We hadn’t even laid a hand on the door yet, but for some reason, the door flung open as if urgently needing to do so.

“Huh?”
There were always people guarding both sides inside the main gate of the sect, so the door opening wasn’t surprising. However, it felt a bit disconcerting as if they had been eagerly waiting just for us, sensing our presence and hastily opening the door.

But my disconcertion didn’t last long.

Inside the fully-opened large gate, as if welcoming guests.

Right upon entering the temple grounds, in the expansive courtyard, a familiar figure appeared.

“Ah.”

It was my master.

And he seemed to have been waiting there for quite some time…

‘So that’s why the door opened so urgently.’

I caught on immediately. Those guarding both sides of the temple gate were my martial brothers and sisters, essentially disciples of this generation.

While Master doesn’t act arrogantly or imposingly toward them, it would be impossible not to pay attention if Saseok, or rather, the First Sword of Hwasan, is loitering around the gate.
Even Jang Mun-in appeared to have come out for confirmation, standing beside him.

As soon as I recognized him, almost reflexively, I thought of the action I should take.

The proper etiquette for a disciple of this sect would be to calmly walk up, first greet Jang Mun-in, and then subsequently greet my master.

…However, in that moment, my eyes met my master’s.

Even though it was a somewhat distant range to make out his expression or gaze, I felt that he had finally relaxed. At the same time, I had the intuition that adhering strictly to formalities wasn’t necessary right now.

And what I should do instead.

So, I uncharacteristically didn’t hesitate and put that momentary thought into action.

Instead of calmly walking up to greet Jang Mun-in, I first gave a bright smile, dashed through the gate, and…

“Master!”

…just like that.
It seemed that my master was momentarily taken aback, having never experienced me rushing toward him like this.

“Hah.”

Nevertheless, he instinctively lowered himself and stretched out his arms. Thanks to that, I could leap straight into his embrace.

A warm body temperature touched my cheeks that had been cold without being wrapped in cloth. Only after I had my arms around his neck did my master seem to relax, laughing softly as if letting out a sigh.

“What brings you to act like this…”

His muttering floated above my head.

It seemed my decision to drop adult pretenses and act my bodily age this time felt refreshing to him.

“Aren’t you hurt?”

“No, your disciple is fine.”

My master slightly detached me from his hug, wrapped both of his hands around my cheeks, and inspected my face, turning it this way and that. I, who had been still for a moment, added with a bashful smile.

“And the mentor is also unhurt.”
I turned around to look behind me. Unlike me, who had rushed in, I saw Wol-yeong hesitating as he slowly walked into the mountain gate.

My master chuckled softly at my words, then nodded lightly at Wol-yeong.

“Yes, it seems that way. I’m relieved.”

My master gently patted my shoulder a few times. Only then did I take a few steps back and bowed my head toward Jangmunin.

“I apologize for the delayed greeting. It’s an honor to see you, Jangmunin.”

As I spoke, I knew Jangmunin wouldn’t scold me. He had been watching us with a pleased expression all along.

“No need to apologize. You’ve been through a lot.”

As expected, Jangmunin extended his hand and gestured for me to come closer, all while wearing a carefree smile.

I hadn’t seen Jangmunin separately since receiving the peach blessings back then, but whether it was then or now, he maintained the same unchanging, ordinary, and kindly grandfatherly appearance.
True to his grandfatherly appearance, he warmly patted my head.

“I’ve confirmed everything: you volunteered for a test you didn’t have to take and managed to return to the mountain gate within the given time while also looking after others. But don’t forget, you have been a disciple of Hwasan since last year and have never not been one. No one can deny that.”

“Yes, Jangmunin.”

He then turned to look at Wol-yeong.

“And… Wol-yeong. You’ve worked hard. Since you’ve passed the test, I must keep my promise. First, go wash up and change your clothes, then come to my chamber. You must be tired, but let’s have a brief talk.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

“Yu-woon, come with me now.”

“Yes.”

Having addressed everyone present, Jangmunin was the first to leave the area. My master glanced at Jangmunin’s retreating figure before approaching me.
“Go and rest now. Make sure to eat dinner. You can sleep in a little tomorrow.”

I nodded in response.

“Yes.”

Not that I actually planned to sleep in.

Just as my master said, I’ll eat and then go brag to Brother Ryu at the dormitory about how I successfully passed.

Even though it was just a single day away, the mountain gate scenery felt as if I hadn’t seen it in a long time. Before leaving for the disciples’ dormitory, I took one last look at Wol-yeong.

Starting tomorrow, I could call him a fellow disciple.

And he would have to call me by the same title instead of “underclassman.”

As I gave him a slight nod, Wol-yeong stared intently into my eyes and then bowed his head slightly, giving me the most formal greeting I had seen from him so far.

“Thank you.”

“Um, see you tomorrow.”

Responding a bit awkwardly, a faint smile appeared on Wol-yeong’s face.

“Do you still speak so formally to me? We’re both inside the mountain gate now.”

“Ah…”
He’s bringing up the morning’s prank again.

Feeling somewhat awkward under my master’s interested gaze, as if thinking ‘Ah, they’ve gotten close,’ I rolled my eyes momentarily before reluctantly laughing.

‘If we can tease each other like this now, we can really maintain a comfortable sibling-like relationship.’

It’s a significant step forward on the path to becoming mature adults.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.”

After bidding farewell to a fellow disciple, no longer just a candidate, I also bowed my head once more to my master in greeting. Only then did I finally move toward the dormitory.

What had been a purple sky was now gradually covered by a dark blue one over the mountain gate.

Though it had snowed heavily just two days ago, tonight the sky was so clear that the stars were distinctly visible.