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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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The Hwangsan Sect readily opened its doors to the righteous martial artists, but they could only accommodate less than half within their compound.
There were over a hundred people.
The Hwangsan Sect’s Daoist temple didn’t have enough guest rooms for everyone, many of which were already occupied.
So, they arranged accommodations in Yi County, located at the foot of Mount Hwang.
As the county’s name, derived from Mount Yi, the former name of Mount Hwang, suggested, Yi County and Mount Hwang were practically one and the same.
Those staying in Yi County had no complaints, as the Hwangsan Sect readily assisted them in visiting Mount Hwang.
Amidst this, Namgung-Woo, who had become the de facto leader of the righteous martial artists, was among the few accommodated within the Hwangsan Sect compound.
That was why he found himself face-to-face with the Hwangsan Sect Leader.
“Welcome, Daoist Nam.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sect Leader.”
The Hwangsan Sect Leader was Taoist Jeong-geon, of the same generation as Jeong-gwang, using the same generational character in his name.
Remembering that Jeong-gwang was an elder of the Hwangsan Sect, Namgung-Woo committed the name to memory.
“Do you enjoy tea?”
“I don’t dislike it.”
Jeong-geon personally prepared tea and placed it before Namgung-Woo.
“This is Mount Hwang Peak tea. While Mount Hwang is famous for its four wonders, this tea should be considered the fifth.”
“Is that so? I’ll enjoy it, then.”
While not a connoisseur, the fragrant aroma alone told him that this was no ordinary tea.
A refreshing sensation and a subtle sweetness lingered on his tongue.
The smooth texture made him think of the word “mild.”
“Excellent tea.”
“Haha, you have a discerning palate. Take some with you when you leave.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ve heard of your exploits from my disciple Jeong-gwang. You saved our Hwangsan Sect disciples from harm. I wouldn’t begrudge you a bit of tea.”
His words reflected the detachment from material desires characteristic of Daoist sects, who valued spiritual cultivation above all else.
“I invited you here not only because this old man wanted to meet you, but also to share something with you.”
Jeong-geon spoke.
Namgung-Woo listened attentively, then closed his eyes after he finished.
He had his answer.
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“You’re back?”
“Yes. I got some tea. Mount Hwang Peak tea.”
“Mount Hwang Peak tea? That’s precious…”
Peng Ha-ryeong accepted the tea without hesitation.
They looked like a couple, a wife greeting her husband returning home with a gift.
At least, that’s how it appeared to Zhuge Seon-ah.
“Young Lady Zhuge is here as well.”
“Ah, yes, yes, Great Hero. And please, you can speak informally…”
“It’s fine. I’m more comfortable this way for now.”
“A-as you wish…”
Zhuge Seon-ah felt overwhelmed by the intimate atmosphere between Namgung-Woo and Peng Ha-ryeong.
“Let’s go inside. The two elders should be here soon.”
“Alright. Let’s.”
“And Oppa, Seon-ah too…”
“Yes. Young Lady Zhuge, please join us. I have something to discuss.”
“Yes, sir!”
She followed them with her stiff steps.
‘Something to discuss with me…? What? What could it be?’
She felt her heart flutter, despite knowing it was unlikely.
‘We fought together against those attackers… we’re comrades…’
Realizing her own hopeful thoughts, she quickly shook her head.
‘No! Zhuge Seon-ah! You’re a member of the Zhuge Family! Never forget the burning righteousness in your heart, but always maintain a cool head. Remember the family motto! Deep breaths, deep breaths. Reciting the Silent Heart Mantra…’
“Hooo… haaa…”
There was something called the “suspension bridge effect.”
It described how the excitement felt during a dangerous situation could be mistaken for romantic attraction.
While the Zhuge Family, with their deep understanding of human psychology, didn’t know the exact mechanism, they were aware of the phenomenon.
‘That’s it. It has to be…’
She struggled to control her emotions as she watched her friend walk beside Namgung-Woo with a radiant smile on her face.
“Seon-ah? What are you doing? Come inside.”
“Oh, right. Coming.”
Still flustered, she sat awkwardly across from Namgung-Woo, reminding herself why she had asked Peng Ha-ryeong to bring her here.
‘I told Squad Leader Pan I would do this.’
Zhuge Pan, the Biwoon Squad Leader, was busy.
He had to thank the Hwangsan Sect and the others who had helped them, and then, shamelessly, ask for more assistance.
So, she had to do this.
Mustering her courage, she raised her head.
“Sir Nam…!”
Slide!
“Boss, we’re here.”
“You summoned us?”
“Yes, sit down.”
The Yang brothers sat beside Peng Ha-ryeong, to Namgung-Woo’s left.
He turned to Zhuge Seon-ah.
“I apologize for interrupting, but may I speak first?”
“O-of course! As you wish, Great Hero.”
“Thank you.”
After getting her consent, Namgung-Woo glanced at the others and began.
“I have something to announce.”
His meeting with Jeong-geon that morning.
As expected of the Hwangsan Sect Leader, his information network was far superior to ordinary people’s.
“I received news from the Mosan Sect. It seems the campaign against the Wayseekers of the Mist isn’t going well.”
“What? But…”
“The Imperial Court is serious. The outcome will be as everyone expects. But it’s unlikely to happen quickly.”
He recalled his recent conversations.
Jeong-gwang, trying to recruit him… the Yang brothers, sharing their concerns… his private conversation with Peng Ha-ryeong… and finally, Jeong-geon’s words today.
“So, I’ve decided to strengthen our forces.”
It seemed like a leap in logic, but everyone present understood.
Whether through sharp intellect or prior knowledge, they grasped his meaning.
They interpreted his declaration based on their own perspectives.
‘Is Oppa finally ready to reveal himself to the world?’
‘Even a master like him considers this conflict dangerous enough to warrant strengthening his forces…’
Peng Ha-ryeong and Zhuge Seon-ah’s interpretations were close, but the Yang brothers’ understanding was different.
‘Yes! This is it! The Boss isn’t going to settle for just a mercenary group.’
‘As expected… he’s laying the foundation for his family’s restoration.’
Yang Kwai and Yang Jeong’s eyes shone with respect and anticipation.
Uncomfortable with their intense gazes, Namgung-Woo averted his eyes.
“This incident will bring upheaval to the Murim. It will begin right here, in the Hunan-Hubei region. And we’re already involved.”
Someone had said, “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.”
He had already set foot in the Jianghu.
His fight against the Withered Hope Society, winning the Guya Workshop Master’s favor at the Four Seasons Gathering, rescuing the Zhuge Family from the Banun Clan…
He had made both friends and enemies, and these connections wouldn’t disappear even if he tried to ignore them.
So, he would accept them.
And he would prepare.
He would become strong enough to bear the weight of these connections.
“As I mentioned before, we’ll start by expanding the Azure Sky Group.”
“Many martial artists were impressed by your actions, Boss, and want to join the Azure Sky Group.”
“But most of them are weaker than me, so I doubt they’ll be much help…”
“Even increasing our numbers strengthens us. Especially for a mercenary group, right?”
“Hey, Junior Peng, we have our pride. With a Peak Realm expert like me, Yang Kwai, in our ranks, we don’t need any second-rate…”
“Sorry for being second-rate.”
Namgung-Woo stopped Yang Kwai and Yang Jeong before their usual bickering escalated and quickly clarified.
“You all have valid points, but Yang Kwai is right this time. I’m not interested in recruiting just anyone. Yang Jeong is also close to the Peak Realm. We should prioritize those who can contribute immediately.”
He hadn’t intended to open the Azure Sky Group to just anyone.
He was only considering one or two new recruits.
He had a different plan for large-scale expansion.
“I’d like to hear what Young Lady Zhuge has to say now.”
“Me? What about me?”
“Ha-ryeong mentioned you had a request.”
“Well, yes, but…”
Seeing them discuss expanding the Azure Sky Group, she wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to ask for help.
What if he refused?
It would be too painful…
‘But I have to do this!’
Gulp.
She swallowed nervously.
“…If the Imperial campaign is going poorly… the Banun Clan will soon launch a full-scale attack on our Zhuge Family. When that happens… I’d like you to help us. Of course, we’ll offer appropriate compensation.”
“Is this a request?”
Namgung-Woo’s voice, usually gentle with her, turned serious and firm.
Her mind raced.
How should she answer?
Yes? No?
‘What’s the right answer…?’
She had no idea.
Just as she was about to take a leap of faith, she saw Peng Ha-ryeong subtly nod.
She stopped herself from saying “no” and changed her answer.
“Yes! Yes! I’m officially making a request to the Azure Sky Group.”
Was that the right answer?
She saw the corners of Namgung-Woo’s lips curl into a slight smile.
“Request accepted. We’ll join this war.”
This war would make the Azure Sky Group known throughout the land.
This was the beginning.
Fueled by their growing reputation, the Azure Sky Group would expand.
‘And perhaps… we’ll become a great family in our own right.’
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