Light Novel: Volume 16 Episode 11
Manhwa: N/A
Namgung Seol walked calmly.
Walking even in the midst of countless people, she stood out. This was because of her stunning beauty.
Numerous men were enticed by her beauty and attempted to approach her. However, none of them could get close to her.
They were all blocked by an unidentified group of warriors in the middle.
The Snowflake Sword Squad.
It was a group formed by the followers of Namgung Seol.
They blindly followed Namgung Seol, captivated by her ideals and beauty. They were prepared to willingly jump into the fires of hell if it was Namgung Seol’s command.
The Snowflake Sword Squad escorted her, disguised as ordinary people. Although it looked like she was moving alone, they were actually spread around Namgung Seol, blocking the approach of suspicious or malicious individuals.
“Ugh!”
“Ah!”
The groans of men subdued by the Snowflake Sword Squad flowed out and came from everywhere.
Namgung Seol didn’t even give them a glance and moved on.
Then, a man approached her side.
With an average appearance and sharp eyes, the man had an extraordinary aura. His aura was so chilling that it can make a person’s blood run cold just by looking at him.
He was Ahn Ji-san, the Master of the Snowflake Sword Squad.
He was a master swordsman who fell in love with Namgung Seol and became one of her most ardent followers.
As he was the strongest among those who followed Namgung Seol, he naturally became the Master of the Snowflake Sword Squad.
Ahn Ji-san asked Namgung Seol,
“Are you alright?”
“What do you mean?”
“You seem to be in a bad mood.”
“That’s right, I don’t feel particularly good.”
“Is it because of him?”
“And if it is?”
“I will immediately–!”
“I’m sorry, but Master Ahn can’t handle him.”
For a moment, Ahn Ji-san’s face stiffened.
His pride was hurt.
Namgung Seol looked at Ahn Ji-san and gave a cold smile.
“Why? Do you think I’m lying?”
“No, not at all!”
“Believe me. He’s the most dangerous person I’ve ever encountered.”
“Is… is he that dangerous?”
“Even more. You might cause trouble if you touch him recklessly. So, don’t make contact with him without my permission.”
“I understand.”
“Instead, investigate the woman who was with him.”
“Do you mean Lady Hong Ye-seol?”
“Yes. I have a bad feeling about her.”
“I understand. I’ll look into it.”
“Thank you.”
“Not at all. Just give us the order anytime. We are ready to lay down our lives for Lady Namgung.”
The expression on Ahn Ji-san’s face, as he looked at Namgung Seol, was extremely solemn. Namgung Seol gave a slight smile to Ahn Ji-san.
That alone was a sufficient reward for Ahn Ji-san.
He bowed to Namgung Seol and disappeared.
Namgung Seol briefly looked in the direction where he had vanished.
Ahn Ji-san was a capable man.
Not only was he strong in martial arts, but he was also good at gathering information, making him useful in many ways.
That was why Namgung Seol had him as her close confidant.
Namgung Seol resumed her steps.
The place she was heading to was a small manor located north of Poyang Lake.
Although it was called small, it was as large as three or four large mansions put together.
Warriors were standing guard at the entrance of the manor.
As Namgung Seol approached, the warriors raised their hands to stop her.
“Please stop.”
Namgung Seol obediently stopped. Then, a warrior who seemed to be the leader approached.
“This place is not accessible to anyone. Please reveal your identity first.”
“Namgung Seol.”
“Namgung?”
“I’m the elder sister of Namgung Wol. Please inform him of my arrival.”
“Are you really the elder sister of Young Master Namgung?”
“I have no reason to lie. Once Wol comes out, the truth will be revealed. Just deliver the message.”
“Ah, understood.”
Overwhelmed by Namgung Seol’s intimidating aura, the warrior hurriedly ran inside.
A moment later, the warrior appeared with Namgung Wol.
“Elder sister!”
Seeing Namgung Seol, Namgung Wol had a confused expression on his face.
It was because he had not expected Namgung Seol to visit him here.
“It’s been a while.”
“How did you manage to come all the way here?”
“Do you plan to keep me standing outside?”
“No, let’s go inside first.”
Namgung Wol led Namgung Seol inside.
Upon entering the courtyard, Namgung Seol scrutinized the interior with a sharp gaze.
Numerous warriors were in sight.
Most of them were young martial artists.
While they were full of enthusiasm and passion, everything still seemed a bit clumsy and awkward.
This was the main base of the Silver Lotus Society.
Although they were united under the name of the Silver Lotus Society, most of the martial artists were still not familiar with this kind of organizational life, so many things were sloppy and disorganized.
But to Namgung Seol’s eyes, everything here felt like a treasure trove.
A collection of raw gems and jewels that could be polished to a brilliant shine.
Namgung Seol’s gaze deepened as she looked around the interior of the courtyard.
Unaware of what she was thinking, Namgung Wol led Namgung Seol to his own quarters.
“Sit down. All I have is tea, is that okay?”
“It’s fine, I didn’t come here to eat anyway.”
Namgung Seol replied as she took a seat.
Namgung Wol directly heated up the water and prepared the tea.
Namgung Seol watched the whole process without taking her eyes off.
When the tea was finally ready to be served, she opened her mouth,
“You’ve gotten used to it.”
“To what?”
“I remember you couldn’t even properly brew a cup of tea on your own before.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed, people grow by playing in big waters.”
“Just because I can make a cup of tea–”
“I’m not talking about tea.”
“Ah… you’re talking about the Silver Lotus Society.”
“Yes! I never dreamt that you would create an organization like the Silver Lotus Society.”
“I didn’t create it.”
“But you led it, and that’s what matters.”
“Hoo…”
Namgung Wol let out a sigh as he stopped brewing the tea and sat down. He then looked directly at Namgung Seol.
“You didn’t come here to see my face.”
“I’ve seen your face enough at the Heavenly Guardian Association, what’s so special now?”
“Indeed! My sister wouldn’t come without a reason.”
“If a person like us moves without reason, there’s no greater waste of time.”
Namgung Wol’s expression hardened at her cold reply.
She had always been a free spirit since she was young.
She had built a world of her own, never getting involved in the affairs of the Heavenly Guardian Association.
While others found Namgung Seol odd, Namgung Wol understood her.
Because he knew there were no opportunities for her within the Heavenly Guardian Association.
Their elder brother, Namgung Jin, was just as power-hungry as their father. He would not allow his siblings to be the least bit greedy for his power.
Namgung Seol realized this fact at an early age and gave up any desire to gain anything from the Heavenly Guardian Association.
From then on, she always wandered outside. But that didn’t mean she gave up on what she could get from the Heavenly Guardian Association.
Martial arts techniques, heart methods, elixirs…
She took everything that was allowed to her from within the association. Other than that, she always spent her time outside.
There were hardly any who knew what she did and how she lived.
Perhaps their father, Namgung Yugum, and Namgung Jin knew. No, they must have known. But they just didn’t share the information with Namgung Wol.
Because they were extremely meticulous people. And Namgung Seol was very much like them.
That was why Namgung Wol was tense even after seeing Namgung Seol after a long time.
“So, what brought brings you all the way to this place?”
“Silver Lotus Society, was it? The gathering you led–”
“Why?”
“Do you have any intention of handing it over?”
“What are you talking about, sister?!”
“There’s no need to raise your voice like that. I’m just making you an offer, whether to accept it or not, that’s entirely up to you.”
At Namgung Seol’s cold words, Namgung Wol felt the blood in his body turn cold.
What they were talking about did not seem like a conversation between siblings at all.
“So who should I pass it to? To you, sister? Or to someone else?”
“You don’t need to know that. You just need to make a decision.”
“Sister, you really do whatever you want. Even the peddlers in the streets don’t trade so thoughtlessly. Trade presupposes that both parties reveal their cards.”
“That’s in a normal case.”
“So you’re saying this isn’t a normal case?”
“Me getting involved isn’t a normal case in itself.”
“Che! You’re still doing whatever you want.”
“Take your emotions out of the equation, because you’re the only one who’s going to lose if you bring unnecessary emotion into the deal.”
“I refuse.”
“I told you to leave out your emotions.”
“I did leave them out to the best of my ability.”
Namgung Wol replied bluntly. Namgung Seol stared at him intently.
The staring contest between the siblings lasted for a long time.
Both of them were strong-willed and wouldn’t easily back down to others. They would especially not do so against each other.
Namgung Seol stood up from her seat and said,
“Alright, let’s talk about this another time.”
“But I already gave you my answer.”
“You’re not the head of the Silver Lotus Society, are you?”
“Then, why did you ask me?”
“I need to know your opinion to respond efficiently.”
“Who are you so eager to work under?”
“Do I look like someone who works under someone else?”
“Or is someone pulling the strings?”
“Wol! Your words are a bit harsh.”
“I’m not harsh at all. You’re the one who’s harsh for showing up unexpectedly.”
Despite Namgung Wol’s words, Namgung Seol didn’t change her expression at all.
“Anyway, think about it.”
“No matter how much time passes, my decision won’t change, and neither will our head or the other members.”
“We’ll see about that. I’m leaving. I’ll be staying at a nearby inn, so come find me anytime if you change your mind.”
Namgung Seol said what she had to say and left.
At the sight of her, who was willful and unyielding till the end, Namgung Wol was lost for words.
“Who could it be? The one who moved that witch…”
* * *
When Pyo-wol opened his eyes, Hong Ye-seol was gone again.
As always, they furiously lusted after each other, then after a night of such indulgence, she would leave as if nothing had happened.
Hong Ye-seol craved Pyo-wol with an intensity bordering on madness, and Pyo-wol faithfully catered to her desires.
She had been more passionate than usual.
Pyo-wol knew what that meant.
“The execution day must be near.”
Pyo-wol rose from the bed and put on his clothes.
He had a good guess where Hong Ye-seol would be.
She might be at the workshop he had visited. If he went there now, he might see her. But Pyo-wol chose not to.
They were both adults.
And they each had their own distinct boundaries.
To others, their lives may have seemed precarious, but they were living in their own way.
As long as the other did not ask for help, there was no way to intervene.
Just as Hong Ye-seol understood Pyo-wol, he too understood her life.
To intervene any further would be an insult to her life.
Pyo-wol dismissed his concern for Hong Ye-seol.
Right now, he needed to think about his next move.
Pyo-wol took out his phantom dagger and laid it on the floor.
Whenever his mind was troubled by something, his favorite thing to do was to sharpen his weapons.
Recently, his proficiency with the Soul-Reaping Thread and Snake Qi Thread had increased by leaps and bounds, reducing his need to rely on the phantom daggers, but that still didn’t change the fact that it was still a good offensive weapon.
Pyo-wol took a dry cloth and began to carefully polish his phantom dagger.
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