I decided not to mention my achievement in slaying the Blue Horse Demon. I was so eager to test my martial arts skills as soon as possible that I didn't want to waste any time. Additionally, I asked Xiantian Daoist to claim the credit for the slaying.
"Haha, indeed a righteous hero!"
Xiantian Daoist praised me with admiration. However, I could only manage a faint smile. After all, I had slaughtered over a hundred people, and it was ironic that I could be praised for it. I didn't express these thoughts outwardly and simply bowed to Xiantian Daoist before leaving.
' The blade is quite damaged.'
It was natural after cutting down over a hundred people. Even with the addition of sword qi, the blade couldn't help but be damaged. I felt that the edge of the sword had dulled significantly, so I decided to stop by Taikyung Village again to buy a new sword. I could have had the blade sharpened, but since Li Guang had given me plenty of travel expenses, there was no problem in buying a new sword, so I just bought a new one.
Swinging the new sword in the air made me feel a bit better.
Swish
My steps toward Jowall Village were light. This was because the dark mood that had been weighing on my heart had largely dissipated.
The tragedy was gone.
The fact that the tragedy, which brought intense darkness and righteous indignation, did not occur brought a sense of freshness and liberation. Although I felt a sense of futility for not stopping it with my own strength, it was still a good thing. Perhaps my active participation in the slaying of the Blue Horse Demon was because I wanted to savor that feeling even more.
Can I now live as I please?
Such thoughts made my heart soar and I felt good, which was inevitable.
Of course, I needed to find out the reason. Once I arrived in Jowall Village and successfully made contact with the Black Night Sect, I planned to visit Wangliang after winning the duel. I thought that surviving a fight with the Black Night Sect, one of the Eight Sects of the Demon Path, would be a sufficient source of pride.
A few days later, when I arrived in Jowall Village, I recalled the village chief's words.
' He told me to find a fallen hero named Hangwiri in this village, right?'
I knew the best way to find a fallen hero was to go to a tavern or a gambling house. Since I was tired from traveling to Jowall Village, I decided to rest at an inn today and start looking tomorrow. While I was enjoying steamed buns and vegetable dishes at the inn,
Whirr
"......?!"
I was startled when something white flew in through the inn door. I almost cut it down on instinct, but then I realized it was a paper bird. The paper bird fluttered its wings and landed on the table where I was sitting.
The paper bird seemed almost alive. Suddenly, it lost its strength and collapsed, reverting to ordinary paper. I was taken aback and watched the paper bird for a moment before reaching out to unfold it.
Inside was a letter written in a familiar handwriting.
[ It's been quite a while since I first received the commission.
Have you trained enough?
I, Wangliang, have conducted extensive research on the precious sword you brought me. I believe it's now appropriate to share the information with you, so I'm sending this paper bird to contact you. If you have the time, I hope you will come and see me.
- Wangliang]
"......"
I realized this paper bird was created by some kind of magical technique. It was likely performed by Wangliang himself. However, the Wangliang I knew had no talent for magical techniques, so I couldn't believe he could use such precise and advanced magic. Wangliang must have significantly improved his magical abilities over the past three years.
' What should I do?'
Since I already knew how to make contact with the Black Night Sect, I could challenge them and get results as early as tomorrow. However, if I lost the duel and couldn't even escape, I would have to start over from the beginning. The question was whether I should rush into a confrontation with the Black Night Sect and risk such a fate.
But I really wanted to test my strength. After pondering for a long time, I shook my head.
"There's no choice. I have to go."
I had sworn not to visit Wangliang until I had accumulated enough strength, but the information about the Seven Stars was now crucial. Even if I were to die, I thought it would be better to know this information first. Moreover, I was curious about how Wangliang, who could only use basic magical techniques in Qimen Dunjia, had become capable of using such advanced magic, so I had to go.
I had no choice but to return to Jinlang Gorge from Jowall Village. It felt like I was running in circles, and I felt like I was doing pointless training. However, I had no choice, so I ran back up the mountain path.
Thud
"... Here again..."
A few days later, I arrived back in Taikyung Village and sighed. The people's gazes in the village were a bit strange. Puzzled, I looked around, and one of them cautiously approached me and asked.
"Are you the hero who recently slew the Blue Horse Demon?"
"......?"
"You look very similar... If it's you, we would like to honor you in our Hua family."
I realized that the news of my slaying the Blue Horse Demon had spread. I suspected Xiantian Daoist was the source. I had told him to claim the credit, but he must have felt guilty and spread the word that I had been involved.
' Ugh... What a pointless thing to do.'
I was exasperated by Xiantian Daoist's unnecessary consideration. While others were eager to gain honor, why did he feel the need to share it with me? Anyway, the current situation was not pleasant, so I shook my head.
"I'm not that great, and I have a long journey ahead. Perhaps next time."
"Hah... But..."
At that moment,
"Ah! There you are!"
I turned my head to see a beautiful woman with cat-like features standing at the inn entrance with a few attendants. The people's reactions suggested she was of high status. I recognized her face and had no choice but to bow and greet her.
"Hello."
"I didn't expect you to actually slay the Blue Horse Demon. To think that Baixiong Xiaoxia, a young hero, had such high martial arts skills."
"It's not related to me, Hualian."
She was Hualian, the young lady of the Hua family.
She smiled gently and said,
"Of course not? Xiantian Daoist of Taizheng Hall spoke highly of the young hero who accompanied him. The officials and the people in this area are talking about your story."
"......"
"Even if you're in a hurry, please stay with us for at least one day. The Blue Horse Demon was a major problem for the village's trade routes, and your help was invaluable. If we don't show our gratitude, people will mock the Hua family."
Hualian's words were polite and courteous. Moreover, with the gazes of the people around us, it wouldn't be wise to leave abruptly.
' Ugh... If this news spreads, my connection to Qinglong Martial Hall might also be revealed. If the story that I disgraced Qinglong Martial Hall spreads...'
Li Guang was currently keeping his distance and testing me. While he had acknowledged me as a victor and was teaching me secret techniques, he could also stop the training and expel me if I had any major flaws. With a new goal to become stronger, carrying 'honor' was not a simple matter.
I had no choice but to nod.
"Alright."
I followed Hualian and her attendants to the Hua family residence. The Hua family is not referred to as a powerful clan because they have no direct connection to the martial world and no family martial arts. They were a clan that ruled Taikyung Village through sheer wealth.
A short while later, I met Hua Zongze, the head of the Hua family. He smiled warmly and welcomed me.
"Oh! Baixiong Xiaoxia, welcome. I've been eager to meet you."
Around Hua Zongze were a dozen or so attendants and servants standing respectfully. It seemed like an attempt to show his grandeur and authority, but to me, it was merely laughable. I had seen much grander displays of authority during my travels in Luoyang and other places.
What surprised me was that I had seen Hua Zongze's face before.
' ... He's one of the fanatics I beheaded during my first infiltration.'
One of the fanatics who had a woman's head on one side, a strange and fanatic figure! At the time, there was no reason to distinguish each fanatic, so I didn't think much of it. But now, the memory came back to me. Hua Zongze, the head of the Hua family, had already been infected with madness and was wandering this mansion as a fanatic.
Hua Zongze, mistaking my shock for awe of his authority, laughed.
"Haha! Thanks to you, the trade routes are open again, and we've avoided significant losses. We've gained at least five hundred taels of silver, so how can I not be grateful! I will treat you with at least half of that."
"Ah... I appreciate your words, but I have a pressing journey ahead and can't stay long."
"Hmm, that's a pity... But please stay with us for at least one day, young hero. Haha!"
"Alright..."
"Bring Baixiong Xiaoxia inside."
When I entered, a lavish banquet was already prepared. The table was filled with luxurious dishes, enough to break the legs of the table. There were chicken, duck, and goat dishes, and even some high-end dishes I had seen in Luoyang. It wasn't an exaggeration to say I had never had such a luxurious meal in my life.
"Please, eat well. I specially invited a famous chef from Luoyang for today."
"If you insist..."
I sat awkwardly and started eating slowly. Indeed, each dish was exquisite and delicious, made by a skilled chef. Having not had a good meal during my travels, I enjoyed it. While I was eating a chicken leg, Hua Zongze spoke to me.
"You seem young, yet how did you become so skilled in martial arts?"
"Just lucky, I guess."
"Haha, you're too modest... Defeating hundreds of bandits under the Blue Horse Demon is not something an ordinary person can do."
"All thanks to Xiantian Daoist."
Mumble
I deflected the question and focused on enjoying the food. There was no reason to refuse such hospitality. I planned to enjoy a good meal and leave. I suddenly remembered something and asked while holding a duck leg.
"I have a question. Have you heard of any suspicious groups or cults in the area over the past three years?"
Hua Zongze tilted his head.
"Um... I haven't heard of anything like that..."
"Was there anything unusual at all?"
"Hmm..."
Hua Zongze thought seriously and then snapped his fingers as if remembering something.
"Ah! Now that you mention it, the Jinyiwei stayed here three years ago."
"......!!"
They were here?! I put down the duck leg and asked urgently.
"Can you tell me more about it?"
"It was exactly three years ago. The Jinyiwei came from the palace to investigate and stayed in the village for about seven weeks. I couldn't refuse, so I hosted them."
"What were they investigating?"
"I'm not sure, but I vaguely remember they were looking for a ruin. They left without any significant results, though."
"What kind of ruin?"
"I don't know much. The leader of the Jinyiwei only told me a little to convince me. They seemed to have come here specifically to find it."
Ruin.
I suspected it was related to the Seven Stars. Otherwise, the Jinyiwei, who usually operate in secret for human sacrifices, wouldn't have openly appeared in the village. I thought it was fortunate to be invited to this meal and spoke.
"I see. Thank you for the information."
"Haha... Do you want to join the Jinyiwei? Most young martial artists dream of joining them."
"Not particularly interested right now."
I deflected the question and changed the topic to casual conversation. After dining with Hua Zongze for a bit longer, I went to the bedroom prepared for me. The attendants had heated water, so I could take a bath.
When I lay down to sleep and about half an hour had passed,
"......?"
I sensed a slender figure entering the bedroom. Despite the darkness, my heightened senses easily detected it. Curious, I sat up, and the figure, which had approached me, touched my chest and said,
"Stay still."
"Hualian?"
The voice was Hualian's. She seemed to have entered the dark room wearing a thin, rag-like garment. I was familiar with her voice and felt flustered.
Her intentions were clear. As she pushed me down and slowly climbed onto the bed, I said,
"I'm just a guest. There's no need for the young lady of this house to do this."
To be honest, I wasn't feeling good; I was flustered. I didn't want to get entangled in something that could disrupt my future plans. Hualian hesitated and then spoke in a self-mocking tone,
"I'm not a young lady. I'm Hua Zongze's fifth concubine."
"What?"
"It's not unusual for a wealthy and powerful man to have multiple concubines. I'm just doing my part today."
Sigh
"Enjoy today together..."
Hualian's skin gently pressed against mine. I thought that if I let her have her way, I would certainly have a pleasant experience. She was a rare beauty, and this was a good opportunity. Moreover, it was almost certain that Hua Zongze had ordered her to do this!
But I didn't think it was right. So, I gently pushed her shoulder and sat up. Hualian looked at me with surprised eyes, and I spoke calmly,
"I don't particularly enjoy this kind of thing."
"What do you mean? Even the master allowed it..."
"It's not because I'm a prude or disabled."
"Then why?"
I spoke firmly.
"I'm facing a task that requires all my focus, and I can't afford to be distracted. Moreover, it's hard enough to keep myself from becoming lazy. I don't have the capacity to accept others into my heart."
"Are you saying I'm not attractive?"
"It's not that. I just don't want to be any unhappier."
I knew what would happen if I formed a connection with Hualian. It wouldn't be a simple one-night stand. If I were to die and reincarnate, I would remember Hualian every time I passed through Taikyung Village.
If the tragedy were to repeat, I would be mentally drained. The guilt of not being able to protect someone who was a victim of the tragedy could multiply.
In the end, I was refusing her for extremely selfish reasons. Hualian, though unaware of the details, seemed to understand my feelings. She looked sad and shook her head.
"You refuse to accept others into your heart."
"I don't expect you to understand. It's my life."
"Haha... I also want to assert my life firmly."
Hualian stood up with a melancholic smile and said,
"I'm sorry for the intrusion. Please rest well..."
After Hualian left, I continued my internal energy training and eventually fell asleep.
I felt a bit regretful but decided not to regret my choice.
I had made too many mistakes by indulging in short-term pleasures and ruining important tasks. I resolved to proceed cautiously, step by step.
The next day, I received a gift from Hua Zongze.
"What is this?"
The gift was a phoenix statue made of silver. Hua Zongze, with a sheepish expression, said,
"You refused Hualian. I felt I had been rude to a distinguished guest, so I spent the night thinking about how to make amends and decided to give you a family treasure."
"A family treasure?"
"Yes. It was obtained by my ancestors when they settled in Taikyung Village. They said it was a treasure from a very distant country in the east. I cherish it, but I want to give it to you as a gesture of apology."
"......"
Offering a woman and then a treasure to avoid being seen as rude. Hua Zongze seemed generous and open, but I knew from experience that he wasn't. If I had spent the night with Hualian, he might have used it as a pretext to tie me to Taikyung Village through kinship. And by giving me this treasure, he could use my rising reputation in the martial world to promote his family.
But I didn't refuse it outright. The treasure seemed to have a unique origin, and showing it to Wangliang might yield unexpected information.
"I'll accept it."
"Haha... Then, have a safe journey."
After parting ways with Hua Zongze, I headed straight for Jinlang Gorge without delay.
Thud
' Quite a bit of time has passed. It's almost two months since I left Qinglong Martial Hall.'
Li Guang had given me a six-month deadline. I still had plenty of time, but I felt a sense of urgency. There were too many things I needed to do. Especially, I wanted to gain more practical experience before fighting the Black Night Sect.
When I arrived at Jinlang Gorge and was about to climb the stairs to Wangliang's house,
Rumble
"Wait, what?!"
I sensed that the Wangyun Formation, which I had been moving through effortlessly using my internal energy, was behaving unusually. My senses were disturbed, and illusions appeared on the stairs. I calmly gathered my internal energy to neutralize the formation's effects, but I was greatly surprised.
' The power of the Wangyun Formation has increased several times!'
If I hadn't improved my internal energy through training, I would have definitely fallen into the illusion. I was inwardly amazed and climbed to Wangliang's thatched cottage.
Whir
"It's been a while, Baixiong!"
Wangliang appeared with Heiyun, as if teleporting. It was clearly not a simple Heiyun technique but an advanced magical skill. I was surprised and asked,
"What happened?"
"Hahaha... I must thank you first. I couldn't use magical techniques before, but thanks to you, I've mastered