165

Chapter 165 - An Unexpected Encounter - 2

"Are you Korean?"

It's been a while since someone asked me if I'm Korean just because of my black hair.

Normally, it starts with "Hey, barbarian!" followed by "Where are you from, you barbarian offspring? Korea? Where's that country located? Isn't that Goryeo? Do I need to know the location of barbarian countries? This guy's got some nerve."

Goryeo? This person's an idiot. Calling himself a barbarian that doesn't even know the name of his country? It's not Goryeo, it's Goguryeo, buddy. And then there are those who are a thousand years behind on their country updates. You meet all kinds.

A swordsman who's both courteous and well-informed about the state of the world, what a talent. This Taoist priest seems to have an appealing attitude in every little thing.

"My name is Kang Yoonho. I am originally from Joseon but now run a bookstore in Yichang."

I may have been born in Joseon, but I'm a taxpayer of the Central Plains.

I added this just in case. Like the tavern owners who are warm to our own blood but ruthless to barbarians, or might suddenly change their tone and shout, "I'll kill every last Chosun person!"

"Is that so? Then, by chance, are you familiar with Pungㅇ..."

"We don't have time! We must leave this place quickly!"

One of the Yi Family guards shouted towards me before Cheongwoon could finish her sentence.

"This is not the time for personal questions."

Cheongwoon swallowed her words with a look of disappointment.

Pung? What could a Taoist priest from the Murim faction want to ask a Korean that starts with Pung? The usual fodder of nationalistic martial arts tales, a Wind Shaman? I was curious for a moment, but didn't bother to ask back.

Certainly, the offensive had ceased, but it was not a time to be careless. The priority was to right the overturned carriage and gather the horses that were still alive to escape the mountains.

"Yes, I should go and help."

Thankfully, the impact when we fell was great, but there weren't any serious injuries. I need to assist them quickly.

"To think that a cultist would appear in the front yard of the Murim faction... Do you know why the cultists attacked?"

Cheongwoon asked me as I was about to join the others.

"That is..."

"Cheongwoon Sohyup! We are grateful for the help, but it's difficult to discuss matters related to the clan," one of the Yi Family guards interjected, stepping in front of Cheongwoon just as I was struggling to find the right words.

The best excuse. Clan affairs. Is that all you're going to say and not tell them why you were attacked?

Cheongwoon looked back and forth between me and the Yi Family guard, his face showing suspicion and dissatisfaction. It makes sense for him to doubt. I can imagine thinking, "The Sacheon Family again?"

Moreover, it would be upsetting not to even give a reason after risking one's life to help out of goodwill.

Of course, I understand the situation of the family members, too. If it became known that they had conducted poison experiments, it could lead to serious trouble for the entire martial arts world.

'I need Cheongwoon's help.'

I should have spoken more kindly at a time like this. Was it enough just to fob him off by saying it was a family affair? I sighed softly to myself.

It would be a loss for us if the swordsman left in a huff. To safely take Hwarin back to the family, the assistance of the Murim faction's Taoist priest was essential. However, I couldn't carelessly speak about the poison.

What should I do?

'There's a good way.'

I gently pushed aside the Yi Family guard and stood before Cheongwoon.

"The one targeted by the cultists is my close friend. She's lying unconscious in that luggage cart due to being subjected to an experiment."

"Young master!"

The Yi Family guard exclaimed in shock.

"How can I lie to a benefactor who has saved our lives? Benefactor, I am told that my friend can be saved if we take her back to the family estate. I know this is regrettable, but could you accompany us until we escape the crisis?"

At times like this, you say something that is neither true nor false.

The majority of this mess was caused by the dregs of the Dang family who craved poison experiments. If I told the whole truth, they might hesitate to provide assistance, labelling it the Sacheon Family's just desserts.

Instead of sharing everything and making him ponder like determining fault from a car's black box footage, it's better to share only the necessary facts.

If Danggeoho sought the power of the cultists, then Danggeoho is with the cultists. We are transporting a child victimized by the cultists' experiments back to the family estate.

Exclude the superfluous details and just relay the essential facts, right?

"If that's the situation, I will accompany you."

Cheongwoon seemed to notice something was amiss in my words, and while his suspicion did not completely fade, he nodded, convinced by the urgency of the circumstances.

--------------

We set the carriage upright and hurried down the mountain path.

"Is it alright not to go and assist the Yi Family head?"

I asked the Yi Family guard inside the racing carriage. Fortunately, I saw no pursuit. Personally, I had no intention of going back, but I asked out of courtesy, considering the guards might think otherwise.

"They became bait to save us. Going back and risking our lives would go against their wishes."

"I hope they're safe."

Even though we have our grievances, in the end, this person stepped up willing to sacrifice themselves. I'd prefer to meet them alive again— it would be even better if they could vouch for my illegitimacy along the way.

"We just have to trust. They must have escaped successfully."

The Yi Family guard, troubled by an uncertain fact, looked away from me as he spoke.

After riding non-stop for over a day, we finally descended the mountain and arrived at a small village.

"The enemy might appear from anywhere. We must not let our guard down until the end," one of the Yi Family guards said while booking the guest rooms for us.

He's right. It would be easy to become complacent, thinking we're safe, only to eat poisoned food and collapse. Then, some wretched spy might grin rottenly and mumble about actually being a traitor of the Dang family.

Or, a group of guys, all looking identical, might jump us, yelling, "We are the secret agents of the cult!"

"Miss Hwarin will be under our protection. Young Master Kang, please enter the guest room with Cheongwoon Sohyup."

"I am in your debt."

Even though I'm worried about the unconscious Hwarin, there's nothing I can do. I can only hope that the professionals who take delight in destroying the source of illnesses will do their job well.

Kang Yoonho and Cheongwoon entered their assigned guest room and began to unpack their belongings.

----------------------------

"Warm water is available. You should go ahead and wash up."

I spoke to Cheongwoon as I carelessly dressed in trousers and wiped down my hair.

"Ah! I will… wash before bed."

Cheongwoon briefly met my gaze, then quickly turned her head away, responding with haste.

Uncomfortable with the bare upper body, it seems. With inner strength massages, elixir showers, and consistent training exercises, I am confident in my physique anywhere I go. But I suppose it can be different for someone you are not close with.

"If you wait until before bed, there might not be any warm water left. It would be best to bathe now."

Warm water in an inn like this is practically a miracle. Dressed quickly in my nightclothes, I added casually.

"That's fine."

There's no need. I'm not her mother to meddle so much, even in when to bathe.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward after my attempt to persuade was turned down.

"As a swordsman, your line of work is indeed admirable. It's been some time since I've been in the Central Plains, yet it's the first time meeting someone like you, Sohyup. I extend my gratitude once again."

To alleviate the mood and also out of curiosity, I spoke to Cheongwoon, who was still looking away.

She's indeed a curious figure.

Like Master Yoon of Nangnam Gate, no, was it not Nangnam Gate? Anyway, even Master Yoon had to grow to his age to be called as such, and he was merely Mister Yoon at first.

How could one appear just in time at a crucial moment? And to fight so impressively in battle that it would arrest anyone's gaze, if I were a woman, I would have been smitten on the spot.

"It's nothing remarkable. I simply do not turn a blind eye to the small tasks I can undertake. Kang Eonja, you too stood up ready to risk your life for a friend, did you not?"

Cheongwoon replied modestly, as if it were no notable deed, looking at me. Such humility. Not calling me a barbarian, but addressing me with respect as Kang Eonja, she certainly possesses admirable character.

Does the Taoism of this world practice Solar Fist instead of Tai Chi Fist? The halo shining behind her is so bright; it's blinding.

"I believe you mentioned you had a question. Now that we've caught our breath, if there's anything you wish to ask, I am ready to answer."

"I apologize. Upon reflection, it seems difficult to speak about matters of my sect."

Cheongwoon dodged the subject, looking hesitant. Perhaps slighted by the Dang family's behavior.

"Haha. It seems your feelings could have been hurt by the attitudes of the Dang family people. Please allow me to apologize on their behalf."

"Oh, not at all."

Exactly. Cheongwoon fumbled slightly, as though I had hit the mark.

"The people of the Dang family can be quite insular, can they not? Given the circumstances, I hope you are not overly offended—they did say they would express their gratitude in due time."

"Hearing you say that is a bit of a consolation. Then, may I ask another question?"

"Of course."

"Being Korean... have you ever visited Mount Baekdu?"

"Mount Baekdu, you mean Mount Changbai. I have never been there personally."

I have been to Hallasan, Seoraksan, Jirisan, but never Mount Baekdu; it's not in South Korea, so I haven't had the chance.

"Is that so..."

A look of disappointment appeared on Cheongwoon's face.

"May I know the reason behind your inquiry? If I can provide any modest help, I would like to."

"Do you know of a Taoist of Mount Changbai by any chance?"

"A Taoist of Mount Changbai?"

"Yes. The truth is, I was on my way to find the Taoist of Mount Changbai."

What could be the matter? Why would a Taoist of the martial arts faction go all the way to Mount Baekdu? From many martial arts tales I have read, it's usually Taoists from Mount Changbai who leave for the martial arts world, not the other way around.

"I am aware there is a sect managing the Mount Baekdu Spirit Vein."

The Swirling Spirit Vein of Mount Baekdu, more precious than gold. Where there are interests, dangerous individuals inevitably gather, and in times of unrest, someone has to step in to control them.

Having used the Swirling Spirit for a secret technique once, just to survive, I had heard stories about it.

"Do you know which sect it is?"

"Mount Changbai Sect. There's talk of one mysterious Taoist sect connected with the Way."

"Mount Changbai Sect, indeed..."

What's so 'indeed' about it? Cheongwoon murmured with an expression that seemed to affirm her suspicions.

Let me in on it too. What's happening? Why is a Taoist of the martial arts faction heading to Mount Baekdu? If this ends here, I won't be able to sleep.

"The true master who seeks to discuss the world's supremacy should head to Mount Baekdu. Anyone somewhat knowledgeable about the Korean martial arts world has heard of it."

I added this to keep Cheongwoon's interest from waning.

"Truly, a preposterous claim."

Cheongwoon's eyes widened as she spoke to me.

"Haha. Mount Baekdu is inherently a dangerous place. With tigers and bears roaming, and even individuals with swords abound, those managing such a place must be esteemed."

If she knew how many supreme martial artists Korean martial arts had produced, she would be astounded.

The Hwarangdo and Haedong Geomdo. Archery that never misses its mark, and Korean martial warriors appearing in the Central Plains invariably have a Hwandudaedo at their hip and a Blue Dragon of the East slung over their shoulder.

This is the very fantasy of Korean martial arts.

Never underestimate Joseon again, Central Plains!

Seeing my proud expression, fortunately, Cheongwoon seemed to have lingering questions, as she was still looking at me.

Now, come on, tell me. What's the reason behind seeking the Taoist of Mount Baekdu? What's the matter with the martial arts faction?

As I waited patiently with a friendly smile, making it easier for Cheongwoon to speak, she finally opened her mouth.

"Might I ask one more thing

, if you'll permit?"

"Why wouldn't I answer a benefactor?"

Of course. 

I awaited Cheongwoon's question, yet regretfully, it wasn't the inquiry I had expected.

"I have heard that you are a writer. May I know what book you've penned?"