---

As I Returned from My Conversation with the Gyecheon Sect Leader

By the time I returned from my conversation with the Gyecheon Sect Leader, the sun had already set.

Upon entering the branch, I proceeded inside without much scrutiny, and the first place I arrived at was a modestly spacious residence.

Hot-!

Huff-!

The sounds of ki training resonated in my ears. The voices were coming from the training area set aside in one corner.

It seemed they were deeply engrossed in their training.

I turned my steps toward that direction.

The training area wasn’t large, and there didn’t appear to be many people; counting them, there were no more than ten.

Moreover,

‘Just as I expected.’

The ones sent by the sect weren’t visible, but the ones I personally selected were present.

It wouldn’t be easy to practice the Sword Art of Poisoned Blade in plain sight. Perhaps they were just doing some basic physical training?

I waved my hand slightly.

Whoosh-!!

The energy that had gathered inside burst out through the window.

The gazes of the members gathered inside shifted toward me.

“Great Lord?”

“I told you to rest, and yet you don’t listen.”

“Welcome back.”

“Uh, nothing unusual happened?”

“Yes. Thanks to the branch’s consideration, I’ve been resting comfortably.”

“Doesn’t seem like resting… Anyway, where are the others?”

“They’re probably in their assigned residences.”

“Is that so?”

I turned my gaze elsewhere, trying to remember the faces of those training.

I needed to keep an eye on them for later use.

“Deputy Lord Tang.”

Just then, I spotted Tang Soyeol, who was training together with the others.

Upon being called out, Tang Soyeol’s eyes widened as she responded.

“Ah, yes.”

“I have something to discuss, so come to me as soon as your training ends. You can make it by the meal time, right?”

“Ah, understood.”

After conveying that message, I immediately turned away.

My business in the training area was done. I strolled lightly around the residence, searching for someone.

Not long after,

“…Hmm?”

I stumbled upon a peculiar sight.

“Pop pop pop.”

“Y-young Lady… s-stop that.”

“Pop pop pop.”

In the back of the residence, on the floorboards, Bong-Soon and someone else were sitting. There was no need to verify who it was.

In the dead of night, there could only be one person with such a shining head.

Only,

‘…What’s going on with them?’

Why on earth was Bong-Soon touching that radiant noggin?

That was my only question.

“Hehe. It’s so interesting. It feels nice.”

“Ugh, ugh…”

Without hesitation, her hands were moving as if playing with a round ball, free and unfettered.

The one being touched, however, was blushing red up to his ears, unable to maintain his composure.

‘…’

What should I even say about this?

The sight of the young hope of Shaolin being treated like a toy in Bong-Soon’s hands was…

An awkward sight to express at best.

Especially,

‘That crazy girl is really playing around with him like he’s a toy.’

The monk, feeling as though something was in her hands, was blushing all the way to his scalp.

That little rascal…

‘Looks like he has a darker side than I thought?’

If that monk had such greyscale within him, how could he uphold Buddha’s teachings?

He didn’t even hesitate to sneak in some dumplings to eat last time he was caught by me.

Recalling that made me almost certain.

‘Shaolin is doomed.’

Shin Ryong was sure to become the Sect Leader one day, but at this rate, Shaolin’s future looked bleak.

Ah, but that’s not my concern.

“Hmm.”

Should I sneak up and tease them? As in, “Aren’t you enjoying some naughty fondling instead of training?”

‘That sounds fun.’

Even imagining it brings a thrill of excitement thinking of Shin Ryong’s reaction.

Despite only a few days, Shin Ryong was proving to be a surprisingly fun target to tease.

Just as I was thinking it over, however, I ultimately turned my steps around.

While it would undoubtedly be entertaining, it wasn’t the right time for that.

‘Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah…’

They weren’t visible in the training area. Were they resting?

‘But they aren’t the types to rest.’

They likely weren’t just taking a break. They usually preferred to train quietly in hidden spots rather than out in the open, so they’d probably be somewhere peaceful.

As much as I wanted to find them, I had to hold back.

I could look for Cheol Jiseon or Seongyul too, but…

‘Those guys… well, they can handle themselves.’

I had no interest in them, not at all.

I had already tasked Cheol Jiseon with work upon arrival.

‘Seongyul still hasn’t fully recovered, so using him is tricky.’

Since the martial arts sparring with Peng Woojin, Seongyul’s recovery hadn’t completely finished.

According to Shin Yi, his regeneration speed felt a bit slow for a martial artist.

‘Could it be the influence of Heaven Kill Spirit?’

Maybe that’s a possibility.

If Seongyul wasn’t low in realm, then if his recovery is slow, there could be an issue.

So, I planned to check this later.

How would I check it? Well… maybe I can break something and calculate the recovery speed based on that?

‘Not a bad idea. That works.’

That would be the most accurate and swift confirmation.

Naturally, Seongyul’s opinion on this matter was irrelevant. Still, since I held some affection for him, I’d make sure to break him gently.

Nevertheless, as I organized my thoughts and walked around,

“Wow. Really?”

“Hahaha. That’s right. That’s why back then…”

“More than that, regarding the upcoming festival in Hanam…”

Upon reaching my destination, I heard the cheerful sounds from afar.

Laughter intermingled with several voices. Just that alone made me grin with a hint of a smirk.

It was a blatant scornful laugh.

‘They’re at it again.’

As I approached, hiding my smirk, I slowly started to see the situation unfold.

By the pond in front of the residence, several figures gathered.

Looking closely, it appeared that most of those who hadn’t shown up for training were there.

The problem was…

“Hahaha! Hyung, isn’t that a little boastful?”

“What? Boastful?”

“No, I just mentioned being surprised at confronting a hundred at once. I hope it didn’t offend you. It was just a joke.”

“Ha… hahaha. Oh, that’s cool. I knew it was a joke.”

“Anyway, there’s a famous festival happening in the upper house next month…”

An endless back-and-forth. At first glance, it seemed friendly, but the underlying tension ran cold and sharp.

They were poking at each other’s weaknesses while concealing blades behind laughter.

It felt like watching a dark, unsettling political game.

Their faces looked like a mess, and the mood felt thick.

‘Ugh.’

I felt utterly bewildered, yet I couldn’t say much because I understood the reasons behind it.

This was a struggle.

A struggle of males trying to win the favor of a precious female.

“Isn’t that right, Young Lady Yeonhong?”

“Hoho. Yes, he seems quite impressive.”

“Ahem…”

One male turned red at her faint encouragement.

The others were no different.

“So, back then…”

“No, but I heard that the Sect Leader told me…”

Many were throwing out various statements to try and entice more responses from the female.

Just why were they so desperately clawing for her attention? It was puzzling, but the more significant issue was…

‘There are way too many males but only one female.’

The countless males all desired only one girl.

“Hoho.”

A woman softly smiled, covering her mouth.

Among those I brought here, Yeonhong was that very female.

As she smiled slightly, the reactions from the surrounding men went wild.

Their eyes were filled with malicious intent, and it was amusing to watch them scramble for ways to impress her.

Mixing dirty politics into such competition really clouded the situation further. It was a delightful view that clarified questions I’d had for a while.

‘Impressive, really.’

How could they be this desperate? It was beyond my understanding.

Also, the fact they were this eager over just one Yeonhong was equally bewildering.

‘This is something else.’

Yeonhong wasn’t the only woman. There was also Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah. Adding to that,Tang Soyeol, the Deputy Lord, was also female, yet none of them engaged in such bizarre antics.

The reason being…

‘Too far to reach, probably.’

The difference in level was simply too great for them to attempt anything.

That might be the case. I’ve occasionally glared at those attempting to approach, or gave them an energy blow, and maybe that was a reason?

That might be it. Either way, they were at a distance where they wouldn’t dare approach me.

In such circumstances, Yeonhong’s existence felt like a ray of hope amidst a drought.

She possessed true beauty, not the utmost peak, but an undeniable alluring presence.

If I had to compare, it was like a rare item one might find after great effort.

This meant that the males were in a state of anxious anticipation, leading to the results we saw at the moment.

The struggle surrounding Yeonhong.

They were hiding their blades in lofty talk, attempting to win her favor.

Maybe that’s why their attempts felt pitifully desperate…

‘This is a serious mess.’

To me, it seemed to yield only hollow laughter.

When should I clean this mess up? No, there isn’t a need. Yeonhong… if it were her, she must have some plan in mind.

Thinking with certainty, I made my way toward her.

Simultaneously, I called out to the gently smiling woman.

“Yeonhong.”

Upon hearing my voice, the conversation abruptly halted, and all eyes turned toward me.

The men glanced toward me with ferocious glares, mistaking me for another competitor, but upon recognizing me, they all stood straight up.

“G-Great Lord.”

“It’s an honor to see you, Great Lord.”

“…Uh, yeah. Have you all been resting well?”

“Yes…!”

Their responses were sharp as if they were edged blades. Perhaps after getting chastised a few times along the way to Sichuan, it proved effective.

“I apologize for interrupting your rest, but I’m taking Yeonhong with me. I have some matters to discuss with her.”

“Ah…”

“Ah, understood…”

Their voices were dripping with reluctance.

These guys…?

‘The main person says nothing, so why are you all feeling so hurt?’

I found it ridiculous.

Letting out a slight sigh, I turned my gaze to Yeonhong.

She was sporting her unique smile, with her mouth covered.

“Can we go now?”

“Yeah. Follow me.”

“Understood.”

With a bow, Yeonhong stepped through the throng of males.

Yet while exiting, she added a small smile.

“It was fun, Prince. Please tell me stories next time too.”

“Ha… haha, of course!”

“Always feel free to talk to us!”

She skillfully scattered her net everywhere.

Looking at that made me click my tongue, then turn away.

“…That’s enough now.”

“Yes.”

And with that, the two of us left…

“…”

“…”

Silence descended amongst the remaining men.

Naturally, with Yeonhong as the focal point, there was nothing more to say once she left.

As competitors, what conversation would they need?

It was best to simply emit their malice at each other.

Therefore, while trying to quietly conclude this meeting, suddenly,

“Well… you know.”

One of the fish in the pond began to speak.

“Does anyone here know the relationship between the Great Lord and Young Lady Yeonhong?”

“…”

“…”

At that subtle inquiry, everyone froze in motion.

What kind of relationship might the Great Lord and Yeonhong share? This was something they wanted to ask but hadn’t dared to.

“C-Could it be, that kind of relationship?”

“Don’t spout nonsense. The Great Lord has a fiancée.”

One man interjected with a scoff.

The fact that the Star King was engaged to the Sword Dance Hero was common knowledge.

“Yes, of course. How could he possibly gaze upon another woman with such a betrothed?”

The shock of seeing the Sword Dance Hero for the first time still lingered in my memory.

How could a person be so beautiful? Though I was from the same clan and had come to Sichuan together, even looking at her felt difficult.

The idea that the Great Lord would have a special relationship with Yeonhong while engaged to such a fiancée? Unbelievable.

…But.

“Considering that…”

“…Hmm, isn’t that right?”

A few began to reminisce.

“Just looking at Sword Moonblade Wi Seol-Ah…. and Deputy Lord Tang too. Isn’t it a bit different?”

Sword Moonblade Wi Seol-Ah and Poisoned Blade Deputy Lord Tang.

Both beautiful individuals like the Sword Dance Hero, and about these two, the members knew something.

“The last time I casually stared, I nearly got killed by the Great Lord…”

Not exactly killed, but I was nearly terror-stricken by that death stare.

“I merely wanted to say hi, and ended up getting warned not to act foolishly. I thought I was going to faint.”

The face of the Great Lord as he mentioned that was indeed frightening. It nearly made me lose my mind.

“From this, it seems the Great Lord holds a special regard for the young ladies, doesn’t it?”

“That’s…”

“Rumors are rife too.”

“Oh! The rumors?”

At that, they all recalled it at once.

The most prevalent rumor about the Star King in the Central Plains.

While embodying heroic traits, he was said to bear the visage of a ghost, being filled with lecherous urges for beautiful women, often surrounded by lovelies.

That rumor floated around, and the men were overwhelmed with anxiety.

Maybe.

Just maybe.

“Y-young Lady Yeonhong is also…?”

“Could it be… with the Great Lord…?”

What if the two of them held a more intimate bond?

Doubt began to spread throughout everyone’s minds.

 

---