Chapter 210: Chapter 210
“Then, please deliver it well to them.”
“Understood. Do not worry.”
At Zhuge Seung-ho’s words, the waiter answered with a tense look full of spirit, then quickly went down the stairs with hurried steps.
Around the time the waiter disappeared.
Trickle…
Along with the sound of tea being poured, a faint tea scent stimulated his nose.
Before he knew it, Danmok Rin, holding a teapot, was pouring tea into Cheon-hwi’s teacup.
“Senior Martial Brother.”
Cheon-hwi lifted the teacup that Danmok Rin held out and sipped the tea.
Being astringent, it was not a very good tea.
However, it was more than enough to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
“Tsk, I drank it for no reason.”
Cheon-hwi felt his hunger grow stronger and placed the teacup down on the table.
‘…How can they be so calm.’
Zhuge Seung-ho, who was looking at the two of them, shook his head and glanced around.
Piercing gazes could be felt.
‘Dizzying, it’s dizzying.’
Zhuge Seung-ho felt his head throbbing.
While coming to this Tai’a Guest House, they had to go through twists and turns.
Countless gazes and whispering were a given, along with sharp reactions and bewilderment.
And a few even leaked killing intent.
It was understandable, for many people from the Flying Heaven Society had currently gathered in Tai’a to attend the sixtieth birthday banquet of the Zhuge Clan Patriarch.
Since Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, appeared in such a place, it was natural for their gazes to focus on them.
The fortunate thing was that because he and his younger brother were accompanying them, they did not show an extreme reaction through their actions.
However, they just did not act on it.
Every time the group passed by, whispering sounds could be heard from all directions.
Just like right now.
“That person is the Second Young Master of the Zhuge Clan, but why is he with Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect…?”
“Did they invite the Mount Hua Sect to the banquet?”
Zhuge Seung-ho held his forehead.
‘Hah, I shouldn’t have suggested coming to the guest house.’
He admitted his mistake.
However, this was a completely unexpected situation, so it could not be helped.
Who would have ever thought that this person in front of them was a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect!
“Haa.”
Around the time Zhuge Seung-ho let out a sigh.
“Elder Brother. What’s wrong?”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon asked as if worried, seeing him with a consistently bad expression.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“Are you alright?”
“Yes?”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon tilted his head.
At the tone and expression that seemed completely unaware of the focused gazes right now, Zhuge Seung-ho pressed his forehead firmly and spoke.
“…It’s nothing.”
‘I knew he was clueless since before, but I didn’t think it would be to this extent.’
A hollow laugh leaked from between his lips. At the same time, he decided to just let his mind go.
‘What’s the point of me suffering emotionally all alone.’
When all three of them did not care about the surrounding reactions at all, what was the use of him being the only one caring.
Following that, he picked up the teapot.
Trickle…
While the four of them lightly sipped their tea, ignoring the piercing gazes of the surroundings.
“Older Brother Peng. Hurry.”
“Understood.”
A man and a woman came up the stairs.
The woman, who let out a lively voice, held firmly onto the arm of the man with a blunt expression and looked around in all directions.
“Where is Young Master Zhuge…”
At their appearance, the gazes of those who were only looking at Cheon-hwi’s group shifted.
“Blade Dragon Peng Cheol-wi…!”
“Th-then that young miss is of the Hwangbo Clan…”
Surprised voices erupted from here and there.
It was because the man with a blunt expression was Blade Dragon Peng Cheol-wi, one of the current Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, and the woman overflowing with liveliness was his lover, Hwangbo So-hyeon.
People knew that they were also here to attend this banquet, but since the two were reclusive, the surroundings became noisy when they revealed themselves at the guest house.
In particular, a few looked on with interest at what would happen when they met with the Zhuge Clan and the Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect.
“Ah!”
Hwangbo So-hyeon, who swept her gaze in all directions while lightly ignoring the reactions shown by others, discovered Zhuge Seung-ho and waved her hand.
“Young Master Zhuge!”
Hwangbo So-hyeon smiled brightly and ran toward the table where Zhuge Seung-ho was, and Peng Cheol-wi followed behind her.
Hwangbo So-hyeon, who arrived at the table first, looked at Zhuge Seung-ho and sparkled her eyes, but then stiffened upon seeing the group sitting on the chairs.
“…Mount Hua Sect?”
When she, having only then confirmed the Taoist robes of Cheon-hwi and Danmok Rin who were together with him, was flustered.
Grab.
Peng Cheol-wi, who followed behind, gently grabbed her stiffened shoulder and shook his head.
And afterwards, he cupped his fists in greeting.
“I greet the Great Hero.”
Cheon-hwi lifted his chin.
“Hmm, you’re not flustered?”
“Why would sect affiliation matter?”
Peng Cheol-wi, who opened his mouth, held a smile.
The large smile that lingered on his blunt mouth made him look soft.
“The important thing is that the Great Hero saved me and my close friends.”
“I’ve thought this since before, but you’re indeed the most clear-headed among the group.”
“Thank you for the compliment. If it’s not an intrusion, may we join you at the table?”
“Isn’t that what you came for?”
“That is true, but…”
Peng Cheol-wi swept his gaze over the others.
“Haha.”
“…”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon laughed awkwardly when he made eye contact with Peng Cheol-wi, and Danmok Rin gave him absolutely no attention.
Cheon-hwi grinned as he looked at him reading the room of the group excluding Zhuge Seung-ho.
“Your useless actions are still the same. Well, sit or don’t sit as you please. That side over there also called you for that purpose anyway.”
Zhuge Seung-ho smiled awkwardly at Cheon-hwi’s gaze looking at him and opened his mouth.
“Young Master Peng, Young Miss Hwangbo. Please sit quickly before the Great Hero’s mind changes.”
“Then I will intrude.”
He, who bowed his head once, whispered towards Hwangbo So-hyeon who was still stiff.
“Young Miss.”
“Ah!”
She, who was startled by Peng Cheol-wi’s voice tickling her ear, slightly blushed at the gazes focused on her.
However, she soon came to her senses and politely cupped her fists.
“I’m sorry my greeting is late. Great Hero.”
“That’s enough, so if you’re going to sit, sit down?”
When Cheon-hwi spoke in an annoyed tone, Hwangbo So-hyeon immediately sat down in a seat.
An awkward atmosphere flowed for a moment.
It was understandable, for Zhuge Seung-ho and Cheon-hwi knew everyone, but the other four were in a state where they still did not know each other well.
To organize this situation, Zhuge Seung-ho opened his mouth.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am called Zhuge Seung-ho of the Zhuge Clan.”
It was an abrupt introduction.
When everyone except Cheon-hwi looked at him strangely, Peng Cheol-wi, who realized Zhuge Seung-ho’s intention, immediately opened his mouth.
“This humble one is called Peng Cheol-wi of the Hebei Peng Clan. It is nice to meet you like this.”
Only after Peng Cheol-wi introduced himself did everyone realize the situation and begin to state their own names.
“I am Hwangbo So-hyeon.”
“I am Rin.”
“Ah! I am Zhuge Seong-hyeon of the Zhuge Clan.”
After they each stated their names, everyone’s gaze focused on Cheon-hwi, who was the last one left.
In particular, the eyes of Peng Cheol-wi and Hwangbo So-hyeon, who did not know Cheon-hwi’s name, were burning like the sun floating in the sky.
“I’m Cheon-hwi.”
The moment Cheon-hwi’s name was revealed, Peng Cheol-wi and Hwangbo So-hyeon widened their eyes.
“If it’s Cheon-hwi, could it be the Plum Blossom Divine Hero…?”
“Was the Great Hero the Plum Blossom Divine Hero?”
The two asked at the same time.
“I don’t know well, but they say they call me that.”
Cheon-hwi answered casually.
However, Peng Cheol-wi and Hwangbo So-hyeon, who heard that, were dazed as if they lost their souls.
Seeing that sight, Zhuge Seung-ho let out a hollow laugh.
‘It is surprising.’
Because he also had the same reaction when he heard Cheon-hwi’s name, no, Taoist title.
‘It’s to the point where I still doubt if it’s real.’
If they had seen his actions while accompanying him, not only them but anyone would have found it hard to think that he was the Plum Blossom Divine Hero, no, a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect.
For he was a person who unhesitatingly ate meat as a matter of course, and unleashed merciless killing moves.
When a bizarre silence was about to descend.
“I’ve brought the food.”
Just in time, the waiter brought the food and refreshed the stiffened atmosphere.
The waiter, who came carrying bowls full in his arms, put them down one by one on the table.
And a moment later, when the waiter left.
“There’s no meat.”
Cheon-hwi spoke while sweeping a look over the table.
On the table, there were no meat dishes, and it was full of vegetable dishes, including dumplings.
“Moreover, there’s no liquor either.”
Cheon-hwi spoke as if dissatisfied.
At that, Zhuge Seung-ho smiled awkwardly while glancing at the Taoist robe Cheon-hwi was wearing.
“Because the Great Hero is wearing a Taoist robe, I intentionally ordered like this, but shall I order again?”
Cheon-hwi clicked his tongue with a ‘tsk’.
“No. Since I’m wearing a Taoist robe, I suppose I must eat like this.”
At those words, Peng Cheol-wi and Hwangbo So-hyeon snapped to their senses and looked at Cheon-hwi as if flabbergasted.
Did Taoist rules change depending on one’s clothing?
However, whether the two looked at him like that or not, Cheon-hwi picked up his chopsticks and grabbed the food from the bowl placed in front of him.
“Mmm, still, it is tasty.”
The vegetables he ate after a long time of only eating meat dishes showed a novel flavor.
Cheon-hwi, who took a large bite, habitually reached out his hand, then furrowed his brows.
“Ah right, there was no liquor.”
Cheon-hwi, who muttered as if it was a shame, poured tea into his teacup and moistened the inside of his mouth.
“Then I will also…”
Danmok Rin, who was watching Cheon-hwi eat, also picked up her chopsticks.
Although she did not say it, it was because she was also hungry from a long period on an empty stomach.
Like that, as Cheon-hwi and Danmok Rin dived into their meal, the remaining personnel, who were not yet hungry, started a conversation.
Hwangbo So-hyeon looked at Zhuge Seong-hyeon.
“Are you really the Third Young Master of the Zhuge Clan?”
“Yes.”
“You are very different from the image Young Master Zhuge described.”
In an instant, Zhuge Seong-hyeon’s eyes shone.
“What did Elder Brother say?”
“He said you were smart and absolutely necessary for the Zhuge Clan. But he said he was worried because your body was weak…”
Her gaze swept over Zhuge Seong-hyeon.
No matter how she looked at it, far from looking frail, he looked to the point of being strong beyond just being healthy.
‘To think his build is larger than Older Brother Peng’s.’
She shrugged her shoulders and spoke.
“You don’t look frail at all.”
At that time, Zhuge Seong-hyeon turned his head.
“Elder Brother! So you evaluated me highly!”
Zhuge Seung-ho, meeting Zhuge Seong-hyeon’s sparkling eyes, hurriedly unfolded his fan to hide the awkward smile held on his mouth.
“Ahem, I merely stated the truth.”
“Are you feeling shy?”
Zhuge Seong-hyeon smiled looking at his elder brother acting like that.
It was because he knew very well that unfolding the fan whenever he felt somewhat awkward or shy was his habit.
Feeling good, he opened his mouth.
“I have also heard many stories about Young Miss Hwangbo and Young Master Peng from Elder Brother.”
Hwangbo So-hyeon and Peng Cheol-wi immediately paid attention with expressions of interest.
“What kind of stories were they?”
“He said Young Miss Hwangbo is a pure person whose inside and outside are the same, so she is trustworthy, and Young Master Peng is reliable, an individual whom he could entrust his back to at any time.”
“Seong-hyeon-ah!”
Zhuge Seung-ho was slightly surprised by the excessively honest story and called him.
“Hmm, did you think of me like that?”
“You gave a good evaluation.”
Hwangbo So-hyeon and Peng Cheol-wi smiled playfully as they looked at the flustered Zhuge Seung-ho.
“I also trust Young Master Zhuge.”
“Haha, I am also ready to step up at any time if it is your word.”
“My goodness.”
Zhuge Seung-ho scratched his head.
After the companionship of that day, he occasionally kept in contact with these two, Murong Sang, and Yang Se-ryeong.
And they deeply built up their friendship.
To the point where even he, who usually treated others while wearing a mask, could comfortably reveal himself when with them.
Perhaps this was what friends were.
As Zhuge Seung-ho, feeling slightly embarrassed, folded his fan, Hwangbo So-hyeon opened her mouth.
“More than that, Young Master Murong didn’t come.”
“He said there was a matter in the Murong Clan.”
“That is worrisome. He was the one who was eagerly looking forward to this event.”
“I did tell him to contact me anytime if he needed help, but I don’t know if he will do so.”
Zhuge Seung-ho smiled bitterly.
Among the group that day, the one who changed the most was none other than Murong Sang.
He, who had strong pride and was selfish, now followed chivalry more than anyone else.
He was someone who drew his heart that much, so hearing that he had matters to attend to, it could not be helped that he was bothered by it.
At that time, Peng Cheol-wi’s expression stiffened and he carefully opened his mouth.
“More than that, have you been in contact with the Divine Spear Yang Clan?”
Zhuge Seung-ho nodded his head.
“We exchanged letters not long ago. Along with an apology for not being able to attend this time, he said they were recently forming an agreement with the Sun Moon Sect, so not to worry.”
“Haa. That is a relief.”
Hwangbo So-hyeon swept her chest.
Peng Cheol-wi unknowingly held a smile while watching her actions.
And Zhuge Seung-ho did not miss that moment.
“Hmm, your relationship has gotten much better.”
When the two were feeling shy.
“You look like you’re having fun.”
A cold voice was heard.
Looking toward the direction where the voice came from, Tang Jeok was walking over with a smile while accompanied by four escort warriors.
“If it is not an intrusion, may I join you at the table?”
The conversation, which was at its peak, was abruptly cut off.
Everyone except Cheon-hwi was flustered, but they did not show such signs at all.
On behalf of the group, Zhuge Seung-ho spoke softly.
“I am sorry, Young Master Tang. This meal was an already arranged matter…”
Tang Jeok’s eyebrows twitched.
“Are you saying that you will choose the Mount Hua Sect over the fellow Eight Great Clans?”
Zhuge Seung-ho’s expression stiffened coldly.
“You are speaking excessively right now.”
“Is it not the truth?”
When Tang Jeok spoke coldly, twisting the corners of his mouth.
“Young Master Tang. Do not act rudely.”
Peng Cheol-wi glared at him and spoke emphatically.
“Is it not you guys who are rude? How could the children of the Eight Great Clans be sharing a table with Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect.”
It was then.
“You really have a knack for ruining the appetite.”
Cheon-hwi spoke as he put down his chopsticks.
“I believe I said there wouldn’t be a second time?”
Tang Jeok’s eyes were dyed with anger.
“You’re revealing your true colors.”
“True colors my ass. It’s just because you’re throwing a fit that I’m dealing with you.”
“I’ll break your limbs!”
At the somewhat intense words, as Tang Jeok immediately raised his internal energy.
“What do you think you’re doing!”
“Conceal your internal energy!”
“You shouldn’t do that!”
Zhuge Seung-ho, Peng Cheol-wi, and Hwangbo So-hyeon were startled and stopped Tang Jeok.
At that, Tang Jeok’s anger flared up even more.
Even without this, he was angry because his neck that was grabbed by that guy throbbed from time to time, but now the ones who were from the same Eight Great Clans were protecting a guy from the Mount Hua Sect rather than him.
“Are you protecting a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect?”
Tang Jeok lashed out towards them.
The group felt frustrated at Tang Jeok’s hostile attitude.
Right now, the one they were worrying about was not Cheon-hwi but Tang Jeok, yet he was getting angry like that without knowing it.
“Step aside. This matter is a personal matter between that person and me.”
“Oh, a personal matter?”
Cheon-hwi emitted a cold gleam in his eyes.
“Then it means the Tang Clan has nothing to do with it.”
“Hmph, do you think I’d drag the main clan into such a trivial matter?”
Tang Jeok held a sneer.
“I alone am enough for you.”
“Is that so? That sounds interesting.”
At that moment, the group in the surroundings covered their faces with their hands and let out sighs of lament.
‘…He was giving him a chance to go back peacefully.’
At that time, Zhuge Seung-ho spoke urgently.
“G-Great Hero! You must not kill him. This place is Tai’an, and the opponent is the Sichuan Tang Clan. Please show mercy in your blows!”
It was an earnest request.
At that, Cheon-hwi glanced at Zhuge Seung-ho and answered with a dumbfounded expression.
“No matter how much I do as I please, would I openly kill a child of the Tang Clan in a place like this? I’m just thinking of teaching him an appropriate lesson. Appropriately.”
Just as Zhuge Seung-ho was about to let out a sigh of relief at Cheon-hwi’s answer that he acted while grasping the situation, words that made him inhale sharply again immediately followed.
“Just to the extent that words wanting to die will come directly out of that trap.”
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