161 - Gathering, Meeting (3) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

An Awkward Situation. If Mok Riwon were to describe the sight of Ma Il-seok and Dang Hwa-seo sitting across from each other, laughing merrily, he would have called it awkward. It was indeed a strange occurrence. After all, seeing the people he liked together was hardly a scene Mok Riwon would have ever dreamed of. Yet, there was a reason for everything. ‘Why are both of them acting like this?’ It was their behavior that was causing Mok Riwon such discomfort. “So, you’re saying you’re twenty-two years old now?” “Yes, somehow I’ve managed to age that much. Oh, is it a problem that I’m...” “No, it’s not. What does age matter? What’s important is the sense of justice one carries.” “Truly, you are the hero the rumors say.” Dang Hwa-seo smiles softly. Ma Il-seok impersonates Mok Seon-o, trying to sound profound. These weren’t the two people Mok Riwon knew. Could this be some kind of play? Mok Riwon took another look at them. “I heard our Riwon has been greatly indebted to you.” Ma Il-seok stroked his beard, a habit he didn’t have before. “Ho ho, don’t mention it. I, too, have received much assistance from Mister Mok.” Dang Hwa-seo laughed with a ‘ho ho’. Mok Riwon had never seen her laugh so artificially, not even when she was the master of the Kiuru. “Mm, understanding as well…” “I’m flattered by your compliment, considering it is natural.” Mok Riwon suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He wanted to ask them why they were acting this way, but what would be the point? The conversation between the two continued regardless of Mok Riwon’s wishes. “The hero’s generosity is as the rumors say. Mister Mok wouldn’t stop bragging about you.” “Yes, on my way here, I heard a lot about the two of you. That sweet, cute… oh my, is it rude to say that?” “Not at all.” Surprised, Mok Riwon flinched. The word ‘sweet and cute’ brought forth the fierce aura Dang Hwa-seo occasionally displayed. Did Ma Il-seok not see it? Turning his head, Ma Il-seok was seen with his arms crossed, presumably trying to look imposing while gazing at the ceiling. ‘What, what kind of situation is this?’ Mok Riwon felt sweat trickling down his back, silently praying for someone’s urgent help. And it arrived. “Mok! You’re here….” Bang! Jegal San burst into the room. Mok Riwon jumped up with a bright expression. “Jegal Hyung!” Jegal San’s expression was stern, directed precisely at Ma Il-seok. It was only then that Mok Riwon realized it was their first meeting and he introduced them. “Ah! This is the hero! Hero, this is Jegal Hyung, with whom I have sworn brotherhood!” An awkward silence filled the space. Jegal San’s eyes momentarily moved towards Dang Hwa-seo’s polite smile, but quickly snapped back to the hero, apparently caught by her sharp gaze. “…Mok, you knew the hero?” Everyone in the room stirred. And Mok Riwon felt as if he had been hit on the back of his head. ‘That’s right…’ It wasn’t supposed to be known that Mok Riwon and Ma Il-seok were acquainted. This was something Ma Il-seok always emphasized to Mok Riwon. Yes. The conversation that had just transpired was based on the premise that Mok Riwon and Ma Il-seok knew each other. Glancing slyly at Ma Il-seok and Dang Hwa-seo, both had ‘Oops!’ expressions as they looked at each other. “…Mok?” Jegal San alone questioned, puzzled. * After somehow persuading Jegal San to leave, the three found themselves in an uneasy stand-off. “So, you’re saying we’ve been discovered?” Ma Il-seok’s words made Mok Riwon and Dang Hwa-seo lower their heads. Ma Il-seok felt a sharp pain in the back of his head but couldn’t rush to anger. After all, it was a conversation that excitedly involved someone who could become his daughter-in-law. Even Ma Il-seok himself failed to notice that the past had been brought up. “How did this happen?” Dang Hwa-seo stepped forward. “I will explain everything.” Ma Il-seok looked at Dang Hwa-seo with a troubled face but nodded. “It happened on the day I was sent on a mission to Sacheon.” What followed was the story of the demise of the Poison King, a tale Ma Il-seok had heard through rumors. The more he focused on the story, the more Ma Il-seok was flooded with various feelings. The downfall of the Poison King, whom he had once fought alongside, and the revelation of Mok Riwon’s red eyes. “So that’s what happened.” Ma Il-seok sighed. At that, Dang Hwa-seo pressed Mok Riwon’s head down further. “I apologize for causing you worry. But now that I am aware, I will prevent such situations from occurring. Please be understanding…” “It’s fine. You don’t need to make excuses.” As Dang Hwa-seo and Mok Riwon raised their heads, Ma Il-seok couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the two looking so alike. "Still, Riwon, you've found a good person." That thought came to him before any other. It was truly fortunate that Mok Riwon had found such a warm person to accompany him in the cruel world of martial artists. Mok Seon-o too would find relief in hearing this story. -I worry about it. Even with his dearest ones, Riwon has to live with a secret that he can't recklessly reveal. For his entire life. -You worry too much, Brother. It's possible to meet someone understanding. -Is there such a person? "Brother, there was. Fortunately." Ma Il-seok smiled kindly. "Now that it's been found out, there's nothing we can do. But since it turned out well, I'll let it pass this once. And um..." What should he call Dang Hwa-seo? Ma Il-seok pondered for a moment. 'Daughter-in-law? Little lady? No, isn't it too early for that?' Calling her the leader or the solitary demoness seemed too impersonal. Ma Il-seok quickly found his answer after a brief contemplation. "...Child." Dang Hwa-seo flinched, but fortunately, she didn't seem to dislike it. Satisfied, Ma Il-seok continued. "I feel I must thank you for seeing Riwon just as he is." "That's an unworthy praise." "No, I must thank you. And also commend you. You've done something very difficult." Dang Hwa-seo tilted her head, and Ma Il-seok's smile deepened. "You know? The ability to see a person as they truly are is something you can't buy even with heaps of gold, especially in this world of martial artists." As Mok Seon-o would put it, "Judging others based on wealth, power, and connections is wrong. Those aren't absolute measures that define an individual. But it's hard to ignore them due to their significance. Thus, to truly see a person, one must be able to find the essence that appears between the gaps." It seems she already possesses the ability to see such things. "Even I, who has reached transcendence, fail to see properly sometimes. That's why I initially suggested that Riwon had to be killed." Mok Riwon chuckled, probably recalling the past. Ma Il-seok, not liking the look on his face, thought he'd have to give him a flick on the forehead later as he continued, "But you, you already possess what I didn't." Dang Hwa-seo seemed a bit embarrassed. It appeared she knew modesty. Bonus points. "Well done." And then, "Please take good care of Riwon." Dang Hwa-seo's eyes widened significantly. Her tightly clenched fists trembled slightly. 'Yes, indeed. Being praised by me, who has reached transcendence, she must be overwhelmed.' Look at that expression. It's like the excitement of a martial artist's spirit is evident. Surely, she'd take this praise as a motivation to grow even more. "Now, let’s move on to other matters." Ma Il-seok transitioned smoothly. "Since we're here, there's something I need to handle. Riwon." "Yes?" "I plan to stand with you at this upcoming conference." First of all, there was a reason he came to Yanbongdan's main hall. "The martial world is persistent. Moreover, it fears the unknown. Not only that but having backing powers is what gives strength in the martial world." Therefore, "I should become your backing. It seems necessary for surviving in the martial world going forward." At those words, Mok Riwon's breath hitched. * Ma Il-seok left the main hall of Yanbongdan. And he reflected on the conversation he had just had. 'Of course, I can’t tell them the whole truth.' The fact that the child of Cheonsalseong was among them was known by all there. And where he had gone after leaving the martial world 13 years ago. 'They must know that too.' But he had never said it aloud. Only Namgung Hyuk, the Sword King, and Yeom So-so, the Murder Star, knew the truth about him spending time with Mok Seon-o. And these men were not the type to gossip about such matters. In other words, a lie would suffice. 'I found Riwon and disappeared to nurture his talent because it was a pity to waste. That explanation should do.' The peculiarities of martial arts or their suspicions were of no importance. 'What will they do if I say so?' A transcendent martial artist and a hero who had fought at the forefront of the Blood Warriors. Ma Il-seok knew best the weight the name Hero Ma Il-seok carried. Even the attempt to dig deeper would seem like an insult to himself. 'That excuse is enough. No need to worry more about it.' With that judgment in mind, he headed to meet Sa Baekwoon, the leader. "Ah, the beggarly old man!" A vulgar voice called out. Ma Il-seok stopped in his tracks. Turning to identify the owner of the voice, his expression soured. "What is it now?" "Already forgotten me? It's me! Me! The Drunken Jin Geon!" Dokwang Jin Geon laughed heartily as he threw an arm around Ma Il-seok's shoulder. Ma Il-seok, with a face laden with irritation, pushed him away. "And why wouldn’t I know your name?" "Ah, why so cold to me after all this time? It's been fifteen years, hasn't it?" "I wished it was a lifetime without seeing you, rascal." Dokwang Jin Geon. His open-hearted personality was admirable, but it often bordered on the excessive, wearing out those around him. Ma Il-seok already felt his energy being drained just by being near him and attempted to keep his distance. However, Jin Geon, oblivious to Ma Il-seok’s discomfort, clung on persistently as he spoke. "Have you been well... no, let’s save that for later. Hey, old man. Do you know who I came with?" "What are you on about now?" "Don't be surprised when you hear it!" Jin Geon dramatically spread his arms as he spoke, cloaking Ma Il-seok in bewilderment. That's when it happened. "I shall introduce myself." A voice, deep and resonant, filled the space. Ma Il-seok let out an 'ah'. "To think you made such a fuss about it." Ma Il-seok clicked his tongue and turned his head. "You came with that Jegal guy?" "It's been a long time, elder." Standing there was a middle-aged man whose face bore witness to the passage of time through deep lines and touches of gray, yet his expression remained as impassive as ever, making him instantly recognizable to Ma Il-seok. "It has been a long time, rascal." Jinwang (陣王) Jegal Beok. The father of Jegal San and the current head of the Jegal family. He had arrived at the Mulin Alliance.