Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Yuseon Taoist (6)
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The Martial Enlightenment Society's building looked like nothing more than a rundown inn to anyone passing by. Even stepping inside gave the same impression. It felt like they'd just hauled over some dilapidated old tavern and slapped a sign on it declaring, "This is the Martial Enlightenment Society."
But the people sitting inside were a different story.
As we entered, heads turned sharply our way for a moment before they lost interest just as quickly.
They didn't care if it was Cheongyeon Taoist who'd arrived—or the assassin who'd killed him.
This was a place completely cut off from the outside world.
The only thing that mattered here was martial arts.
I led the somewhat tense Yuseon Taoist to an empty seat and sat down.
"It's been a while, everyone."
No sooner had we settled than someone spoke up. It was a man built like a mountain, clad in black robes and wearing an equally pitch-black mask.
He had a single attendant dressed like some kind of ninja trailing behind him. He strode to the center of the inn with heavy steps, cleared his throat, and spoke. I knew who he was: the Martial Enlightenment Society Leader.
In other words, the Grand Elder of the Demonic Cult.
"I'm truly grateful that you've all gathered here for the advancement of martial arts in the world. Since it's been so long, let's do as we always do—bring out what you've got. Anything goes, as long as it's something meaningful related to martial arts."
"Can I go first?"
"Oh, it's Yang. By all means."
At the Grand Elder's words, an elderly man rose quietly and placed his item on the table. Everyone gathered around to inspect it. I hung back a bit before joining them.
What is this? It's even sloppier than I imagined. Like a middle school presentation gone wrong.
He'd pulled out something that looked like an all-white chopstick. The moment it appeared, one member jolted in surprise and shouted.
"Isn't that a rib from the White Flower Fan!"
What's that?
"You recognized it right away. It's one of the ribs from that fan the sage of the Zhuge Clan used. Took a lot of effort to acquire."
"Heavens, the one that vanished after the bloody battle with the Dark Sword Ghost 341 years ago—and never resurfaced? Even the Zhuge Clan head turned the world upside down looking for it. Never dreamed it'd end up in your hands, even if it's just a single rib."
"As expected from a rat. Impressive."
"........."
The pattern continued like that. Someone would present their item, and those around would explain in detail what it was and why it was so remarkable.
Through it all, each person's depth of knowledge and passion for martial arts shone through, serving as the real judgment.
Of course, the most important factor was still what item they'd brought.
I chuckled inwardly.
In the game, it had felt like this secretive gathering of hidden masters. But in person, it was more like a small club for people with niche obsessions. Still, Yuseon Taoist—having lived for ages—seemed well-read enough. She reacted perfectly each time, gasping in surprise and rattling off what the item was and why it mattered.
Then someone glanced my way and spoke up.
"Why so quiet, friend? It's suspicious."
My lackluster reactions and silence made them question if I even belonged here. Maybe I'd snuck in without knowing much about martial arts. If so, they'd naturally strip my token and kick me out, handing it to someone worthy.
That was the look in their eyes.
"You'd expect someone brought here to know their stuff, but he seems shallower than his guide."
"I see it too. Suspicious. Time to prove your worth with something substantial—unless you want to leave."
"Hm."
Even the Grand Elder fixed me with a steady gaze. Who was this newcomer? Was he here to disrupt things?
If I couldn't prove myself, they'd toss me out on the spot. I stayed silent amid the tension. That was my angle.
Prove it with actions, not words.
Make it obvious without explanation. I let the silence draw all eyes, then pretended to reach into my robes and pulled out an item.
Thud. A book appeared.
Triad Swordsmanship.
"Ha. Triad Swordsmanship? Whoever you are, you must think the Martial Enlightenment Society is a joke—"
At the name, someone slammed the table and shot up. The others scowled in my direction. Masks hid their faces, but the vibe was clear.
Even the Grand Elder had apparently decided my fate; he didn't intervene, just watched.
At this rate, I'd be booted from the Martial Enlightenment Society soon enough.
But I met the Grand Elder's eyes squarely, unfazed, and said,
"Society Leader. Take a look."
The room fell silent at my words. Too arrogant? Fear of his wrath? I didn't care which.
The Grand Elder rose with a hearty laugh and approached slowly.
He'd fully concealed his aura, but nothing could hide the oppressive presence of his towering height. Thud, thud—the footsteps drew near.
Yuseon Taoist sensed the ominous mood and swallowed hard.
Finally, he loomed right over me, peering down. The moment he glanced at the Triad Swordsmanship I'd placed down...
"...This is."
His eyes widened like saucers. He muttered in disbelief.
"This is... the real thing...?"
"Leader, what did you say?"
"The authentic Triad Swordsmanship?"
In an instant, members swarmed like fish to chum. They verified it themselves, and soon someone shrieked.
"It's real! Look—the bloodstain on the third page! The handwriting! This has to be the genuine article!"
The Martial Enlightenment Society erupted.
Spending about an hour there let me see it clearly. These people were titans in their own domains, but when it came to martial arts, they were like pure-hearted children.
The discovery of the authentic Triad Swordsmanship had them celebrating like it was a festival.
Even those who'd eyed me with suspicion or dislike came over without exception, bowing deeply in apology and gratitude. Some teared up, saying they'd never dreamed of seeing such a treasure in their lifetime.
Receiving bows from mostly elders felt a bit awkward.
The Grand Elder, in high spirits, even offered a formal clasp of hands in thanks. Recipient of the Demonic Cult Grand Elder's clasp—now that was a title.
"At first, I thought some scrub had wandered in. Never imagined it was a hidden dragon."
"It's nothing."
"Hahaha! Arrogant, aren't we? A man who unearthed the real Triad Swordsmanship needs that kind of spirit. Hope we cross paths again someday."
...Better for everyone if we never did. I swallowed that thought and nodded vaguely.
Finally finishing the rounds of greetings and sitting back down, Yuseon Taoist whispered to me.
"I'm sorry."
An abrupt apology. I gave her a puzzled look, and she fidgeted before speaking.
"About... misunderstanding earlier. I know you, of all people, wouldn't look at someone like me that way..."
Ah, before we came here. I chuckled without thinking and patted her head. Unprepared for that, her face flushed crimson, eyes wide as she blinked rapidly.
"Don't worry about it."
"Y-Yes? Oh, understood. I won't make that mistake again..."
"I'm looking at you that way plenty."
"......"
She sank, head drooping as she murmured something tiny.
I couldn't catch it all, but bits like "joking, but I'm a Taoist, so no" floated through. Worth teasing someone like that. These little joys make life fun.
I glanced her way and tossed out a line.
"After we leave, if you've got time, how about a boat ride on the lake before heading back?"
Her head snapped up. Her face was still red. For reference, a man and woman boating on the lake carried clear implications. The tips of her long ears burned scarlet.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't..."
"No need to read into it. We can just gaze at the moon."
"......"
"There's a world I want to show you, Taoist."
A bit more earnestly. Locking eyes in a quiet plea.
Honestly, wasn't she pitiable?
I knew Yuseon Taoist's story. A life spent mostly clinging to trees, eyes closed in meditation. How was that any way for a person to live?
Not the stuff she imagined—just wanted to show her how ordinary folks enjoy the world.
After what I'd done so far, she'd probably refuse...
"Understood."
Then, Yuseon Taoist turned her head aside casually. Her flat tone couldn't hide the tremor.
"I've always wanted to try boating."