Chapter 186: How Strong Was It (1)
Chapter 185 – How Strong Was It (1)
“Wahaha! Great!”
“How long has it been since we had such a feast?”
A banquet was held at the Wuzhou Merchant Association after a long time.
Chae Seon-il provided plenty of food and drinks for the members of the Jangheung Escort Agency and Biyue Sect, who had traveled a long way.
Perhaps feeling sorry for harboring useless suspicion after falling for Do Ji-baek’s tricks, he even called musicians to ensure they enjoyed a luxurious feast.
Feast tables were set up all over the inner courtyard, and everyone who had participated in the escort mission, down to the last porter, could sit and enjoy the food and wine.
From porters tearing at chicken legs with oil dripping from one hand, to escort leaders drinking straight from their wine bottles. Of course, the cadets and the members of the Biyue Sect also fully enjoyed the boisterous festive atmosphere.
As the drinking session continued in full swing, one side began to whisper and grow quiet.
Where everyone’s gaze turned, Chae Seon-il was entering the inner courtyard.
Moving to the center of the banquet, he cleared his throat a couple of times and spoke.
“Many things happened today. There were also things I felt somewhat sorry to all of you about.”
At those words, some of the escort group chuckled softly. Chae Seon-il also smiled as if embarrassed and continued.
“However, the result of all those events is none other than your victory. The victory of the Jangheung Escort Agency! And the victory of the Biyue Sect! Our association watched your victory clearly with our own two eyes!”
When Chae Seon-il spoke with emphasis, those who had participated in the escort mission raised their cups in unison and shouted.
Watching that sight with satisfaction, Chae Seon-il continued.
“Not only that, but you also achieved the great feat of subjugating the Black Mountain Stronghold. It would be no exaggeration to say that this is a happy occasion not just for Guilin and Wuzhou, but for the entirety of Guangxi Province!”
Once again, shouts of joy erupted. Could there be anything better than this? Indeed, it felt like a decayed tooth that had been aching for years was finally pulled out.
After pausing for a moment, Chae Seon-il continued in a rather calm voice.
“What you have achieved does not end there. You also accomplished the feat of tearing down the Three Peaks Sect, which claimed to be righteous while holding hands with wicked groups behind the scenes. I believe that among all injustices, the worst kind of injustice is the one hidden within justice. Yet you caught it!”
Scanning the cheering crowd with a gratified expression, Chae Seon-il fixed his gaze on one person.
“And there was someone who stood at the forefront and resolved all of this more than anyone else. It is none other than Young Hero Namgung Cheon, the Divine Dragon of the Jianghu!”
“Waaaaah!”
The cheers grew louder than ever before. Applause burst forth as well. Yeon Chu-ryang and Yi Sa-heum also nodded deeply, unable to hide their smiles.
Even the cadets who came along were in an accepting mood, applauding this time.
Chae Seon-il looked at Namgung Cheon with a benevolent expression and spoke.
“Young Hero Namgung.”
“Yes?”
“Would you like to say a few words?”
When Chae Seon-il gestured to invite him, Namgung Cheon walked out while scratching the back of his head.
“It is not that I have anything in particular to say…”
“Still, everyone knows that your help was immense in this matter. Please say a word.”
Namgung Cheon had no choice but to step forward and stand beside Chae Seon-il.
The people filling the estate fell silent in unison and stared intently at Namgung Cheon.
Namgung Cheon smiled bitterly inside.
He had thought he was somewhat adapted to receiving people’s attention after going through the Joint Conference. As expected, being the center of so many eyes was still unfamiliar.
Had his life not always been one of avoiding people’s gazes? It would take some time to adapt.
Looking around at the people, Namgung Cheon slowly opened his mouth.
“I agree with your words that the worst kind of injustice is the one hidden within justice. Therefore, we must have the wisdom to see what real injustice is. Because there are people who talk about all kinds of justice on the surface, but inwardly treat those who are fooled by it like dogs and pigs. In doing so, innocent people are sometimes defined as evil and driven into a corner. Ah, of course, I am not saying this to you, Leader.”
At Namgung Cheon’s words, some people burst into laughter.
Chae Seon-il also felt a prick of conscience and could not erase his bitter smile. Just a few double-hours ago, had he not treated the innocent Jangheung Escort Agency like shameless swindlers?
Of course, Namgung Cheon was not actually saying this with Chae Seon-il in mind. He was talking about his own lifetime.
His past life, where he had become the Martial Alliance’s target and was driven out as a public enemy without having done anything wrong.
Namgung Cheon had to become the symbol of injustice simply because he was targeted by the person holding the strongest sword hilt in the Martial World.
Namgung Cheon’s eyes shone more brightly than ever before.
“The greatest injustice is the injustice of failing to recognize real injustice. I hope you do not make such a mistake.”
Namgung Cheon concluded calmly.
Silence lingered in the venue for a while.
What should he say?
There was a strange resonance in every single word Namgung Cheon spoke.
The injustice of failing to recognize injustice.
Each of the martial artists fell into thought, chewing over the meaning.
The weight was too significant to disregard as the words of a mere cadet.
Just then, Yeon Chu-ryang raised his cup and spoke.
“Those were good words, Young Hero Namgung!”
“Hoping that we can all see the hidden injustice just as Young Hero Namgung said. Let us toast to the protagonist of today, the Divine Dragon of the Jianghu.”
“Good!”
Everyone raised their filled cups high.
“Divine Dragon of the Jianghu!”
People clinked their cups while shouting Namgung Cheon’s moniker, then gulped down their drinks.
Divine Dragon of the Jianghu.
It was the moment that moniker rose high.
Chae Seon-il approached Namgung Cheon with a gratified expression.
“Thank you. It feels as if you awakened all of us.”
“It is nothing.”
“By the way… did you really not care if I died?”
He was referring to the time he was taken hostage by Do Ji-baek. Of course, it was half-joking and half-serious.
He had lightly thrown the words out to tease Namgung Cheon, expecting him to be flustered, but instead he shrugged and replied calmly.
“Who knows. But one thing is certain. I was going to seek revenge if you died, Leader.”
“Sigh.”
He should not have asked. As expected, this guy…
‘Perhaps he really did not care whether I lived or died.’
Namgung Cheon spoke with a grin.
“Because we have to ensure your death is not in vain, Leader.”
‘Ah, those words surely were not meant to sound pleasant, right?’
Feeling needlessly disappointed, he burst into a chuckle.
Indeed. Thinking about it, is this not also fine?
Having a person who would definitely avenge him when he died.
At least, he somehow believed those words.
How many people made all kinds of promises when one was alive, only to turn their backs when that person was gone?
It was a world where a person who spoke their true mind was rarer than someone who paid lip service.
In such a world, Namgung Cheon might still be a trustworthy person.
Just then, Yeon Chu-ryang and Yi Sa-heum approached.
“Young Hero Namgung, drink and enjoy to your heart’s content today.”
“I was planning to do just that anyway.”
“Thanks to you, this escort mission was successful in many ways.”
“Hehe. What did I tell you? I said it was a path where wealth could be seen.”
“Indeed. If we hand Gang Sang-do over to the Martial Alliance’s Wuzhou Branch, the bounty will probably be substantial.”
“Oh, really? I did not know that!”
As Namgung Cheon’s eyes sparkled, Yeon Chu-ryang and Yi Sa-heum looked at each other and smiled gently.
Yeon Chu-ryang nodded and spoke.
“Was capturing Sect Leader Do Ji-baek and Stronghold Leader Gang Sang-do not all thanks to your scheme? So, you should take all the bounty. We have already discussed it.”
“Ah, of course, that is only natural.”
“Huh? Is, is that so? I suppose.”
Yeon Chu-ryang, momentarily flustered, chuckled.
Yes, this was Namgung Cheon.
Namgung Cheon was this kind of person.
A person who did not beat around the bush with his thoughts.
Although he was sometimes misunderstood because of that, at least he was a genuine person who did not hide injustice inside justice.
Yeon Chu-ryang raised his cup.
“Come, let us drink! Tonight is a pleasant night!”
“Cheers!”
* * *
Around the time the drinking session was in full swing, someone quietly slipped out into the backyard of the Guest Hall.
It was none other than Paeng Su-hyeok.
Paeng Su-hyeok, who kept looking around, took a small wooden box out from his bosom.
‘Oh, my cute little baby.’
Wearing a pleased smile, Paeng Su-hyeok opened the lid of the wooden box and took a sniff of the scent. The pure fragrance, which cleared one’s head just by smelling it, seemed to permeate his mind.
“Ah. Nice.”
The Lesser Returning Pill Namgung Cheon had handed him.
Although it was frustrating that he had barely retrieved a single Lesser Returning Pill after going all the way to the Demonic Pill Valley, just as Namgung Cheon said, he was an interloper.
He did not know how on earth Namgung Cheon found out about the Demonic Pill Valley, but in any case, since he managed to get a Lesser Returning Pill thanks to him…
“Ehehehe. I finally get to eat this.”
While on the escort mission, he checked his bosom several times a day.
Although he wanted to consume it right then and there, was an elixir something that could be slurped down like noodles?
Once consumed, one had to focus solely on circulating qi to fully absorb the elixir’s efficacy.
To do that, a space where he would not be disturbed by anyone was necessary.
And now that they had arrived at the Wuzhou Merchant Association, it would be difficult to have time alone for a while unless it was when everyone was drunk and excited.
‘Ah, how long has it been since I last consumed an elixir?’
Although it would be better to consume it in a safer place if possible, he had already endured enough.
‘Now, now, there is no one around, right?’
No presence was felt even as he looked around. By now, everyone would be dead drunk, fully soaked in the banquet’s atmosphere.
Paeng Su-hyeok walked to the pond behind the pavilion.
‘Mmm. This spot should be fine.’
Behind the pavilion, thick bushes grew, and a small artificial pond was decorated right next to them.
“Okay, shall I try consuming it here?”
Having made up his mind, Paeng Su-hyeok sat cross-legged among the bushes.
“Fuuuu.”
Taking a deep breath, Paeng Su-hyeok took the Lesser Returning Pill out of the wooden box and smiled pleasedly.
If he digested it well, he would absorb internal energy that would otherwise require at least twenty years of facing-the-wall meditation to obtain.
Paeng Su-hyeok was about to pop the Lesser Returning Pill into his mouth.
‘A presence…!’
Paeng Su-hyeok froze and paid attention.
Of course, even if someone entered the backyard, they would have no reason to come beyond the pond.
However, he preferred to consume it in an environment where he could quietly concentrate.
‘Tsk, an intruder… Who is it?’
While he was paying attention, two people rounded the corner of the pavilion and walked in with long strides.
‘Namgung Cheon…?’
The first to enter was Namgung Cheon. And the one closely following him was, unexpectedly, Baek Mu-geuk.
Namgung Cheon spun around and threw an irritated remark at Baek Mu-geuk.
“Why on earth are you doing this?”
“Please, I beg you. I wish you would understand my heart.”
“I believe I said no.”
“It has to be you.”
Baek Mu-geuk’s expression and tone were quite earnest.
What is with them…? Why are they having such a cringy conversation…?
Namgung Cheon shook his head firmly.
“No thanks. Go.”
“Please. Do not turn away from me.”
Thud!
In that instant, did Baek Mu-geuk not drop to his knees?
Paeng Su-hyeok, who was watching, almost screamed.
‘No, that Baek Mu-geuk is kneeling? Did he really confess? What?’
However, the more he listened, the stranger the conversation sounded.
Baek Mu-geuk continued in an earnest tone.
“Please. Let us fight just one more time! The only opponent I want is you.”
“I told you to get lost.”
“No. I will spar with you.”
“Ah, seriously! Are you going to keep clinging to me?”
“I said let us have a satisfying fight!”
Huh! If those bastards wanted to drink, they should do it quietly. How old are they to be drinking and trying to fight now?
Paeng Su-hyeok, unable to watch any longer, was about to jump up, when Namgung Cheon’s fist slammed into Baek Mu-geuk’s face.
Boom!
Baek Mu-geuk, who was blown back, collapsed over there.
Namgung Cheon rolled up his sleeves and strode over.
“Ugh, damn it! Fine, I will kill you! You bastard, get over here! You tedious bastard!”
Paeng Su-hyeok’s mouth fell wide open.
Oh my, what on earth is happening?