Chapter 54
Chapter 54
A heavy yet composed reply came from beside Yulim.
“It has been a while.”
As Namgung Jeok-myeong and Bang Woo clasped hands, a brief silence passed before Bang Woo spoke again.
“You have likely grown weary of repeated inquiries about your well-being, so I will spare you the formalities. Are you well?”
“Haha! A greeting worthy of you. Of course I am well. But… have you grown even taller in the meantime?”
“Stop spouting nonsense the moment we meet. I am past the age of growing.”
“Oh? That sounds as though you would grow more if you could.”
“After all you endured, that childish mouth of yours remains unchanged.”
“It is merely the speech of the wastrel called the disgrace of the Namgung Clan.”
“Do not hide behind that excuse. You have always been like this.”
Listening to the two men, Yeo Il was inwardly surprised.
Given their temperaments, they seem like opposites. Yet they are at ease with one another.
Since arriving at the Murim Alliance, this was the first time she had seen Namgung Jeok-myeong laugh so freely before someone of his own age.
“You have grown much, Hui-myeong. I nearly did not recognize you.”
“Yes, I have grown quite a bit. It has been a long time.”
Bang Woo.
She almost allowed herself to think the name carried a trace of nostalgia, but she quickly suppressed the thought.
To him, the very existence of Yeo Il was likely a dreadful memory. No—she was certain of it.
The expression he wore the last time they faced one another… it had mirrored the feelings Yeo Il herself felt when standing before Cheon Mu-ryeong.
Senior Sister! That was incredible! To defeat Senior Brother Pung-yun? Did you see the look on his face when he fell flat on his rear? It was so satisfying…
If there was karma she could not cast aside, it was the way she had not only betrayed that laughter and expectation but torn them to shreds.
Thus, she had intended to remain quietly behind Namgung Hui-myeong’s back once more.
Had he not suddenly introduced her.
“This is our youngest, Soyo. Soyo, the gentleman before you is Brother Bang Woo of the Mount Hua Sect, a close friend of Brother Jeok-myeong. The very Daoist you claim is the most remarkable among the Four Dragons.”
Namgung Hui-myeong.
A fellow who always offered only the most unhelpful kindness.
For a moment she thought it a disaster, but she quickly steadied herself.
Once the Murim Alliance competition ended, they would likely never meet again. There was no reason to avoid him.
Yeo Il bowed politely.
“I have long heard of your reputation, Daoist Bang Woo. I am pleased to meet you. Though my brothers are somewhat mischievous, I ask that you look kindly upon them.”
“Your throat is unwell—keep it short. And who is asking whom to be looked after?”
Beyond Namgung Hui-myeong’s grumbling, Bang Woo replied evenly.
“A pleasure, Miss Namgung. You are more composed than your brothers. Your throat seems in poor condition; I hope for your swift recovery.”
“Thank you.”
It was an utterly ordinary first greeting.
As expected—he did not recognize her.
Moments like this made Yeo Il keenly aware of how greatly the long scar that had once run down the center of her face had shaped others’ impressions of her.
Just as they were about to exchange light farewells and part ways, Bang Woo abruptly addressed Seol-yeong.
“My thanks, Great Hero Jin.”
A brief silence followed.
“Ahem. I am but Miss Soyo’s servant.”
Yulim hurriedly interjected.
“Ah—Senior Brother Bang Woo? The Great Hero Jin I mentioned is not him, but that gentleman there.”
Bang Woo—just as before, he remained dense in the most unexpected ways.
“My apologies, Great Hero Jin. I heard of your deeds from Yulim. On behalf of the Mount Hua Sect, I offer thanks for protecting Junior Sister Yulim.”
“It was nothing. And Yeonseo?”
“Yeonseo?”
At the puzzled repetition, Jin Cheong-ak burst into bright laughter.
“Did word not reach you? Never mind, then. In any case, I too am pleased to meet you. I was quite curious what sort of person you might be. Hm. Your tastes are remarkably consistent…”
Crunch.
Only after Yeo Il firmly stamped on Jin Cheong-ak’s foot did his shameless tongue retreat.
She immediately apologized to Bang Woo.
“My apologies, Daoist. My guard is occasionally unstable. It is a common affliction among young masters.”
“…There is no need to belittle your guard in such a manner. There must be circumstances I am unaware of. I would not look down upon the benefactor of my junior sister.”
While residing under the Namgung Clan’s protection, she had nearly forgotten—Bang Woo valued action more than a hundred words.
Indeed, he despised those who diminished another’s achievements out of regard for political circumstances or public perception.
In attempting to smooth over Jin Cheong-ak’s nonsense, she had instead left a poor impression.
It matters little.
She responded with a faint smile, and their exchange ended there.
Perhaps because two of the Four Dragons stood together, more people gathered as time passed.
Some twisted themselves into knots to gain acquaintance with the Namgung Clan. Others, having achieved that, sought introduction to Yeo Il as well.
As their persistence began to wear down Namgung Hui-myeong’s patience—
“Welcome, Young Clan Head. The Alliance Leader requests your presence.”
“I shall go at once. Hui-myeong, take care of Soyo.”
“Yes. Please go ahead.”
As Namgung Jeok-myeong moved to follow the envoy, he suddenly turned back to caution Hui-myeong.
“Temper your disposition.”
“I understand.”
After patting his shoulder and turning again, he returned once more.
“If trouble arises, withdraw and summon me. Especially the Five Great Clans!”
“…Understood. Now please go, Brother.”
And again—
“Soyo is far stronger than you think, so do not overprotect—”
“Just go!”
Only after Namgung Hui-myeong shoved him forward in exasperation did Namgung Jeok-myeong finally depart.
With the Young Clan Head gone, the leeches that had been clinging about gradually dispersed.
“Great Hero Jin, Young Master Namgung Hui-myeong, Miss Namgung, and also Seol-yeong and Chang-a—I shall take my leave. I am truly glad to see you again. If time permits during the competition, let us share a light drink.”
After Yulim departed as well, having exchanged idle chatter with Seol-yeong and Namgung Hui-myeong, they watched the day’s final free spar before heading toward an inn they had selected earlier.
On the way, Seol-yeong asked Namgung Hui-myeong,
“The Young Clan Head has not returned for quite some time. Is it not merely a courtesy meeting?”
“Why does a servant concern herself with my brother’s affairs? …After the human mask incident, the Mount Hua Sect and the Murim Alliance both contacted us separately. It is likely related.”
The Murim Alliance was one matter—but Mount Hua as well.
It must concern Yeonghwang Yuse.
The sun set late.
While Yeo Il regulated her internal energy with Jin Cheong-ak standing guard, Namgung Hui-myeong came to find her.
“Hey, Soyo. Put on something presentable and come out for a moment.”
When she stepped outside, he greeted her with a visibly displeased expression.
“How is your condition? Do not answer aloud—nod or shake your head.”
She nodded.
“Tch. Why do you always insist you are fine… Do not be startled. The Alliance Leader wishes to meet you and Great Hero Jin. From what I hear, he intends to ask about what happened at the Namgung gathering.”