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**

“Well…”

It was a somewhat awkward situation, but I whispered. The four frozen people cleared their throats.

Their proud heads dropped in unison.

“We greet the Blood Sea Master.”

“We greet the Blood Sea Master.”

“…We greet the Blood Sea Master.”

“Hmm. I bow before the Blood Sea Master.”

Even the proud Huachun Quenma bowed his head, showcasing just how high Ilma’s reputation stood.

“…Hmm.”

Ilma, who had listened to the series of stories I shared, nodded. The first one mentioned was Noh Ah-chan.

“It’s been a while, Amsa Master.”

“Yes, Blood Sea Master.”

“As far as I know, you have a disciple fitting the title of Soul Stealing Sword.”

“If you are referring to Jinmyung, I am raising him with all my might. His talents are not bad either, making him a point of pride for me.”

Ilma’s voice became pointed.

“Then why not be satisfied with one, and why are you aiming for two?”

“Excuse me…?”

“Isn’t it true? Haven’t you already found someone to succeed the legacy of the Soul Stealing Sword?”

“Isn’t it perfectly natural for a warrior to have the ambition to gather capable juniors? Besides, I believed that kid had no background as he grew up in my sect…”

“Take care of the disciples you have. Anything beyond that is true greed. As a warrior, you should know your limits. It’s not just about teaching; there are things to gain by honing what you already have.”

“Hmm…!”

“Nurturing juniors is indeed important. However, refining your own skills and contributing to the sect is what any decent disciple should be doing.”

“…Is that how you see my position, Blood Sea Master?”

“If the opportunity is right, you could certainly rise higher than you are now. Strive hard, and don’t let your gaze wander. If you reach Huaxing, there will be much more you can do. If you wish to take on another disciple, it would be better to think about it then.”

“If the Blood Sea Master insists, then I have no choice.”

Noh Ah-chan stepped back. He seemed delighted to receive advice on the unclear path of martial arts, a smile lingering on his lips.

Ilma’s gaze naturally shifted. Next was Hak Su Gwi’s Na So-wan.

“Fokma Clan Leader. Your good deeds seem never-ending, showcasing your loyalty to our sect.”

“…Cough. I’m honored.”

“But how can a leader managing the Fokma Clan be greedy for disciple acquisition? Shouldn’t there be many responsibilities to tend to as its leader?”

“That’s… true, but it doesn’t mean I lack the ability to nurture disciples.”

“Well, I don’t think that’s the case.”

The blood phoenix resting on Ilma’s shoulder squawked.

“I heard you lost many during the previous incident. The Fokma Clan must have many vacancies to fill, which is the leader’s role to address. If you bear a high position, don’t indulge in personal greed. For now, focus more on the Fokma Clan.”

“……”

“Or should you neglect your responsibilities just to put your own interests first, potentially harming the entire clan’s reputation?”

“…I won’t.”

“I understand you have many responsibilities. I acknowledge your abilities. However, prioritize your tasks clearly. If you wish to raise a disciple, stabilize what you have first.”

“Thank you for your advice.”

The Fokma Clan Leader stepped back. His expression grew slightly stiff, clearly struck by the words.

The Nine Heavens Jade Woman quietly slipped back. Ilma called her out.

“I didn’t even start speaking yet.”

“This is a place where the sect leader is present. Wouldn’t it be somewhat awkward to receive criticism from the Blood Sea Master here?”

“At least you know your place.”

“If one doesn’t mind their behavior in front of the sect leader and the Blood Sea Master, that person must be blind.”

The Nine Heavens Jade Woman surrendered before even starting a fight. Ilma’s gaze finally landed on Huachun Quenma.

“Huachun Quenma.”

“What?”

“I’ve heard you have two disciples.”

“…How did you know that? I feel like this is our first meeting.”

“There is nearly no information within our sect that I am unaware of. That is the nature of the Blood Sea Master. I’ll say this: take care of your two disciples.”

“Why are you so protective of that kid? I want to ask the reason. Are you their master or something?”

“No.”

Ilma cutely looked up at me askew.

“But I care for them. Don’t threaten them. If you try to force your circumstances onto this child, I, Ilma, will personally show you the harsh consequences.”

“……?”

“……?”

“……?”

“……?”

The four gathered individuals blinked in surprise, their expressions frozen.

The previously tense banquet hall echoed with silence once again. After that stillness, a wave of murmurs filled the air. Some voices rose in disbelief.

“…The Blood Sea Master cares for someone? Who on earth is that person to warrant such words?”

“Someone who is equivalent to the order of our sect publicly declaring it like this…”

“Is it a true disciple? Or something else?”

“What is this…? Didn’t it say they’re not a disciple? Clearly?”

“Who are they? Who could attract the attention of the sect leader and Ilma at the same time?”

The ruckus grew louder. Now that I was completely the center of attention, I fiddled nervously with my mask.

If it comes off now, I’m truly finished! I pressed it down tightly.

Huachun Quenma replied with a relaxed tone.

“A person you care for… Is that it?”

“Exactly.”

Ilma’s voice slightly rose. She sounded embarrassed, perhaps.

Yet still, she spoke confidently.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

“I have none, but… that just means we aren’t master-disciple in the traditional sense, right?”

“Not exactly master-disciple, but it’s close enough.”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

“Don’t get too attached. Huachun Quenma. Take care of your disciples. The management of this one is my responsibility.”

Ilma boldly proclaimed again.

“If we’re talking about master-disciple relationships, and training them to wield a sword, then all those matters should go through me first. This child agrees with me on that too.”

Ilma pinched my side.

Despite that, it was indeed obvious that I intended to nod my head anyway.

“Ilma is right.”

“No, what is… this feels like asking for permission to take out the son-in-law…”

“But just think, Huachun. If you make a good impression with the Blood Sea Master, under the endorsement of the Heavenly Eight Martial Artists, you could become that child’s master. You might be able to skip the bothersome fights.”

“You’re quite sharp. Youngster. Yet I don’t think you’ll easily be granted permission.”

“Permission… granted…”

The Nine Heavens Jade Woman rolled her eyes. The teasing voice asked.

“Do we need permission to take in another form as well?”

“…What?”

I could hear laughter. I recognized that it came from the distant Heavenly Demon.

She was laughing so hard, was it really that funny?

“As I said, I’m referring to a different form. For example… the form of lovers.”

“…Nine Heavens Jade Woman, what do you mean by that?”

“You know, Blood Sea Master? From the moment one enters Huaxing, it becomes meaningless to consider age. Lifespans extend so much that most can maintain their youth until just before dying, so if two hearts resonate, isn’t that strange?”

“…….”

“And I’m not particularly old myself. There’s not much of an age difference compared to that child.”

“What?! Wait, what?! She’s just a kid! How dare you?!”

“Watch your words, Huachun Quenma. We are in front of the Blood Sea Master.”

“You have no right to spout that trash!”

I felt Ilma’s eyes tremble with pressure. Each word she spat carried a weight.

“A lover… in that form?”

—Boom!

In an instant, the pressure swept over the banquet hall like a tidal wave, cutting off all conversations once more. The overwhelming aura shook everyone’s eyes.

“Wha… what?!”

“I was aware of the Blood Sea Master’s prowess surpassing that of a human, but… what in the world…?!”

“Is this merely… the pressure of Ki…? It’s astounding…?!”

An overwhelming force shook the very earth. Facing this wave, the Nine Heavens Jade Woman broke into a cold sweat.

Yet the next moment, she mustered all her strength to shake it off. Gritting her teeth, she collided with it, continuing to speak.

“I’m just asking to clarify.”

“…That child has no such intentions.”

“Isn’t it something that should be answered by them directly?”

“One seems impossible, so you want to target another possibility?”

“You’ve misinterpreted my words. I’m genuinely asking.”

The Soul Stealing Sword was flabbergasted. Hak Su Gwi hurriedly grasped for Na So-wan’s hand.

“Nine Heavens Jade Woman! Are you out of your mind?! You’re addressing the Blood Sea Master!”

“Come to your senses, Wima Sect Master…!”

“Don’t touch me.”

Nine Heavens Jade Woman confidently pulled back her hand.

“Isn’t it somewhat ridiculous for outsiders to interfere in matters between a man and a woman?”

“That would indeed be a problem if your feelings are mixed in.”

“I genuinely want to teach him the sword…”

The Nine Heavens Jade Woman glanced at me sideways.

“It’s also true that I have feelings for that child personally. If I can’t have his body, I’d at least like to steal his heart.”

“……”

“I’ll take my leave after I hear your answer.”

“I haven’t answered yet.”

“I perceive you couldn’t answer immediately; it doesn’t mean you won’t block a possibility. I trust that you, Blood Sea Master, will maintain the boundary of caution when it comes to matters between men and women, as even a master shouldn’t meddle in such affairs.”

—Creek!

The sound of gritting teeth echoed closely. The Nine Heavens Jade Woman nonchalantly turned her head.

“I will excuse myself now. Blood Sea Master.”

Wima Sect Master left the table. The three martial artists who had been tentatively watching followed him.

Among the crowd’s chatter arose another voice.

“Wima Sect Master?! The very Wima Sect Master?!”

“A renowned beauty of the Wima Sect who turned down countless suitors?!”

“Wow, is it true that they’re boldly pursuing someone?!”

“Who exactly is that person?!”

“They’re some kind of charming guy… I want to see the face beneath that mask…”

Amid the buzzing banquet hall, Wolhyang approached and spoke.

“What? What on earth…”

She and Ilma locked eyes. It seemed something was off, and instead of slowing down, Wolhyang quickened her pace.

She brushed past me, taking Myo Ye-rin along.

“Myo, Myo Ye-rin, what are you doing? Want to drink?”

“Uh, just a little…?”

“Alcohol is great, right?! It’s good for your health, you know?! Right?!”

“Uh… to some extent…?!”

The two members of the Blood Sea Organization quickly disappeared from view after a rather awkward exchange.

I timidly grabbed Ilma.

“Ilma…?”

“…Phew.”

She steadied her breath and turned her head. Her expression beneath the mask was unreadable.

“I will have to deal with today’s matters, so I’ll be coming back late.”

“Understood…”

“Don’t sleep.”

“Wait?!”

“I said, don’t fall asleep.”

With those words, Ilma stepped onto the stairs leading upwards. Her back seemed quite angry and I gazed after her.

…Come to think of it. Hadn’t she told Sma before? Not to take away those she taught to wield a sword.

Still, it’s only because she sees me somewhat as a disciple. And now it’s clear that sentiment has strengthened.

That Ilma cares for me.

A smile crept onto my face. Though I was slightly taken aback, I felt genuinely joyful about her reaction.

Moreover, didn’t she even declare it publicly in front of many?

That I’m a precious person to her.

That alone was enough to bring me joy, allowing me to walk freely in the frozen banquet hall.

Eun Seol-ran, who had said we’d meet again, approached me quietly. With a serious expression, she asked.

“What is your relationship with Ilma?”

“It’s somewhat ambiguous to say master… there are certainly some shortcomings…”

I pondered deeply.

“Maybe a parent…?”

“Parent? What kind of parent behaves like that? You’re joking… surely? Yea, there’s no way… perhaps just a disciple-like relationship that causes her to act that way…”

“Wait, huh?”

“Do you have free time tonight?”

“If you’re asking about time…”

“No. You must be free. No one will come looking for you at night anyway.”

“No, senior, don’t…!”

“I’ll come find you. After all, I’ll be here for a while. We’ll talk more at night. I have many questions.”

She mingled into the crowd. Wolhyang, who had returned after circling around with Myo Ye-rin, came back to me.

She patted my shoulder with sympathy.

“What a tragedy.”

“Tragedy?!”

“Should I join in?”

“Huh?!”

“Forget it. I don’t want to get on the bad side of the master… um… but it’s too early to give up. If the master gets it, I’ll just have to come by regularly to sneak a taste. Ha ha!”

Wolhyang laughed heartily, fading away with her mysterious words.

Myo Ye-rin, who stood nearby, rolled her eyes.

“Playboy.”

I honestly felt wronged.

Why am I the playboy when I haven’t done anything?

…Wait, before that.

How many people are actually going to gather tonight?

 

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