Chapter 123: A Change of Plans
Chapter 123: A Change of Plans
It was because they weren't villains.
If either Gwi Ryeongja or Im Hyang had been truly wicked, their marriage wouldn't have been a living hell for so long. One would have simply abandoned the other, or one would have killed the other.
The problem was that they were both ordinary people. They bickered and fought until a twisted sort of affection took root between them. They loathed and detested one another, yet they felt a suffocating obligation to stay together. It was the kind of life and relationship that one would never, ever want to repeat.
“Please, come inside. Food has been prepared, so please, have a bite to eat.”
Lee An and I stepped inside, with Seo Jin following close behind us.
“I’ll show you the way.”
In this life, I intended to pass the connection I’d shared with Seo Jin in my previous life over to Lee An. As we walked together, I sent a Voice Transmission to Lee An.
— Lee An, this woman, Seo Jin, is a candidate for the leader of the Ghost Shadow Squad’s Second Division.
— Ah!
Her eyes widened, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected news.
— Imagine having a team leader who can use Ghost Arts in the Ghost Shadow Squad you lead.
— That would be amazing! Even our squad’s name has the character for ‘Ghost’ in it!
— Whether or not you take this woman as your subordinate is ultimately up to you.
Because Lee An had absolute faith in me, she didn't ask "Why her?" Instead, she turned to Seo Jin.
“Congratulations on your brother’s marriage.”
“Thank you. I honestly thought he’d never get married, but I guess it’s finally happening.”
Even though it was their first meeting, Seo Jin replied cheerfully.
“Why? He’s handsome and has a great personality.”
“He’s just a bookworm who does nothing but study.”
Seo Jin was already taking a liking to Lee An. I knew exactly why.
In the past, Seo Jin had always been fond of beautiful women. She used to say that looking at pretty things made her feel better. She loved beauties, she loved flowers, and she loved elegant clothes. Those tastes, which seemed ill-suited for a wandering ronin, likely stemmed from a childhood spent growing up comfortably in a prestigious family.
“I’ve only heard stories; I’ve never actually experienced Ghost Arts before,” Lee An remarked.
“It’s nothing special.”
Seo Jin paused for a moment and raised her hand. Black smoke billowed from her palm, instantly coalescing into the shape of a snake. Though it was a small serpent made of mist, it was eerily realistic, looking as if it might transform into a solid black viper at any moment.
Swoosh!
The snake suddenly lunged at Lee An. However, before it could touch her, it dissipated into a harmless puff of smoke.
“That’s wonderful!”
“You aren’t surprised?”
“There was no killing intent.”
A glint of intrigue flashed in Seo Jin’s eyes as she looked at Lee An. No matter how much killing intent was absent, most people would flinch if a snake suddenly lunged at their face. Yet, Lee An hadn't been shaken in the slightest.
“Please show me again next time.”
“Next time, I’ll bring out something bigger and scarier.”
“I’d love that!”
Personality-wise, I thought they would get along well. Both women had straightforward, easygoing temperaments and knew how to be considerate of others.
What if both Blue Face and Seo Jin could join the Ghost Shadow Squad? Blue Face could provide the weight and stability as the First Division Leader, while Seo Jin could brighten the atmosphere as the Second Division Leader. The picture was already looking good.
But it wouldn't be easy. One was a candidate for Demon Lord, and the other was the blood relative of the Ghost Gate Leader.
*
Several guests had already arrived in the main hall, and more continued to trickle in. There were guests of Gwi Ryeongja and guests of Im Hyang. Once all the invitees had arrived, Gwi Ryeongja and Im Hyang entered the hall.
Everyone raised their glasses together, offering congratulations on the upcoming nuptials. Most of the guests were successors of prestigious families and were well-mannered.
However, there was one exception. It was Ju Myeong of the West Spear Sect, who had been a friend of Im Hyang since childhood. His expression had been dark since the moment he arrived, clearly dissatisfied with this marriage.
Was it because of the alcohol he’d been pouring down since the start? Or perhaps he harbored secret feelings for Im Hyang? In front of Gwi Ryeongja, he spoke bluntly to the bride.
“To be honest, as an old friend, I can’t congratulate you on this wedding.”
“What’s wrong with you?” Im Hyang frowned.
“A martial family should marry into another martial family to avoid trouble down the road. That is the way of things.”
Naturally, Gwi Ryeongja was offended. Moreover, saying such a thing right to his face was a blatant insult. Since Ju Myeong was Im Hyang’s guest, Gwi Ryeongja spoke to him in a measured tone.
“My sect is also a respectable martial organization within the Murim.”
“No one here considers the Ghost Gate a martial sect.”
“How can you say that? Do you have any idea how much my sect has contributed to the Murim?”
“Young Master Seo, do you truly believe the techniques of the Ghost Gate are legitimate martial arts?”
For a moment, Gwi Ryeongja couldn't answer. No one had ever questioned him so aggressively before, and he didn't know how to respond.
“Martial arts and parlor tricks are two entirely different things.”
As Ju Myeong crossed the line, a sharp, clear voice rang through the hall.
“Then shall we see how well your 'great martial arts' fare against our 'parlor tricks'?”
The one who stepped forward was Seo Jin. Seeing her glare at him with one eyebrow slightly arched reminded me of the old days. Even during her time as a ronin, that eyebrow would go up whenever she was angry.
As she reached out her hand, a black haze shimmered around Ju Myeong.
“Gah!”
Startled, Ju Myeong looked around and drew his sword.
“What? What is this?!”
He began swinging his sword at the empty air. He was clearly trapped in an illusion. Through my eyes, I could see what he was seeing: pitch-black shadows, consisting of nothing but eyes and mouths, lunging at him. They looked so terrifying and realistic that even though I knew it was an illusion, it sent a chill down my spine.
And through my eyes, I could also see the counter-dispelling method for that illusion. It was the result of the Blood Eye Purifying Water and the Ghost Eye Technique combined.
Ju Myeong was swinging his sword wildly as he stumbled around, creating a situation where bystanders could get hurt. When Seo Jin finally withdrew the spell, Ju Myeong, who had been hacking at the air, realized he had fallen under a Ghost Art. Even though he knew it was an illusion, he had been swinging his sword instinctively. That was the terror of the Ghost Gate’s arts—you suffered even while knowing it wasn't real.
He glared at Seo Jin.
“To humiliate me with such foul sorcery... I will never forgive—”
Slap!
His head snapped to the side. The one who had strode over and slapped him was Im Hyang.
“Do you want to die? Haven't you sobered up yet? Who do you think you're 'not forgiving'?”
“You!”
“Are you really my friend? If you’re a friend, you shouldn't act like this. You’re the only friend I have, and you’re making me feel this miserable?”
Ju Myeong couldn't say a word to that. The statement that he was her only friend seemed to pierce him like a dagger. He let out a short sigh.
“I’m sorry.”
The fire-like rage had already vanished.
“I’m sorry for hitting you, too,” Im Hyang muttered.
“It’s fine. I’ve been hit by you plenty of times since we were kids.”
Ju Myeong then apologized to Gwi Ryeongja and Seo Jin as well.
“I apologize. Belittling your family was a rude thing to do. I am sorry.”
However, he still had a parting shot.
“But I still hate this marriage! I oppose it!”
With that, Ju Myeong turned and left. My gaze shifted to Gwi Ryeongja.
Gwi Ryeongja, normally, you’re the one who should be shouting those words.
‘I hate this marriage! Don’t congratulate me! Am I, the groom, the only one who truly opposes this union?’
Gwi Ryeongja tried to scold Seo Jin for acting out of turn, but Im Hyang stopped him. She then apologized to her fiancé.
“I’m sorry. We’ve been friends since we were little, so I think he’s just very upset that I’m getting married.”
“Doesn't that just show how much he treasures you, Miss Im?”
“If he treasured me, he wouldn't act like that. He just got drunk and acted like a damn fool. Please forget about it.”
Seeing the look in Gwi Ryeongja’s eyes deepen as he watched her, I sighed inwardly.
He’s falling even harder.
Looking at her today, Im Hyang seemed like a decent woman. I felt that if Gwi Ryeongja could accurately understand and accept her personality, the two of them might actually suit each other.
*
During the banquet, Gwi Ryeongja stepped outside to get some fresh air. He hadn't shown it in front of Im Hyang, but for some reason, his mood kept sinking.
It was because of Ju Myeong. He kept regretting that he hadn't stepped up himself when Ju Myeong voiced his dissatisfaction. Did Im Hyang see him as a coward?
He would have won if he’d stepped up. Should he have shown off his skills properly for once? No. His father had always warned him to be wary of the Ghost Gate getting swept up in Murim disputes. But what dispute? It was just a petty argument between friends. He should have stepped up!
Gwi Ryeongja’s mind wavered back and forth. He hated his own indecisiveness more than the fact that he hadn't acted. Lost in thought, he found himself walking toward his study.
Standing by the window, he peered inside. This was the place where he felt most at peace. Come to think of it, whenever he was scolded by his father or ran into a problem, he always came here. This place was Gwi Ryeongja’s only sanctuary and escape.
Gwi Ryeongja knew. He wasn't the kind of person who found happiness in suppressing someone like Ju Myeong and forcing him to his knees. He was happiest when he was quiet—reading, researching, and investigating.
‘Anyway, I should show this place to Miss Im.’
He wanted to brag to Im Hyang about how many books he had read. He felt that urge particularly strongly today.
Just then, someone spoke.
“You certainly have a lot of books.”
Gwi Ryeongja turned around, startled. I was standing there, having followed him out.
“I came out for some air because it was getting stuffy, and I ended up walking all the way here.”
“I see.”
“I don't think I’ve ever seen a martial artist with this many books.”
“I’ve loved reading since I was a child.”
“Is that so? I know someone else who loves books as well.”
“Oh, really? Please introduce us if you get the chance.”
“I will.”
I imagined Gwi Ryeongja’s horrified expression when he realized that person was the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. When I pictured the Blade Demon’s disapproving face looking back at Gwi Ryeongja, I couldn't help but chuckle.
We naturally began walking back toward the main hall together.
“The more I see you and Miss Im, the more I think you two truly suit each other.”
“If you’re saying that to comfort me because of what happened earlier, it’s fine. I’ve already forgotten it.”
“To my eyes, it looked like jealousy. But I can understand that young man. If a friend I’d liked for a long time got married, I’d probably want to go and flip the banquet tables myself.”
I worked on smoothing Gwi Ryeongja’s ruffled feathers. Whether I ended up stopping his marriage or not, I needed to get close to him first. And the fastest way to get close to someone is to tell them exactly what they want to hear.
“Someday, that young man will bolt upright in the middle of the night, drink a glass of cold water, and think: ‘Why did I act like such an idiot back then?’”
Gwi Ryeongja laughed at that. Since his mood had soured because of that incident, I had to use that same incident to fix it.
“You did well to endure it. If you hadn't, you would have been the one bolting upright in the middle of the night.”
Gwi Ryeongja stopped walking, looked at me, and suddenly asked, “Have we met somewhere before?”
Gwi Ryeongja, are you sensing destiny? Well, I suppose someone like you might feel something.
“This is our first time meeting.”
“And yet, looking at you, you don't feel like a stranger.”
“Aren't there people like that? Someone who feels comfortable, like an old friend, even upon the first meeting. Someone you feel you can trust, someone you just want to look out for.”
“I wouldn't go quite that far.”
“It’s probably because I took a liking to you from the start, Young Master Seo. Seeing your books earlier only increased my respect for you.”
I continued to feed him pleasant words, dismantling his guard. Even the world-weary Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon couldn't withstand my Flattery Divine Art; getting close to this young Gwi Ryeongja was child's play.
The most important part of the Flattery Divine Art is knowing exactly when to stop and back off. I had to give him time to chew on my words and feel good about himself.
“Well then, I’ll head back in first.”
I left him there and stepped back into the main hall.
*
On the way back after the banquet ended, I asked Lee An, “What did you think of Seo Jin?”
Lee An had been talking with Seo Jin throughout the entire banquet.
“I liked her. She’d make an excellent team leader.”
“My recommendations never fail.”
“There’s just one problem.”
“Whether or not she’ll be willing to join the Cult?”
“Yes.”
“The Ghost Gate has always been a sect that straddles the line between Orthodox and Unorthodox. Some of their ancestors even served the Cult in the past. If we persuade her well, it shouldn't be an issue.”
“You know a lot about the Ghost Gate.”
“I did some studying before we came.”
In truth, it was all information I’d heard from Seo Jin in the past. During her ronin days, Seo Jin didn't want to be tied down to any specific faction. She didn't want to belong anywhere, which meant she was someone who could go anywhere.
“We’ll have to return to the Cult soon anyway, so we won't be able to take her with us right now. We just need to make sure she knows how to find us later.”
When she eventually gets fed up and runs away from home, I just need to make sure she seeks out Lee An instead of becoming a ronin.
“You know, right? Tell her that if she needs to contact us, she just needs to leave her name at any West Lake Inn across the Central Plains.”
“I’ll be sure to tell her when we part ways.”
Aside from Lee An’s efforts, I intended to keep a separate eye on Seo Jin’s path. I would ensure the great threads of fate led her toward Lee An.
“By the way, Young Master? What about stopping the marriage?”
“Change of plans.”
That was the decision I’d reached after seeing Gwi Ryeongja and Im Hyang at the banquet today. Guild Master Gwak of the Cult’s iron workshop always says that small differences are what create a masterpiece. I believe that applies to human relationships as well. Small differences can change the outcome. Even if you can't change the people, you can change the relationship.
We are creatures who can be moved to lifelong loyalty by a single word, or driven to part ways by a single slight. We can spend a lifetime hating because of a single sentence. That is who we are.
So, my new plan was this:
“I won't stop Gwi Ryeongja’s marriage, but I will make sure the two of them can live happily.”
It can't be helped, Gwi Ryeongja. You’ll have to get married. But instead of the gates of hell, I’ll open a different door for you.