“Ho ho, I never expected to have the chance to examine a sword from the Western Regions.”
“Is that so?”
“What business would a colored-eyed person have coming all the way to the heart of the Central Plains? Even if there is some interaction between the Frozen Palace of the North Sea and the righteous sects, they specialize in palm techniques and don’t usually carry weapons.”
The Frozen Palace of the North Sea.
The sect renowned for its mastery of ice techniques, located in the far north, requiring a journey to reach.
It’s impossible not to know of the Frozen Palace of the North Sea, given how frequently they appear in martial arts fiction. Though they didn’t have a significant presence in the original story—just a minor mention among the supporting forces?
They needed food from the Central Plains, while we needed their resources; thus, their alliance with the righteous sects during crises was understandable.
Though I have no particular reason to head north, there’s no chance the paths will cross.
“Let’s keep it up.”
“Not at all, Great Hero Wi. This is a rare learning experience to handle artifacts from the Western Regions.”
Though technically not made by someone from the Western Regions…
It was crafted following European styles, but still…
“Looking forward to the next time as well.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
Having finished the repair on the longsword, I sheathed it and turned around. The hearty laughter of the blacksmith, the head of the forge responsible for crafting weapons for the Martial Alliance, followed me as I left.
It’s definitely nice to be recognized.
“Is the repair done, Mister?”
“Yes. Were you bored waiting?”
“Not particularly… but watching the weapons in the armory was fascinating.”
“There were plenty of swords.”
“Each sword was so different! Some had long thin blades made for thrusting, others looked more like clubs, and still others…”
Hye-ryeong chattered like a young penguin, holding onto my hand as we walked along side-by-side. Adjusting my steps to match her pace, we slowly made our way back towards the Southern Sea Pavilion.
“Will you really go to Wudang?”
“We need to go soon before the weather turns cold.”
Even though Wudang is in the same Hubei province, it’s at the far northwest corner, meaning a round trip could easily take two months if I don’t use my martial arts lightness technique.
“It’s such a long way…”
“I want to go before winter makes travel too difficult.”
More specifically, I’m creating a pretext to meet Xue Lang Island near the way to Wudang, and while I’m there, I plan to visit Wudang to meet a hermit.
Since I can’t reveal my true intentions, the destination is set as simply visiting Wudang Sect.
“Will the Elder approve such a long journey?”
“Do you want to come along?”
“I want to visit Wudang too! My master once said that Wudang Mountain, whether viewed from below or above, presents an incredible sight.”
Indeed, Wudang Mountain is considered one of the most famous mountains representative of Daoism. Though I don’t know much about it, everyone knows how illustrious Wudang Sect is, so I can’t help but feel excited myself.
North Shaolin, South Wudang.
Isn’t that what they say about the representative sects?
Even if I don’t find the hermit, perhaps absorbing the energy of Wudang Mountain will help me break through my current limits.
Just then, as the Southern Sea Pavilion came into view, I noticed Mok-kyeong wandering nearby, and I headed over.
“Master Mok. What are you doing here? Isn’t it supposed to be a training day?”
“Oh, Eun-gong. I have a message to deliver.”
After performing a respectful bow, Mok-kyeong quickly relayed her news.
She would be leaving soon on patrol duties, and thus unable to participate in sparring for some time. She was here to notify me.
“Is there really a need to stay on patrol duty?”
“Yes?”
“Someone of your skill doesn’t need to be on patrol to remain in the Martial Alliance, does it?”
In the original story, while there was some naivety in her character, the narrative forced her into the patrol duties for specific plot points. But observing her here, I see no real necessity for her to stay on patrol.
In the original, she would experience growth through adventures and relationships with fellow patrollers, but there’s no need for that progression to be tied specifically to patrol work.
Even with continued promotions, obtaining information about Yunan Dan Family would be difficult on patrol. In the plot of the original, finding clues about the murderer occurs during her duty, but wouldn’t it be easier if I just shared that information?
For me, needing allies to confront the members of the Demonic Sect, having Mok-kyeong leave patrol to join me would be more beneficial. Ideally, I’d like to recommend her for entrance to the Southern Sea Pavilion, though I lack the authority to do so.
If I persuade well, Elder Baek might approve.
“Still, accumulating experience in the Martial Alliance is important, as my father has repeatedly instructed me. Also, joining the patrol allows more access to information in the search for the murderers.”
“Would you still need to stay there if finding the murderer proves difficult?”
I drop a subtle hint. The art of fishing requires tempting bait on the line. As expected, Mok-kyeong glanced at me with surprise.
“Uncle, what do you mean by that?”
The sharp tone in Hye-ryeong’s voice indicates she perhaps preferred a solo journey with me. However, the purpose behind this journey is clear, making such wishes impossible.
This isn’t the time for sweet romantic endeavors.
“While being in the patrol provides access to all the information regarding incidents across the Central Plains, physically searching for clues is equally important.”
With the original narrative altered, Mok-kyeong’s growth through patrol duties is unlikely. I’ve already consumed the elixirs originally meant for the protagonist, and I dismantled the Bloodthirsty Demon who was supposed to be her combat encounter.
There’s a chance other fiends of similar strength might appear, but it’s all uncertain. Therefore, teaching her as much as possible and fostering her growth myself remains the most stable approach.
And collecting a few heads belonging to the antagonists initially defeated by the protagonist. Capturing all the wanted bandits will provide financial ease.
“But…”
“Patrol might make it easier to gather information, yet commissions through Haomen might be even faster.”
Though there’s also the Gae-bang, their strict requirements often exclude such opportunities. Conversely, Haomen’s methodical collection of grassroots information often proves more effective.
…Especially since they do have certain connections with the Demonic Sect.
“But doesn’t Haomen charge exorbitant prices for information?”
“Money can be earned.”
“How would Uncle generate funds?”
“Earning bounties by collecting the heads of fiends.”
At my words, Hye-ryeong’s eyes widened with surprise.
Is it really that shocking to hear me say I’ll be collecting the heads of fiends for reward? Such actions aren’t unusual in the Central Plains.
Originally, there are wandering knights who specialize in hunting wanted criminals, though they often meet tragic ends.
“Almost all of them are novices who tend to meet their end while trying to capture a single bounty.”
“I am not concerned about typical threats. I have no intention of losing against any ordinary fiends.”
I have no plan to confront the exceedingly dangerous ones immediately. Simply targeting top-tier ones within the range of first-class to peak masters. Reflecting on the drawn-out parade of fiends in the original’s opening chapters, I sighed.
“Still, human fortunes are unpredictable. It might be safer to just stay with the Martial Alliance…”
Hye-ryeong tried to dissuade me with genuine worry. Such is life—how was the Demonic Sect’s attack on the Southern Sea Sect even predictable?
“Hye-ryeong, no adventure, no progression.”
Working at the Martial Alliance might be safe, as you suggested.
But martial artists shine brightest when standing on the edge of life and death.
I have no intention of settling.
“…I’ll come along too!”
“Then Master Mok, please join us. I’ll help with your vengeance.”
“May I ask the reason you’d go to such lengths?”
Making eye contact with Mok-kyeong,
only after a moment of silence did I respond.
“I need allies to fight the Demonic Sect with me.”
“Isn’t that outside the scope of your responsibilities, Senior Eun?”
“I will not ignore an obvious danger in front of me.”
A knight does not turn his back.
A knight leads from the front, not hiding behind others.
Mok-kyeong lowered her head briefly after my words, then lifted it to speak.
“Could you wait a moment? I will submit my resignation then come back…”
“Take your time. We’ll depart in three days.”
In this way, Mok-kyeong became my companion.
