Chapter 35: Did I do something wrong or not?

Despite the vast differences between the modern world and the Central Plains, from lifestyles to everything else, there’s one piece of common sense that holds true here.

Namely, those who wear masks are up to no good.

Keeping a safe distance, I eavesdropped on the trespassers on our private property.

‘Hm…’

From what I could gather, the masked figures were assassins sent by someone…

Slash!

‘…That one’s definitely a master.’

The one who just beheaded an assassin was no ordinary figure.

Watching her fend off the ferocious attacks of those brutal assassins with a single worn-out sword, anyone would come to the same conclusion.

‘Ugh, I’m gonna throw up.’

It wasn’t as bad as the first time I saw a corpse, but the sight of dark red blood splattering and bodies collapsing to the ground was nauseating.

Barely holding back my gag reflex, I furrowed my brow.

The fact that a kid, who looked about my age or slightly older, possessed such power meant something clear in the Central Plains.

That little… no, that master was someone who had undergone Rejuvenation.

Rejuvenation needs no explanation. It’s when a master who has reached the absolute pinnacle reverts to a youthful body.

Still, isn’t she a bit too young? Anyway.

In a situation like this, there was only one thing for me to do.

Dash!

Run like hell.

I quickly turned back the way I came.

‘Getting caught in a fight between masters is a death sentence…’

Especially when there’s a Rejuvenated master involved. Talk about a death flag overload.

But I couldn’t just pretend I saw nothing.

“You’re back quick.”

The gatekeepers of the Baek Clan tilted their heads as they saw me running.

Panting from the sprint, I hurriedly spoke.

“Over there! Back hill! Assassins and a Rejuvenated master!”

“!”

My sentence was a mess, but they seemed to understand, their eyes widening briefly.

True to the Baek Clan’s warriors, they quickly grasped the situation and moved to report it.

Soon, about a dozen warriors gathered.

“Yes, sir!”

Thankfully, Dowan hadn’t been asleep and was leading the group.

Feeling reassured with a Hwakyung master by my side, I retraced my steps to where the fight had taken place.

But—

“…Huh?”

Despite not much time passing, there was nothing there.

No bloodstains splattered on the ground, no motionless bodies.

As if nothing had happened.

“Did you see a ghost?”

“It’s a full moon—maybe you were bewitched by the moonlight…”

The warriors behind me started muttering skeptically.

No, this is so unfair…

I’m about to become the girl who cried wolf.

But—

“…No, something definitely happened here.”

Dowan, who had been quietly observing, spoke in a low voice.

“It’s faint, but the air carries the scent of blood.”

“See! I told you it was real!”

“Describe exactly what happened here.”

At his prompt, I began explaining what I saw, gesturing wildly.

Masked assassins. A super-strong kid who took them down with a single swing.

Listening, Dowan stroked his chin with a puzzled expression.

“Hm, it does sound like a Rejuvenated master. Anything else you heard?”

“Uh… what was it?”

I racked my brain, rolling my eyes.

The master had said something about who sent the assassins…

Oh, right.

“…Blood Sect. Yeah, Blood Sect. The master said they were assassins sent by the Blood Sect Leader.”

At my words, Dowan’s eyes widened instantly.

‘…What? Why’s he reacting like that?’

His response, as if I’d said something shocking, made me even more flustered.

“You’re certain you heard the term ‘Blood Sect Leader’?”

“Uh… yes.”

I don’t think I misheard.

As I nodded, Dowan’s expression grew grave, and he fell silent, deep in thought.

Finally, he spoke seriously.

“…Alright. I’ll look into it. And don’t come out here alone at night anymore.”

“Yes, sir.”

With that, the situation was somewhat resolved, and I headed back to Baekryu Hall.

After much thought, I came to a conclusion.

‘Was I… actually in serious danger?’

Judging by the heavy atmosphere, it didn’t seem like a trivial matter.

Phew, good thing I ran.

The martial world is such a mess.

I thought the Baek Clan’s territory was safe, but for something unexpected like this to happen…

‘Gotta stay sharp in the martial world.’

Creak.

Resolving to stay on high alert, I cautiously opened the door.

But—

“…Where were you?”

“!”

Oh… I’m screwed.

Baek Yeon, somehow awake, was sitting up, staring straight at me.

The full moon made her chilling expression even clearer.

“Uh… just training a bit…”

Feeling goosebumps rise, I clasped my hands politely.

Her head tilted at my answer.

“Without my permission?”

“…”

“Did you do something wrong or not?”

Ugh, come on.

I’m not a kid to be asked questions like that!

“I’m sorry…”

Of course, I had no intention of arguing.

As I quickly apologized, her mood seemed to improve slightly.

A cold smile played on her lips as she beckoned with her finger.

“Come here.”

“Young Lady, it’s really late…”

“Come here.”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

…The martial world’s dangers? Forget that.

Baek Yeon’s behavior was the scariest thing in this world.

Swallowing my tears, I obediently approached her.

Tonight… was going to be a long one.

—

Lately, Baekryu Hall has been bustling.

Not because of the upcoming Eight Great Clans’ gathering, but because another important event is happening.

Baek Yeon’s birthday!

Unlike other direct descendants, she doesn’t hold grand banquets.

Not because she’s discriminated against, but because her… slightly lacking social skills make her uninterested in mingling with people she’s not close to.

Still, it’s her birthday, so we couldn’t just let it pass without doing anything.

We decided to have a modest (by Baek Clan standards) meal with a few people, including the Young Master…

‘Mm, fresh autumn air.’

I slipped out to the market alone to prepare for her birthday.

Of course, I told Baek Yeon I was training.

Still, I needed to finish quickly and get back.

If she found out I went out alone and got caught, like last night…

“…Ahem.”

‘Don’t think weird thoughts in broad daylight…’

Shaking off last night’s memories, I vigorously shook my head and entered the market.

But—

“Oh, it’s Ran.”

“Hello!”

Today felt… off.

“Seoran, right? Out for the Young Lady’s birthday?”

“Yes.”

There were… a lot of Baek Clan warriors in the streets.

This was the fifth greeting already.

They usually patrol, but not this many.

‘Probably because of what happened at dawn.’

I could guess why.

Unknown intruders had basically infiltrated Baek Clan territory.

They said they’d explain after investigating, but…

‘I hope it’s not a big deal.’

We’re already busy internally—external trouble would be a nightmare.

‘Quiet is best, but the world’s never easy…’

Muttering thoughts that’d make people think I’m a weird kid, I headed to Tianlong Pavilion.

Tianlong Pavilion, the largest and most famous inn in Nanchang.

The Baek Clan’s food is great, but… Baek Yeon loves the dishes here.

So, I planned to ask their chef to cater for the banquet.

Especially since I got pretty close to the innkeeper after that incident with Baek Tae-rin’s cross-dressing sword dance.

‘Quickly make the request, then get a gift…’

As I stepped into Tianlong Pavilion—

“Hey, waiter! Why can’t you serve me? I said I have plenty to pay!”

A shrill, youthful voice echoed through the inn.

…Ugh, my ears.

Rubbing them, I turned toward the sound.

There was a waiter sighing in exasperation and a young girl.

“Kid, I told you, we can’t sell alcohol to someone as young as you.”

“I’m not a kid! Ugh, youngsters these days never listen to their elders!”

“…”

A teenager talking about “youngsters” was too bizarre to ignore.

‘…She’s practically announcing she’s Rejuvenated.’

It was the same girl I saw on the hill last night.