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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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…This reminds me of Chibi.
That was my first thought as I stepped out with Hye-ryeong and Mokgyeong into the bustling streets at dusk.
People strolled around in expensive-looking silk robes.
Shops boasted extravagant facades.
Bright smiles adorned everyone’s faces.
“…Should I have bought new clothes?”
I felt a bit out of place in my simple martial arts uniform, surrounded by people dressed in finery.
I hadn’t even bothered with makeup. Though the idea of a man wearing makeup in this era was a bit comical.
“Mister, you look best in your uniform!”
“…Doesn’t a martial artist look best in their martial arts attire?”
Their compliments were appreciated, but Mokgyeong was also wearing a plain, dark blue uniform, so he wasn’t much different from me.
“I suppose you’re right.”
Come to think of it, even the formal gatherings back in the Knight Order were held in armor.
Since those gatherings were meant to boost morale, and everyone was a soldier, it was only natural.
“Hehe, Mister, I’m so excited.”
“It’s not as exciting as you think, so don’t get your hopes up.”
“But it’s my first time in such a luxurious place! I’m nervous. What if I make a mistake?”
I looked at Hye-ryeong. She was dressed more elegantly than usual, but her expression was slightly anxious. While I didn’t understand her nervousness, I offered some reassurance.
“Don’t worry too much. The place might be luxurious, but it’s just a gathering for drinks and conversation.”
It was a wuxia world where internal energy could instantly metabolize alcohol, so even if you drank enough to get cirrhosis, you wouldn’t get drunk.
How convenient.
Of course, sobering up mid-celebration would ruin the mood, so moderation was key. I still needed to be mindful of Hye-ryeong’s drinking habits, though.
In the original story, she never touched alcohol.
That reminded me of how much the original story had already diverged.
I recalled the two people who, in the original story, should have bonded over their shared desire for revenge, now walking on separate paths.
Hye-ryeong, who had lost her sect on her birthday and sworn revenge against the Demonic Cult.
And Mokgyeong, the heir of the Yunnan Dan Clan, whose family had been massacred overnight due to some conspiracy.
Even if their circumstances had extended my struggles from the West to the Central Plains, I didn’t regret it.
Fight for the well-being of all.
That was the oath I had sworn to become a knight.
While reality and ideals often differed, it wasn’t wrong to strive for one’s ideals.
“Mister, why are you smiling?”
“I’m just happy right now.”
“Hehe, me too.”
“…”
We arrived at Wolhyang Pavilion in a cheerful mood.
“…Mister, look at that. Doesn’t that vase look expensive?”
“It looks like it’s worth enough to keep us fed for a year.”
As befitting one of Wuhan’s most prestigious restaurants, Wolhyang Pavilion’s entrance was filled with expensive-looking art pieces.
The kind that would ruin your life if you accidentally touched them.
It was a testament to Wuhan’s excellent public order.
In a less secure city, such valuable items would be vandalized by thugs or stolen by delusional thieves who thought they were master infiltrators.
Though, since the restaurant was open even at night, that was unlikely.
“Are you the Blue-Eyed Lion?”
“…Yes.”
Who was this? I barely suppressed a grimace at the pungent scent and looked at the courtesan before me. She wore a low-cut dress and looked at me with a suggestive gaze.
“Welcome to Wolhyang Pavilion. I am Seon-yeong. I was asked to escort you when you arrived.”
Had Namgung Hwi, the host, sent her?
I nodded and followed Seon-yeong to the area where the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering participants were gathered.
“Doesn’t it feel like everyone’s staring at Mister?”
“Many are looking at you too.”
“Hehe.”
Hye-ryeong giggled and subtly took my hand.
“I want to hold your hand so I don’t get lost!”
“There’s nothing to get lost in.”
“There is!”
“Do as you please.”
She wasn’t going to listen anyway. I turned to look at Mokgyeong.
He was walking slightly behind us, as if he had come alone. He seemed uncomfortable in the luxurious setting, looking around nervously.
“Mokgyeong, come walk next to us so you don’t get lost.”
“I’m fine.”
“It’ll be troublesome if you get lost, so just come.”
“…Yes.”
Mokgyeong walked beside me.
We were blocking the hallway slightly, but it was wide enough for twenty people to walk side-by-side, so it wasn’t a big issue.
Though, for some reason, Hye-ryeong was now gripping my hand tightly.
“Do you have something to say?”
“No.”
Was she sulking because I was paying attention to Mokgyeong when she wanted to spend time alone with me? I chuckled at her childish behavior.
“Don’t make that face. You look beautiful today.”
“Do I?”
“Of course.”
“Hehe.”
…So easy.
Too easy, in fact. I was worried she might follow some strange guy.
“You two seem close. Hoho…”
“We’ve been through a lot together these past few months.”
“That’s right. Hehe…”
Seon-yeong smiled at our response and stopped in front of a large door.
“This is the room where the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering participants are gathered. Please enjoy yourselves.”
The door opened.
I stared at the scene before me.
“It’s spacious.”
“We usually host the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering here at Wolhyang Pavilion, so this room was specially built for such occasions. I can guarantee it’s the largest banquet hall in Wuhan.”
It felt more like an auditorium than a room.
It was incredibly spacious. Large enough to hold a Qinggong competition.
And it was packed with people. A quick glance revealed hundreds of people chatting amongst themselves.
Were these all promising disciples?
There were so many.
No, considering China’s population, this was a small number. Everyone here was a representative of a prominent sect or clan.
“Mister, we’re here, but what do we do now?”
“Well…”
I should greet the host and then sample the food. It would be rude not to try the delicacies laid out on the table.
They say a ghost that dies with a full stomach looks better, so I intended to try, no, savor every dish on that table. I wouldn’t have another opportunity to enjoy such luxurious food.
I wasn’t broke, but I didn’t have a steady income either.
“Hye-ryeong, let’s go find Namgung Hwi first.”
“Okay.”
“Mokgyeong, you too.”
“Yes.”
I shepherded the increasingly awkward Mokgyeong towards Namgung Hwi, who was chatting with others in the center of the room.
Namgung Hwi greeted us with a hearty smile and bowed.
“Welcome, Wi!”
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Haha, there’s no need for formalities. I’m not fond of excessive politeness from younger people.”
You’re older than me, you brat.
But I didn’t want to call him “brother,” so I just went along with it, forcing a smile and returning the bow.
“Understood.”
Namgung Hwi looked at Hye-ryeong and me with a friendly gaze, then his eyes fell on Mokgyeong, his expression hardening for a moment before he forced a smile.
“Dan, it’s been a while.”
“It has been a while, Namgung.”
It was awkward.
Perhaps because Mokgyeong was the one who had defeated him. But the overall atmosphere was friendly, so Mokgyeong didn’t seem too uncomfortable.
Holding a grudge over a loss would be petty.
“Now that you’re here, please enjoy the gathering. Talking with the other guests will be a good experience.”
As Namgung Hwi suggested, I should enjoy myself. I turned my attention away from the busy host and towards the table laden with food.
Ah, there was heaven.
I should—
“Hahaha! Wi, it’s been a while!”
“…It has been a while, Paeng.”
“There’s no need for formalities between us!”
What was “between us”?
And stop shouting.
“Fine, no formalities. What brings you here?”
“Martial artists bond through physical exchanges, so I came to greet you as a friend!”
“Greetings over. I’ll see you later. I have things to do…”
With a feast before me, I didn’t have time for idle chatter.
Perhaps sensing my coldness, or perhaps simply losing interest, Paeng Jeok-san suddenly turned away, then looked back at me and shouted,
“Haha! I have things to do as well! Enjoy the gathering!”
“Goodbye.”
I watched Paeng Jeok-san’s retreating figure, appearing and disappearing like a storm, and rubbed my forehead.
Now that the loudmouth was gone, I could finally go and enjoy the—
“Greetings, Wi. I am—”
Why were so many people approaching me?
As soon as Paeng Jeok-san left, countless strangers began to approach. Most had friendly expressions, but their calculating gazes were obvious.
They seemed to be greeting me, but was that all?
I swallowed a sigh.
This gathering might be more tiring than I expected.
I wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy the feast, which was my main objective.
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