Chapter 67 - Martial Arts Masochist

However, if I muster more courage here, could I possibly be of some help? The arrogant assumption that I might be able to assist Cheong Wol was shaking my firm belief that she would inevitably devote herself to the demon cult. "..." "..." ...No. Let's not think about it. If I make that choice, there truly would be no turning back. Why risk a gamble? It's akin to declaring an entanglement with martial artists. It would be like throwing away the resolutions and time of the past ten years. Who am I to change Cheong Wol? Becoming the demon cult's Seven Heavens must be her destined path set by this story. Let's just live earning and eating day by day. Just like I've done until now. While comforting myself with such thoughts, I suddenly realized. We had been looking into each other's eyes for quite some time. What surprised me was that Cheong Wol, too, with a serious gaze, had not avoided my eyes during that long time. I slowly moved my hand to Cheong Wol's neck. -Tak. Then, I removed the collar. "Haa..." Cheong Wol let out a long sigh as she regained her freedom. A red mark remained on her neck. It seems inevitable that traces would be left from being dragged around. Moreover, the collar, hastily acquired, had rough edges. Since it wasn't originally meant to be worn on a human neck, it seemed her neck had endured some hardship. Unintentionally, I traced her neck with my thumb. "...!" "...!" Cheong Wol flinched, and I quickly regained my composure. "...Go, it's time to leave." "Ah...okay." Cheong Wol, rubbing her bare neck, lowered her veil and started walking slowly. However, she stopped after only a few steps. "...Another ten days?" I nodded. Her reaction was now hidden behind the veil and could not be seen. She looked as if she would continue walking, but again stopped and asked. "...Are you going back to Emei Mountain?" That question felt like a noose tightening around my neck. Why are you curious? "...I must." Cheong Wol nodded again and resumed walking out of the alley. "So, where is Jang Joo resting?" Yet again, she stopped and asked. I maintained some distance this time. With a mild sigh, I replied. "It's not something you need to know." "..." Then, once more. "So, Jang Joo. As I said with Tang So Ran—" "I'm not doing it, alright. Do you think I want to be with Tang So Ran? She got mad at me and left, so what are you expecting me to do?" "...Okay." With those words, Cheong Wol departed. "Haaa..." I waited a little longer after Cheong Wol disappeared, and finally slid down the wall, sitting on the ground. Only now did I truly manage to release all my tension. A weariness overwhelmed me. Somehow, I had worn through this time as well. I had survived again. Thinking back, when I first met Cheong Wol at the brothel, I couldn't imagine that such a decent conclusion would happen. I was indeed relieved. In my relief, I sat in the dark space where she had been hiding, doing nothing for a long time, just catching my breath. Ha, but... What do I do starting tomorrow? It's been quite some time since I arrived in Chengdu. While I was just struggling to survive, I haven't particularly achieved anything. I haven't reaped any rewards, and I've lost whatever I had. The money I spent on food, Cheong Wol's collar, and for Tang Ho—Buying those few things exhausted my funds. I haven't laid the groundwork for an escape, nor have I found a way to earn money. I should leave Chengdu with some achievements, but at this rate, it could end with nothing to show. Since I wrapped up matters with Cheong Wol somehow, I'll start afresh from tomorrow. Once again, I'll calmly gather information and connections. **** Cheong Wol returned to the Tang family. A lingering feeling settled achingly in her heart. She kept rubbing her neck repeatedly. The collar she so despised and found humiliating was gone, yet... There was an odd sense of emptiness and hollowness. At the same time, the burden on her shoulders seemed to grow heavier. No longer someone's possession, she had to sustain herself as a nun of the Emei Sect. Now, she had to walk on her own and think on her own. Despite being normal procedures, they felt increasingly uncomfortable for some reason. Cheong Wol closed her eyes tightly and opened them again. She needed to steel her mind. This was a process of healing. She must not rely on others. While savoring the moment of liberation, she had to store strength to move forward. She must not become dismantled and obsessed with it. Irregular moments should be short-lived. She must return to her routine. With such a mindset, the coming ten days would be exceedingly challenging. "...Why." At that moment, someone stopped her. Startled, Cheong Wol froze in place. "Why are you wandering around so late?" Cheong Wol slowly turned her head. Tang So Ran stood there. She always holed up in her room after meetings with the novices, so it was inexplicable why she was in this area. Mistaking her for one of the Tang family's members, Tang So Ran continued. "What about that veil? Remove your hat. I need to confirm you're not affiliated with the demonic sect." Cheong Wol sighed deeply. There was indeed no need to hide her face anymore. Slowly, she discarded her hat. "...It's me, Senior Tang." And in that moment, Cheong Wol noticed Tang So Ran's half-closed eyes. "...?" For some reason, her gaze felt a bit lascivious and sticky. Feeling uneasy without any reason, Cheong Wol spoke first. "I had some matters... I came back after taking a walk. I forgot that removing the veil is customary. I apologize." "Oh, no. I didn't expect it to be you. I'm sorry for the confusion." Tang So Ran moistened her lips slightly and asked, "So, umm... Where have you been? You even left the secret association and now, being this late..." A scene flashed through Cheong Wol's mind. In a dark space, Han Seo Jin meticulously tending to Tang So Ran's feet. His gentle touch, unusually tender. Recalling that, Cheong Wol's expression instantly hardened. "...Senior Tang, you don't need to know." It was only after the words left her mouth that she realized the tone was too stiff. However, at that moment, Tang So Ran's lascivious gaze only deepened. Strangely perilous and sensual. "Haa..." Tang So Ran exhaled awkwardly and dismissively waved her hand. "Uh, yeah. Sorry. You must be tired, go and rest." Cheong Wol nodded and began to walk away to get some rest. . . . The next morning. Tang So Ran appeared before Cheong Wol. It was an early hour. This itself was unexpected for Cheong Wol. "...Yes?" However, it wasn't a simple social visit. Tang So Ran carefully extended a letter she held in her hand. "The elder is looking for you. It seems she has something to discuss." Cheong Wol slowly reached out and accepted the letter. It was unmistakably from the sect leader. The letter contained instructions that, if her exchanges were concluded, she should return to Emei Mountain. It also mentioned that there were matters to discuss. ...Indeed, she had spent quite a bit of time in Chengdu. It was about time to head back. "...It's unfortunate. You're leaving, then?" Tang So Ran spoke, oblivious to the complexity of Cheong Wol's emotions. "Still, I enjoyed our time together over the past few days. Thank you." She even offered gentle words of farewell. Somehow, it felt a bit strange and awkward. "..." Having received this letter, it seemed Cheong Wol had to depart by noon today at the latest. Though it was unsettling... there was no other option. After all, she wouldn't be able to meet Han Seo Jin for the next ten days. Cheong Wol gazed thoughtfully at Tang So Ran. ...Han Seo Jin had said he had no intention of being involved with Tang So Ran. Moreover, Tang So Ran wouldn't know that Han Seo Jin was in Chengdu. Thus, there was no need to be entangled. Cheong Wol nodded. "...I suppose I should." "Alright. If you need anything for your journey, just let me know. I'll take care of it." "...If it's not too much trouble, could you spare a few coins? My purse is a bit light..." "Sure. Don't worry about it. You know the Tang family has plenty of money." It wasn't just an empty gesture, as Tang So Ran promptly took out a silver coin from her pocket. Cheong Wol was slightly surprised at the sudden appearance of such a large sum. "..." Once again, life demonstrated how everyone navigates their path differently. Some might simply pull out a silver coin from their pocket, while others labor all day crafting leather and cord and come to Chengdu searching for a way to survive. "...This is too much..." "It's fine. Don't feel burdened. We're part of the same Secret Dragon Club, aren't we?" "..." "...We should look out for each other." Although they were part of the same club, in truth, both Cheong Wol and Tang So Ran had harbored competitive spirits toward each other. But could they lay aside that long rivalry and get along well? Cheong Wol wasn't sure. ...However, Tang So Ran seemed to desire it. Cheong Wol decided not to ignore that sentiment. She needed to maintain at least the minimum standard of courtesy. She carefully clasped her hands together and performed a respectful gesture. "Thank you, Senior. In that case, I will directly pay my respects to the guardian of the Tang family and begin my journey home." "Yes, please do. Once again, it was nice meeting you." From behind her, she could feel eyes trailing her. Even without turning back, Cheong Wol knew. Tang So Ran's gaze lingered unwaveringly upon her. The peculiar sensation of that gaze seemed to tickle her back.