Her suggestion to drink Ice Wine should have come only after she had formally greeted Geom Mugeuk and then the Drunken Demon.
But those were the first words out of her mouth.
She must have calculated that the Drunken Demon would not consider it rude, since the greeting was related to wine.
In other words, it meant she came knowing who his companion was.
It was a moment that revealed just how impressive the Ice Palace's intelligence network was here in the Northern Sea.
If they knew about them, there was a chance they also knew about Lee Ahn’s movements.
Geom Mugeuk knew this would not work in Lee Ahn's favor.
The Northern Sea Ice Palace was certainly not an enemy of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, but they were not friends either.
Geom Mugeuk quietly stared at Han Seol.
How different was the real her from the rumors?
“Do you enjoy wine?”
At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Han Seol looked slightly surprised before answering calmly.
“I enjoy drinking alone.”
A faint smile touched the Drunken Demon’s lips at her honest reply, for he, more than anyone, loved to drink alone.
“Greet him. This is the Drunken Demon Lord, a Demon Sovereign of our sect.”
Han Seol respectfully clasped her hands and bowed to the Drunken Demon.
“It is an honor to meet such a distinguished person.”
“The rumors that the treasured daughter of the Ice Palace is truly beautiful were true.”
“You praise me too much.”
Unlike the rumors that she was heartless and cold, Han Seol didn’t seem much different from other women her age.
But Geom Mugeuk knew.
Coldness and heartlessness are not revealed in one’s appearance, but in their decisions and choices.
Therefore, he couldn't have any preconceptions about her yet.
He still didn’t know what kind of person she was.
Han Seol’s gaze returned to Geom Mugeuk.
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
Geom Mugeuk left the decision to the Drunken Demon.
“Would you care for a drink?”
For a moment, Han Seol felt puzzled.
If the Young Cult Master and a Demon Sovereign were present, shouldn’t the Young Cult Master naturally make the decision? Just as she made all the decisions, not the masters waiting outside.
Yet this Young Cult Master was asking the Drunken Demon for his decision instead of making it himself.
This time, the Drunken Demon looked at Han Seol.
Geom Mugeuk could feel it.
The Drunken Demon of this moment was not the pathetic older brother who was always getting scolded by him.
There was a world seen by the man who had reached the ultimate state of martial arts and life through wine, and a life seen by him.
What kind of person did she appear to be to him now?
“If it’s Ice Wine, I can’t refuse.”
At the Drunken Demon’s reply, Han Seol signaled to the martial artists standing outside.
Then, her subordinate, Chan, entered with a pure white wine bottle and handed it to her.
“This is Ice Wine brewed at our Palace.”
When she opened the stopper, a captivating aroma spread through the air.
The drinkers in the tavern, who had been holding their breath, wore expressions of awe.
There were many types of Ice Wine in the Northern Sea, but the one brewed at the Northern Sea Ice Palace was considered the finest.
The fragrant and enchanting scent was indeed the aroma of the Northern Sea Ice Palace’s Ice Wine.
Drip, drip.
Han Seol poured a cup for Geom Mugeuk first.
As she poured, she recalled the words of her mother, the Ice Palace Master.
—The Young Cult Master is no ordinary person.
Han Seol had heard about Geom Mugeuk several times.
Wasn't he changing the landscape of the Martial World?
—You must deal with him carefully.
If you don’t want to be devoured by him.
Her mother had never said such a thing when giving her an assignment.
She felt that her mother rated the Young Cult Master more highly than herself.
‘Is this man truly so great?’
His current appearance, smiling foolishly and commenting on how good the aroma was, seemed rather frivolous.
No matter how she looked, she couldn't see any authority that overwhelmed the Demon Sovereign.
Han Seol next poured wine for the Drunken Demon.
Finally, it was the Drunken Demon who filled her cup.
“I also mostly drink alone.”
The three of them toasted and drank the Ice Wine.
“Ah, this is truly delicious.”
Geom Mugeuk was genuinely impressed.
He had drunk Ice Wine before his regression, but it hadn’t tasted this good back then.
Indeed, the taste of the same wine could change so much depending on whom you drank it with and in what situation.
“How can you be sure it isn’t poisoned?”
At Han Seol’s question, Geom Mugeuk glanced at the Drunken Demon.
Right, I’m immune to all poisons, but what about you, brother? Is it okay for you to drink so carelessly?
The Drunken Demon answered Han Seol.
“If you put poison in food or water, I might not notice. But poison in wine, even a Formless Fatal Poison, I can tell. I can tell just by the smell.”
“Truly, your reputation is well-deserved.”
This time, Geom Mugeuk filled Han Seol’s cup.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He didn’t know this woman well.
But he knew what kind of life she had lived before his regression.
Or rather, what kind of death she had met.
Geom Mugeuk asked Han Seol.
“I imagine you have a reason for seeking us out.”
“Yes, I do.”
Han Seol revealed her reason for coming.
“I trust you are well aware of the Northern Blood Sect, as it is a very famous sect. The second son of the Northern Blood Sect Master has been kidnapped. Have you perhaps heard this news?”
“I heard people talking about it earlier.”
“I believe a martial artist from the Divine Sect is responsible.”
The atmosphere naturally turned cold and heavy.
“Why do you think so?”
“The kidnapper is so elusive that the Northern Blood Sect’s martial artists have been unable to find any trace of him. Our Palace has also intervened, but we haven't found him easily either. It’s someone very clever or professionally trained.”
Are you worried because he’s like a child let loose by the water? The child is building a dam and fishing by the water.
I’m proud of you, Lee Ahn.
“That doesn’t mean it was our sect’s doing, does it?”
“There is crucial evidence.”
Han Seol stared intently at Geom Mugeuk and added.
“You, Young Cult Master. You are the evidence.”
Even at this provocative statement, Geom Mugeuk remained calm.
“Why am I the evidence?”
“Because you appeared in the Northern Sea at such a coincidental time.”
“Circumstantial evidence, then.”
“That’s right. Evidence that cannot be confirmed if you deny it, Young Cult Master.”
Geom Mugeuk could understand why Han Seol was reputed to be cold and heartless.
As she spoke, she merely conveyed facts, devoid of any emotion.
While saying he was suspicious, she didn’t show a single suspicious expression or glance.
It wasn't a matter of speaking a lot or a little.
Rather, because she said everything that needed to be said without any emotion, she felt even colder.
“You’re right. I also think one of my subordinates did it.”
Geom Mugeuk readily admitted it.
“Then it will be easier to speak. This is strictly the territory of our Palace. Have your subordinate release the son of the Northern Blood Sect Master, and hand your subordinate over to us. If the kidnapped son returns safely, we will mediate things well and return your subordinate to you.”
Geom Mugeuk’s expression was gentle, but his refusal was firm.
“I cannot do that.”
“What do you mean?”
“If my subordinate kidnapped the son of the Northern Blood Sect Master, there must be a good reason for it.”
“That’s right. There must be a reason. But in the Martial World, the justification of an organization is more important than an individual's reasons.”
“If you were the one who had to be sacrificed for the organization’s justification, would you still be able to say that?”
Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk and said calmly.
“Of course. I would willingly give myself up.”
He could feel that her words were sincere.
But the emotion felt from her words was not a spirit of sacrifice or loyalty to her organization.
It was emptiness.
A black hole that felt even larger because she was young and beautiful.
This woman, she has no lingering attachment to life.
Yang Jung couldn’t understand the situation.
“When were you captured?”
A surprising answer came from Hwang Chu’s mouth.
“Two days ago.”
“Does that mean you were captured before us?”
“It seems so.”
A chill ran down the spines of Yang Jung and Ju Gyu as they listened.
This meant that the perpetrator had captured Hwang Chu, a master of tracking techniques, first and then set up their plan.
This was completely unexpected.
“This incident was meticulously planned in advance.”
“Who on earth is behind this? Against the great Northern Blood Sect, who would dare!”
It was then.
Someone spoke from the darkness.
“Isn’t the important question ‘why’ rather than ‘who’?”
It was a woman’s voice.
He had never heard a voice so pleasant to the ear.
Yang Jung shouted angrily.
“Who are you?”
She had been in the same space, but they hadn't even sensed her presence.
Before Yang Jung could let out a stream of curses, Ju Gyu quickly said.
“If you release us now, we will forget this ever happened. Let’s go our separate ways.”
The woman’s laughter was heard.
The laughter grew louder, and then the woman who walked out of the darkness revealed herself.
Wearing a bamboo hat and a veil, it was none other than Lee Ahn.
“Who might you be, brave warrior?”
When Ju Gyu asked politely, Lee Ahn replied.
“I am someone who came to rescue a woman’s husband at her request. I came from very far away to get here. I never imagined I would end up in the Northern Sea.”
“Who exactly did you come to save?”
“Why? Would you even know if I told you the name?”
Ju Gyu couldn't answer.
Hadn't one or two people been captured because of them?
“You brought people from all over the Central Plains, deceiving them with promises of making them rich.”
Lee Ahn had investigated extensively.
This incident was not a simple case of kidnapping by deception.
They had brought only special individuals.
“Those people all had unique constitutions, didn't they? What were you planning to use them for? As ingredients for a Great Art? Or were you planning to perform some evil arts?”
Yang Jung and Ju Gyu remained silent.
“I’ve sent word to the Northern Blood Sect. If you release all the people you brought, I will release you as well.”
Yang Jung’s expression hardened.
This matter had been conducted in utmost secrecy.
His father might not release the people in order to protect the secret.
He was a father who valued the family more than his own flesh and blood.
Gripped by the anxiety that he might not be released, Yang Jung said, as if in a desperate struggle.
“Shall I tell you what happens if you kill us? Eventually, the main sect will find you and kill you. Not just you, but your family will all be killed too. All your relatives, down to your distant cousins, will die because of you. And that’s not all. Even your neighbors will all be killed. We will find and kill everyone who has exchanged even a single word with you. That’s to ensure something like this never happens again. So go ahead, kill me!”
Lee Ahn stared silently at Yang Jung.
When she remained quiet, he thought his threat had worked, but he was mistaken.
Lee Ahn took off her bamboo hat and veil.
“Don’t take it off!”
Ju Gyu shouted, squeezing his eyes shut.
He was afraid of being killed to silence him if he saw her face.
Hwang Chu also closed his eyes.
But Yang Jung kept his eyes wide open, glaring at Lee Ahn.
He, who was about to curse, stood with his mouth agape, unable to say a word.
This damn woman who had kidnapped him was too beautiful.
Words that the three of them could not understand flowed from her lips.
“I am so grateful to the Young Master and those around him. They are the kind of people who wouldn’t be fazed by such threats.”
A few scenes flashed through her mind.
—You’re the one closest to Lee Ahn? Who are you?
—I am the Young Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
—And you!
—The Underworld Pavilion Lord?
—And you? I heard you even had a drinking party with her?
—The Demon Army Lord.
—And you!
—The granddaughter of the Martial Alliance Leader.
—And you? I heard you’re her new father?
—…
She laughed to herself at the silly imagination.
“And I’m so grateful that I can say this.”
The smile vanished from Lee Ahn’s face.
She stared coldly at Yang Jung and said.
“Tell them to come and kill me. Make sure to leave a will, begging them for revenge.”
“I am a person who values my subordinate’s reasons more than the organization.”
Han Seol didn't believe it.
He might say such plausible things, but in the end, the organization would come first.
For someone like the Young Cult Master to say such a thing… Did he think she was foolish enough to believe that?
“My subordinate is not someone who would do something like this because she felt insulted. She must have been asked for help or witnessed an injustice.”
Han Seol couldn’t understand it.
Neither Geom Mugeuk who defended his subordinate, nor the subordinate who would do such a thing to help others.
Why did they all live so deceptively?
“Are you saying you can’t accept it because you believe your subordinate is right?”
“That’s right.”
Geom Mugeuk was still calm.
“My subordinate has had a hard and tiring life serving the Young Cult Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect. At times like this, there should at least be some reward for serving the Young Cult Master.”
Han Seol said calmly.
“The Northern Blood Sect has asked our Palace for help. We have our own position to consider.”
“Then help them.”
“Then your precious subordinate might die. Are you okay with that?”
Geom Mugeuk stared intently at Han Seol.
“If my subordinate is right and the son of the Northern Blood Sect is wrong, will you still kill my subordinate?”
Han Seol stared back at Geom Mugeuk with a blank expression and asked in return.
“Then what if your subordinate is wrong and the son of the Northern Blood Sect is right? Is it okay to kill your subordinate then?”
Geom Mugeuk smiled faintly and said.
“Then I would have to rescue my subordinate and escape this place.”
Han Seol showed a slightly dumbfounded expression.
“I believe I’ve said all I need to say. Please, continue your conversation.”
Han Seol rose from her seat.
Just finding out that a demonic practitioner was behind this incident made the meeting meaningful.
Just then, Geom Mugeuk spoke.
“Actually, we have another reason for coming to the Northern Sea. There is someone we desperately want to meet.”
“Who is it?”
“The Master of the Hundred Wines Snow Courtyard. The Drunken Demon Lord has mentioned what a great person she is several times, so I have wanted to meet her for a long time.”
Since this was the reason the Drunken Demon had come, he wanted to mention it in advance.
At that, Han Seol’s expression hardened.
“What’s wrong?”
Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk and the Drunken Demon with a peculiar expression, then delivered the shocking news.
“The Master of the Hundred Wines Snow Courtyard has passed away.”
For a moment, the Drunken Demon flinched in shock.
Soon, sorrow spread across his stiffened face.
He had come all this way to meet her after so long, only to hear she was dead? When was the last time he had seen her?
“When and how did she pass away?”
At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Han Seol did not answer and just stared at the two of them.
A hint of suspicion flickered in her cold eyes.
“Why have you two come looking for the Master now, of all times?”
It was clear that a single misspoken word would lead to misunderstanding.
The Drunken Demon said nothing, so Geom Mugeuk answered for him.
“Every year, the Master would send wine to the Drunken Demon Lord. It didn't arrive this year. So we came to see if something had happened.”
After a brief pause, Han Seol said quietly.
“The Master took her own life a short while ago.”
Crash.
The cup in the Drunken Demon’s hand shattered, and wine spilled onto the table.
Han Seol said to Geom Mugeuk.
“Please tell your subordinate to return the son of the Northern Blood Sect.”
Leaving those words behind, Han Seol left the place.
Silence filled the space where only the two of them remained.
The wine that had spilled on the table dripped to the floor.
Finally, the Drunken Demon, who had been watching silently, broke the silence.
“She would never have taken her own life.”
He had a reason for being so certain.
“She took more pride in making wine than anyone and was content with her work. She was someone who knew how many people were made happy by the wine she brewed. It’s impossible.”
The Drunken Demon would know the Master better than anyone.
If so, she had not taken her own life but had been killed by someone.
Geom Mugeuk nodded and emptied his remaining wine cup.
“To think I can no longer taste such fine wine.”
Geom Mugeuk placed the empty cup down and clasped his hands in mourning.
The Drunken Demon emptied the Blood Dew Wine at his waist and poured the remaining Ice Wine into it.
He poured it carefully, not letting a single drop spill.
Through the clear, flowing Ice Wine, the Drunken Demon's face shimmered.
The sorrow and anger flowing in his eyes were also being poured into the flask along with the wine.