Chapter 40 : Siblings (1)

Chapter 40: Siblings (1)

A cloth shop in Chengdu.

Someone urgently shook the shopkeeper, who was dozing off in his chair.

“Master, Master.”

“Uh, honey! I wasn’t sleeping, I was meditating. U-uh?”

Startled awake, the shopkeeper blinked and saw the young clerk who worked at his store.

“You brat! I told you not to wake me unless my wife came!”

“I-I’m sorry, Master. But I remembered that you said to tell you immediately if there was any news about the Tang Clan…”

The shopkeeper’s annoyed face instantly transformed.

His eyes gleamed brightly.

“Oho! What happened this time?”

“Yes! It’s big news again!”

The hottest topic among Sichuan people lately was none other than the Sichuan Tang Clan—

—because of Tang Sewoon, the Tang Clan’s successor.

When the shopkeeper perked his ears, the excited clerk began his tale.

“They say the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect personally asked Young Master Sewoon if he would become the Divine Physician’s disciple!”

“…Huh?”

The shopkeeper tilted his head at the unexpected words.

“You fool! Are you trying to trick me? The Emei Sect only accepts women as disciples. How could the Young Master enter?”

“I-It’s true! The servant who has been by Young Master Sewoon’s side since he was an infant is my close friend. He told me himself!”

“R-Really?”

“Master, how could I ever deceive you?”

“Well, that is curious indeed.”

“Yes, but the most amazing thing is… he refused the offer!”

“W-What! Is that true?”

The shopkeeper gasped unconsciously, blurting in astonishment.

It was truly unbelievable.

To refuse not only the Murim Alliance Leader, but also the chance to be a disciple of the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect.

Just two months ago, he never would have believed it.

But now…

‘Hmm. If it’s that Tang Clan’s Young Master, perhaps it’s possible.’

He might have doubted a man entering a female-only sect.

But the idea of Sewoon refusing the offer? He didn’t doubt it at all.

In just two months, Sewoon’s reputation and status had completely transformed.

At that moment, the shopkeeper smirked slyly and muttered.

“But why didn’t the young master go to the Emei Sect? Heh, if it were me, I’d have followed immediately, barefoot if needed.”

“…What?”

“Eek! M-Madam.”

“D-Dear wife, I didn’t mean—”

“Fine, I’ll send you off! Straight to the afterlife!”

“Argh! Aaagh!”

The Tang Clan Escort Agency had opened.

At the same time, the signboard of the Ten Thousand Seas Escort Agency was smashed apart.

By discarding the name of the agency that had brought nothing but turmoil, the Sichuan Tang Clan declared its will to start anew.

The reactions to the Tang Clan Escort Agency, proudly bearing the family name, were fiery.

Visitors flooded the gates every day to catch a glimpse of Tang Muyeol, who now held both the position of Clan Head and Escort Chief.

“Clan Head! Congratulations on the reopening!”

“It has been far too long, Tang Clan Head!”

“Hm, so Clan Head Ju and the Sect Leader of the Righteous Sword Sect have also come?”

“Y-Yes! As comrades of the Tang Clan, how could we possibly miss such a day?”

“M-Me as well, Tang Clan Head.”

“Hm.”

The minor sects of Sichuan—such as the Ju Clan Manor and the Righteous Sword Sect—that had clung to the Qingcheng Sect and scorned the Tang Clan in the past, now arrived with gifts piled high.

Even though the momentum of the Qingcheng Sect had weakened, the Tang Clan had not yet surpassed it.

Still, the Tang Clan’s recent growth was like an unstoppable tide.

So, at the very least, they had rushed to mend relations and avoid offending them further.

“We sincerely apologize for having treated you poorly in the past…”

“We prepared gifts in case you might have use for them…”

“Well, since today is a good day, enjoy yourselves and then return.”

“C-Clan Head.”

“Ta-Tang Clan Head! No, Clan Head!”

Of course, that did not mean all past wrongs would be forgiven.

Having resolved to change for the sake of his son, Tang Muyeol no longer behaved weakly as before.

He handled ties with firmness and decisiveness, shocking all who had come to the escort agency.

“They say Young Master Sewoon pursued the Poison Demon to the very end and severed one of his arms?”

“Heh heh, it is true, but the story has been much exaggerated.”

“They say a tiger’s den has no cubs… Truly, it is enviable.”

“You gild this Tang Mu’s face too much, I hardly know what to do.”

Although the Tang Clan Escort Agency had failed its entrusted escort mission for the Murim Alliance, paradoxically, its reputation had risen greatly.

Thanks to Sewoon’s pursuit of the Poison Demon until the end, even cutting off one of his arms, the Escort Agency’s standing and evaluation had climbed sharply.

Rumor even spread that escort requests were pouring in so endlessly that contracts for over half a year had already been signed in advance.

At this rate of growth, many whispered that before long the Tang Clan Escort Agency might even contend for a place among the Four Great Escort Agencies of Sichuan.

Yet, among the guests currently visiting the Tang Clan Escort Agency, their attention was fixed on one person alone.

“…I hear that ever since the broken engagement years ago, the Young Master still has no proper marriage arrangement.”

“Ahem, I happen to have a daughter of age…”

“Clan Head Tang, at such a time, you must quickly bring in a good daughter-in-law…”

The heads of various clans and sects themselves acted as matchmakers, circling Sewoon like a pack of wolves.

The genius of geniuses, who had been offered discipleship by both the Murim Alliance Leader and the Divine Physician.

To them, Sewoon was as good as guaranteed a bright and unshakable future.

But…

No matter how long they waited, not a single one of them laid eyes on Sewoon.

Because—

“…Sewoon, perhaps a little slower.”

“Eh, that won’t do, Sister. We still have a long way to go.”

Sewoon was at that very moment climbing a towering mountain with his elder sister.

The day after Sewoon refused Geum Hwa Sa-tae’s offer.

The three from the Emei Sect left the Tang Clan at once, returning to Mount Emei.

It was only natural.

Geum Hwa Sa-tae had extended her stay at the Tang Clan beyond her original schedule solely to treat him.

—I will certainly visit you and the Sect Leader with my sister another time.

—Heh heh. Good, I’ll be waiting. I will show you how beautiful the sunset looks from Golden Summit Peak.

—Yes, I too look forward to that day.

Toward Geum Hwa Sa-tae, Sewoon felt only gratitude.

It was not merely because of the Golden Small Pill or the Borrowed Qi Filling technique.

But because, in her departing gaze, he had truly felt a heart that sincerely cared for him.

Recalling the day of farewell, Sewoon’s expression subtly shifted.

‘Still, putting that aside…’

What resurfaced in his mind was the conversation he had with her two disciples.

—Travel safely.

—Yes, and may Young Master also remain in good health.

—Hehe, Senior Sister Do, why so serious in your farewell? We may be meeting again before long.

—Eh? What do you mean?

—There you go again, saying nonsense.

—Hee…

—…Then we shall take our leave.

Do Hayeong never explained Cheong Yeon’s cryptic words before departing with her master.

Watching their retreating figures, Sewoon was left with a strangely unsettled feeling.

‘…I’d prefer not to get entangled with them any further.’

It was true that, through the incident with the Poison Demon, he had grown somewhat closer to her.

But—

—If only I had known you sooner, properly…

Each time he saw her, the horrific memories from before his regression resurfaced.

Those memories prevented him from drawing closer.

Unknowingly, deep sorrow settled in Sewoon’s eyes.

‘…Though I feel sorry to Geum Hwa Sa-tae.’

He felt that of his own will, he would likely never visit the Emei Sect.

But Sewoon did not yet know.

That fate always flows in directions one cannot predict.

At that moment—

“Hoo… Sewoon, is it still far?”

‘Ah, right.’

A voice like rolling jade beads rang at his ear.

It was the voice of a woman subtly resembling his own—his elder sister, Tang Serin, staring at him with her usual expressionless face.

“Ah, almost there, Sister. Just a little farther now.”

“…You said the same thing half a shichen ago.”

“This time it’s really true.”

“Sigh…”

A few days ago, when his mother saw Sewoon rise from his sickbed, she collapsed on the spot and wept bitterly.

His sister, however, had simply approached slowly with that same impassive face, gently patting his back.

Some clan members whispered behind her, saying she was being too cold.

But Sewoon understood at a glance.

That she was desperately controlling her emotions, for fear that if she showed her own turmoil, it would only worsen their parents’ pain.

He knew how joyous she was at his awakening.

And how many nights she had spent in tears while he lay unconscious.

That was why Sewoon had said—

—Sister, how about we go on an outing together?

—…An outing?

On the day of the Escort Agency’s opening, he had taken her out.

At first Tang Serin refused, saying his body had not yet fully recovered, but Sewoon persisted, insisting he wanted to spend time alone with her.

In the end, she relented.

That morning she appeared with hair neatly styled, clearly prepared from dawn, and wore delicate Tang shoes.

But now, thanks to the rough mountain terrain, both her clothes and Tang shoes were covered in dust and dirt.

“…Sewoon, I did not know your idea of an outing meant mountain training.”

“Fufu. It’s always good for your health to move your body, Sister.”

“Ha… if only you could hold your tongue…”

An outsider might have thought she was scolding him sternly.

But Sewoon knew otherwise.

‘Hm, she’s sulking a little.’

She was not angry, only pouting.

Though her face looked as expressionless as ever, Sewoon alone noticed the faintest pout tugging at her lips.

It was a change only he could recognize.

‘I’ll never understand why people think my sister is scary.’

As the siblings bickered their way up the mountain path—

Tang Serin cautiously broached a topic, stealing a glance at him.

“…But Sewoon.”

“Yes?”

“Since it’s just the two of us, I’ll bring this up now.”

What was it?

Her serious tone made Sewoon listen attentively, without jest.

“Recently, the Dark Flower Unit Leader and the warriors of the Dark Flower Unit went to Father, voicing their dissatisfaction about you.”

The name of the Tang Clan’s top battle force, the Dark Flower Unit, surfaced once again.

Sewoon’s brow twitched.

“Hm. I heard similar things before as well, but I do not understand why Uncle Tang Bi and his subordinates act like that.”

“…It seems the matter of the escort warriors supposedly coming soon from the Murim Alliance is the biggest issue.”

“Hm. To complain about something when my intent and reasoning are not even clear yet—if you ask me, the Dark Flower Unit is crossing the line.”

“Sewoon, they would never do it for their own gain.”

As Sewoon’s gaze turned cold, Tang Serin spoke firmly.

But it was not to defend the Dark Flower Unit—her words carried only worry for him.

So Sewoon held his tongue and listened closely.

“Besides, they too are of the Tang Clan. Remember, soothing the feelings of disgruntled clan members is one of the duties you must learn as Young Master.”

There was no fault in her words.

Their eyes met in the air.

“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”

Sewoon smiled brightly as he answered.

At once, the worry that had clouded Tang Serin’s eyes melted away.

“You brat.”

“Ah, why are you like this? I’m not a child.”

“To my eyes, you still look like a five-year-old boy.”

Tang Serin, as if proud of him, stroked Sewoon’s hair with her usual impassive face.

Soon, the two continued chatting quietly as they walked on for some time.

And finally—

Step!

Sewoon stopped at a certain spot.

“We’ve arrived, Sister.”

The mountainside of Wol Mountain.

There appeared the abandoned mine that Sewoon had received as compensation from the Murim Alliance for the assassination attempt on him.