Hokuto was dumbfounded.
Was it that his thoughts simply didn't align with others, or was his acting just that unconvincing? Every glance, every gesture he had made just now was meant to convey that he had completely given up on the path of cultivation—that he was seeking to develop in another field altogether.
So why on earth did Protector Uman not understand that?
Hokuto was genuinely worried that this iron-willed Protector would drag him back into cultivation by force. If that happened, wouldn't it ruin his grand plan of "playing the pig to eat the tiger"?
But judging from the look on Uman's face, the man had already made up his mind. Hokuto could only play along for now and think of a way to slip free later. After all, if there was one thing he excelled at, it was slipping away.
"Then, the morning after tomorrow, meet me at the entrance of the Discipline Hall," Uman said coolly, before turning and striding away.
"Ahh…"
When Uman finally left, Hokuto let out a long, weary sigh.
Which bastard was it that leaked my information to Yanagi Shizuku and dragged all this trouble to my doorstep?
Ever since the "Little Sister Incident," Hokuto had been extremely selective whenever he was tasked as Iron Seal to lead new disciples down the mountain.
No female disciples.No disciples from powerful families.No one with a scheming look on their face.And certainly no pretty boys.
Though it wasn't always possible to find ideal candidates, he usually got close enough. And after each trial, Hokuto would warn them not to recommend him to others—precisely to avoid situations like this.
"Figures. In the end, I can only rely on myself…"
With another sigh, he pushed open the door to his little hut and went inside.
Two days passed quickly. True to his word, Hokuto arrived at the entrance of the Discipline Hall right on time.
"Hokuto, over here."
Just as he was about to look around, he heard Protector Uman's voice from not far away.
Following the sound, Hokuto saw Uman smiling and nodding at him. Standing at his side were two young women—Yanagi Shizuku, who lowered her head nervously, and Hō Akane, who deliberately turned her face away.
Today, Shizuku was dressed in a vivid jade-green smoke-blouse and a flowing pleated skirt patterned like mist and blossoms. Her slender shoulders and delicate waist gave her the air of a fairy, her refined face framed like a flawless melon seed, radiating elegance that seemed almost unearthly.
Hokuto noticed the glances from the passing disciples, each stealing looks at her beauty. He resisted the urge to sigh aloud.
In five years, he had only led female disciples a handful of times—and each case had been forced onto him by the Sect Master. As for women like Shizuku, blessed with beauty that could topple cities, he had always kept his distance. Yet now, not only was one assigned to him, but two at once.
So much for keeping that vow… this is a complete disaster.
Suppressing his frustration, Hokuto stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings, Protector Uman."
"You're punctual. I trust you've met my two beloved disciples before?"
"Yes." Hokuto nodded, then cupped his hands toward the two young women. "Sister Shizuku, Sister Akane."
When their eyes met, Shizuku panicked slightly. After all, she knew full well that her senior brother had been dragged into this by the Protector because of her. Who knew how much he resented her for it?
So this is what it feels like… the fear of being disliked. It really doesn't feel good at all.
But no matter her unease, Shizuku quickly bowed deeply. "I've seen you before, Senior Brother Hokuto. Forgive me for troubling you this time."
Akane, on the other hand, only gave a casual salute. "Greetings, Senior Brother."
Just as the introductions ended, Protector Uman waved toward the nearby pond and called out:
"You three, stop fooling around over there and come greet your senior brother!"
Wait… what!?
Hokuto froze, a creeping sense of dread swelling in his chest.
"Coming~!"
A sweet, lively voice answered. Hokuto turned to see three identical young girls running toward them.
No way…
Shizuku and Akane had already given him enough of a headache, and now these three newcomers were stunning in their own right. Each had a delicate oval face, long willow brows, and bright, mischievous eyes that sparkled with spirit. With their fair skin and charming smiles, the three were practically sprites come to life.
"This is the senior brother I told you about—Hokuto. You must follow him closely on this trip down the mountain and obey his words. Understand?"
"Yes, Protector," the three chorused, before turning and bowing in unison.
"Disciples of Mizukagami Hall—Uryū Mizue, Uryū Mizuna, Uryū Miyo—pay our respects to Senior Brother Hokuto."
Though his soul was practically splitting apart inside, Hokuto forced a strained smile and returned the bow. "Greetings, Sisters."
Once the triplets stepped in line behind him, Protector Uman smiled warmly. "Hokuto, I'll leave it to you. Mizukagami Hall has many female disciples, and we lack a reliable senior brother to guide them. So—you'll just have to shoulder more than your share and take them all down the mountain."
"Your disciple accepts."
"Good. Then the rest is up to you." Uman nodded at Hokuto, then turned to remind the girls once more to obey his orders before striding away.
The moment Uman's back disappeared, the three sisters who had been standing so demurely suddenly swarmed around Hokuto.
"Senior Brother Hokuto, what martial techniques are you best at?""Senior Brother Hokuto, what kind of weapon do you usually use?""Senior Brother Hokuto, when you fight, do you step out with your left foot or your right foot first?"
Their three eager faces, each filled with curiosity, nearly made Hokuto's head spin. He swept them with a sharp look and snapped:
"Back to your places! Until I give you permission, you are not allowed to speak—or move."
The triplets froze, wide-eyed and stunned.
At that moment, Akane smirked. "Oh? Already putting on the airs of an Iron Seal? Weren't you the coward who didn't even dare to accept a challenge just the other day?"
Hokuto shot her a sidelong glance and replied coldly, "That was then. This is now. Since I am your Iron Seal, your safety is my responsibility. And for that, you must follow my commands without question. Do I make myself clear?"
"And if I refuse?" Akane stepped forward defiantly.
"You can try."
The words had barely left his lips before Hokuto's eyes flashed. A wave of invisible pressure burst forth, enveloping Akane completely.
"I—"
Akane wanted to retort, but under his oppressive aura her tongue stuck. For some reason, fear welled up in her chest.
Strange… what's happening? Why am I afraid of him? This is the same man who once admitted, in front of everyone, that he was a coward! How could he possibly exude such presence?
But no matter how unwilling she was, Akane couldn't force the words out. She turned her head away in frustration.
The Uryū triplets, too, realized that their senior brother was not nearly as soft as he appeared. Quickly, they retreated to their spots and stood at attention.
Satisfied, Hokuto raised a single finger. "In my squad, there is one rule you must follow above all: every action is to be carried out under my command. No acting on your own. Do you understand?"
"Yes." The five girls nodded in unison, though their voices lacked strength.
"Good. Then here is my first order. You will all return immediately and change your clothes into coarse linen or hemp robes. If you don't have any, borrow from the Discipline Hall. You have half an hour. Meet me back here when the time is up. Anyone late will lose two points."
(End of Chapter)