n

n

n

nHowever, the preparations to head toward the Martial Arts Alliance moved quickly without any regards to the chill Cale had.

n“Let us leave immediately if we are ready.”

n“That-”

nCale looked at Chief Eunuch Wi with confusion. Chief Eunuch Wi hesitated for a bit before speaking.

n“Will it be okay to move right away, young master Kim?”

n“…Are you talking about me?”

n‘Of course I’m okay.’

nAfter coughing up blood and eating a couple plates of food, he was feeling completely refreshed and fine.

nIt felt as if new blood was moving throughout his whole body.

n“Of course I am okay.”

n“But-”

nChief Eunuch Wi hesitated despite Cale saying that he was okay, so Cale thought he should say that they should leave right away.

n‘I need to quickly finish things here and go home.’

nHowever, Cale ended up staying a day and a half at the inn at the bottom of Huángshān.

nIt was because of what Ron said.

n“Young master-nim. Namgung Tae Wi is not awake yet. Wouldn’t it be dangerous to head to the Namgung Clan with him like this?”

nCale asked Chief Eunuch Wi.

n“Was that the reason?”

n“Excuse me? Ah yes, yes sir!”

nChief Eunuch Wi looked past Cale’s shoulder before urgently nodding his head.

nCale had no idea about this as he calmly responded.

n“Then we will stay in the inn a little longer before heading out.”

nHonestly speaking, they could have left Namgung Tae Wi here to rest while Cale’s group headed out first.

n‘But I need to confirm Namgung Tae Wi regaining consciousness.’

nWhether he was truly purified and returned to being human… Whether there were any mental side effects…

nCale needed to check a couple of things in order to make a plan to handle living jiangshis in the future.

nThere was also one other reason.

n“The Sword Saint will feel at ease leaving once Namgung Tae Wi wakes up.”

nThen the Sword Saint would be able to help Cale without any lingering doubts.

n“…Ho.”

nHe suddenly heard Chief Eunuch Wi release a gasp of admiration.

n“What is it, sir?”

n“N, no, it was nothing.”

nChief Eunuch Wi shook his head before walking out of Cale’s room.

n“Then I will share the details of this decision to the others.”

n“Yes, thank you very much. Also-”

nCale pointed next to him.

n“This guy is a secret for now.”

n“Yes sir.”

nChoi Jung Soo smiled toward Chief Eunuch Wi. Chief Eunuch Wi slightly bowed his head before heading out.

n“Now then, shall we get some rest?”

nCale leisurely leaned back on his chair. He then nonchalantly commented toward Choi Jung Soo.

n“Finding you will be a secret even to the Dokgo Clan.”

n“Yeah.”

n“By the way, why do they consider you as a benefactor?”

nHe just casually asked the question he had wondered for a while.

nChoi Jung Soo then responded back as if it was nothing.

n“The Dokgo Clan patriarch’s youngest sibling has some physical ailments. I saved him when he was about to be killed by some Unorthodox faction bastards.”

n“You indeed are their benefactor.”

n“Yeah. Oh, and I looted the safe of those Unorthodox faction bastards and they had more money than I expected. I didn’t want to carry it all around with me, so I just took what I would use and sent the rest with that youngest sibling.”

n“…Benefactor indeed.”

n“Yeah. That just happened to be when the Dokgo Clan was struggling economically. Ah, we ran into the Dokgo Clan’s merchant guild when I was taking that guy back and they just happened to be attacked. So I just destroyed those attackers. It was just a light stretch.”

n“…I see. Good job.”

nCale placed a candied fruit Raon gave him in his mouth and looked away from Choi Jung Soo. Now that things were like this, he decided to get some good rest.

nCreak creak.

nChief Eunuch Wi walked across the wooden hallway of the guest house deep in thought.

nHe had a lot of things to do, but… He could not stop his thoughts.

n“…How could he be so firm?”

nYoung master Kim. Does he not fear death because he is a grim reaper?

nHe wanted to push forward despite coughing up so much blood and struggling.

nHowever, it could not be said that he doesn’t know fear as he cherished other people’s lives.

nFurthermore, he was considerate of others.

nHe was like that despite the fact that he had this heavy burden of protecting the Central Plains.

n“…I will have a lot of messages to deliver.”

nHis gaze made an informant of the Eastern Depot, who was waiting in a corner, approach him.

n“Send this to the Imperial Palace.”

n“Yes sir.”

nThe Empress Dowager… And the Emperor will receive this message.

nChief Eunuch Wi did not include any personal feelings or opinions in this message. It was only about what he had seen and heard.

nHowever, he was certain that the people who saw this would feel the same way as him.

nChief Eunuch Wi looked at the ceiling and mumbled to himself.

n“A lot of history will be written on this trip to the Martial Arts world.”

nHe stopped thinking and started walking.

n* * *

nThe next day.

n“Young master-nim.”

nHe opened his eyes after hearing Ron’s voice.

nCale took a cup of warm water from Ron as usual and slowly woke himself up.

n“I was told that Namgung Tae Wi had woken up.”

n“…Really?”

nIt instantly got him completely awake.

n“Yes, young master-nim. The Heavenly Guardians also arrived early this morning.”

nIf the Namgung Clan’s strongest sword that the Namgung Clan had to capture the Sword Demon, someone whom they thought was connected to the Demon Cult, was the Sword Saint…

nTheir greatest strength was the Heavenly Guardians.

nThe Monarchs of this Namgung Clan, the Guardians of the Heavens.

nCale handed the cup to Ron.

n“I will need to check on Namgung Tae Wi first.”

n“Of course, young master-nim.”

nCale got up and suddenly had a thought.

n“…This is weird.’

nRon was suddenly extremely nice. And, after not doing so for a while, was attending to him again.

n‘Did I do something wrong?’

nCale felt iffy despite it being so early in the morning.

nThat feeling became even stronger once he went to Namgung Tae Wi’s room.

n“Noble Warrior Namgung, please don’t push yourself too hard.”

n“N, not at all. Young master-nim.”

nNamgung Tae Wi looked completely pale.

n“No, you don’t need to do this-”

n“That’s okay, young master-nim.”

n“Wait-”

nCale tried to stop him.

nHowever, Namgung Tae Wi used his shaking arms and legs to do whatever he could to move his body to kowtow toward Cale.

nYes, he kowtowed.

n“Noble Warrior Namgung-”

n“I am lacking in too many ways to be called a Noble Warrior.”

n“Wait-”

n“Thank you very much, young master-nim.”

n‘Wait, you don’t need to do all this.’

nCale urgently looked around at the people in the room.

nThe Sword Saint, Namgung Yoo Hak, and even Chief Eunuch Wi…

nAll of them had different expressions, but they didn’t say anything as if Namgung Tae Wi’s actions were to be expected.

nFurthermore, the Sword Saint was looking at Tae Wi with a proud look on his face as if this was the right thing to do.

n“Please stand up.”

nCale extended his hand and touched Tae Wi’s shoulder, which made him finally stand up.

n“Hyung-nim!”

nNamgung Yoo Hak quickly came over to support Tae Wi.

n“Young master-nim, I’m sorry for showing such an unsightly appearance to you.”

n“N, not at all.”

nIt had been a while since Cale stuttered like this.

nTae Wi’s demeanor was so respectful that it was giving him chills.

n“…Hyung-nim.”

nThe Namgung Clan’s famous trash, Namgung Yoo Hak, was looking at Tae Wi with a pitying gaze. He must have been up all night as he did not look good.

n‘Yes. Even trash should take care of their family.’

nCale was slightly nodding his head at Namgung Yoo Hak’s actions when the two of them made eye contact. Namgung Yoo Hak flinched and looked away before making eye contact with him again and lowering his head.

n“I, I apologize, young master-nim!”

n‘Hmm?’

nCale was confused at this unexpected apology.

n“Please forgive me for my disrespect in the inn.”

n“Ah.”

nNamgung Yoo Hak’s explanation made Cale subconsciously say his thoughts out loud.

n“I had forgotten about it.”

nHe had completely forgotten about it.

nIt wasn’t a big deal and the issue with the living jiangshi and Choi Jung Soo all happened right after. Honestly, this trash in front of him was basically gone from his memories.

n“…As I expected.”

n‘Hmm?’

nCale felt something was off after hearing Namgung Tae Wi mumble in a low voice. However, he forgot about that the moment he looked at Namgung Yoo Hak again.

n‘What is up with him?’

nNamgung Yoo Hak was sniffling.

nHis eyes were teary as well.

n“Young master-nim, I will never forget your grace that is as deep as the sea!”

nNamgung Yoo Hak felt embarrassed after seeing young master Kim brushing off his rude actions by saying he forgot about it, but he was deeply touched as well.

n‘This is how the strong should be!’

nNamgung Yoo Hak had received a great enlightenment.

nThe Sword Saint, who was smiling with satisfaction thinking that his trash of a grandson was finally coming to his senses, would gasp if he knew what Yoo Hak was thinking, but nobody knew.

n“Ahem.”

nIt was because of what Cale said after letting out a fake cough.

n“Noble Warrior Namgung, is your body doing okay?”

nNamgung Tae Wi felt admiration toward Cale, who was calling him noble warrior despite his comment about how he was lacking to be called one, as he responded.

n“Yes, young master-nim. It is great thanks to you.”

nHe placed a hand over his left chest. He could feel warmth underneath the clothes.

nThe red cover…

nThe power protecting him…

n“Young master-nim, I heard that you were seriously injured because of me.”

n“Not at all. I am totally fine.”

nCale spoke the truth.

nNamgung Tae Wi nodded his head. As Cale was a bit shocked that Tae Wi believed what he had said…

n“Young master-nim, you truly are amazing. Your character is as deep as your martial arts.”

n‘Ah, seriously.’

nCale just ignored it.

nHe then focused on what was said next.

n“I’m sure you have heard already, but my memories are not fully there.”

n“Yes, I heard from Chief Eunuch Wi.”

n“It feels as if I am walking through fog.”

nNamgung Tae Wi’s memories seemed to be missing pieces.

n“I cannot remember when I was abducted by the Blood Cult nor how I became a living jiangshi. I also do not remember what I have done as a living jiangshi.”

nThat was why Namgung Tae Wi was apologetic to young master Kim in front of him.

nThis man had worked so hard to save him but he was completely useless.

nCale spoke with a stoic gaze at that moment.

n“It is possible that not remembering it is to your benefit.”

n“…Excuse me?”

n“I’m sure they are not good memories, so please just live with them forgotten. That will be for the best.”

nMemories that cannot be forgotten…

nCale, who knew how terrible that could be, was sharing his honest thoughts.

n‘I already know where the Blood Cult is located and I’m sure information will pop up as I keep investigating.”

nIt was disappointing that he could not get information from Namgung Tae Wi, but that was it. It was not a big deal.

nCale had heard from Chief Eunuch Wi on his way here that Namgung Tae Wi was struggling with the memories that popped up every so often.

n“Noble Warrior Namgung. Just forget the memories that pop up every so often as well. They are all things you do not need to recall.”

nNamgung Tae Wi opened and closed his mouth a few times without being able to say anything.

nHe then asked the man, who looked much skinnier than him.

n“…Will that be okay?”

n“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

n“…I see.

nHaha.”

nNamgung Tae Wi let out a quiet laugh. Cale didn’t know because he was looking at him with confusion, but the Sword Saint was sighing.

n“The number of favors is piling up.”

nThe Fist King heard that comment and peeked at the Sword Saint.

nThe two old men heard Cale’s voice at that moment.

n“Please go home and get a good rest. It will be bad if your body gets harmed pushing it too hard to get revenge. Your health is the most important.”

nThe two old men saw Choi Han’s face stiffen and Ron’s demeanor turn colder the more Cale talked, but they pretended not to see it.

nHowever, the two old men’s faces turned solemn after hearing what Cale said next.

n“You will hear it if you wait. You will hear that everything has been resolved.”

nCale wanted to quickly go back home.

n“It will not take very long until you hear that news.”

n“…Young master-nim.”

nNamgung Tae Wi called out to Cale in a shaking voice.

nThe time he had lost…

nThe memories he could not remember…

nThe fear of not knowing what he had done…

nThe fear that he might have also done something to his family and the entire clan…

nThere were also the chopped up pieces he vaguely remembered. His actions of trying to kill his grandfather, the Sword Saint.

nHe was angry toward the Blood Cult who had made him like this.

nHe was doing his best to suppress it, but this emotion could not be suppressed.

nHe asked in a voice that was shaking because he was doing his best to suppress his emotions.

n“Will it really be that way?”

nCale answered him without any hesitation.

n“Yes.”

nThe Fist King and the Imperial family were on his side. The Martial Arts Alliance was basically on board as well.

nFurthermore, if he drags in the Unorthodox faction and the Demon Cult as well?

nCale thought about the reliable allies he would have as he answered.

n“It will definitely be that way.”

nThe Blood Cult will soon be destroyed.

n“…….”

nNamgung Tae Wi clenched his fists.

n‘This is something an esteemed individual who has reached the Nature Realm is telling me.’

nFurthermore, this was a guarantee from the eldest senior of the Imperial family.

nIt was also the words of someone who had harmed himself to save him.

n‘Tae Wi, let’s trust him.’

nThis sir will take care of everything.

n‘So trust him and wait.’

n“Noble Warrior Namgung, you can relax and take care of your body.”

n‘Yes, let’s do as the young master-nim says and heal.

nEven if I cannot live as a martial artist anymore, let’s live.’

nNamgung Tae lowered his head.

n“Yes sir. I will do as you say, young master-nim.”

nHe then added on.

n“I will never forget your grace until the day I die.”

nNamgung Tae Wi raised his head to see young master Kim avoiding his gaze with an oddly stiff look on his face.

n“It is okay if you forget it.”

nNamgung Tae Wi smiled after hearing Cale’s quiet comment.

nHe could feel this person’s character through his embarrassed reaction.

nBut there was something he did not know.

nCale’s face was not like this from embarrassment, it was from feeling unsettled.

nHe truly wanted Tae Wi to forget about it.

n“Young master Kim.”

nThe Sword Saint commented at that moment.

n“We can head out now.”

n“Then let’s go.”

n* * *

nCale flinched.

nHe could see the rising stars as well as the martial artists who came to Huángshān to find the Sword Demon all blankly standing around.

nHe heard a loud voice at that moment.

n“We greet young master Kim-nim!”

n“We greet you sir!”

nThe Heavenly Guardians, the core of the many individuals supporting the Namgung Clan…

nAll of the members of the Heavenly Guardians, which numbered close to 300, knelt down on one knee.

n“Gasp!”

n“Gasp.”

nThe martial artists all gasped in astonishment.

n“It is an honor to be able to escort our benefactor.”

nThe Sword Saint, who was famous for his pride, bowed to Cale in front of everybody.

n

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