NOVEL NEXT Chapter 45
I’m casually showering, completely unbothered.
And not just anywhere—right here in the guesthouse where I’m staying, fully naked and washing myself.
—Swoosh!
—Splash splash!
Sitting in the living room, I can hear the water splashing. It’s so distracting it’s really hard to hold back. My mind keeps imagining Serin in the shower.
“…”
That delicate figure contrasted with her alluring… generous chest and ample backside. Honestly, I have this strong urge to see those discarded clothes and even peek! How can she act like this in front of a man?
Maybe Serin has some sort of wicked side hidden deep within her that even she doesn’t know about… you naughty thing!
What am I thinking?!
—Glug glug!
I gulp down the innocent green tea, forcing those lewd thoughts out of my head while practicing my breathing exercises.
Mr. Song.
Right, Mr. Song would definitely maintain his composure even in this state. If I was Mr. Song, I would surely do the same. I decided to become a person like Mr. Song—this shouldn’t shake my focus.
—Creeeek.
While I was contemplating this, I heard the sound of the door opening.
“It’s done.”
“Uh… okay.”
When I turned around, Serin was wearing new clothes. Unlike the provocative cheongsam she wore earlier, this outfit was quite modest. It looked like a women’s silk gown, really. She had picked it up earlier.
But her damp hair only accentuated her sexiness. Wow, this is a whole new level of destruction coming from a woman just out of the shower!
“Oh, how commendable! You didn’t touch my underwear. Well done.”
Serin checked the basket where her clothes were discarded, complementing me, but I didn’t feel happy at all.
“Stop doubting…! I swear, I’m not some lewd guy!”
“Right. You’re a good person.”
Serin said this and then stroked my head as she sat next to me.
“I might joke that you’re wicked, but I know better than anyone that you’re not. Of course, Geunhyeop wouldn’t touch my underwear. You wouldn’t even sneak a peek while I was showering.”
“If I did that, I’d really be asking for trouble… But hey, Serin, isn’t this a bit much?”
“Hm? What are you talking about?”
Serin tilted her head innocently as she casually sat across from me.
This was something I had to state clearly this time.
“No, I mean… how should I put it? There’s an outsider here, and you’re just showering like it’s no big deal. Plus, your current outfit is just too revealing.”
“Oh? Is that something you’re worried about?”
“I can’t help but worry because you’re so beautiful.”
“Are you perhaps uncomfortable?”
It’s not discomfort.
“I’m completely fine!”
“Not uncomfortable…?”
“We’re good friends, after all. Plus, I’m Gumyung Ji-eun’s friend.”
“That’s true.”
“I feel very close to Geunhyeop.”
Saying that, Serin leaned forward, showcasing her ample chest on the table, causing the front of her clothing to part, revealing a deep cleavage.
How big are those breasts?!
“…!”
But staring at that might pile up more of those lewd thoughts. So I quickly glanced upward, only to find Serin grinning mischievously.
Wait, did she just catch my stare?
“Hm? What’s the problem?”
“Nothing, just forget it…”
“Really? Anyway, Geunhyeop brought me the ceremony for the Nine Bows, didn’t he? In essence, I’m also your mentor. So why should there be any discomfort?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I just want to deepen our friendship. A… close friendship.”
What do you mean by “close friendship”?
Not that again!
“I’m not in that kind of relationship; I’m a man who knows his boundaries!”
“Of course. It’s actually my first time making a true friend, so teasing my friend is exceptionally fun.”
If it’s that much fun, then…
In the realm of martial arts, clans are comparable to fantasy nobility.
As a noble lady, Serin must have had plenty of chances to meet people, but making friends is rare. I can understand that.
But is her carefree demeanor just because she’s a master of martial arts?
“Oh, the food is here. Come in!”
“Yes, miss!”
Shibi opened the door, bringing in the dishes.
“Goodness, how could this be!”
As expected, it was a luxurious table. From the side dishes to the main course, it was absolutely perfect. Plus, there was a whole seasoned fish served, leaving me wide-eyed.
“Eat up.”
“I’ll eat well!”
And so, I enjoyed the meal with Serin, a simple meal together. Practicing martial arts and having a delicious meal—talk about a lucky break.
Falling off a cliff and discovering a legendary martial art?
What a joke.
I’m having a meal here.
“Ahh, I’m full. That was delicious, Serin.”
“It’s great to see you eat well. Now, we still have some time until night. Do you have any fun stories?”
“Hehe, was that your aim?”
“Is there any other purpose? If you don’t want to hear about my wickedness, spill the beans.”
“Hold on a second.”
Let’s face it.
This is a story you can never hear in this world.
“Far away. Well, not really. This is a tale from another world.”
“Another world…? You mean like a hellish second dimension?”
“Not like that. Anyway, it’s a story from another world.”
This is truly a tale filled with dark past.
“Have you heard of the great hero of the Kaieong Dura family?”
“Kaieong Dura…?”
Looks like today’s story is going to be a long one.
*
During my stay in Namgoong Clan, I continued to receive martial arts training from Serin. It was difficult, but rewarding, and with the passion of my instructor, my martial arts skills soared impressively.
But honestly, the toughest part wasn’t the martial arts training; it was suppressing my lewd urges! Every time I caught a glimpse of Serin’s skin, I felt like I would lose my mind.
“Huff!”
I channeled my energy using the Cold Mind Technique and carried out the Flowing Stream Sword Technique.
—Slash!
My powerful diagonal slash cut through the air, and just as I rotated my wrist to execute a horizontal cut, I followed it up with another diagonal strike, creating a continuous flow.
I may not have been able to increase the power like Serin showed me, but my successive attacks maintained an impressive precision nonetheless.
Until I ran out of breath.
“Hah!”
I stopped my strikes to catch my breath.
“During battle, you won’t have time to catch your breath leisurely. Apply the Cloud Flow Body Technique to every movement. Use your energy to move more efficiently with fewer breaths. Again.”
“Huf!”
Taking a deep breath, I focused on the Cloud Flow Body Technique while launching into the Flowing Stream Sword Technique once more.
Breath.
The tiny breaths we humans take become critical or even fatal in battle. Therefore, a martial artist must always use their energy to minimize the load on their movements, allowing for longer flow.
—Slash!
I swung my sword until I could barely take it anymore, and finally knelt down to rest.
“Excellent! Your duration of the sword technique has improved since before.”
“Hah, hah! But if I keep doing this every time I fight, it seems like a big problem…”
“Of course, you should create intervals and opportunities to catch your breath. No, rather, during a fight, you ought to create your own chances to breathe while defending yourself. Likewise, look for gaps when your opponent is breathing.”
Martial arts are hard!
It’s tough enough to focus on my own breathing, let alone my opponent’s!
And it doesn’t stop there.
I have to discern the characteristics of the sword techniques my enemy uses, alongside their footwork, gaze, and muscle movements. Only by reading all of this can I grow stronger.
The better I develop this ability, the more skilled I become.
As for energy, sure, with an elixir, I could manage, but ‘control ability’ has to be realized on my own. This martial arts world is a hardcore PVP realm!
“Still, isn’t it fun?”
“It’s extremely fun…!”
“Honestly, training with a beautiful instructor makes it even more enjoyable. Normally, it’s supposed to be tiring and difficult.”
“Hehe, that too.”
I picked up the Heavenly Thunder Sword.
“The joy of learning stronger martial arts itself is a huge delight for me.”
“Heh, while I can’t judge your martial arts skill, your willpower is certainly extraordinary.”
“Right?”
In any case…
It’s about time to leave.
I’ve been treated so well in Namgoong Clan, so it’s only polite to leave gracefully. The Clan Master said to rest as much as I wanted, but that doesn’t mean I can stay forever, right?
“Thanks for the training. This was better than learning from that local martial artist.”
“It’s a whole different level compared to your neighborhood martial artist.”
With the Sect Lord being at his peak, I feel like I would lose if I fought Serin.
“That’s true. Anyway… I think it’s time I leave.”
When I said that, Serin fell silent for a moment.
Then she nodded.
“Is that so.”
“Yeah. I just felt a bit guilty being treated to all this. I think it’s time to take my leave.”
“Hah. Personally, I wish you could stay a little longer, but there’s a certain vibe to leave on.”
“Didn’t people tell you something? About an outsider frequently visiting a guesthouse?”
“Who would dare say that to me?”
If I were a member of Namgoong Clan, I would have said it.
Because of that, I have to leave.
“Knowing you’re leaving makes me feel quite sad.”
“I feel that way too.”
We grew closer while training together, sharing meals and chatting.
I heard plenty of accusations of lewdness and even tossed a few lewd glances myself, and I witnessed some skin, but as Serin said, friends do behave like that occasionally.
“Then I’ll see you off in the morning.”
“Thank you very much.”
Will this be our last meeting?
I hope not.
*
The next morning.
I prepared to return.
“Wow.”
I truly received a lot this time.
This neat martial arts outfit, the expensive Heavenly Thunder Sword, and the various clothing I received have made my bag utterly stuffed. Even the money I got from solving the labyrinth made me richer than ever!
Once I return, I need to expand my living expenses.
I’m planning to buy the shoes I’ve been eyeing.
Ah, but facing reality after being treated in such a good place makes me feel so sad.
“What can I do?”
A martial artist is one who overcomes adversity.
My martial arts have grown stronger, so there’s nothing to fear.
“Goodbye!”
“Take care!”
After saying farewell to Shibi, I stepped out to find Serin waiting for me.
“Serin, I feel like I could cry from not wanting to part!”
“What weak words are you saying? Let’s go. I’ll see you to the front door.”
“Thank you!”
I walk alongside Serin.
“So you really are leaving. But don’t you think we’ll meet again?”
“I believe that too. We’ll meet again someday.”
That’s how meetings go.
“Yes, I’m sure we will meet again. In fact, I realized my own shortcomings this time.”
“Shortcomings?”
“Fighting Madunachal… I felt a bit off, really. I had grown used to fighting with a team. Honestly, facing him alone was quite terrifying.”
Ah.
“But you were still exuding such fighting spirit!”
“I suppose I was ramping up my efforts to deny my fear. How embarrassing.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. So after I finish a few things, I plan to undertake a new training journey. Then we can meet again.”
“Oh! That sounds good!”
If we can meet again, that would be the best!
“Here, this is a gift for you.”
“This is…!”
Serin handed me a jade hairpin!
“A hairpin!”
“I noticed that Geunhyeop’s hair is quite nice. Please take care of it. This is how you use it. Bend down.”
“Gah!”
As I bent down, Serin started combing my hair for me. Having a woman comb my hair? My aunt never even did that!
Feeling embarrassed, I just stood still, and then Serin patted my back.
“Well then, I’ll see you again next time.”
“I’ll miss you, Serin!”
“Yes.”
It’s a shame to part but meetings and farewells go hand in hand.
Like a man, I’ll bravely depart.
Just as I was about to turn and leave after saying goodbye to Serin—
—Thwack!
“Wha?!”
I suddenly felt something trip me, and I lost my balance!
But why am I not falling?
—Soft.
“Ah.”
A soft, ample something embraced my face.
In that instant, I understood the situation perfectly, and I also knew exactly what I was about to hear.
“Lewd!”
I knew this would happen.
“You fell, you fell!”
“Hah. How on earth can one fall and end up with their face buried in your bosom? Do you think that’s reasonable?”
“No, what made me trip…!”
This can’t be real!
“There’s nothing to trip over, right? What do you mean? Or were you implying I tripped you? That’s quite lewd thinking. Careful, you might end up stripping me!”
Stripping? Not happening!
“What do you mean by stripping! My hands aren’t that bad!”
“Oh? Did you just say hands? Are you suggesting that not only will you strip me, but you intend to touch me as well? This is quite lewd, you know. Look at what this lewd person can say!”
“I swear, I truly made a mistake, Master!”
With that, I dashed away from Namgoong Clan.
“Let’s meet again, Serin!”
“Yes.”
Now, I need to head back.
Jaemi Son and Mr. Song are waiting for me!