Chapter 65: Chapter 65

A bitter smile filled Ma I-sin’s lips.

“Who will face whom? Him? Me? At least make your lies believable. You’d be better off begging for mercy. Then I might consider it.”

The one who should beg was you. Exactly one hundred days from now, before Mao.

“Exactly one hundred days from today. I will come to the Ma family with the Seventh Young Master. The Seventh Young Master will personally hold you accountable for your sins. If anyone interferes, the Ma family will bear that responsibility as well. So don’t run. Go and wait quietly.”

Ma I-sin’s eyes turned colder than ever. His pride had been deeply wounded.

“Do you truly believe that’s possible? Mao? That worthless servant? Defying me?”

VWOOM!

A resonance tone emanated from Ma I-sin’s body, and a different energy from before flowed forth. A bizarre force, as if it could absorb everything in the world.

And Jang I-seo had a vague idea what it was.

‘The Ma family’s North Sea Divine Art, which absorbs the five elements and even converts an opponent’s internal energy into one’s own!’

An unprecedented cultivation method that could be called the finest, second only to the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.

The Ma family’s hereditary martial art. The North Sea Divine Art.

What had pulled him in earlier was the same.

Now that he’d revealed his signature technique, he felt it clearly.

Though currently overshadowed by the Seven Young Masters, among the rising generation, those who could face him under heaven would be exceedingly rare.

The cold tension reached its peak.

Then.

“Heh heh… Hahahaha!”

Ma I-sin scattered his aura and burst into laughter.

Then wiped tears and spoke.

“Fine. I’ll accept that challenge.”

This easily? The one feeling suspicion at the opponent’s ready acceptance was Jang I-seo.

“However.”

“However?”

“If he loses, I’ll take you.”

“What does that mean?”

“Become the Ma family’s slave. Bark when told to bark. Bite when told to bite. That kind of dog.”

“…”

“Heh heh. What. Are you frightened?”

Not at all. Jang I-seo stared straight and answered.

“Fine. But if we win, you will pay properly for all your crimes. No substitutes. No fleeing. You alone will pay.”

“How. Would my life suffice? Hahaha! Take it.”

Ma I-sin tilted his head back and presented his throat.

Try it if you dare.

Their lethal gazes crossed in midair. Both heads nodded. Deal struck.

“Then I’ll look forward to a hundred days from now.”

“Nothing to look forward to. For you, that day will be hell.”

“Yes. Keep believing that. That way, the expression on your face that day will be more entertaining.”

Madman. As Jang I-seo glared up and down, Ma I-sin turned away as if his business was done.

Then spoke low as he walked out.

“Prepare the carriage.”

He wanted even that after causing this disaster? The sheer audacity of a spoiled young master left Jang I-seo speechless.

But surprisingly, the Slave Lord crumpled on the ground began to twitch like a trained dog. Eyes rolled completely white, he shuffled forward like a man without a soul.

His body, not his reason, responded to the command. Slave to the marrow.

Astonishing on every level.

“Ah.”

Ma I-sin paused at the entrance and spoke.

“I couldn’t come empty-handed, so I brought a gift.”

“Gift?”

“I’ll leave a box in front. Open it later. I think you’ll like it. Hahaha.”

Leaving only an echoing laugh, he disappeared beyond the Seventh Small Palace.

And…

“Fuck! Still not there? Brother! Brother-! Hey, slave bastard!”

An unimaginable voice poured from the box left at the entrance.

“Haa…”

Jang I-seo looked up at the reddening sky.

A truly exhausting day.

* * *

– Central Plains, Hunan Province, Yueyang, Dongting Lake.

Early evening as the sun set.

Before a grand pavilion set against the backdrop of misty, expansive Dongting Lake, numerous eminent figures had gathered.

The Righteous Path Scholars’ Assembly, where under the Martial Alliance Lord’s auspices, venerable elders of the righteous sects and rising stars approaching twenty gathered for fellowship.

Though it hadn’t even begun, the pavilion was already buzzing.

Such a grand event, with so many famous figures in one place, was rare.

Especially around Jegal Sang, one of the foremost elders of the righteous path.

“Great One, it is an honor to greet you.”

“Yes, yes. Keep striving.”

One hundred seventy-second greeting received before taking three steps from the entrance. Yet Jegal Sang’s expression hadn’t changed once, gripping every hand with a benevolent smile.

‘Truly remarkable. If you’re that kind, just let your granddaughter eat.’

Jegal So-mi stood like a folding screen at the entrance, forcing smiles and clasping hands until her arms were ready to fall off. She’d done it so many times her form was getting sloppy. Understood, given that her peers had already claimed seats and were feasting on delicacies.

‘Looks delicious…’

Staring blankly at them eat, saliva pooled in her mouth. Then, like ventriloquism, a roar whispered in her ear.

“Saliva! You’re a grown woman drooling? And didn’t I tell you time and again to give your utmost courtesy to everyone? But that half-hearted palm clasp? Are you making a mockery of this grandfather?”

“So… can we please go now. We’re not gatekeepers. How long are we staying here? Anyone would think it’s Grandfather’s seventieth birthday banquet.”

“Ahem! All under heaven are fellow travelers, everyone a kindred spirit. How can you be so cold…? Ah, wonderful to see you.”

“Not cold… Yes, nice to meet you.”

The two bickered, and when someone approached, reflexively turned with a grin and clasped hands without even looking.

But.

“Haha, Elder. How long has it been? I trust you’ve been well.”

“You are… Gu Ja-gi, aren’t you!”

A middle-aged Daoist in a deep blue robe and a Daoist’s cap. A Huashan Sect elder and the youngest of the Seven True Ones of Huashan, the seven pillars of the sect.

Hwa-pyeong-ja Gu Ja-gi.

“How long has it been. Seven years, was it?”

“Yes, that’s right, Elder.”

“Heh heh, has it been that long already. You’ve become a proper star now. I almost didn’t recognize you. Ah, you greet him too. This is…”

“I know. Hwa-pyeong-ja, the great hero called the Gentleman of Huashan. I’m Jegal So-mi. Nice to see you again.”

Jegal So-mi smiled brightly and clasped her hands respectfully. It had been a while, but she’d been so young she had no strong memories. Still, Hwa-pyeong-ja seemed pleased by the warm recognition and smiled warmly.

“Yes. You were toddling around like it was yesterday. Now you’re counted among the Martial Four Flowers, called Ji-hwa. Are your parents well?”

“Yes. They’re fine. Farming and traveling. Well, thanks to that, I’m a bit busy.”

“Haha. I heard you’ve been working hard for the Murim. I understand the Elder is still busy as well. I feel ashamed that as a junior, I only lean on you without letting you rest.”

At Hwa-pyeong-ja’s noble words, Jegal Sang and Jegal So-mi exchanged a glance and sighed deeply.

Hwa-pyeong-ja was one of the few who knew of the Hidden Pavilion’s existence. Meeting someone who understood, when they couldn’t confide in anyone, was naturally moving.

“Let’s discuss that later, privately, when the Alliance Lord is present. I have much to say today.”

“Haha. Yes, understood.”

Jegal Sang smiled warmly, as if meeting a close friend. He looked around, then changed the subject.

“But I don’t see any Huashan disciples.”

“Hm? Is something the matter? The disciples will arrive shortly.”

“Ah, I wanted to find a match for this troublesome girl.”

“Excuse me?”

Grandfather! Jegal So-mi’s face turned crimson and she frantically grabbed Jegal Sang’s arm, pulling. Jegal Sang snorted, shook her off, and seized Hwa-pyeong-ja’s hand.

“I’ve been watching. Shaolin and Wudang are too rigid. Huashan, being more free-spirited, might suit my granddaughter. What do you think?”

“H-haha… Well. I’m not sure our boys could match someone of the Martial Four Flowers. They’re still very lacking.”

“Lacking! Why not! What’s wrong with Huashan? My close friend and your master, one of the Divine Five, the Western Sword Yeo Jung-ak. He’s still going strong.”

“Even so…”

“Enough. You don’t know what you’re saying. At home, she’s so fierce, she puts men to sha…”

“Grandfather!”

Jegal So-mi clenched her teeth and shouted. As many turned to look, she covered her face and whispered.

“Grandfather. Seriously, let’s talk about this at home. Great Hero, I’ll see you later.”

Forcing a smile, Jegal So-mi scurried away. Hwa-pyeong-ja Gu Ja-gi burst into a belly laugh at the absurdity.

“Quite the spirited young woman, isn’t she.”

“That’s exactly why I worry about who’ll take her. Oh, by the way. Isn’t your disciple of marriageable age as well?”

At Jegal Sang’s sudden question, Hwa-pyeong-ja’s eyes widened like lanterns.

“Yes, he’s nineteen now.”

“Oh, right. That boy’s Daoist name was…”

“Seon-yu. He’s become a first-generation disciple now.”

“That’s right! You became an elder, so that would follow. Still so young and already a first-generation disciple. Huashan’s future is bright.”

Jegal Sang said it generously, but bitterness filled Hwa-pyeong-ja’s mouth.

Because it meant their power had weakened.

Nearly twenty years had passed, but the War of the Righteous, Unorthodox, and Demonic had taken much.

The greatest loss being human lives.

After the war, countless sects had taken in disciples indiscriminately. As a result, it wasn’t uncommon for someone still very young to become a first-generation disciple.

“He still has much to learn.”

Still, sulking before Jegal Sang, who knew this better than anyone, was pointless. Hwa-pyeong-ja quickly smoothed his expression and carefully signaled refusal.

“Why? Does the Jegal clan’s granddaughter not appeal to you?”

At Jegal Sang’s bluntness, Hwa-pyeong-ja panicked and waved his hands.

“Not appeal? It would be an honor.”

Honestly, there was no reason to refuse. It was an honor.

Jegal Sang, like his own master, was one of the Divine Five, known as the Eastern Sage. The foremost elder of the righteous path.

Moreover, he was a close friend of his master, the Western Sword Yeo Jung-ak.

His granddaughter marrying his disciple would be a tremendous blessing.

“However… Seon-yu isn’t currently receiving proper support from the Huashan Sect…”

Hwa-pyeong-ja’s expression darkened. There seemed to be internal circumstances others didn’t know.

But Jegal Sang replied as if there was nothing to worry about.

“Then even better! If Huashan won’t take him, we’ll bring him to the Jegal clan.”

Hwa-pyeong-ja nodded, pleased yet conflicted.

“If you think that way… If the children are willing, I’ll arrange a meeting.”

“No. You stay put. I’ll meet the boy myself.”

“Haha, yes. Please do. Meeting you would be a great education for Seon-yu as well.”

“Ahem. That’s true. Let’s go inside.”

Having finished his business, Jegal Sang finally showed his characteristic sly smile and entered with hands clasped behind his back.

Hwa-pyeong-ja exhaled, still unaccustomed, and followed.