84 - Defiance, Resolution (2) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

With only a couple of days left until the private meeting with the sect leader, Dang Hwa-seo nodded his head in satisfaction. "Perfect." Mok Riwon's dining etiquette had become flawless. So much so, there wasn't a single point of criticism to be found. "It's all thanks to you, miss. I'm grateful!" "Not at all. Mok Suhap has learned well." It wasn't an exaggeration. Dang Hwa-seo was genuinely surprised by this. 'He seems really smart, but...' Every so often, in moments like these, it struck him just how academically adept Mok Riwon was. His ability to apply what he learned was even better. Yet why did his actions remind Dang Hwa-seo of a child? 'Hmm, maybe character and academic intelligence are unrelated.' That seemed to be a reasonable conclusion. The only other reason that came to mind was Mok Riwon's sheer ignorance of worldly ways, perhaps because he had never once left the mountains. In the midst of these thoughts, Mok Riwon presented a chicken leg right before Dang Hwa-seo's mouth. "Here, eat!" "Eh?" "Isn't this what close friends do? It's a sign of gratitude!" Dang Hwa-seo flinched. Instantly, he felt a pang of guilt, but it didn't last long. Clearing his throat awkwardly, Dang Hwa-seo took a bite of the meat. "...Thank you." As he spoke, covering his mouth with his hand, Mok Riwon broke into a bright smile. "I've said it before, but I'm the one who's grateful! Honestly, learning dining etiquette isn't something easily done elsewhere. I would have been in big trouble without you!" "Nonsense." "Ah, I shall also feed Jegal Hyung a bite tonight! He has always been so helpful..." "You mustn't." Dang Hwa-seo's eyes widened, and a trickle of cold sweat ran down his back. "Eh?" "Ah, that..." What kind of excuse could he give? Admitting it was all a lie now would weigh heavily on his conscience, especially after accepting the food so readily. During that brief moment of panic, Dang Hwa-seo decided to be a bit more shameless. "...Such actions are not suitable between men, even if they're close." "Why is that?" "It's unbecoming, unsightly to behold." "Ah, so it's only appropriate with women you're close to..." "That's not acceptable either." Dang Hwa-seo's head began to spin. It was inevitable. He had given lessons devoid of any logic or sense, and now he was struggling to justify them. "The most! You only do such things for your dearest friend! Do you intend to find someone closer than me, Mok Suhap?" What childish nonsense. Dang Hwa-seo couldn't help but self-mock as Mok Riwon, taken aback, vigorously shook his head. "No! I will not seek a closer friend than you, miss! Please, don't say that!" The protest, filled with a sense of injustice, stabbed at Dang Hwa-seo's conscience. Yet, the words already spoken could not be taken back; thus, he resigned himself with a nod. "I believe you." A proper dose of shamelessness could add a layer of gloss to life. Dang Hwa-seo was aware of this truth. However, Mok Riwon was still harboring unease. To think he had made Dang Hwa-seo feel insecure! That thought pricked his heart, prompting Mok Riwon to stand abruptly and declare, "I shall be the closest to you, miss! It has always been so, and will forever be!" Thump! With a fist to his chest, he made his pledge, causing Dang Hwa-seo to gasp, "Th-that..." Words failed him momentarily, but soon after, Dang Hwa-seo began to chuckle and nodded. "...I believe you." The same phrase repeated, and Mok Riwon laughed heartily. Dang Hwa-seo, slightly embarrassed, smiled too. From behind the door, Mok Riwon, worried, had even prepared a simple formation to protect the two, while Jegal San narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue. 'What in the world is this situation?' One thing was clear. If left unchecked, Mok Riwon's common sense might be completely altered by Dang Hwa-seo's shady influence. Jegal San clenched his fists. 'Fear not, my friend!' The thought of changing common sense was a terrifying prospect! Jegal San vowed to save his friend from Dang Hwa-seo's clutches and fled. 'Later, then!' Approaching now might only result in Dang Hwa-seo's mortification, possibly leading to a poison-coated fist! * With the private meeting with the sect leader only a day away, this time Namgung Jincheon came calling. "Mukryong." "Ah, Geomryong Hyung!" "I thought I told you not to call me that." Namgung Jincheon frowned, displeased by Mok Riwon's newfound familiarity and address as 'Geomryong Hyung.' "What brings you here? You never come by first." "I heard about your private meeting with the sect leader." "And?" "Deliver this to the sect leader." Namgung Jincheon pulled out a sealed letter from his robes. "What's this?" "A request for a medicinal elixir." Startled, Mok Riwon's eyes widened. "Medicinal elixir...!" A spark of excitement flickered in his eyes. "Does this letter really lead to obtaining the elixir? How?!" "Every year, the nine factions and family clans send elixirs to the league as a gesture of goodwill. Given our current position here, it's deemed reasonable to claim a portion of those elixirs without causing any trouble." "Ah! So it's like taking back what was given!" "Such a vulgar way to put it." Despite his chastisement, Namgung Jincheon knew it wasn't incorrect. "But you'll grant permission?" "There's no reason not to. We've delivered results, after all." They had captured one of the Six Demons, saving civilians in the process and elevating the league's prestige. Considering these accomplishments, receiving a few elixirs as a reward seemed entirely justified. "Hmmm..." Mok Riwon pondered momentarily as he looked at the letter, then accepted it. "I understand." When considering other matters, the elixir was one of the most needed items for Mok Riwon at the moment. Following Anhwi's departure and various incidents, he had already reached a level where he could see the next stage of enlightenment. His swordsmanship depth was also deepening to match that level. The only thing lacking was his internal strength, which made finding a way to supplement it crucial. Mok Riwon wanted to become stronger. "I'll strongly argue this with the sect leader." "No need to argue. Just deliver the letter." Saying so, Namgung Jincheon turned around, as gruff as ever. Mok Riwon watched his retreating figure for a moment, then turned away with a giggle. * The day of the private meeting started off bustling. Even Hyewoon wouldn't go out and stuck around, nagging Mok Riwon. "You understand, right, Mok Clan Leader? Absolutely, absolutely do not mention anything about what the members have been up to in front of the sect leader!" "I know!" "You don't look like you know!" The reason for Hyewoon's nagging was simple - his deep friendship with Sabaek Woon, the martial world sect leader. He feared that any foolish actions or words from Mok Riwon could reach his master's ears. The sentiments of the other members watching this scene boiled down to one thought: If you don't do anything worth being guilty about, then there's no problem. Why not just quietly practice instead of causing trouble and avoiding responsibility? Of course, no one voiced this thought out loud. Except for Dang Hwa-seo. "If only you behaved properly on a daily basis." "I do behave! I complete my daily training before going out!" "But it's your play that's the problem, isn't it?" Hyewoon shot a resentful look at Dang Hwa-seo, who retorted with a snort. Inside, he even felt a bit pleased since Hyewoon was responsible for three-tenths of the sect's troubles. For reference, the proportion of trouble attributed to Mok Riwon and Namgung Jincheon was two and a half-tenths each, Jegal San was one and a half-tenths, and Ilwoon was half a tenth. "Enough, Mok Suhap, stop pestering him. He'll handle it." "Miss...!" Mok Riwon, seemingly moved, shone with admiration. Dang Hwa-seo smiled and helped him up, smoothing out his attire as he spoke. "Have a good trip." "Mok brother! I'll be rooting for you!" Following Dang Hwa-seo and Jegal San's encouragement, Ilwoon laughed. Namgung Jincheon, trying not to get involved, looked away, silent. Hyewoon remained persistent. "Just try saying something foolish." Even after saying so, still worried, Hyewoon leaned in and whispered to Mok Riwon. "If I hear anything strange through the grapevine." "Eh, yes...?" "Be careful of your sleeping spot." Shivers ran down Mok Riwon's entire body, his mouth letting out a horrified noise. "I'll be back!" Mok Riwon scampered away in haste. "What did you tell him?" "You're better off not knowing." Ilwoon tilted his head in curiosity. * Mok Riwon ran all the way to the main hall of the sect leader for the private meeting. General Jegal Muyeon was waiting at the entrance. "Ah, you've arrived." "General! How have you been?" "I've been well. And you seem well too, Mukryong." Jegal Muyeon chuckled at Mok Riwon's cheerful demeanor. "Shall we go in, then?" "Ah! Yes!" Jegal Muyeon knocked on the door, which opened from inside. Mok Riwon's eyes widened in awe. "Oh...!" The place seemed to be a dwelling of immortals. The serene atmosphere of the garden, with its needle-leaved trees, elegantly placed rocks, and a delicate pond hosting lotuses, deepened that impression, and the refreshing aura upon entering amplified the sensation. "This is..." "The main hall of the sect leader. Impressive, isn't it? It has become this way over time, collecting each item brought here since the establishment of the martial world league." "Wow..." Mok Riwon continued to express his astonishment as he looked around. "What a perfect place for training!" "A martial artist's observation." Jegal Muyeon laughed softly before coming to a stop and pointing out. "There we are." At the end where Jegal Muyeon pointed, there was a cozy pavilion that blended into the landscape. In its center, with a small table set before him, sat the sect leader, Sabaek Woon, his eyes closed. His face looked utterly serene. The moment Mok Riwon saw it, for some reason, he felt a calmness wash over him. If he had to pinpoint the cause... 'He's become one with nature.' It was due to the aura emanating seamlessly from Sabaek Woon. A martial artist at the transcendent level can conceal their own aura. This is because their aura comes closer to nature, achieving harmony. It was only now that Mok Riwon began to fully grasp this concept. His enlightenment had finally been honed enough to faintly perceive the effortless state Sabaek Woon existed in, previously obscured like a mirage. 'This is the transcendent realm.' The realm where only a handful, merely ten individuals in the martial world, can exist as absolute beings. 'My master too...' If I were to see him now, he’d probably appear in a similar form. Mok Riwon was lost in such thoughts when... "Ah, you were meditating..." "Not really." Sabaek Woon spoke and slowly opened his eyes. His head turned towards Mok Riwon and Jegal Muyeon, his eyes softly wrinkling with a welcoming smile. "Welcome, Mukryong." Mok Riwon, trembling slightly at the tips of his fingers, immediately made a fist with both hands and bowed. "I greet the sect leader." "Good, why don’t you take a seat?" "Then I'll take my leave." "Ah, the general has worked hard. Go and see to your duties." "Will do." Jegal Muyeon raised his head and departed from the spot. As Mok Riwon remained rooted to the spot like a statue, Sabaek Woon asked in a playful tone. "Won’t you sit?" "Ah, no!" Mok Riwon hurriedly scampered towards the pavilion.