Chapter 55: Chapter 55
“So you are saying that the Murim Alliance invited me and Cheon-hwi to confirm the authenticity of the rumor?”
Hyeon-do’s brow fiercely crumpled.
He had come running to the Purple Cloud Pavilion at once upon the Sect Leader’s call, but what was this saying?
An invitation from the Murim Alliance?
Annoyance naturally surged.
“Are you saying they are inviting us only now?”
He revealed his displeased emotions while speaking.
What kind of existence was the present Murim Alliance to him?
It was an object of deep hatred that had ignored the revenge for his youngest Junior Brother and disciples.
“They kept ignoring us when our mountain requested help.”
Frowning his fierce impression even more, Hyeon-do’s words were not pleasant at all.
To think they had never visited recently, but came rushing over the moment the rumor spread that we had destroyed the White Ghost Castle.
He felt disgusted.
“So did you accept it?”
“I called you to hear your opinion.”
“My opinion?”
Hyeon-do was flustered.
He showed his dislike, but he thought the Sect Leader would tell him to go to the Murim Alliance.
No matter what anyone said, it was the Murim Alliance, was it not?
“But would it still be okay? It is under the condition that the Alliance will also move if the Four Black Alliances reveals its fangs this time…”
The Murim Alliance’s proposal was unprecedented.
The Alliance even sent an edict stating that they would not sit idle and would help if the Four Black Alliances found fault regarding the extermination of the White Ghost Castle this time.
It was exactly the proposal they needed just as they were worrying about the Four Black Alliances’s retaliation.
However.
“It is fine. It is quite a tempting proposal, but you do not need to go if you do not want to.”
The Sect Leader respected Hyeon-do’s opinion.
“So do as you please.”
“But in order to receive the Alliance’s help…”
“Have we ever received the Alliance’s help recently?”
Hyeon-do was left speechless.
The Sect Leader’s eyes became warm.
“So there is no need to worry. Furthermore, now that they have confirmed we exterminated the White Ghost Castle, the Murim Alliance will not be able to interrogate us further even if we refuse. Rather, they will be anxious that we might leave the Alliance.”
“…Haa.”
Letting out a deep sigh, Hyeon-do grabbed his forehead as if his head ached.
It was good that his Sect Leader Senior Brother believed in him.
But it also became a burden because of that.
“Still, is it not too big of a proposal to refuse?”
His instinct was telling him to refuse, but his reason shouted that he could not do so.
They had now finished their preparations to soar.
However, the existence of the Four Black Alliances caught on his mind.
‘If it is the Murim Alliance’s support…’
His stomach churned.
The Murim Alliance’s proposal was far too attractive for the future of the Mount Hua Sect.
Hyeon-do, who had been deep in thought, shook his head and parted his lips with difficulty.
“…I will accept the invitation.”
“Will you really be okay with it?”
“The past is the past, and it is now time to think about the future.”
“I am sorry.”
The Sect Leader gently closed his eyes.
He had given an option, but he knew what choice Hyeon-do would make.
“It is fine. By the way, about Cheon-hwi…”
“Why did you call?”
Did they say speak of the tiger and it will appear?
Their heads turned at Cheon-hwi’s voice that was heard in that moment.
Cheon-hwi was sitting on a chair that had been empty just a moment ago.
“You came?”
“You are here.”
The Sect Leader and Hyeon-do were not surprised or startled even after seeing Cheon-hwi appear in an instant without a trace.
It was because they had already experienced it several times and grown used to it.
“I have something to tell you.”
Meeting Cheon-hwi’s eyes, the Sect Leader explained the deal he had shared with the Snow Sword.
“Hmm, so you are saying the Murim Alliance is inviting me and Martial Uncle.”
“To put it briefly, yes.”
Cheon-hwi stroked his chin.
‘The Murim Alliance…’
The complexly entangled conditions written on the letter did not enter his eyes.
Just one phrase: Murim Alliance.
That phrase stimulated his interest.
‘Shall I take a look around for once?’
Thus, he made a decision right away and answered.
“Alright. I will also go to the Murim Alliance.”
“Will you be okay with it?”
“It worked out perfectly. I wanted to take a look around the Murim Alliance too.”
“Thank you.”
Ten days after the conversation ended.
Two Daoists quietly descended the mountain from the Mount Hua Sect without anyone noticing.
* * *
Swish…
The beaded curtain hung on the inn’s door was lifted, letting out a clear sound.
The small beads shook wildly, but they failed to attract the attention of the interior that was bustling with people.
It was because the place was incredibly noisy due to the customers’ conversations, the clinking of tableware, and the sound of music drifting in through the open window gaps.
“There are a lot of people.”
“I do not know if there are any empty seats.”
The moment Cheon-hwi and Hyeon-do, who had entered the chaotic inn, looked around, a bright voice was heard.
“Welcome!”
The waiter, who had rushed over as if he came running from dealing with customers, opened his eyes wide upon seeing Cheon-hwi and Hyeon-do’s attire.
“Ah! You are Daoists of the Mount Hua Sect!”
The previously boisterous inn quieted down in an instant.
“Mount Hua Sect…?”
“Did he say Mount Hua Sect?”
As if he was used to the people’s reactions, Hyeon-do parted his lips calmly.
“Are there any remaining seats?”
The waiter, who had been flustered by the sudden silence, hurriedly regained his senses and spoke.
“Ye-yes!”
“Then I will ask you to guide us.”
“Please follow me.”
Following the skillfully guiding waiter, Cheon-hwi and Hyeon-do sat at an empty table.
“What can I get for you?”
“I would like plain noodles, please.”
“I will have the five-spice braised…”
Cheon-hwi swallowed his words midway.
Glare!
It was because Hyeon-do was giving him a signal with a fierce gaze right in front of him.
“Just give me plain noodles.”
“Please wait a moment.”
Hyeon-do, who had been watching the departing waiter after taking the order, spoke to Cheon-hwi.
“Well done. Just endure it during the journey.”
“Yes, yes.”
Cheon-hwi spoke bluntly.
His mouth was itching because he wanted to grab the waiter passing by right then and order a different food.
But he had to endure it.
Had Hyeon-do not earnestly begged him so many times a day that scabs would form on his ears?
He said it was fine to eat secretly, just do not get caught.
“I brought the tea.”
Before they knew it, another waiter appeared and placed down a teapot and teacups in front of them.
Trickle…
Having poured the tea, Cheon-hwi turned his head and looked around the inn.
The inn had become clamorous again in no time, but there was a change.
‘Is it because we entered? Most of them are talking about the Mount Hua Sect.’
To Cheon-hwi’s sensitive ears, the whispering conversations around him were heard vividly.
“…To think that the Mount Hua Sect, which had been holed up in Mount Hua, came down all the way here. I suppose that rumor must have been true.”
“Tsk! You still didn’t believe it? You can tell right away seeing how the Zhongnan Sect, which used to ignore the Mount Hua Sect, is closely watching the developments.”
Cheon-hwi, who was listening attentively to the conversation, recalled what happened the day before they left.
‘It is just like the information the Sect Leader gave us.’
Before departing on the journey, the Sect Leader had provided them with various pieces of information.
The fact that the Zhongnan Sect had begun to be wary of their sect, and that even the Flying Heaven Society had started showing interest in the Mount Hua Divine Sword.
Those two pieces of information were also quite surprising, but they could not compare to the information about the Four Black Alliances.
The Four Black Alliances’s Six Imperial Sects… No, the five great sects that had now become the Five Imperial Sects were not paying attention to their sect.
Was it the nature of the Unorthodox Faction?
They had started an internal struggle to snatch even one of the interests possessed by the exterminated White Ghost Castle.
Without even paying attention to their sect that had exterminated the White Ghost Castle.
As the Mount Hua Sect who was worried about the Four Black Alliances’s retaliation, it was an incredibly fortunate turn of events.
However, they could not continue to feel relieved.
Because they were the Unorthodox Faction, there was no telling when they would use this incident as an excuse to attack the Mount Hua Sect.
‘That must be why he said those words to me.’
He recalled the words the Sect Leader had repeatedly emphasized before they parted.
… No matter what happens, you must not show off all your skills. Hide three-tenths… No, hide more than seven-tenths of it.
Right now, the attention of the world was focused on the Mount Hua Divine Sword, namely Hyeon-do, who had defeated the White Snake God, rather than the Mount Hua Sect.
At first, most found it hard to believe that the White Snake God had been defeated, but they came to accept it one by one upon learning that his opponent was Hyeon-do.
There was a bit of doubt, but it was because he was someone who had long been called the Number One Sword of Mount Hua.
However, the reality was different.
What if it became known that Cheon-hwi, rather than Hyeon-do, had defeated the White Snake God?
If so, it was certain that the situation would have been entirely different.
Far from fighting internally, the Four Black Alliances would have immediately interrogated the Mount Hua Sect and tried to kill Cheon-hwi, and it was clear that the Flying Heaven Society would not have just watched like this either.
At that moment, the waiter brought over the plain noodles.
“Enjoy your meal.”
As the plain noodles were placed on the table, the two picked up their chopsticks and began eating.
Slurp…
Fifteen minutes later, the two finished their meal and arrived at their room under the waiter’s guidance.
“Then let’s see each other tomorrow.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow.”
Cheon-hwi, who was watching Hyeon-do enter the room first, formed an insidious smile.
‘Then shall I get going?’
Upon entering his room, he opened the closed window.
Looking at the lanterns lighting up the streets and the bustling people in contrast to the dark sky, he leaped out of the window without delay.
Tap!
Leaping up while stepping on the railing, he headed west while treading on the roofs.
A moment later, he arrived at a building.
‘Is it here?’
While he was looking at the signboard with ‘One Heart Merchant Guild’ written on it, a gatekeeper guarding the door approached.
‘Huh? A Daoist? That Daoist robe is…!’
The gatekeeper quickly scanned Cheon-hwi up and down before his eyes sparkled.
“For what reason has a Daoist of the Mount Hua Sect come to our guild?”
“I came to receive some money.”
The gatekeeper asked again politely.
“Are you intending to make a trade?”
“No.”
Cheon-hwi rummaged through his sleeve and took out the golden plaque he had received from the Flying Wind Merchant Guild Leader.
“I came because they said they would give me money if I showed this?”
The gatekeeper, who had briefly frowned, looked at the golden plaque Cheon-hwi handed over with a suspicious expression before opening his eyes wide.
“Gasp!”
Looking at the golden plaque with trembling eyes, the gatekeeper hurriedly bowed his head.
“I-I will report to the Guild Leader.”
The gatekeeper flung the door open and disappeared inside.
‘Hmm? Was it quite a good thing than I thought?’
Cheon-hwi glanced over the golden plaque.
There was nothing special about the plaque other than it being made of gold.
However, seeing the reaction the gatekeeper showed just now, it shouldn’t be an ordinary golden plaque.
‘I guess I will find out later.’
He brushed it off as if it were no big deal.
To him anyway, the golden plaque was simply a means to obtain money.
Soon, as he put the golden plaque back into his sleeve and waited for a moment, the gatekeeper came out.
“He says for you to come inside.”
A moment later, Cheon-hwi entered a room under the gatekeeper’s guidance.
“Have you arrived?”
The heavily fattened Guild Leader, who had been sitting on a chair, hastily approached.
“I am Son Mu, the Guild Leader of the One Heart Merchant Guild.”
The Guild Leader, who had bowed politely, brought up his words in a cautious tone.
“Um, would it be alright to check the golden plaque if it is not an impoliteness?”
“Here you go.”
Cheon-hwi immediately took out the golden plaque and handed it over.
“Thank you.”
The Guild Leader, who had examined the received golden plaque for a long time, nodded his head up and down heavily.
“What is it that you want?”
Receiving the golden plaque back, Cheon-hwi spoke.
“Money.”
“Did you say money?”
The Guild Leader’s heart pounded for a moment.
It was natural as his opponent was the owner of a golden plaque that the World Merchant Guild Alliance only handed over to a select few.
As the One Heart Merchant Guild that had not yet expanded its influence greatly, they could not refuse whatever proposal he made.
Even if he told them to procure some spiritual medicine.
‘We don’t have much gold sycees right now…’
Cold sweat flowed, dampening his back.
Of all times, they had spent quite a bit of gold sycees recently to make a large transaction.
“Gulp. H-How much do you want?”
Cheon-hwi stroked his chin.
He only thought about receiving money, but never thought about how much he would receive.
Had there ever been a time when he received and spent money?
During his days as the Absolute Heavenly Demon, his subordinates took care of it on their own, so he never paid it any mind.
And now, since he had lived holed up in the Mount Hua Sect, he also did not know the value of money.
‘How much did Jeok-geom spend last time?’
Cheon-hwi spoke while recalling the money Jeok-geom had used to pay during his venturing into the murim.
“About ten taels of silver?”
“Ye-yes? Ten taels?”
The Guild Leader asked back in bewilderment.
‘Only ten taels of silver?’
Of course, ten taels of silver was also a large sum of money.
Because one tael of silver was equivalent to the living expenses for a family of four to eat for a month.
However, it was ridiculously lacking to be called the amount desired by the owner of the golden plaque.
The Guild Leader glanced at Cheon-hwi.
But there was no change in his expression.
‘Thank goodness!’
Sweeping down his chest, he laughed.
“Then I will prepare ten taels of silver.”
Cheon-hwi nodded before pausing.
“Ah! Also, is there a famous inn around here?”
“What kind of place do you want? A place that cooks Hubei cuisine, or…”
“If possible, a place that is good at cooking meat dishes and also sells famous liquors would be nice.”
“Pardon?”
The Guild Leader cleared his throat after digging his ears as if he thought he heard wrong.
“Ahem, I apologize. It seems I heard auditory hallucinations, perhaps due to being tired. To think a Little Immortal would mention alcohol…”
“No. You heard it correctly.”
The Guild Leader’s eyes turned round.
The situation was completely beyond his understanding in his common sense, as a Daoist of the Mount Hua Sect said he wanted meat and alcohol.
“A-Are you sure it is okay? No matter how close the Mount Hua Sect is to the secular world, meat eating and alcohol are forbidden in Daoism…”
“Ah!”
Cheon-hwi lowered his head and looked at his Daoist robe.
“You have clothes in the guild, right?”
“We do, but…”
“Then please give me one.”
“You mean clothes?”
Cheon-hwi nodded.
“I just have to take off the Daoist robe. Then who would know whether I am a Daoist or not? Isn’t that right?”
Cheon-hwi met eyes with the Guild Leader.
“Even if someone knows, it would only be you and I, Guild Leader. Am I wrong?”
The Guild Leader lost his mind.
When had he ever heard a Daoist confidently declare that they would break the rules?
Then, in an instant, a chill ran down his spine.
The words he spat out at the end.
‘For just the two of us to know means…’
His Adam’s apple bobbed heavily.
It was a kind of warning telling him not to let others know that he was going to a tavern.
“Th-That is correct.”
The Guild Leader, who played along, wiped off the sweat on his forehead that he didn’t know when it had flowed.
He had to pretend not to know even if he did.
‘He understands words right away since he is a merchant after all.’
Cheon-hwi spoke while looking at the Guild Leader, who had understood his words, with a satisfied expression.
“So which inn would be good?”
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