In Chapter 331 of “Tang Moon Chronicles,” the group decided to wait until Tuhee’s broken ribs had healed a bit before leaving Samgu Village. However, Tang Mujin had some concerns.

“Won’t Tuhee be in danger from the rogue martial artists once she leaves the village?” he asked.

Tuhee hesitated before responding, “Well, it’s been quiet for the past few years, with hardly anyone coming by…”

“But didn’t Cheonpa die here?” Tang Mujin pressed.

“True…” Tuhee admitted, clearly troubled by the same thought.

Sensing Tuhee’s unease, Kang Jisoo chimed in, “If Cheonpa had announced his presence, his followers would have come with him. I think he came quietly for personal reasons.”

“Perhaps, but we can’t be sure…” Tuhee couldn’t shake off her worries, prompting Kang Jisoo to sigh deeply.

“Just go, sister. Are you really going to pass up this chance to leave?”

It was only then that Tang Mujin’s group realized Kang Jisoo referred to Tuhee as “sister.” The age difference between Tuhee and Kang Jisoo seemed more like that of a parent and child rather than siblings. For the past two or three decades, Tuhee had played a role more akin to a parent than a sister.

Yet, due to the weight of her past misdeeds, Tuhee could never be called “mother.” Being called “sister” and having Kang Jisoo run all the way to Dongjeong Lake to find a doctor for Wi Jinan-hyang was already a miraculous improvement in their relationship.

“But…” Tuhee began.

“Sister, I’ve learned martial arts too. I’m better than most thugs now. Don’t worry and just go.”

The safety of the village had been a constant concern for Wi Jinan-hyang, especially since she never imagined leaving like this. She thought she might go mad or become too old to be of use.

That’s why she taught martial arts to a few villagers, even those not related to the Wi family. There was no time to be picky. Although none were particularly talented, Kang Jisoo was at least a third-rate fighter, and one of the village men was nearly second-rate.

Even that was better than nothing. A second-rate martial artist could at least hold their own. In the relatively stable world of orthodox martial arts, a second-rate fighter could even serve as a guard for a small merchant caravan.

Kang Jisoo added one last thing, “Come back young enough for me to comfortably call you ‘sister.’”

Tuhee finally smiled silently, looking around at the villagers who seemed to have no intention of holding her back. They knew, deep down, that despite her past sins, Tuhee was not someone meant for such a small village. Her dedication had been more than they deserved.

An old woman, who had fetched Seolhwa when Cheonpa attacked, interjected, “Return? It’s time for Jinan-hyang to find her own life. She’s not meant for this village. If she leaves now, she shouldn’t think of coming back.”

“What?” Kang Jisoo was taken aback, as was Tuhee.

“Did Jinan-hyang dream of this future when she was young? It’s time for her to find her own path. She’s wandered lost for too long.”

“But…” Kang Jisoo protested.

“You’re Wi Jinan-hyang, not Wi Jisil-hyang. If your name meant ‘lost direction,’ I’d tell you to stay, but since it means ‘difficult direction,’ it’s right for you to find your way and move on.”

It was a play on words, as Jinan-hyang’s name meant “orchid fragrance,” not “difficult direction.” But the old woman’s words captured the villagers’ sentiments.

Kang Jisoo looked at Wi Jinan-hyang with a complex expression, sighed, and finally said, “Yes, go.”

“But…” Tuhee started.

“I’m not saying never come back. Visiting once or twice is fine, but don’t think of settling here again. It’s time for you to find your own life.”

Despite their long companionship, Kang Jisoo couldn’t completely hide her reluctance. Her voice was filled with lingering attachment.

Yet, precisely because of that, Kang Jisoo couldn’t take back her words. If she held onto Wi Jinan-hyang now, she’d never be able to tell her to leave again, and Wi Jinan-hyang would never be able to go.

Tuhee Wi Jinan-hyang accepted the villagers’ and Kang Jisoo’s sentiments with gratitude.

The next day, Tuhee left with Tang Mujin’s group.

Their pace was not particularly fast. The first reason was the fear of re-injuring Wi Jinan-hyang’s ribs, which had just begun to heal. The second was that Doctor Yeom’s lightness skill was not yet fully developed.

Even though Doctor Yeom’s lightness skill was better than his swordsmanship or fist techniques, he had only recently started learning martial arts, so it was understandable.

Hwayeon Shinni said to Tang Mujin, “See you next time.”

“Thank you for your help,” Tang Mujin replied.

Hwayeon Shinni and Tuhee were to part ways with the group in Junggyeong. As always, Hwayeon Shinni would stay in Junggyeong, occasionally visiting the Tang family.

Watching Hwayeon Shinni and Tuhee leave, Tang Mujin pondered Tuhee’s future.

What would become of Tuhee? Would she settle in Junggyeong like Hwayeon Shinni and become the second leader of the Hao Moon, caring for the less fortunate? Or would she achieve rejuvenation and return to Samgu Village? Perhaps she would hide her past and start anew in the martial world? Or would she fail to rejuvenate and succumb to madness?

It was impossible to know. It was entirely up to Tuhee.

Tang Mujin knew the last possibility was the most likely, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t happen. As the old woman in Samgu Village had said, Wi Jinan-hyang would find her way, no matter how difficult.

People tend to live up to their names, even if those names are given in jest.

As they traveled through Junggyeong towards the capital of Sichuan Province, Namgung Myung asked Tang Mujin, “Why are you dragging your feet?”

“Just… thinking,” Tang Mujin replied.

Though he hadn’t shared it with his friends, Tang Mujin was gripped by a creeping fear as they neared Sichuan. Anyone returning home after a year away would feel similarly. The fear and guilt of a man who had abandoned his family ran deep.

When Tang Mujin’s steps slowed to a halt, Namgung Myung grumbled, “Now what?”

“Well… I just need a moment to prepare myself before going home.”

Tang Mujin thought of a suitable excuse as he considered the path back to the capital.

“How about we visit Jueul Village, Hong Geolgae? It’s just a slight detour.”

“Jueul Village? I’m in,” Hong Geolgae replied, intrigued. But the others didn’t know where Jueul Village was, only that it sounded vaguely familiar.

Doctor Yeom asked, “Where is Jueul Village?”

“It’s Hong Geolgae’s hometown,” Tang Mujin explained.

It was also where Tang Mujin first met Hong Geolgae and faced a life-threatening situation. He vividly remembered how terrifying the Zayang Twins had been, forcing him to flee and then return hesitantly.

Hong Geolgae added, “It’s where I first consumed a miraculous herb. Have you heard of black peony? I found it on the mountain behind Jueul Village.”

Worried someone might object, Tang Mujin brought up the miraculous herb, knowing it would catch Hyeon Gong’s interest.

“You found black peony there?” Hyeon Gong asked, intrigued.

“Yes, I ate it fresh, just brushed off the dirt and took a bite,” Hong Geolgae replied.

Hyeon Gong pondered. Miraculous herbs often grow in clusters, so even if there wasn’t black peony, there might be other valuable herbs nearby. Though unlikely, there could be something even rarer than black peony. Miraculous herbs thrive in remote places.

Of course, it was a false hope. The black peony in Jueul Village had been cultivated using a clear stream and numerous animal carcasses, half artificially.

But Tang Mujin didn’t mention that part.

Hong Geolgae was the first to agree. He had been thinking of visiting Ma Jeon-gae’s grave and wanted to show the villagers how much he had changed.

“Let’s go. It’s been a while since I visited. Anyone against it?”

He was curious how the villagers would react to the once-despised beggar now being a renowned martial artist.

Hong Geolgae still harbored resentment towards the villagers for their past treatment. He hadn’t forgotten how they had shunned him, forcing him to bury Ma Jeon-gae alone with just his hands and a stick.

Tang Mujin quickly gathered opinions and made a decision.

“Alright, we’re heading to Hong Geolgae’s hometown. Anyone opposed?”

Of course, he made sure to create the impression that he was heading to Jueul Village for Hong Geolgae’s sake, not his own.

“Hey, how can you not know the way back to your own hometown?”

“It happens.”

Tang Mujin had to find the way to Jueul Village instead of Hong Geolgae.

At first glance, it might seem odd that Hong Geolgae didn’t know the way to his own village, but upon reflection, it wasn’t so strange. When they first met, wasn’t Hong Geolgae practically lost? He had a terrible sense of direction.

In fact, since leaving Jueul Village, he had never returned. While he could navigate the village itself with his eyes closed, he was clueless about how to get there.

Still, it didn’t matter. Hong Geolgae followed Tang Mujin with a heart full of anticipation.

The closer they got to Jueul Village, the more Hong Geolgae’s heart swelled with excitement.

He couldn’t help but wonder how the villagers would react to him. Just imagining it was delightful. The village’s outcast returning as a formidable martial arts master—it was like something out of a legend.

He was curious about how Mrs. Lee, who used to grumble about him coming too often for food, would react, and what the village girls, who treated him like he didn’t exist, would say.

“There it is.”

Finally, the small village came into view.

Jueul Village looked even more worn and smaller than he remembered.

Unlike Samgu Village, which they had left not long ago, Jueul Village’s poverty was not temporary.

Jueul Village was too remote, and the land was unsuitable for farming, so escaping poverty was impossible for its residents.

Hong Geolgae straightened his shoulders and confidently led the way into the village.

He planned to find the village chief, who had seemed so imposing in his childhood, and boldly ask for a place to stay the night.

He fiddled with the dagger tucked in his robe.

It was a prize from winning the martial arts tournament in Wuchang, adorned with jewels and undoubtedly valuable, though not very practical.

Hong Geolgae intended to offer this dagger at the grave of his master, Ma Jeonga. He was willing to overlook it if the impoverished villagers found and took it, thinking of it as Ma Jeonga’s legacy.

He had even entered the tournament under the name of Ma Jeonga, imagining this moment.

Anyone who knew Ma Jeonga well might eventually question the connection between Ma Jeonga Honggyeon and Cheonryeonggae Honggyeon. He was ready to welcome such speculation with open arms.

Hyungong commented as they approached.

“It’s a tiny village.”

“Yes, small and poor.”

As Hong Geolgae led the group into the village, the villagers’ eyes naturally turned toward them.

But soon, Hong Geolgae noticed something strange. The faces were unfamiliar.

It wouldn’t have mattered if there were a few unknown faces.

People’s appearances change with age, and new residents might have moved in. Though it seemed unlikely anyone would move to such a remote and impoverished place, still.

But that wasn’t it. There wasn’t a single familiar face.

Moreover, everyone in the village, though not highly skilled, seemed to have some martial arts training. Dozens of people with first or second-rate skills, most of them bandaged with cloth, as if they had sustained injuries.

As he stood there, bewildered by the situation, a man with a bushy beard covering half his neck approached. He had the air of a leader, and judging by his gait and gaze, his skills were roughly first-rate.

The man asked Hong Geolgae, “Where… are you from?”

“Excuse me?”

“You wouldn’t have come to this backwater without a reason. Someone must have sent you.”

“No, there’s no one like that…”

“Then how did you end up here?”

“I’m from this village. It’s been years since I left, and now I don’t recognize anyone. Where did the original residents go?”

As Hong Geolgae answered, the atmosphere among the surrounding people shifted subtly.

The bearded man gave a faint smile.

“Well, we can find out by following up!”

Suddenly, the man drew his sword and swung it at Hong Geolgae.

But the sword was effortlessly caught between Hong Geolgae’s index and middle fingers.

“What…?”

With eyes blazing, Hong Geolgae glared at the man and asked, “Where. Did. They. Go?”