Chapter 695: You Said This Is Where I Die?
Chapter 695: You Said This Is Where I Die?
An Hu-pyeong arrived at the main hall, his heart hammering against his ribs.
The unfamiliar martial artists surrounding the building were the personal guards of the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader. Their sheer presence made the warriors of the Shinhwa Guild look like mere children; the pressure they exuded was so intense that he didn't dare meet their eyes.
Should I have changed into new clothes before coming?
He could afford to look down on the rest of the world, but he had to make a good impression on the Alliance Leader and the Young Alliance Leader. For someone belonging to the Unorthodox Faction, offending them meant his entire clan could be annihilated in an instant.
An Hu-pyeong took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The Alliance Leader, Baek Ja-gang, sat in the seat of honor where Hu-pyeong’s father usually sat. His father, An Cheong-gwang, stood a short distance away. It was the first time Hu-pyeong had ever seen his father standing so respectfully, hands clasped politely in front of him.
So that’s the Alliance Leader.
Not daring to look the man in the face, Hu-pyeong kept his head bowed as he walked forward. He practiced a smile while keeping his gaze down. Since he usually went around with a scowl, forcing a pleasant expression felt incredibly awkward.
I have to make a good impression.
An Hu-pyeong approached with a trembling heart and offered a deep bow.
"It is an honor to meet the Alliance Leader, whom I have always deeply admired."
"A pleasure to meet you."
Baek Ja-gang had a general idea of what kind of person An Hu-pyeong was. Since he was visiting the Shinhwa Guild, he had naturally received a report on the Guild Master’s family.
A profligate heir who loved wine and women. Looking at An Hu-pyeong alone, the future of the Shinhwa Guild looked bleak. Of course, the moment An Cheong-gwang joined hands with the hidden forces, that future had turned from merely bleak to pitch-black.
An Cheong-gwang sent a message via Voice Transmission to his son.
— Don't make any mistakes! Do well!
— Don't worry, Father!
Just then, the door opened and someone entered. An Hu-pyeong turned his head toward the entrance and froze in shock.
Why is that guy here?
The person who entered was none other than Bi Sa-in.
An Hu-pyeong spoke quickly to Baek Ja-gang and his father. "Please excuse me for a moment."
He rushed toward Bi Sa-in, who was walking toward them. Stopping him in his tracks, An Hu-pyeong scowled and whispered harshly.
"Where do you think you are, following me here?"
He assumed Bi Sa-in had lied to the guards at the entrance, claiming the Young Guild Master had summoned him. The fact that Hu-pyeong thought the Alliance Leader's elite guards would let anyone in simply because they claimed to be looking for him showed just how self-centered and thoughtless he was.
"Get out. Scram."
It was a venomous, irritable whisper. An Hu-pyeong’s nerves were on edge. If this meeting was ruined, he was truly finished.
"Do you want to die?"
In his single-minded obsession with impressing the Alliance Leader, even Bi Sa-in’s terrifying face didn't scare him now. Just as Sa Chu had before him, the possibility that Bi Sa-in could be the Young Alliance Leader never even crossed An Hu-pyeong’s mind.
The Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Path asking Lee An’s guard if many beauties had arrived? How could that possibly be?
An Hu-pyeong felt he understood this scary-looking fellow. Right, how could he refuse when the Young Guild Master of the Shinhwa Guild told him to join up? Especially when I offered to double his pay.
Then, Bi Sa-in brought up what An Hu-pyeong had said earlier.
"Did you say you would speak directly to the person I serve?"
It was the first time Hu-pyeong had heard Bi Sa-in’s voice. It wasn't a pleasant voice to listen to—much like his face wasn't pleasant to look at—but now wasn't the time to nitpick.
"The person I serve is right there, so go ahead and speak to him directly."
An Hu-pyeong’s gaze followed Bi Sa-in’s gesture. Baek Ja-gang was sitting right there.
This bastard is insulting the Alliance Leader? This is an opportunity. A golden chance to look good.
I tried to let this ignorant fool leave quietly, but I can't hold back now that he's insulted you, Alliance Leader.
In that brief moment, his mind raced to spin the situation to his advantage.
"You crazy bastard!" An Hu-pyeong shouted toward the door. "Sa Chu! Drag this piece of shit out of here right now!"
An Cheong-gwang, who had been watching from the side, rushed over in a panic.
Naturally, An Cheong-gwang had met Bi Sa-in before. When he saw his son run toward Bi Sa-in as he entered, he thought they had already met and greeted each other at the sparring arena. He figured his son was just being his usual self—faster than anyone when it came to looking out for his own interests. He was just thinking it was a relief the boy had at least that much talent.
But then his son told someone to drag the Young Alliance Leader out?
An Hu-pyeong assumed his father was rushing over with a pale face because of Bi Sa-in’s ruthless appearance. He thought his father was angry that he hadn't kicked the intruder out yet while the Alliance Leader was watching. He had to act before his father took over.
Just as An Hu-pyeong raised his hand to slap Bi Sa-in across the face—
Grip!
An Cheong-gwang, arriving just in time, grabbed his son's wrist. Of course, even if he hadn't, Hu-pyeong wouldn't have been able to land the blow anyway.
An Cheong-gwang, utterly terrified, stared at his son with a face as white as a sheet. An Hu-pyeong shouted loudly.
"It seems this fellow, who doesn't know his place, followed me here to join my subordinates. But then he insulted the Alliance Leader!"
From across the room, Baek Ja-gang asked, "How did he insult me?"
"He said that if I wanted to hire him, I would need your permission, Alliance Leader!"
Baek Ja-gang smiled thinly. "He wasn't wrong."
While An Hu-pyeong blinked, confused by the meaning of those words—
Slap!
An Cheong-gwang slapped his son's cheek with all his might. Setting the pain aside, An Hu-pyeong was utterly stunned.
"Father?"
"How dare you be so disrespectful to the Young Alliance Leader? Kneel and apologize this instant!"
An Hu-pyeong blinked again. Young Alliance Leader? What Young Alliance Leader?
As he stood there dazed, another slap flew his way.
Slap! Slap! Slap!
An Cheong-gwang poured his genuine frustration into every blow, mercilessly beating his son's cheeks. After all the pathetic things his son had done, he was now committing this kind of insanity.
I should have raised him with beatings like this from the start.
If this incident caused the Alliance Leader to leave in anger, he might actually beat his son to death. Just then, Baek Ja-gang’s Voice Transmission reached Bi Sa-in.
— This must be the Young Cult Leader’s handiwork.
His disciple wasn't the type to hide his identity just to cause a scene like this. If there was someone who needed a beating, he would have half-killed them himself already.
— He’s telling you to educate your child properly, isn't he?
Of course, Geom Mu-geuk hadn't necessarily predicted this exact situation, but this was the result.
— If I had been alone, that boy would have arrived here as a corpse.
At Bi Sa-in’s reply, a faint smile touched Baek Ja-gang’s lips. He could easily imagine the scene.
After all the pent-up frustration of the past years was poured out—
Slap! Slap! Crack! Slap!
Once he felt the boy had been hit enough, Bi Sa-in stepped in. "That is enough."
An Cheong-gwang stopped the beating immediately. With his face swollen bright red, An Hu-pyeong whimpered, "...Father."
"You dared to curse at the Young Alliance Leader and even raised your hand to strike him? You deserve to die. I should start by cutting off that hand."
"Please save me! Father!"
"Apologize this instant!"
An Hu-pyeong fell to his knees and begged. "I failed to recognize such a noble person and committed a mortal sin! I was wrong! Please spare me!"
Bi Sa-in did not scold him. He could have crushed An Hu-pyeong further if he wanted to, but he didn't. He had already known An Hu-pyeong was a reckless, arrogant brat before coming here, and further punishment wouldn't change the boy's character. If anything, it would only make him harbor a deeper grudge.
Besides, he was here to stop a plot to assassinate his master; there was no need to create unnecessary enmity with An Hu-pyeong. Bi Sa-in helped An Hu-pyeong up and spoke in a kind tone.
"I apologize. I failed to reveal my identity sooner."
"No, Young Alliance Leader! Thank you for forgiving me!"
However, just as Bi Sa-in expected, a person doesn't change in an instant. Far from reflecting on his actions, Hu-pyeong was already blaming someone else. The target of his resentment should have been his father or Bi Sa-in, but he directed it at someone completely unrelated.
It’s all because of that guy! Lee An’s guard! I only misunderstood because I saw the Young Alliance Leader talking to him. I’ll make it up to the Young Alliance Leader somehow, but that guy... I’ll get him!
His habit of always retaliating against those weaker than him remained unchanged.
An Cheong-gwang approached the Alliance Leader and bowed his head in apology. "I am sorry for showing you such a pathetic sight."
Baek Ja-gang replied graciously, "It was a misunderstanding, so do not dwell on it."
Just then, a roar of cheers erupted from outside. It seemed the main tournament was about to begin. An Cheong-gwang stepped forward to break the awkward atmosphere.
"It seems the finals are starting. Allow me to escort you to the VIP seats."
Baek Ja-gang stood up, bringing the situation to a close. "It wouldn't be polite to keep the ladies waiting."
*
The waiting room was filled with women. Lee An was quietly observing her surroundings from a corner.
She was searching for assassins from the Beauty Cult among the participants. But she didn't try to look for an assassin. To find an assassin, one must not look for an assassin. That was the key.
There were a few women who gave her a certain feeling. It was purely instinct—not the instinct of Lee An the guard, but Lee An the martial artist.
Just then, Cha Yi-ran entered the waiting room. After scanning the interior, she walked toward where Lee An was sitting. Lee An didn't look at her; instead, she watched the women she had identified. She watched to see who reacted to Cha Yi-ran’s appearance—and who didn't.
Cha Yi-ran walked right up to Lee An. "What should we do? It seems your master has already fallen for me."
"What do you mean?"
"We’ve agreed to have a drink to celebrate making it to the finals. Just the two of us, in private."
She was implying they should all eat together, but she specifically said "the two of us." Lee An didn't fall for the provocation. Geom Mu-geuk wouldn't have done that, and even if he had, he would have had a reason.
"He won't be able to eat without my permission."
As Lee An tilted her head, Cha Yi-ran asked provocatively, "Is that confidence? Or arrogance?"
"It’s simply knowing him well."
"A guard who knows their leader well is common, but a leader who knows their guard well? That’s a rare relationship."
Cha Yi-ran sat down next to Lee An. Even then, Lee An continued to observe how the surrounding women reacted. This was her original purpose for entering the tournament. By identifying someone here, she might save someone’s life.
Cha Yi-ran suddenly remarked, "You’ve finally picked up a Treasured Sword."
Lee An was indeed wearing a fine sword, but the comment was a metaphor for her beautiful makeup. After all, Cha Yi-ran would recognize the skill of the woman who did Lee An’s makeup better than anyone.
"My opponent is who she is, after all. Be careful; I become a different person when I put on makeup."
"You’re scarier when you aren't wearing any, Miss Lee. Pure beauty."
"You’re trying everything you can to make me lose focus."
The two women looked at each other and laughed.
Yes, you should be afraid. Afraid of the time I spent training, sweating without a trace of makeup.
Just then, the waiting room door opened, and a martial artist shouted loudly. "The finals are starting now!"
The roar of the crowd could be heard from outside.
*
Finally, it was Lee An’s turn.
Dressed in a snow-white palace robe and adorned with beautiful makeup, she slowly climbed the stairs. As she stepped onto the stage, she saw the vast crowd of martial artists. The cheers were deafening.
She had thought her heart would burst with embarrassment upon standing here. That was why she had climbed the mountain at dawn to swing her sword. But once she was actually on stage, she wasn't as nervous as she expected.
Maybe I’m actually built for the big stage.
Lee An walked slowly along the designated path. And then, she saw him.
Among the thousands of people, she saw Geom Mu-geuk watching her. It was like a miracle; her eyes landed right on him. Even though Geom Mu-geuk wasn't projecting any presence, she found him. Out of all those people, only he was visible. It was as if everyone else had turned to black and white, and only Geom Mu-geuk remained in color.
He was smiling at her.
Lee An suddenly had a thought. This journey was a time for me to confirm my feelings for the Young Cult Leader! For the first time, she had even felt the emotion of jealousy. She had liked him since he was a child, but the feelings she discovered this time were deeper than before.
Lee An walked forward with confidence. Standing in the center of the stage, she saw the judging panel set up directly in front of her. Among the three judges, she saw the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master. Their eyes met.
She was doing her job here, and the Pavilion Master was doing hers there.
I won't let the Young Cult Leader be stabbed by the Smiling Demon’s dagger while I stand on this stage.
The two women, both intent on protecting their man, shared a silent understanding through their gaze. Nothing happened from the moment she stepped onto the stage until she left. Before descending, she took one last look at Geom Mu-geuk.
His lips seemed to move, mouthing something.
The ugly duckling is doing quite well, isn't she?
Was that what he said? She smiled to herself as she walked off the stage.
As Geom Mu-geuk watched Lee An descend, someone approached him.
"It’s been a while."
Surprisingly, it was the Alliance Leader, Baek Ja-gang. He was wearing a bamboo hat, so no one recognized him. He had told An Cheong-gwang that he wanted to watch quietly today instead of sitting in the VIP section, and had blended into the crowd.
The two men spoke while looking toward the stage. Geom Mu-geuk emitted his internal energy to create a formless barrier around them so their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
"I told you not to come. Why are you here?"
"I came to see you."
"Are you sure it wasn't to see the beauties?"
"Why wouldn't it be both? I came to see you and the beauties."
Geom Mu-geuk turned to look at Baek Ja-gang. "Actually, I would have been disappointed if you hadn't come."
"Even though you said this is where I die?"
The two men laughed together. In truth, Geom Mu-geuk had missed Baek Ja-gang. The older man probably didn't know how charming those small eyes of his looked to Mu-geuk right now.
"She’s coming out now. That woman over there is the assassin who intends to kill you, Alliance Leader."
The woman stepping onto the stage was Cha Yi-ran. The crowd erupted with heat at her appearance, but in contrast, Baek Ja-gang’s aura turned cold and still.
"Tell me. Give me one reason why I shouldn't leap onto that stage right now and kill her. I am not the type of person to sit and wait for someone who intends to kill me."
He wasn't one to play with his enemies. If someone was an enemy, he killed them with everything he had. He was, after all, an Alliance Leader who always wore his martial robes.
"If I don't have a reason that satisfies me..."
Baek Ja-gang’s small eyes narrowed even further. That single point glowed with an intensity that seemed to be the source of all the killing intent in the world.
"I will kill her right here, right now."