Han Seol's astonishment continued.
A bloody fight had broken out the moment she arrived, forcing her to unleash a palm strike.
Let's just say she had arrived at the wrong time.
And sure, let's say it's acceptable for the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace to talk about her ideal type in front of the successors of the Righteous, Demonic, and Unorthodox Sects.
But now, she was witnessing the Demon Slaying Branch and the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path, the symbols and elite forces of the Righteous and Unorthodox Factions, raising their glasses in a toast together.
Oh, and all this under the watch of the Evil Heart Laughing Demon and the Faceless Ones.
This time, Han Seol was the first to send a telepathic message to the Ice Cold Twin Blades.
—Is the Central Plains always like this? It's so different from the Central Plains I learned about.
Of course, knowing it was a joke, the Ice Cold Twin Blades also conveyed their own surprise.
In truth, they were even more surprised than her.
—As far as I know, never in the history of the Martial World have the Righteous, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions mingled so freely.
We must be even more cautious in times like these.
They were about to say that it could all be a conspiracy, but they stopped themselves.
It was too grand in scale to be called a conspiracy.
There was no way all these people would be mobilized just to lure Han Seol into a trap.
Besides, they seemed far too sincere right now.
The Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path and the Demon Slaying Branch drank together, emptying their cups in a toast.
They even exchanged names with the people in front of them.
"I am the First Wolf."
“My name is Gwang-hyo.”
If Geom Mugeuk had poured the first cup, this time Bi Sa-in and Jin Ha-gun stepped up together.
Bi Sa-in poured wine for the Demon Slaying Branch, and Jin Ha-gun poured for the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path.
Both the two men pouring the wine and their subordinates receiving it were having a new experience.
With any other organization from the Martial Alliance or the Unorthodox Alliance, such an atmosphere would have been impossible.
Even if they were to drink together, it would have been a tense affair, a battle of wills where they were ready to attack each other at any moment.
However, the Demon Slaying Branch and the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path had overcome a life-and-death crisis with their leaders, aided by Geom Mugeuk.
They were now the martial artists who knew best that their leaders' friendship was real.
Next, they poured wine as they normally would.
Bi Sa-in for the Thirteen Wolves, and Jin Ha-gun for the Demon Slaying Branch.
The gazes directed at their leaders were filled with deep loyalty and trust.
It felt as if a sturdy lock had been fastened onto the emotions they had built up until now through this battle.
If one doesn't experience the moment this lock is fastened in a relationship, even a long and good relationship can crumble in an instant.
Over a truly trivial word.
No, the fact that it is trivial makes it crumble all the more emptily.
Was that why? Bi Sa-in announced a fact to everyone.
“This year marks the thirtieth year since the First Wolf here joined the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path.”
The First Wolf was flustered by the sudden mention of him.
But Bi Sa-in had something he truly wanted to say in this place, with everyone watching.
“Regardless of affiliation or rank, as a fellow martial artist, I sincerely respect you.”
When Bi Sa-in raised his cup, everyone else did as well.
The Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path loudly congratulated him, while the members of the Demon Slaying Branch showed their respect by raising their cups and drinking, their actions serving as words of congratulations.
Jin Ha-gun spoke to the First Wolf on their behalf.
“I believe that to hold one’s position for thirty years is a great feat. You are truly remarkable.”
Feeling the respect from the Demon Slaying Branch Master, not only the First Wolf himself but also the other Thirteen Wolves were pleased.
“Thank you, Branch Master.”
The First Wolf politely expressed his gratitude, then finally looked at Bi Sa-in.
He would have been thankful even if Bi Sa-in had told him in private, but to be acknowledged so properly in front of everyone like this made him truly grateful.
This was an attitude and method Bi Sa-in had learned from Geom Mugeuk.
“When I was born and taking my first steps, the First Wolf was already walking the path of the Unorthodox.”
At Bi Sa-in’s words, the First Wolf smiled, and the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path raised their cups in unison.
“Thirteen Paths of the Unorthodox, we live and die together!”
They shouted loudly and drained their cups together.
Watching them, Jin Ha-gun felt it.
‘You too are looking after your subordinates properly.’
Just as he had looked back at his subordinates in the Demon Slaying Branch when he killed the Heavenly Freak inside the formation.
If he hadn't looked back then, he would not have been able to have a heart-to-heart conversation with them.
When Jin Ha-gun raised his cup high, the martial artists of the Demon Slaying Branch also raised their cups.
Since this was a place to celebrate the First Wolf, they did not shout to raise their spirits, but simply exchanged glances and drank.
A consideration that would have been unimaginable in the past.
In the past, they would have shouted 'Demon Slaying, Evil Shattering' louder than them.
Jin Ha-gun looked at the man who had created this moment.
Geom Mugeuk was conversing with Han Seol back at his original seat.
He had judged it right to step aside from this atmosphere of unity.
Han Seol put down her cup along with Geom Mugeuk.
Fearing she would get too drunk, she had only touched it to her lips before setting it down, but Geom Mugeuk had once again drained his.
Geom Mugeuk did not force her to drink, nor did he stop her from drinking.
“You hold your liquor well. It doesn't seem like you're using your inner energy to push out the intoxication.”
Truly, Geom Mugeuk was drinking with this person and that person all over the place, yet he did not look drunk.
“Why would I use my inner energy to get rid of this pleasant intoxication?”
“You have quite a tolerance.”
“As you know, my brother is the Drunken Demon Sovereign.”
Since he had come to the Northern Sea with the Drunken Demon before, she knew about the relationship between the two.
Pouring wine for Geom Mugeuk, Han Seol asked.
“Is my sister doing well?”
She had thought she might be able to meet Lee Ahn when she came here.
But Geom Mugeuk gave an unexpected answer.
“I don't know either.”
"Pardon?"
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze drifted far outside.
“Lee Ahn is out in the world, alone.”
Knowing that he considered Lee Ahn his heart, Han Seol was surprised that he had let her go out alone.
"Aren't you worried?"
“Why wouldn't I be worried? She appears in my dreams every night as a ghost.”
“Then why did you send her out alone?”
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk spoke.
“She needs to learn to walk on her own.”
It was an ordinary statement, but those words from Geom Mugeuk contained his entire life before his regression.
He had experienced firsthand that the rougher the path, the stronger one becomes upon their return.
The moment she heard those words, Han Seol's heart pounded.
She, too, felt a desire to walk the world alone.
“What a shame. I thought I would be able to see her this time.”
Then Geom Mugeuk said something unexpected.
“You can see her before you go.”
"Pardon?"
“It's time for her to return to the Main Sect. She might already be back. Come with me to the Main Sect. I will formally invite you.”
Before she could answer, a telepathic message from the Ice Cold Twin Blades reached her.
—The Divine Sect is out of the question!
—Our Palace has never visited the Divine Sect!
This telepathic message, paradoxically, strengthened her resolve.
—Let's make this the first time, starting from my journey through the Central Plains.
Han Seol wanted to visit the main division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
Since they had come to the Northern Sea Ice Palace, wasn't it right for her to visit as well?
And more than anything, she wanted to see Lee Ahn.
She wanted to ask her what she had seen after going out into the world alone.
“I once asked my mother what the Central Plains was like to her. She told me, 'It's a place you want to return from when you're there, and a place you want to go back to once you've returned.' I wonder what kind of place the Central Plains will become for me.”
Since it was a formal invitation, she politely clasped her fists and spoke.
“I accept your invitation. Thank you for inviting me.”
Geom Mugeuk also clasped his fists politely and said.
“I hope the Main Sect can become a good memory of the Central Plains for the Young Palace Master.”
And so, Han Seol's trip to the Divine Sect was decided.
As the night deepened, so did the drinking party.
Everyone was drunk.
Of course, that didn't mean the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Path or the Demon Slaying Branch made any mistakes with each other.
As elite martial artists, and ones who served the successors at that, they were careful and cautious even when drinking.
Geom Mugeuk drank with Jin Ha-gun and Bi Sa-in, while Jin Ha-ryeong and Han Seol drank with the Heavenly Flower Pavilion Mistress.
Who knew what they were talking about so animatedly, but the two young women were likely hearing things today that would be of great help in their lives.
Geom Mugeuk shouted to the musicians playing on the second-floor balcony.
“A more exciting tune, please!”
The gentle music quickened its pace, naturally stirring up excitement.
As Geom Mugeuk swayed his body, Bi Sa-in was the first to shout.
“Don't even dream of it!”
But Geom Mugeuk, like someone just getting started, began to move with more and more energy.
When Geom Mugeuk looked towards Han Seol, Bi Sa-in preemptively struck again.
“The moment you mention dancing, it's war between the Unorthodox and Demonic Factions!”
Geom Mugeuk looked disappointed.
“If Miss Han saw your dancing skills, she would fall for you even more.”
His words were full of disappointment, but his body looked ready to get up and dance at any moment.
And would Geom Mugeuk dance alone? If he said the real dancer was over there, he would surely be dragged out eventually.
Cornered, Bi Sa-in looked at Jin Ha-gun.
He sent a look that said if he didn't stop him, it wouldn't be a war between the Unorthodox and Demonic Factions but a war between the Unorthodox and Righteous Factions, but Jin Ha-gun, his face flushed with drink, said something completely unexpected.
"If you two dance, I'll perform a sword dance."
It was just a comment that while he couldn't just dance, he could at least do a sword dance.
Bi Sa-in looked at Jin Ha-gun with a shocked expression.
Geom Mugeuk's teasing was expected, but Jin Ha-gun offering to do a sword dance?
"Everyone's gone mad! You're all way too drunk!"
With Jin Ha-gun joining in, Geom Mugeuk's swaying movements were given wings.
He would find a way to create a dancing atmosphere.
Bi Sa-in shot up from his seat.
Geom Mugeuk looked at him in surprise and said.
“You're going to dance?”
Of course, that was unlikely.
Bi Sa-in strode over to Han Seol and said.
“Would you like to get some fresh air with me?”
Since running away wouldn't solve the problem, he chose a direct confrontation.
Han Seol was flustered by his words, and Jin Ha-ryeong was even more surprised.
The Young Alliance Leader is asking a woman to go for a walk?
Jin Ha-ryeong looked at Geom Mugeuk and sent a telepathic message.
—What on earth have you done?
—It's not fair! I didn't say anything.
—The Young Alliance Leader has gotten strange because of you.
She should have heard her brother say he would do a sword dance.
Was she being considerate of the watching eyes? Or did she genuinely want to go for a walk?
After quietly gazing at Bi Sa-in, Han Seol calmly replied.
“I was just feeling a bit stuffy from the intoxication.”
Han Seol rose from her seat and left the building with Bi Sa-in.
Of course, Geom Mugeuk's telepathic message reached Bi Sa-in.
—You're a man, a real man!
—Whose fault do you think this is!
A sigh carried his response, and the playfulness was gone from Geom Mugeuk’s next message.
—Even after many years have passed, you'll never forget the thrill of asking someone for a walk.
Bi Sa-in knew.
He knew that Geom Mugeuk was genuinely cheering for him, supporting him, and pushing him forward.
—If a war breaks out, I'm invading the Divine Sect first! To hell with the Northern Sea!
And so, the two of them went outside.
Watching them, Geom Mugeuk raised his cup high.
“Now, let us raise a toast to victory!”
Was it truly a toast to victory? Jin Ha-gun looked at Bi Sa-in with concern.
The only thing they had in common was their clothes; he wondered if Bi Sa-in could even manage a single proper word.
After they had a few more drinks, Jin Ha-gun revealed the thoughts he had been holding in his heart.
“When I return this time, I intend to speak to my grandfather. To ask him to decide on me as his successor.”
Geom Mugeuk silently filled Jin Ha-gun's cup.
His inner thoughts came out comfortably.
“I've been hiding my desires for too long. I thought that was righteousness and the Righteous Path. That if I lived like this, everything would naturally fall into place. But… I started to think that this too might be a form of escapism. An escape I've delayed and delayed to avoid revealing my ambition to become the next Alliance Leader to my grandfather. It was easier to become the Demon Slaying Branch Master and fight than to say those words.”
Listening to him, Geom Mugeuk drank quietly.
Perhaps the Martial Alliance Leader felt the same way.
The burden of making his grandson his successor.
The burden of the Martial Alliance Leader, who had pursued only honor his entire life.
Unable to bear the dishonor of appointing his grandson as successor despite there being more capable individuals, perhaps he too was escaping reality.
Vaguely thinking that if his grandson served as the Demon Slaying Branch Master for a long time, a moment would come when everyone would acknowledge him.
Geom Mugeuk thought Jin Ha-gun's decision was a good one.
The most dangerous relationship is when both sides are not honest about their desires.
When such a relationship goes awry, they grow uncontrollably distant.
“I also think it's time for your lava to erupt.”
Jin Ha-gun gained strength from Geom Mugeuk's encouragement.
“I'm going to risk my life.”
"What! You haven't risked it yet? Even neighborhood ruffians risk their lives to become leaders. This is about becoming the Martial Alliance Leader, you should have risked it long ago! Go to the Alliance Leader and shout! ‘Give me the successor position now!’ If he scolds you, go and flatter him the next day! Just show him your true, honest self!"
Jin Ha-gun laughed.
Yes, talking with Geom Mugeuk always gave him strength like this.
Just then, they saw Bi Sa-in and Han Seol walking together in the distance.
“What do you think they're talking about?”
“A secret pact for the Unorthodox Alliance and the Northern Sea Ice Palace to join hands and strike the Martial Alliance?”
“Didn't you hear me earlier? If anyone's getting struck, it would be you.”
“That's not possible. I'm the one who tied the red thread between those two.”
Jin Ha-gun turned to Geom Mugeuk and said worriedly.
“What if that friend gets his heart broken?”
"Then he gets it broken."
Geom Mugeuk looked at Jin Ha-gun and said calmly.
“When we look back on our lives later, if all we have are memories of fighting our enemies, wouldn't we feel too sorry for the lives we lived?”