Chapter 555: Care to Step Out for Some Fresh Air with Me?
Chapter 555: Care to Step Out for Some Fresh Air with Me?
Han Seol’s astonishment showed no signs of fading.
Fine, let’s say arriving in the middle of a bloody battle and having to unleash her palm force was just a matter of bad timing.
And fine, let’s assume it was possible for the Young Palace Master of the North Sea Ice Palace to describe her ideal type in front of the successors of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions.
But right now, she was witnessing the Demon Extermination Squad and the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path—the elite symbols of the Orthodox and Unorthodox paths, respectively—sharing a toast. And to top it off, they were doing so under the watchful eyes of the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon and the Faceless Guest.
This time, Han Seol was the first to send a voice transmission to the Twin Frost Swords.
— Is the Central Plains always like this? This is so different from the Central Plains I learned about.
Though they knew she was joking, the Twin Frost Swords expressed their own shock. In truth, they were even more stunned than she was.
— In all the history of the Murim that I know of, the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions have never mingled this casually.
— We must be even more cautious because of this.
They almost suggested it might be a conspiracy, but they held their tongues. The scale was simply too grand for a mere plot. It was impossible that all these people had been mobilized just to lure Han Seol into a trap.
Moreover, the people before them were being entirely sincere.
The 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path and the Demon Extermination Squad drained their cups together. They even introduced themselves to those sitting across from them.
“I am the 1st Wolf.”
“I am Gwang Hyo.”
While Geom Mu-geuk had poured the first round, this time Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun stepped forward together.
Bi Sa-in poured for the Demon Extermination Squad, and Jin Ha-gun filled the cups of the 13 Wolves.
Both the two leaders pouring the wine and the subordinates receiving it were experiencing something entirely new.
Had this been any other organization of the Murim Alliance or the Unorthodox Path Alliance, such an atmosphere could never have been created. Even if they had shared a drink, the air would have been thick with a battle of wills, everyone tense and ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
However, the Demon Extermination Squad and the 13 Wolves had already experienced overcoming a life-and-death crisis together with their leaders, aided by Geom Mu-geuk. They were the martial artists who now understood better than anyone that the friendship between their masters was genuine.
Next, they poured wine for their own men. Bi Sa-in for the 13 Wolves, and Jin Ha-gun for the Demon Extermination Squad. The looks they gave their leaders were filled with deep loyalty and trust.
It felt as though the emotions they had built up until now had been firmly bolted into place by this battle.
In human relationships, if one never experiences the moment that bolt is secured, even the oldest and best of relationships can crumble in an instant. It can fall apart over a single, trivial word. Or rather, it collapses even more hollowly precisely because the cause is so trivial.
Perhaps that was why Bi Sa-in made an announcement to everyone.
“This year marks the thirtieth year since the 1st Wolf here joined the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path.”
The 1st Wolf looked flustered by the sudden mention of himself. However, Bi Sa-in had something he desperately wanted to say in this place, before everyone’s eyes.
“Setting aside affiliation and rank, as a fellow martial artist, I sincerely respect you.”
As Bi Sa-in raised his glass, everyone followed suit.
The 13 Wolves shouted their congratulations loudly, while the members of the Demon Extermination Squad showed their respect by raising their glasses and drinking in silence, letting the gesture speak for them.
Jin Ha-gun spoke to the 1st Wolf on their behalf.
“I believe staying in one place for thirty years is a great feat. You are truly impressive.”
The 1st Wolf, as well as the rest of the 13 Wolves, were delighted by the respect shown by the Demon Extermination Squad Leader.
“Thank you, Captain.”
After the 1st Wolf offered his polite thanks, he looked at Bi Sa-in. He would have been grateful even if Bi Sa-in had told him this in private, but to be honored so properly in front of everyone moved him deeply. This was an attitude and a method Bi Sa-in had learned from Geom Mu-geuk.
“When I was just a toddler taking my first steps, the 1st Wolf was already walking the path of the Unorthodox Path.”
The 1st Wolf laughed at Bi Sa-in’s words, and the 13 Wolves raised their glasses in unison.
“Thirteen of the Unorthodox Path! Live together, die together!”
They shouted at the top of their lungs and drained their glasses. Watching them, Jin Ha-gun felt a sense of realization.
‘You, too, are looking your subordinates straight in the eye.’
Just as Jin Ha-gun had looked back at his own men when he killed the Heavenly Freak inside the formation. If he hadn’t looked back then, he would never have been able to have such an open and honest conversation with them.
When Jin Ha-gun raised his glass high, the warriors of the Demon Extermination Squad did the same. Since this was a celebration for the 1st Wolf, they didn’t shout to raise their momentum; instead, they exchanged glances and drank.
It was a level of consideration that would have been unimaginable in the past. Previously, they would have shouted "Demon Extermination and Evil-Breaking" even louder than the others.
Jin Ha-gun looked at the man who had made this moment possible.
Geom Mu-geuk was back at his original seat, talking with Han Seol. He had judged it right to step back and let this moment of unity belong to the men.
Han Seol set down her glass alongside Geom Mu-geuk. Fearing she might get too drunk, she had only sipped hers, but Geom Mu-geuk had drained his yet again. He didn't force her to drink, nor did he try to stop her.
“You drink quite well. It doesn’t seem like you’re using your internal energy to flush out the alcohol, either.”
Indeed, Geom Mu-geuk had been drinking with everyone here and there, yet he didn't look drunk at all.
“Why would I use internal energy to get rid of this pleasant buzz?”
“Your tolerance is quite remarkable.”
“You know why, don't you? My older brother is the Drunken Demon.”
Since he had come to the North Sea with the Drunken Demon in the past, she was aware of the relationship between the two.
As she poured more wine for Geom Mu-geuk, Han Seol asked, “How is my sister doing?”
She had expected to meet Lee An upon arriving here.
Geom Mu-geuk gave an unexpected answer. “I’m not entirely sure myself.”
“Pardon?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze drifted toward the distance outside.
“Lee An is out in the world on her own.”
Knowing that he considered Lee An his very heart, Han Seol was surprised that he had let her go off alone.
“Aren't you worried?”
“How could I not be? She appears in my dreams every night like a ghost.”
“Then why did you let her go alone?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mu-geuk spoke.
“She needs to learn how to walk on her own.”
It was a simple statement, but for Geom Mu-geuk, those words carried the weight of his life before his regression. He was someone who had experienced firsthand that the rougher the road, the stronger one becomes upon their return.
The moment she heard that, Han Seol’s heart raced. A desire to walk the world alone bloomed within her as well.
“That’s a shame. I thought I’d be able to see her this time.”
Then, Geom Mu-geuk said something unexpected.
“Come see her, then.”
“What?”
“It’s about time for her to return to the Cult. She might even be back already. Come with me to the Main Cult. I officially invite you.”
Before she could answer, a voice transmission from the Twin Frost Swords reached her.
— The Divine Cult is absolutely out of the question!
— The Ice Palace has never visited the Divine Cult!
If anything, these transmissions only strengthened her resolve.
— Then let that first visit happen during my trip to the Central Plains.
Han Seol wanted to see the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Since they had come to the North Sea Ice Palace, wasn't it only right that she visited them in return?
And more than anything, she wanted to see Lee An. She wanted to ask her what she had seen while out in the world alone.
“I once asked my mother what the Central Plains was like to her. She told me this: it’s a place you want to return from when you’re there, but once you’re back, you want to go there again. I’m curious to see what kind of place the Central Plains will become for me.”
Since it was a formal invitation, she clasped her hands in a polite fist salute.
“I accept your invitation. Thank you for inviting me.”
Geom Mu-geuk returned the salute with equal courtesy.
“I hope the Cult provides a good memory for the Young Palace Master’s time in the Central Plains.”
And so, Han Seol’s journey to the Divine Cult was decided.
*
The night deepened, and the drinking session followed suit.
Everyone was drunk.
Of course, that didn't mean the 13 Wolves or the Demon Extermination Squad were making mistakes. As elite warriors serving their successors, they remained extremely careful even while drinking.
Geom Mu-geuk drank with Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in, while Jin Ha-ryeong and Han Seol drank with the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master. It was unclear what they were discussing so animatedly, but the two young women were likely hearing things that would be of great help in their lives.
Geom Mu-geuk shouted to the musicians playing on the second-floor balcony.
“Something more exciting, please!”
The mellow music quickened, and the excitement rose naturally. As Geom Mu-geuk began to sway his body slightly, Bi Sa-in was the first to shout.
“Don’t even dream about it!”
But Geom Mu-geuk looked like a man just getting started; his movements gradually grew larger. When Geom Mu-geuk glanced toward Han Seol, Bi Sa-in beat him to the punch again.
“The moment the word ‘dance’ comes out, the Unorthodox-Demonic Great War begins!”
Geom Mu-geuk looked disappointed.
“Miss Han would fall for you even more if she saw your dancing skills.”
He claimed to be disappointed, but his body looked ready to jump up and start shaking at any moment. And would Geom Mu-geuk ever dance alone? If a true dancer was present, they would undoubtedly be dragged out to join him.
Cornered, Bi Sa-in looked at Jin Ha-gun. His eyes pleaded for help, signaling that if this wasn't stopped, it wouldn't be an Unorthodox-Demonic war, but an Unorthodox-Orthodox Great War. However, Jin Ha-gun, his face flushed with alcohol, said something completely unexpected.
“If you two dance, I suppose I’ll perform a sword dance.”
He meant that while he couldn't dance normally, he could at least manage a sword dance.
Bi Sa-in stared at Jin Ha-gun in shock. He expected Geom Mu-geuk to tease him, but Jin Ha-gun performing a sword dance?
“Everyone’s gone mad! You’re all far too drunk!”
With Jin Ha-gun joining in, Geom Mu-geuk’s swaying movements gained wings. He was going to create an atmosphere for dancing one way or another.
Bi Sa-in abruptly stood up.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at him in surprise. “You’re going to dance?”
Of course not. Bi Sa-in strode over to Han Seol and spoke.
“Care to step out for some fresh air with me?”
Since running away wouldn't solve the problem, he chose a frontal breakthrough. Han Seol was taken aback by the request, and Jin Ha-ryeong was even more stunned.
The Young Alliance Leader is asking a woman for a walk?
Jin Ha-ryeong sent a voice transmission to Geom Mu-geuk.
— What on earth did you do?
— I’m innocent! I didn't say a word.
— The Young Alliance Leader has gone strange because of you.
She really should have heard her brother’s offer to perform a sword dance.
Was she being considerate of the eyes watching them? Or did she truly want to take a walk? After gazing at Bi Sa-in for a moment, Han Seol answered calmly.
“I was just starting to feel a bit stifled from the alcohol.”
Han Seol stood up and left the building with Bi Sa-in. Naturally, a voice transmission from Geom Mu-geuk chased after Bi Sa-in.
— That’s a man right there! A real man!
— And whose fault do you think this is!
The playfulness vanished from Geom Mu-geuk’s voice as it followed Bi Sa-in’s sigh.
— Even after many years pass, you’ll never forget the fluttering of your heart when you asked her for a walk.
Bi Sa-in knew. He knew that Geom Mu-geuk was sincerely cheering him on and pushing him forward out of genuine care.
— If a war breaks out, I’m invading the Divine Cult first! Forget the North Sea!
With that, the two of them headed outside. Watching them go, Geom Mu-geuk raised his glass high.
“Now, let’s have a victory toast!”
Was it truly a victory toast? Jin Ha-gun watched Bi Sa-in with concern. Their clothes were the only thing that matched; he wondered if the man could even manage a proper sentence.
After the two of them shared a few more drinks, Jin Ha-gun revealed the thought he had been harboring.
“When I return this time, I plan to tell my grandfather. I’m going to ask him to name me his successor.”
Geom Mu-geuk silently refilled Jin Ha-gun’s glass. The other man’s inner thoughts poured out effortlessly.
“I’ve spent too long hiding my desires. I thought that was chivalry, that it was the Orthodox Path. I thought everything would naturally fall into place if I lived that way. But… I realized that might just be another form of escapism. An escape I’ve delayed over and over to avoid letting my grandfather see my greed to become the next Alliance Leader. It was easier to just fight as the Demon Extermination Squad Leader than to say those words.”
Geom Mu-geuk listened quietly while drinking. Perhaps the Murim Alliance Leader felt the same way.
The burden of naming his own grandson as his successor. The burden of a leader who had spent his entire life pursuing only honor. Because he couldn't bear the dishonor of being seen as favoring his grandson when there were other capable candidates, perhaps he, too, had been escaping reality—vaguely hoping that if his grandson served as the Demon Extermination Squad Leader long enough, a moment would come when everyone would naturally accept him.
Geom Mu-geuk thought Jin Ha-gun’s decision was a good one. The most dangerous relationships are those where both parties are not honest about their desires. When such relationships go awry, they drift apart beyond repair.
“I also think it’s time for your volcano to erupt.”
Jin Ha-gun gained strength from Geom Mu-geuk’s encouragement.
“I’m going to put my life on the line.”
“What? You haven't already? Even neighborhood thugs put their lives on the line to become a boss, and this is the position of Murim Alliance Leader! You should have done it ages ago! Go to the Alliance Leader and shout it! Tell him, ‘Give me the successor’s seat now!’ If he scolds you, go back the next day and flatter him! Just show him everything inside you!”
Jin Ha-gun laughed. Yes, talking to Geom Mu-geuk always gave him this kind of energy. Just then, their eyes caught sight of Bi Sa-in and Han Seol walking together in the distance.
“I wonder what they’re talking about?”
“A secret plot between the Unorthodox Path Alliance and the North Sea Ice Palace to take down the Murim Alliance?”
“Didn't you hear him earlier? If they hit anyone, it’ll be you.”
“No way. I’m the one who tied the red thread of fate between those two.”
Jin Ha-gun turned to Geom Mu-geuk and spoke with concern.
“What if that friend of ours ends up with a broken heart?”
“Then he ends up with a broken heart.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at Jin Ha-gun and spoke calmly.
“When we look back on our lives later, if all we have are memories of fighting enemies… wouldn't that be a terrible disservice to our own lives?”