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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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It’s human nature to want to do something even more when you’re told you can’t.
Likewise, in Heavenly Bright Moon, players enthusiastically challenged forbidden zones and, surprisingly, succeeded quite often.
One of the easiest methods was infiltration.
I shook my head, recalling the most commonly used tactic during infiltrations of forbidden zones like the Botaram nunnery and other places.
The Shadowless Steps technique was essential for infiltration. It would have been easy if I had it, but the prerequisite quests to acquire it were a pain, and sneaking in felt like a thief’s tactic, so I ruled it out.
Then, should I use the authority of the government, like in the Black Maiden Palace event, to overpower anyone blocking my way and forcefully enter?
That was even more absurd. As someone who had to strengthen the Hongseong Sect, why would I create friction with them?
A few other methods came to mind, but I dismissed them all.
A super macho man like me had no need for such petty tricks.
So, the day after meeting the magistrate, I headed straight for Mount Hongseong and confidently declared to the Hongseong disciple guarding the entrance,
“…Uh, so, you’re saying you need to enter the Hongseong Sect?”
My chosen approach was a direct confrontation.
A real man should announce his intentions and enter head-on.
“The government asked me to conduct an investigation.”
“I believe we’ve already sent the investigation report… Please wait a moment. I’ll ask and be right back.”
As I watched her quickly climb the path, I sat down on a nearby bench. The scenery, with thousand-day plum blossoms in full bloom, was truly breathtaking.
All the more reason why I wanted to prevent this mountain from being engulfed in flames.
How long had I waited patiently without even smoking?
I saw a woman descending from the entrance.
It was Ryuhyeon, the second disciple of the Hongseong Sect.
“I heard what happened, Innkeeper Yu. You need to investigate the Hongseong Sect?”
“Yes, here it is.”
I showed her the cooperation request from the magistrate. It stated that I, as an external investigator hired by the government, needed to investigate the Hongseong Sect, identify the Demonic Sect member who attacked them, and collect demonic Qi using the White Jade Tablet.
Only after carefully reading the request, with the official seal of the government, did Ryuhyeon sigh deeply.
“I understand the government is asking for our cooperation. However… as you know, the Hongseong Sect is a forbidden zone for men.”
“That’s why I’m hoping you can find a way. It’s not like there are absolutely no exceptions.”
“Hmm…”
The Hongseong disciples were sensitive about their sect’s rules. They even refused support from their own families to uphold the teachings of the Hongseong, so they wouldn’t want to break the rule prohibiting men from entering.
“It might sound like a threat, but it would be problematic for us if our relationship with the government soured.”
Even though it was said that government officials and martial artists shouldn’t interfere with each other, they couldn’t just ignore each other completely.
“I understand. The government has been very accommodating to our sect.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“I need to ask Master, but she’s currently training the senior disciple…”
So that’s why Hongryeon has been absent lately. Was she receiving training from the Sword Saint?
“I heard the training hall was half-destroyed. Do you have another place to train?”
“Yes, there’s another training ground behind the training hall. But Master told us not to go there unless it’s absolutely necessary…”
“It must be tough.”
“It’s alright. Thanks to your consideration, Innkeeper, Master seems to be less burdened.”
It seemed like sending the disciples to patrol Seomhwa Village had significantly reduced her workload. Ryuhyeon chuckled wryly and shrugged.
“And the reward money from last time…”
“Hmm…”
“Anyway, I’ll ask Master.”
“Then please do.”
“Take care.”
After finishing the conversation with Ryuhyeon, I descended the mountain. I returned to the inn and was about to light a cigarette in the backyard when,
“Where did you go, leaving your bodyguard behind?”
It was Chae-jin, the long-term guest.
She approached me naturally, wearing the Moonjeong Sect’s signature skin-tight outfit, and tried to lead me to the backyard.
“I’m curious, don’t you have a home to go back to?”
“I haven’t sparred with Hongryeon yet.”
She had sent several spar requests since the Demonic Sect attack, but Hongryeon had ignored them all.
It wasn’t hard to understand why.
Dealing with the aftermath within the Hongseong Sect was a priority.
And receiving training from the Sword Saint would take precedence over sparring with Chae-jin, so of course she wouldn’t have time.
But to think she was still here after all these days…
Is this obsession?
“And your training isn’t finished yet, member. We have to do it properly! Properly!”
Is this a form of abuse?
“What are you working so hard on?”
“If I’m receiving something, I should work hard for it.”
She spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, leaving me speechless. I nodded, and Chae-jin, seeing that I had no intention of getting up, clicked her tongue and sat down next to me.
“So? Where did you go?”
“I went to the Hongseong Sect.”
It wasn’t something I needed to hide, so I explained the situation. She listened quietly and then grinned, nudging my side with her elbow.
“Should I go with you and challenge Hongryeon to a spar? She might agree if I disrupt her training. I doubt the Sword Saint would attack me.”
“Even if the Sword Saint doesn’t attack, the other disciples will. Do you want to experience the Hongseong Sword Formation?”
Even if Chae-jin was from the same faction and was the senior disciple of the Moonjeong Sect, doing that wouldn’t just end with a scolding.
“Ah, right, not that. But what are you going to do? The government made a concession by entrusting you with this task. If the Hongseong Sect refuses…”
“Well…”
I put out my cigarette and stood up.
“If they’re reasonable, they’ll make a concession as well. Now, let’s train.”
A smile appeared on Chae-jin’s lips.
After being tormented by Chae-jin, I took care of some work and dealt with the usual crowd of drinkers. As evening approached, I ended my day with the Five Animal Frolics, as always.
As I was chain-smoking, watching the sky turn crimson with the setting sun, someone from the Hongseong Sect arrived.
It was Ryuhyeon, with a rather bright expression.
“Master has given her permission.”
“That’s great news.”
It was indeed great news.
In a situation where I had to gather all the help I could get to prepare for the Iron Blood Clan’s attack, the support of the government troops would be a great asset.
Actually, if the Hongseong Sect had rejected my proposal, the government might have just stood by and watched when the Hongseong Sect was attacked.
“However, you are not allowed to enter the restricted areas…”
“What are the restricted areas?”
“The areas where our disciples reside, Master’s quarters, and the places where the Hongseong Sect’s records are kept. You are free to go anywhere else.”
“Ah, I understand and accept that.”
“And one of our disciples will accompany you at all times. We’ll need someone to guide you anyway. And only you, Innkeeper Yu, have permission to enter.”
“I accept that as well.”
“Good. Then when are you coming?”
I thought for a moment and then nodded.
“I’ll come tomorrow morning.”
The next morning, as I was packing my things, Chae-jin whined.
The reason was simple: she wanted to come too.
No way.
I asked her if she would cause trouble with Hongryeon, and she avoided my gaze, acting like a puppy who had done something wrong.
So, I left her whining behind and headed for Mount Hongseong.
“Welcome!”
The one who greeted me at the entrance with a bright smile was Sayoon, the kind girl with silver hair.
Today must be my lucky day.
“I didn’t expect you to be the one welcoming me.”
“Oh? Would you have preferred someone else?”
Of course not. I was grateful that Sayoon was the one welcoming me.
As I shook my head, she smiled faintly. And then, she naturally stood next to me and began to explain calmly.
“Actually, Senior Sister should be doing this, but she has a training schedule today…”
“There’s nothing more important than martial arts training for a martial artist. I understand. Tell her not to worry, she doesn’t need to pay attention to me.”
“Ahaha, okay. It seems like Senior Sister has realized something after that fight with the Demonic Sect member.”
That was good news.
Knowing that Hongryeon was becoming stronger was only beneficial for me, considering that we had to fight the Iron Blood Clan.
“It must be tough.”
“Ahaha, you think so? Come on in.”
I saw the entrance that separated the outside from the inside of the Hongseong Sect.
Even in Heavenly Bright Moon, no man had ever crossed that gate. And I was about to cross it.
I unconsciously gulped, my heart pounding with nervousness, and Sayoon, inside the gate, smiled gently.
Yes, let’s go!
“Whew…”
“Why are you so nervous?”
“Of course I’m nervous, entering the renowned Hongseong Sect.”
Was it my imagination?
The moment I crossed the gate, I felt a chill run down my spine, and a strange, eerie feeling washed over me.
As if to reassure me, Sayoon smiled faintly.
“Don’t worry. We’ll all protect you, Innkeeper.”
She seemed to be in a good mood. She walked with light steps, looking slightly excited, and then tilted her head, noticing what I was carrying.
“But what’s that? It looks heavy. I can carry it…”
“I brought some gifts since it felt awkward to come empty-handed. Don’t worry, it’s not heavy.”
“Ah… you didn’t have to…”
“It’s nothing expensive, so don’t feel burdened. The Hongseong Sect made a concession for me, so I should repay the favor.”
“Is that… etiquette?”
“It’s basic social courtesy.”
We chatted about trivial matters as we climbed the rough stone steps, and as we approached a cluster of humble buildings,
I saw women standing with swords drawn.
There were about fifteen of them.
It seemed like everyone except those on patrol was present.
They stared at me intently, their expressions completely different from the cheerful girls I had seen at the inn.
They were exuding the aura and fighting spirit of seasoned martial artists of a prestigious sect.
Leading them was Ryuhyeon.
As Sayoon joined them, Ryuhyeon, who had been staring down at me with her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, slowly drew it.
Shing.
The sharp, chilling sound sent shivers down my spine.
“Draw.”
A single, short word. At that moment, in unison, the disciples drew their swords, the sound of metal ringing out as one.
Following Ryuhyeon’s movements, they pointed their blades at me.
Were they wary of me?
No, it didn’t seem like that.
“Welcome to the Hongseong Sect. As long as you are within these walls,”
Ryuhyeon spoke in a cold tone, her usual friendly smile completely gone.
“The Hongseong will protect its guests, no matter what.”
As her vow-like declaration echoed, I felt a refreshing energy surround me.
Just as a skilled master could harm someone with their sword Qi alone,
They could also protect someone with it.
As if to prove it, the Qi emitted by the Hongseong disciples started to gather around me, forming a protective barrier.
“Do not fear. Do not hesitate. If you have a task to fulfill, do so.”
As her voice grew stronger, the energy surrounding me intensified.
The expressions of the other disciples became serious, mirroring her intent, and their aura grew stronger, palpable on my skin.
“The Red Guardian Star will protect you.”
The refreshing energy surged, dispelling the coldness and the unsettling, sticky feeling I had felt since crossing the gate.
Ryuhyeon, who had been pointing her sword at me, nodded and sheathed it.
Click.
As if they were one body, the other disciples also sheathed their swords in unison. Only then did Ryuhyeon smile her usual friendly smile and bow.
“Welcome, Innkeeper Yu.”
“…Should I thank you for the welcome? What did you just do?”
“We activated the Guardian Star Formation, one of the Hongseong Sword Formations. You know that Mount Hongseong is a sacred mountain, right?”
“I do.”
“Then do you know the role the Hongseong Sect plays on Mount Hongseong? The Hongseong Sect also acts as a suppressor, preventing strange occurrences that might arise from the mountain’s spiritual energy.”
“Hmm…”
“The Hongseong Sect itself is a cornerstone, controlling the overflowing spiritual energy of Mount Hongseong. Our disciples can prepare for any strange events that might occur, like insects drawn to the Hongseong Divine Art, but that would be impossible for you, Innkeeper.”
“I see.”
“Especially since you possess Yang energy, Innkeeper, it might trigger even more strange occurrences. That’s why we activated the Guardian Star Formation.”
So, they did this to protect me?
“That must be the reason why the Hongseong Sect is a forbidden zone for men.”
“Pretty much. Hehe. We can’t let our guests be harmed, can we? But we can’t activate the Guardian Star Formation every time.”
I chuckled at their consideration.
Then, I should make them smile too.
“I brought some gifts since it felt awkward to come empty-handed. Please, don’t refuse.”
I unwrapped the cloth, revealing a bamboo box inside. The moment they saw it, the seasoned martial artists of the prestigious sect transformed back into the familiar girls I knew.
Indeed, little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice.
There was no other explanation for their sudden change upon seeing the candy.
I handed out the candy to the girls who lined up in front of me. Not the usual kind, but a more luxurious type I had the cook specially prepare.
Seeing them happily receive it with both hands warmed my heart. Especially Sayoon, who couldn’t hide her blush, made me smile unconsciously.
As each of them received their candy,
The last woman in line extended her hands gracefully.
Her deep indigo hair, tied loosely at the end, swayed around her waist.
She was a mysterious beauty with a patched-up uniform that barely reached her thighs, exposing her legs, and a height that only reached my shoulders.
Even though she was barefoot, her white feet showed no trace of dirt or dust. She stood there motionless, her clear, fathomless eyes fixed on me.
I gently placed a piece of candy on her outstretched hand.
Neither I nor the other Hongseong disciples,
Had noticed her presence until she suddenly appeared at the end of the line.
So I bowed politely to her,
“Yu Wol, innkeeper of Seomhwa Village, greets the Sect Leader of the Hongseong Sect.”
The woman staring intently at me,
Was the Sect Leader of the Hongseong Sect,
Sword Saint Na Yerin.
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