if I’ve truly been helpful.”
“How could you say that? Watching how you wield your sword teaches me so much, despite my incomplete training!”
“Once you return to the Hainam sect, the Sect Leader will surely teach you the latter techniques. In the meantime, focus on refining the earlier moves. The first half of the Hainam Thirty-Six Sword Techniques is already a remarkable style.”
We truly feel like family.
And in a sense, we practically are.
“Lord Wi, I shall take my leave. I have a mountain of duties awaiting me.”
“Take care on your way back, Elder Brother!”
“You too, have a good day.”
“…Heh.”
Lord Wi glanced between Hye-ryeong and me before turning to leave the Martial Arena. Once he was gone, Hye-ryeong approached me with a casual air.
“Sir, what are your plans next?”
“I’m going to meet someone.”
“Who?”
“Isn’t he obvious? Zhuge Hyeon-sang.”
A quirky fellow but undeniably helpful to me. Furthermore, given that he benefited from his investment in me, I might as well utilize this opportunity to introduce some larger opportunities for him.
“Will you be returning late again today?”
“I’ll be back before evening.”
There’s no need for me to linger too long with another man, and we don’t have much to discuss anyway.
“Will you be going alone?”
“Not quite; Mok-kyeong is coming along.”
“What about Dan Sect Leader?”
“Ah, maybe. It seems he has an interest in Mok-kyeong, so it might be best to introduce them.”
Given Dan Sect Leader’s obsession with networking, I imagine he’ll take interest in Mok-kyeong, making this introduction a well-planned encounter. Hye-ryeong looked up at me with a slightly hurt expression for being left behind.
“Does that mean I’ll be alone?”
“I heard there’s a gathering for young ladies.”
“Their rivalries make those gatherings unpleasant.”
Ah, this must be a gathering of renowned martial families’ daughters and disciples. The thought of them clashing over pride and stature brought a shiver down my spine.
“Sounds dreadful, doesn’t it?”
“Exactly! I’d much rather stay with you.”
“You’re quite the puppy.”
“Woof! Shall I bark for you?”
“That’s enough. If anyone else saw, I’d have no dignity left…”
“…”
Ah, Mok-kyeong, impeccable timing. Slightly embarrassed, I watched as she performed a respectful bow toward me. At least her punctuality spared me from further antics from Hye-ryeong.
“Ah, you’ve arrived.”
“I thought the sparring session would be nearing its end…”
Mok-kyeong, ever neatly dressed, appeared before me. Gone was the air of the noble successor, replaced by the clean, modest attire of a martial artist.
While I don’t quite know how connecting her with Zhuge Hyeon-sang could alter fate, her involvement might indeed contribute to the revival of the Yunnam Dan family.
Zhuge Family’s influence surely holds enough weight to procure necessary information, and that’s the least they can do for a minor house.
“So, we’ll be back soon. Stay out of trouble.”
“Please return quickly.”
“We will.”
———————————–
“Haha, it’s been a while, Lord Wi.”
“It’s been too long, Zhuge Scholar.”
“Long time no see, Dan Sect Leader.”
“I suppose there’s no need for the usual pleasantries of asking how you’ve been.”
That face practically screams of someone who’s struck it rich from a successful investment.
With a satisfied expression, Zhuge Hyeon-sang inclined his head as I filled my wine glass.
“I’ve lived happily hearing tales of your exploits, Lord Wi. Once again, your acumen in choosing allies has proven unmatched. Hohoho…”
He’s tipsy even before he’s had a drink.
While observing Zhuge Hyeon-sang posturing, I downed my glass. The alcohol scorched its way down my throat with a fierce heat.
Judging by the smoothness, it must be a fine liquor.
As I savored the taste, Zhuge Hyeon-sang, trying to contain his grin with a fan, looked at me.
“Still, Lord Wi, I didn’t expect you to request a meeting first.”
“If you’ve invested in me, it’s only fair that I find a use for you.”
“Haha, correct. Mutual exchanges strengthen our bond. And introducing Dan Sect Leader surely aligns with that principle.”
“Since he’s accompanying me, it’s only natural you meet. Plus, passing decent intelligence Mok’s way—ah, I mean Dan Sect Leader—isn’t a bad form of investment either.”
“If you deem it worthy, surely it won’t result in any loss from my part.”
Thus, Zhuge family’s young strategist, ever smug, chuckled.
His words painted a darker hue, yet filled with intrigue.
“Your words make you sound more like a merchant than a martial artist.”
“Haha, the ancestors have always said: all things boil down to calculation, and the art of balancing these calculations decides the rise or fall of one’s life.”
“Quite the insight.”
“I find it rather profound.”
“Enough chit-chat. Let’s move on to the main topic.”
“The main course? And what exactly do you seek?”
“I have three key requests.”
“Three? Well, do elaborate.”
“One: Information on the Three Treasures Sword King and the presumed owner of his manuals within the Star Heaven Trading Guild. Two: Details regarding the perpetrators who attacked Yunnam Dan family.
“Lastly, I require facilitation for an audience with the Martial Alliance Leader.”
“I doubt any of these are within my power.”
Indeed, considering my position as a relatively obscure martial artist, arranging such a meeting with the Alliance Leader through a family’s influence is almost nonsensical.
“Still, your interests align with mine, so framing an excuse and passing it along will suffice.”
This route might be circuitous compared to using Seo-ryeon, but it’s clean and risk-free.
Unlike the original plot’s Mok-kyeong who naturally charms her way, I lack that skill.
Would an adult woman, especially one appearing to be in her forties, genuinely fall for a young man like me? Most people would conclude her tastes are peculiar. Besides, Seo-ryeon, who seems somewhat dense at first glance, actually has clear preferences.
“The first two won’t be difficult, but I hesitate to promise the third.”
“Simply try.”
Anyway, if the Martial Leader learns of my efforts to arrange a meeting, that’s all that matters.
Zhuge Hyeon-sang appears to grasp my intent, nodding and agreeing.
“Very well. I’ll do as asked.”
There’s another request I’d like to make, but this isn’t the right moment to voice it. So, I’ll conclude here.
Folding my fan and picking up my chopsticks, I turned away from Zhuge Hyeon-sang and began tasting the sumptuous dishes on the table.
Since we’re here, we might as well eat our fill.
“Let’s eat well.”
“Haha, enjoy your meal, my Lord.”
With the host’s permission, let’s dig in wholeheartedly.
Eagerly wielding my chopsticks, I began sampling the various delicacies one by one.
—
We feasted heartily.
