Chapter 34: Why in someone else’s front yard?

“…Um, Master Dowan.”

I adjusted my posture to be more respectful.

After all, it’s a subordinate’s duty to offer honest advice when their superior is about to make a mistake.

The real reason, of course, was that I was afraid of getting smacked again for contradicting my master, so I figured I’d better act polite.

Anyway.

“I know I’m a genius, but… isn’t that a bit, uh, excessive? I mean, impossible?”

Even if I’ve just barely stepped into the first-rate realm, reaching that level at 15 is already something that would be counted among the rarest in the long history of the martial world.

Sure, in modern wuxia novels, first-rate seems like it’s everywhere, but in reality, it’s an incredibly high level.

And now, sword aura?

Isn’t that a technique only peak masters can use?

I don’t doubt Dowan… but he’s still human.

What if, driven by greed, he pushes me to produce sword aura and ends up damaging my meridians by training me too hard…?

“I’m not expecting a full-fledged sword aura, so drop that suspicious look.”

“What’s wrong with my eyes…?”

“‘Doubt’ is practically carved into them.”

Oh, was it that obvious?

I quickly lowered my gaze, and Dowan continued.

“I’m not asking for a sword aura that can actually cut. Just make your qi visible enough to show others. You’re exceptionally skilled at sensing and manipulating qi, so it shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Hm…”

“We need to show the guests that the Baek Clan has another genius besides Young Master Taehyuk. Heh heh.”

“…”

Please, don’t laugh like that.

His sly chuckle made him seem less like a righteous sect member and more like some evil demon from a demonic cult.

Thwack!

“Ow!”

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop thinking weird things?”

Damn… was it that obvious?

I need to work on my poker face.

‘Still, hitting the same spot?’

Rubbing my slightly swollen forehead, I grumbled.

“But in the end, it’s just a fake aura, right? It won’t be useful…”

“Useless? That’s something only someone ignorant of the world would say.”

He clicked his tongue, shaking his head, then pointed at me.

“Why do you think the Huashan Sect wears plum blossom-embroidered robes meant for women?”

“…?”

“Have you ever wondered why the Zhuge Clan always carries iron fans despite rarely using fan techniques?”

“Uh…”

I rolled my eyes.

“Well… because it’s their symbol?”

“Exactly! Symbols matter.”

He straightened his shoulders, speaking confidently.

“Everything in this world has symbolic value. That sword aura will be a great asset when you venture into the martial world. It’s a mark of a peak master—its mere presence will make others hesitate.”

“…”

“At this gathering, if you can even faintly produce sword aura, the guests will be in awe and praise the Baek Clan’s bright future.”

Oh…

“Of course, behind closed doors, they’ll be writhing in jealousy! Hahaha!”

“So…”

I said cautiously.

“You want to show off to the other clans, so you’re telling me to make a fake aura to flaunt?”

That’s what it boils down to, right?

“…”

Dowan fell silent.

Thwack!

“Argh!”

All I got was an even harder flick to the forehead.

—

“Ugh, I’m dying…”

A groan slipped out of me.

Despite all the fancy talk, Dowan’s orders were basically to create a sword aura for bragging rights, so I was stuck training for another half shichen (about an hour).

It was so late that the moon was high in the sky.

Training from noon until now had left me mentally and physically drained.

I should wash up before going to Baek Yeon—she’d hate it if I showed up all sweaty…

‘…She would hate it, right?’

I paused, recalling how Baek Yeon had clung to me unusually tightly when she came to watch my training.

But I shook my head.

No way. Even if she’s a bit… twisted, she wouldn’t have that kind of weird fetish.

My girl might lack manners, patience, social skills, and decorum, but she’s not that weird… right?

Anyway.

Pushing the odd thoughts aside, I washed up and headed to Baekryu Hall, where Baek Yeon was waiting.

I paused at the door to catch my breath.

Creak—

“You’re late!”

As expected, Baek Yeon shouted the moment I opened the door.

‘Well, her energy’s a good sign…’

Her booming voice rang in my ears, and I let out a wry chuckle.

She’s 17 now.

Without me, her Nine Yin Blocked Meridians would’ve made things tough by now, but I was by her side.

That’s why she was so full of energy.

Normally, I’d rush to her side to calm her down, but…

I was too exhausted today.

Thud.

Without responding, I collapsed onto the bed where she was leaning.

“…Tired?”

Noticing my state, her tone softened as she asked.

I turned my head to look up at her.

“A little… no, a lot.”

Ugh, I’m so tired I can’t even pretend otherwise.

She must’ve heard the exhaustion in my voice.

Her anger faded, and she gently stroked my hair.

‘…Oh, this is nice.’

Normally, I’d tell her to stop because it’s embarrassing, but it felt comforting, so I closed my eyes and let her continue.

“I shouldn’t have let you learn martial arts. It’s cutting into our time together…”

She pouted, and I gave an awkward smile.

I partly agreed, but… if I didn’t have strength, more people would’ve used me as an excuse to insult her.

Now, no one dared badmouth her (at least to her face).

Even that Young Master’s brother went silent around me.

My talent was part of it, but… the Baek Clan Leader’s protection helped too.

It was tough, but for Baek Yeon, it was worth it.

Protecting your “little sister” (even if she’s older in body) comes with some sacrifices, right?

As I savored her gentle touch, she continued.

“But why are you this late today? You’re not usually this late.”

“Oh… uh, something about a clan gathering at the Baek estate. They want me to do something there.”

My explanation was half-hearted from exhaustion, but she seemed to get it.

“Hm, so it’s at our clan this time.”

“You know about it?”

“Roughly. I’ve never gone myself. Taehyuk handles the external stuff.”

“Hm.”

Well, since I’m considered a genius in the Baek Clan, they probably couldn’t resist showing me off.

‘Wonder how he’s doing.’

It’s been over a year since Baek Tae-rin left for some Martial Alliance business.

No news is good news, right?

A peak master like him wouldn’t get into trouble easily, so I let the thought go.

“So, will you attend this time, Young Lady?”

“Since they’re calling you, probably…”

She sighed, her face crumpling.

“Ugh, what a hassle. Just thinking about dealing with people gives me a headache.”

“Haha…”

After some more small talk, she yawned softly.

“I’m sleepy… Let’s sleep, Seoran.”

“Oh, okay.”

The lights went out.

Familiarly nestled in her arms, I buried my face in her chest, blinking quietly.

‘The clan gathering…’

Despite my exhaustion, my mind was too busy to sleep.

Soon, her breathing beside my ear grew steady.

If I waited another quarter shichen, she’d be so deeply asleep that even shaking wouldn’t wake her.

Rustle.

I carefully slipped out of her embrace.

Moonlight filtered through the window, faintly illuminating her face.

She was fast asleep, oblivious to the world, and I let out a small chuckle.

Honestly, I didn’t care much about Dowan’s push for sword aura.

The Baek Clan’s reputation didn’t matter to me.

But… if it was about Baek Yeon’s reputation, that changed things.

‘Who else will uphold her honor if not me?’

I wanted her to stand tall in front of strangers, proud of “her person.”

Ugh, the things I do for you.

I gently patted her head and headed outside.

—

To create sword aura (well, a fake one), I needed to skillfully manipulate my internal energy.

Internal energy is refined from the natural qi of the world, stored in the body.

In other words, qi and nature are closely linked.

So, instead of heading to the training hall, I went to a hill near the Baek Clan estate.

Being in an open space, feeling the breeze, helped me calm my mind and manage my qi.

It sounds like some new-age nonsense, but it’s a legitimate method.

There’s a reason eccentric masters retreat to remote mountains for training.

That’s why the Baek Clan bought this pricey hill in the middle of the capital.

It’s a private training ground for clan members.

But—

Clang!

‘Hm…’

A girl, slightly smaller than me, was deftly fending off attacks from black-masked figures with her sword.

With a chilling smile, she spoke.

“The Blood Sect Leader underestimated me, sending such mediocre assassins.”

“Ugh… you little monster!”

“…”

Narrowing my eyes, I eavesdropped.

…Who are these people causing a ruckus in our front yard?