Everyone gathered around the tables on the second floor.
First, the Dan Sisters introduced themselves.
Unlike her two calm older sisters, the youngest, Dan-yeon, boldly boasted about her new organization.
“I may be a wanderer until today, but starting tomorrow, I will be Dan-yeon of the Ghost Shadow Branch!”
Han Seol smiled faintly.
As soon as he arrived, he had introduced her to the tavern owner, and now he was introducing these wanderer sisters as his friends.
From the successors of the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance to a tavern owner and wanderers, the man who had them all as friends was none other than Geom Mugeuk.
Jang Ho looked at Geom Mugeuk, his eyes asking what was going on.
He had met the Dan Sisters before during the fight at the Jeong-an Branch, but he never expected to see them here at the main sect.
Geom Mugeuk looked at Dan-ah and spoke.
“My right-hand man has finally found his other wing.”
That explanation was enough.
Instead of congratulating Seo Daeryong, Jang Ho spoke politely to Dan-ah.
“May I offer you a glass of wine?”
“Ah, yes.”
Jang Ho respectfully poured a drink for the flustered Dan-ah.
It was a moment where she, who had lived as a wanderer, received a drink from the Demon Army Lord.
“Welcome, sister-in-law.”
Dan-ah was surprised to be called sister-in-law, and Seo Daeryong was even more so.
It meant that Jang Ho considered him a friend, a brother.
Only after that did Jang Ho politely greet everyone else.
By taking care of Dan-ah separately, he had shown his respect for Seo Daeryong.
How could Seo Daeryong not understand his heart? Seo Daeryong bowed his head to Jang Ho.
Thank you, Lord.
Next, Kang Dal introduced himself.
He still felt awkward in this setting.
Geom Mugeuk stepped forward to formally introduce him.
“Branch Leader Kang saved the three young ladies here. Thanks to him, countless lives were saved.”
Kang Dal was grateful to Geom Mugeuk.
In truth, that choice had ultimately been for his own sake.
It hadn't been for some grand cause or spirit of sacrifice.
But Geom Mugeuk didn't belittle his choice as mere luck; he valued it more than it was worth.
In a world where everyone was busy tearing each other down.
Geom Mugeuk offered Kang Dal a drink.
“Accept a drink from me.”
“Yes, Young Cult Master.”
“The responsibility you now hold is very grave. Please uphold the laws and regulations of our sect well in the future.”
“I will protect them with all my loyalty.”
As the wine poured by the Young Cult Master went down his throat, Kang Dal finally realized that he was living a new life.
After Kang Dal’s introduction, Cheon So-hee greeted everyone.
Cheon So-hee, of all people, had rushed over immediately upon Geom Mugeuk’s sudden call.
She was someone who would run anywhere if Geom Mugeuk called, even if others didn’t.
It wasn't just because she had become a successor thanks to Geom Mugeuk.
It was because when she became the Fist Demon, he would be the future Cult Master she would serve.
“She is the top disciple of the Fist Demon Sovereign and the next Fist Demon.”
Those who didn't know her were all startled.
Who would have thought that the next Fist Demon would attend this gathering?
And a woman as the next Fist Demon?
The Dan Sisters looked at each other, exchanging surprised glances.
The Demon Army Lord, and now the next Fist Demon.
Is it okay for us to be here? It had truly been a series of surprises from the moment they arrived at the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
“And she is also my only junior martial sister.”
Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly as he looked at Cheon So-hee.
“Have you been well?”
“Yes, senior brother.”
Normally, in the presence of others, she should have called him Young Cult Master, but because he had introduced her as his junior martial sister at the end, she called him senior brother.
She couldn't express how much she wanted to boast about being the Young Cult Master’s junior martial sister.
Today, Geom Mugeuk had set the stage for her to reveal the pride she had been holding back.
“Is Master doing well? I’m holding a wine party without even greeting him.”
And it wasn't just the Fist Demon.
Except for the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Plum Blossom Sword Sovereign, he had yet to meet the other Demon Sovereigns.
“Now, then, I will introduce today’s guest of honor.”
Geom Mugeuk finally introduced Han Seol.
“She is the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Those who didn't know her were once again startled.
It was one thing to meet the next Fist Demon in front of the Demon Sect’s main division, but the next Ice Palace Master?
“This gathering today is for the purpose of introducing my friends in the Central Plains to the Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace.”
At the expression ‘my friends,’ Kang Dal and the Dan Sisters grew inwardly tense.
Friends with the Young Cult Master? It was unbelievable.
“In addition, it is also a place to celebrate Branch Leader Kang’s arrival at the main sect.”
Geom Mugeuk’s gaze shifted from Kang Dal to the Dan Sisters.
“And a place to celebrate the new lives of you three.”
Next, he looked at Cheon So-hee.
“And a place for me to have some long-awaited fun with my junior martial sister.”
Finally, he looked at Jang Ho and Seo Daeryong.
“And a place to reattach my right and left arms to this body that has returned safely alive.”
Geom Mugeuk raised his glass.
“Come, for today, let’s put everything down and have fun!”
After a vigorous toast, everyone emptied their glasses.
As Geom Mugeuk led the mood, the gathering quickly livened up.
Geom Mugeuk filled Han Seol’s glass and asked.
“What did you talk about with the Drunken Demon Sovereign?”
Han Seol gave a cryptic smile.
Who else would we talk about but you?
“We talked about wine, about the beautiful lake, and about a madman.”
“A madman? Who do you mean?”
“There’s someone like that. Someone who makes me angry every time I see him.”
As Han Seol stared at him, Geom Mugeuk knew that person was him.
“Don’t believe a drunkard’s words!”
Han Seol laughed at that.
“You’re right. There’s probably no madman as diligent as you.”
Geom Mugeuk shook his head as if he wouldn't admit it.
“Do you know what I felt on this trip outside the sect? That I need to be more diligent. I thought I was being really diligent, but I almost died this time. I had forgotten for a moment.”
Geom Mugeuk said as he emptied his glass.
“That the enemy is always more diligent than I am.”
Hearing that Geom Mugeuk had almost lost his life, Jang Ho drank alone.
He was upset.
It was a good thing he returned alive like this, but what if something had happened?
If he could, he wanted to lead the Demon Army and assist Geom Mugeuk.
It was just a shame that he couldn't do so in reality.
Seo Daeryong silently held out his glass, and Jang Ho toasted with him.
The frustration in Seo Daeryong’s glass was similar to Jang Ho’s regret.
Just as the atmosphere was starting to settle, Jo Chun-bae came up with his hands full of dishes.
“You’ve waited a long time.”
“Oh, I was dying to eat the food our owner makes.”
“I made it with specially prepared fine ingredients, so please enjoy.”
Geom Mugeuk stopped him as he was about to just set down the food and leave.
“Where are you going? It’s been a while, you should have a drink before you go.”
“Oh my, no. How could I possibly join a table with such esteemed people?”
He tried to back away, waving his hands, but Geom Mugeuk forced him to sit.
“There’s no one more esteemed here than the owner. Come, sit and have a drink.”
“I should pour for you first.”
“Just accept it.”
Jo Chun-bae accepted and drank the wine with a grateful expression.
It was the same Geom Mugeuk who treated him unchangingly, whether he was in a good mood or bad.
Jo Chun-bae had been through all sorts of things while running a tavern his whole life.
He knew well how difficult it was to treat someone so consistently.
Especially despite the incomparable difference in their status.
“The wine tastes wonderful.”
Jo Chun-bae respectfully poured a drink for Geom Mugeuk.
“As expected, the wine our owner pours is the most delicious.”
“It’s truly a relief that you’ve returned safely.”
“Oh, and please set aside one bottle of wine and drink it when you feel like having the owner’s wine.”
“Oh my, it’s alright.”
“This is your chance to drink the wine gifted by the Drunken Demon Sovereign. Don’t refuse.”
“Thank you.”
Han Seol was watching Geom Mugeuk as if observing him.
Is there really no pretense in any of his actions? Is he just acting to show me?
To show that he is a person of such broad tolerance.
Is he trying to deceive me?
Even though she knew it wasn't true, she couldn't help but be suspicious.
How can he be like that?
Suddenly, she remembered the Drunken Demon’s words.
‘Because I’ve had that thought dozens of times myself.’
Those dozens of times couldn't have just been 'I want to live like him.' It must have meant that he had suspected and suspected again that it might be a facade.
Watching Geom Mugeuk, who was leaning on the railing and talking with Jo Chun-bae on his way down to the first floor, she came to a conclusion.
Yes, it could be a facade.
But that facade is more powerful than sincerity.
No one's sincerity could ever match that facade.
Han Seol drank another glass of wine.
Just then, her eyes met with Dan-ah, who was looking at her from the side.
Dan-ah smiled and bowed her head slightly.
It was an expression of how she wouldn't dare meet the eyes of the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
“Please accept a drink from me.”
Han Seol poured a drink for Dan-ah.
“You’re my first ever wanderer friend.”
Dan-ah was startled by her words.
“A friend? That’s an unworthy thing to say.”
Han Seol knew that wasn't true.
Just looking at this table, Seo Daeryong genuinely liked this woman, and Jang Ho was treating her with utmost respect.
And was Geom Mugeuk the type to look down on someone for being a wanderer and praise another for being a Young Palace Master?
This was a place where it wasn't about what your status was, but what kind of person you were.
She looked at Geom Mugeuk.
He had introduced her as the guest of honor, but the master of this gathering was Geom Mugeuk.
That master was now talking with Cheon So-hee.
“Is it tough?”
The burst of laughter that erupted at his question revealed just how hard it was for her.
She was truly working herself to death.
The idea of people saying she was the wrong choice for a successor was something she would rather die than face.
Because that would also bring shame upon her master and Geom Mugeuk.
“Sometimes I miss the Late Night Training Sessions.”
“Me too.”
Come to think of it, those late-night sessions were what had allowed him to get close to the Fist Demon.
“There will be a day when we can gather again.”
“Will such a day come?”
“It definitely will.”
For that day, to gather like this and laugh and chat.
That was the reason Geom Mugeuk worked so hard.
And so, the drinking party gradually warmed up.
Everyone let their guard down and drank.
Normally, this would be impossible, but this gathering felt like it had some kind of guarantor.
If it was someone Geom Mugeuk invited?
There was a belief that they were people you could let your guard down and treat with an open heart.
Then, Han Seol and Jang Ho’s eyes met.
When they first greeted, he had given a drink to Dan-ah, but he hadn't yet given one to her.
In the past, she would have felt slighted by this trivial thing.
“Please accept a drink from me.”
Now, she offered him a drink first.
“Thank you.”
Jang Ho politely accepted the drink and drank it.
“May I offer you a drink as well?”
“Of course.”
Jang Ho respectfully poured her a drink.
She could tell from his expression that he held no personal feelings against her.
He was someone who didn't try to curry favor with anyone, just a person who quietly held his ground.
He had only shown courtesy for Seo Daeryong's sake.
If she hadn't offered him a drink, a lingering unease might have remained, but just by offering a drink, her impression of him changed.
Piling up these small things is what makes Geom Mugeuk who he is.
When she looked for Geom Mugeuk, he was gone from his seat.
He was in an unexpected place.
He had gone down sometime and was drinking with the Ice Cold Twin Blades.
Sa Han and So Bing, who had told her never to trust the Young Cult Master, were laughing heartily at something he had said.
Yes, the Drunken Demon was right.
‘I can’t live like you.’
She admitted it.
No matter how much she tried, she could never become like that.
Taking care of all these people, and also the Ice Cold Twin Blades on the first floor?
Though she couldn't live like Geom Mugeuk, she had felt and learned a great deal.
She was a child when she left the Northern Sea, but now she felt she might return as an adult.
When Geom Mugeuk returned to his seat, this time Dan-yeon came to his side, her face flushed with drink, and asked.
“You said it before, didn’t you? That the Ghost Shadow Branch is where the Young Cult Master’s heart resides as its Branch Master.”
“I did.”
“What kind of person is the Branch Master? I’m so curious.”
She had gathered her courage with the help of alcohol.
At that, Seo Daeryong answered instead.
“Beautiful.”
He had jumped in, happy to hear Lee Ahn being mentioned.
Dan-yeon narrowed her eyes and asked.
I asked what kind of person she is, and you say beautiful?
“How beautiful?”
Seo Daeryong was excitedly about to say that she could be called the most beautiful under heaven, but at that moment.
Geom Mugeuk’s urgent telepathic message flew to him.
‘Get a grip!’
In that instant, the alcohol’s effect on Seo Daeryong vanished.
Seo Daeryong looked at Dan-ah beside him and said.
“Not as much as Miss Dan, but she’s on the pretty side.”
Dan-ah blushed slightly and said.
“Please don’t say such things.”
Seeing her expression, which wasn't displeased despite her words, Seo Daeryong sent a telepathic message to Geom Mugeuk.
‘I’m saved! Thank you!’
‘Let your guard down and you die!’
Dan-yeon asked again.
“Then where is the Branch Master now?”
Just as Han Seol, who was listening from the side, was beginning to miss her sister.
Creeak.
The tavern door opened and a person entered.
Everyone’s gaze turned that way.
Jo Chun-bae, seeing the person who entered, smiled warmly.
The Ice Cold Twin Blades stared in surprise.
The person who entered was a woman, and as she stepped inside, it felt as if the surroundings brightened.
Not only the three Dan Sisters but also Kang Dal’s eyes widened.
He had never seen such a beautiful woman in his life.
Jang Ho and Seo Daeryong smiled brightly with expressions that said, ‘She’s finally here!’
She was none other than Lee Ahn.
Her eyes had become clearer and deeper, and her aura also gave off a different feeling than before.
Geom Mugeuk could tell.
‘She has finally achieved Great Mastery in the Flying Heaven Sword Technique!’
The achievement of Great Mastery had bestowed upon her yet another new kind of beauty.
Now, it wasn't just beauty; a strong beauty could be felt from her.
Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Mugeuk and said calmly.
“Ghost Shadow Branch Master Lee Ahn, I have returned after completing my mission.”
Her gaze swept over Geom Mugeuk, Seo Daeryong, Jang Ho, and then Han Seol.
A welcoming feeling blossomed across her face.
Lee Ahn smiled brightly and said.
“Hey, are you all really having fun like this without me?”