Chapter 120: Not the Heavenly Messenger Gate, but the Cheonyang Sect
Chapter 120: Not the Heavenly Messenger Gate, but the Cheonyang Sect
Lee An sent me a message via voice transmission.
―What should I do?
―He’s offering to buy you a drink, so you handle it.
I intended to watch and see how she would deal with this.
―This is the first time I’ve ever dealt with something like this.
―It’s a first for me too, watching it from the sidelines.
―Can I really do whatever I want?
―Go ahead.
―I’m really going to do it, then.
The Flying Heaven Sword Technique was formidable, and opening her Conception and Governing Vessels was a massive milestone, but the most important weapon she needed now was experience.
The man introduced himself with a flourish.
“I am Gok Sa, the Young Master of the Cheonyang Sect.”
He was draped in expensive silk and adorned with all sorts of costly jewels on his wrists and fingers. Even his fan was encrusted with brilliant gems.
“Have you perhaps heard of our sect?”
“No. My knowledge is quite limited, so I haven't had the chance. I’m sorry.”
“Not at all, that’s quite understandable.”
In truth, the Cheonyang Sect was a fairly well-known power in the vicinity. Judging by his attire, Gok Sa was the type to walk around practically shouting his family name to the world. Since she didn't recognize it, he had essentially lost his greatest weapon: his status.
“And what is your sect, milady?”
“It’s a nameless sect from a distant countryside. You wouldn't know it.”
“Then please, at least tell me your name.”
“It’s Baek Myeon.”
She had answered that way because she was thinking of the White Mask. Gok Sa was momentarily taken aback by the strange name, but he soon recovered his smile.
“Well then, Miss Baek Myeon. Shall we move to another spot to talk?”
“That’s a bit difficult. We’re in the middle of a conversation right now.”
Only then did Gok Sa look at me. From the moment he sat down, he hadn't spared me a single glance.
“And who might this young hero be?”
While Lee An hesitated on how to introduce me, I spoke up first.
“I am Lady Baek Myeon’s guard.”
For a moment, Gok Sa’s expression soured. His look clearly asked why a mere guard was sharing a table with them, but with that single reaction, his character was laid bare.
I sent Lee An a voice transmission.
―I’ll be your guard for today. You’ve spent your whole life being mine, so one day shouldn't hurt, right? Enjoy it. Opportunities like this don't come often.
―I’m definitely going to enjoy this.
Gok Sa spoke to Lee An. “You seem to be quite close with your guard.”
Lee An looked at me, her eyes full of mischief. “I keep telling him to go live his own life, but he just won't leave my side.”
Gok Sa glared at me. His gaze said exactly what he was thinking: Your master is beautiful, so you’re just sticking around to try something, aren't you?
“I’m curious what a lady would have to discuss with a guard.”
“Oh, we talk about everything.”
“If I may offer a piece of advice, it’s best to keep your distance from guards.”
At Gok Sa’s words, Lee An replied, “Building a bond with a guard is just like earning points so they’ll die in my place, right?”
I chuckled inwardly. She was throwing back all the things I had said to her in the past.
With an expression that suggested her words were nonsense, Gok Sa spoke. “That’s not why.”
“Then why?”
“If you give subordinates an opening, they’re bound to harbor ulterior motives. It’s not good for them, either.”
He put on a serious face, but what kind of life experience could a man draped in jewels possibly have to back up such words? It felt like nothing more than bravado to look cool in front of a woman.
“You’re cute.”
“Pardon? Ah, right. I suppose subordinates with ulterior motives can seem cute sometimes.”
“No, I meant you’re cute, Young Master Gok.”
Gok Sa was momentarily flustered. He clearly hadn't expected her to call him cute so bluntly.
“Fine, buy me a drink. Take us to the most expensive tavern in this town and buy us the most expensive liquor.”
Lee An stood up from her seat.
“What’s wrong? Did you change your mind because I asked for expensive liquor?”
“How could that be? Let’s go.”
We left the tavern. Lee An was acting differently than I had expected. I didn't think she would agree to a drinking session so readily. A short while later, we took a seat in a private room at the most expensive tavern in town.
“Young Master Gok. Since we’re out to have fun, call all your friends too. Men, women, call them all so we can play together. Why? Don't you have any friends?”
Gok Sa’s face turned slightly red. “In the Murim, the only one you can trust is yourself.”
It seemed he had been educated that way since childhood. To trust no one.
“I guess you really don't have friends. Then I’ll have to be your friend, our lonely Young Master Gok.”
Lee An was leading this potentially somber gathering with her characteristic playfulness. The atmosphere brightened immensely, and she seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself. It was as if she was saying: You want to drink? Fine, why not? Since we’re playing, let’s have some real fun!
Meanwhile, a feast was laid out. As his appearance suggested, his "unique martial art" was having an endless supply of money.
“This liquor costs over fifty taels a bottle.”
Lee An made a big fuss over Gok Sa’s boasting.
“This is my first time! Such expensive liquor! Well then, I’ll enjoy it. Oh, I’ll give a glass to my guard as well.”
Without waiting for his answer, Lee An poured the drink.
“Guard, have a drink. It’s very expensive, so don't leave a single drop.”
“I’ll perform a quick inspection first.”
I took out a silver needle and inspected the liquor and dishes one by one. Of course, Gok Sa scowled, but Lee An smiled and said to him, “Young Master Gok, you wouldn't play tricks with the food, would you? If you do, you’ll be in big trouble! Really big trouble.”
“What do you take me for! Even without such tricks, women are lined up for me.”
At that, Lee An gave a soft giggle. It was a charming laugh that could melt even an enemy’s heart.
“I thought so. Come, come, let’s drink.”
The three of us toasted. After emptying her glass, Lee An expressed her regret.
“It’s a waste to drink such good liquor just by ourselves. You guards outside!”
This time, she called out to Gok Sa’s guards waiting outside. Four guards entered the room.
“Young Master Gok, let’s drink with them too, shall we?”
Gok Sa immediately looked displeased. One of the four guards stepped forward.
“We are fine. We must protect the Young Master.”
Lee An said to him, “Was the Young Master really being protected out there?”
The guard had nothing to say to her pointed remark. Until now, they had merely been guarding the drinking bouts of a profligate who spent his time using money to seduce women.
Soon, Lee An gently persuaded Gok Sa. “Young Master Gok, don't put too much meaning into this. It’s just having a drink together. Come, come, sit down.”
The guards looked to Gok Sa for his reaction. When Lee An put on a slightly disappointed face, Gok Sa couldn't hold out any longer. He nodded, and the four men took their seats.
“Now, everyone, have a drink from me.”
She poured them each a glass. Perhaps Lee An felt a sense of kinship with them. They were fellow guards, after all.
“Now, let’s all have a drink!”
She raised her glass high, and we toasted.
“Kaa, the liquor tastes great. Young Master Gok, order more! Oh, is it too expensive?”
“Nonsense! Order as much as you like.”
Beauty was overwhelming everything. When Lee An’s unique playfulness and vitality were added to the mix, nothing could stop her. I truly never imagined such an atmosphere could be created with these people.
She was fearless. Because she held no prejudice against them, no one felt any emotional discomfort. I could tell it wasn't just because I was by her side. It was because of her newfound confidence in her own strength. Opening her Conception and Governing Vessels must have given her confidence a massive boost.
We talked about all sorts of things while we drank. The guards, who were extremely tight-lipped at first, began to answer questions one by one, and things even Gok Sa didn't know were revealed.
“You had a son ten days ago? Oh, congratulations!”
Lee An didn't press Gok Sa, who obviously hadn't known. Instead, she created an atmosphere for everyone.
“Now, a gift from our Young Master is coming! A gift! A gift!”
I was impressed by her. She was making Gok Sa celebrate while ensuring he didn't feel slighted. Honestly, in this moment, I thought: She’s better than me.
Gok Sa had never given a gift to his guards before, so he didn't know what to do. Lee An spoke to him calmly.
“I know some people who like to draw lines.”
She picked up a chopstick, dipped it in liquor, and drew a long line on the table.
“This is the point of being hired, and this is the end. If they reach this end, they might even die for their employer. Reaching the end? That’s no easy feat. But guards hope for it. They hope the relationship between themselves and the person they protect reaches this end—even though reaching it means their own death. That is exactly who these guards here are.”
At her quiet words, the four guards became slightly emotional. Those words were also directed at me. She was saying that was how she felt.
“You know a lot about being a guard,” one of the guards remarked.
“I’ve experienced it since I was young.”
At that, Gok Sa glared at the guard. His gaze asked how he dared to speak up. The guard shrank back and lowered his head.
Lee An spoke softly to Gok Sa. “If you look at people with those eyes, the line goes the other way.”
“I don't believe it. That someone can purely sacrifice their life for another. Do you believe it, milady?”
Lee An nodded and held out her glass. “You should try believing it too, Young Master Gok.”
“If you believe, you’ll just get stabbed in the back.”
“Will you not get stabbed just because you don't believe?”
“...!”
“We often associate betrayal with trust. But that’s strictly from the perspective of the one being betrayed. 'How could they betray me after I trusted them this much!' But from the perspective of the one betraying, they don't betray because the other person didn't trust them, do they? It’s usually for some other reason, isn't it? Money, power, or their own personal circumstances. I’ve never seen a case where someone said, 'I betrayed my master because he didn't trust me.' That’s just an excuse they make later. So, what I’m saying is that it’s okay to trust! Betrayal is a separate matter anyway!”
“That’s sophistry!”
“Then let’s drink to today’s sophistry!”
Gok Sa couldn't refuse the glass Lee An offered. He was drunk, but Lee An was only pretending to be. I saw it. She was periodically discharging the liquor qi through her fingertips. Even though she seemed to be playing around mindlessly, she was being careful. Perfect, Lee An!
―When did you learn that? How to discharge liquor qi?
―I learned it when I was young. I just didn't have the skill to do it until now. Ah, what a waste. This expensive liquor!
She shouted as if she had just remembered. “Oh, right. The baby gift! Gift! Give him a gift!”
As she shouted excitedly, Gok Sa pulled a pouch from his robe.
“More! More! More!”
In the end, a fairly large sum came out of the pouch.
“It’s quite alright,” the guard stammered.
“Take it. Buy the child some clothes,” Gok Sa muttered.
“Thank you.”
Looking at him, Lee An gave a thumbs up. “Young Master Gok! You’re cool!”
“It’s nothing.” Gok Sa’s face turned red for no reason.
Thanks to that, the atmosphere grew even better, and we drank through the night. Even though we had just met, we shared many stories. It was the first time Gok Sa and his guards had ever shared a drink like this.
With Lee An leading the mood, everyone was soaked in the fun of the party like a gentle spring rain. We drank all night, sharing all sorts of trivial stories. We talked about martial arts, about making money, and about our families. Because Lee An treated them with sincerity, everyone revealed their true hearts without realizing it. We drank so joyfully that we were genuinely sad to part.
“Young Master Gok, next time I come to this town, I’ll look for the Heavenly Messenger Gate first.”
“It’s not the Heavenly Messenger Gate, it’s the Cheonyang Sect.”
“Ah, our Young Master Gok of the Cheonyang Sect. I’ll definitely remember. Young Master Gok, from today on, we’re drinking buddies.”
At the words "drinking buddies," Gok Sa couldn't hide his joy. Perhaps when he first approached her today, he had started with the intention of sleeping with her by any means necessary. But now, he was moved by the words "drinking buddies."
“And don't go around seducing just any woman until we meet again! Practice your martial arts, too. Let’s meet again when you’re even more impressive. Got it?”
“I understand.”
Surprisingly, Gok Sa was nodding. I didn't know for sure, but it felt like he might change starting today. He even gave me some pocket money.
“Take good care of the lady.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Ah, Gok Sa wouldn't know. He wouldn't know how much I was marveling at this moment. It wasn't at Gok Sa, but at Lee An. In a single night, she had made five men fall completely for her charm. Honestly, it was six—because I was truly impressed by her as well.
And so, we left that place. In the distance, Gok Sa and his guards watched us go, regretful of the farewell.
“To be honest, I was worried about you at first.”
“About me? Why?”
“That you’d be deceived and swayed by men. That you’d get excited and cause trouble. That you’d be disappointed and hurt by them.”
When they first appeared, I thought Gok Sa would end up getting beaten, or he’d act out more and end up dead. But it ended in a situation I hadn't expected at all. Would Gok Sa have changed like that if I had taken him to the Huangquan Pavilion to threaten and beat him? It felt like the sunlight had removed the coat that the wind couldn't.
“And now?”
“Now I have the exact opposite worry.”
“What kind of worry?”
“I’m worried about the men. If I let you out into the world, all the men in the Murim will be ruined. They’ll squander their fortunes, go crazy training to look strong, and end up lovesick.”
Lee An burst into laughter. “You know, don't you? How many tails I have.”
Seeing her today, I felt that I absolutely had to make her achieve Great Achievement in the Flying Heaven Sword Technique. The stronger she became, the more charming a person she would be.
“Where are we going now?”
“If we meet someone like Gok Sa, we’ll play together again, eat delicious food... We’ll enjoy the scenery along the way. And we’ll go watch a wedding.”
“Whose wedding?”
“There is one. A wedding I’m debating whether to stop or not.”
“Why would you stop someone else’s wedding?”
“Right?”
“That sounds fun! I’ve never properly watched a wedding before!”
Excited, she ran ahead. Watching her run toward the rising sun in the distance, I thought she looked like a scene from a painting, and I slowly faded into that painting as well.