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chapter 48
The Volcano Sect was a secluded Daoist school. They built the main hall in the rugged mountains to minimize contact with the outside world and focus on their cultivation.
Yet an elder, who only met the minimum number of people necessary for running the sect, had asked to meet us first? That was truly remarkable.
“I’m so worried I might accidentally offend the elder.”
“The elders are more generous to outsiders than anyone else. You needn’t worry.”
Although Wuyue reassured me, I couldn’t help feeling nervous. Until the day of our departure, I fussed endlessly over what greetings to give the elder and what gift to bring.
“Sojin, what do you think of this?”
“Wouldn’t something more practical be better?”
Since early morning, I had dragged my father to the upper warehouse of our guild. With more suppliers than ever, the warehouse was packed, yet I couldn’t find anything suitable.
What kind of things do Daoists usually need? I should have had some experience with them…
Even as I thought this, the departure time crept closer. At this rate, we wouldn’t even have tea with the family.
“I guess it’s safest to go with some fabric.”
“That’s the most practical choice.”
I loaded several bolts of the finest white silk onto the cart and headed with my father to where the rest of the family was.
“I’m glad you’re settling in comfortably.”
“It’s all thanks to my wife taking such good care of me.”
“Hoho.”
Wuyue, who had been keeping my mother company over tea, noticed me and smiled. My mother warmly welcomed me.
“Have you chosen a gift?”
“I thought fabric would be the safest option, so I went with that.”
“Practical and thoughtful, good choice.”
I sat beside Wuyue. My mother poured tea for me and said:
“You’re positively blooming. It’s a relief to see you getting along so well with your son-in-law.”
“It’s all thanks to Shangong taking such good care of me.”
“Oh my, the way you answer is just like a married couple already.”
“Is managing the household going smoothly?”
“So far, yes.”
“If there’s anything you don’t know, you can always ask us.”
“I will.”
“You’re eating properly three times a day, right?”
“Of course. And Mother, are you taking your herbal tonics properly?”
“Of course. Who’s taking care of you?”
“How’s Father these days? Not drinking with his friends every night, I hope?”
“Hmph, the homemade liquor has been too tasty lately.”
As I chatted with my parents, I suddenly realized:
Even facing my parents, I don’t feel as anxious as before.
Living apart definitely made me less self-conscious. Of course, the desire to be a proud daughter remained.
But…
I glanced to my left.
Why hasn’t my older brother said anything since earlier?
For once, the entire family was gathered, yet my brother sat holding his teacup, staring into space. When he wanted to thank Wuyue personally, why was he now silent?
Unable to contain myself, I spoke up.
“Brother, don’t you have something to say to Shangong?”
“Huh?”
Even as he spoke, his eyes remained fixed on nothingness. I felt slightly frustrated.
“Brother, don’t you remember the letter you sent last time? You said you wanted to thank Shangong personally.”
“Was that really what my letter said…?”
“Brother!”
Frustrated, I shouted, and my brother abruptly stood up.
“Soheop, please fight outside instead!”
“…Brother?”
“If we’re going to break something, break the dishes, not the floor…!”
Startled by my brother’s sudden outburst, my mother intervened.
“Jin, pull yourself together. This isn’t an inn.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Her calm words brought a slight light back into my brother’s eyes. Looking around nervously, he covered his face.
“I’m sorry. I haven’t slept properly for several days, so I’m like this.”
“Brother…”
Are patrons of inns doomed never to be happy? My eyes involuntarily moistened. Wuyue, sensing my brother’s serious state, asked:
“Are there that many people fighting in inns?”
Without hesitation, my brother nodded.
“Yes.”
“If it’s not rude, I’d like to visit an inn sometime. I also have something to tell you—”
“Absolutely not!”
Before Wuyue could finish, my brother leapt up. I was puzzled.
“Why? Is there a reason Shangong shouldn’t visit an inn?”
“The troublemakers are mostly looking for Wuyue, or rather, my younger brother-in-law.”
“Eh?”
I was surprised again, but Wuyue just looked unsurprised.
“They want to defeat me publicly to gain fame.”
“So I decided to post a notice in our shop that my younger brother-in-law should never come. There’s been no real effect yet, but if he visits the inn…”
“Word would spread, and people would come again.”
Muttering this, Wuyue bit his lip lightly.
“To think my brother would suffer because of me…”
“Not at all. Thanks to it, business is going very well. Even after repair costs, the profits are decent.”
It was truly unfortunate.
Now I understand why famous martial artists live in hiding.
Even in famous sects or noble families, such incidents don’t happen because the consequences are too daunting. But for someone without a strong background like Wuyue, anyone could challenge him repeatedly.
I feel bad about this.
If I had married into a prominent family, we wouldn’t have to worry about this. I was staring at the ground when Wuyue said:
“Don’t make that face. It’s not Soheop’s fault.”
“No, since it happened because of me, I should handle it. Other customers and nearby merchants could be affected, so I think it’s best to take action quickly.”
“Do you have a plan?”
“…I’m glad I told him to come anytime.”
“Huh?”
“Brother, I want to have a private word with you.”
They stepped a little away from us and began talking. What was Wuyue planning? Curious, I watched. My brother’s expression shifted constantly as he listened.
“Could it really work…?”
“It will be resolved smoothly.”
Returning with a dazed look, my brother seemed even more bewildered than before. What could they have discussed? My curiosity grew.
“Well then, we’ll be off.”
“Travel safely. Oh, you mentioned stopping somewhere else on the way back, right?”
“Yes, so we’ll be back a few days later.”
Wuyue bowed apologetically.
“Sorry, it’s because of me…”
“Nonsense. As a disciple, you must visit your master’s grave.”
That’s right. On the way back, we planned to visit Wuyue’s master’s tomb. My mother patted Wuyue’s shoulder a few times.
“Pay your respects properly.”
Wuyue nodded. After greeting the family, we climbed into the carriage. Anghwa and Dohwa mounted their horses as well, and with the clatter of hooves and wheels, we departed. Yet Wuyue didn’t look pleased.
“Why the long face?”
“…I feel I suggested this too suddenly—”
Wuyue had not originally intended to visit his master’s grave. But after Wunyeop Soheop left, feeling troubled, he suggested stopping by with me.
“Why did you make that suggestion all of a sudden?”
“There’s no grand reason. I just felt it would be unfair not to introduce you to my master.”
“Exactly. If possible, we should greet everyone. But I’m not sure if my gift will please your master.”
“He’ll definitely like it.”
Surprisingly, choosing a gift for Wuyue’s master was easy. Wuyue had hinted that his master liked flowers.
So I prepared a handkerchief embroidered with magnolias, instead of fresh flowers that would wilt. Magnolias symbolize respect—a perfect gift.
Little did I know then, this handkerchief would end up being given to someone else entirely.
