Chapter 18 In the mountains near Hubei Province—
"Huff, huff…!"
A martial artist's figure burst between the trees, breath ragged. His lightness skill flared from the underbrush as swift as the wind.
Damn it! They've chased me this far already!
His speed faltered for only an instant, yet the distance between him and the ghost pursuing him closed immediately. At this rate, being caught was only a matter of time.
Was it because the opponent's dreadful reputation flashed through his mind? For a moment, he even considered handing over the spiritual treasure the man sought and begging for his life.
"…No. I can't."
Shaking his head, the martial artist clutched the spiritual treasure hidden against his chest and hardened his resolve.
For the sake of my senior brothers who died in vain, I can never hand this over…!
No matter what, he had to survive and deliver it to the Mount Hua Sect.
To warn them that an unknown shadow was targeting them.
The carriage passed through a bustling marketplace and stopped before a reasonably sized inn.
As Yeo Il entered with Chang-a's support, the lively interior quieted abruptly.
"Let's take the innermost table."
"Let's."
No sooner had Seol-yeong chosen the quietest spot than a young waiter approached, stealing curious glances at Yeo Il.
"Will you be dining only?"
"Yes. Four bowls of somyeon, Kung Pao chicken, and Dongpo pork. Make one bowl of noodles smaller. Bring out the chicken and pork first."
"Yes, and no alcohol, correct?"
"No."
Not long after the waiter left, two men approached their table.
"Ahem. Miss, I believe you dropped something."
One held out a scrap of gauze and spoke nonsense. As though accustomed to such situations, Seol-yeong waved them away.
"That isn't the young lady's. Move along."
"Hm? I was clearly speaking to the lady. Why is some random man answering?"
Ignoring Seol-yeong, the two men pulled out chairs and leaned toward Yeo Il.
"I've never seen you here before… Where are you from? Hubei? Henan? Anhui?"
Chang-a frowned and clutched Yeo Il's arm, glaring at them. The uninvited guests remained seated.
"Haha, look at this. I've ruled Hubei for years. You're definitely from Henan or Anhui."
Their laughter echoed through the silent inn.
"Let me tell you—the noodles and pork here aren't good. Why not eat lightly and head to Fenghua Inn? Their pork is excellent. We'll pay—"
Bang!
A long scabbard slammed vertically into the center of the table.
Over the crumpled gauze, a rough voice dropped coldly.
"What business do you have with my sister, you trash?"
The air froze.
"If you have something to say, say it to me. What was it? Do you want your mouths cut open? Or have you grown tired of living?"
With his thumb subtly revealing the blade within the scabbard, the two men turned pale.
"I-I was out of line."
"P-please enjoy your meal."
They fled.
The one who took their vacated seat was Namgung Hui-myeong, third son of the Namgung Clan.
"Tsk. Fools who lose their minds over women."
Yeo Il had known he was bold, but she had not expected him to be the same outside the clan.
With a faint smile, she spoke softly.
"Should a young master of the clan act so on my account alone?"
"Hmph. What do I care? Those bastards don't know where I'm from."
It was believable. His attire was modest travel clothing, far removed from his groomed appearance within the Namgung Clan.
His fierce expression and coarse speech made him look like a street ruffian—though the noble air of his upbringing lingered.
"Lord Hui-myeong."
"What?"
"Has something unpleasant happened these past few days? Your voice sounds strained."
"…You're like a ghost."
At that moment, their food arrived.
Pushing a dish toward her, Namgung Hui-myeong continued irritably,
"I didn't rest a single day on the way here. I had to stay sharp in case someone lunged at me."
"Did something happen?"
"On the first day, we disguised a maid as you and left Anhui Province together. It was Elder Brother's plan, for your safety."
He exhaled sharply.
"And as if they'd been waiting, assassins appeared every night from the first day onward. Just how did you make it back to Anhui alive?"
So Namgung Jeok-myeong had been concerned for her safety.
Seol-yeong snorted quietly.
But Yeo Il thought differently.
He may pretend to worry and disguise a maid. But there is no reason to endanger the third son's life.
Namgung Jeok-myeong seemed to cherish Namgung Hui-myeong. Yet assassins from the first day? It did not fit.
"I was fortunate. Without the help of a certain knight-errant, I might not be here."
"What unlucky words."
Despite his bluntness, Yeo Il maintained courtesy.
"Thank you for telling me, Lord Hui-myeong."
"If you're thankful, drop the 'Lord Hui-myeong.'"
"I am grateful. Usually… such matters are hidden from me. Perhaps because I am weak and blind."
"Maybe. But I hate that."
"…"
"Being hushed and shielded because I'm the youngest. I can't stand it. So don't expect me to treat you like a greenhouse flower either. A member of the Namgung Clan must grow strong."
Perhaps Namgung Hui-myeong had been overprotected more than expected. For Yeo Il, that belief was convenient.
"Still, it is strange. I also faced assassination attempts on the way here."
In an instant, his expression hardened.
Bang!
"Are you saying assassins targeted you as well?"
He glanced around, then quickly finished half a bowl of noodles and jerked his chin toward the door.
"Let's talk outside."
He paid and exited.
After walking some distance, he paused.
"Ah. Your meal."
"This is enough. Please don't worry."
She coughed lightly. He frowned.
"You call that eating? No wonder you're weak."
Seol-yeong muttered, "This is absurd."
Outside, Namgung Hui-myeong looped Yeo Il's arm around his and passed their carriage, seemingly intent on switching to another.
His hand was cold.
"Only my two brothers, my uncle, and I know you've left. Everyone else believes you're bedridden. Which means… the one sending assassins after you is someone in our family."
Yeo Il did not conceal her surprise.
The third son knows this?
It was unexpected. She had judged him uninterested in household matters.
Yet he was facing reality sharply.
"You might not want to believe it. But reality is cold."
"…I didn't expect such a judgment from you, Lord Hui-myeong."
"Why be surprised? Shouldn't you be shocked that blood relatives might target you? Many think I'm nothing more than a sword-crazed fool."
"But they're family."
"So?"
"…People do not usually imagine their own blood capable of such things."
After a long pause, he replied,
"You say that because you don't know what our household has been like these past few years."
Unfortunately, she could not ask further.
A suspicious presence had begun trailing them from behind.
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