Chapter 148. Cold Iron

So-hwa pulled off a finger-sized stone pillar that was attached to the window frame. When she split the small pillar into two, the noise outside the window became clear, as though a film had been lifted from her eardrums.

After placing the sound-blocking formation into a wooden box, So-hwa sat down on a chair.

Then, the seat where Namgung Hyun had been sitting caught her eye.

Namgung Hyun had admitted his identity and said he would help her with absurd ease.

So-hwa let out a hollow laugh. It was laughable that she was hesitating whether to trust him or not.

After suffering so much in the past life because of carelessness like that.

So-hwa brushed away her sympathy and moved her gaze to the window.

She reached out and opened the window wide. Then she could see the guest approaching the residence and the gatekeeper. Because the guest was walking almost at a run, the gatekeeper holding a torch was raising an alarm.

At that moment, perhaps sensing her gaze, the Wudang young martial artist snapped her head up.

So-hwa put on a welcoming smile. Since she had to make an unreasonable request to Yeon-ahh, she needed to treat her favorably.

But just as she resolved herself, So-hwa's eyes furrowed. Yeon-ah's eyes were filled with tears.

Yeon-ah quickly wiped her eyes with her sleeve, then began walking even faster toward the pavilion.

Thump, thump.

The sound of her steps climbing the stairs was so forceful it seemed like it might shatter the pavilion.

Bang.

At the sound of Yeon-ah throwing the door open, So-hwa involuntarily flinched. But though she had flung the door open in haste, Yeon-ah did not step inside, instead staring intently at So-hwa.

... She was still an overwhelming woman.

After a long moment, Yeon-ah clasped her hands together so hard it made a thwack sound.

"I greet Young Lady Tang So-hwa."

Startled, So-hwa rose from her seat and approached her.

"... No. That salute is for one's superiors."

When she subtly tried to release Yeon-ah's fist salute, Yeon-ah raised her eyes sharply.

"You are indeed my superior, my lady!"

"No."

Seeing Yeon-ah about to start saying strange things, So-hwa pulled her arm to bring her inside. But oblivious to So-hwa's dismay, Yeon-ah spoke in a bright voice.

"Since I have returned to the Tang Clan after a long time, I will give my greeting properly again."

Bang.

So-hwa hurriedly shut the door.

If anyone heard, they might misunderstand that she had planted a spy in the Wudang Sect. She did not want to add strange rumors while entangled with the Blood Sect.

So-hwa's face grew as pale as a corpse.

So-hwa was not easily flustered, but Yeon-ah had achieved the difficult task.

Watching her take a seat, Yeon-ah asked in a worried voice,

"Young Lady So-hwa, you must have suffered a great deal. You look pallid."

... It’s because of you.

So-hwa could not say that, since she had to ask a favor.

Yeon-ah had won the Martial Arts Tournament this year and was to be awarded the Cold Iron. So-hwa had to persuade her to sell it to her, and so she awkwardly smiled.

"I've been thinking about many things lately, so I'm a little tired."

Yeon-ah clenched her fist.

"Don't worry! I will definitely find the remaining Blood Sect members in Hubei and tear them limb from limb."

Like a cub imitating its mother bear, Yeon-ah puffed herself up awkwardly. The bold tone carried the Tai Chi Sword Saint.

So-hwa felt a faint sense of guilt as she looked at the woman who was like a magnolia that had swallowed a bear.

She thought Yeon-ah must have undergone training as grueling as Tang Hak's.

Indeed, even the Tai Chi Sword Saint was a close friend of the Black Sky Demon, so it was impossible for the Taoist to be a normal master.

"... Please sit first."

Squeak.

Yeon-ah immediately sat. Her movement was too quick to see.

She straightened her posture and once more fixed So-hwa with an oppressive gaze.

So-hwa deliberately pretended not to notice that clear light in her eyes.

But Yeon-ah kept her eyes sparkling and waiting for So-hwa to speak.

So-hwa instinctively knew that if she asked about the events that had happened, she would hear words she could not handle, so she skipped the greetings and went to the point.

"I heard you won the Martial Arts Tournament. Congratulations."

"It's nothing. I still have a long way to go. Please wait a little longer."

So-hwa pretended not to hear the ending and asked.

"I heard the prize was Cold Iron. Did you receive it?"

Yeon-ah's expression darkened.

"No. Given the current situation, I don't think they'll hold an award ceremony this year."

"Even if they don't hold a ceremony, won't they still give the prize?"

"Yes. The headquarters is said to have much wealth, so they wouldn't be stingy with Cold Iron. If they don't give it, I'll lie down and refuse to move until I get it."

Yeon-ah said fiercely, full of distrust.

So-hwa felt somewhat daunted by that answer.

'What should I do. It seems Yeon-ah also truly needs Cold Iron.'

Of course, since Yeon-ah wielded a sword, she would value Cold Iron highly.

And as a Cold Iron granted to a young martial artist of the Murim Alliance—a gift only received once in a lifetime—how great its meaning must be.

But Cold Iron was also something she desperately needed.

So-hwa carefully opened her mouth.

"In truth, I came to see you because I wished to ask a favor."

"... At last, the time has come."

"Pardon?"

"No, please go on."

So-hwa pushed aside her unease and continued.

"It is difficult to tell you the reason, but I am in need of Cold Iron, so perhaps..."

Clatter.

Yeon-ah rose from her seat.

"Please wait just a moment. I'll go to the headquarters now and fetch it."

"Now?"

"Ah, is it too late at this hour? Then please tell me a convenient time. I will bring it accordingly."

So-hwa stared at her for a moment, then asked,

"... What would you like in return?"

"In return?"

"Is there not something you want from me? That is why I thought you agreed so readily, as if you had been waiting."

At her words, Yeon-ah's brows lowered. With a hurt look, she parted her lips and spoke.

"Something I want? It isn't like that! I had already intended to gift the Cold Iron to you if I received it."

Yeon-ah, who had looked ready to pour out her grievance, suddenly lowered her voice.

"Ah, but... how much Cold Iron do you need? If it's not too much trouble, could you spare just a little for Divine Physician Jin-cheol? Just enough for a small blade..."

"I do not intend to keep using it. Once I am done, I will melt it down and return it to you. So there is no need for such worry."

"Ah! That's a relief! Then please wait just a little while. I'll go quickly to the general manager and lie down—no, I will request the prize and come back.”

Yeon-ah turned her body.

"You won't have to wait long. I'll do my utmost to get it! If the headquarters delays out of reluctance to give it, I'll even sneak over the wall—"

"... You must not climb walls."

"Yes, no climbing walls."

Though Yeon-ah now wore a grave expression as if considering other methods, which made So-hwa uneasy, she could not stop her.

She was in no position to refuse.

"Then let us speak again after you return."

Before leaving, Yeon-ah gave another clasped-fist salute.

To any onlooker, she would seem a loyal sect member bidding farewell to her sect leader before setting out on a mission.

Yeon-ah left the hall as swiftly as she had entered. The torches outside flickered even more violently, perhaps because the clan member was running to keep up with her.

Just as So-hwa let out a deep sigh, a light breeze brushed in through the window.

The hand that swept across her weary face stopped at her lips.

Whoosh.

As the resin-scented wind blew again, warmth brushed past her side.

So-hwa slowly turned her gaze forward.

In the seat where Yeon-ah had sat, another person was now seated.

Namgung Jin loosened the cloth covering his face and asked in a smooth tone,

"I did not know you and Taoist Yeon-ah were so close."

Lifting his gaze, Namgung Jin met her eyes.

"What do you intend to use the Cold Iron for?"