Swoosh-.
“…!”
“Sword Sage? Is there something wrong?”
“Mm… Didn’t you feel anything just now?”
“Something must have happened! Is it an enemy’s intrusion?”
Chaaang-!
Jade Flower stops the horse she’s riding and draws her sword.
The straight blade rises powerfully into the air, but it seems the timing isn’t quite right for this.
“Put it away. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“But, is that really true? I just felt you….”
“It was probably just a fleeting misjudgment.”
After hearing my reassuring words, Jade Flower reluctantly sheathes her sword.
Still, the immense killing intent capable of covering the mountains and rivers leaves no doubt in my mind.
Whoever it was, there was undoubtedly a great master nearby.
It was certainly fortunate that that person’s intent wasn’t directed toward us—otherwise, Jade Flower might not have been able to calm down.
‘What kind of extraordinary person could it have been?’
There aren’t many in the world who could emit such an overwhelming presence.
Could it be one of the Five Greats?
Though surely none of the Five Greats would be close by. Their names aren’t like some common dog’s name, and having two in one region would be as rare as someone being struck by lightning seven times.
‘…Could it be…’
It certainly couldn’t be Dongfang Buhuai.
It can’t be.
It mustn’t be.
“Sword Sage, so where should we be heading?”
Having reined the horse once more, Jade Flower now asks me this question.
Thinking about it, I never told her where our destination was.
Considering her lack of experience riding or handling horses as a Taoist, her current skill level is surprisingly good—it seems I was distracted by her.
“To the main hall of the Gaebang (Beggars’ Sect). Do you know where it is?”
“Gaebang? And within that, wouldn’t this be about an errand for Chusun?”
Chusun—the pseudonym of the Beggars’ Sect leader, one of the Twelve Patriarchs—was known for his love of alcohol so much so that he drank even during battles.
“I have a piece of information I need to ask.”
“Is that so? Regarding Chusun… though I don’t quite get along with that sign-board kind of character. He’s not exactly a good guy.”
“But when it comes to matters of money, he’s more reliable than anyone. You get your value for money.”
“Still, don’t you find that person hard to predict?”
Jade Flower looked quite worried about the idea of meeting Chusun.
I understand her stance. With her past ideals of ‘absolute justice,’ Chusun, whose sense of justice revolved around a ‘glass of wine,’ existed at an antipodal point even compared to the holy monks.
Back during the Zhengxue War, the two would glare at each other every time they met.
“Don’t worry too much, Jade Flower.”
“Hm… did I worry unnecessarily?”
“Not exactly, but you yourself once declared that things would change, yes? You’ll find ways to interact well with people whose values differ from yours.”
“I… Do you really believe I can do such a thing? Though my words sound confident, it’s not as easy as making oneself do what they please…”
“I’m here next to you, remember. I’ll help you. One step at a time, surely we can tackle anything.”
Chin, Suush-.
“J-Jade Flower?”
The moment I reached through the window and gently rubbed her head, she appeared thoroughly flustered.
“If it offended you, I apologize.”
Immediately, I released my hand at her reaction.
“I only wanted to remind you not to be too anxious. I’ve seen someone with more drive than anyone else, and it didn’t suit you to appear so dispirited.”
“Ahh, no! It wasn’t unpleasant! I was just… taken aback. That’s all.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, being rubbed on the head isn’t unpleasant…” Her voice trails off. “Even if it were unpleasant, would I have any qualifications to refuse?”
“That sounds like you saying you’d bear it even if you don’t like it.”
“No! Fine! I’ve already said it was only surprise!”
Jade Flower flushes with uncharacteristic embarrassment as she shouts. It’s surprising this would hold so much significance, but if she’s happy, then it’s fine.
“And… you know, ever since I was young, I’ve never kept anyone close. That’s why I’m not used to such acts… but… even so, I can become accustomed to them.”
“…”
That’s right—I had forgotten. Jade Flower lost her parents at an early age.
Unlike me, who grew up in the harmonious and affluent Nangong family with everything I needed.
Tuck, Suuuh-.
“Feel free to rely on me. I won’t let go.”
“…?”
I offer my hand not to stroke her, but to gently support her.
“Your neck must be stiff from driving the carriage all day, right?”
“Huh? N-no, I’m fine! Since you know I’m a martial artist, why make such a joke?”
Jade Flower turns away, her face tinged with red.
Does she dislike it? Well, there’s nothing much I can do about that.
I have no intention of forcing her, even if it’s for my sake.
Still…
“Hmph.”
I can see a subtle lift at the corners of her mouth, partially concealed by her shoulder.
It’s the first time the taciturn woman who never smiled in any situation is now smiling.
The radiant sunlight blending gently into her once bland expression.
“Haha.”
Look, isn’t her smile much lovelier?
It’s infinitely preferable to daily wearing a somber face.
“But, Sword Sage, why are we specifically going to the Beggars’ Sect? Wouldn’t the Haomen (Pillars Sect) be sufficient for acquiring information?”
“Originally, I had intended to go to Haomen, but the plan changed.”
“Then, what’s the reason?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to stick with the righteous sects?”
The Beggars’ Sect upholds honor as its motto.
Of course, that’s only the motto, and no one knows how they actually function.
Still, they’d be better than Haomen, a collection of third-rate back-alleys.
There’s no real difference in information between the two factions.
“I see. Since we don’t know how long Yuelhua can hold out, let’s move as quickly as possible.”
“Please.”
“Leave it to me.”
With a bold assurance, Jade Flower pats the horse’s flank.
Each jolt of the carriage had me worried about whether the vibrations might affect Jin Gayoung inside.
Fortunately, her life force remained steady without a hint of disturbance.
*
Guug-Guug-Guug.
A transparent liquid is poured from a bottle into a glass.
That’s called alcohol.
A mysterious drink that brings people joy, makes them cry, makes them dazed, and ultimately drives them insane.
“Kekeke… Did you rush straight here from Qilhua after it ended? You arrived faster than expected. I didn’t think you’d beat even our sect’s intelligence network.”
One glass of such alcohol was handed to a middle-aged man.
The server was one dressed in tattered and patched-up old clothes.
Every corner stained with dust and a few strands of white hair scattered across his head, vividly revealing the long years this man had lived.
“Could I have possibly delayed when you left such a message?”
“Hmph? Indeed, for someone like you the news would have set your ears on fire!”
“Tell me quickly. Where was the Two-Life Pill discovered?”
The middle-aged man, Duzun, leaned forward toward the elder.
The elder, Chusun, gave his usual overt laugh before answering.
“Those who enter the valley do not come out.”
“…!”
“You must have heard of it—Mutian Valley.”
The shadow-like, ominous tone was ghostly and eerie, and it momentarily startled Duzun—not due to the voice but because of the name.
One of the Three Great Valleys of the Martial Arts World: Mutian Valley.
Once you enter, you won’t see the light of day again, and inside, there’s no sight of the sky—an ominous abyss.
And it’s no random saying—”those who enter the valley do not come out.” Even during the Zhengxue War, Xue Ma, who feared no one, commanded that “No one should enter Mutian Valley without the lady.”
“Kekeke, scared now that you’re finally going?”
“….”
“Even if you don’t go, do pay for the information. Do you know how many disciples of our sect sacrificed themselves to gather this? I need to break even at least.”
“…I’ll go.”
But Duzun had a reason why he must.
Even if he met a futile death there.
Even if he ended up never seeing the light of day again, failing to fully realize his aspirations.
For the divine pill that could revive the dead, the Two-Life Pill.
More precisely, to revive his dead wife through this pill.
“I’m definitely going. This is the thread of opportunity I’ve been waiting for, and I can’t let it slip.”
Duzun answered with firm resolve.
“Hmpf… go or don’t—your choice. I’m off to a drinking bout. Get lost already.”
“Will you not accept payment?”
“Not necessary. Your determination and love serve as a fine appetizer for my wine; no separate payment needed.”
“Thank you.”
After respectfully bowing to Chusun’s generous gesture, Duzun left the sect.
His exhilarated steps clearly conveyed his excitement.
From behind, Chusun’s drunken shout—”So impatient you couldn’t even drink the alcohol I offered! You kid!”—carried to his ears, but he paid it no heed.
Because he had finally encountered the opportunity he had longed for and awaited.
‘Yanxi… Wait just a little longer… I’ll soon bring you back to life…!’
As this high-spirited figure exited the Beggars’ Sect, a young girl appeared in his sight.
Du Bai—his only daughter and the current military officer for Wulin Meng. A daughter who had recently claimed the championship at the Qilhua competition, thus becoming a source of pride even for Duzun.
However, her expression seemed off.
Even though Duzun could hardly notice it in his high spirits.
“Du Bai! It’s finally here! The destiny I’ve waited so long for! It’s finally arrived!”
“Huh?”
“You’ll meet your mother soon! Just wait! I’ll soon be able to reunite you!”
“What? Dad, what are you talking about?”
“Didn’t you hear the news from Chusun? The Two-Life Pill! It exists! In Mutian Valley! And Chusun’s information can be trusted!”
Now, he would meet her again.
That woman he had yearned for so much.
He also tried horrific, inhumane human experiments—liquefying hundreds of orphans, combining them, creating grotesque hybrid creatures that were part-human, part-animal.
Ultimately, it all turned futile.
Anyway, he wouldn’t need to resort to such things now.
With the Two-Life Pill, capable of granting new life, he would surely revive his wife.
Duzun believed this without a doubt.
At such news, Du Bai yelled.
“Dad! Pull yourself together!”
“Du Bai? How dare you—”
“I had no other way to grab your attention! Please, just get a grip! There’s no way a dead person can come back through such methods!”
She was frustrated.
This person she called father, the family head, was obsessing over unrealistic fantasies and committing absurd acts.
She thought of him as someone whose actions weren’t worth concerning herself with.
After all, the world was but an illusion.
Even if it’s your father, why interfere with the life he has chosen?
It doesn’t matter how one dies; eventually, everyone dies.
She wanted to let him live as he wished.
But, Mutian Valley?
To enter such a notorious abyss for an impossible dream?
“Is this about your spoiled habits? That’s why…”
“You’re talking about habits?! Dad, please look at reality! Stop obsessing over the dead mother!”
“…”
It’s a place where one might lose their soul and fail to enter the afterlife, becoming a wandering ghost.
No matter how detached, she couldn’t let her father enter such a place as a daughter.
Even if she believed life’s essence was in reading the Heavenly Qi and saw no earthly attachments herself.
Ultimately, she was still a daughter.
“Don’t say such things! Who’s dead now, saying such things?! Yanxi… Yanxi is still waiting for me to bring her back to life!”
“That’s just a hallucination from your dreams! Mom has already reached the afterlife! Damn it, I’ve had suspicions since you started experimenting on human bodies, but Mutian Valley? When did you become so delusional and obsessed?!”
“….”
“Please don’t go. With your abilities, surviving that place is nearly impossible. Even if you miraculously return with the Two-Life Pill, mother can’t be revived. Face the reality!”
“….”
Tossing heartfelt pleas repeatedly, Du Bai begged him.
Come on, can’t this father, driven mad by the loss of his wife, change his mind?
But…
“Du Bai.”
Duzun was, in reality, someone who had gone ‘mad.’
Since his wife was killed by the Blood Cult, he has lived with the singular purpose of reviving her, through all seasons.
Even when Si Chuantang scared the whole martial world with its malevolence, he pursued his single-minded goal without hesitation.
The goal is now right before him.
It is simply something he cannot abandon.
“Then, if we give up this chance, where do you propose we should look for your mother?”
Charms, experiments—nothing worked. Now, the answer was only the Two-Life Pill. That’s all. With it, Yanxi could be revived…
“Ugh…! This fool, you’re really…!”
Duzun tightly gripped Du Bai’s arms.
In his eyes, meeting her gaze directly, there swelled an incomprehensible madness and an urgent desperation.
“Even if I die, I will go…! This is the last chance of Mutian Valley!”
At that moment, Du Bai realized.
No matter how she advised, Duzun would never change.
“It’s pathetic… and enraging…!”
This man was running towards death while fixated on the absurd fantasy of reviving his wife, even when death stared him in the eyes.
Du Bai loved sentimental love stories as much as anyone, but this twisted kind of love she rejected.
“If the Two-Life Pill proves impossible, then… I’m already prepared to die. If this world separates us, then we must reunite in the afterlife.”
“Shut up! Are you talking about self-termination? Cutting your own life? That’s stupid talk, isn’t it?”
“I’ve been weary of life for a long time. Don’t stand in my way.”
“Ugh…! Do you know how big a sin self-termination is in the afterlife? You won’t reunite; you’ll fall into hell!”
“Then stop trying to stop me. Either death in Mutian Valley or obtaining the Two-Life Pill—these are the two choices I have.”
“You don’t even understand what kind of gorge Mutian Valley truly is…!”
Of course, there was no way Duzun could survive Mutian Valley.
At least, that’s how Du Bai saw it.
“…Then… rather than you going…”
So she said.
It was a somewhat impulsive choice, unlike her usual self.
“I’ll go. You obviously won’t succeed at finding the Two-Life Pill. I’m your better choice if we want any possibility.”
She felt a foreboding that if she let him go, she would regret it.
After all, even calling him ‘father,’ the thought of him dying was unsettling.
She’s not so dense as to leave behind regrets.
“What? You, you’re going to go? No way! Absolutely not! I cannot possibly allow it!”
Naturally, Duzun resisted immediately.
What father would willingly send his daughter to such a near-certain death?
However, Du Bai’s eloquence was unmatched.
“Come on, you want to save mother, right? Think logically. Am I better at charms or you?”
“B-but…! That’s true… However, there are places one should and shouldn’t go…! How can you so casually speak of going somewhere like Mutian Valley!”
“Your logic doesn’t add up. Except for martial arts, isn’t it a well-known fact that I surpass you in every ability? Who else but me should go? Don’t you want to save mother?”
“Even so, how could I send you there! Say something reasonable!”
“Think practically! Dad, can you really survive Mutian Valley and bring back the Two-Life Pill yourself for mother’s sake?”
“Grgh…!”
“Having no answer? Then just do as I say. I’ll handle it.”
With an irritated muttering, Du Bai turned away.
She didn’t regret her emotional decision made out of concern for her father’s survival, but it wasn’t completely satisfying.
‘Damn it… I still haven’t finished reading the most crucial part of the battle between Sword Sage and Blood Demon…!’
There was regret, but there was no choice.
Moreover, she wasn’t entirely certain she would die there. She wasn’t overconfident, but there was a possibility that she could really bring the Two-Life Pill back.
That possibility should exist.
Since her borrowed life that could end any time soon already had its purpose, Du Bai left her instructions as she saw her father standing there helplessly.
“Don’t do those human experiments while I’m gone. Please, that’s a favor. Use this second chance meaningfully. Leave mother to me.”
With her words resembling an order, Du Bai resolved herself and walked forward.
Though she was slightly regretful about the unfinished battle between Sword Sage and Blood Demon she had planned to read last night.
