142 - Blue Dragon Rain Dance Society (12)

Should I call it consistency, or should I say there's no progress? No, Seo Ye would say it like this: “You’re becoming increasingly childish.” Namgung Jincheon’s lips pressed tightly together. His slightly raised eyes seemed almost angry, making Seo Ye chuckle. Despite her words, she felt an inexplicable happiness to see him. After all, she had worried quite a bit about coming to meet Namgung Jincheon. What if he had forgotten about her, or what if he had changed like someone else? Would it explain the sense of burning anxiety even as she followed him, thinking over these concerns? Fortunately, it seemed Namgung Jincheon hadn't changed much. “Are you going to keep doing this?” As Seo Ye gestured with her chin, Namgung Jincheon hurriedly sheathed his sword. His gaze dropped to the ground, perhaps feeling awkward. Amidst this, his slightly flushed cheeks strangely made Seo Ye’s mood brighter. “…Why have you come all this way? A woman of the underworld.” “It’s Seo Ye, not a woman of the underworld.” “Hmph, a woman of the underworld indeed.” “How unique. You go so far as to give your sword a name, but you can’t call someone by their actual name?” Namgung Jincheon’s shoulders twitched. After a moment of contemplation, he finally said, “…I’m only serious about my sword.” Was that his excuse? Seo Ye burst out laughing before continuing, “I’ve come to tell you something important. And to see your face, naturally.” Namgung Jincheon’s cheeks reddened further. “Is there a reason you needed to see me?” As cheerful as he felt, he wasn’t doing a good job hiding it. Seo Ye remembered the kiss they had shared in the past. It was somewhat forceful, yet he didn’t avoid it despite having the ability to do so, suggesting he didn’t entirely dislike it. “Do I need a reason? I just wanted to see you.” Her playful tone made Namgung Jincheon inadvertently look up at the sky. His lips were tightly drawn, as if he was trying to suppress a smile. A face she wanted to tease a bit more. Regrettably, given the circumstances, Seo Ye had to clear her throat and finally said, “I’ve obtained information about the Dark Sect.” Namgung Jincheon tensed up. His head whipped around. Seo Ye added with a serious expression, “There’s intelligence that participants in the Martial Arts Tournament are from the Dark Sect.” The conversation took a serious turn. * As the sun began to set, Seo Ye was finally able to meet with the entire Yongbong Peak. Seeing their unchanged faces was relieving, considering the grave events they had been through. “So, what information do you have?” In the office of Yongbong Peak, Dang Hwa-seo asked. Seo Ye shrugged and responded, “As you’ve heard. Intelligence indicates that participants in the main martial arts tournament are from the Dark Sect.” “We are aware of that. Actually….” “The alliance also captured a member of the Dark Sect, didn’t they say you did something remarkable?” Dang Hwa-seo flinched. The other members were startled and turned to look at Dang Hwa-seo. Through this, Seo Ye knew. “Ah, did you keep it secret from the members?” It seemed to have been treated very confidentially. “Miss! What do you mean there are members of the Dark Sect in the tournament….” “…I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. It was top-secret.” Dang Hwa-seo, who replied to Mok Riwon, glared sharply at Seo Ye. Quite a scary expression. Seo Ye stepped back a little, thinking this. “I’m sorry.” “How did you know?” “Don’t you underestimate me? After all, I am the leader of Haomun.” “It sounds like you’ve infiltrated spies within the alliance.” “It might not necessarily be within the alliance, right? The saying goes, daytime words are overheard by sparrows, and nighttime words by rats.” Her response was deliberately vague since she had no intention of revealing the source of her information. Dang Hwa-seo’s face puckered even more… but what could she do? Seo Ye had no intention of divulging the truth. That’s why she had come to Dang Hwa-seo and not the alliance. “Anyway, that’s not what’s important, right?” Seo Ye crossed her arms. “What’s important is that we’ve got information. And this information could be very beneficial to the alliance.” “And your reason for sharing this?” “To settle a debt, as well as mutual benefit. The Dark Sect is a headache for me as well.” Dang Hwa-seo’s scrutinizing gaze pricked over her. Seo Ye brushed them off. Holding the information, she felt no need to be frightened. “…Let’s hear it, then.” Dang Hwa-seo conceded. Seo Ye took a deep breath and began, “It began with a minor anomaly.” She recounted events from the recent past when they were causing upheavals in Sichuan. “When I was normalizing Haomun and traveling across Guizhou. We had to renegotiate contracts with business partners that had been cut off, and fill the positions of disciples who had died. This required funds.” “Is this relevant to the present discussion?” “It is. This issue of funding is central to our conversation right now.” “…Go on.” “Chunha Trade.” Dang Hwa-seo’s fingers twitched. “They approached us, offering to provide the funds.” Haomun handles all information regarding the martial world of the Central Plains. Even though its power has dwindled now, holding the position of its leader means Seo Ye had her insights. “It was suspicious. I wondered why they would offer funds to Haomun, thinking it had weakened.” “It could be an investment.” “Merchants are not fools. Especially not the owner of Chunha Trade, which became a major force in the Central Plains over 15 years. They would find it more efficient to establish their own network of information than investing in Haomun, given their financial resources.” “So?” “I refused. And still feeling uneasy, I looked into where Chunha Trade’s funds were flowing.” Tap, tap. Seo Ye pointed to Wuhan in Hubei on the map sprawled across the table. “It’s converging here. And some martial artists sponsored by these people participated in the martial arts tournament.” “Sponsorship from a trade guild for martial artists is common...” “What if those sponsored are members of the Dark Sect?” Dang Hwa-seo’s eyes widened. Seo Ye spoke with a grave face. “The Dark Sect members captured by the alliance were all sponsored by Chunha Trade, albeit through indirect routes spanning three or four steps.” That’s why she had come all this way to explain. “Haomun has determined that Chunha Trade is likely involved with the Dark Sect.” Silence enveloped the room. * Dang Hwa-seo immediately left to report this. Seo Ye did not follow, as revealing the face of Haomun's leader to the alliance members was out of the question. Dang Hwa-seo seemed to understand this and did not insist, leaving Seo Ye in the pavilion, spending time with Namgung Jincheon as they gazed over the garden. “…Is that information reliable?” Namgung Jincheon asked. Seo Ye nodded. “Yes, the information we’ve obtained doesn’t seem to be false. Of course, it’s up to the alliance to decide whether they’ll investigate further or not.” “…” “Why?” “I thought it was quite complacent of the Central Plains martial world.” “That's unexpected.” “What is?” “That you could consider such a serious matter.” Namgung Jincheon’s lips pressed tightly once again. Seo Ye chuckled and said, “Just kidding. It can't be helped. They were meticulous, after all. I do understand the position of the martial alliance.” “The martial alliance’s position?” “Yes. Is Chunha Trade a major guild? The one that tops the list in the Central Plains, yet with its Dark Sect connections flowing in through triple or quadruple detours. Investigating it would pose a risk of conflict with the trade guild, which the alliance might not be willing to take on due to its potential dangers.” “I don't understand.” “Yes, I thought you wouldn’t.” It’s typical of someone who draws his sword so readily. With a small laugh, Seo Ye continued, “Anyway, I'll be stepping back from this matter now. I came because the facts I learned were troubling, and I’ve achieved my goal.” “Are you leaving immediately?” “Not sure.” A hint of regret flashed across Namgung Jincheon’s face. Seo Ye softly smiled and said, “I’m thinking of watching the martial arts competition a bit before going.” Namgung Jincheon’s eyes widened slightly. “To fully witness the martial arts skills you brag about.” A smile tugged at Namgung Jincheon's lips as if he was trying to suppress laughter. He then looked ahead and said, “…You won’t regret it.” His confidence was evident. This was, to Seo Ye, one of the moments when he seemed most like a man. It was both fitting and awkward, prompting Seo Ye to tease, “What if you lose, then?” “I don’t lose. I don’t know defeat.” “You know, considering you’re the runner-up of the Yongbong Branch.” Namgung Jincheon glared with eyes wide, veins popping. Seo Ye, undeterred, continued, “Am I wrong?” His silence implied it wasn’t something he had forgotten. In the midst of this, Namgung Jincheon said, “…Can you handle the consequences of that remark?” “Why should I? I’m not the one who lost.” Namgung Jincheon’s eyes bulged as if they might pop out, but Seo Ye found his expression so funny that she burst out laughing. “Really, you’re such a fool. Stop it.” “…I am not a fool.” “Then let's say you’re a child. A child who names his sword.” “I am twenty-two.” “Yes, and I’m twenty-five. That makes you a child to me, doesn’t it?” Forever pampered, thus lacking proper respect for his elders. Seo Ye merely grinned, waiting for Namgung Jincheon's response. Shivering slightly, he finally said, “…What if I win, then?” “Are you proposing a bet?” “Yes. I’ll stake my unbroken winning streak on it. I won’t lose a single match until the finals.” “I’ll bet on… Ink Dragon defeating you.” Ah, he’s angry. It was a taunt, invoking his rivalry with Ink Dragon, and it seemed to hit its mark. His face was a mix of betrayal and cuteness. Seo Ye added, “If I win, grant me one wish. On the honor of your sect." "I accept." "That was quick?" "Yes, if I win..." "I'll give you a kiss." Namgung Jincheon froze. His face turned so blank, he looked like the world’s biggest fool. His mouth slightly agape, he looked like he wouldn’t notice even if a fly entered it. Seo Ye smiled slyly. "A kiss. Until you say it's enough." It was half in jest. Seo Ye expected him to immediately dismiss it as nonsense. However, the response she received was unexpected. "...My lips aren't that promiscuous." Namgung Jincheon stuttered, his face the color of a beetroot. Seo Ye replied, "They're only promiscuous for you. Once is hard, how could twice be?" At her words, Namgung Jincheon's face reddened further and he stood up abruptly. Was it embarrassment that had him running away? "Where are you going?" She asked, finding his stomping footsteps amusing, and his answer left her dumbfounded. "To train." He was already drawing his sword. Watching him leave, Seo Ye muttered to herself, "Really..." Impulsive, and a bit wicked. She couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.