Clatter. Clatter.
“Ugh…”
“Ah, Tang So-yeol Miss! Are you awake?”
Tang So-yeol grabbed her throbbing head and lifted her heavy eyelids.
‘Somehow survived.’
Maybe luck was on her side, as her brain hadn’t melted down. Tang So-yeol sensed the bustling presence around her and raised her hand slightly.
“Look for water!”
“It’s right here!”
Tang So-yeol felt the cup touch her lips and grimaced. As if reading her reluctance, the cup was quickly pulled away.
Her throat was dry, and she couldn’t utter a proper word, but she squeezed her strength and opened her mouth.
“Cigarette, cigarette please…”
In an instant, the surroundings fell silent.
“Let’s just give her water.”
“Ugh!!”
Forced to drink water, and additionally fed decoction and pills, Tang So-yeol managed to prop herself up.
Her weary gaze scanned her companions, all of whom were looking at her with worried expressions. Hyeok Gi-rin had even welling tears in his eyes.
“How are you feeling? The physician said your condition looked like someone who collapsed from extreme fatigue.”
“Well, it’s manageable.”
The group let out a sigh of relief. Observing their reactions, Tang So-yeol voiced her earlier curiosity.
“Hmm, Ho Cheon-an?”
Everyone’s faces darkened for different reasons.
Tang So-yeol instinctively sensed that something had happened since she fainted.
“After you fainted, many things occurred.”
Black Cat recounted the events following Tang So-yeol’s collapse, and she quietly listened.
“Blood Ancestor publicly declared that Ho Cheon-an is his blood relative?”
Black Cat nodded silently.
“Although the Senior declared a severance at that moment… Blood Ancestor laughed off such words and said whenever he wants, he could return to the Blood Sect, then fled down the river. The Martial Forest Alliance Martial Artists chased after him, but ultimately lost track of him.”
That made sense.
Even her half-dazed brain could vividly imagine the situation back then.
Oh Seong-jin, the core of the Array Formation, was in a state where he couldn’t function properly, and the others had no opportunity to join the chase.
Members of the Bi-pung Mountain Sea were relatively unharmed, but they must have exhausted their strength and internal energy to escape the cave, leaving them without energy to pursue Black Serpent.
Even if they had energy left, tracking Black Serpent who dove into the river would be difficult.
That Black Serpent was skilled enough to swim against strong currents in the river and come up to the surface.
“…What happened afterward?”
“A heated debate ensued.”
Black Cat recalled the situation at that time.
A survey team that nearly faced being buried alive. The martial artists on the ground who suffered heavy losses due to ambush. Blood Ancestor, who was ultimately let go right before their eyes.
It was a situation that warranted everyone to be agitated.
And the root of all this chaos, Ho Cheon-an, was right before them.
Doubt. Anger. Defense. Confusion.
Everyone was caught in a play, suspecting that Ho Cheon-an was a pawn of the Blood Sect.
In the end, those who were angry claimed that they ended up in this situation because of Ho Cheon-an.
And those who believed that Ho Cheon-an, who fought against the Blood Sect until now, wouldn’t have done such a thing defended him.
The martial artists at the scene were split around Ho Cheon-an.
“The Master Un-jong settled that chaos.”
Yet, even Master Un-jong couldn’t completely suppress the disorder on-site. The best he could do was mediate by stating that the matters regarding Ho Cheon-an should be discussed back at the Martial Forest Alliance.
Tang So-yeol sighed after hearing Black Cat’s words.
“So, when we arrive at the Martial Forest Alliance, Ho Cheon-an’s fate will be decided. So when do we get there?”
Black Cat silently looked outside. Following that gaze, Tang So-yeol turned her head and cursed.
“Damn it.”
Only then did she realize she had lost consciousness for quite a while.
The Bicheongmacha had already reached the vicinity of the Martial Forest Alliance.
* *
“We will now convene the Alliance Meeting.”
I looked around. Most of the sect representatives were present, and the gazes directed at me were a kaleidoscope of emotions.
“First, I would like to hear the details of this matter from Great Hero Moyong Seo and Master Un-jong.”
The two began recounting the events that took place in the North.
When all stories were finished, the gaze of the sect representatives was divided into two places.
Myself and the sleeves stained with Blood Ancestor’s blood.
“Infinite Life Buddha. Young Hero Ho Cheon-an. Is it true that you share a blood relation with Blood Ancestor?”
The representative of the Mu-dang Sect spoke, and I silently nodded.
The fact that Blood Ancestor and I were blood-related could not be denied given the evidence of his blood on my sleeve.
A ripple of confusion spread through the assembly.
“Didn’t the Brain Knife Outcast say that the Blood Sect is their parent’s enemy? Yet, to be related to Blood Ancestor… It makes no sense at all.”
“While it is true that Blood Ancestor and I are related, it is also true that he harmed my parents.”
My reply caused a stir in the assembly. Such an answer was shocking on a moral level.
“Honestly, it’s hard to believe! Do you have any evidence or witnesses to validate your claim?”
The representative of the Mosan Sect glared at me, hurt by the scars of our battle with Blood Ancestor.
“Unfortunately, no.”
“Hah! So it’s a lie!”
“It doesn’t seem fair to conclude so easily.”
The Feng Ying Hall Master countered the Mosan Sect representative’s words.
“Given the current situation, can you still say such things? Blood Ancestor’s kin infiltrated the Martial Forest Alliance, trapping many members in a deadly trap! Many could have faced annihilation!”
“Have you forgotten that Ho Cheon-an retook the Botamun? It’s rather harsh to criticize someone who has been risking everything to counter the Blood Sect.”
“What?”
A deadly tension brewed between the Feng Ying Hall Master and the Mosan Sect representative.
I examined those next to them; standing beside the Feng Ying Hall Master were Moyong Seo and Master Un-jong, and near the Mosan Sect representative were the Namgung Clan and the representative of the Shandong Orchestra, who had sustained massive damage from their assault.
It seemed that the sects had divided into those who supported me and those who opposed me.
“Both of you should calm down.”
At the mediator’s words, the two begrudgingly withdrew their gazes. The heavy eyes of Yeon Cheon-baek scanned the sect representatives.
“I want to hear everyone’s opinions.”
The gaze of the mediator settled on the closest representative from the Mu-dang Sect.
“Infinite Life Buddha. We do not wish to believe that Brain Knife Outcast created such outcomes with malice. However, Brain Knife Outcast purposely concealed their relationship with Blood Ancestor. That point must be addressed.”
“In the end, didn’t Brain Knife Outcast become trapped within the same barrier as everyone else? It would be too presumptuous to say they sided with the Blood Sect solely based on blood relations.”
“Shouldn’t we also consider that the Five Elements Array commanded by Brain Knife Outcast is an essential power for the current Martial Forest Alliance?”
The opinions from the sects without personal grievances against me were varied.
However, all the sect representatives shared one common emotion in their eyes.
Discomfort.
A thorny situation.
At present, I was a thorny issue.
Given that my connection to the Blood Sect was clearly revealed, it seemed dangerous to continue.
Yet, for that reason, it was a shame to dismiss my capabilities completely.
Was there a way to eliminate the danger while still keeping Oh Seong-jin?
The faces of most sect representatives reflected such concerns.
“Martial Forest Alliance members.”
I observed their expressions and thought.
“I take full responsibility for this incident and will be leaving the Martial Forest Alliance to operate independently.”
Indeed, it was clear I had to leave the Martial Forest Alliance.
* *
In the Moyong Clan’s lodging located in the Martial Forest Alliance.
Shadows were lurking in front of Moyong Clan’s lodging.
The owners of those shadows waited for Moyong Seo and Moyong Yeon-hwa, who participated in the Martial Forest Alliance meeting.
“Sigh, brother…”
Moyong Mo let out a worried sigh, and Moyong Yeon-hwa bit her lip.
They say a horse without legs travels a thousand miles.
By the time the survey team returned to the Martial Forest Alliance, the news of their return had already spread to every ear that could hear it.
People came to the Moyong Clan’s lodging to inquire if the rumors were true.
Moyong Yeon-hwa clenched her dress as she thought of Ho Cheon-an. The moment Ho Cheon-an and Blood Ancestor faced each other replayed in her mind.
In the trembling voice that asked if that was all there was to say, the sadness she sensed in his back…
And witnessing him severing all ties while solidifying the sword once steeled in his heart was heart-wrenching.
“Uncle!”
At Moyong Mo’s call, Moyong Yeon-hwa shook herself back to reality. It was because a cloud-covered Moyong Seo had appeared.
Perhaps he too was curious about the news, as sounds of doors opening came from all over the lodging, but Moyong Yeon-hwa’s focus was entirely on Moyong Mo, who was fixated on Moyong Seo.
“What happened? What happened?!”
At Moyong Mo’s insistence, Moyong Seo responded shortly.
“Sigh, there were various opinions.”
“That’s not what I’m asking! What about you, brother?”
After a brief silence, Moyong Seo let out a sigh. At that sight, Moyong Mo and Moyong Yeon-hwa instinctively felt that something unfortunate had occurred.
“Ho Cheon-an has left the Martial Forest Alliance to operate independently.”
“That’s nonsense!”
“Ah….”
Moyong Yeon-hwa felt as though the world had turned dark. Ho Cheon-an moving alone?
Facing Blood Sect’s Entities and Blood Persons with merely seven others and a single cart was a reckless choice.
Even if they skillfully got rid of the Blood Persons, could Oh Seong-jin genuinely contend with the Blood Sect’s Entities?
Even if he faced something agile like a Saber Beast, it would lead to a dragged-out ground battle without the form to change.
It would be a disadvantage in a melee let alone in a drawn-out siege.
Moyong Yeon-hwa couldn’t envision a positive future for Ho Cheon-an and their group at all.
Suddenly, something surged within her.
That one word she had desperately buried in her heart, believing it was unnecessary since the martial artists of the Martial Forest Alliance would protect them.
Oh Seong-jin.
As the name Oh Seong-jin fluttered to her mind, Moyong Yeon-hwa unconsciously turned her gaze towards the lodging where Ho Cheon-an and his group were staying.
Now without the support of the experts who would fill Oh Seong-jin’s void, for Ho Cheon-an to achieve victory over Entities, he would need Oh Seong-jin desperately.
“Yeon-hwa.”
Moyong Seo’s soft call brought Moyong Yeon-hwa back to her senses.
Only then did she realize she was subconsciously moving towards the lodging. The heavy gazes of Moyong Seo and Moyong Mo, along with the gathering members of the Moyong Clan, left her feeling paralyzed.
…What was I trying to do?
Moyong Yeon-hwa bit her lip.
They had fought and bled together against the Blood Sect and had just escaped near-death in the cave.
Leaving behind those devoted to restoring the clan’s honor and rebuilding the Shengsu Faction, where was she trying to go?
“Sister.”
Moyong Mo’s grave voice made Moyong Yeon-hwa instinctively flinch.
She thought he might be about to express his disappointment.
“Go. Please, sister.”
However, Moyong Mo’s words were contrary to her expectations.
Moyong Yeon-hwa stared at him with wide eyes.
“Go and help your brother.”
Moyong Yeon-hwa looked at those around her. Neither Moyong Seo nor the other faction members seemed surprised by Moyong Mo’s statement but quietly fixated their gazes on her.
“It’s a conclusion I came to after deep consideration, so there’s no need to be surprised.”
“Uncle?”
“Have you not harbored feelings for Young Hero Ho Cheon-an?”
Moyong Seo’s words left Moyong Yeon-hwa even more flustered as she glanced helplessly at the others.
“But how…”
Before she could express her confusion, someone approached.
It was Moyong Seok-jil.
“Our Branch Clan of the Shengsu Faction has harbored grievances against the Direct Line and Main Family. Their existence acted as a barrier to us. Despite that, we thought of the Direct Line and Main Family as indifferent to our struggles and resented them.”
“Elder…”
“And the one who opened our eyes was you, Yeon-hwa.”
Moyong Seok-jil continued as he gazed at the bewildered Moyong Yeon-hwa.
“You treated our side, which had harbored resentment against the Main Family, as family and made every effort to provide us with opportunities. We have always been grateful for that.”
A smile spread across Moyong Seok-jil’s face.
“Just as you wished for the rebirth of the Shengsu Faction, I feel you should be with the one you care for.”
“Elder…”
“Leave the rebuilding of the Shengsu Faction to us. Since you put forth such an opportunity by working hard in the Main Family, isn’t it your turn to seize that opportunity?”
Moyong Seok-jil gently nudged Moyong Yeon-hwa.
“Haha, you’ve already tarnished the family’s honor, and now you wish to be the family elder that ruins your own marriage path too?”
“E-Elder!”
As Moyong Yeon-hwa grew embarrassed, the members of the Moyong Clan, who had been observing, erupted in laughter.
“Hahaha! You’ve sighed heavily while gazing at the Bicheongmacha, and now you’re feeling shy about all this!”
“Indeed, you were bold enough to show off your love quarrel with the Brain Knife Outcast within the Shengsu Faction!”
Moyong Yeon-hwa’s face flushed bright red.
At that time, she hadn’t realized it, but thinking back now, her romantic performance within the Shengsu Faction had been utterly embarrassing.
She had flaunted her happiness with Ho Cheon-an in front of her clan family.
Recalling those memories, Moyong Yeon-hwa couldn’t contain her embarrassment and dashed out of the lodging.
As she ran out, the echoes of laughter followed her from inside the lodging.
Hearing that sound, Moyong Yeon-hwa murmured to herself.
“…Now I can’t even return without being embarrassed.”
Moyong Yeon-hwa felt her heart lighten.
After realizing her feelings for Ho Cheon-an, her heart had always been weighed down with a balance.
On one side was her affection for Ho Cheon-an, and on the other was her concern for the family and Shengsu Faction.
Therefore, her heart always felt heavy.
No matter which side the scale tipped, the weight of the pendulum always pressed down on her heart.
Suddenly, Moyong Yeon-hwa had a thought.
Could I ever shake off that weight and stand up again?
It was uncertain.
Moyong Yeon-hwa took a final glance towards the lodging filled with laughter, then began to move.
Her steps towards Ho Cheon-an’s lodging appeared lighter than ever.
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