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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Simzy
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Serin’s atmosphere had become somewhat intimidating, to say the least. Her eyes were wide, and her pupils seemed constricted.
Ha-yeong had called Serin a rude bitch before, so could it be that they really didn’t get along? Was that why Serin was on guard now?
Just as I was about to respond,
“Of course we know each other! Wouldn’t you know it, seeing us like this!”
Ha-yeong replied, laughing, while tightening her grip around my arm.
“…”
Serin looked at us with a strange expression.
“So, what’s your relationship? That’s what I asked.”
“Hmm, something like the bestest of friends in the world?”
“What…?”
“Isn’t that right?”
Ha-yeong asked, looking up at my face. Well, friends was accurate.
“Hey. Answer me. We’re close enough to sleep together, aren’t we? Right?”
“Don’t say such weird things!”
The way she phrased it made it sound strange!
“But it’s true, isn’t it?”
“It’s similar, but…”
“What do you mean?”
Serin looked at me.
“Geun-hyeop. What did that woman just say…?”
“No, Serin! It’s…”
It wasn’t that weird, it’s just that Ha-yeong worded it strangely. But Serin’s eyes were so scary that I couldn’t speak…!
“Hmm, but Jade Flower Sword? What’s your relationship with him? What kind of relationship do you have to be asking like that?”
“…We’re friends.”
“What, friends?”
Ha-yeong let go of my arm and burst out laughing.
“Kyahahaha! Friends! The Jade Flower Sword has a male friend? Really!”
“No, Ha-yeong. I told you we’re friends. Serin is a chivalrous warrior whom I regard as my master.”
“Is that so! Amazing!”
She was pretending to be surprised, even though she’d already heard it.
Anyway, I needed to smooth things over.
“Serin, uh, I became close with Ha-yeong because of this current situation. We’re together now because we have something to do.”
“I see.”
Serin nodded.
“More importantly, Geun-hyeop. You’ve seen your master after so long, and you’re just going to stand there? What are you doing instead of coming over here?”
Then, she suddenly slid next to me, linked arms, and pulled me toward her!
Such an expression of welcome!
“Hahaha! Of course, I have to show proper respect after seeing my master after so long! Alright, Serin! I’ll attend to you!”
“Hmph, that’s right.”
Now that I thought about it, I couldn’t just stand there after seeing my master for the first time in a while. I immediately offered my proper respects, and Serin, perhaps her mood improved, smiled faintly.
She usually had a somewhat stoic expression, but when she smiled like this, she was truly beautiful.
“Hey. There’s no time for that.”
But Ha-yeong pushed her way between us.
“Keep it short. You have to move with me today.”
“That’s true, but we’re resting today and going tomorrow, right? I haven’t seen my master in a while, so let me show some respect.”
“We’re in a hurry, there’s no time for that. Hey, Jade Flower, I know you’re happy to see your disciple, but we’re kind of in a rush. Let’s go!”
“Uh.”
Ha-yeong grabbed my hand and started to move.
“Ha-yeong! Wait a minute!”
We’re supposed to rest today!
“Stop. Just what are you doing that’s so urgent? As his master, I need to know.”
“Yeah! Explain that! Serin, we’re going to catch Kappas!”
“Kappas?”
Ha-yeong stopped.
“Yeah! We’re going to catch Kappas. Since you’re his master, you know about his constitution, right? I’m thinking of collecting some of their cores. So, there’s no time. I need to figure out his constitution as soon as possible. As his master, you won’t stop us, will you?”
“…”
There was no need to be this hasty.
“I understand. So that’s what it was. Geun-hyeop, has the Calamitous Fire Hibiscus learned about your constitution?”
“Yeah, I was going to tell you about that. Ha-yeong visited me recently.”
“Ha-yeong.”
“Yeah, it turns out she heard the information from Seonui.”
I explained to Serin what had happened.
“So, she said she’d investigate my constitution, and I followed her to the vicinity of Mosan Sect. We did some research there, but it seems like we need more cores, so we were on our way to catch Kappas. I was looking for you to say hello when I heard you were here.”
“I see. I understand the circumstances.”
Serin nodded.
“Right? Then we’ll be going, so see you next time!”
“There’s no need to see each other later. I’ll be joining you.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
Joining us?
“My friend and disciple, Geun-hyeop, is going to exterminate a monster to understand his constitution, and as his master, how can I stand idly by? Geun-hyeop, I will accompany you.”
“Really?!”
That’s great!
“I’m all for it! But Serin, are you sure? Don’t you have other things to do?”
“Hehe, it’s alright. Actually, as I mentioned before, I came out to train because I felt I was lacking. It seems like hunting monsters will be a good experience.”
“Great! Ha-yeong! Let’s go with Serin!”
“Ha-yeong. You seem to have gotten quite close, calling her so casually.”
“Things just happened that way.”
I could tell that they weren’t exactly on good terms. But who was I? Kim Geun-hyeop, renowned for his amicable personality.
Since both of them were my friends and already knew each other, this would be a good opportunity for them to resolve any bad blood and get along.
I could make that happen.
“Hmm… Are you sure it’s alright if she comes along?”
“Isn’t it fine? Though it may not seem like it, I am practically friends with both the Jade Flower Sword and you, Calamitous Fire Hibiscus. It seems right for us to travel together.”
“What, friends? Well, I can’t stop you if you want to come. Let’s go.”
“Thank you.”
See?
I told you it would work out.
Anyway, at this unexpected timing, I ended up traveling with Serin. Our two-person party evolved into a three-person party. The thought of showing Serin my improved skills made my heart race.
“Oh, right, Serin. As your disciple, I have something to report.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“My level has increased! I can do something amazing now!”
“You’ve made progress.”
Serin smiled and gave a small clap.
“Hehe, well done. I’ll see for myself.”
“Ah! I’m so excited to show you!”
“Chuckle, chuckle. Well, it was impressive. I was right there when he reached his new level.”
Ha-yeong had been there at the time.
“It was certainly amazing. It’s not something you see every day.”
“Eh…? You were there?”
“Yeah. It happened recently. I was with Ha-yeong when suddenly, bandits appeared!”
“He was so brave! Protecting me like that, he was so cool! Kyahaha! Just thinking about it makes me swoon!”
“Oh, Ha-yeong.”
Ha-yeong, giggling, hugged me.
“Don’t cling so much, I’m embarrassed.”
“Why? You did something much more intense than this before? You liked it then!”
“What are you talking about!”
Serin was right there!
“Anyway, that’s not all. He told me such interesting stories all night long. He’s such a good guy.”
“Stories, you say.”
“Serin, there are so many stories I haven’t told you yet.”
“…Please step away.”
Serin approached and pulled me away.
“Hey, what? Why are you pulling me away?”
“It’s a master’s duty to guide and manage their disciple.”
“That’s ridiculous. What does that have to do with anything?”
“It does. Geun-hyeop, I’d like to have a word with you. Would you mind stepping aside with me for a moment?”
“Sure. Ha-yeong, I’ll be right back.”
“What are you talking about? You’re going somewhere without me when I’m right here?”
Ha-yeong would definitely feel left out if I went off alone now.
“I’m calling him as his master. Please excuse us.”
“Ha, using the master excuse? Fine, whatever!”
She understood?
“But you have to tell me what you talked about. Got it?”
“Alright, alright.”
Ha-yeong, looking slightly sulky, crossed her arms, but Serin ignored her and dragged me away.
As soon as we turned the corner, Serin pushed me against the wall.
“Uh.”
“Geun-hyeop, what’s going on? Becoming so close with that strange priestess.”
“Strange priestess?”
“Yes. And what was that about being close friends who sleep together? Is that true?”
“Well, you see…”
How should I explain this?
“It’s not strange to be curious about a friend’s affairs. Moreover, I’m your master, Geun-hyeop.”
“Gasp.”
Squeeze.
Saying so, Serin pressed her body against mine. Specifically, her ample bosom pressed against my chest.
“As your master, I can’t just stand by and watch my disciple act so wantonly with that strange priestess.”
Wantonly? Strange priestess?
“No, Serin. What happened between you and Ha-yeong? Do you two not get along?”
“It’s not like that. But please answer your master’s question.”
“Well, Ha-yeong said that, but it’s not weird. You heard the explanation, right? I’m with her temporarily because of my constitution.”
“Yes.”
We just traveled and stayed together.
“And after we arrived at our destination…well, I’m a good storyteller. She begged me for a story before bed, and we just fell asleep together.”
“…I see.”
Serin nodded.
“So, you’re saying you became close and grew even closer because you were traveling together?”
“That’s right.”
“I understand. I understand perfectly.”
Finally, Serin released me.
“I plan to join you for the time being, so don’t worry. I’ll make sure that strange priestess doesn’t cling to you.”
It wasn’t that serious.
“By the way, bandits? Did you encounter the Noklim bandits?”
“Yeah, it was a bit dangerous. But Ha-yeong’s Taoist magic was incredibly strong. She wiped out their subordinates in an instant. But their leader seemed pretty strong, breaking through the flames. At that moment, I confronted him and cut him down!”
“Is that when you achieved your level increase?”
“Hehehe, exactly. I’ll show you when my internal energy recovers properly.”
“I look forward to it. Then let’s go. The Calamitous Fire Hibiscus will be waiting.”
Serin extended her hand.
“Take it.”
“Uh, uh, yeah. Let’s go.”
Serin took my hand and led me.
We returned to Ha-yeong.
“Are you done talking? What kind of secret conversation did the master and disciple have that they’re coming out holding hands?”
“A master should always hold their disciple’s hand. We talked about his level increase and his relationship with you, Calamitous Fire Hibiscus.”
“Is that so?”
Ha-yeong looked at me, and I nodded.
“Yeah, that’s what we talked about.”
“Really? Well, alright. That’s fine. Anyway, we’ll be leaving soon, so can you get ready?”
“What? Weren’t we going tomorrow?”
“I’ve been thinking, and there’s no need to rest. Jade flower sword? Did you get a room? Grab your stuff and come here. I’ll get my things too.”
“Alright.”
We parted ways with that understanding.
“Ridiculous. Protecting him just because he’s your disciple.”
“Ha-yeong, are you really on bad terms with Serin?”
“Not really?”
What was going on?
They both said they weren’t on bad terms, but they kept bickering. Was it because I didn’t understand relationships between women?
“But I never thought she’d say she’d join us! I didn’t expect that, she’s a funny woman!”
“Well, she can come along, can’t she?”
“No, she can’t! Anyway, hurry up and pack. We need to go quickly.”
“Okay.”
Why did she seem so annoyed?
“Right. So, how was it seeing the Jade Flower Sword again after so long?”
“It was great!”
“Huh?”
“Why?”
Her eyes narrowed.
“Forget it. So, between the Jade Flower Sword and me, who’s prettier? Now that you’ve seen us again, you must have a clear answer, right?”
“Why are you asking me that?!”
“This is a very important matter that will determine the rankings of the martial world. We’re rivals.”
Rivals!
Could that be why they didn’t get along?
“That’s… to be continued after the next chapter!”
“What? Hey!”
“Hurry up!”
“Geez! Why are you suddenly running?!”
Boing, boing!
Ha-yeong’s chest bounced as she followed me, and we rejoined Serin.
Let’s go catch Kappas!
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