Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Qingcheng Sect's Tradition
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Han Ibi turned awkwardly after the greeting. So Eun-ri standing beside him didn't even glance his way.
Han Ibi thought to himself.
'I thought we were getting a bit closer, but nope... Is it because the master is here...?'
For some reason, it left a bad taste in his mouth.
But he soon shook his head and thought.
'What does it matter...'
With that, Han Ibi wandered off to find a spot out of sight.
Qingcheng Sect's Sect Leader Hong Gu-geum spoke up.
"The day has finally arrived."
"Indeed. Time flows like running water, impossible to hold back."
"I called you here to talk among ourselves before the Sect Leader selection assembly."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
Two voices answered in unison.
One was Elder Yi Sin-song, Hong Gu-geum's junior brother and strategist. The other was Nam Cheol-hong, his direct disciple.
Hong Gu-geum said.
"Oh, right. Before we start... how's that Zhongli Clan brat been lately?"
Yi Sin-song shrugged lightly and replied.
"Yes, Sect Leader. That guy's... a total good-for-nothing."
"Good-for-nothing?"
"Yes. He doesn't do anything specific, just kills time."
"What about the Sacheon Tang Clan incident?"
"Hmm... The Tang Clan doesn't want word spreading. They're handling it in strict secrecy. Especially since their daughter suffered something so horrific..."
"Good. We don't want to upset the Tang Clan, so best to keep our mouths shut for now."
"Understood, Sect Leader."
"Speaking of which, about their warning regarding that Jong Ri-mae fellow? It doesn't connect to this incident, does it?"
Yi Sin-song scratched his cheek thoughtfully before answering.
"We'll have to look into any links later, but that warning? It seems like nothing more than the Tang Clan's paranoia. The kid's not capable of anything like that."
"So... he's just a rice waster, as you said."
"Exactly."
"Then let's prepare to send him off soon."
"Understood, Sect Leader."
"Good. Any other developments?"
Yi Sin-song's eyes widened as if it just occurred to him.
"Ah, yes. The only one he seems close to is that 'So Eun-ri.' Several disciples spotted them together behind the dining hall."
Hong Gu-geum's face twisted in displeasure.
"So Eun-ri? Bok Yeon-hwa's disciple?"
Yi Sin-song nodded.
"Yes."
Hong Gu-geum said.
"Birds of a feather flock together, huh... But what harm can come from those two hanging around?"
"Of course not."
Hong Gu-geum glanced around cautiously before speaking.
"How are the elders now?"
Yi Sin-song replied.
"Ever since Bok Yeon-hwa returned yesterday, things have been off. Turns out she's been stirring up the elders for quite some time."
Hong Gu-geum frowned again.
Yi Sin-song continued.
"Out of the seven elders, the sure ones on our side are me, Nam Cheol-hong, and Ha Bong-rye."
"That's a given."
"Elder Seo Ui-jae seems to have shifted toward Bok Yeon-hwa lately."
Hong Gu-geum snorted.
"What a fool from start to finish. He plans to spend his life wiping others' asses."
Hong Gu-geum asked.
"What about that Jin Kyung-jo fellow?"
Yi Sin-song looked troubled.
"Well... Elder Jin is away on a trip right now..."
Nam Cheol-hong added.
"Yes. He's sided with Elder Bok. I've tried persuading him several times, but..."
Yi Sin-song interjected.
"How can you call it persuasion when we don't even know which bean field his heart's planted in?"
"Still, somehow I..."
Hong Gu-geum suddenly barked. It wasn't loud, but rough.
"So what do you plan to do? At this rate, we can't guarantee the selection!"
Nam Cheol-hong smiled meaningfully.
"No need to worry. I've laid the bait. You'll hear good news soon."
As Yi Sin-song turned to him, Nam Cheol-hong gave a subtle nod just for him.
"If things stay like this, this Sect Leader selection..."
Hong Gu-geum stroked his beard discontentedly.
The Qingcheng Sect had a unique custom for succession.
They set the upper limit for a Sect Leader at 70—his seventieth birthday—when he could no longer manage sect affairs with a clear mind.
Thus, they elected the next Sect Leader beforehand.
The seven elders voted before the birthday to choose the successor.
This innovative method was once the sect's pride.
Or so it had been.
Over time, the tradition devolved into a tool fostering factional strife.
Now, the Qingcheng Sect split into two factions.
It had been the heyday of Hong Gu-geum and his allies. No rival faction existed.
But Bok Yeon-hwa's return changed everything.
Her innovative ideas, honed in advanced sects, appealed to the sect's young disciples.
Hong Gu-geum's goal was to install his puppet, Nam Cheol-hong, extending his power.
Yet Bok Yeon-hwa proved an unforeseen obstacle.
Today was the successor election day.
Seeing the tide turn oddly, Hong Gu-geum's conservative faction gathered early to align their "cards."
Creeeak.
A wooden door opened, and someone entered.
Hong Gu-geum and the others looked up in mild surprise.
Yi Sin-song didn't hide his irritation.
"You're here far earlier than agreed."
"I hurried over, thinking you might be scheming early. If it's interesting, let me join in."
The newcomer wore a cold smile.
It was Bok Yeon-hwa.
Silence fell briefly.
It was only natural—they were like mutes with honey in their mouths.
Bok Yeon-hwa pressed on.
"Why is everyone so quiet? You're not about to say I've intruded where I don't belong, are you?"
As Hong Gu-geum forced a wry smile to respond, Nam Cheol-hong cut in.
"Elder Bok, of course not. We were just chatting idly. We were merely surprised you arrived before the appointed time."
Bok Yeon-hwa smiled meaningfully.
"Is that so? You're not exactly old men, yet no fondness for sleep, it seems. Gathering this early for 'idle chat' on such an important day."
Hong Gu-geum said.
"Elder Bok, you're the one who couldn't sleep from nerves."
Bok Yeon-hwa replied sternly.
"Naturally. Today decides Qingcheng Sect's future."
Hong Gu-geum waved his arm casually.
"You're always so serious. But stay strung too tight, and you'll wear yourself out."
Bok Yeon-hwa said.
"I'll keep your advice in mind, Sect Leader."
She glanced at the rising sun outside.
"It'll start in about an hour."
Yi Sin-song said.
"Indeed, Elder Bok."
He stood abruptly.
"They probably haven't risen yet... I'll fetch some tea. Better to talk relaxed over a cup."
Bok Yeon-hwa nodded.
"Fine."
Yi Sin-song left with an uneasy, uncomfortable expression.
The rest felt the same.
Nam Cheol-hong thought.
'This viper showed up early to sabotage our plotting.'
Soon, Yi Sin-song returned with a teapot and cups.
Pour...
The sound of tea echoed in the room, matching their awkwardness.
It was a moment where "one moment feels like three autumns" hit home.
Breaking the heavy silence was Seo Ui-jae.
With his usual amiable smile, the hefty man waddled in.
"Heavens. I came early, but everyone's already up? So diligent."
No one replied. It was reheated fodder from prior talks.
Seo Ui-jae sat awkwardly, beaming anyway.
Next came Ha Bong-rye, of Hong Gu-geum's conservative camp.
Then, the prickly-faced Gi Baek-eop.
Like Yi Sin-song, he was of the generation just below the Sect Leader.
But his spirited nature burned with youthful zeal for "reform."
He naturally aligned with the progressives.
The second-last of the seven elders was Baek Beom-sang.
He was peculiar, seemingly mismatched for Qingcheng.
Baek Beom-sang had a roguish flair: tall, handsome, bold, and free-spirited.
"Whoa, everyone's here but me. Sorry about that."
As Baek Beom-sang grinned, Yi Sin-song replied.
"It's fine. One's still missing. Elder Jin Kyung-jo hasn't arrived."
"Ah, right. He's away."
Yi Sin-song said.
"Seems... Elder Jin can't make it today."
Nam Cheol-hong nodded with a sly smile.
Hong Gu-geum declared.
"If Elder Jin doesn't arrive before the guarantor does, he'll forfeit per the rules."
Then.
A voice from the entrance.
"I hope I'm not too late."
An elder in a stylish sky-blue robe.
Hong Gu-geum jumped up, rushing to grasp his hand.
"Welcome! Grand Hero Chae. It's been ages."
The man called Grand Hero Chae smiled warmly.
"Sect Leader Hong. Feels like five years at least. I've aged, but you look as hale as ever."
(To be continued in the next chapter)