Chapter 99
Baek Ri-yeon had undoubtedly planned to keep it a secret at first. But they'd spent so much time together. And once her golden eyes were exposed, she gave Yahul a rough outline of her abilities.
Yet even before she explained, Yahul had sensed she was hiding something. It was the way her eyes moved. She'd gaze into empty space or peer at a wall, and soon enough, someone would appear from that direction.
Of course, Baek Ri-yeon didn't make it obvious. She was always cautious. It was just that Yahul's observant gaze cut even deeper than her careful demeanor.
Observing people had become second nature to him. Back in that powerless household where he could do nothing else as a child, it was all he had.
Then, a presence stirred from behind the boulder.
"Here are some clothes."
His garments were ruined from the waste and sweat expelled while cultivating the Tianshan Flame Lord's profound art—far beyond salvage by washing.
"Thank you."
Yahul emerged from the water, dressed fully, water still dripping from his hair as he asked, "Are we heading back now?"
A faint blush colored his cheeks, pale from the cold water. At the sight, Cheonsan Yeomje felt inexplicably irritated, twisting his lips as he replied, "I was planning to, but I think we'll stick around a bit longer."
"......Why is that?"
"Just do as you're told! Why so many questions?"
"......"
Satisfied with Yahul's sullen expression, Cheonsan Yeomje explained coolly. "The Murim Alliance Leader is at the Namgung Clan right now."
The Murim Alliance Leader was Wi Ji-baek, head of the righteous Murim alliance and one of the Eleven Heavenly Strongest.
If one had to nitpick, he was the most recent addition, closest to the bottom of that list.
"I don't know what it's about."
Cheonsan Yeomje sprawled out languidly, waving a hand dismissively. "But you're a survivor of the Cheon-gwi-jo incident, aren't you? If it comes up and the Leader wants to see you, better stay put and train here until he leaves."
"How long will he stay?"
"How should I know?"
Cheonsan Yeomje sneered at Yahul's visibly annoyed face. "Well, the Leader's got plenty on his plate too, so it won't drag on."
The boy had shown no change in expression throughout receiving the heart method and training—no matter the pain, he seemed unnaturally composed, making Cheonsan Yeomje question his own memories.
But the moment Baek Ri-yeon was mentioned, a flurry of emotions crossed his face. It was the most childlike he'd seemed.
Clearly, he'd endured an extraordinary childhood.
Cheonsan Yeomje had been stunned by Yahul's refusal at first, then furious, and finally curious. Setting aside his desperate wish for a disciple, he genuinely wanted to know why—and asked earnestly.
The answer was staggering.
"Because there's someone I want to kill."
He had someone he wanted dead, and gaining power would let him do it right away. That was his reason.
Cheonsan Yeomje glimpsed a deep-seated killing intent nurtured since early childhood. If he'd harbored that long enough, learning demonic arts would've been a breeze.
Yet now he was trying to suppress it? Astonishing.
"If you want to kill, then kill. With power like mine, no one would dare complain if you beat a few to death."
"Not even you, Sword Lord?"
"......"
Cheonsan Yeomje was speechless...... deeply offended by the implication.
In his rage, he forgot they were in Baek Ri-yeon's quarters and grabbed Yahul by the collar, shaking him vigorously right there in the courtyard.
Finally, Cheonsan Yeomje spoke. "Fine, then tell me your story. How'd you get tangled with Cheon-gwi-jo?"
With the disciple ceremony complete, they now shared karma and fate.
"As your master, shouldn't I know who deserves a beating to death?"
Cheonsan Yeomje wasn't one to pry into others' affairs. Even for his disciple, he wouldn't usually care this much. He'd learn in time, or not—and that was fine.
But with Yahul, it was different. To prevent heart demons, he needed to understand.
A heart demon was when one's mind fell under demonic influence. It hindered cultivation and could lead to qi deviation if unlucky.
Negative emotions—revenge, hatred, killing intent—fed it most easily.
Yahul's past was a prime obstacle, plain as day. Cheonsan Yeomje wanted him to let go and focus solely on training.
After several tussles with the tight-lipped boy, Cheonsan Yeomje—against his nature—coaxed and cajoled, even dangling a carrot: he'd confirm the Alliance Leader's departure from nearby and let Yahul go immediately.
Only then did Yahul speak.
"My mother's surname is Byeon, given name Gi-hyeon."
Cheonsan Yeomje, whose patience had worn thinner than thin during the back-and-forth, bellowed, "You think hearing her name tells me anything—wait, what? Byeon Gi-hyeon?"
Byeon Gi-hyeon. Once a top later-generation prodigy, mentioned alongside Baek Ri-gang and Namgung Wan.
A formidable swordswoman, but what truly made her famous was her breathtaking beauty that captivated at first glance, her gentle demeanor, and her unique origins.
Byeon Gi-hyeon had been born a slave. Too young to remember clearly, her parents were slaves too, and she'd been sold from place to place.
Eventually, she was sold to the Byeon Clan, a martial house. There, she learned the sword—and her talent shone so brightly she was adopted as their heir.
The Hwangsan Sect's leader even offered to take her as a direct disciple.
But she refused, unwilling to betray the Byeon Clan's grace. It was an honor for them, but as a major sect leader's disciple, she couldn't serve her adoptive family.
Thus, Byeon Gi-hyeon shone as a radiant star of righteous Murim's youth—until one day, she vanished without a trace.
* * *
At that moment, in the Namgung Clan's Cheongyeong Pavilion.
A grand hall reserved for esteemed guests on official business, its thick pillars exuding majestic presence.
A half-white-haired man in flowing white robes, broad-shouldered and imposing, entered.
Namgung Mu-cheol, the Namgung Clan head seated on the dais, greeted him with a smile. "Welcome. Alliance Leader Wi Ji-baek."
"It's been a while, former Leader."
Wi Ji-baek, head of the righteous Murim Alliance and one of the Eleven Heavenly Strongest.
A heroic aura emanated naturally as he offered a fist salute.
Namgung Mu-cheol smiled. "Former Leader? Just call me Namgung Clan Head."
"Very well."
Wi Ji-baek replied curtly, then turned to Namgung Wan beside the clan head. "Young Lord, it's been ages. Two years, perhaps?"
"About that."
"Show your face more often. You're a role model for the juniors. And your son's reputation precedes him."
"Just empty praise. He happened to visit a nearby temple today, so he couldn't pay respects."
Wi Ji-baek nodded, then regarded Baek Ri-gang on the opposite side. "Captain, long time no see."
Baek Ri-gang calmly clasped his hands. "Greetings, Alliance Leader."
Namgung Mu-cheol stroked his beard, explaining. "The Sword Lord holds a position in the Alliance anyway, so I invited him along."
"Of course. No issue. Easier to see everyone at once."
"Sit, all of you."
At the word of the most senior Namgung Clan Head, Wi Ji-baek took his seat.
A servant filled their teacups and withdrew. Wi Ji-baek lifted his, eyeing the clan head. "You look much better."
"Do I?"
"Now that I'm in the seat, I get it. All day, it's whining here, grumbling there—figuring out how to shut up the complainers."
"Now there's one more who understands my plight."
The clan head chuckled heartily, then spoke warmly. "You'll do well."
"I'll give it my all."
"Of course. But with your busy schedule, what brings you here?"
Wi Ji-baek sighed deeply. "No use hiding it—tensions between the Nammak Society and Cheon-so Escort Agency are escalating. They've asked me to mediate."
Namgung Mu-cheol nodded gravely. "I've heard. Several clashes already. Both are major powers; if swords are drawn, blood will flow freely."
The Nammak Society and Cheon-so Escort Agency were evenly matched. A full clash would leave both crippled, recovery impossible.
Naturally, neither wanted that. But pride blocked reconciliation.
They needed a face-saving pretext—hence the Alliance Leader.
"Passing by on my way to mediate, I thought to drop in and see your face."
Then Namgung Wan set down his cup and spoke. "Then why bring that child? An unwelcome guest—no, not even a guest. You brought an intruder."
Wi Ji-baek frowned. "Young Lord, mind yourself."
Namgung Wan smirked mockingly as he sipped his tea.
Wi Ji-baek lifted his cup, visibly irked.
The Namgung Clan Head merely chuckled heartily, unperturbed by the brewing tension.