Chapter 589
Episode 589
Episode 589. Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman (3)
I turned my head, looked at everyone, and said.
“Then you had better return to your lodging now. The later the night grows, the worse the security will become. If you get caught up in some pointless quarrel, you may end up lowering the honor of your sect.” (MC)
“Understood.” (Qingcheng Disciple)
“Ah, I will escort you all to the place where the Qingcheng Sect people are staying.” (MC)
The reason I made such an offer was because I was curious who exactly Geumbong’s backing was.
“Y-you do not have to go that far.” (Qingcheng Disciple)
“Not at all. Since this is also fate, I cannot simply leave. Do not worry. Did I not decide to overlook the matter of my attendant being injured?” (MC)
“......”
“Then let us go.” (MC)
Like that, I moved while taking them with me.
The place where they were staying was farther away than I had expected.
To come this far just to torment Warrior Inbong, what a truly useless passion.
Soon, we arrived at an inn.
Cheongbyeok Inn.
That place was an inn run by the Qingcheng Sect. The Emei Sect had made a contract with an inn, but the Qingcheng Sect was operating an inn outright.
And they were using that inn as their lodging.
At that moment, someone came out of the inn, and the disciples’ expressions stiffened when they saw him.
“S-Sect Leader.” (Qingcheng Disciple)
“Um, Sect Leader, that is....” (Qingcheng Disciple)
Ah, so that person is the Sect Leader.
As if he recognized me, he welcomed me warmly.
“Who is this? Is this not Master Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Junior Merchant Eun Seoho greets the Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
“It is good to meet you. But what brings you here together with the disciples of our sect?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
That was when it happened.
“Sect Leader! This man is called Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman, but everyone has been deceived by him!” (Geumbong)
Eh?
I was momentarily flustered.
No, I did think he would do something while relying on his backing, but to this extent?
As if the other disciples had thought similarly, they gasped.
The Sect Leader hardened his expression and asked him.
“What do you mean by that?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“This man suddenly came to us, picked a quarrel, and attacked me!” (Geumbong)
N-no, wow... I am truly speechless.
It would not even be enough to keep the matter of clashing with me secret, and yet he brings it up here first?
And even a brief investigation would reveal it as a lie, so what on earth is he thinking, doing something so reckless?
“Master Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman... are Geumbong’s words true?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
He asked me again with a cold expression.
“I asked whether the words of my son, Geumbong, are true.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Eh? My son?
Ah, so that is why that man was so arrogant.
Unlike other Taoist sects, the Qingcheng Sect permits marriage. And it is also possible to have children born from such marriages enter the Qingcheng Sect.
I did not know his father was the Sect Leader of the Qingcheng Sect.
But the Sect Leader seems rather old, so is he a son born to him late in life?
“The truth of that matter is....” (Eun Seoho)
“No! Enough excuses! My son would never lie to me.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
He becomes that angry just by trusting his son’s words?
For someone who is even a Sect Leader, is he lacking in cultivation?
Meanwhile, seeing this, I think I understand why the man called Geumbong was so arrogant.
Shing.
He drew the sword from his waist and pointed it at me.
“I shall personally wash away the insult my son suffered! Draw your sword at once!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Um, that is....” (Eun Seoho)
“What are you doing? I told you to draw your sword at once!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Perhaps because they heard the commotion, Taoists of the Qingcheng Sect came out from inside the inn and tried to dissuade him.
“Sect Leader! Why are you doing this? It will not be too late to hear what the situation is first.” (Qingcheng Taoist)
“That is right. Please calm your excitement.” (Qingcheng Taoist)
“Silence! I can never forgive the one who humiliated my son.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Sigh....
I have a duel tomorrow as well, yet it seems I will end up using my strength here.
I swallowed a sigh inwardly and said to him.
“Sect Leader, I think it would be best to move locations. If we cross swords here, others may be injured.” (Eun Seoho)
“Hmm, there is sense in that. Follow me.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
The place I arrived at after following him was the backyard of Cheongbyeok Inn.
Perhaps because it was a place run by the Qingcheng Sect, they seemed to have prepared a fairly spacious area for training.
“Then, draw your sword now! You will no longer be able to make excuses about the location!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Yes, let us do that.” (Eun Seoho)
At that moment, Warrior Seo Woo spoke.
“Liege, I will draw my sword in your stead.” (Seo Woo)
“No. The one who was forced into a duel is me. So it is only right that I draw my sword.” (Eun Seoho)
I moved him back and drew my sword.
Shing.
The sound of the sword leaving its sheath was cold.
“Today, I shall show you what the true sword of Qingcheng is.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
By the way, something is not normal here, is it?
No matter how great his love for his son is, he trusts his son’s words blindly to this extent?
Even Father does not unconditionally listen to my words.
For some reason, the Sect Leader’s appearance felt less like someone who loved and cherished his son too dearly, and more like a subordinate who had to obey the words of a superior unconditionally.
He is the Sect Leader of the Qingcheng Sect, a Taoist line.
Earlier, I had simply thought he lacked cultivation and passed it off, but that may not be it.
“I shall go first!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Whoosh!
At that moment, he rushed toward me, swinging his sword.
Indeed, his Seryupyo was on a different level from Warrior Inbong’s.
Claaang!
The moment I blocked his sword.
“......”
I momentarily felt the energy of the Black Blade.
I felt the energy of the Black Blade from the Sect Leader of the Qingcheng Sect? Is such a thing even possible?
But it did not seem to be felt from his own energy itself.
If so, it did not seem that he was deeply related to the Black Blade....
I deliberately fell over while pretending to block his sword with difficulty.
“Stand up.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
At those words, I rose from my place and politely made a request.
“Sect Leader, I think I will suffer a thorough disgrace today, so I would like to ask one thing.” (Eun Seoho)
“What is it?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“I will also send my companions away, so I would like you to send away the other people of the Qingcheng Sect as well.” (Eun Seoho)
He readily nodded.
“Well, that is not difficult. Everyone, return to your places!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
I also said to my companions.
“Everyone, please vacate the area for a moment.” (Eun Seoho)
The guards had worried faces, but when I made an expression telling them not to worry, they obediently withdrew.
“Understood.” (Guard)
Like that, only the Sect Leader and I were left in the backyard.
“Then, draw your sword again.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
The reason I wanted only the two of us to remain in this place.
It was because it seemed I would have to use the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art.
And I would have to reveal my ability to some extent as well.
However, I could not let the other people of the Qingcheng Sect know that.
Not only in today’s duel, but if it became known to the world that I had hidden my ability, things would become troublesome in many ways.
That said, I could not obediently apologize and withdraw in this situation either.
Then, shall I try it once?
I filled the Silver Mist Sword with the energy of the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art and clashed with the Sect Leader’s sword.
Clang, clang, clang, clang!
Unlike earlier, thanks to going all out, I was able to continue a battle on equal footing with the Sect Leader.
Therefore, I was able to slip my energy little by little into his body through his sword without the Sect Leader noticing.
Then the energy of the Black Blade I had felt from him began to disappear little by little.
Finally, when the energy of the Black Blade vanished completely and only the pure energy of the Qingcheng Sect remained.
“Huek!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Suddenly, the Sect Leader stepped back and raised his head to look at me.
A somewhat bewildered expression.
I smiled and asked.
“Have you come to your senses now?” (Eun Seoho)
He stood blankly for a moment as if grasping the situation, then nodded.
“It is the first time in recent days that my mind has been this clear. This must surely be thanks to you.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Instead of answering, I smiled and put away my sword.
“But how did you realize there was something strange about me?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“I am fairly skilled at sensing the energy of others. And it seems you regained your senses thanks to the power of the Heavenly Flow Art I have learned.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see....” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“And I thought the Sect Leader’s reaction was strange. No matter that you are Taoist Geumbong’s father, it was far too unnatural to react so blindly.” (Eun Seoho)
“So that was it. Thank you for helping me come to my senses like this.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Not at all. But what exactly happened?” (Eun Seoho)
I continued.
“I know it is discourteous to ask this, but I believe I have the right to hear the circumstances.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true. You do have such a right.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
The Sect Leader nodded, then looked at the sky and opened his mouth.
“Was it about three years ago? At that time, Geumbong said he had something to consult me about. From the moment I drank the tea Geumbong gave me then... strangely, whenever it was something related to Geumbong, I would lose my reason without realizing it.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
In other words, the man called Geumbong is the culprit.
It seems he mixed something related to the Black Blade’s energy into the tea and fed it to the Sect Leader.
“In truth, I tend to raise my children strictly.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
That means he has other children aside from Geumbong?
“But it seems that fellow Geumbong disliked that.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“That may be so, but it is not the proper way. What do you intend to do about Taoist Geumbong’s matter?” (Eun Seoho)
“Hoo, no matter that he is my son, I cannot simply let this pass. For that boy’s sake as well. I intend to formally open a Heavenly Inquiry Meeting.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Is it something like an internal meeting of the Qingcheng Sect?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is right. Meaning that we ask the heavens, it is a meeting that handles the most important matters in our sect. It is a place where not only I, but even the twelve Elders of our sect gather.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“I see.” (Eun Seoho)
It was the first time I saw the man called Geumbong today, but I could tell how arrogantly and insolently he had lived until now.
There was no way the other Elders had looked favorably upon him.
He had tasted the sweetness of life until now, so it was time for him to taste bitterness.
“In any case, I should repay you for helping me like this. If there is anything you want, tell me. If it is something I can do, I will do anything.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“In that case....” (Eun Seoho)
I thought for a moment, then opened my mouth.
“Please keep it a secret that I helped the Sect Leader today.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is not difficult, but must it be kept secret?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Yes.” (Eun Seoho)
I nodded.
“Have you not already realized it? That my martial prowess is far beyond the peak.” (Eun Seoho)
“That is true. If you can fight on equal footing with me, then it must have been some time since you reached the transcendent peak.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“That is correct. So if it becomes known that I helped the Sect Leader, I will be unable to avoid criticism. It would mean that I deceived everyone in the friendly martial arts competition.” (Eun Seoho)
“There is sense in that.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
He continued.
“But that is something I must naturally grant, so I cannot call it repayment. Tell me something else.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“That alone is enough. In the first place, I did not do it hoping for repayment, so would it not be absurd for me to desire repayment?” (Eun Seoho)
At my words, he let out a long sigh.
“Ha! So this is why people call you Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman!” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Cough.
Why are you doing this? You are making me embarrassed.
“Even so, my face will not stand unless I properly repay you. So tell me something else.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Mm....
I merely took care of those who were tormenting Warrior Inbong while speaking ill of me, so how would I have known that the matter would grow this big?
At that moment, a good idea suddenly occurred to me.
“In today’s duel, Warrior Inbong forfeited out of respect for me. I would not like Warrior Inbong to be criticized because of that. And I would like him to be given more opportunities to display his ability.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ha! How is it that even the second thing is for someone else, not yourself?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
It is only because I feel sorry for deceiving Warrior Inbong....
“Understood. I shall do so. But that is not for your sake, is it?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“I apologize. I simply cannot think of anything right away.” (Eun Seoho)
“Very well. I cannot force more from the one who is supposed to receive repayment. I shall postpone hearing that answer for a while.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Thank you. Then....” (Eun Seoho)
I deliberately rolled on the ground and rose from my place.
Because if my clothes were clean, I would be suspected.
“I will take my leave now.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah! Wait a moment.” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“You did not ask about what Geumbong said earlier. What exactly happened today?” (Qingcheng Sect Leader)
Yes, if he were normal, he should hear the full story like this.
“That is....” (Eun Seoho)
I told him everything that had happened today without adding or subtracting anything.
I had decided to overlook only the matter of Palgap being injured; I had not said that I would overlook the other matters too.
.
.
.
I lightly brushed off my clothes and entered the inn.
Then the companions who had been waiting rushed over.
“Are you all right?” (Seo Woo)
I scratched the nape of my neck and said.
“He is indeed the Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
Behind him, Geumbong grinned.
“That is why you should not have acted so high and mighty. That is why people should not carelessly act up. If you are a merchant, you should know your place like one.” (Geumbong)
At that sight, my companions bit their lips.
They were holding back their anger.
However, I did not answer at all and turned around.
“Let us go.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Companion)
We left Cheongbyeok Inn and walked for a long while.
How long had we walked?
When we had reached the point where our conversation could no longer be heard from Cheongbyeok Inn.
“Pfft!” (Eun Seoho)
I burst into laughter.
Ah, I had a hard time holding back my laughter.
“Why are you laughing, sir? Could you perhaps be hurt somewhere?” (Palgap)
At Palgap’s words, I waved my hand and said.
“I am perfectly fine. These clothes only got dirty because I deliberately rolled around in the yard.” (Eun Seoho)
“I see. Honestly, I was worried, sir.” (Palgap)
“Have you ever seen me fight a losing battle?” (Eun Seoho)
“Of course not, sir. If it were a losing battle, you would be someone who avoided that fight and then found a way to win before fighting, sir.” (Palgap)
“You know me well. Did you see that Geumbong’s face earlier?” (Eun Seoho)
“I did see it, of course, but why do you ask, sir?” (Palgap)
“Ah, because that face will be the last smiling face he ever has.” (Eun Seoho)
Earlier, the Sect Leader of the Qingcheng Sect had flown into a rage after hearing what Geumbong had done.
He will now come to realize through his own body that life is not easy.