Book 1 Chapter 21

The Return of the 16 Warriors

A sea of silver stars adorned the dark curtain that seemed ready to fall to the ground at any moment. It was a beautiful sight, so stunning that it felt like tears would well up just from gazing at its beauty.

Beneath the mystery of this beautiful universe, a man stood, endlessly gazing at the land of black silk traversed by the River of Stars.

The young man, sitting in a posture that could be described as "down and out," was lost in endless contemplation. With a face whose thoughts were impossible to discern, he continued to stare blankly at the night sky.

"The stars are truly beautiful. What are you thinking so deeply about, Young Master Namgung?"

Namgung Sang, recognizing the owner of the sweet voice carried by the wind, turned around in surprise. A blessing of the night. Beneath the River of Stars, bathed in the beautiful moonlight, Jin Ling stood gracefully. Her presence, illuminated by the moonlight with the starry realm behind her, was so dazzling that it was easy to mistake her for a celestial fairy descended to earth. Namgung Sang was momentarily captivated by her beauty, unable to hide his enraptured gaze. Her beauty, like that of a celestial fairy, was not of this world, and the more so, the more endlessly it enthralled him.

"Ah, Miss Jin. I can't sleep because I'm thinking about how we have to leave here tomorrow."

"Ohoho, actually, I feel the same way. It's strange, isn't it? We've had so many hardships and so few good times. Back then, I always wished I could escape this place as soon as possible, but now that we're leaving tomorrow, it doesn't feel real. I can't sleep either, so I came out to look at the stars… Young Master Namgung, you got here first and are already seated."

Jin Ling said softly, with a gentle smile. At her smile directed at him, Namgung Sang felt his heart flutter involuntarily, and his face turned red. Was this the first woman who had ever stolen his heart, now sending him a smile meant just for him, for him alone?

Her smile stirred his heart violently. In the dead of night, under the brilliant River of Stars and the full moon, the thought of conversing with the woman he deeply cherished made him feel as if his very soul was bound by her touch, his entire body tensing, his tongue stiffening, and a sense of paralysis washing over him.

The next moment, a thunderclap and the deafening sound of a bell rang in Namgung Sang's head. He couldn't immediately grasp what was happening. The situation was too sudden and too enchanting.

Because Jin Ling had sat down right beside him. Pressing her delicate, alluring body close to him… This was a clear provocation. Something hot surged from the depths of his heart, a torrent that violently overflowed his entire body. It was a tempest of emotions he couldn't control. As if sensing his feelings, Jin Ling, with a pure face that seemed to know nothing, sat beside him and continued to gaze at the beautiful stars.

"It's like black silk embroidered with jewels, isn't it? The night sky is so clear, tomorrow will surely be a nice day."

"Ah, yes, it is."

Namgung Sang stammered, still as awkward as ever. He was still lacking in the understanding and learning of the word "progress."

"Um, is your wound okay?"

Jin Ling asked, thinking of the wound on his back from the white tiger's claws in the forest, which he sustained while protecting her. It had been months, and the wound had healed, but it had been quite deep, so she was worried if there might be any lingering effects.

"My wound? Yes, I'm perfectly fi— *cough*!"

Namgung Sang's confident voice was cut short. His breath stopped simultaneously. This wasn't to say that Jin Ling had attacked him. However, Jin Ling's gentle touch on Namgung Sang's injured back with her delicate hand could have a decisive impact on his survival. Her beautiful, slender jade hands could be more terrifying than any weapon. Naturally, Namgung Sang couldn't even breathe properly.

Namgung Sang's body was stiff, and his eyes didn't move. His breathing had become very weak, and only a faint breath could be heard. Perhaps the blood had rushed to his face due to excitement, as his face felt hot.

'Huh? What is this feeling?'

Along with the ecstatic joy welling up from the depths of his heart, he felt a light pressure on his right shoulder. Jin Ling had rested her head on Namgung Sang's shoulder. Silence fell. For an unknown amount of time, they remained in that position without a word. Only silence filled the space between them.

"Thank you so much for that time."

The scales of silence tipped towards Jin Ling. She whispered in a sweet voice, thanking him for that time…

"Ah, no. I just did what I should have done."

Namgung Sang was flustered by her incredibly sweet voice.

"Even so, Young Master Namgung, you are my savior."

"That's not true. My true savior is my master. He was the one who defeated the white tiger."

Perhaps it was his pure nature, but Namgung Sang spoke the truth, not trying to take credit for others' deeds. His refusal to accept the grace of saving a life for Jin Ling's favor showed that he was an honest and upright person who didn't know how to scheme.

"But, you were the one who truly protected me from danger… You even got injured on your back because of it…"

Her smile and words were incredibly soft, and sweeter and more melodious than anything in this world to Namgung Sang.

"The wound is nothing. It's already gone. Don't worry."

However, this was a lie. On Namgung Sang's back, three long gashes from the white tiger's claws still remained deeply. They would likely never disappear. But Namgung Sang considered it a badge of honor. It was a medal earned while protecting the woman he cherished. And he didn't want to hurt her by saying the wound on his back would remain forever.

"Hmm, you're lying. It's still so clear."

Jin Ling gently stroked Namgung Sang's back again. Because the wound from that time was deep, she could feel it sufficiently through the thin fabric of his clothes. Jin Ling knew better than anyone that it wasn't a light wound that would heal easily. It was a wound that he would likely carry on his back for the rest of his life, a wound that would never fade. The fact that this wound was sustained while protecting her made her heart ache even more.

"Young Master Namgung."

She called him in a low, quiet voice.

"Yes."

Namgung Sang replied in a quiet voice as well. It was a calm and quiet voice that brought comfort to the listener. Everyone fell silent, and only a gentle stillness enveloped the two of them.

"If something like that happens again next time, can you protect me?"

"Of course."

Namgung Sang replied in a very calm, quiet, yet confident voice.

"Continuously?"

"Yes, continuously."

"Forever?"

Namgung Sang looked at Jin Ling with surprised eyes. Her eyes, sparkling in the moonlight, were deep and beautiful. Her dark pupils, holding the light of the abyss, captivated his heart with their endlessly deep and beautiful radiance. He thought that no man in this world could avoid being mesmerized by her gaze.

"I will protect you forever, until the day my life ends."

It was a calm and quiet voice filled with firm resolve. Then, Namgung Sang quietly placed his lips, bearing the vow of a promise, onto hers. It was a truly enchanting experience. In that instant, his mind was wiped blank, like white paper. Then, from his lips spreading throughout his entire body, came soft and warm sensations. Namgung Sang, intoxicated by the sweetness that plunged him into ecstasy, let go of the thread of sanity he had barely held onto. It was their first kiss.

A moment later, when Namgung Sang regained his senses, his lips were still on Jin Ling's, unwilling to part, and his left hand was supporting her white nape. His right hand was tightly embracing her waist, as if to crush it. However, they had not yet crossed the line that should not be crossed.

Despite being embraced so passionately, Jin Ling did not resist. Finally regaining his senses and assessing the situation and his actions, Namgung Sang was startled and hastily pulled away his lips and hands, then turned away from Jin Ling with an embarrassed face. As he turned away, Jin Ling pressed her back against his. Her body heat was transmitted to Namgung Sang through their backs.

Silence fell again. However, it wasn't long. This time, the scales of silence tipped towards Namgung Sang, and he moved. Without speaking, he gently took her hand. If the term "slender jade hands" were to have a form, it would be her hands. The soft touch and warmth were sensations that words could hardly express. As the stars deepened, they continued to sit with their backs pressed together, savoring each other's body heat. The warmth that warmed their hearts.

The disciples of Suzaku stood with blank expressions, sighing short sighs of "Ha" as they gazed blankly at the piercingly blue sky. For some reason, they all yawned incessantly and shed tears, looking as if they hadn't slept properly. On a bright day, looking at the blue sky with vacant expressions, the 16 virgin bachelors and spinsters. What they were thinking at that moment was known only to themselves. The 16 people standing in a line had two things in common: one was their vacant expressions, as if they were wandering in a dream, and the other was the dark circles under their eyes. There was only one reason for these symptoms.

"Didn't you sleep last night?"

Bilyeon slowly looked around his disciples.

"Well, it's understandable that you couldn't sleep, feeling the sorrow of leaving such a wonderful and respected master. Yes, of course."

Bilyeon nodded as if it were obvious. However, they all just yawned incessantly without expressing affirmation. To them, who were somewhat absurd and even a little pathetic, Bilyeon said with a meaningful twinkle in his eye.

"So, what were your thoughts, everyone?"

A brief moment of silence. They all fell into thought without speaking, wondering what they were thinking.

"Ah, that friend finally…"

Hyunwoon, a Taoist and Namgung Sang's close friend, said, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

"Ah, when will I get to do that?"

Dang Cheol-yeong also added with a complaint.

"It didn't go to the point of no return, so it's fine…"

Cheongmun, a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, said with a tone of regret.

"If it had, it would have been a disaster. Tsk, can a beggar not do such things?"

Nohak said with an expression of wanting to try it at least once. The fact that his profession as a beggar made it difficult to have such romance displeased him. But in his heart, Nohak was determined to try it someday.

"Oh, I'm so embarrassed."

It was a voice from next to Nohak. Hwaseol-yeong, who grew up smelling the fragrance of plum blossoms in Huashan, blushed her face like plum petals.

"Will it be sweet? Or sour?"

Dan Mok-su-su had an intrigued expression. She was a curious woman.

"Someone's lucky to be able to do that."

"……"

Il-gong, the bald monk from Shaolin, remained silent. He was a man of few words.

"I want to try it too…"

A woman from the Hwangbo family uttered a problematic statement, without knowing how much meaning was contained in her words.

"Ah, then with me…"

"Thwack."

Nohak's eyes bulged.

"Judging by your skill, it's definitely your first time."

Geumyeong-ho said with a serious expression, as if discussing a grave matter.

"Oh my, really. Someone's lucky."

Dan Mok-su-su said.

"If it were me, I would have just held on… Ow."

Geum's eldest son jumped around, clutching his foot. It was likely she who had mercilessly and carelessly stomped on his foot.

Namgung Sang and Jin Ling's faces were a sight to behold as they heard their comrades' impressions. Like ripe persimmons, like molten iron waiting to become a sword, their faces turned a fiery red, and they were at a loss. With an expression filled with the desperate wish to disappear into a mouse hole, they could only stomp their feet.

"You bastards, hey!"

Bilyeon, who had been silently watching the children's antics, stopped his playful smile and shouted.

"Why are you making such a racket instead of praising your master? What were you all doing last night? All of you have dark circles under your eyes, tsk tsk tsk."

Bilyeon clicked his tongue with a look of pity. Then, with a fierce gaze, his lips slightly curled, he glared at his disciples with an overbearing posture. The 16 disciples of Suzaku couldn't utter a sound and bowed their heads. A period of silence ensued, but the brief silence was quickly broken, like a teacup falling from the table. It was due to Bilyeon's sudden and unexpected action. An action that Bilyeon himself hadn't anticipated…

"Haaaaaahm!"

A sudden yawn. Startled by the unconscious yawn, Bilyeon hurriedly covered his mouth with both hands. But a yawn is like an arrow released from a bow, irreversible. Seizing this opportunity, Hyunwoon stepped forward. Hyunwoon said with a very polite expression and voice, accompanied by a very meaningful smile.

"No, Master, why are you yawning? Did you have trouble sleeping last night? You need to take care of your health."

It couldn't be said that there was no sarcasm in his tone.

"Ahem, no, I was just worried that my beloved disciple's shoulder might be unable to withstand the pressure and have some sort of issue… A swordsman's shoulder is important, so I was worried…"

But of course, no one believed him. However, they all knew that it would be difficult to escape unscathed if they argued back. In any case, he had to avoid the disciples' gazes constantly focused on him. Bilyeon suddenly turned his head and glared at Hyunwoon. His eyes flashed with brilliance.

"That's enough about me. What were you all doing yesterday?"

At that moment, everyone's shoulders tensed. It was a question that turned the tide of the situation and even reversed the battle. This time, Hyunwoon was at a loss for words. Bilyeon's meaningful gaze turned to Namgung Sang. Namgung Sang's red face turned even redder. Then, Hyunwoon stepped forward as the representative and said.

"Ah, of course, we couldn't sleep last night, regretting our departure from our highly respected and great master."

Hyunwoon, a Taoist, was shamelessly lying with a glib tongue.

"Oh, really?"

This time, Bilyeon reacted with disbelief. His gaze conveyed the meaning "Don't be ridiculous."

"Of course."

Hyunwoon said, emphasizing his certainty.

"Yes, Master. Just as Master Hyunwoon said, we couldn't sleep because of our departure from you. How could we sleep properly when we have to leave your side?"

Dan Mok-su-su actively chimed in to salvage the situation. Had they gotten away with it? Bilyeon's gaze narrowed further. With a cheerful smile and eyes drawn like crescent moons, Bilyeon scanned his disciples and said.

"Oh ho, then who were those three women on the roof last night? Did they shine even brighter from the roof?"

The shoulders of the women—Namgung Sansan, Dan Mok-su-su, and Dang Mun-hye—simultaneously tensed. They must have felt even more embarrassed inwardly.

"And who were those two men sitting on the branches of the blue pine tree, imitating owls? Was the view good?"

The shoulders of the men, Nohak and Hyunwoon, tensed. Then, the two exchanged glances. A look that meant, "How did he know?"

"And who were those two who were stuck behind the mossy rock, practicing to erase their presence?"

"And those two peeking out from behind the bushes? Did the sound of insects sound pleasant to your ears?"

However, it was the shoulders of two women, not two men, that tensed. Hwaseol-ok from Huashan and Moyong Chwi, a daughter of the Moyong family.

"The one smelling the roof of the outhouse, the one peeking around the corner of the kitchen building."

With every word Bilyeon spoke, people's shoulders tensed. The number of people Bilyeon pointed out was 14. All 14, except for Namgung Sang and Jin Ling, had been hiding somewhere last night, watching something. Namgung Sang and Jin Ling's faces had turned so pale that they could no longer be considered human. How could a human face, capable of showing blood, turn so white? Jin Ling's body swayed. Why hadn't she noticed? With 14 people in hiding around them, she, who was more than a third-rate rogue in the martial arts world, failed to notice the presence of 14 people.

One reason was that Namgung Sang and Jin Ling were so focused on their situation that they couldn't pay attention to their surroundings. Another reason was that the hidden people were also masters who had reached a level of skill that was beyond the description of first-rate. Now, the two would have difficulty showing their faces in public for a while. With what nerve would they dare to walk around with their heads held high? They might be destined to walk with their eyes on the ground for months, or even years.

Seeing their pale faces, blue lips, and stiff bodies, Bilyeon smiled playfully and said. He thought that if he teased them any longer, he might have to clean up bodies today. Those bodies could be from self-harm due to unbearable shame, or they could be from being killed by the swords of people who finally couldn't bear it and exploded into violence.

"Hmm, let's stop talking about that. It's time to leave, so it's ridiculous to quarrel and make a fuss over such things."

Bilyeon adjusted his posture slightly and said to his disciples in a weighty voice.

"Let's descend the mountain now."

The order to descend was given. Bilyeon was once again showing his demeanor as a master. They say even a stable boy who stays for three years will learn to recite poetry, and a restaurant dog who stays for three years will learn to deliver. Five months is by no means a short period for a human. Through his five months of role as a master, Bilyeon's acting skills had improved significantly, and he could now perform dignified and graceful acting with weight. Following their master, who exuded dignity with his quiet but weighty words, the disciples began to descend the mountain. Today would be the last time they would see the moon rise and set over Mount Emei. And the daily runs to the summit in the early morning, the leaps from above the waterfall, the daily chopping of firewood, and the completion of numerous other miscellaneous tasks would all end today.

On this morning of promised farewell, though it was time to leave soon, they remained as if their feet were caught by unseen hands. Bilyeon stood before the Zhongyang Escort Agency, with the 16 disciples lined up. A short distance away, 12 carriages stood in an orderly fashion, flying the unique flag of the Zhongyang Escort Agency, embroidered with lotuses and swords, with the character "中" prominently drawn in the center.

The leading carriage was a special vehicle designed to move up and down easily when it moved, specially made to transport fragile items. No, it was made like a sealed box, so it was closer to a carriage than a cart. Bilyeon knew very well what this creation, which had been specially crafted and custom-ordered at significant expense, was for. He had heard everything from the National Lord Zhang Wuyang a few days ago.

At first, the guy had been hesitant, as if he wouldn't tell him, but with a glare and a fierce look, he had kindly explained. This carriage contained the most important role and significance of this escort mission. All preparations for the escort had been completed, and they could depart at any moment once the signal was given. This escort mission was a matter of life and death for the Zhongyang Escort Agency, so National Lord Twelve Swords Zhang Wuyang himself would be commanding it, and the number of escort personnel mobilized exceeded one hundred and fifty, a massive scale. However, even this grand escort was currently being held back by one person. That person was Bilyeon.

He had lined up his disciples in front of him and was giving a rambling lecture, calling it a final farewell. But not a single person dared to say,

"It's time to leave, so let's finish up quickly and depart."

Who would dare to object, with National Lord Zhang Wuyang standing there with a resigned expression? National Lord Zhang Wuyang and his lackeys, the Zhongyang Escort Agency group, had no other choice but to wait.

With a look of regret, Bilyeon decided to give his final teachings to the disciples he had to send away. The final teachings were the essence of everything he had taught them so far, the facts he wanted them to learn, realize, and deeply feel. Even if they learned nothing else, they had to learn, feel, realize, and engrave this deep in their bones. The final teachings were delivered in the form of spiritual education.

"What is higher than the sky?"

Bilyeon asked in a quiet voice to those who had been his disciples.

"Master's grace."

They all replied in a loud, resonant voice of the same height, size, and length. It would be very difficult to do this without much practice. There must have been unseen efforts among them.

"What is deeper than the sea?"

"Master's love."

Again, they all replied in a resounding voice.

"What only gets higher the more you look up?"

"Master's grace."

"What has no end in this world?"

"Master's grace."

"What cannot be repaid even if repaid?"

"Master's grace."

After the quiz, which felt like twelve riddles, Bilyeon spoke again.

"Yes, it's finally time to part. You've all worked hard."

'Yes, we worked incredibly hard because of you.'

But no matter what they felt in their hearts, no matter how much was piled up, they knew that revealing their true feelings here would be disastrous. They all knew that.

"No, Master, you are the one who worked hard teaching us dullards."

"I don't want to send you away either, but it can't be helped."

"We don't want to leave your side, Master. (Please, send us away quickly.)"

They were all saying one thing outwardly and another inwardly. Finally, Bilyeon rolled up his sleeves and showed them to his disciples.

"This Mooryonghwan is my token. From now on, wherever and whenever you see this Mooryonghwan, no matter who it is, treat them with the same respect you show this master. It will be beneficial to your well-being. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master!"

Finally, Bilyeon heard the title of "Master" for the last time. For now, he wouldn't hear this delightful sound of "Master" anymore. Yes, for now…

"Go!"

A single word declared their farewell. Something gleamed in Bilyeon's eyes as it caught the light.

"May your body be preserved."

They must have seen an illusion, they all thought. It was probably right. Finally, they were escaping this hell. With tears of joy in their eyes for the farewell, they bowed nine times on the ground to their master, who had made them live in hell for five months. Then, they turned their backs and walked away without delay.

Everyone's steps felt light today. The place they walked towards was where the escort personnel of the Zhongyang Escort Agency, who had been waiting for them anxiously, were gathered. With the signal to depart from National Lord Zhang Wuyang, the escort mission began. Facing the departing group, Bilyeon alone remained behind. Until the escort disappeared from sight at the end of the land, Bilyeon silently stood in his place and continued to watch them. Thus, they departed, and Bilyeon was once again alone.

"Hoo, I feel empty…"

With a slightly foolish smile, Bilyeon looked up at the sky. As if unaware of his feelings, the sky was piercingly high and blue.