A Prudent Insurance Policy
"That's true. In that sense, how about we take out some insurance?"
"Insurance...?"
"Yeah. If something happens later and we end up separated, it could cause problems. So let's set an additional rendezvous point just in case."
"Oh ho..." The young cult leader let out an admiring sigh at Seong-il's suggestion. She smiled brightly and praised him. "As expected, Young Master, you're truly clever!"
"Heh... It's nothing special."
Saekma watched the pair with an expression like he was about to vomit, staring at them blankly.
"What? Why the hell are you looking at us like that, you bastard?"
"N-not at all, Miss."
They look like Tom and Jerry.
Thinking this, Seong-il sighed and intervened. "We're trying to eat here. Can you two knock it off?"
"Eek? Oh ho ho ho ho ho."
Eun-wol put on an embarrassed face at Seong-il's words and tried to laugh the situation away. Seong-il gave a small snort at her antics and was about to resume eating when—
"Young Master, instead of that, why don't you simply bring Lady Eun-wol with you to the Martial Alliance?"
"Huh?"
Saekma, who had switched to calling her "Lady" to prevent any possible identity leaks, continued. "After all, carrying that wooden box around might invite danger. To prepare for emergencies, you should have the lady accompany you."
"Are you telling me to go get myself killed?"
Saekma smiled at the young cult leader, who was clearly getting worked up. "Who said anything about going in person? You can simply hide inside that black orb, right?"
"Ah..."
Eun-wol flinched at Saekma's suggestion and let out a small groan. Seong-il nodded as well. "That does make sense. In a pinch, I could even double-hide her inside the Inventory."
"Hmm... That could work."
Watching the two of them, Saekma spoke up. "Of course, since I cannot enter it, I agree to setting a rendezvous point. However, separately from that, I believe it would be best for you to travel with Lady Eun-wol."
"I think you're right."
Seong-il discussed the rendezvous point with Saekma as a precaution against any unforeseen accidents. They agreed that if they failed to regroup within three days, they would meet again at that location. With that, Seong-il and Eun-wol parted ways with Saekma.
Once Saekma had left, before placing Eun-wol inside the Black Ball, Seong-il asked her, "By the way... wasn't that old man unable to stray too far because of the Poison Gu...?"
"Ah, if I loosen the restrictions a little, it should be fine for about a week. Well... if he doesn't meet up with me by then, he'll die, of course."
Eun-wol casually uttered such a chilling remark with her beautiful face. She's so gentle and sweet with me, but her tone toward Saekma is downright vicious...
Thinking this, Seong-il asked for her understanding and reverse-summoned her into the Black Ball.
Let's see... Is the Martial Alliance around here?
After asking passersby for directions, Seong-il finally located the Martial Alliance. Though it was a city from the game, the realized version of Kaifeng was a massive metropolis truly worthy of being called a thousand-year-old capital. Enjoying the feeling of being a tourist, Seong-il wandered around, taking in the sights. After walking for quite some time, he finally arrived before the grand entrance of the Martial Alliance.
"Excuse me."
"Hm...? What is it?"
Three gatekeepers stood before the imposing building. Seong-il approached the one who seemed to be in charge and spoke.
"Hello. I am Muhak, a disciple of the Sodang Sect. I have come to the Martial Alliance on the orders of my master, Cheongmyeong Jin'in. May I ask how I might arrange an audience with the Alliance Leader?"
"Eh? You wish to meet the Alliance Leader in person?"
The gatekeeper chuckled at the young man who had barely come of age claiming he wanted to meet the leader of the Martial Alliance directly. "Listen, young friend. The Alliance Leader isn't someone you can simply meet because you wish to. I'm sorry, but I cannot accommodate that request."
"Then... how should I proceed with the mission I've been entrusted with?"
"Didn't you hear me? I said you cannot meet him."
"But I carry an item that I must deliver, fulfilling my master's dying wish..."
Irritated by Seong-il's persistent disregard for his words, the gatekeeper finally exploded. "Hey! Do my words mean nothing to you? Where does some nameless nobody who's never been heard of or seen before get the nerve to demand an audience with the leader of the Martial Alliance! I'll say it one last time. Be on your way. If you bother me any further, I won't let it slide!"
What an ill-mannered bastard...
The fact that a mere gatekeeper would turn him away without even hearing the circumstances made Seong-il's irritation boil over. "Are you some kind of authority figure? You look like nothing more than a gatekeeper... Nameless nobody? Well said. What gives a mere errand boy like you the right to arrogantly decide what can and cannot be done?"
"You son of a bitch!"
The gatekeeper, losing all reason at Seong-il's words, clenched his fist and swung. In that instant, without any warning, a man appeared and instantly seized the gatekeeper's fist. He spoke to Seong-il.
"Huh? Aren't you the disciple of Cheongmyeong Jin'in?"
"Ah! Monk Hyemyeong?!"
"Oh!! We only met once at Pokso Temple that time, yet you remember my name. I'm truly honored!"
After speaking, Hyemyeong lightly twisted the wrist, subduing the gatekeeper.
"Argh!!"
As the gatekeeper let out a pained groan and dropped to his knees, the other two gatekeepers drew their swords. Looking at them, Hyemyeong said, "Hehe... Benefactors. Do you realize that the person you're pointing your blades at is the disciple of Cheongmyeong Jin'in, the Taiji Sword? And this monk is Hyemyeong of Pokso Temple. For your information, I am also connected to the major incident that prompted the Alliance to urgently summon the sect leaders of every faction."
"Eh?!"
"Of course, this young friend is one of the parties involved as well. If you drive him away and problems arise later, are you prepared to take responsibility?"
At Hyemyeong's words, the gatekeepers' faces turned deathly pale. They exchanged glances, quickly bowed their heads, and completely changed their attitudes.
"Uh... Young Hero! It seems we've made a grave mistake..."
"It's fine. I really am a nameless nobody, so I don't mind. However, could I please meet the Alliance Leader as quickly as possible? I know the reason this Blood Calamity occurred. I absolutely must report it."
At Seong-il's words, the gatekeepers turned to look at each other. After exchanging glances, one of them quickly turned on his heel. "That's not something we can decide ourselves... Please wait a moment!"
With that, he hurried into the building. Watching him go, Hyemyeong released the subdued gatekeeper and said, "Aigo, I'm sorry about that, Benefactor!"
"N-not at all."
The gatekeeper kept bowing repeatedly to the short but powerfully built monk, speaking in the most humble tone possible. Hyemyeong looked at him, smiled silently for a moment, then turned to Seong-il. "By the way, how did you manage to survive that day, Benefactor?"
"That's... a bit difficult to discuss in front of so many people."
"Aigo! Look at me. Of course! I was so pleased to see you that I... Hehe heh!"
With a warm, friendly smile, he stood quietly beside Seong-il.
That was lucky.
Seong-il, who had lost his temper and spoken rudely to the gatekeeper moments ago, was silently wiping away cold sweat at how close he had come to serious trouble when—
"Is this the person claiming to be the successor of Cheongmyeong Jin'in?"
A man who appeared to be in his forties, with an intellectual appearance, wearing blue robes and carrying a long sword at his waist.
"Yes... that's correct. May I ask who you are?"
"Haha. I am So Gun-pyeong, who serves in the Blue Dragon Hall."
So who exactly are you...?
While Seong-il stood there blankly, Hyemyeong beside him answered in shock. "Good heavens! Is this not the Blue Dragon Hall Master himself! How could someone of your stature come personally for insignificant people like us..."
The Blue Dragon Hall Master waved his hands dismissively. "In the current situation where the entire murim is in turmoil because of the Blood Calamity, how could I not come when survivors of that very calamity have sought us out? Please, follow me."
Hmm? He wasn't a character who appeared in the game. Is he famous?
Hiding his curiosity, Seong-il followed him alongside Hyemyeong.
"By the way, Monk Hyemyeong. Where might Monk Hyewon be? Could it be that...?"
"Hmm? Senior Brother Hyewon caught a cold after drinking yesterday and is resting in the quarters. But how did you know that Monk Hyewon is safe...?"
Oh no!
Flustered, Seong-il quickly offered an explanation. "Ah, it's because I knew Monk Hyewon was with Monk Hyemyeong at that time... So if Monk Hyemyeong was safe, I naturally assumed Monk Hyewon would be as well."
"Oh... What an intelligent benefactor."
Phew... Good thing he bought it.
Chatting casually as they walked through the garden, they arrived at what appeared to be a reception room inside the Martial Alliance. So Gun-pyeong had a maid serve tea and said, "The Alliance Leader is still in a meeting, so please wait here and enjoy the tea. He will come as soon as his duties are finished. Please be patient for a short while."
"Ah, yes..."
After speaking, So Gun-pyeong turned and left.
"Ooh~ This tea is excellent. Tieguanyin, perhaps?"
Hyemyeong, calmly savoring the tea with a peaceful expression, asked Seong-il, "By the way, how did you survive that terrible chaos, Benefactor?"
"Ah... I... It was thanks to my senior brother and master sacrificing their lives to save me..."
"Ah...."
As the two exchanged news of each other's well-being over tea, the door opened. An old man with an extraordinary aura entered.
Is that him...?
If not for his snow-white hair and beard, one would never guess he was elderly based on his appearance alone. Though his face held a smile, the sharp energy radiating from his body felt like it was squeezing Seong-il's lungs.
"So you're the friend claiming to be Cheongmyeong's disciple?"
Gulp.
Overwhelmed by the man's presence, Seong-il swallowed hard. The old man looked at him with a puzzled expression.
"Hmm...? I thought since he was Cheongmyeong's disciple, he'd be quite skilled in martial arts... but you don't seem to be the case...?"
"A-are you referring to me?"
"Who else would I be talking to? Five years ago when I met Cheongmyeong, he bragged endlessly about obtaining a disciple with exceptional talent in his later years. I had high expectations... Are you truly his disciple?"
The old man glared sharply at Seong-il. Desperately, Seong-il offered an explanation.
"Ah! The disciple you mentioned must be my senior brother, Handan. I am the youngest disciple who only entered the sect three months ago."
"Is that so...? I've never heard such a story..."
As Seong-il broke out in another cold sweat, a voice interjected.
"That benefactor is indeed a disciple of Cheongmyeong Jin'in."
"Hmm...? Who are you?"
"I am Hyemyeong, disciple of Great Master Wongang, the abbot of Pokso Temple."
"Ah... So you're that...?"
This time, Hyemyeong looked at the old man with a puzzled expression. "How do you know of me...?"
"Your two disciples that you took in during your later years are quite famous for being a complete mess, that's why."
"......"
"Looking at your appearance and the aura of your martial arts, you certainly seem to be a disciple of Wongang. By the way, how did you know this friend was Cheongmyeong's disciple?"
"Ah, it's because I was introduced to this benefactor by Cheongmyeong Jin'in on the day of the Blood Calamity."
"Aah...."
The old man now seemed to understand the full situation. He lightly cupped his fist toward Seong-il and apologized. "My, this old man has been rude. Given the circumstances, I apologize for questioning you so sharply."
"N-not at all."
"Haha... Thank you. By the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. This old man is Jin Cheon-hui, who currently serves as the leader of the Martial Alliance. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Yes! Alliance Leader, I am Muhak, the youngest disciple of the Sodang Sect!"
Satisfied with Seong-il's polite and respectful response, Jin Cheon-hui smiled and asked, "I heard you know the cause behind this Blood Calamity. Just what is that reason?"
At his question, Seong-il quietly retrieved the wooden box from within his robes and handed it over.
"What is this...?"
To the puzzled leader, Seong-il replied, "It is the seal of the Blood God."
"!!"
This time, not only the leader but even Hyemyeong looked at him in shock.
"Benefactor! Is that the very item that caused the great incident thirty years ago?!"
"Yes... I learned of it from my master on the day of the Blood Calamity."
Having said that, Seong-il began to carefully explain everything that had happened that day to the two men.
"So in summary... that is the key to the seal of the Blood God that once plunged the murim into war thirty years ago?"
"That's correct. Somehow, Great Master Wongang obtained this key and secretly passed it to Cheongmyeong Jin'in to seal it away. But for some reason the Demon Sect learned of it and launched an ambush..."
"So that's how it was..."
"My master entrusted this item to me with his dying breath and instructed me to find the Alliance Leader and deliver it without fail. Please accept it."
"Well done. It must have been incredibly difficult for such a young friend who hasn't even properly learned martial arts yet."
"Not at all. I merely did what had to be done."