Episode 555. Wudang.
Within the tavern's chilled atmosphere.
Silence flowed for several seconds.
The Wudang sect Taoists standing in the back had their eyes wide open, and it was just when Guryeonghwa was breaking into a cold sweat and covering his mouth—
*Screech—!*
Jicheol, who had been sitting in front, pushed his chair back and rose to his feet.
"What did you just say?"
From Jicheol's heavily distorted expression, it was evident that he was quite furious.
*Rattle-rattle-rattle-rattle—!*
The cup on the table trembled violently.
It was a vibration caused by the aura Jicheol was radiating.
Feeling the vibration, I looked at Jicheol.
*'His realm seems similar to Yeongpung's.'*
His age was roughly between thirty and forty. Judging by that, he was quite an outstanding martial artist.
Though Yeongpung is quite a special case.
To be at that level at that age would make him an incredible genius.
*'So that's why.'*
His eyes were full of arrogance and pride.
It was the unique air of those who had grown up being called geniuses in a prestigious sect.
*'Makes me want to gouge those eyeballs out.'*
I held back the impulse.
Because this wasn't the situation for that right now.
"What did you say just now?"
He looked like he would draw the sword at his waist at any moment.
Seeing that, I spoke without losing my smile.
"Oh my, you're angry."
*Grind.*
Hearing my words, Jicheol gritted his teeth and spoke to me.
"How dare you call a disciple of Wudang demonic?"
"If I'm wrong, then I'm wrong. Why are you so angry?"
*Bam—!* Jicheol struck the table forcefully.
"You bastard... How dare you...!"
*Swoosh—!*
As Jicheol gradually raised his voice, I subtly twisted my energy and redirected it to the side.
"...!"
Then Yeongpung looked at me with a flustered expression.
It was because I had seized his energy.
*'Stay still.'*
The moment Jicheol revealed his fighting spirit, I could sense a sharp edge in Yeongpung's energy.
If left alone, he seemed like he would crash right into him, so I blocked him first.
*'Restraining him by force leaves a bad aftertaste.'*
Moreover, there were many eyes around.
If I wanted to, I could erase all those eyes, but...
I had to show some magnanimity of my own.
For the sake of my few friends who were roughing it out in the North Sea.
"Do you know whose land this is, acting so rudely here!"
"I don't know about that. But at the very least, it isn't the Master's land, is it?"
"What?"
It was a county managed by Wudang and under their protection.
It was known that the Wudang sect was the administrator of this land, but...
"Could it be, Master, that you are Wudang itself?"
"...!"
"I understand the heart that loves the sect. But a young leaf barely attached is not the old tree itself."
Don't speak carelessly without knowing your place.
Those words were packed with that meaning.
Was that the problem?
Jicheol moved.
A demeanor as if he would reach out his hand.
Judging by the movement of his wrist, was he trying to grab his sword?
*Clack.*
Following Jicheol's movement, I sensed movement from beside and behind me as well.
Yeongpung raised his dao energy.
Seongyul grabbed his sword.
I had thought they would just stand there flustered, so these were unexpected reactions.
But.
*'Please stay still, dammit.'*
If we brawled here, the desired results wouldn't come out.
And so.
Before things exploded, I took out the letter from my bosom and placed it on the table.
He froze.
At the sudden action, Jicheol stopped moving.
It was probably because he had realized what the letter on the table was.
Leaving aside whether the man was arrogant and lacking, fortunately, his eyes seemed to be properly attached.
"Huh...?"
Yeongpung also let out a puzzled sound upon seeing it.
Of course. This was originally the letter Yeongpung had been carrying.
"Wh-when...?"
Yeongpung fumbled at his own chest as he spoke, but ignoring him, I spoke to Jicheol.
"Do you know what this is?"
"..."
"You seem to know, so I won't bother with a long explanation."
Roughly speaking, the letter said they were going to retrieve a treasure from Huashan.
It was an object with such words written on it, but...
The seal stamped there was the problem.
The plum blossom-patterned seal with an elegant color at the bottom of the letter.
What that signified was only one thing.
*'The Sect Leader's direct seal.'*
It meant a letter sent directly by the Huashan Sect Leader.
Do you know what meaning this implies?
"This means we have come with the qualifications of the Sect Leader's proxy, Master Jicheol."
Due to a situation where the Sect Leader could not move personally.
He sends a representative along with this letter's seal.
That is what the direct seal of a family head or sect leader implies.
Back when I had gone to Huashan.
That was the reason the Plum Blossom Immortal had shown me courtesy for even a moment during the private meeting with the Sect Leader.
However.
"Is this the attitude Wudang shows to such a person?"
Even the Plum Blossom Immortal of Huashan had shown courtesy.
And yet a mere so-called direct disciple bastard acts like this; do you think I'm amused or not?
As I spat out words while showing the seal, Jicheol's brows furrowed.
That was different from an expression of anger. A hint of bewilderment lingered.
"Let me ask you, Master Jicheol. Are you Wudang's representative?"
"...That is."
"Personally, I hope not. If you say you came as Wudang's representative, you shouldn't be making a spectacle like this."
"..."
I had stated a just argument.
We came to Wudang as representatives of the Huashan Sect Leader.
Are you in a position to treat us like this?
In other words.
*'Who do you think you are?'*
It was roughly packed with that meaning.
What words could Jicheol spit out here?
I looked at him with eyes internally gleaming with interest.
His eyeballs were shaking particularly.
He had realized that now was the time to choose his words carefully.
*'When arrogance devours your head, a person becomes like that.'*
To have reached that realm at that age, he certainly was an outstanding talent.
But if your body is consumed by arrogance and conceit along the way, you become that kind of guy.
Of course, from my standpoint, it was rather fortunate.
Because I was quite confident in dealing with such idiots.
"Earlier, your mouth seemed quite busy, but you're heavier-lipped than expected?"
At my words telling him to spew out what he had jabbered just now, Jicheol bit his lip.
However, the silence shouldn't drag on.
I already had the flow. What Jicheol could do here was.
*'Jump off the cliff I made.'*
Or abandon that garbage-like pride and step back.
Since I had laid sharp thorns where he stood.
Jicheol couldn't remain still either.
'Thorns' meant gazes.
The Taoists all around were looking at Jicheol.
What could he choose here?
From what I could see, there didn't seem to be any decent options.
After rolling his eyes for a moment, Jicheol spoke.
"...I had no intention of disregarding you guests."
He showed signs of slightly backing down. It seemed he had barely come to his senses.
But now, I had no intention of letting him go.
"As I mentioned earlier, something happened at the main sect..."
"Then, shit."
Jicheol flinched at the cuss word that popped out.
Cutting off his words, I immediately put on an awkward expression.
"Ah, sorry. I couldn't help myself."
I wasn't really sorry, but after spitting out an apology.
"Then, shouldn't you have explained your circumstances first before carrying on the conversation? Master Jicheol of Wudang."
"..."
I planted words that made it seem like he was currently representing Wudang.
"There's a matter with Wudang. Therefore, there is something you need to check with us."
*Creak.*
I leaned my upper body forward and approached Jicheol slightly.
"Packaging such circumstances nicely and telling us about it is what we usually call social skills, you blockheaded bastard."
"...!"
"Even if we were in the inferior position, it would piss me off. Do you know what the problem is?"
I fluttered the letter I was holding and showed it to Jicheol.
"The pretext is return, but looking at it, it seems like a trade?"
He flinched.
A reaction was felt from Yeongpung.
I ignored that for now.
On the letter stamped with the Plum Blossom Immortal's seal, a few lines were written in calm script.
Yeongpung had told me he was going to 'return' the treasure of Huashan.
But the words written there.
'There was also the matter of returning Wudang's treasure.'
Returning the Wudang sect's treasure that Huashan possessed.
Therefore, conversely, they wished to retrieve the Huashan sect's treasure that Wudang possessed.
That was what it said.
"If you had come to ask for something, you could have bowed your head a bit. But if you came to trade with each other, the story is a bit different, isn't it?"
Especially if it was between sects of equal standing.
*'He must think Wudang is superior. Well, I suppose he could think that.'*
The sect leader is the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance.
Since this county is so developed, they think they're above the Huashan sect living quietly?
A person could think that. Most humans are like that.
But.
*'The problem is showing it.'*
He should have kept it as a thought; why bring it out of his mouth and cause this mess?
It was something I couldn't understand.
If you can't back up the words you spat out with strength.
There is nothing more idiotic than that. This bastard seemed utterly ignorant of his place.
Looking at Jicheol's expression, I spoke.
"Let me ask again."
As I spoke, I sent my gaze to the table.
The teacup that had been shaking like crazy was no longer shaking.
Confirming this, I turned my eyes and rose.
Slowly moving my steps, I stood before Jicheol.
"If the attitude you have taken, Master Jicheol, is indeed the position of representing Wudang."
I speak while looking at his eyes.
"Are you aware that you are being discourteous to these people from Huashan who have officially come to Wudang?"
"That's not...!"
Jicheol's eyes widened as he tried to retort.
While asking with words.
With my eyes, I was asking Jicheol something else.
*-What are you going to do?*
I smiled.
To slightly loosen the atmosphere I held.
*-Are you going to apologize and step back simply like this?*
And I moved only my lips slightly, muttering to him.
*-You little shit.*
"...This bastard...!"
*Click.*
Upon hearing that, the bastard grabbed the sword at his waist.
But he couldn't draw it.
"Think carefully. This is your last chance."
"...!!"
*Kkuk—!*
Because my hand was blocking him from drawing his sword.
Jicheol flustered and tried to exert strength, but...
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't draw the sword.
With one hand, I grabbed the bastard's shoulder.
"If you draw this."
I approached the struggling bastard's ear and whispered.
"You die here."
*Hwaahak—!*
"Kkuk...!!"
Having heard those words, Jicheol hurriedly pulled his body back.
Cold sweat filled the bastard's forehead.
Had I put too much killing intent into my words?
No, it wouldn't just be that.
*'It's not easy to control.'*
I had to brush my throat with my hand and dispel my regret.
I had used it on Seongyul last time too, but using it like this was rather complicated.
What was this called again?
*'Did they call it Yong-eon (Dragon Words)?'*
Yong-eon (Dragon Words).
The power of imbuing words with energy and expressing it to the opponent.
Different from voice transmission, used to convey words a bit farther and more secretly.
And different from the Lion's Roar that imbues internal energy to seal the opponent's movements for even a moment.
Wasn't it said to be the power of overwhelming the opponent with one's voice?
The Dark King had expressed it as such, but...
It was still something I didn't quite understand.
I tilted my head slightly and looked at Jicheol.
Regardless of my poor control, it seemed to have worked quite well on him.
On his face with cold sweat trickling down.
Eyes that couldn't believe the current situation.
"How dare... a mere late-stage expert or whatever...!"
"Good for you, being old. It's nice being young for me too."
"People praise you as amazing, so you've become arrogant!"
Haha.
Hearing those words, I let out a laugh.
"You laugh?"
"I really find this kind of thing fun."
How could it not be fun?
"Usually, people who say that don't seem to realize they are the ones doing it. It's entertaining to watch."
Who became arrogant because they were praised with the name Wudang?
It certainly isn't me.
Upon hearing this, Jicheol's face flushed red.
Fortunately, he seemed to know shame.
"...This bastard... I won't forgive him."
*Sreung—!*
Unable to overcome his anger, Jicheol drew his sword.
"I must teach you a lesson here."
"You drew it?"
Jicheol couldn't spit out all the words he wanted to say.
By the time he was already speaking, my hand was touching Jicheol's neck.
"What did I say just now?"
Draw your sword and you die.
I definitely said that.
Perhaps recalling this, Jicheol hurriedly tried to swing his sword, but...
That couldn't stop my movement.
I was about to grab it and break it just like that.
"Please stop there."
I had to stop my hand at the voice I heard.
I turned my gaze.
An old man who had appeared at some point was approaching.
The Wudang figures all showed surprised expressions upon seeing the old man.
Especially Jicheol's expression was a sight to behold.
"E-Elder...!"
The old man who approached with calm steps spoke to me without giving Jicheol a glance.
"This one is called Yubaek of Wudang."
At the old man's introduction, I withdrew my hand from Jicheol's neck.
And I lightly paid my respects and spoke.
"I greet Senior Biseonggeom."
"Hehe...."
The old man's identity was one of the Hundred Great Masters of the Central Plains and one of the experts representing Wudang.
Biseonggeom Yubaek.
He was a famous expert I knew as well.
"...Thank you for recognizing me."
"How could I not recognize you?"
Having spoken with a bit of flattery, the corners of Yubaek's eyes drooped slightly.
"It seems our children have committed a great discourtesy toward you guests."
Yubaek briefly surveyed the situation and spoke while looking at me and my party.
"I apologize."
And he spat out an apology.
"I shall apologize thus, so could you please quell your anger?"
"E-Elder. How could you apologize to this bastard...!"
The moment Jicheol tactlessly cut in.
*Smack—!*
Yubaek sent his hand flying and slapped Jicheol's cheek.
It wasn't a weak hit; Jicheol looked like he would fly into the air.
*Crash—!* Jicheol collapsed, knocking over the table.
"Kkeueuk..."
As Jicheol trembled with blood at the corners of his mouth, Yubaek spoke upon seeing it.
"Worthless child."
"E-Elder..."
"Shut your mouth. Your punishment will be decided when we return to the main sect."
The tone he spat out while growling was extremely sharp.
At a glance, he seemed very angry.
However.
*'Tch.'*
From my standpoint, I knew it was a useless act.
Yubaek quickly smoothed his distorted gaze and continued speaking while looking this way.
"I shall scold the child greatly for his mistake. I beg you to forgive us, if only for the sake of this old man."
Saying so, Yubaek bowed his head once more.
As a great elder of Wudang begged for forgiveness like this, the Wudang Taoists in the back trembled.
Seeing that, I thought for a moment.
Should I do more?
If I wanted to do more, I could.
If I wove it well, it seemed possible.
"Yes. I understand. I shall accept the apology."
I decided not to push it needlessly.
It wasn't because Yubaek's apology pleased me.
It was because I could see that if I rashly stepped in here, the justification would shift to their side.
As I accepted the apology, Yubaek spoke with a smile.
"Thank you for accepting. Also, if you guests are amenable, I have prepared people outside. Shall we go to the main sect? This time, we shall escort you 'courteously' without such mistakes...."
"Well, I heard there was something to check. Is that alright?"
"Such a process is originally necessary, but how could I do that to precious guests? It is something that can be sufficiently done after going to the main sect. Please show your magnanimity."
The old man had quite the slick tongue.
In those words, there was the meaning that although it was something that originally had to be done, they wouldn't do it for our sake.
And also the meaning that there was a procedure to check upon arriving at the main sect.
"I understand."
Having heard that, since I couldn't twist things further here, I had to nod for now.
I picked up the letter on the table and handed it to Yeongpung.
Yeongpung received it with a dumbfounded expression.
Looking at that, I asked.
"Why do you look like that? Shall I do more if you're not satisfied?"
"Ah, no...! I'm just a bit flustered...."
It was quite amusing to see Yeongpung's confused expression, perhaps because it was his first time experiencing such a situation.
*'Tch tch, how is he going to endure this harsh world like that.'*
Most rookies in the martial world are probably like that.
Seeing such a frustrating sight, I was quite bothered.
It's a world where you get taken advantage of if you don't know.
If you don't have the strength to find out late and overturn things, you have to be thorough from the start.
I glanced at the collapsed Jicheol and Yubaek looking this way, then led my party and moved my steps outside the tavern.
It's a shame I couldn't beat Jicheol up a bit more.
But this much was enough.
Just this much.
********
Immediately after Guyangcheon left the tavern.
Yubaek was staring at the entrance they had exited with quiet eyes.
The smiling face from just moments ago was nowhere to be seen; instead, he wore a cold and chilly expression.
Toward such a Yubaek, the collapsed Jicheol raised his body.
"...Elder...."
Hearing Jicheol's voice, Yubaek looked at him.
A coldly piercing gaze.
Jicheol felt it and trembled.
"...I apologize."
He spat out words with a trembling voice, but Yubaek's expression did not soften because of that.
"Useless bastard."
"..."
"You couldn't handle this one thing and made me step in."
At Yubaek's words, Jicheol secretly clenched his fist.
"Elder... But, they were more than expected...."
"Are you making excuses to me right now?"
"Ah, no. How could I...!"
"You were the one who said they were merely late-stage experts and that you could handle them sufficiently. Have you forgotten?"
Jicheol changed his words and urgently spoke to Yubaek.
"I let my guard down too much. If you give me one more chance, this time I will definitely...!"
"There is no need."
"...!"
At Yubaek's firm words, a shadow fell over Jicheol's expression.
It was because of the thought that he had been deprived of an opportunity.
But Yubaek was thinking differently.
Saying it was unnecessary to Jicheol wasn't so much taking away an opportunity.
*'The levels don't match.'*
It was because he judged it wasn't something for Jicheol to get involved in.
*'That child just now.'*
A face surfaced in Yubaek's mind.
It was the face of the young man who had been cornering Jicheol until moments ago.
The young man who had tried to grab Jicheol's neck at the end.
*'Wasn't he called Soyeomra?'*
A young man who had made the Central Plains buzz merely a few years ago.
Wasn't he called the youngest Hwagyeong?
Yubaek had never believed that rumor.
But now was different.
*Kkuk.*
Yubaek examined his own hand.
His palm was subtly wet with sweat.
"..."
Was he saying he was nervous?
This Biseonggeom Yubaek?
*'Hehe.'*
Feeling a brutal emotion, Yubaek coldly calmed his head.
*'He really had intended to kill him.'*
If Yubaek hadn't intervened, Guyangcheon would have truly killed Jicheol.
His gestures and gaze had clearly indicated so.
But the amusing thing is.
*'Even though he knew I was there.'*
Even as Guyangcheon acted like that.
He had known that Yubaek was watching from nearby.
*'He knew everything.'*
From the moment Guyangcheon entered this street.
He had known that Yubaek was nearby.
Despite that, he had acted like that.
As if he was trying to show Yubaek.
*'He's scary.'*
Especially since it was already a time when matters had occurred in Wudang.
To Yubaek, it seemed troublesome matters had arrived.
Then.
"Kuaaaaack!"
Suddenly, the collapsed Jicheol began screaming.
At the strange situation, Yubaek looked at Jicheol, slightly surprised.
"Why is he suddenly like this...?"
And he immediately understood.
Jicheol was clutching one shoulder.
*'That arm.'*
It was definitely the shoulder Guyangcheon had grabbed while confronting Jicheol.
Recalling that, Yubaek examined Jicheol's shoulder.
"Heo."
And he let out a hollow breath.
Jicheol's shoulder was shattered.
And at that, the bone had been crushed to pieces.
Had he made the shoulder like this in that short amount of time?
*'But why is this child acting like this now?'*
Jicheol, who had been still until just now, was suddenly feeling pain.
Yubaek could not understand this.
However, what was certain.
"...It doesn't bode well."
That their visit did not seem like it would flow in a good direction for Wudang.
Especially in a situation like now.
*Sreuk.*
Yubaek left the screaming Jicheol behind and stood up.
He spoke to the Wudang Taoist beside him.
"Send a letter to the Sect Leader immediately."
The Taoist trembled greatly when meeting Yubaek's gaze.
It was an extremely cold gaze.
"Tell him that it seems something has happened at the main sect."