Chapter 47
“You’re wearing the Taoist robes of the Wudang Sect. Are you sure you don’t need to go there?”
Every time the boy heard the name Wudang Sect, he flinched slightly, as though frightened.
Then he shook his head, as if to say he didn’t need to go.
Did something bad happen to him at Wudang?
The fact that she couldn’t communicate properly with him was frustrating.
“Was there really no adult who came with you?”
Nod.
The boy burrowed deeper into Soso’s arms, as though telling her not to ask anymore.
As he rubbed his soft cheek against her and acted spoiled, Soso’s suspicion melted away.
“Then let’s have the child stay at the inn with us for now.”
“……Are you sure that’s wise?”
“I’ve looked closely as well, and I don’t sense any dark energy from him.”
Ever since Soso had sensed demonic energy from Namgung Hyuk, she had learned to trust her ability somewhat.
At the very least, she could recognize those who carried malicious or corrupt auras.
But from the boy, she only felt the pure, tranquil energy unique to Taoists—something she often sensed back at Cheongseong Sect.
It made her feel strangely nostalgic, as if she were recalling her home.
I’d like to see Cheongseong again…
Soso suddenly found herself wanting to visit the place where her old sect once stood—now likely in ruins.
“Sama.”
A gentle voice broke through her melancholy thoughts.
When she looked up, Jegal Haesu had placed his hand softly over hers.
Not too heavily—just enough to comfort.
It was a wordless gesture that said: I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it’ll be okay.
Had she shown her sadness too plainly? He really was such a kind young master.
A dry smile touched Soso’s lips.
“Jegal Sohyeop, are you all right with the child staying with us?”
“I’ll do whatever Sama wants. I’m already your captive, after all—I have to follow all your orders.”
“Wh-what kind of talk is that in front of a child! And I’ve never taken you as a captive!”
Honestly, he was impossible to deal with, every single moment.
“No need to be shy. Hahaha. I’m yours.”
Soso slapped the back of his hand—smack!
“Ow!”
“I do not consider you my possession, Sohyeop.”
“Hahaha.”
Even at her firm words, Jegal Haesu only laughed cheerfully.
Namgung Jin, meanwhile, glared at the grinning Jegal Haesu as he usually did.
“I agree with Lady Baek. I don’t sense anything particularly suspicious about the child either.”
“Then let’s bring him along to Hubei!”
Soso turned to the boy.
“Hey, is that okay with you?”
The boy just clung to her and nodded.
When Soso and her group arrived at Wuchang in Hubei, a day had passed since they found the boy.
Wuchang was the transportation hub connecting many inland regions, bustling with travelers from all over.
They decided to rest there for a day before continuing on to Wudang.
Soso looked around, wide-eyed, at the city’s splendor.
Everywhere she turned, she saw magnificent buildings—here, there, everywhere.
She couldn’t help but marvel. I didn’t know a place like this existed. It’s like another world.
“Sama, be careful.”
Jegal Haesu gently caught her wrist before she bumped into a passerby while gawking.
“Yes. I couldn’t help it—it’s all so beautiful.”
“Even so, you’re still the most beautiful thing here.”
“…You’re too much, Sohyeop.”
Soso fidgeted with her veiled face, flustered.
Did Jegal Haesu even realize how easily he said things that made people’s hearts flutter?
“So many delicious smells around. Before it gets dark, let’s find an inn first. Don’t worry about money—Namgung Clan gave us plenty.”
He patted his sleeve, pretending to show how heavy it was, and Soso couldn’t help but chuckle.
Namgung Jin coughed and shot him a disapproving glance, but it was useless.
“Jegal Sohyeop, do you know any good inns here?”
“Sadly, no. This is my first time in Wuchang too. I haven’t left my clan much before now.”
“Then may I recommend one?”
Surprisingly, Namgung Jin seemed to have been here before.
“You’ve been to Wuchang before, Sohyeop?”
“Yes. I’ve come a few times on clan business. I know a quiet, clean inn. Follow me.”
“All right.”
Soso turned to the boy again.
“Come along, okay?”
The boy nodded.
Even after getting off the carriage, he followed close behind her, clutching her hand.
His little hand was soft and warm.
It really did feel like she was holding her own younger brother’s hand.
Until we find out where he belongs, I’ll take good care of him.
She grew increasingly curious about the boy’s circumstances—who he was, and what story had brought him here.
“Slurp!”
Jegal Haesu noisily slurped up his noodles—no, practically drank them.
In no time, his bowl was empty, and he set it down with a satisfied grin.
“Our Jin found a fine inn indeed.”
Namgung Jin, who was eating his noodles far more politely, bristled.
“‘Our Jin’? Are you insane? Even for Lady Baek’s sake, my patience has limits.”
“If you’re jealous, you can call me ‘our Haesu’ too. Hahaha.”
“……”
Not in a million years, thought Namgung Jin, sighing deeply.
Do I hit him, or not…
For the first time in his life, he wrestled with such a question.
But while he appeared to be enjoying himself, Jegal Haesu wasn’t just fooling around.
Even as he happily ate his noodles, his eyes occasionally flicked toward the boy sitting across from him, quietly eating his meat noodles.
For a fleeting moment, the gentle curve of his gaze turned icy.
He’s from Wudang, yet he eats meat so easily.
Of course, Wudang didn’t completely forbid meat.
Still, as the sacred ground of Taoism, its followers avoided killing and promoted vegetarianism.
Those who strictly kept the precepts often clashed with others who didn’t.
Yet the boy was eating meat without a hint of hesitation—too naturally, in fact.
If he had truly been trained at Wudang, he should have at least shown some restraint.
The people you must be most cautious of in the martial world are children and old men.
Jegal Haesu knew well how his elder brother, Jegal Sagun, had been kidnapped by the Demonic Cult.
According to the sole survivor, Sagun had been surrounded by cultists after letting his guard down to help a young boy.
The reason Sagun couldn’t ignore that child?
Because the boy had looked exactly like Haesu himself.
But the one begging for help had also turned out to be a demon cultist.
Ever since then, Jegal Haesu had never liked—nor trusted—children.
The boy across from him was no different.
With that innocent face, he could easily deceive someone like Sama…
The fact that he had appeared alone in that deep forest was suspicious enough.
No—he would have to keep a closer eye on this child.
Having made up his mind, Jegal Haesu’s lips curved into a soft smile—one so charming it could have ensnared anyone, man or woman alike.
