Chapter 520
Chapter 520
Chapter 520. Facing Again (1)
At my question, the Zhurong Palace Head asked in return.
“Doyeonmun?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“Yes.” (MC)
“Why do you ask about that place?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“My apologies. I read the records from that time inside the pavilion.” (MC)
“I see…….” (Zhurong Palace Head)
After pondering for a moment, the Palace Head opened her mouth.
“If you want to know about that place, bring the Silver Mist Sword first.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“Seeing as Mount Muchulmu has disappeared, it seems someone took that sword…… Find that sword and bring it here.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
The Palace Head continued.
“The Silver Mist Sword is the very sacred object of the Palace Head of Seolpung Palace! If Seolpung Palace does not have the Silver Mist Sword, even if you take revenge, it will be nothing more than personal revenge, not Seolpung Palace’s revenge.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
Was the Silver Mist Sword that important a sacred object?
I asked the Palace Head.
“Must I bring the Silver Mist Sword?” (MC)
“I am concerned that if I tell you about Doyeonmun, you may end up in danger while digging into it. Of course, I know roughly how skilled you are. But something about this smells dangerous. If you have the Silver Mist Sword, you will at least be able to avoid the worst-case scenario, so I am telling you to bring it.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
So it was because she was worried about me.
“In that case, you can tell me now.” (MC)
“Hoo, did you not hear what I said?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“If it is the Silver Mist Sword, it is here.” (MC)
I unfastened the sword from my waist and held it out.
“This…… is the Silver Mist Sword?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
Shrrng.
And I drew the sword halfway, showing her the name Silver Mist Sword engraved on the blade.
“Yes, now that I think of it, the Silver Mist Sword did not have a fixed form.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
The Palace Head nodded.
“When you drew it to stop my son from barging in, I did not know, but seeing it like this, I can tell.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
The Palace Head simply looked at it and did not attempt to hold it.
It seemed she knew that if one carelessly held the Silver Mist Sword when it had an owner, one would become a madman.
“That qi is unmistakable…… It is the qi of the Silver Mist Sword.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
Her voice was full of moisture.
Perhaps she was seeing something she missed through this Silver Mist Sword.
“That is enough. You may sheathe it now.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
Shrrng, clack.
After sheathing the sword, I said to the Palace Head.
“Then now, can you tell me about Doyeonmun?” (MC)
At my question, she let out a sigh.
“I have already spoken the words aloud, so how could I not tell you?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
Without lowering my guard, I focused on the Palace Head’s words.
“Doyeonmun was a sect in Yunnan.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“……When you say was?” (MC)
“Yes, it was annihilated over ten years ago. That place was a sect under this palace, but it declared independence over twenty years ago.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
I had no choice but to ask about circumstances I had never imagined.
“Is it possible to declare independence?” (MC)
“That is their freedom. The reason they belonged to this palace was to protect themselves, but if they have the ability to protect themselves, they may leave this palace.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“I…… see.” (MC)
“But they could not last ten years.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
The Palace Head’s expression as she said that felt somewhat bitter.
I asked her to confirm.
“By any chance, was the Sect Leader of Doyeonmun surnamed Yu?” (MC)
“How did you know that? Was that written in the records as well?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“No. That was not in the records.” (MC)
“Then how do you know that?” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“I learned it while obtaining the Silver Mist Sword. The name of the mad martial artist in those records was Yu Deokjin. I subdued him and found an identity tablet in his robes.” (MC)
“I see.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
But I did not say anything beyond that.
Because I felt that was something Master, not I, should tell her personally.
If the two of them meet, the accumulated longing and resentment and such will probably mix together, and their fists will likely fly before words do…….
In any case, the reason Yu Deokjin came to Yunnan with the Silver Mist Sword was now clear.
It was because his father had belonged to Doyeonmun in Yunnan.
“In that case…… by any chance, were Doyeonmun’s martial arts also Scorching Flame Arts?” (MC)
“That is correct. They were influenced by this palace’s martial arts.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
So that was why.
I think I understand why his father did not acknowledge or accept him.
When I fought Martial Artist Yu Deokjin back then, I had felt something familiar.
Only later did I learn that those martial arts were the ones learned by the regular martial artists of Seolpung Palace.
His father was a person of Doyeonmun, but his inner arts were the exact opposite, martial arts of yin qi, so there was no way Doyeonmun would acknowledge him.
And his mother either did not give him love or was in a situation where she could not, so he must have longed so much for his father’s affection.
Thinking of it this way, he becomes somewhat pitiful.
And Doyeonmun, which used such a Yu Deokjin, is utter trash.
“You said Doyeonmun was annihilated over ten years ago, correct?” (MC)
“Yes. They killed them all, leaving not even a dog or a chicken alive.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“Do you know about those who annihilated them?” (MC)
“As they once served our Zhurong Palace, we investigated as well. And so we were able to find out the culprits. They were a group of the black path in Yunnan called Hyeolcheonmun.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
Hyeolcheonmun? Was there such a place?
It was a name I had never heard before, so I asked again.
“Where is Hyeolcheonmun located?” (MC)
“Now, there is no one left where Hyeolcheonmun once stood.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“Pardon?” (MC)
“They disappeared overnight.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
“What? Were they also annihilated by someone?” (MC)
“No, that was not it. They simply withdrew completely.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
What does that mean?
For a murim force to settle in a region, it requires quite a bit of time and effort.
And yet they gave that up and withdrew so easily?
“That is why I said it smells dangerous. It means there is a force behind them capable of moving an entire sect with a single word.” (Zhurong Palace Head)
I returned to my quarters.
Thud.
Then I sat in the chair before the tea table and looked at the moon visible beyond the thin cloth covering the window.
Just as that moon looked faint to my eyes, the culprits who had annihilated Seolpung Palace seemed just barely visible, yet not.
Still, the situation was far better than before, when I had not even managed to grasp a clue.
I took out a token from my sleeve.
It was something the Zhurong Palace Head had just given me, granting me the authority to freely use this place’s library.
She had given it to me, saying it would be better for me to search for myself than for her to explain Doyeonmun.
If I want to find out before the talks end, I will have to move diligently.
“Have you only just come in?” (Palgap)
At that moment, Palgap entered and asked.
He had been awake earlier when I went to meet Young Palace Head Maeng, and when I returned to my quarters, he had been gone, so I wondered where he had gone.
“Where did you go?” (MC)
At my question, Palgap grinned.
“There is a good sight to see.” (Palgap)
At those words, I tilted my head and followed Palgap out, and soon I could not help but chuckle.
Geumryeong was standing triumphantly in the backyard.
And in front of her, Hwasik had his tail tucked and could not even look straight ahead.
Geumryeong won.
I asked Palgap.
“What happened?” (MC)
“When that tiger came near here, Geumryeong rushed out like a shot, and the two of them scuffled.” (Palgap)
“Really?” (MC)
“From the start, Geumryeong overwhelmingly pushed him back. When she went, rawr! that tiger could not even properly stand against her and whimpered.” (Palgap)
Of course.
How much money have I fed Geumryeong until now?
She should be able to do at least this much.
A little while later.
As I lay on the bed to sleep, Geumryeong climbed onto my stomach.
Then, with a triumphant expression, she recited her heroic tale.
“Kkui! Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
“Yes, yes, I told you. You are strong.” (MC)
“Kkuit!” (Geumryeong)
“Speaking of which, why did Hwasik act cute toward me?” (MC)
At my question, Geumryeong explained.
“Kkui. Kkuit! Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
“Hm? He felt some unknowable sense of pressure from me? So he thought he had to get on my good side?” (MC)
Why?
I asked Geumryeong.
“Do you ever think you need to get on my good side too?” (MC)
“Kkui? Kkui. Kkui.” (Geumryeong)
“Huh? It is only natural to get on the good side of one’s patron?” (MC)
Ah…….
I have nothing to say.
“Kkui. Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
I chuckled at Geumryeong’s words.
Because she said that since she was broad-minded, she would not be jealous even if Hwasik became friendly with me.
Hey, even if you say that now, it has no credibility, you know?
The next day.
I woke early in the morning and headed to the library.
Once the talks end, I have to return to the Northern Sea Ice Palace. Since the talks are tomorrow, I only have today.
“This is the library.” (Disciple)
The disciple who guided me was exceedingly polite.
It seemed the disciple who had been showing me Zhurong Palace’s famous sights had received quite a heavy punishment.
That must be why he is treating me politely while seeming somewhat afraid of me.
“Thank you for guiding me.” (MC)
“Not at all.” (Disciple)
“I would like to eat lunch here today. Is that possible?” (MC)
“Yes. There is a table, so you may eat over there.” (Disciple)
In the place the disciple’s finger indicated, there was a table and chairs.
“Then I will eat lunch here today.” (MC)
“Understood. I will bring your meal here later.” (Disciple)
“Thank you. But I heard this was the library, yet I do not see any books.” (MC)
At my question, the disciple explained.
“The proper library is beyond that door. If you fit the key you have into the groove in the door, the door will open.” (Disciple)
“The key?” (MC)
“The token you received from the Palace Head is the key.” (Disciple)
“I see. But why are you only guiding me this far?” (MC)
“I cannot enter that library.” (Disciple)
“Pardon? What do you mean?” (MC)
“Did you not know? This library contains the first-grade shelves, so only the Palace Head’s blood relatives and important persons may enter. The fact that an outsider like you has been permitted to enter this place is, in itself, an extraordinary thing.” (Disciple)
“I see.” (MC)
That meant the Palace Head trusted me that much.
This feels a little burdensome.
“When it is time to eat, I will pull the bell cord. When you hear the bell, you can come out to eat.” (Disciple)
“I will do so.” (MC)
I approached the library door and inserted the token I had received from the Zhurong Palace Head into the hole before it.
Click.
The door opened with the sound of a latch coming undone.
“Wow…….” (MC)
At the sight of the library visible inside, admiration escaped me without my realizing it.
Because the shelves, decorated in an antique style, were filled with bamboo slips and books.
But there was no time to simply admire it.
I quickly began searching for records about Doyeonmun.
At that time.
Zhurong Palace Head Maeng Jin was receiving a report.
“The Young Palace Head of Seolpung Palace has entered the library.” (Martial Artist)
“I see.” (Maeng Jin)
“But why did you let the Young Palace Head of Seolpung Palace enter that place?” (Martial Artist)
“I personally owe a debt.” (Maeng Jin)
“Is that so?” (Martial Artist)
At this, the Outer Chief Administrator standing before him nodded. Since he said he personally owed a debt, he could not pry into it in detail.
Maeng Jin recalled the bold appearance of Eun Seoho and chuckled.
“That boy is the Young Palace Head! I envy that bastard Myeonghyeon.” (Maeng Jin)
He said to the Outer Chief Administrator.
“But you, is that all you have to say to me?” (Maeng Jin)
“……!” (Hae Dalman)
At that question, Outer Chief Administrator Hae Dalman flinched. Then he bowed his head before him and said.
“I heard of the discourtesy my son committed toward Captain Eun Seoho. I apologize.” (Hae Dalman)
“What I want is not an apology.” (Maeng Jin)
He shook his head and let out a sigh.
“Hoo…… I am the same when it comes to having failed at educating my son.” (Maeng Jin)
The Outer Chief Administrator cautiously asked.
“What are you worried about?” (Hae Dalman)
“The future of this palace.” (Maeng Jin)
“Pardon?” (Hae Dalman)
“I am worried about the future of this palace. I want to ask you one thing.” (Maeng Jin)
“What is it?” (Hae Dalman)
“In your view, do you think the Young Palace Head has sufficient qualities to be Palace Head?” (Maeng Jin)
“……!” (Hae Dalman)
“Tell me without adding or subtracting anything.” (Maeng Jin)
At that question, the Outer Chief Administrator froze.
Because he had never imagined that the Palace Head would ask him that so directly.
He also wondered if perhaps this was a test…… and his head grew complicated with all sorts of thoughts.
Perhaps noticing his expression, Palace Head Maeng Jin continued speaking.
“This is not a test, nor a whim of mine, nor is it meant to torment you, so I hope you will speak sincerely.” (Maeng Jin)
“……” (Hae Dalman)
After thinking for a moment, he let out a sigh.
Then he prostrated himself before him and said.
“Your subject will offer an answer to the question you have asked.” (Hae Dalman)
“I will listen.” (Maeng Jin)
“The Young Palace Head’s obsession with certain things is too strong. As a ruler, obsession with something may certainly allow one to achieve a goal, but if it is too strong, those who follow become exhausted.” (Hae Dalman)
“That is true.” (Maeng Jin)
“The Young Palace Head has a hasty temper and lacks prudence. The position of Palace Head is better held by someone weak in martial force but prudent than someone strong in martial force and imprudent.” (Hae Dalman)
“I think the same.” (Maeng Jin)
“And the Young Palace Head is narrow-minded. Even if one holds something in one’s heart, one must be able to hide it for the sake of the greater cause. But if that is impossible for him, it will come as a great loss later.” (Hae Dalman)
“……I see.” (Maeng Jin)
“Please forgive your subject’s disloyalty in speaking of the Young Palace Head’s flaws.” (Hae Dalman)
“No.” (Maeng Jin)
Palace Head Maeng Jin shook his head.
“Did I not tell you to speak? And thanks to you, my resolve is set.” (Maeng Jin)
Then he called in the martial artist outside.
“Bring the Young Palace Head here at once.” (Maeng Jin)
“Yes.” (Martial Artist)
A short while later.
Young Palace Head Maeng Hyeon entered the office.
“Did you call for me, Father?” (Maeng Hyeon)
Maeng Jin quietly looked at his son.
“Hyeon.” (Maeng Jin)
“Yes, Father.” (Maeng Hyeon)
“Is your body all right?” (Maeng Jin)
“Ah…… yes.” (Maeng Hyeon)
Though he answered that way, it was all visible in his expression. He was not all right at all.
In truth, Maeng Hyeon was currently in such pain all over that he felt like dying.
He remembered being hit by Eun Seoho last night, but he had no memory of what happened afterward.
Only when he woke did the pain he felt all over his body nearly make him scream, and he realized he had lost.
But he still did not acknowledge his defeat.
“This is all because I fell from the ladder the night before! If only my body had been fine.” (Maeng Hyeon)
As he grumbled inwardly like that and cursed Eun Seoho, words like a bolt from the blue came to his ears.
“There is no need for you to attend the talks tomorrow.” (Maeng Jin)
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?” (Maeng Hyeon)
“As of this moment today, you are no longer this palace’s Young Palace Head.” (Maeng Jin)
“……Pardon?” (Maeng Hyeon)