What do you want to do?In the orthodox martial arts world, there are the Nine Great Families and the Justice Alliance.In the unorthodox martial arts world, there are the Five Great Towers and the Black Lotus Society.
Moreover, the martial arts families in each region were prestigious schools representing the martial arts world.
Most of the renowned strong figures come from these prestigious schools.However, among those who are not from such schools, there are three extraordinary individuals who are renowned across the world.
Out of respect for them, many have granted them the title of "Honorific" (尊).
They are:
- Sword Master San Joo-Wi.
- Spear Master Kang Yul.
And then, there's the Sword Master Jwa Seom-Baek.Despite not being from a prestigious lineage, he is an absolute master who has reached an extraordinary level through his own martial arts skills.To think I would meet the Sword Master like this...Dang Yu-Hwa was in awe.
"I am honored to meet you, Sword Master."
"Ah, so you are Dang Yu-Hwa... Ah, yes. The granddaughter of the Poison King, right?"
"Yes."
Connections in the martial arts world are important.As much as they value relationships, it is essential to at least recognize significant figures, and if that's too difficult, knowing their names and family ties is necessary.This is to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
"I've always heard of your fame and reputation, Senior."
"Haha, well, I suppose there was a reason for that."
He let out a hearty laugh before stopping and glancing towards the cart where Dang Yu-Hwa was.
He caught sight of a rag in one corner of the cart and pointed to the rag beside him.
"It seems we're both carrying something similar. It looks like we're headed to the same place."
If we go this way, we will reach Jiwoo-Hyeon.The reason martial artists go to Jiwoo-Hyeon is either to visit the Justice Alliance's Hanam branch or Shaolin Temple.
'There have been no rumors of Sword Master having ties with Shaolin Temple, so it must be the Justice Alliance.'
As Dang Yu-Hwa nodded, Sword Master showed her the rag.Inside was the bloodied corpse of an orc.
"We have something similar."
The corpse of an orc roasted by lightning.Seeing it, Sword Master expressed admiration.
"May I take a look?"
"Of course."
Sword Master jumped up onto the cart pulled by Seo Yoon.
As his weight naturally increased, Seo Yoon's pace slowed down, and Dang Yu-Hwa quickly swung a rope to stabilize him.
"Oh! Watch out!"
"Your steps are off!"
Dang Yu-Hwa swiftly corrected Seo Yoon's stride.
Once he regained his posture, Seo Yoon took careful steps forward.Mu Yeong looked on with concern.
"…That's really harsh. Hey there, friend. You've had a tough time."
"Oh no, it's just that I need to practice my lightness skill."
"Still, you could be a bit gentler about it. While Miss Dang has a face as beautiful as a flower, her personality can be quite fearsome."
Could he be feeling some empathy for those who are being scolded?Mu Yeong whispered quietly so that Dang Yu-Hwa and Sword Master wouldn't hear him.Seo Yoon completely agreed with his words.Indeed, women should have some grace and modesty about them.But it was clear that saying such things would only lead to trouble with Dang Yu-Hwa; he couldn't afford to speak carelessly.Seo Yoon chuckled softly.
"No, someone lively and full of life like Miss Dang can also be considered beautiful."
"…That's quite a taste you have there. Is that what you prefer?"
"…Well, yes, I do like it that way. It's my preference; can't you respect that?"
"No, that goes beyond preference; it's more like a level of taste! Do you perhaps enjoy being bullied?"
"Shut up."
"I'll buy you a drink once we arrive at Jiwoo-Hyeon later. How about discussing women then?"
"Oh? You'll buy me one?"
There was no reason to refuse someone offering to buy drinks.Seo Yoon nodded at Mu Yeong, who was grinning slyly.
"I know a good tavern; I'll take you there."
"Hehe, I'm looking forward to it… Ah!"
"Hey! What are you getting all worked up about? This is just something Miss Dang is riding on! Tsk tsk; you're such a drama queen!"
"It's not light at all!? It feels like carrying a thousand pounds!?"
Before long, Sword Master and Dang Yu-Hwa had climbed onto the cart pulled by Mu Yeong.
Even with just one more person added, Mu Yeong let out a painful scream as if he were suffering greatly, causing Sword Master to feel embarrassed and scold him lightly.
"Ah... I'm sorry about that; this guy tends to exaggerate."
"Haha, it's fine."
Seo Yoon glanced at Dang Yu-Hwa.
She was smiling brightly, but knowing her personality made Seo Yoon sigh inwardly.
'Poor guy.'
Dang Yu-Hwa must have been using some method to increase her weight regardless of whether she was adding on or not.If not for that reason, there would be no reason for someone like Mu Yeong to be struggling with the weight she added on so effortlessly until now.While he strained and pulled the cart again, Seo Yoon walked with improved steps this time around.
"Hmmm... This is intriguing."
"Did you catch this?"
"If I had caught it myself, would it have so many wounds? My disciple fought it."
"Oh... this creature seems quite strong."
"It's not that strong; its power is good but lacks technique—it took hits directly without dodging."
"Is that so..."\
I thought it was strong since it got back up after taking a hit from Ban Hon Bi (a powerful attack).
But I didn't expect it had such weaknesses either.As Dang Yu-Hwa nodded in agreement, Sword Master spoke calmly again:
"There are many other monsters besides this one; have you seen any beasts resembling cows?"
"I've seen skeleton monsters..."
"A skeleton? What's that? Anyway, on our way here, I saw a cow-like monster eating bandits—it was strange because there have been so many odd occurrences lately."
"When did this start happening?"
At Dang Yu-Hwa's question, Sword Master gauged the date with his fingers before answering:
"It seems like... about one and a half months ago."
At his words, Seo Yoon tilted his head in thought:
'One and a half months ago... that coincides with when I opened the box.'
Could the appearance of these monsters be related to the Multi-Dimensional Shop?Considering the survival guide for Amigu Continent mentioned in the mission rewards from Multi-Dimensional Shop or new missions that had arisen recently might suggest some connection existed between them.While Seo Yoon was deep in thought about this matter, Dang Yu-Hwa suddenly jumped back onto the cart Seo Yoon was riding in.
"Look over there! Look! Huh!? Just because one feather-light girl climbed aboard doesn't mean you should groan about it! Look at her and learn!!"
Sword Master yelled loudly as he scolded Mu Yeong.In response to this scolding gaze for help from Mu Yeong towards him, Seo Yoon subtly avoided eye contact.
'Sorry! What power do I even have...'
---Being together is better than being alone.Even if they weren't doing things together directly, sharing experiences could provide significant support.By the time Seo Yoon and Mu Yeong arrived at Jiwoo-Hyeon, night had already fallen.If they were using horses or oxen to pull their cart they would have arrived long ago and already had dinner.Dang Yu-Hwa grabbed hold of Seo Yoon who had completely collapsed from exhaustion.
"Look at your legs."
"Oh my legs..."
"Stop whining."
She kneaded his stiff legs gently—was it because her inner energy was infused into her massage?Just her touch alone relaxed his tense legs.Once he could move somewhat again, she helped him sit on the cart.
"Senior! I think I need to keep an eye on this guy while he practices..."
"Haha! Well now! It seems more like you're taking care of your young lord than just being comrades!"
"What are you talking about? Hohoho! If he were truly my young lord I wouldn't be doing this!"
"Then?"
"I'd probably hang fifty pounds on each arm and leg and make him do more training!"
Seeing Seo Yoon barely managing to sit cross-legged made Mu Yeong look at him with pity.Mu Yeong had been observing how Dang Yu-Hwa treated Seo Yoon throughout their journey here.Her tone was strict; if his steps faltered or his posture slipped she would send ropes flying at him.Though she didn't strike him directly—the sharpness of her voice and scolding were enough.No matter how much he was learning under her guidance—being treated like that by a woman isn't easy.If it were him in such a situation he wouldn't have been able to endure even for a moment.
"Sifu."
"What?"
Still though—he envied that massage.
Regardless of whether she was a woman or not—how nice would it be for someone to care for you when you're exhausted?Mu Yeong glanced over at Sword Master who merely snorted dismissively while holding onto his sword.
"You want me to break your legs?"
"Haha! No way! How could I say such disrespectful things to someone as esteemed as you... Ah! Don't hit me! Stay away! Don't touch me!"
"Tsk tsk—how pathetic you are; just practice your breathing exercises too."
As he instructed Mu Yeong in breathing techniques too—Dang Yu-Hwa looked surprised.Even though Mu Yeong seemed fine so far—taking a break here was considerate towards Seo Yoon and herself.
"Sword Master should go ahead first..."
"We've come this far together; how could we part now? It's fine; go ahead."
Mu Yeong crawled up onto the cart slowly and began practicing his breathing techniques.
Only then did Dang Yu-Hwa let out a small sigh before making Seo Yoon practice too.While both practiced their techniques—Dang Yu-Hwa and Sword Master discussed the strange occurrences happening within the martial world.
"Miss! Shall we go now?"
"Have we finished everything?"
By the time they wrapped up their discussion—Seo Yoon had completed his breathing exercises too.
Moving his body which felt much more comfortable now—he grabbed hold of the cart when Sword Master expressed admiration:
"Oh..."
"Huh?"
What could possibly cause such admiration?
While Seo Yoon wondered about Sword Master's reaction—Mu Yeong finished his breathing exercises right away.He immediately grabbed hold of the rope attached behind the cart meant for pulling oxen.
"…What are you doing?"
"Yes? Isn't it over since we've arrived at Jiwoo-Hyeon...? Ah!"
Sword Master swung his sword sharply toward him.
After getting hit in the head—Mu Yeong grimaced painfully while Sword Master pointed at Seo Yoon with embarrassment:
"That child hasn't even finished training yet but here you are..."
"No no—hahaha! Friend! Why do you insist on taking such difficult paths?"
"I need to learn quickly."
Once he learns how to use 'Exit' skill—he can complete two missions right away!So it would be best for him if he learned as quickly as possible since there's no telling how long Dang Yu-Hwa would stay by his side!It makes sense for him to learn as much as possible while he can!When Seo Yoon said this matter-of-factly—Sword Master became even angrier:
"Learn properly by watching too! Understand!?"
"Aww..."
Grumbling under his breath—Mu Yeong grabbed hold of the cart again.
As they began moving toward Justice Alliance again—Sword Master let out another deep sigh:
"What on earth… I accepted him as my disciple due to his good physique and talent—but how can someone lack motivation like this…"
"Haha… Seo Yoon is special; he has great enthusiasm towards learning."
"Mmm… My eyes must have deceived me; haha… It's important what lies within one's heart—but only seeing talent made me lose sight of what truly matters!"
I can't just abandon this bond we've formed as master and disciple either."While Sword Master grumbled about how difficult things were teaching Mu Yeong—before they knew it they arrived in front of Justice Alliance.
"Well then—we'll go check in first before returning here; Sword Master…"
"We should meet with Chief Manager first before heading back; Mu Yeong—you go find accommodations for us."
"Yes sir!"
As soon as Sword Master entered inside—their servant followed behind carrying supplies for both cart and oxen.Once they disappeared inside—Dang Yu-Hwa wore a bitter smile:
"What should we do now?"
"The servants will take care of returning things… It'd be best if we met with Old King first."
Let's inform him about Ma Jeong-Seok (the previous chief) then get something from him afterward—they both thought simultaneously as they headed straight toward where Old King stayed.
However—they couldn't meet him either:
"…The Shaolin Temple leader finished retreating early…"
"This evening Old King along with Lady Yoo-Ji entered into Shaolin Temple—and once they return from Shaolin Temple they'll come back here so make preparations," said one servant.Neither Dang Yu-Hwa nor Seo Yoon could muster happy expressions:
"…It seems there won't be much time left in Hanam."
Once Old King finishes whatever business he has in Hanam—Old King along with Yoo-Ji—and even Dang Yu-Hwa will likely return straight back home.With Chief Manager's plan having been revealed—they needed adjustments made along with checking other martial arts skills too.And that meant:
"…Our contract will also soon come to an end,"
Seo Yoon realized alongside Dang Yu-Hwa.Their contract only lasted during her time in Hanam.With lips pressed tightly together until pale—Dang Yu-Hwa bit down hard while Seo Yoon felt an unprecedented level of bitterness wash over him.
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