Chapter: 555
In the now chilly atmosphere of the guest house, silence lingered for a few seconds.
The Shamans standing at the back widened their eyes.
At that moment, Gu Ryeong-hwa was sweating profusely and covering her mouth.
Rattle-
Ji-cheol, who was in front, pushed the chair back and stood up.
“What did you just say?”
From Ji-cheol’s twisted expression, it was clear he was quite angry.
Shiver, shiver, shiver!
The glass on the table trembled.
It was vibrating due to the energy Ji-cheol was emitting.
I felt the vibration and looked at Ji-cheol.
‘His realm seems similar to Yeongpung.’
He looked to be in his thirties, maybe between twenty and forty. All things considered, he was quite the outstanding warrior.
That is, unless you’re comparing him to Youngpung, who was a rather unique case.
To reach such a level at that age makes him quite an incredible genius.
‘I see.’
His eyes were filled with arrogance and pride.
That was the typical demeanor of those raised in prestigious families; those who grew up being called geniuses.
‘It makes me want to gouge out my eyes.’
I resisted the impulse.
After all, it wasn’t that type of situation just yet.
“What did you just say?”
He looked like he might pull out his sword at any moment.
Seeing that, I spoke without losing my composure.
“Oh my, you’re angry.”
Crack.
Upon hearing my words, Ji-cheol gritted his teeth and spoke to me.
“Dare you refer to a shaman’s disciple as a sapa?”
“Well, if I’m not wrong, what’s got you so worked up?”
BAM- Ji-cheol slammed his hand down on the table.
“This punk… How dare he…!”
Swish-!
As Ji-cheol raised his voice progressively, I subtly released my energy and let it flow to the side.
“…!”
Yeongpung glanced at me, bewildered by what just happened.
It was because I had intercepted his energy.
‘Stay still.’
At the moment Ji-cheol showed his determination, I felt the tension increase in Yeongpung’s energy.
If I hadn’t intervened, it seemed likely they’d clash.
‘Holding on by force leaves a bad aftertaste.’
Moreover, there were plenty of eyes around.
If I wanted to, I could easily make them all disappear.
But I had to show some restraint.
For the sake of a few friends who were rolling around in the North Sea.
“Do you even know whose land this is, to be so rude?”
“I can’t say I do. But this certainly isn’t the dojo’s territory.”
“What?”
It was common knowledge that this was a region managed by the Shamans and thus protected by them.
So yes, it’s well-known that the Wudang Sect was the administrator of this land.
“Is the dojo itself the shaman?”
“…!”
“Though I understand the love you have for your sect, the mere young leaves that barely cling to life are not the ancient tree itself.”
Don’t speak carelessly without understanding your position.
That was the implication behind my words.
Was that the problem?
Ji-cheol moved.
He made a move as if to reach out.
Given the motion of his wrist, it seemed he intended to grab his sword.
Clank.
As Ji-cheol made his move, I felt others shifting beside and behind me.
Yeongpung pulled up a pottery, and Seongyul grabbed his sword.
I had expected them to be all flustered, but their reactions caught me off guard.
But.
‘Just stay still, please.’
Fighting here wouldn’t yield the results I wanted.
So.
Before anything could really blow up, I pulled out the letter that had been hidden in my clothing and placed it on the table.
Stop.
The sudden action stopped Ji-cheol in his tracks.
He must’ve realized what the letter on the table was.
Aside from the fact that he was arrogant and foolish, it was fortunate that his eyesight seemed to be functioning just fine.
“Uh…?”
Yeongpung also looked puzzled as he glanced at it.
Of course. This was a letter that originally belonged to Yeongpung.
“Uh, when did…?”
Yeongpung fumbled as he spoke, but I ignored him and turned to Ji-cheol.
“Do you know what this is?”
“…”
“Since you seem to already know, I won’t bother explaining at length.”
The letter roughly informs about going to the volcano to retrieve some treasures.
But that was just part of what was written.
The contents stamped on it were the real issue.
A plum blossom pattern with delicate colors at the bottom of the letter.
That particular design signifies only one thing.
‘The direct seal of the head of the Hwasan Sect.’
It meant this letter was sent directly by the leader of the Hwasan Sect.
Do you know what this entails?
“This means I am here acting as the designated representative of the Jangmunin, Ji-cheol Dojo.”
Since the person in charge cannot move independently,
This letter conveys the purpose of sending a delegate.
The head of the household’s direct seal implies such significance.
Many moons ago, when I visited the volcano,
The head of the Hwasan Sect, even for a moment, paid me a courtesy.
But.
“Is this really how a Shaman treats such an individual?”
Even the plum blossoms from the volcano showed me manners.
So, how can a guy just placed in the second seat be so disregarding?
As I spoke and unveiled the insignia, Ji-cheol’s brow furrowed.
That wasn’t a mere expression of anger; it carried an unmistakable hint of confusion.
“Let me ask, Ji-cheol Dojo, are you the designated representative of the Wudang?”
“…That’s…”
“I sincerely hope not. If you came as the shaman’s representative, then I don’t want this to end with these results.”
“…”
I had made my point clear.
We had come to the Wudang as representatives of the Jangmunin of the Hwasan Sect.
Is this the kind of approach you deem acceptable towards us?
What this all boiled down to was a clear implication of:
‘What are you?’
That’s pretty much the sentiment.
What could Ji-cheol possibly say now?
I stared at him with a hint of intrigue in my eyes.
His eyes were shaking rather suspiciously.
He recognized this was a crucial moment to carefully choose his words.
‘When arrogance eats your head, it turns you into someone like that.’
If he truly reached such a level at that age, then he was indeed a promising talent.
But if he got consumed by such pride and arrogance throughout the process, he would invariably end up like this.
More so, this worked in my favor.
I’m generally confident when dealing with fools like him.
“You seemed so chatty moments ago, yet I didn’t expect you to have such heavy lips.”
Ji-cheol bit his lip, stammering as if I had just prompted him to spit it out once more.
First, I couldn’t allow the silence to stretch too long.
I had already taken control of the flow. What Ji-cheol could do now was very limited.
‘Diving off the cliff I’ve laid out.’
He could either abandon that insufferable pride and retreat.
Because I’d set sharp thorns right where he stood.
Ji-cheol could very well not have the luxury to remain still.
‘Thorn’ means the gazes trained on him.
The Taoists from all around were now looking at Ji-cheol.
What options did he have left?
From my perspective, there didn’t seem to be many favorable choices available.
After a brief moment of rolling his eyes, Ji-cheol said,
“…I had no intention of disrespecting the guests.”
He appeared to be actually trying to back off a bit. It felt like momentarily he was snapping back to his senses.
Since I was here, I had no intention of letting him off the hook.
“Just as I mentioned previously, an issue arose in the text…”
“Well then, damn.”
Ji-cheol flinched at the sudden curse slipping from my mouth.
Blocking his words, I immediately crafted an awkward expression.
“Oh, my apologies. That escaped me without my notice.”
I wasn’t genuinely sorry, but I offered an apology regardless.
“So then, wouldn’t it have been wiser to drop the details of your situation before steering the conversation? The Ji-cheol of Wudang.”
“…”
I inconspicuously set the groundwork and effectively planted the impression that Ji-cheol’s current position represented the Wudang.
“There is a situation within the Wudang. Thus, we need to confirm something.”
Creek.
Leaning forward, I edged a bit closer to Ji-cheol.
“It’s often seen as social etiquette to positively wrap up and share such circumstances. You little punk.”
“…!”
“Even from a subservient position, this is incredibly frustrating. Do you even realize why?”
Waving the letter I held to emphasize, I briefly showed it to Ji-cheol.
“On paper, it’s a return; yet it seems more like a transaction?”
Thud.
A tremor of flow was felt coming from Youngpung.
I momentarily brushed that aside.
The document adorned with the plum blossom emblem bore a few calm characters written down.
Yeongpung had said he would go retrieve the treasures of the volcano.
But the inscription carried the implication that there were also artifacts of the Wudang that needed to be returned.
Thus, the intention seemed to flip around; wanting to get back the Hwasan’s relics currently held by the Wudang.
That’s essentially what that meant.
“If you came here solely to collect, you could have bowed out politely. But if your aim is to negotiate exchanges, that’s a different tale altogether, wouldn’t you say?”
Especially if both sects were on equal standing.
‘I wonder if he thinks Wudang is superior. That might be possible.’
The leader of the Murim Alliance is none other than the head of the shaman clan.
As this region develops, do they really think they hold dominion over Hwasan Sect, who have been living peacefully?
It’s quite natural for a person to think like that; that’s just human behavior.
Yet.
‘The problem lies in them revealing it.’
He should’ve simply kept that thought to himself. Why vocalize it and create such a mess?
I found that utterly incomprehensible.
Asking out loud without a means to back up your words can only lead to embarrassment.
There’s no worse predicament than this— and it seems this fellow truly doesn’t grasp his limits.
Catching a glimpse of Ji-cheol’s expression, I said,
“I’ll ask once more.”
As I spoke, I directed my gaze toward the table.
The teacup that had trembled wildly before was now perfectly still.
Confirming this led me to glance away and rise from my seat.
I took deliberate steps until I stood in front of Ji-cheol.
“Ji-cheol Dojo’s behavior signifies you represent the Wudang.”
Looking him in the eyes, I continued,
“Are you aware that in doing so, you are committing a faux pas against the distinguished Hwasan orphan who has come officially to the Wudang?”
“I’m not that sort of person…!”
Ji-cheol’s eyes widened, about to retort.
Yet, the question I posed wasn’t one of words but of a deeper inquiry through my gaze.
-What will you do now?
I chuckled.
To ease the tension skimming the surface, I thought of putting him back on edge.
-Will you take the opportunity to apologize and step back?
Then I subtly mouthed a silent mockery toward him.
-You little fool.
“…Just who do you think you’re messing with…!”
Click.
As soon as he heard that, he viciously grabbed at the sword at his waist.
But trying to pull it didn’t seem possible.
“Think wisely. This is your last chance.”
“…!!”
Press-
Because my hand was swiftly preventing him from drawing his sword.
Ji-cheol, thrown into a panic, attempted to exert force.
Yet no matter how desperately he struggled, the sword wouldn’t budge.
One hand now gripped the shoulder of that guy.
“If you draw that out…”
I approached the flailing Ji-cheol and leaned in to whisper in his ear:
“You’re going to die here.”
Whoosh-
“Ugh…!!”
As my words hit him, Ji-cheol immediately recoiled.
A sheen of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Perhaps I had infused too much weight into my words after all.
No, it wasn’t only that.
‘Control is tricky.’
I had to sweep my hand over my neck to alleviate any lingering tension.
I had used a similar approach on Seongyul not too long ago, but this time was slightly more complicated.
What was this called again?
‘Dragon Speech, was it?’
Dragon Speech.
The ability to manifest one’s energy through speech directed at another.
Slightly different from the subtle communication method and lion’s roar, which worked to impede the opposing movements with an invocation of power.
It was described as the ability to entirely overwhelm the opponent with your tone.
The Dark King also illustrated it in that manner, however.
I was still rather clueless about the whole idea.
I slightly bobbed my head and glanced at Ji-cheol.
I seemed to be mismanaging my output, yet it clearly resonated with him.
On his face, beads of cold sweat streamed down.
The disbelief at his current situation was reflected in his eyes.
“How dare you… it’s just a bunch of later indices that can’t amount to anything!”
“You seem old enough to be satisfied. I’m quite happy being young myself.”
“Everyone sings your praises and calls you something impressive, and you seem to have gotten quite full of yourself!”
Ha-ha.
Hearing that, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Are you laughing?”
“I genuinely find this amusing.”
How could it not be?
“Typically, those who say such things don’t seem to notice that they’re portraying their own characteristics. It’s quite entertaining to observe.”
In what arrogant sense do they take the honor of being a shaman seriously?
First off, it’s definitely not me.
Hearing that made Ji-cheol’s face flush a vibrant red.
Fortunately, it seemed he recognized the embarrassment of it all.
“…I’ll not forgive you for this.”
Swish-
Unable to contain his fury, Ji-cheol unsheathed his sword.
“I will teach you a lesson here!”
“Looks like you’ve drawn it, huh?”
Ji-cheol couldn’t get all his intended words out.
Just as he started to speak, my hand was already at his neck.
“What did I just say?”
Once that sword is drawn, it means you’re signing your own death sentence.
I distinctly stated it earlier.
It appeared Ji-cheol remembered this, desperately attempting to swing his sword.
But that alone wouldn’t be enough to halt my movements.
I aimed to grab and twist his sword arm.
“Just stop right there.”
Hearing the voice that came, I had to cease my actions.
I turned my gaze.
An old man had appeared out of nowhere, approaching us calmly.
The shocked expressions among the Shamans present spoke volumes as they witnessed the old man.
Especially Ji-cheol’s face, which wore the most shocked expression of all.
“Elder…!”
The old man approached me with serene steps and directly addressed me, avoiding Ji-cheol entirely.
“I am Yu Baek of the Wudang.”
At the introduction of the old man, I withdrew my hand from Ji-cheol’s neck.
I then executed a light bow while saying,
“It’s an honor to meet you, Senior Bisunggeom.”
“Hehe…”
The true identity of that old man was one of the hundred greatest masters in the Central Plains and among the top-tier representatives of the Wudang.
Yu Baek of the Bisunggeom.
Even I was aware of his fame as a martial master.
“…Thank you for recognizing me.”
“I wouldn’t forget such an outstanding individual.”
As I coated my words with some flattery, the corners of Yu Baek’s eyes slightly drooped down.
“It seems our children have greatly disrespected our guests.”
Yu Baek took a moment to survey the situation, then turned to my party and said,
“I apologize.”
And then he earnestly extended an apology.
“I shall apologize on behalf of my disciples, so would you be so kind as to let go of your anger?”
“Now, Elder, how can you, of all people, apologize to this kid…!”
The moment Ji-cheol dumbly interjected.
Slap-
Yu Baek swiftly swung his hand and slapped Ji-cheol across the cheek.
It wasn’t just a gentle tap; Ji-cheol went flying with the force of it.
Crash! Ji-cheol tumbled down, knocking over the table.
“Ugh…”
As Ji-cheol shivered, blood trickling down from the corner of his mouth, Yu Baek observed and said,
“What a foolish child.”
“Elder…”
“Shut your mouth. Your treatment will be decided back in the main hall.”
His growling tone conveyed sharpness.
At first glance, it certainly seemed like he was furious.
However.
Tsk.
I recognized it as an exercise in futility from my own stance.
Yu Baek was quick to dispel his previously agitated gaze and continued speaking, refocusing back to me.
“I shall severely reprimand the child for his mistakes. Please, I kindly ask you to forgive him for this old man’s sake.”
With that, Yu Baek bowed his head a second time.
As the elder of the Wudang sought forgiveness, the Taoists stood behind him in awe, trembling at the response.
Witnessing that made me ponder for a moment.
Should I extend this further?
If I desired, I could certainly push it more.
It seemed plausible to knit it in a more complicated manner, but…
“Yes, very well. I will accept your apology.”
I opted not to stretch the situation thinner.
Not because Yu Baek’s apology had charmed me, but rather that I sensed that any reckless move here would cause the narrative to shift away from my favor.
As I formally accepted the apology, Yu Baek smiled and replied,
“Thank you for your gracious acceptance. Additionally, if it pleases you, I’ve arranged for someone to greet you outside. Shall we proceed to the main office? This time we promise to serve you ‘respectfully’ without error…”
“Well, I heard you mention wanting to confirm something. Is that still alright?”
“While such a procedure is necessary, how could I impose that on our valued guests? Such matters can be sufficiently handled upon your arrival at the main office. I kindly request your forbearance.”
The old man’s tongue flowed thin and lengthy.
Within that statement was a notion that it was something required, but it wouldn’t be done out of regard for our peace.
Doing so was tangible and carried an appeal that there was still a set procedure involved.
“Understood.”
Upon hearing this, I couldn’t hold my position any longer, so I nodded in consent.
I picked up the letter resting on the table and handed it to Yeongpung.
Yeongpung accepted it but wore an expression of total disbelief.
Seeing that, I inquired,
“What’s wrong? If you don’t like it, shall I escalate it further?”
“Oh no…! I’m just a bit taken aback…”
It must have been his first time encountering this kind of situation, as seeing Yeongpung flustered entertained me to a degree.
‘Tsk tsk, how do you expect to endure in this harsh world with such naivety?’
The initial outings to the martial realm mostly yield such impressions.
Yet considering his befuddled appearance put me on edge.
In this world, if you’re ignorant, you’ll inevitably suffer.
If you only realize things in hindsight without strength to reverse them, you ought to handle it prudently.
I glanced back at the crumpled Ji-cheol and Yu Baek, who were now observing me, then led my companions outside the guest house.
It was a missed opportunity that I couldn’t properly lay the smackdown on Ji-cheol.
But in the end, this was enough.
Just this much sufficed.
Immediately after Guyangcheon left the inn,
Yu Baek fixed his calm gaze on the entrance they exited from.
Gone was the smile that graced his face moments earlier, replaced with a cold, chilling expression.
Towards that Yu Baek, the fallen Ji-cheol began to rise again.
“…Elder…”
Upon hearing Ji-cheol’s voice, Yu Baek turned his eyes toward him.
A seemingly icy gaze that struck down hard.
Ji-cheol felt it and trembled.
“…I apologize.”
He managed to speak with a quavering voice, yet it did nothing to restore Yu Baek’s previous expression.
“An utterly useless fool.”
“…”
“Here you are, unable to handle even this simple situation, forcing me to step in.”
At Yu Baek’s words, Ji-cheol discreetly clenched his fists tightly.
“Elder… But they are worse than expected…”
“Are you trying to make excuses to me now?”
“Oh no, how could I…!”
“You yourself remarked that they are merely later indices who would falter. Have you forgotten?”
Ji-cheol attempted to change the topic, urgently pleading Yu Baek.
“I grew overly complacent. If granted one more chance, I can certainly…”
“No need.”
“…!”
Ji-cheol’s visage shadowed at Yu Baek’s definitive statement.
He felt he had been robbed of a chance.
Though in contrast, Yu Baek’s thoughts operated differently.
To claim Ji-cheol didn’t need a second chance didn’t imply denying him that opportunity but rather indicated:
‘Your skill doesn’t match the task at hand.’
Yu Baek had assessed that Ji-cheol was not cut out for getting involved in matters of this magnitude.
‘Just now, that kid.’
A particular face flitted through Yu Baek’s mind.
The image of the young boy who had put Ji-cheol in a corner until now.
The youth who had attempted to grip Ji-cheol by the neck last.
‘What was that name again? Soyeomra?’
A few years ago, he was the young man who stirred up significant commotion in the Central Plains.
He was said to be the youngest to reach the peak level, was he not?
Though Yu Baek had never believed such rumors,
This instance felt considerably different.
Clench.
Yu Baek examined his palm.
His palms were indeed slightly sweaty.
“…”
Was he feeling nervous?
This is indeed the Yu Baek of the Bisunggeom?
‘Haha.’
Feeling a looming tension, he began to cool his head down.
‘I genuinely thought I would kill him.’
Had Yu Baek not intervened, he speculated, Guyangcheon would have indeed killed Ji-cheol.
The way he directed his movements and his gaze clearly articulated that intention.
Yet, the amusing twist was:
‘He’d do that knowing I was watching.’
Guyangcheon, despite the risk, acted in such a way.
He understood Yu Baek was watching from the shadows.
‘He knew all along.’
From the moment he stepped onto this street, Guyangcheon was aware of Yu Baek’s presence.
Still, he behaved provocatively.
As if to demonstrate something to Yu Baek.
‘How terrifying.’
Even in times when trouble brewed around the Wudang.
It seemed Yu Baek had inadvertently stumbled into a troublesome situation.
At that moment.
“Aaah!”
All of a sudden, Ji-cheol, who had been lying on the ground, let out a scream.
Seemingly surprised at this strange turn of events, Yu Baek gazed at Ji-cheol.
“Why the sudden uproar…?”
Then it hit him instantly.
Ji-cheol was gripping one shoulder tightly.
‘That arm.’
Hadn’t it been Guyangcheon who had seized Ji-cheol’s shoulder earlier?
Remembering this, Yu Baek scrutinized Ji-cheol’s shoulder closely.
“Herh.”
With a sigh, he realized the reality.
Ji-cheol’s shoulder was shattered.
It was in fact broken at the bones into fragments.
In such a swift divergence of events, had his shoulder become this wrecked?
‘Yet, why now is this kid in such pain?’
Just moments ago, Ji-cheol had been seemingly fine, now suddenly wracked with agony.
Yu Baek found it hard to comprehend.
Yet one thing remained true.
“…This is not good.”
The implications of their visit didn’t seem to foreshadow anything favorable for the Wudang.
Especially in a scenario such as this.
Rustle.
Leaving Ji-cheol screaming, Yu Baek stood upright.
He spoke to the Taoist beside him,
“Send a letter to Jang Moon-in immediately.”
The Taoist, upon catching Yu Baek’s chilling gaze, trembled fearfully.
Those eyes were unforgivingly cold.
“I suspect some trouble has arisen in the main hall.”
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