Chapter 675: What Do Successors Talk About When They Gather?
Chapter 675: What Do Successors Talk About When They Gather?
That evening, Bi Sa-in and Han Seol visited Geom Mu-geuk’s residence.
Han Seol had allowed the Twin Frost Swords some rare time to themselves. Since she was meeting Geom Mu-geuk, she no longer required guards.
“You’re finally here.”
Geom Mu-geuk welcomed the two warmly.
“I thought you said you were arriving tomorrow?”
Bi Sa-in had originally intended to say, “It just turned out that way,” but seeing Mu-geuk’s knowing smirk, the lie died in his throat.
“We arrived early today and went sightseeing around Wuhan with Miss Han.”
They had shared a meal at the Wuhan First Restaurant, enjoyed tea at a teahouse famous for its fragrance, and taken a long stroll before coming here. To be honest, Bi Sa-in felt a slight pang of guilt toward Geom Mu-geuk.
Geom Mu-yang also stepped out to greet them.
“Welcome,” he said simply.
“I apologize for visiting so late,” Bi Sa-in replied.
In truth, it was Geom Mu-yang who found it difficult to look them in the eye. He felt a lingering embarrassment, remembering the moment he had been caught peeking at the two of them earlier.
“Now, let’s head inside. We have things to discuss and much to prepare.”
Geom Mu-geuk led them into the main hall.
“I plan to hold our private celebration in two days.”
Since Jin Ha-gun would be exhausted from attending the Murim Alliance’s official banquet today, Mu-geuk intended to let him rest for a day and hold their gathering the day after tomorrow.
“And a celebration needs a celebratory performance, doesn’t it?”
At the mention of a "performance," everyone flinched. The look in their eyes was identical: What are you plotting now?
Before Geom Mu-geuk could even elaborate, Bi Sa-in spoke firmly.
“Absolutely not.”
“What isn't?”
“Whatever you’re thinking right now—absolutely not!”
Geom Mu-geuk gave a meaningful smile. “And what exactly am I thinking?”
Bi Sa-in refused to voice it. He knew that if he uttered the words, Mu-geuk would undoubtedly make them a reality.
However, Bi Sa-in wasn't Geom Mu-geuk’s target.
Mu-geuk turned his gaze toward Han Seol and asked suggestively, “Do you know how to dance, Miss Han? Music and dance are essential for any proper celebration, wouldn't you agree?”
Han Seol had come to perceive Geom Mu-geuk as such an eccentric individual that even this absurd suggestion didn't sound strange to her anymore.
“Is that really necessary? Can’t we just offer our sincere congratulations?”
“Of course we could. Just like the countless other guests who congratulated Ha-gun today. If the banquet hasn't ended yet, he’s probably still receiving them. But ten years from now, Ha-gun will think to himself: ‘What did that person say to congratulate me back then? Did they even come?’”
She couldn't find a way to refute that.
“So, you’re saying we should do something memorable?”
Geom Mu-geuk shook his head. “We aren't doing it for him.”
“Then for whom?”
“We’re doing it for ourselves. For the memory of us preparing such a performance for a friend. Think about it. In life, don't you remember the things you did for others more than the things you received?”
“...!”
Watching this, Bi Sa-in shook his head. He could feel Han Seol being swayed. No! Don't fall for it!
“I understand what you mean, but I don't know how to dance.”
Bi Sa-in felt a wave of relief. Well done. Truly well done.
But then, Han Seol added a sentence that struck like a bolt from the blue.
“...But if it’s singing?”
Bi Sa-in stared at her in shock. Not only him, but Geom Mu-geuk and Geom Mu-yang were equally stunned.
“I’m not very good at it, though.”
“That doesn't matter! We were already a group of tone-deaf people, so this is perfect!”
While Geom Mu-geuk cheered, Bi Sa-in’s mind became a mess. If she was stepping up, there was no way he could stay out of it. But even so, he couldn't bring himself to dance again.
This time, Geom Mu-geuk dragged his brother into the fray.
“Besides, we have someone among us who can provide a wonderful accompaniment to the lady’s song.”
Just as Geom Mu-geuk was about to pull a danso from his robes, his brother’s voice transmission rang in his head.
— If you pull that out, you’re dead!
— We can’t have her sing without any accompaniment.
Using her as a shield, Geom Mu-geuk pulled out the flute.
“Isn't it surprising? To think my brother knows how to play an instrument.”
He subtly began to talk his brother up.
“He is likely the strongest person in the world among those who play instruments.”
Geom Mu-yang looked at Mu-geuk with an expression that said he was beyond help. His younger brother’s eyes seemed to say: Brother, isn't it fun to live a life you’ve never lived before?
Right. If he was going to refuse, he shouldn't have played at the instrument shop that day.
“I will handle the music.”
If it was going to happen anyway, it was better to make a clean decision. To be even more honest, playing the danso was a hundred times better than dancing or singing. He felt lucky. If he had to dance? He’d rather retire from the martial world and go into seclusion.
Now, only one person remained: Bi Sa-in.
He was backed into a corner at the edge of a cliff. If he fell, he’d have to dance! No! Absolutely not!
Geom Mu-yang could now see clearly what Geom Mu-geuk was trying to do to Bi Sa-in.
I really can’t help you with this one. Sorry.
If he made a wrong move, his flute might be snatched away, and he’d be dragged onto the dance floor himself.
Geom Mu-geuk began to persuade Bi Sa-in.
“Fortunately, we have a long time—a whole day.”
“It’s only a day.”
“So what if we’re a bit bad at singing, dancing, or playing? It’s just us watching and listening to each other.”
Mu-geuk emphasized the words "just us."
“This is something the five of us are doing together. We’ll take this secret to our graves.”
“Why five?”
“Miss Jin has already agreed to join us.”
Even Miss Jin!
Crumble!
In his mind, stones were falling from the cliff beneath his feet.
“Were you a dancer in a past life? Why are you so obsessed with dancing?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s reason was something unexpected.
“When we were at death’s door, you said it yourself. You said if you survived, you would dance.”
“...!”
Because of that promise, he had ended up dancing during the Three-Party Meeting.
“It was a choice you made from your subconscious. The thing you wanted to do most if you survived. Perhaps, deep down, you wanted to live a life different from your usual one?”
He’s certainly good at twisting my words! Bi Sa-in thought.
But it was true that, thanks to Geom Mu-geuk, he was getting the chance to live a different life. His current relationship with Han Seol was proof of that.
Whoosh.
Just as he could no longer hold on and began to fall from the cliff...
Grip.
Someone caught his hand. It was Han Seol.
“Let’s do our best.”
With that one sentence, Bi Sa-in’s heart changed. It went from something he couldn't do because she was watching, to something he would bravely attempt because she was watching.
Bi Sa-in declared to Geom Mu-geuk, “This is the last time I’m dancing.”
Geom Mu-geuk shouted with a bright smile, “Right! Let’s dance to our heart’s content, and then we’ll find something else we haven't tried!”
*
Two days later.
Jin Ha-gun entered the Blue Cloud Forest.
The venue for today’s celebration had been set here—the place where their last battle had occurred. The pavilion was gone, destroyed, but the bamboo grove remained the same.
In the middle of that grove, a banquet table had been set. It was laden with fine liquor and magnificent dishes, prepared by the Alliance’s cooks at Jin Ha-ryeong’s request.
“Welcome, friend.”
Geom Mu-geuk, Bi Sa-in, Han Seol, Jin Ha-ryeong, and Geom Mu-yang were waiting for him.
The moment he saw them, Jin Ha-gun’s mood lifted. He felt happy just looking at them, even before a single word was spoken.
“Come, have a drink first.”
As Jin Ha-gun strode over, Geom Mu-geuk poured him a cup.
Glug, glug.
The clear sound of the cup being filled echoed. Jin Ha-gun gazed at Geom Mu-geuk. He knew that his rise to the position of successor was...
‘No matter what anyone says, it’s thanks to you.’
Once the cup was full, Jin Ha-gun filled Geom Mu-geuk’s cup in return.
‘I’ll be following right behind you, friend.’
After filling Mu-geuk’s cup, he filled everyone else’s as well.
Geom Mu-geuk raised his cup high.
“To the future Murim Alliance Leader!”
Everyone there echoed his words and drained their cups. A wide smile spread across Jin Ha-gun’s face. He had achieved his dream, and there were people here to sincerely celebrate it with him. No one in this group was trying to get on his good side just because he was the successor.
“Now, let me offer a drink.”
This time, Bi Sa-in poured a drink for Jin Ha-gun.
“Thank you for coming all this way.”
“I would have come no matter where you were.”
As the two emptied their cups, Geom Mu-geuk remarked casually, “He might have wished the journey was even longer.”
At Jin Ha-gun’s questioning look, Mu-geuk glanced toward Bi Sa-in. Flustered, Bi Sa-in looked away, avoiding his gaze. Ha-gun realized it instantly.
‘I see you’ve noticed.’
Mu-geuk was as sharp as ever.
Bi Sa-in decided it was actually for the best. Being teased by Mu-geuk was more comfortable than the uneasy feeling of keeping a secret from him.
Next, Jin Ha-ryeong stepped forward.
“Congratulations, Brother.”
“Thank you.”
Seeing the warm gaze they exchanged, Mu-geuk nudged his brother.
“Brother, that’s how siblings are supposed to look at each other.”
Geom Mu-yang ignored him and poured a drink for Jin Ha-gun.
“Accept a drink from me as well.”
“Thank you so much for coming.”
Jin Ha-gun didn't ask Geom Mu-yang to look after the Gwak Yeong siblings. He was a man who inspired trust that he would do the right thing even without being asked. To Jin Ha-gun, the First Young Master of the Demonic Cult was now that kind of person.
Finally, Han Seol poured him a drink.
“Congratulations.”
“I am truly grateful you could come.”
And so, Jin Ha-gun shared drinks with everyone present. The drinking session began in earnest. When everyone was feeling a pleasant buzz from the alcohol, Geom Mu-geuk stood up and walked out to the center.
“Now! We shall have a celebratory performance to honor our friend Ha-gun becoming the successor!”
Jin Ha-gun was startled by the unexpected announcement. He was even more surprised to see everyone stand up and walk out.
‘All five of them?’
He could imagine the others, but even Geom Mu-yang? That was the most shocking part.
The five of them stood in their designated spots. Geom Mu-yang and Han Seol stood at the far ends, while Geom Mu-geuk, Bi Sa-in, and Jin Ha-ryeong stood in the middle.
The five of them stood in a row, looking at Jin Ha-gun. Since he hadn't expected such an atmosphere, Ha-gun was actually the one feeling flustered.
‘What on earth are they planning?’
Since there were no musicians, he wondered if they were going to give a sword demonstration. But right then!
Geom Mu-yang pulled out a danso. That was the first shock—the moment the First Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult pulled out a flute instead of a hidden weapon.
As Mu-yang took his stance and blew into it, the beautiful melody of the danso resonated through the air. He was truly skilled.
Soon after, a clear, pure singing voice rose over the flute melody. Jin Ha-gun was shocked for the second time as he watched Han Seol sing. The Young Palace Master of the North Sea Ice Palace was singing to congratulate him?
Finally, the three in the middle began to dance to the melody and the song.
Jin Ha-gun’s gaze fixed on one person—the man whose appearance was the least suited for dancing in the entire world.
‘Sa-in, I’m sorry.’
He could only imagine how much Geom Mu-geuk must have pestered him to get him to do this. He didn't even need to see it to know.
But regardless of those thoughts, Bi Sa-in was dancing the most diligently of the three. He had said he would never do it, but he wasn't the type of person to do anything halfway once he committed.
It was clear they had practiced a lot. The trio’s dance was perfectly synchronized with the flute and the song.
Bi Sa-in was in a state of total immersion. Had he practiced dancing in his spare time? It was hard to believe such a magnificent dance was the result of only one day of practice. Bi Sa-in truly deserved to be at the center.
Geom Mu-geuk and Jin Ha-ryeong also danced hard on either side, but they minimized their movements to make Bi Sa-in stand out even more.
The music grew faster and more exciting, and Han Seol’s song became more cheerful. The mist flowing around them made the stage look even more spectacular.
A sight Jin Ha-gun would truly never forget for the rest of his life was unfolding before his eyes.
If he were to tell someone about today when he was older, what would happen?
— Long ago, a celebratory performance was held to honor my becoming the successor. The First Young Master of the Divine Cult played the flute, and the Young Palace Master of the North Sea Ice Palace sang. And the successor of the Heavenly Demon, the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, and my younger sister danced to that song.
After hearing that, the listener would probably go find the Murim Alliance’s Divine Doctor.
— ...I think the Alliance Leader is unwell.
The flute and song ceased, and the dance ended. They even timed the final pose perfectly. It was a brilliant performance for only a day’s practice.
A brief silence followed.
Jin Ha-gun stood up and bowed his head.
“I will never forget this moment as long as I live.”
He was sincerely grateful to them. Were these the kind of people who would normally play the flute, sing, or dance? The fact that they had practiced for him was deeply moving.
Bi Sa-in, having burned himself out, stumbled back to his seat and gulped down some liquor.
“How was it? Don't you feel refreshed now that it’s over?”
Bi Sa-in couldn't deny Mu-geuk’s words. The drink he just had was the most delicious in the world.
Just then, Bi Sa-in’s eyes met Han Seol’s.
“You were wonderful.”
That one sentence was enough for him. Bi Sa-in wore a satisfied smile. Still!
‘No more dancing in my life!’
*
That night.
Under the moonlight, three men stood atop the bamboo trees. They were the three successors who would lead the Murim in the future: Geom Mu-geuk, Jin Ha-gun, and Bi Sa-in.
“I’m leaving tomorrow.”
Geom Mu-geuk intended to return to the Cult as soon as this gathering was over. He had other places to go, but since he had been away for too long, he planned to return to the main headquarters with his brother first.
Jin Ha-gun felt a pang of regret. He didn't know when they would see each other again once they parted.
And at this moment, Bi Sa-in was feeling even more regretful about a different farewell. Once this gathering ended, Han Seol was also scheduled to return to the North Sea with the Twin Frost Swords.
Bi Sa-in’s gaze drifted down toward Han Seol.
Below them, Geom Mu-yang, Jin Ha-ryeong, and Han Seol were sharing drinks and talking.
“Let’s have a drink together as fellow former successors!”
At Jin Ha-ryeong’s suggestion, Geom Mu-yang and Han Seol had joined her. The teddy bear Han Seol had brought all the way here had also become a topic of conversation.
Surprisingly, the three of them, who seemed like they would be awkward together, were in constant conversation. Even Geom Mu-yang, who looked like he wouldn't say a word, was contributing a few sentences.
Bi Sa-in’s gaze lingered on Han Seol before returning to Geom Mu-geuk. He knew his secret was already out.
“Why aren't you teasing me?”
He had expected Mu-geuk to mock him and make him flustered about liking her.
“The road ahead is long. I figured I could take my time teasing you.”
His words carried a hint of concern that it wouldn't be easy for the two of them to be together. Jin Ha-gun nodded as if he shared the sentiment.
Bi Sa-in asked Jin Ha-gun, “When did you realize?”
“From the first time I saw you.”
“How?”
“You both wore white robes and even brought a teddy bear. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?”
Bi Sa-in’s face flushed slightly. He had been teased so much by Geom Mu-geuk that he felt no shame around him, but he still felt a bit embarrassed in front of Jin Ha-gun. He was the type of person who would rather die than talk about his feelings for a woman.
But knowing that the two of them knew made him feel more at ease.
“If the Ice Palace Master opposes it, we’ll invade the North Sea! The Cult will pretend we don't know anything about it.”
Jin Ha-gun played along with Mu-geuk’s joke.
“Don't do that. We’ll have to go help the Ice Palace then.”
“We have to help our friend! Tell Sa-in to pay us back with a dance!”
Bi Sa-in laughed at that. It had been a long time since he had laughed so brightly.
“Oh! What a charming smile! Show that smile to Miss Han!”
At Mu-geuk’s words, Bi Sa-in let out a light sigh. Would such a day ever come?
Just then, Jin Ha-ryeong shouted from below.
“What are you talking about that’s so interesting?”
When three young men gather, the conversation naturally turns to women.
Geom Mu-geuk shouted back to her, “What else would successors talk about when they gather? Naturally, we’re discussing the peace of the Murim!”