Chapter 38

Chapter 38: To Go Far, One Must Rest (1)

In the distance, Bogda Peak was clearly visible. The wind carried warmth, but the eternal snow crowning the summit would never melt.

Situated at the easternmost edge of the Tianshan Mountain Range, Bogda Peak was revered as a sacred mountain by the local people.

So much so that the enormous lake at its midpoint had been named Heavenly Lake.

From the pavilion in the rear garden of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge, the full splendor of Bogda Peak was vividly displayed.

It was because of this view that Eun Ha-seong, the Lodge Master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge, had insisted on establishing it here.

Eun Ha-seong was sixty-two years old this year. Yet his outward appearance did not look a day over forty.

Eyes that burned with the fierce intensity of a tiger stalking its prey, a broad nose, firmly set lips, and a square jaw—all combined to give him a formidable appearance.

Eun Ha-seong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing upon Bogda Peak. He loved the snow-covered landscape of Bogda Peak. He loved it so much that he had built Western Heaven Mountain Lodge in the place where the view was finest.

Behind Eun Ha-seong stood a man in his early fifties, a middle-aged figure who stood at attention. Upon his face and neck were grotesque scars, as though worms had crawled across them.

The man's name was Cho Hyeol-san—Eun Ha-seong's longtime confidant and the Chief Steward of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge.

After gazing silently at Bogda Peak for some time, Eun Ha-seong suddenly spoke.

"Where is Cheon-saeng?"

"There has been no word yet."

Cho Hyeol-san answered respectfully.

"Hm! He's late this time."

"Could something have happened?"

"Surely not."

Eun Ha-seong nodded.

Gyeong-cheon-saeng was one of his most trusted confidants. He had been instrumental in the founding of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge and was so loyal that he would not hesitate to lay down his life for Eun Ha-seong.

"When Cheon-saeng returns, give him some rest."

"Understood."

"And the situation at the Blood Demon Grave?"

"The supply of manpower remains an issue. But when Cheon-saeng returns, things should ease up somewhat."

"See to it that you manage it well."

"I will."

Cho Hyeol-san bowed deeply.

Eun Ha-seong's gaze returned to Bogda Peak.

"Xinjiang alone is not enough. You understand?"

"Of course. How could I not know your will?"

"The day we fulfill our dream draws near. The closer we get, the more vigilant we must be."

"I will take greater care."

"Mm!"

As Eun Ha-seong nodded—

"Lodge Master."

A martial artist of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge came running toward the pavilion.

Cho Hyeol-san furrowed his brow as he watched the man approach. This was the place where Lodge Master Eun Ha-seong sought repose. One had to be extremely mindful of one's bearing.

His subordinates could not possibly be unaware of this, yet to come running in such a state of agitation was unsettling. But assuming there must be a reason, he kept his silence and watched.

Finally, the martial artist reached the pavilion and knelt.

"I apologize, Lodge Master. But the matter is urgent."

"It's fine. What is it?"

"A guest has come seeking the Lodge Master."

"Me?"

A puzzled expression appeared on Eun Ha-seong's face.

Eun Ha-seong rarely showed himself unless the matter was of considerable importance. Though countless people had sought an audience, he had met with almost none, for precisely this reason.

The problem was that his subordinates were well aware of this. Ordinary visitors were filtered out by them. For a subordinate to come running like this meant the visitor was of greater significance than expected.

"Who is it?"

"The young master of the Blood Scale killing curtain."

"The Blood Scale killing curtain?"

Eun Ha-seong's eyes lit up with interest. It was such an unexpected name. Cho Hyeol-san wore an equally surprised expression.

"Lodge Master?"

"Hm! Have they caught the scent?"

At Eun Ha-seong's murmur, Cho Hyeol-san's expression grew grave.

"If they truly have caught wind of it, we are in danger."

"Indeed! But it was about time. If they hadn't noticed anything by now, that would have been the strange thing."

"What would you like to do? Perhaps we should eliminate them now—"

"Let's meet first. We need to know how much they've figured out before we can formulate a countermeasure. Show them to the Guest Reception Hall."

A cold smile appeared at the corner of Eun Ha-seong's lips.

"Understood."

The subordinate rushed off.

"The Blood Scale killing curtain…"

Twenty years ago, a remarkable itinerant swordsman named Sim Su-myeong had appeared in Xinjiang. Among wandering martial artists, he possessed exceptional martial arts and powerful leadership.

Though ferocious in battle, his uniquely generous temperament had drawn many followers. The gathering of these followers had formed what became the Blood Scale killing curtain.

Though it was an organization made by wandering swordsmen, no one dared underestimate the Blood Scale killing curtain. Their strength was comparable to many a sect in the Central Plains.

Five years ago, when the Blood Sand Wind had ravaged Xinjiang, the Blood Scale killing curtain, for reasons unknown, had not intervened. This had allowed Western Heaven Mountain Lodge the opportunity to suppress the Blood Sand Wind.

Had the Blood Scale killing curtain quelled the Blood Sand Wind before that, Western Heaven Mountain Lodge would never have risen as it had.

"How interesting! They've finally begun to move."

Eun Ha-seong's smile deepened.

The Guest Reception Hall, long desolate and deserted, now had lanterns hung. Martial artists stood guard around the hall as Sim Ok and Heuk-no ascended.

Sim Ok gazed at the martial artists on guard and murmured,

"Their martial bearing is formidable."

"You must be careful, my lady."

"I know, Heuk-no."

The two opened the door and entered the Guest Reception Hall. There, waiting for them, were Eun Ha-seong and Cho Hyeol-san.

Even upon their arrival, neither Eun Ha-seong nor Cho Hyeol-san spoke.

'A test?'

Sim Ok's eyes gleamed.

She looked back and forth between the two before settling her gaze upon Eun Ha-seong.

"Sim Ok of the Blood Scale killing curtain greets the Lodge Master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge."

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Eun Ha-seong, master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge. How did you recognize me?"

"I felt that the Great Hero Eun's aura was somewhat stronger. And I sensed the bearing of a ruler."

"The bearing of a ruler. The Blood Scale killing curtain has a perceptive young master. Young Master Sim is to be envied."

"Thank you."

"Please, sit."

Eun Ha-seong gestured for Sim Ok to take a seat.

The two sat simultaneously, while Cho Hyeol-san and Heuk-no took positions behind their respective masters.

"What an honor! To meet the young master of the Blood Scale killing curtain in person."

"I am equally honored to meet the Lodge Master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge, whose renown precedes him."

"Is that so?"

A faint smile graced Eun Ha-seong's lips. At first glance, it appeared infinitely benevolent.

Had Sim Ok not gathered information about Eun Ha-seong beforehand, she might well have been deceived by his appearance.

"Shall we have some tea?"

No sooner had Eun Ha-seong finished speaking than Cho Hyeol-san brought a tea set.

Eun Ha-seong personally heated water over the brazier and placed tea leaves in the pot.

"This is tea grown only here in the Tianshan Mountains. It should be quite pleasant to drink."

"What an honor. To be served tea brewed personally by the Lodge Master."

"You are the second outsider to receive this treatment. You may consider it a great honor."

"I'm curious who the first was."

"Someone you could never imagine."

"That only makes me more curious."

"Excessive curiosity can sometimes invite misfortune."

"I have a terrible habit of not letting go of things that interest me. That's why Father scolds me often."

Sim Ok offered a captivating smile. Eun Ha-seong returned it.

"Well, a young person's curiosity can sometimes be the engine of progress."

"Thank you for understanding."

"It seems to be ready."

Eun Ha-seong poured tea into a small cup and handed it to Sim Ok. Sim Ok raised it to her lips.

"The subtle fragrance is exquisite."

"People often think Dragon Well or Biluochun are the finest, but the tea from these Tianshan Mountains is no less remarkable. It cannot be cultivated, so we hire special herb gatherers to harvest it. That is how rare it is."

"Thank you for letting me taste such a treasure."

"You're like a niece to me. What is there to begrudge? There's plenty of tea, so drink freely."

The smile on Eun Ha-seong's lips deepened further.

"It truly is wonderful."

"When you leave, I'll have some packed for you to take along."

"Thank you."

"Oh, how is your father? I've been meaning to visit, but time never permits."

"He says the same thing. He wishes to meet you someday."

"That is an honor."

"He has always said this: If the master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge walks only the righteous path, he will surely become the ruler of Xinjiang."

"The righteous path…"

The words lingered for quite some time. But Eun Ha-seong's expression hardened slightly.

Sim Ok did not miss this change.

"And he also asked me to convey this: He has absolute faith in you."

"That is too generous a compliment. I must surely repay his faith. Was it to convey these words that he sent you?"

"That is one way to put it."

"Please arrange a meeting with your father someday. He speaks so kindly that I, as the younger generation, cannot simply let it pass."

"I will."

"I shall prepare a banquet this evening. Please stay for the day."

"I am grateful for your hospitality."

"Don't mention it. Between us… Steward Cho will show you to your quarters. We shall meet again this evening."

"Understood."

"Then I'll take my leave."

At Eun Ha-seong's gesture, Sim Ok rose from her seat.

Cho Hyeol-san approached her and spoke.

"I will escort you. Please follow."

"Thank you. Then I shall see you later."

Sim Ok bowed to Eun Ha-seong and followed Cho Hyeol-san outside. Heuk-no followed quietly behind.

When the door closed and he was alone, Eun Ha-seong murmured softly.

"Insolent!"

***

Cho Hyeol-san led them to a small detached house deep within Western Heaven Mountain Lodge.

"You may stay here tonight."

"Thank you."

"I will send someone to escort you to dinner. Please rest well."

"I will."

"One more thing, from an excess of caution: please refrain from going out if possible."

"Why is that?"

"There are many wild beasts. Should anything happen to the young master of the Blood Scale killing curtain while under our roof, we would bear the full consequences. I ask that you consider both our positions and ensure such an incident does not occur."

Cho Hyeol-san fixed Sim Ok with a steady gaze. His eyes glinted coldly.

Sim Ok nodded.

"Understood. I wouldn't dare go out, if only for fear of the beasts. I shall comply."

"Thank you. Then I shall see you this evening. Until then…"

Cho Hyeol-san smiled and withdrew.

Sim Ok watched his retreating figure for some time.

"Wild beasts? How amusing."

Her scoff scattered into the wind.