Chapter 394: My Meeting is Finally Over.
Chapter 394: My Meeting is Finally Over.
“Why has it gone so quiet outside?”
At Song-yi’s question, Jo Chun-bae turned his head.
He had been wrestling with the cooking in the kitchen—stirring, boiling, and grilling. He had poured his heart and soul into every dish, terrified of being late or serving something less than perfect.
Jo Chun-bae cautiously poked his head out from the kitchen. The bustling first floor had fallen into a heavy silence, and everyone was staring up at the second floor.
Stepping out of the kitchen, Jo Chun-bae followed their gaze.
To his astonishment, the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader was carving a message into the wall.
Gasp!
Jo Chun-bae reflexively covered his mouth with his hands.
He couldn't see exactly what was being written, but another message had already been inscribed above where the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader was working. It was undoubtedly the handiwork of the Murim Alliance Leader.
‘Ah!’
Jo Chun-bae was so overwhelmed that his legs began to tremble. He thought he had run out of room for more surprises today, but his heart only beat faster.
Meanwhile, Bi Sa-in looked at the message his master had left on the wall and lowered his head in embarrassment. However, a faint smile played on his lips.
Since it was a message left at a three-party summit, it would surely become a sensation throughout the Murim. It was a piece of writing destined to go down in history.
His master, knowing this full well, had mentioned him specifically. Even in this historic moment, his master had chosen to make him the protagonist rather than Geom Mu-geuk or Jin Ha-gun.
After leaving their marks, the Murim Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader descended to the first floor. The Heavenly Demon and the successors followed behind them. The sight of them descending the stairs was etched deeply into Jo Chun-bae’s mind. To him, every scene unfolding here was a masterpiece of raw emotion.
The masters on the lower floor didn't know exactly what had been discussed upstairs. Geom Wu-jin had ensured that not a single sound leaked out during their conversation.
However, judging by the expressions of the three leaders and the fact that they had left inscriptions on the wall, it was easy to guess that this historic meeting had concluded successfully.
As he prepared to head out, Jin Pae-cheon smiled at Jo Chun-bae, who was standing stiffly in front of the kitchen.
“The wine and the food were excellent.”
“Oh, thank you so much!” the words tumbled out of Jo Chun-bae’s mouth. Normally, he would have rushed over to bow, but he couldn't bring himself to move in the presence of the Heavenly Demon. Instead, he bowed deeply from where he stood to express his gratitude.
As Jin Pae-cheon walked out, Jin Ha-gun and Jin Ha-ryeong followed. Behind them, the masters of the Orthodox faction fanned out to join the procession. They followed their leader with such quiet discipline that one would never have guessed they had been drinking and shouting just moments ago.
Before they departed, there was one small incident known only to those involved.
The Taiyi Divine Sword glared at the One Flower Sword Venerable one last time, and she did not shy away from his gaze.
Standing beside her, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon—instead of teasing her about being "young"—sent a voice transmission to the Taiyi Divine Sword.
— Stop glaring already.
The Taiyi Divine Sword shifted his glare to the Blood Heaven Blade Demon instead. Far from being intimidated, the Blade Demon sent back a cold remark.
— Before I gouge your eyes out.
The Taiyi Divine Sword recoiled; he hadn't expected such crude profanity from a man of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s stature. He couldn't even snap back. Judging by the fierce aura radiating from the man, it felt as though the Blade Demon would demand a duel the moment he opened his mouth.
Regardless of who would win or lose, one simply could not start a brawl right after the Cult Leader and the Alliance Leader had exchanged farewells following a successful summit.
‘He’s doing this because he knows I can't react.’
The Taiyi Divine Sword, after one last look, whipped his head away.
‘Tsk, these damn Demonic Cult bastards!’
He truly found everything about the Demonic Cult repulsive.
The One Flower Sword Venerable asked the Blood Heaven Blade Demon via voice transmission.
— What did you say to him?
— I politely asked him to stop staring.
The One Flower Sword Venerable doubted that. His reaction hadn't looked like a response to something "polite."
— Thank you, friend.
When the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at her with an incredulous expression, she replied.
— We’re the same age now, aren't we?
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon let out a faint chuckle. At the very least, his response to the Taiyi Divine Sword had been fitting for the sentiment of "If only I were ten years younger!" Though the actual curse he used was something he hadn't uttered since he was forty years younger. It was something he never would have done if it weren't for the One Flower Sword Venerable.
Next, the Unorthodox faction departed.
Before leaving, Baek Ja-gang took one last look at Geom Wu-jin and Geom Mu-geuk.
‘Let’s see how things stand on harvest day.’
When it came to the battle of raising children, he felt that if their "seed" was Bi Sa-in, it was a fight worth having.
Baek Ja-gang stepped outside. Behind him, the masters of the Unorthodox Path fanned out and followed.
After seeing off the masters of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions, Geom Wu-jin was the last to leave. Geom Mu-yang and the Eight Demon Lords followed behind him like wings spreading out.
Once everyone had departed, the only ones left in the Pungryu Tavern were Jo Chun-bae and Geom Mu-geuk.
Ah, there was one more person.
“Song-yi. You worked hard today.”
Mu-geuk paid Song-yi for her work and sent her home. Since it had been an exceptionally busy day, he gave her double pay and packed a mountain of leftover food for her.
“Thank you! Please get some rest, Elder!”
With Song-yi gone, only Geom Mu-geuk and Jo Chun-bae remained.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jo Chun-bae with a gentle gaze.
“You truly went through a lot today.”
“Ah, it feels like a dream.”
Jo Chun-bae slumped into a seat, then suddenly bolted upright.
“Um, may I go up to the second floor for a moment?”
“Let’s go together.”
Jo Chun-bae stood before the wall on the second floor, overcome with emotion.
“I never imagined a day like this would come.”
The Heavenly Demon, the Murim Alliance Leader, and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader—all three had left messages on the wall of his tavern. There was likely no other tavern in the world like this. There never had been, and there never would be again.
At the same time, a sense of dread washed over Jo Chun-bae.
“I’m afraid.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“What if this wall gets damaged?”
As he imagined the possibility, he was seized by terror. What if he came in the morning to find someone had graffitied the wall? What if they broke it? What if they stole the entire wall?
Geom Mu-geuk spoke with a smile.
“Who would dare to do such a thing? It would make them an enemy of everyone at the Majeongsa. Even if they managed to tear the wall down and steal it, where would they sell it?”
Mu-geuk knew that these words wouldn't completely ease Jo Chun-bae’s mind. The man would likely be anxious and fretful for a long time.
“Even if such a thing were to happen, that would have its own meaning.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”
“‘On such-and-such a day, someone damaged the wall for such-and-such a reason and vanished.’ That, too, would become a moment in history. Perhaps it might even make for a more interesting story.”
Jo Chun-bae truly hadn't expected Geom Mu-geuk to say something like that.
“As long as you, the owner, remember this moment, then this event will last forever. Look. Among the people who left their marks on that wall, is there anyone who would truly be angry if the wall was damaged? They would probably just come back and write on it again.”
It was the moment the heavy boulder weighing on Jo Chun-bae’s chest was finally set down.
“So, let us simply remember this moment well in our hearts.”
“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”
How could such a young man be so thoughtful? No matter how much Jo Chun-bae thought about it, he couldn't understand it.
“May I offer you a drink?”
“I’d like that. I’ll take a cup from the owner.”
Jo Chun-bae respectfully poured a drink for Geom Mu-geuk.
“As expected! The wine served by our owner tastes the best.”
After drinking it down, Geom Mu-geuk picked up the bottle.
“You should have a drink from me as well.”
He poured a full cup for Jo Chun-bae.
After receiving the drink politely, Jo Chun-bae emptied the cup.
Only after drinking that wine did he finally feel that the greatest event of his life as a tavern owner had come to an end.
And Jo Chun-bae saw it—the sight of Geom Mu-geuk sitting quietly, gazing out at the street outside the tavern.
It was a quiet side of him, different from the man who had been laughing and joking. Jo Chun-bae knew now. That calm appearance, tinged with a hint of loneliness, was the Young Cult Leader’s true self.
“Owner, I shall be going now.”
Jo Chun-bae couldn't think of the right words for a farewell. He didn't know how to convey his immense gratitude. So, he gave the greeting he always gave to his customers.
“Please come again, sir!”
How could Geom Mu-geuk not know his heart? Mu-geuk played along and replied like a regular customer.
“May your business prosper, owner.”
As Geom Mu-geuk stepped out of the tavern, he saw the people of the marketplace, who had been holding their breath until then, beginning to stream into the establishment. Jo Chun-bae’s boasting would likely continue late into the night. He probably wouldn't even let people cough in front of that wall. As long as those people were alive, the wall would live on too.
*
Upon returning to the Main Headquarters, I headed straight for the Heavenly Demon Hall.
I wanted to see the protagonist of today’s summit. My father, who had led the three-party summit to success, was not in the main hall.
“He instructed me to bring you to him when you arrived, Young Cult Leader.”
Hwi, his guard, led me to the private hot spring located behind my father’s quarters. Usually, he didn't allow me this far in, but for some reason, he permitted it today.
My father was soaking in the hot spring, steam rising all around him.
“A bath with my father after all this time! How nice!”
Just as I was about to take off my clothes, my father reached out a hand. My open robes snapped shut, and I was pushed back by the force of Telekinesis.
“That’s too much! Let me in too!”
My father shook his head firmly.
“You put an elixir in that water, didn't you? If you soak in it, your skin becomes as tough as steel, right? That’s why you’re keeping it all to yourself!”
My father closed his eyes slightly and spoke.
“It is ordinary water. It has been passed down since long ago.”
“Then shouldn't you at least put some elixir in it? This is where the Heavenly Demon soaks his body.”
“Then you go buy some and put it in.”
“Well, everything is better in its natural state.”
Right, no matter how much my father had changed, he wasn't the type to share a bath. Just letting me come this far was a huge change.
“Then I’ll just sit here and enjoy the steam.”
I sat down in front of the hot spring.
“How was it, meeting the Murim Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader?”
“They were the same as ever.”
Even if he didn't say it, he must have seen things I couldn't. To my father, they must have held a different significance.
My father, who had been staring at me silently, spoke in a low voice.
“You look tired.”
At those words, the tension that had gripped my heart all day seemed to melt away.
As expected! My father noticed.
I was tired. Truly exhausted.
I had danced, laughed, and played the fool, but I had been on edge from the beginning of the summit to the end.
I had been hyper-focused, worried that those bastards might be plotting something. Even with my father, the Murim Alliance Leader, and the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader present—actually, because they were present—I was even more alert. Plots always find a way to strike when one lets their guard down.
Fortunately, the summit ended without incident.
I believe the reason the enemies didn't make any clumsy attempts was precisely because they were strong. They had made a sound judgment. It was a precise calculation that plotting something while everyone was gathered like this would ultimately be to their disadvantage.
If the Majeongsa were all gathered and faced an external enemy directly, it would only result in making this side more united.
“I suppose I was more stressed than I realized.”
My father nodded.
“Aren't you going to tell me I did a good job?”
“You did a good job.”
“It was a compliment I had to pester out of you, but it still feels good.”
I looked around the hot spring.
“I remember coming here.”
For a moment, my father’s eyes flickered slightly. Though the steam obscured my vision, I could see his expression clearly through the mist using the New Eye Technique.
“I remember crying because it was too hot. You carried me in. I remember my brother, too. He sat in front of me with an expression that said it wasn't hot at all. Thinking back, even at that young age, my brother wanted to look good in front of you.”
“Even after becoming the successor, you still badmouth your brother behind his back.”
“You saw how cool he looked earlier, didn't you? He’s a brother I can’t afford to let my guard down around.”
How could those words be meant to insult him? My father surely knew I brought it up to say how impressive my brother had been earlier.
After a brief pause, I spoke respectfully to my father.
“Thank you, Father.”
“For what?”
“For everything.”
My Demonic Path was blocking my father’s Demonic Path. He must have confirmed that once again today. It must be bothersome and irritating to him. Yet, my father showed no sign of it.
After a moment, my father spoke.
“You must be tired. Go and rest.”
“Yes, Father. Please rest well.”
Of course, I didn't just leave.
Splash.
I playfully splashed some water at my father before running away.
Of course, not a single drop would have touched him.
Next time, I’ll scrub your back for you, Father.
Though I don't know if that day will ever come.
*
Returning to my quarters, I used the Space-Time Displacement Technique to create a second personal space.
If the first one was a beach with a blue sky and sea, this space was a snowy plain covered in pure white snow. I created a small hot spring there. Seeing my father’s hot spring had put me in the mood.
There were only two things here.
Snow and stars.
It was a place where only the pure white snow and the stars in the night sky were visible.
‘How about it, Father? Isn't this place more atmospheric?’
I took off my clothes, folded them neatly, and placed the Secret Casket on top of them.
Then, I soaked my body in the steaming hot spring.
“Ah! This is great!”
Sitting there, looking up at the night sky where stars seemed to pour down, I felt all my fatigue washing away.
Only now did it truly feel like the summit was over. While the summit for others had ended earlier, my summit was only ending now.
Only after talking with Jo Chun-bae, meeting my father, and confirming that everyone had finished the day safely was today’s meeting truly over.
A pleasant sense of relief washed over me. The lethargy I felt, mixed with the warm water, actually made me feel better.
Plop.
I submerged myself completely, even my head, into the water.
The stars in the night sky shimmered on the surface of the water as if they were dancing.
I loved this time alone. If you truly respect someone, you must respect their time alone; right now, I was respecting myself to my heart's content.
Ah, I’m not alone right now, am I?
Poking my head above the water, I playfully spoke to the Secret Casket.
“Are you cold? Do you want to come in too?”
Thanks to this fellow, I had already absorbed the Black Essence and the Blue Essence. I didn't know how many more I needed to absorb to achieve a complete energy.
Truly, if it had been anyone else, they would have spent all their energy trying to uncover the secrets of the Secret Casket or the energy absorbed into their body, but I was relaxed.
Since that was how it started, I left it to fate. We were just traveling together like friends. Still, I was curious from time to time.
“How many more energies are left to absorb?”
The Secret Casket, of course, did not answer.
“Actually, you don't know either, do you?”
The Secret Casket only smiled brightly, as it always did.