Chapter 64 – The Shadowless One (5)

‘If I were to lose it, it would be a disaster. My brother would have my head.’

Her value in the imperial palace rested on a political marriage. As such, the Shadowless One had to protect her purity at all costs.

But short of selling her body, there was no way to get close to Yu-jin. Unable to think of any other method, the Shadowless One let out a deep sigh and finally picked up a brush and inkstone.

“I have no choice. I must call my master. Fortunately, he is not far from here.”

The Shadowless School had a tradition where the master would retire after passing everything down to their disciple.

Her master was enjoying a life of leisure in retirement, but his help was essential to fulfill the school’s long-standing wish. She couldn’t handle Yu-jin and his companions on her own.

In the end, the Shadowless One wrote a letter detailing her situation and the matter of the Twelve Treasures, then sent it off with a carrier falcon.

A few days later, the falcon returned, carrying another letter for her. The message was a single sentence.

-Wait for me.

The former and current Shadowless Ones had now begun to target Kang Yu-jin.

* * *

Yu-jin decided to stay in Chengdu for the time being. That alone was enough to draw out the Shadowless One.

Ju Yun-hui. The deadline she had promised the emperor was three months, and she had to return to the imperial palace within that time.

Yu-jin didn’t know how much time she had left, but he knew she would make her move before it ran out.

“I wonder what method she’ll use to take it.”

She must be well aware of the significant difference in their martial strength. Therefore, it was clear she would not confront him directly.

That left her with few options. Perhaps she would disguise herself as another beautiful woman to approach him, or target someone close to him.

‘In that case, the only person she could touch would be Ran.’

It was virtually impossible to harm So-un, Ye-jin, or Seol-rin. Ran, on the other hand, was weaker than the other women, even though she had reached the pinnacle realm.

‘I should probably tell Seol-rin to keep a close eye on Ran.’

Ran was currently training with Eun Seol-rin. The training was harsher than usual; Seol-rin, holding a grudge against Ran for abandoning her to Yu-jin’s clutches a few days ago, was tormenting her under the guise of training.

Ye-jin had gone out, saying she had something to buy for So-un, and was currently browsing the shops. For the first time in a while, Yu-jin was enjoying some personal freedom.

“Hmm, the young ladies of Sichuan are beautiful too.”

With nothing better to do, Yu-jin was happily admiring the women passing by. Just then, a waiter approached him with a troubled expression and spoke.

“Excuse me, sir. There are no tables available for these people. Would you mind if they shared yours?”

At his words, Yu-jin looked up and saw a middle-aged man and a young woman. Judging by their similar features and auras, he concluded they must be father and daughter and nodded his head.

The waiter’s face brightened, and he guided the two to Yu-jin’s table.

“Thank you for sharing your table, young hero.”

“It’s nothing. They say all men under heaven are brothers, so we should help each other in times of need. Please, have a seat.”

The middle-aged man smiled at Yu-jin’s words. He then placed an order with the waiter standing nearby before turning back to Yu-jin.

“Where are you headed, young man?”

“I’ve come to Sichuan to travel. I think it’s a wonderful place.”

The middle-aged man nodded at his words. His gesture held a hint of pride for Sichuan.

“Sichuan is a magnificent place indeed. Have you decided where you’ll visit?”

“Not really. I’m just going wherever my feet take me.”

“You seem to have been raised in comfort, yet you live so freely. Quite unexpected for a young man.”

Seemingly pleased with Yu-jin’s answer, the middle-aged man nodded repeatedly. From the aura of this man, who appeared to be in his late forties or early fifties, Yu-jin was certain he was a considerable master.

He examined them more closely just in case, but he couldn’t sense anything particularly special from either the middle-aged man or the woman.

“By the way, have we met somewhere before? Your face seems strangely familiar.”

“I don’t think so. This is my first time in Sichuan.”

“May I know your name? Don’t try to deceive me. I already know you’re no ordinary man.”

The subtle aura emanating from Yu-jin was something only those who had reached a certain level could perceive, and the middle-aged man was clearly sensing it. At that moment, the woman, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

“He just looks like some kid from a well-to-do family. I don’t know why you’re so interested, Father. At a glance, he looks like the type to show off the little martial arts he’s learned.”

The middle-aged man wore a troubled expression at his daughter’s words. He hadn’t expected her to speak so harshly in front of someone.

“Yu-min! Good heavens, this is so embarrassing. This child still lacks the eye to judge people. I apologize on her behalf. To say such things in the presence of a dragon among men.”

“Haha, it’s quite alright. It happens.”

The woman looked startled and took a closer look at Yu-jin before speaking.

“I’m not so sure. This is the first time I’ve ever seen you praise someone so highly, Father.”

“Tsk, tsk. How many times have I told you not to judge people by their appearance? If I’m right, this young man is surely one of the Eight Dragons. There aren’t many young men who can exude an aura like this. Even if I were to fight him, I don’t think I could win. He’s a truly powerful master.”

The woman stared in disbelief.

“That’s impossible. You’re saying this man could defeat you? Is he the Divine Sword Dragon, the strongest of the Eight Dragons?”

At his daughter’s words, the middle-aged man smiled slyly again and looked at Yu-jin, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“I am indeed that Kang Yu-jin.”

The woman’s face filled with shock, while the man, confirmed in his belief, broke into a wider smile.

“I knew it. A subtle yet intensely powerful aura. And now I think I know why your face seemed so familiar. Your portrait is circulating everywhere. My, my, my introduction is late. I am Ha Wol, the Wolf Fang Sword. This is my daughter, Ha Yu-min. She’s just setting out into the martial world for the first time, so she doesn’t have a title yet.”

The Wolf Fang Sword was a very famous swordsman in the world of wandering warriors. While most wanderers were third or second-rate martial artists, the Wolf Fang Sword was a legendary figure who had overcome countless trials to reach the pinnacle realm.

Many clans, respecting his efforts, tried to recruit him, and he eventually joined the Cold Sky Sword Sect, a well-known sword sect in Sichuan. He had proudly achieved the dream of every wandering warrior.

“Regardless, it’s an honor to meet you like this, young hero. I heard you, Lady Moon Empress, and the masters of the Diancang Sect played a major role in the recent subjugation of the Mad Demonic King, didn’t you?”

The subjugation of the Mad Demonic King was an event so monumental it had shaken the entire Central Plains.

The Mad Demonic King had become an object of fear after killing a hundred people in Sichuan Province and slaughtering hundreds more in Yunnan Province. The story of the Moon Empress and the Divine Sword Dragon felling him alongside the masters of the Diancang Sect was already famous.

In particular, an unconfirmed rumor that Kang Yu-jin was the one who delivered the final blow had spread, causing his fame to soar endlessly.

As if to prove it, Ha Yu-min, who had maintained a haughty attitude just moments before, was now blushing.

“A major role? I merely lent my name. The ones who truly distinguished themselves were the Lady Moon Empress and the warriors of the Diancang Sect.”

“Haha, you’re humble, unlike most young people these days. I can’t just let this meeting with a dragon among men pass by. Waiter, bring us some Wuliangye!”

At Ha Wol’s words, the waiter smiled brightly. Wuliangye, along with Jiannanchun, was one of Sichuan’s representative liquors and quite expensive, so he couldn’t help but be pleased to sell it.

The waiter moved with a speed that could make one mistake him for a martial arts master, delivering the liquor before retreating.

Yu-jin raised his cup and accepted the liquor Ha Wol poured. He then quickly took the bottle and made sure to fill Ha Wol’s cup in return.

“Khaha, Wuliangye is truly the best liquor. Hm? Yu-min, what’s wrong? Isn’t this your favorite, Wuliangye?”

“Ah, Dad!”

Ha Yu-min cried out, her face flushing at her father’s words, and Ha Wol waved his hand as if he understood. Yu-jin watched the father and daughter with a subtle smile. Seeing such a close relationship between them naturally lifted his spirits.

Though it was broad daylight, Yu-jin drank the liquor Ha Wol offered. His body naturally detoxified the alcohol, so he didn’t feel drunk at all.

“This must be fate. Why don’t you visit our sect? I’d like to teach our disciples what true greatness looks like.”

“I’d be happy to. But are you sure it’s alright?”

“Of course. No, it would be an honor for us. Our Sect Leader might even rush out in a hurry to see you.”

Ha Wol couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of his stern Sect Leader scrambling in a fluster.

Just then.

“Father, aren’t you considering my feelings at all?”

Ha Yu-min asked with a pout. She was about to begin her journey in the martial world, and now she had to return to the sect without having done anything. It was only natural for her to be upset.

She had heard that Kang Yu-jin was incredible, but being a practical person, she quickly gave up on any ideas. She was well aware that he already had a fiancée, so her resignation came swiftly.

‘There’s no need to waste my precious time on a man I can’t have.’

That was Ha Yu-min’s thought, but Ha Wol shook his head.

“You can start your journey anytime, but meeting someone like Young Master Kang again is a truly difficult thing.”

Ha Yu-min scowled at her father’s words but nodded nonetheless.

And so, Yu-jin decided to accompany the father and daughter, Ha Wol and Ha Yu-min, to the Cold Sky Sword Sect. He left a message with the waiter that if anyone came looking for him, they should wait at the inn.

‘Resting like this isn’t so bad.’

Yu-jin was savoring a long-overdue moment of leisure.

‘The Cold Sky Sword Sect…’

It was a sect overshadowed by the Qingcheng and Emei Sects, but it was still quite famous for its swordsmanship in this region.

However, Yu-jin knew the hidden secret of the Cold Sky Sword Sect all too well.