MTL NOVEL Chapter 8
So So Namgung asked me for my name.
It means she’s showing interest in me.
Why though?
Was it because I wore a mask and left an impression?
Did I do something that caught her attention?
…No, her demeanor wasn’t just simple curiosity.
“By the way, why did Miss Bi earlier ask for your name?”
It seems Gayoung Jin is wondering the same thing as me.
“I don’t know, my Lord.”
“Hmm, are you going to keep calling me ‘Lord’ so formally? I think we’ve become somewhat close.”
“Please let me know how you’d like to be addressed. I’ll follow whatever makes you comfortable.”
“Let’s see… What about ‘Ga-young’? I find that most comfortable.”
“…That’s too casual.”
Even so, to address my Lord directly by name… People might look at us strangely.
I can’t get her involved in something inappropriate. I’ve heard she admires someone.
“How about ‘Young Lady?’ Would that be acceptable?”
“Are you saying you want me to be called ‘Young Lady Gayoung’?”
“Hehe… Successfully got called ‘Young Lady’ by you…”
“…?”
Feels like I’ve been drawn into some kind of advanced psychological strategy, but it’s probably just my imagination.
“Young Lady, could you call me that one more time?”
“If you consider it your command… Young Lady.”
“Add my name too! Please do it again!”
“…Young Lady Gayoung.”
“Really, just once more with the last name too…”
“…Young Lady Jin Gayoung.”
“Ah… So happy…”
Gayoung Jin is saying incomprehensible things.
She looks very relieved, but in reality, she shouldn’t be this relaxed.
Though she said it would only take a week, that’s assuming she gives her all.
She won’t be able to conquer Namgung So So with this kind of attitude.
So So isn’t among the top talents like Jade Flower or Su-a, but even so, she’s the second strongest among the Seven Flowers.
Probably, there aren’t even sixty martial artists in Central Plains who could defeat her.
On the other hand, Gayoung Jin? Even with the most generous evaluation, she’s barely at the bottom rank of the one hundred greatest martial artists.
Her peak is still in its early stages, and her body hasn’t fully matured yet.
Honestly, she should be devoting every moment to practice.
Moreover, Namgung So So is a war hero who broke through battles with her bare hands, like me, so her experience far surpasses.
“…Young Lady.”
“Yes?”
“Starting tomorrow, you must train with the resolve to die.”
“Yes! I won’t waste any training session with you, Lord!”
“Remember this. A week isn’t a long time.”
“Don’t worry! I’ll do everything you tell me to, without missing a single thing!”
“…I believe you.”
Of course, if she says she doesn’t want to, I’ll stop immediately.
I have no intention of forcing her to train, and if I think it’s harming her body, I’ll make her rest without hesitation.
This is a private match for Gayoung Jin’s sake after all.
The only thing I’m worried about is her only thinking about herself and complaining.
Nothing could be more foolish.
[The rest of the translation continues in the same style, maintaining the original tone and dialogue while converting the Korean terms to their English equivalents based on the provided glossary.]
Surprisingly, Jin Gayoung fully immersed herself in her training, erasing my concerns.
Rather than merely being diligent, she went all out while muttering things like “Hehe… Training with you…”
Look at her now.
“Kuueeeeeeeng!”
In the training that’s considered the most challenging—the horse stance (ma bo).
“…Impressive mental strength.”
“Hehe… I got praised by you…”
Without a single complaint, she sustained it for two hours straight.
I wondered if she was using her inner energy, but that wasn’t the case.
She’s purely enduring on willpower alone.
In this scorching sun, soaked with sweat to the point where her clothes are drenched, not once does she complain.
When I worryfully look at her because she’s sweating too much, she sheds a tear and smiles at me.
This reminds me of raising Su-a when she was young, seeing how delighted she gets when I praise her like a little puppy.
…If Su-a and I had been on good terms, perhaps we’d be in this situation now.
‘… I shouldn’t think about this. Didn’t I resolve to forget?’
It’s already been three days since we started training.
As for the achievements during this period… First, she’s fully mastered the methods to break the Foul Dragon Sword Technique.
After seeing her practicing sword techniques even in the middle of the night while sleeping, I no longer question how such accomplishments are possible.
The issue lies with Namgung So So’s modified sword techniques… But given her current growth rate, it seems entirely feasible within the remaining four days.
When I first saw her, I wondered how someone so young managed to establish the Great Jin Clan, but now it seems perfectly natural.
Isn’t it only right that effort is rewarded?
Especially when that effort is paired with talent.
“Alright, that’s enough. Rest for a quarter of an hour.”
The moment I announced the time, Jin Gayoung collapsed.
Judging from how she almost crumbles, it seems she was only waiting for my orders all this while.
“Huff, huff, uh…”
Jin Gayoung sprawls out on the ground like a ‘Big’.
Her legs continue to twitch uncontrollably.
“Are you exhausted?”
“Heek, hee, hee… Yes, I’m tired…”
“I’ll give you an extra quarter of an hour for rest. Of course, when the time is up, you must get up and continue practicing sword techniques without delay.”
“Yes, yes… I’ll do it…”
Even she is human, yet she doesn’t utter a single word of complaint.
It’s an extraordinary enthusiasm.
I begin to doubt if she’s solely training for the sake of ‘training.’
“Do you enjoy training?”
“Because you’re here… It’s fun. Haaah…”
“Because I’m here, you say?”
“Obviously…! What’s the fun in doing this without you!”
“…”
To Jin Gayoung, am I merely some fun toy?
I don’t mind.
To be regarded and loved as a toy by someone, for me now, is quite heartwarming.
If only she doesn’t abandon me, I would gladly be her toy.
“Then rest well. I’ll be back shortly.”
“Huff, huff. Just, please come back soon…”
“I’ll be back within an hour.”
Leaving behind Jin Gayoung sprawled on the ground, I walked around the Sword School of Hangsan leisurely.
“…”
“…”
It’s now certain.
Someone has been following me.
Since three days ago, whenever I trained with Jin Gayoung in the courtyard, I’ve consistently felt an unsettling gaze.
At first, I thought it was someone from the Sword School of Hangsan monitoring Jin Gayoung, so I let it be. But it’s getting out of hand.
Moreover, what I thought was watching Jin Gayoung was actually watching me.
Not the talented Jin Gayoung from the Great Jin Clan, but me, a lowly servant named Byul Rak.
…Why?
Even though I avoided using grand techniques or sword powers when teaching Jin Gayoung to not attract attention…
And I’ve always worn a mask when others could see me…
Despite removing all factors that could attract others’ interest, still being watched…
“…”
Thinking alone won’t provide answers.
I must ask directly.
Leaving the expansive Sword School of Hangsan, I used light body techniques to enter the mountain.
Continuing at a slow pace.
The presence kept following me.
Eventually, after reaching a sufficiently secluded spot deep in the mountain, I stopped.
Subsequently, the presence also stopped.
Speaking softly into the air:
“Come out.”
“…”
“I know you’ve been tailing me for the last three days.”
The presence didn’t flee but emerged from between the trees.
Guess I won’t have to catch them.
Alright then, let’s see the face of the person who’s been following me…
“Bi?”
Why is Namgung So So following…
“Mr. Byul.”
She called out my name.
Her voice sounds somewhat weary.
In fact, upon closer inspection, her eye bags are prominent, her complexion pale, almost like how I used to look when in the Namgung Clan.
“What have you done to me?”
“?”
“Don’t play dumb…! Whenever I sleep, your dreams appear, and when I eat, I only think about you. The food won’t even go down…! I can’t even practice because my hands shake too much!”
“…That’s probably because your mental state is frail.”
“Don’t lie to me…! Show me! Why am I like this? You’ve used some unknown magical art on me, haven’t you? Tell the truth…! I won’t let you go until I understand this…”
Hmph.
I didn’t expect Namgung So So to develop mental issues.
Anyway, does she even realize the implications of what she’s saying about using mysterious arts?
“If you won’t let me go, what exactly do you plan to do? Will you obstruct me?”
“…”
“I must know how you’ve used some bizarre magical art to make it impossible for me to live a normal life!”
Swish!
Namgung So So drew her sword at me.
It’s a situation I never anticipated, and how to handle it…
Knocking Namgung So So down would be easy.
However, I’m concerned about explaining this situation later.
At first, I hesitated a bit about leading a quiet life, but now I’ve decided against showing too much martial prowess to outsiders.
If a common servant defeats one of the top martial artists in the region, it will become a hot topic instantly.
“No need for swords, I believe.”
“…”
“…”
Something’s off about Namgung So So’s condition.
Her body jerks intermittently, and her clothes are drenched to a noticeable degree…
Clang!
She even dropped her sword.
“What do you intend to do?”
“I’m like this all day…”
“It’s stress from your unstable psyche, not any mystical art.”
“Psi—? You dare tell me someone at the peak of martial arts can’t handle their sword due to stress?! That’s even possible naturally?!”
“Even if it were truly a mystical art, I’m not aware of it. Why keep harping on me?”
“Keke…! So you won’t tell me the truth, huh!”
“Indeed, I can’t communicate with you.”
Whatever it is, the obstacle is gone now.
No one would think it strange for me to ignore a woman who can’t even hold a sword.
Since I don’t have to reveal my abilities, it’s the best situation.
“I’ll be leaving then. If you need help, I could escort you to Sword School of Hangsan.”
“…That’s unnecessary. Instead, if you’re leaving, please grant me one request…”
Is this the same composed Namgung So So I know, normally so stern? The memory of her ruthlessly sweeping away the Blood Cult still vividly lingers in my mind.
But now, she’s trembling and can’t even form coherent sentences, making her seem so different from before.
“What’s your request?”
“Hum… Tha…”
“My time is tight. I need to return for the Young Lady’s training. You’ve observed the brief break I’m offering her, right?”
After a short pause, she shouted out:
“Just once, please show me your face!”
“…”
“Just for a moment, that’s all! Even for an instant! Please, just one second to see your real face…!”
“Then I’ll leave now. Gather yourself and return safely.”
“Ah… Ah…u.”
I walked past Namgung So So, who had her head bowed.
Fortunately, she didn’t try to stop me.
Maybe she sensed that I would shake her off if she did.
[Continues with the rest of the story translated similarly.]
The world is pitch black.
Limbs as if bound, movement is restricted, and speech is difficult.
It’s a suffocating space.
In the midst of it, a man stands there.
“Mr. Byul?”
What kind of sorcery did you use? The man who has made it impossible for me to live a normal life.
Refusing to disclose any truth, not even showing his face, how cruel.
“Mr. Byul!”
I ran.
Though difficult due to the black liquid covering the floor, I persevered.
I don’t know why.
But I didn’t want to lose the man who suddenly appeared before me.
Because if I let him go, I’ll have to return to the reality where every breath I take causes my throat to tighten and my hands to tremble, making it impossible to hold my sword.
Plop plop!
Forcing my submerged lower body forward like swimming, I reached the man’s feet.
The man’s mask looked as stern as ever, and his feet floated above the mire as usual.
At my eye level was his shoe.
To not lose him, I reached out and grabbed his ankle.
Please don’t leave.
Don’t abandon me.
However, as expected, he is cruel.
Thud.
He easily kicked my hand away.
Losing my grip, I began sinking into the mud.
He bent his knees and lowered his waist to approach me.
“Really?”
Is he really coming to me?
Finally, after all this time of watching me sink helplessly into the mire, is he finally recognizing me?
My facial muscles wouldn’t obey.
An uncontrollable smile erupted, my mouth corners stretching to my ears.
I’m so happy, I might cry.
Even if I can’t see how I look, it must be quite unappealing.
“…Isn’t that wrong?!?”
It’s the first time he’s actually looking at me.
I shouldn’t look bad.
“…Why is it wrong?”
Isn’t it because I’m in love with him?
Isn’t he some strange guy unknown to me who’s cast some mysterious charm?
Then why does it matter how I appear to him?
I like him, don’t I?
“…I don’t know… My head hurts.”
This isn’t the time to have such thoughts.
It’s the first time he’s looking at me.
I can’t let such precious moments slip away because of distractions.
“He’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming, he’s coming.”
His mask, his head.
Getting closer and closer…
“Garbage.”
“Eh?”
What did you just say?!
“Please cut off that useless thing.”
“That, what do you mean…”
“Disgusting and foul.”
A harsh, metallic voice I’ve never heard before.
Why does it feel familiar?
I’ve never heard this voice before…
No, where was it that I’ve heard those words?
I don’t know.
The clearer the mask gets as I sink deeper into the mud.
“Uwaaaaa!”
The next moment.
I woke up in bed, drenched in sweat.
It’s that same dream again.
“Ahhh…”
What have you done to my body since we met, making me have these dreams every night?
Even though the content changed slightly today, the pain hasn’t changed.
No, actually, today’s dream was even tougher than usual…
“Haa.”
Half-sitting on the bed leaning against the wall, I pulled my knees together instinctively and my head dove into them.
“You… what are you?”
I finally thought I was free from that wretched Namgung Cheolbin.
Why are you coming out now to haunt me?
Just leave me alone…
The three travelers were heading to the land of Anhui where the Namgung clan resided.
The three great masters of the Central Plains martial world: Sword Lord, Blade Lord, and Water Lord.
The Blade Lord asked the Sword Lord, seemingly worried.
“But my Lord, what if the Sword Sage refuses to help us?”
“What do you mean?”
“The Sword Sage only fought to establish his authority and glory, covering up his despicable deeds.”
“So?”
“Then now, with the truth revealed and he has lost everything, will he still help us? Even if we drive out the Blood Cult, no one will praise him anymore.”
The Water Lord nodded upon hearing this.
Seeing their expressions, the Sword Lord proudly cleared his throat.
“There’s something you don’t know.”
“My Lord, what do you mean?”
“Actually, the Sword Sage never committed the heinous acts rumored. It was all a false charge.”
“WHAT!? There was evidence, how can it be fake!”
The Sword Lord smiled cunningly and continued.
“The Zen Masters of Shaolin monastery said it was all fabricated by some despicable person. He vouched that the Sword Sage couldn’t possibly do such things. Moreover, if the Zen Masters hadn’t been in seclusion, they would have personally defended and uncovered the truth.”
“Ho, is it true? Since the Zen Masters said so, I can’t doubt it…”
“Ultimately, the point is that the Sword Sage saved the martial world purely out of justice, not for fame and recognition. So, won’t he actively help us in the matter of the Blood Cult?”
“Ah, indeed the Lord has everything planned! This old Blade Lord truly admires you.”
As the Blade Lord smiled and bowed, the Sword Lord returned it with a smile.
On the side, the Water Lord frowned and asked:
“Wait, if the Sword Sage really suffered such an injustice, why didn’t you, who knew the truth, step in earlier?”
The Sword Lord replied as if it was the most obvious thing.
“Why should I do something that gains no profit?”
Hearing this, the Water Lord rested his chin in thought for a moment before responding.
“Indeed, your decision to act according to benefit is truly wise.”
Then, like the other two elders, wore a satisfied smile as response.