Try Living Well Without Me

“Upon further thought, there’s one more thing I must ask before we get to the main topic.”

Each word out of Hong Ryun’s mouth stabbed right into the assassins’ vitals.

Though she had no real intention of threatening them, the unique killing intent she naturally exuded was enough that even the already sensitive assassins had no choice but to huddle as much as possible.

Naturally, no one dared complain about her making them wait.

In the time it would take to entertain such a thought, they should’ve shed more sweat instead.

Certainly, none of the assassins dared to let a drop of sweat fall and disturb the frigid atmosphere when in the presence of the greatest assassin in the land.

Squeak, squeak-squeak.

Perhaps that was why, despite the assassins sweating like rain, not a drop touched the ground.

Because of the intense, invisible heat radiating from their bodies, each bead was vaporized before it had a chance to hit the ground.

Squeak, squeak-squeak.

It was a scene revealing a glimpse of the level of the assassins gathered there, who ranked among the top-tier of all assassins.

“How much wealth have you all amassed? One-third of the fee will be given to each of you, so surely those here should have gathered enough to live comfortably for the rest of your lives, right?”

That sole figure, who was subduing the group with nothing but her presence, was truly worthy of her title as one of the Five Greatest, a Celestial Outsider.

“….”

“Hmm… So no one is answering?”

Of course, these meetings of the Assassins’ Pavilion were far from the relaxed atmosphere of a righteous sect meeting.

After all, these were people who had made killing their trade, and a single misstep in words could easily result in a death that would go utterly unnoticed.

Thus, no one dared stand out.

To be as unnoticeable as possible to ‘Pavilion Master’ Hong Ryun.

Of course, this was a selfish motive for individuals caring for themselves. If everyone acted this way and refused to answer, it would inevitably lead to a situation such as the one now, where no one responded to the Pavilion Master.

“Really, none of you will answer such a generous offer?”

“…! No, no. Everyone here has surely gathered enough wealth. None of these people gamble either.”

Ultimately, it was the Sword King, known as Thousand Killer Sword, who mustered the courage to respond. Though he was now an elder in the Assassins’ Pavilion who had somewhat withdrawn, none other than him could possibly stand up to Hong Ryun.

Had it not been for the fact that the Thousand Killer Sword could at least stand his ground against Hong Ryun, today’s meeting would have dragged on for much longer.

“Hmph, as emotionless creatures, what possible use would you have for money? Tsk tsk, you poor things.”

“….”

“Well, that’s not really the important part anyway. It’s perhaps even better that way.”

“…What task do you ask us to undertake?”

“To simply surveil someone. We’re assigning the task to you of closely watching the movements of Bin Namgung. Former military leader of the martial arts alliance and former one of Nine Dragons, the Sword Dragon. You can work it out among yourselves— take shifts or alternate between day and night. We trust you’ll figure it out.”

“…Surveillance.. you say?”

By the way, since the Assassins’ Pavilion was structured as a loose network, it was the first time all senior members had been gathered together in a meeting.

For that reason, the assassins were prepared for ‘war,’ expecting a major conflict with powers like the martial arts alliance or the government.

And with the utterance of the word ‘surveillance,’ their readiness was strangely channeled.

“W-what… why does Master Pavilion personally assign such a command for Namgung Bin? What manner of person is he to warrant this?”

“Could he be someone who knows about our information? Of the locations of our various branches too…?”

“Definitely… that fellow Namgung Bin is somewhat suspicious. There’s no way to explain it, but as you delve further into it, discomfort arises…”

The assassins, who had been speechless, finally began to answer, breaking into a nervous sweat as they voiced their thoughts one by one.

As they engaged in wild speculations, Hong Ryun added onto her deliberately prolonged statement.

“Instead, more than anything, focus on whether or not this fellow is framing Sword Sage. Report immediately if there is even the slightest attempt at framing. You’ve all amassed enough wealth, so you don’t have to solely live by the assassin’s creed anymore.”

“…Sword Sage…?”

The sudden mention of ‘Sword Sage’ caused the assassins to exchange meaningful glances.

“Could it be… Master Pavilion? Am I right…”

The Elder, sensing something, mustered the courage to ask another question.

To which Hong Ryun, blushing a light shade of pink, responded.

“Do you plan to defy Master Pavilion’s orders?”

The elder sighed deeply, a look of resignation on his face like saying, “Of course… that’s how it is…”

“Hah… Master Pavilion…”

“Do you have a problem with your expression? Or do you perhaps want your face flayed and hung in the Imperial Palace?”

“Everyone, leave. There’s something private I need to discuss with Master Pavilion.”

“Huh? This fellow, is he attempting rebellion or something?”

“It’s for Master Pavilion’s reputation, my goodness. Ugh… What karmic retribution have I accumulated in my life that I must serve such a superior in my old age?”

“Ha ha, if you’re annoyed, feel free to challenge me. I’ll gladly accept.”

“Hurry up and leave already. Don’t make me say it twice.”

Judging the expression on Hong Ryun’s face who sat casually cross-legged with an arrogant smile, the assassins furtively stepped out.

Once the last assassin had departed, and the large meeting room was left empty with only themselves, the elder finally let out a lament.

“Exactly when do you plan to extricate yourself from Sword Sage?”

With the air of a confidential counsel inappropriate to be shared before subordinates, he began.

“How could you say this, Master Pavilion? Even this command you’ve issued is for the sake of Sword Sage, is it not? How can the Pavilion operate solely for your personal feelings?”

“Didn’t I already say that if you’re unsatisfied, try to overcome me?”

“Hah, Master Pavilion. Forgive me for not bringing this matter up if it weren’t necessary. However, Sword Sage is already done for! He has no power, no riches. And he doesn’t even have the ambition to rise. What possible reason could there be for you to pursue such a man, whose very potential seems non-existent, and let alone sacrifice the world?”

Hong Ryun frowned, as if not understanding what the problem was.

“So you’re saying you are now attempting to intervene? And why do you meddle in my personal affairs? Is there a reason people fall in love?”

Still, the elder did not back down and continued offering advice.

“All because of Master Pavilion’s romantic entanglement, we are being mobilized! Moreover, this isn’t the time for Master Pavilion to indulge in matters of love! Are you not aware of the current balance of power?”

“Power? What importance does that have?”

“Master Pavilion! Surely, you must know: who do you think the current Supreme Martial Lord is in the Martial World?”

“…Supreme Martial Lord?”

The mere mention of the word was enough to spark a sense of intrigue. Even Hong Ryun leaned forward. As a martial artist herself, the title “Supreme Martial Lord” was enough to intrigue her.

Though her face was hidden behind a bamboo hat, the elder could deduce her interest merely from the curve of her lips.

“Yes, the Supreme Martial Lord. The greatest master among the Five Celestials, number one under heaven. Shall I elaborate? The Heavenly Horse of the northwestern region entered into the Celestial Mountains, the Divine Monk retired into seclusion, the Sword Sage has fallen, the remaining sole one was never of the martial world initially. Only Master Pavilion remains. Master Pavilion, you are the Supreme Martial Lord!”

“…”

A slight downward tilt of Hong Ryun’s lips.

“There is no one in the Martial Arts Alliance, the Four Great Clans, or the Bandits who can rival Master Pavilion! Soon, the current world will be under the Pavilion’s control! If Master Pavilion can harbor a little ambition, the world will eventually lay within your grasp!”

“…”

The more the elder continued his advice, the more Hong Ryun’s lips curled downward.

“Even if Sword Sage were to make a triumphant return, I would oppose it! There’s a 15-year age gap, isn’t there? Honestly, Master Pavilion, you truly deserve better! And now, for you to meet someone in decline while abandoning the world, are you asking me to watch this?”

“…Tsk, what nonsense are you spouting again?”

“Master Pavilion! Please listen to me! Aren’t you abandoning justice for the sake of a mere emotion? Master Pavilion, you’re not just a woman, but destined to be the Supreme Martial Lord!”

Eventually, Hong Ryun’s expression became completely cold as she opened her mouth to reprimand him.

“You’re dull-witted.”

“Dull-witted? I was simply…”

“How can you keep referring to the empty title of supremacy when my world lies with the Seven Flowers?”

“…”

“What does ‘her’ mean? Is it not the character referring to a woman? Haven’t Heaven and Earth decreed that I be a woman? Thus, what’s with your incessant babbling about becoming Supreme Martial Lord? If you had any clever ideas such as how to make the Sword Sage the Supreme Martial Lord, I’d be glad, but all you’ve done is spew nonsense again.”

“…”

Realizing he had once again failed to get through, the elder closed his mouth, and Hong Ryun looked out the window at the crescent moon, her face turning pink again.

“Oh~ I wonder what my destined one is doing at this hour?”

The pink blush that previously graced her cheeks was now overwhelmed by a brighter red that dyed her face.

*

“Miss, open up, please.”

“Ugh… I don’t want to eat the carrots…”

“You need to eat. It will help you recover faster.”

“Eeek…”

Clutching tightly shut eyes, Gayoung Jin allowed the spoon Byul Rak had presented her with to enter her mouth.

If it weren’t for what he had insisted, she would never have contemplated eating her most hated dish: carrot porridge.

“Mnn…”

Gulp.

With an expression that conveyed the struggle of swallowing the porridge, she managed to get it down. Witnessing her effort, Byul Rak quietly prepared the next spoonful.

“I wonder why my body is like this… I feel like I’m just troubling you, uncle…”

She was lying semi-propped up in bed.

“The problem was when you threw the axe at White Flower and Snow Flower during the duel with Jade Flower. Initially, your body couldn’t even wield such a heavy weapon. The only way was to wield it using the movements of the Heaven Piercing Ice Flame Moon.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Attempting to wield it in a manner that wasn’t properly taught, you even exerted your internal energy excessively to hold it for so long, so experiencing these side effects is not unreasonable.”

“Ugh… I won’t be greedy again, I promise…”

“Meanwhile, the other Six Flowers are probably developing ways to counter Miss’s moon techniques, which is quite worrying.”

“Honestly, I’m really, really sorry…”

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Gayoung Jin couldn’t even lift her head. Just yesterday, she had been sleeping comfortably with both legs stretched out, yet now it seemed like a bolt of lightning had struck her.

She was genuinely worried how much this might affect the upcoming Seven Flowers Tournament.

Regardless, Byul Rak continued feeding her the porridge methodically but without much facial expression.

“Urm… I think I’ve finished eating…?”

Looking at the now-empty bowl, Gayoung Jin tentatively asked.

Byul Rak placed the empty bowl aside and began to knead her arms and legs slowly.

Press, press, press.

“Ah! Ow ow! That hurts!”

“Endure it. Your muscular tissues have taken a lot of damage. Luckily, your bones were unharmed, but muscular tissues are just as important.”

“B-but it’s too painful… Ah ugh!”

Even though Byul Rak’s touch was quite gentle, every time his firm hands pressed into her sensitive muscles, Gayoung gritted her teeth and let out a whimper.

Still, his was a meticulous technique.

Press, press, press, press.

“Ahh, ow ow…”

“I’m channeling some internal energy into the muscles which will help soothe them. Accept it calmly. It speeds up the recovery.”

“Uh… okay… I’ll try…”

In spite of her efforts, droplets of sweat began to form on her forehead as her limbs were massaged.

Her breathing grew faster, rising and falling unevenly.

At this moment a voice from outside interrupted.

“Lord! A visitor has arrived!”

Upon hearing the word ‘visitor’, Byul Rak stood up, leaving her side.

Because of his massage, Gayoung’s chest now rose and fell with rapid breaths.

“I’ll be back after I check on this. Rest here, Miss.”

With those words, Byul Rak opened the door that led outside.

A visitor stood right in front of the doorway, so as soon as the door swung open, face met face.

“…!”

“…!”

They both inhaled sharply.

By instinct, Byul Rak’s left hand reached for his mask located behind him, but their faces had already been seen.

“How come you’re here?”

“… Soeun Yu.”

At that moment, Gayoung Jin, who had been eavesdropping inside the room, eyes flickered wide open.

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