LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 86
Chapter 86: The Girl’s Tears
There’s a saying about hyanghwa (향화).
It refers to the act of offering incense and praying in a temple or Taoist place, and it’s customary to donate funds during this process.
Most members of the Gudaimun Sect follow Buddhist or Taoist beliefs, so it’s famous in the Central Plains, attracting endless visitors.
In the case of Shaolin Temple, they can sustain their finances solely on the donations from worshippers.
However, the Gongdong Sect, despite having Taoist branding, had long since shifted towards a secular lifestyle, and since their main base had crumbled into ruins, the flow of worshippers had completely stopped.
Many thought the Gongdong Sect had perished due to the machinations of the Seomun Family.
To rebuild the sect, money is essential.
So, the first step the Seomun Family took to hinder the Gongdong Sect’s revival was to cut off donations from worshippers.
Gongdong Mountain itself, known as the premier Daoist mountain, continuously attracted tourists, yet the Gongdong Sect saw none of that benefit.
That’s why the Gongdong Sect had quietly faded away unlike other sects.
Well, that was certainly the case.
“…You’re saying you came to offer hyanghwa?”
Today, the silence of the Gongdong Sect was shattered.
A beauty, whose entire presence radiated an aura, stepped forth despite her face being veiled. Unlike her usual attire, she wore a loose outfit, which did little to hide her alluring figure, especially with her impressive bosom.
Neungwolhyang, or rather, Jeoksawol had arrived at the Gongdong Sect with enough wealth to fill three carts.
“That’s correct. I hope it’s not a bother?”
While placing her hand over her ample chest, Jeoksawol spoke with a surprisingly polite tone and a humble bow.
Is the renowned First Beauty really this easygoing?
Jeonyeong was slightly flustered at the sight.
“Those offerings behind you…”
“They’re donations. If you’re worried about rumors spreading, I’ll ensure my visit today remains confidential.”
Three carts’ worth of offerings!
Jeoksawol spoke cautiously, her gaze darting towards me.
Why am I here?
Did she really come to see me with all that money?
Of course, to someone like her, it might be trivial compared to her actual wealth, but it was still an excessive amount for the crumbling Gongdong Sect.
Even Jeonyeong’s usual stoic demeanor wavered at that moment.
Jeonyeong stated, “…Our sect has no need for such a large donation.”
“Honorable senior…”
“Excessive wealth brings trouble. We’re not capable of managing such large sums at the moment. Please return.”
As Jeonyeong issued a dismissal, Jeoksawol’s veil fluttered.
She hesitated before responding, “…It’s not only donations.”
Everyone froze at Jeoksawol’s words.
“I heard that your sect’s young master and Lady Seomun have been troubled because of a scandal involving me. This is my apology. I realize that money can’t solve everything, but still…”
Jeoksawol trailed off.
So this is what she brought as compensation?
We indeed need funds. But surely, she doesn’t think she can buy forgiveness…
“…Let’s accept the donation. Honorable senior.”
Just as I was about to speak, Seomun Cheong-ha intervened.
“I think it’s okay for me to step in regarding your apology. I would like to accept it! Just look at this haunted Reception Hall! Is this truly a place where humans reside?”
With a flushed face, Seomun Cheong-ha vehemently continued.
Regardless, as a pivotal figure within the Gongdong Sect and a hostage of the Seomun Family, her residence was the Reception Hall.
But the Reception Hall was more like a haunted house!
What was concerning is that it was the best-looking structure left in the Gongdong Sect.
Other buildings, aside from Jucheon Sword Sect’s shrine, Hyeoncheon Palace where the leader resides, Cheongun Pavilion where disciples stay, and the dining hall, were mere remnants, burnt to the ground.
“Cough…”
“So wouldn’t repairing the buildings help attract more worshippers? The Gongdong Sect needs to rise again.”
Jeomyeong couldn’t refute Seomun Cheong-ha’s perfect logic.
I may have earned 1000 nyang, but that money would hardly be enough to rebuild the ruined Gongdong Sect.
Plus, Gongdong Sect is located atop Mount Chwibyung. It’s not flat ground, so undertaking construction in such rough terrain would surely incur outrageous additional costs.
The problem was that this was being suggested by Seomun Cheong-ha. Since Jeoksawol had already appealed to her for an apology, she had justifiable reason to intervene.
Of course, Seomun Cheong-ha was merely airing her grievances about the Reception Hall’s facilities, but honestly, it was absurdly bad.
“…Of course, I intend to personally apologize to this young master one-on-one.”
Jeoksawol’s words struck Jeonyeong with decisive effect.
Nodding his head, Jeonyeong replied, “That’s good. If that’s your intention… I accept it.”
Due to Seomun Cheong-ha’s endorsement, it had turned into a reluctant acceptance.
Had Seomun Cheong-ha not intervened, Jeoksawol would’ve turned back at the gate today.
Seomun Cheong-ha turned her gaze away when our eyes met.
“Hmph.”
As she turned away, the dilapidated gate creaked open, and the carts laden with wealth entered.
Swish…
Jeoksawol removed her veil.
Her stunning beauty was unveiled. The face of Neungwolhyang, said to reflect 80% of her true self, had a tremendous impact all by itself.
Jeonyeong’s hand trembled. Likewise, the disciples, Same and Sahyeong, were equally captivated.
Everyone, except for me, gulped upon seeing her true form.
Jeoksawol bowed politely, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, Honorable senior.”
“It’s nothing. Please, come inside.”
*
Upon arriving at the Gongdong sect, Jeoksawol lit premium incense in front of the Hall of Three Purities, the only building still standing.
The incense burned brightly, filling the main base of Gongdong Sect with its fragrant aroma.
After finishing her hyanghwa, Jeoksawol said to me, “I would now like to apologize to you, young master.”
“I will escort you to the Reception Hall.”
I led Jeoksawol to the Reception Hall.
During our walk, we exchanged no words.
Once we reached the Reception Hall, I took her into the most intact room.
Since she insisted on a one-on-one apology from the start, I needed to hear what she had to say.
Rustle…
As I opened the squeaky sliding door, I brushed the dust off the floor and sat down.
Thud.
Soon after, Jeoksawol closed the door and entered.
Sunlight streamed through the ruined bars of the window.
“…What do you wish to say to me?”
I was the first to speak.
Upon hearing my question, Jeoksawol bit her lip.
I could see her hands quivering.
“…I heard your response from Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom. You prefer honest women and asked that if there were matters to discuss, I should come talk to you directly?”
Seeing Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom and Neungwolhyang both referred to as if they were others, I controlled my facial muscles and nodded.
“Yes.”
“…So, here I am. I truly apologize for spreading baseless rumors and causing trouble for you.”
She knelt gracefully and bowed her head.
I could see her hands shaking.
Her shoulders trembled.
“Why did you do that?”
Honestly, it was true that I suffered due to the rumors Jeoksawol spread.
The hero-finding crisis.
The notion of becoming a hero in the Martial World, indulging in the pleasures of the Samcheosacheop, and seeking to practice the Color Spectrum had made the rumors of me being a saekma lethal.
I hoped to become a popular figure in the Martial World, but I never desired to gain notoriety like a saekma.
“…I’m sorry, young master. I have no excuses. I just…”
As I pressed her, Jeoksawol began to cry.
Hot tears streamed down her face.
Through her tears, Jeoksawol whispered softly to me, “…I wished to be your beloved…”
Beloved.
In the medieval martial world, it meant lover or partner.
So she spread those rumors because she wanted to date me?
Like the Baekje King who spread rumors of Seodongyo to marry Princess Sunhwa?
‘Is she asking me to believe that?’
Of course, she might think so.
But to me, that was mere obsession.
Eventually, she might have planned to confine me in the Hao Mun Secret Safehouse and beyond.
It could be that she didn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind my words to come back as her true self, but now…
“…Of course, I know that was wrong behavior. But during the time I couldn’t meet you… it hurt too much… it became hard to breathe…”
Wiping her tears with her sleeve, she placed a hand on her ample bosom as she continued, “…I wanted to see you like this… I wished to seek your forgiveness.”
When she finished speaking, she lowered her head.
Tears continued to drip.
Alright.
If I don’t accept her apology now, who knows what might happen.
She might just come charging in and kidnap me, leading to all sorts of unnecessary consequences.
So now was the time to draw her in for a change.
I resolved to accept her apology.
“…Fine. I’ll accept your apology.”
The moment I spoke, her body froze.
Woosh…
She leaned in and took my hand.
“Are you serious… young master? Are you really accepting my apology?”
Jeoksawol looked up at me with sparkling red eyes.
I nodded.
“Yes. Just don’t do it again next time.”
“…”
Upon hearing my words, Jeoksawol’s eyes widened.
Tears filled her red eyes once more.
“Thank you, Gaga! Wahhhh… I was wrong… I promise I won’t do it again…!”
Suddenly, she threw herself at me and embraced me.
Jeoksawol’s voluptuous figure pressed against me.
A 60-year-old First Beauty weeping in my arms like a child was quite a sight.
Moreover, she subtly switched back to calling me Gaga.
I clicked my tongue inwardly while looking down at her.
Her previously red eyes were now swollen from crying.
Well, at least she might reflect a bit from this.
I thought to myself while hugging Jeoksawol’s shoulders.
“Yeah.”
My chest became wet with her warm tears.
I quietly reached out and patted her head.
Jeoksawol’s face flushed bright red in my embrace.
Whether she used some kind of oil or not, her soft texture and fragrance were quite pleasant.
“Hic, sniff… Thank you… Gaga…”
Listening to her grateful whispers, I held her for a long time.
The sweet scent of Jeoksawol brushed against the tip of my nose.