Chapter 554: Since We Fought Together, We Should Drink Together.
Chapter 554: Since We Fought Together, We Should Drink Together.
All eyes in the room were fixed on Bi Sa-in.
He usually wore nothing but black, so seeing him in white for the first time naturally drew everyone’s attention. As he walked over, Bi Sa-in desperately avoided Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze. He knew the man would start teasing him about his outfit the moment he sat down.
Geom Mu-geuk poured a drink into Bi Sa-in’s cup and spoke.
“My savior, have a drink.”
Bi Sa-in eyed him suspiciously.
I can’t let my guard down!
Geom Mu-geuk was the type of man who could embarrass him at any moment, in any way. Without letting his inner thoughts show, Bi Sa-in expressed his own gratitude.
“It’s thanks to you that I kept my reputation.”
Originally, the enemies had intended to use Bi Sa-in to eliminate the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master. Had Geom Mu-geuk not intervened, their fates would have been far more tangled.
Just then, the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master, who was personally bringing out the dishes, spoke with a bright expression.
“And you saved every life within the Heavenly Flower Pavilion as well.”
She set the food down on the table. Calling the spread a feast felt like an understatement. It was a magnificent array of delicacies from the land and sea, accompanied by the finest spirits.
“Oh, and I’ve prepared separate food and drinks for the other martial artists.”
Even though no one had asked, she had arranged a separate space for those standing guard outside. To ensure no one felt uncomfortable, she had set up individual areas in the corners of the pavilion for the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions so they wouldn't clash.
“Thank you for your consideration,” Geom Mu-geuk said.
The Pavilion Master looked at him. “You saved me once before, and now you’ve saved me again.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked around at his friends seated at the table before speaking calmly.
“I’d love to take all the credit in front of our Pavilion Master, but this time, it was a joint effort by everyone from the Majeongsa. This is the moment the three-party summit at the Pungryu Tavern has finally borne fruit.”
It was a historic day where the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions joined forces to face a common enemy. Moreover, it was achieved through the strength of the successors, not the Cult Leader or the Alliance Leaders.
The Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master bowed politely to the others to express her gratitude. She gave a particularly warm smile to Jin Ha-ryeong, who had personally protected her.
“Please, enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content.”
As she bowed and withdrew, Geom Mu-geuk filled everyone’s glasses.
“Now, let’s have a toast to celebrate our reunion.”
Geom Mu-geuk raised his glass, and everyone joined in.
“Let’s drink and play to our hearts' content today. Until this party is over, forget the enemies and the conspiracies! Forget which faction we belong to. Let’s just talk about our first loves and engage in some trivial gossip!”
Everyone drained their glasses in one refreshing gulp.
Then, a self-conscious voice transmission from Bi Sa-in reached Geom Mu-geuk.
—Don’t get the wrong idea.
—What idea?
—My wearing white is entirely a coincidence. I just grabbed whatever was within reach when I was changing.
Geom Mu-geuk stared blankly at Bi Sa-in before putting on a look of disappointment.
—Why that face?
—Did you comb your hair yourself?
Bi Sa-in flinched and replied firmly.
—I didn't!
A moment later, Bi Sa-in asked tentatively.
—...Does it look weird?
Geom Mu-geuk struggled to suppress a laugh as he took a sip of his drink. The man had been late because he was busy combing his hair. Despite that terrifying face and his status as the fearsome Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, he was still just a young man in his youth.
—Now that I look at it again, it’s not bad.
—Anyway, don’t misunderstand.
If he hadn't been interested in Han Seol, there was no way he would have come out wearing white. And he even combed his hair? This wasn't just a good first impression; it was more like he had fallen in love at first sight.
Geom Mu-geuk was about to take another drink when he suddenly froze. Bi Sa-in was glaring at him with terrifying intensity.
—Don’t you dare tease me! If you do, the Unorthodox-Demonic Great War starts today.
—I didn't say anything.
—I’m warning you!
Of course, the warning didn't work. As Geom Mu-geuk sat there grinning, wondering how he could tease him effectively enough to make it legendary, someone spoke.
“I think white suits you better.”
Everyone’s eyes turned toward the speaker.
Oh? I didn't expect this.
Bi Sa-in didn't even hear Geom Mu-geuk’s voice transmission. The person who had spoken was, surprisingly, Han Seol.
She looked at Bi Sa-in and continued.
“It suits you much better than the black clothes you wore yesterday.”
Bi Sa-in’s face flushed slightly, and his eyes widened. He sat there dazed, not knowing what to say.
—Hurry up and say thank you!
At Geom Mu-geuk’s telepathic nudge, Bi Sa-in gave her a polite fist salute and replied.
“Thank you for the kind words.”
“I was just stating my impression.”
Bi Sa-in sent another voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
—You made her do that, didn't you? Just to tease me.
His voice, which hadn't trembled even when facing a powerful foe, was shaking now.
—I’m not close enough to Miss Han to make her do something like that.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Han Seol with a fresh perspective. When he had seen her before, she had given off the impression of being very socially closed off. She felt different now.
Perhaps feeling burdened by the attention focused on her, she added an explanation for her comment.
“Most people in our Palace wear white, so I can tell who it suits and who it doesn't.”
Geom Mu-geuk picked up on her words. He couldn't let this golden opportunity pass.
“Since we’re on the subject, why don’t you give the Young Alliance Leader some advice on how to wear white?”
Han Seol looked at Bi Sa-in. His face turned even redder.
“How could I give such advice?”
When she politely declined, Geom Mu-geuk persuaded her.
“You know how it is. People like us would never hear such things in our entire lives if not for an occasion like this. If you don't tell him, Young Alliance Leader Bi will spend the rest of his life wearing nothing but gloomy black.”
Since he put it that way, she couldn't bring herself to refuse. She looked at Bi Sa-in for a moment and then spoke calmly.
“Because you have strong features, you likely chose intense colors like black or red for your martial robes. However, that only emphasizes your sharp impression. Even if it’s not white like now, wearing clothes in bright, warm colors would make you appear much softer.”
Bi Sa-in was speechless for a moment. It was the first time in his life he had received advice to wear warm-colored robes. He had never once thought that warm colors would suit him—in fact, he had never even considered trying them.
Bi Sa-in bowed his head slightly to her.
“Thank you for your words.”
Han Seol bowed her head slightly in return.
The Twin Frost Swords, who were standing a short distance away from her, exchanged glances. It was their first time seeing this side of the Young Palace Master. She was usually someone who only listened.
—The Palace Master would be shocked if he heard this.
—He wouldn't believe it.
They felt this was a side of her that even the Ice Palace Master knew nothing about.
Geom Mu-geuk raised his glass again.
“Now, to our Young Alliance Leader’s radiant new wardrobe!”
Everyone drained their glasses once more.
Setting his cup down, Geom Mu-geuk asked Han Seol.
“Miss Han, what is your ideal type?”
Han Seol looked startled by the sudden question. Beside her, Bi Sa-in glared at Geom Mu-geuk.
—Stop it!
Geom Mu-geuk ignored him and continued the conversation.
“Why so surprised?”
“It’s just... a question I’ve never been asked before.”
It made sense. Who would have dared to ask the Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace about her ideal type?
“Why do you ask?”
“Can’t friends ask each other that much?”
At the word 'friends,' Han Seol’s clear eyes sparkled even more. She seemed to ponder for a moment.
“I like dependable men. Those who don't talk too much.”
“That’s too much!”
The quick-witted Jin Ha-ryeong sent a voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
—You’re the one who told the Young Alliance Leader to wear white, aren't you?
There was no way he would have suddenly appeared in white at a place like this otherwise. There was also a subtle atmosphere flowing through the gathering.
—I did.
—Are you trying to set them up?
Even without a woman’s intuition, she knew Geom Mu-geuk well enough to guess his intentions.
—I thought they’d look good together.
Hearing that, Jin Ha-ryeong looked at her older brother.
What about my brother!
She was worried that he might feel left out, knowing Geom Mu-geuk was only looking after Bi Sa-in. Because she knew better than anyone how much her brother respected Geom Mu-geuk, she couldn't help but worry.
—You should look after our Captain Jin too.
—You should be the one looking after Captain Jin. You’re the one leading the gatherings of the Rising Stars. Haven't you met hundreds of female heroes?
Jin Ha-ryeong flinched. While not hundreds, she had met many fine female martial artists. Come to think of it, she had never once set her mind on finding a suitable woman for her brother. She had vaguely thought that since he was the man who would become the Murim Alliance Leader, he would eventually meet an even better woman. To be honest, she simply hadn't paid attention.
Having realized that, she couldn't very well ask Geom Mu-geuk why he wasn't paying attention.
She sincerely reflected on herself. Even though they were friends, Bi Sa-in was still a stranger, yet Geom Mu-geuk was looking after him like this.
Jin Ha-ryeong looked at her brother. What had happened during the formation? She felt that her brother had become more pensive since then. Yes, he was so busy and worked so hard. When would he ever have time to date?
Fine, Brother, I’ll find someone for you!
Geom Mu-geuk was leading the atmosphere of the drinking party with various stories while exchanging voice transmissions with Bi Sa-in.
—Don’t just sit there drinking. Ask Miss Han a question too.
—I appreciate the sentiment, but you don't have to do this.
To be honest, Bi Sa-in liked Han Seol’s first impression. Based on looks alone, she was his ideal type.
—It won’t work out anyway. How could the Ice Palace and the Unorthodox Path Alliance ever be joined?
The Ice Palace belonged to the mysterious powers of the Outer Lands, but they were a sect close to the Orthodox Path.
—Did you and I become friends because our backgrounds were compatible?
—It’s different for us.
Geom Mu-geuk refilled Bi Sa-in’s empty glass.
—And if it doesn't work out, it’ll be because of your face, not because of the Unorthodox Path Alliance and the Ice Palace.
Bi Sa-in was about to get angry but ended up letting out a hollow laugh.
—That’s true.
—On the other hand, it might work out because of your face.
—What do you mean?
—I told you before, didn't I? Your smile is cool. If she’s a woman who thinks like me, it’ll work out because of that face.
—That’s nonsense!
He truly thought it was nonsense. Even to his own eyes, he looked terrifying and fierce.
—If she had no interest at all, she wouldn't have told you that white suits you earlier.
Bi Sa-in tilted his glass again.
—Once we part this time, we don't know when we’ll see each other again.
—I see your scheme. You want to tease me after I get rejected, don't you?
—I won’t say the thought hasn't crossed my mind, but why would I want to see you get angry and ruin this great party?
Even though Bi Sa-in felt he shouldn't fall for it, he found himself swayed again.
—Then why are you doing this?
—The Jianghu is great, and the Unorthodox Path Alliance is great, and all that... but we’re also in our youth, aren't we?
—!
These youths did not yet know how quickly time flows toward life’s destination.
—Later on, you might remember Miss Han, but you won't remember what this fluttering in your heart felt like.
Bi Sa-in stared at Geom Mu-geuk. He talks so well for someone who hasn't lived that long.
—Have courage. You’re the man who even danced in front of all those people.
Bi Sa-in finally laughed. At the very least, he had no regrets when he thought back on that event.
—If I get rejected, I’m never even going to piss in the direction of the North Sea. If a war breaks out, I’m invading the North Sea Ice Palace first! And the Main Cult is coming with me!
In truth, the temptation more powerful than this playful nonsense was a simple fact: he had never lost out or regretted following Geom Mu-geuk’s words so far.
Of course, that didn't mean he intended to reveal his feelings to Han Seol. Even if he were to regret it later, the memory of Geom Mu-geuk trying to persuade him like this was enough. Geom Mu-geuk would probably tease him later, saying he should have listened. Yes, he might regret it.
But Geom Mu-geuk was a man who didn't know how to give up.
—The night is still young. Now, shall we liven up the atmosphere?
Geom Mu-geuk stood up abruptly.
“We weren't the only ones who fought last night.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path and the Demon Extermination Squad guarding various posts, and the Faceless Guests perched on the distant walls.
“Since we fought together, we should drink together. At least for today.”
Geom Mu-geuk reached out his hand, manifesting Telekinesis.
Sssshhh.
The tables and chairs arranged in the corners were drawn together into one place. The tables laden with food moved quickly, yet not a single drop of wine was spilled, and the numerous chairs moved without making a sound.
“Let’s all gather and drink together today. Let’s pour for one another and share toasts. There’s no need for a perimeter guard today. If they couldn't beat us when we were sober, how could they possibly beat us when we’ve been drinking?”
A few martial artists laughed at his words. However, they couldn't just sit and drink in the presence of the Young Alliance Leader and the Demon Extermination Squad Leader.
Just then, a voice rang out.
“We will protect the Heavenly Flower Pavilion today.”
Turning around, they saw the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon standing at the entrance. Behind him, the Faceless Guests stood in a line.
Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in were surprised and bewildered.
The Smiling Demon and the Faceless Guests couldn't drink with them anyway. But even so, they hadn't expected the Smiling Demon to offer to protect them.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke with a smile.
“Would you do that for us?”
From behind his mask, the Smiling Demon laughed.
“Drink to your heart’s content today.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in. Since Geom Mu-geuk had stepped forward and even the Smiling Demon had joined in, there was no need for further hesitation.
After the two of them nodded, they called all their subordinates inside.
“Now, drink at ease today! That is an order!”
The people of the Heavenly Flower Pavilion brought out more wine and food.
The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path and the Demon Extermination Squad sat down together. Since they had carried out operations together before, they weren't entirely strangers.
Geom Mu-geuk went around and poured drinks for everyone.
“Now, we drink comfortably today. Set aside all your worries and concerns, and for today at least, let’s celebrate the fact that we survived!”
Boisterous sounds erupted from within.
Before long, the Smiling Demon stood on the very top of the Heavenly Flower Pavilion’s roof with his arms crossed. Below him, the Faceless Guests were scattered across the roofs and walls, standing or crouching as they kept watch over the surroundings.
Moonlight shone through a hole in a broken wall.
Inside that hole, Geom Mu-geuk could be seen raising his glass high and shouting a toast.
Today, it was not the swords at their waists, but the cups they held together that shone in the moonlight.