Chapter 166: Chapter 36: Poison Butterfly
What I had thought would be a one- or two-time affair soon became part of our daily routine at the safe house.
“Should we add a few solids today? I think the children can handle some greens by now.”
“It’s still too soon for solids. Let’s try giving them just a little meat broth. Oh, and Brother, don’t forget the pills we made. Give each of them two after they finish their porridge.”
“All right, all right. Two each. I won’t forget.”
That was because Yeon Ryang genuinely enjoyed feeding the children.
As the pale patches on their faces began to fade and life returned to their cracked, bloodless lips, he looked so pleased that I could hardly bring myself to stop him, even as a formality.
Watching him prepare their meals with such energy, I could only think that he might have been happier in a life where he never had to pick up a sword.
The children liked him too. At first, they had been so frightened by his size that they would not even approach the pot. After about seven days and nights, however, they were tugging at his trousers and pestering him without restraint.
“Mister, why do you have a sword scar on your face? Are you from the martial world?”
“Can martial artists really fly through the sky and jump over mountains?”
“I am a martial artist, but I can’t fly.”
“Aw, then you’re not a real martial artist!”
Yeon Ryang had been smiling good-naturedly and playing along when his expression changed in an instant.
He flinched and snapped his head around, narrowing his eyes as he glared into the distance.
“Tch.”
Clicking his tongue in displeasure, Yeon Ryang rubbed his forehead. Wondering what was wrong, I raised my senses as well—and blinked in surprise.
A martial artist carrying a familiar presence was climbing the mountain.
That feels like Daoist Jinseong. Why is he here when we have nothing more to do with the Martial Alliance?
Puzzled, I rose to my feet. Nothing good could come from letting two people with such poor compatibility meet.
“Brother. I’ll go. Stay here.”
Before Yeon Ryang could answer, I headed toward the presence.
A little farther down, I spotted Jinseong climbing the mountain path as leisurely as though he were walking across flat ground.
When he saw me, he stopped and offered a formal martial salute.
“It has been some time, Miss Tang.”
“Yes, it has. Have you been well? But how did you know to come here?”
“My master told me.”
“Your master would be...”
The Taiji Sword Immortal, Taeheo? How did he know about me?
My eyes darted around in confusion until a sudden thought nearly made me scream.
D-Don’t tell me that shabby old man was the Taiji Sword Immortal. He said he had nothing to do with Wudang!
“Daoist Jinseong. Does your master happen to enjoy drinking?”
“Very much.”
“And playing tricks on people?”
“He does.”
“Is he also a good liar?”
Jinseong hesitated before answering with difficulty.
“...A disciple cannot speak ill of his master.”
So he lied too well for Jinseong to deny it.
As I opened and closed my mouth in disbelief, Jinseong swallowed, seemingly searching for something to say, then subtly changed the subject.
“My master wished to know whether the golden needles were to your liking.”
“Yes. I like them. They are excellent weapons. Please thank him for me.”
“I will. He also said that the Lotus Golden Needles are weapons bestowed only upon the elders of Wudang, so you must take care not to lose them.”
“What? O-Only the elders of Wudang receive these?”
“Yes.”
My mind went blank, and the image of the old man laughing heartily flashed before my eyes.
Once you accept them, there are no returns.
So that was why he said I could not return them! Who in their right mind gave away their sect’s weapons? Was he insane?
Cold sweat began trickling down my back. I hurriedly pulled out the golden needles and thrust them toward Jinseong.
“W-Wait. Daoist Jinseong, please take these back. I’ve used them rather roughly, but I’ll have them restored first—no, I’ll restore them myself. The wooden case is back home, you see? I’ll bring that too as soon as possible.”
“It is quite all right. My master bestowed them upon you personally, so they belong to you. Please do not concern yourself.”
“N-No! I’ll return them! I can’t use these!”
How could I possibly use something belonging to another sect?
Unlike my deathly pale face, Jinseong remained calm.
“It truly is fine. My master approved it. It would not be proper for me to take them back.”
“...Then I’ll return them to the Sword Immortal myself.”
“Very well.”
Apparently deciding it was not his place to interfere, Jinseong nodded.
I awkwardly put the golden needles away again, scratched my head, and asked,
“Anyway, why are you here? I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“...I am not a constable, Miss Tang.”
After voicing that timid protest, Jinseong glanced toward where Yeon Ryang was and got to the point.
“My master has invited the two of you to Wudang.”
“Us? Why?”
“I would prefer to explain when both of you are present.”
Jinseong looked at me calmly. I narrowed my eyes. Taking Yeon Ryang into a den of orthodox Taoists swarming all over Wudang was absolutely out of the question.
“And if I refuse?”
“Then I will leave quietly.”
Was that true? I did not believe him.
When my expression failed to soften, Jinseong, who had been watching me carefully, began to defend himself.
“I fully understand why you do not trust me, Miss Tang, but I have no intention of placing you in difficulty. Please allow me only to deliver my master’s message to your... companion.”
“Mm. Fine. But before that, you need to help me with one thing. Come this way.”
I beckoned and strode back up the mountain. Jinseong matched my pace and followed.
“Is there something I can assist with?”
“Plenty. Help me line up the children. They need to take their medicine.”
“...Pardon?”
“Brother, where’s the jar with the pills?”
“Right here.”
“Give it to me. Here, Daoist Jinseong. Take this and give each child two. Children! See this handsome man here? He’s handing out medicine, so form a line!”
With that shout, I pushed the small jar into Jinseong’s arms.
He blinked in bewilderment, then gripped the jar helplessly as the children came swarming toward him.
*****
By the time Jinseong had handed out the pills, sent the children home, and even washed the pot, he looked thoroughly dazed.
He sat blankly for a long while, utterly drained, before asking as though he could not make sense of it.
“Why are you providing relief here?”
“What?”
“This is not Sichuan. The Tang Clan has no need to win the goodwill of the locals, so I do not understand why you are spending your time on something no one will ever recognize.”
“Daoist Jinseong, what kind of thing is that for a Taoist to say? You should be leading relief efforts, not questioning them.”
At my rebuke, Jinseong stammered in alarm.
“I-I am not saying it is wrong. It is only...”
“You mean helping them briefly will not change their circumstances very much.”
“Yes.”
“I know. It is a paltry gesture meant to ease my own conscience.”
I gave a faint laugh and stretched.
“But still. Maybe I could have ignored it if I had never seen them. Once I did, though, I couldn’t simply walk away. You cannot turn your back when someone is dying right in front of you, can you? Not if you are human.”
“Even so... it is like pouring water into a bottomless jar. Each time your efforts come to nothing, only your own heart will be hurt.”
“Daoist Jinseong, you’ve never gone hungry, have you?”
“What? No, I have not.”
“That’s why. You would understand if you had ever starved until you thought you were going to die.”
At my answer, Jinseong stared at me with an unreadable look.
“Miss Tang, you are a strange person.”
“Not as strange as you, Daoist Jinseong.”
“...”
He held my gaze in silence, clenched one fist, and slowly spoke.
“My master... always said that only those who have been wounded can recognize the wounds of others.”
“R-Really.”
“I did not fully understand what he meant before, but today I think I understand a little.”
His pale gray eyes settled as though he had reached some profound realization.
...I didn’t have any grand intention like that. I was only doing it because Yeon Ryang enjoyed it.
Smacking my lips, I called to Yeon Ryang, who had shut himself in the kitchen and was pretending not to listen.
“Brother. Stop hiding and come out here.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Now.”
At my call, Yeon Ryang shuffled outside. The moment he saw Jinseong, he let out a pointed sigh.
“We meet again.”
“I do not believe the young Daoist and I are close enough to exchange pleasantries.”
Jinseong did not shrink from Yeon Ryang’s curt response and delivered his message.
“My master told me to say, ‘I will protect her in your place.’”
Yeon Ryang stared blankly, visibly surprised. After stroking his chin in thought, he asked,
“...I only need to go to Wudang?”
“I will guide you to my master’s secluded cave.”
“Understood.”
Their cryptic exchange made me frown.
“Hm? What are you talking about, Brother? Have you met Daoist Jinseong’s master separately?”
“It’s nothing important.”
“Daoist Jinseong. What does this mean?”
When I turned on him, Jinseong met my gaze.
“My master said he would help Yeon Ryang bring his demonic energy under control.”
Damn it. He had recognized it at first sight. No wonder he had said all that awful nonsense about the Heavenly Slaughter Star and a murderous ghost.
When my expression hardened, Jinseong uncharacteristically rushed to explain.
“He does not intend to harm him. Nor will there be any occasion for him to encounter the other Taoists of Wudang. Even I am not permitted to enter my master’s secluded cave. What you fear will not happen.”
“How can you guarantee that? You are asking him to put his head into a tiger’s mouth. And why would your master go out of his way to help him? He has no reason to.”
“He said the sight of someone trying so earnestly to protect another was admirable.”
I scowled and turned on Yeon Ryang.
Nothing during their previous meeting should have led to a remark like that.
The Taiji Sword Immortal and Yeon Ryang had clearly discussed something I did not know about.
“Brother. There’s something you haven’t told me.”
When I stared at him in open suspicion, he gave an awkward laugh.
“Ahaha.”
“Tell me. Now. What is it?”
“Mm. Well, you see...”
“I said tell me. What’s wrong?”
As I pressed him relentlessly, Yeon Ryang scratched his cheek and finally began with visible discomfort.
“Sohae. The truth is, your brother...”