By Zephyria Expert in Disappearance and Kidnapping (1)
“Is that… really true…? No coercion or threats?”
“It’s true. I used to think Master was a scary person, but it turns out he’s really warm and kind.”
“Warm… and kind…”
Those were words that didn’t suit Baek Ryeo-il. Ma Jin-cheon kept muttering those words, turning back without gaining anything.
As Seong Mu-yeon went into his room to rest, Gang Woong followed him like a shadow.
“…Gang Disciple, you don’t have to follow me all the way to my room.”
The boy seemed embarrassed.
Since his revered Master had given him a mission, Gang Woong had to complete it no matter what.
“I also don’t think Young master is a dangerous person, but I must follow Master’s orders, so please understand. Just think of me as not being here and get some rest.”
Gang Woong grinned.
It’s said you can’t spit on a smiling face, but Seong Mu-yeon was someone who could. However, he couldn’t bring himself to chase him away. He couldn’t bear to trample on the happiness of the boy who was now smiling brightly, having finally achieved his wish.
“Then, Disciple, please make yourself comfortable.”
“Yes, sir.”
Gang Woong took a seat on one side and opened the Taoist Scripture. Hwasan Sect Disciple were all strictly educated to become cultured martial artists with both literary and martial skills, so they never neglected their studies.
But he seriously doubted whether Baek Ryeo-il had received the same education. What would become of Gang Woong’s fate, having become his disciple?
‘I hope he grows up well.’
Having a crazy Master was a necessary rite of passage for a martial arts protagonist, but Gang Woong wasn’t a protagonist. Whether he would endure the trials and grow, or become exhausted and fall behind, was up to him.
But Seong Mu-yeon was in no position to worry about others.
He was living on thin ice even now. He didn’t know when people would come barging in and drag him out.
A few days later, a group of people really did come to find Seong Mu-yeon.
“Young master Seong Mu-yeon. The Sect leader has summoned you. You must come with us.”
They were all wearing real swords and martial uniforms different from those of ordinary disciples, middle-aged Law-protecting Warrior. The last time he was taken away, Second Generation disciples like Baek Ryeo-il had come, but after being stopped by Baek Ryeo-il once, they now sent higher-ranking warriors. They seemed to have judged that no matter how Baek Ryeo-il was, he couldn’t treat his superiors carelessly.
He didn’t even greet his martial uncles, who were of the same rank as his Master. He crossed his arms and glared at them with a crooked posture.
“What is it?”
“Baek Ryeo-il, don’t act recklessly. There’s a limit to how much we can tolerate.”
But Baek Ryeo-il was Baek Ryeo-il.
“If you don’t tolerate it? What are you going to do?”
Seong Mu-yeon’s eyes widened, surprised by his shockingly uncooperative attitude.
No, this guy! What’s wrong with him!
He hurriedly tugged at Baek Ryeo-il’s sleeve.
“Aren’t these people here for me? Why are you making a fuss, Disciple? Where do I need to go?”
Seong Mu-yeon was worried that Baek Ryeo-il would cause a ruckus, so he hurriedly followed them. He had hoped that Baek Ryeo-il wouldn’t follow, but he trailed behind with a dissatisfied expression.
They headed not to the Sect Leader’s Hall, but to the main conference hall.
At the head of the long, narrow table sat the Sect leader, and on either side were the Elder and senior members in a row.
Seong Mu-yeon sat in the seat opposite the Sect leader, guided by the warrior. Sitting with his back to the door, receiving the gazes of the Sect leader and numerous Elder, he couldn’t help but feel intimidated. That must have been the effect they were aiming for…
First, the Elder, who had unpleasant expressions, opened their mouths.
“Seventh Young master Seong Mu-yeon, are you aware that you have caused great harm to a precious disciple of Hwasan?”
“Thanks to the senior members taking turns circulating Qi for three days and nights due to the aftereffects of Qi deviation, he barely escaped danger, but his body is so severely damaged that he will have to recuperate for three months. How will you take responsibility for this?”
“Sect leader, what do you think?”
The Sect leader, sitting at the head of the table, frowned and stroked his beard. He was scary even when he was smiling, but now that he was serious, Seong Mu-yeon felt his legs go numb.
“May I cautiously say something?”
Ma Jin-cheon, who had been sitting quietly, asked. Then, the First Generation disciple who had brought Seong Mu-yeon and was sitting in the remaining seat frowned.
“Senior Brother Ma, I don’t think this is a place where we can speak. Please restrain yourself?”
But Ma Jin-cheon glanced at his Junior Brother once and turned his head towards the Sect leader.
“Sect leader, I don’t think Young master Seong Mu-yeon intentionally caused harm.”
“Senior Brother!”
The ignored First Generation disciple called him in a low voice, warning him. His anger was evident.
At that moment, Baek Ryeo-il interjected. Since it wasn’t a place for a Second Generation disciple to interfere, he was leaning against the door.
“If Junior Brother Jang hadn’t foolishly provoked him first, he wouldn’t have lost his temper and suffered Qi deviation.”
Seong Mu-yeon, at a loss for words, opened and closed his mouth.
Even in a place where the Sect leader was present, he was unrestrained. Baek Ryeo-il tapped his toes, seemingly displeased.
He was usually rebellious like a delinquent youth full of dissatisfaction with society, but he was especially bad today.
“This guy? Who do you think you are! Han-soo is your Junior Brother!”
The old-fashioned Taoists jumped up and got angry. But Baek Ryeo-il didn’t even blink an eye.
“He’s supposed to be a Great Mount Hua Sect Disciple, but he can’t even manage his own Heart Devil. I shouldn’t go around saying he’s my Junior Brother. Tsk, tsk.”
Baek Ryeo-il muttered to himself, but his words were clearly heard by everyone. Sang-geol, Jang Han-soo’s Master, was also occupying a seat, and upon hearing those words, he couldn’t contain his anger and jumped up.
As the atmosphere gradually turned hostile, the Sect leader didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping this mess, so Seong Mu-yeon finally stepped in.
“I deeply feel my responsibility. I will accept whatever punishment you give me.”
His attitude was very cooperative. The people reluctantly suppressed their anger and took their eyes off Baek Ryeo-il.
Sang-geol sneered.
“You wouldn’t mind even if we banished you from Hwasan?”
“Yes.”
He obediently lowered his head. He was half prepared for it.
What Sect in the world would not only take in a demonic cultist but also let him harm a disciple and still let him off?
Seong Mu-yeon was surprised that they were even letting him leave with all his limbs intact.
“Sect leader, please give him one more chance.”
Ma Jin-cheon said earnestly. The Sect leader didn’t give a clear answer and only looked down at Seong Mu-yeon with deep eyes.
Silence fell.
Everyone was just watching and didn’t open their mouths, but they seemed to want to send Seong Mu-yeon away.
“I must make a decision.”
Finally, the Sect leader opened his mouth.
“Young master Seong Mu-yeon, you are…”
“Please wait a moment!”
Someone shouted loudly and kicked open the door. It was an unexpected face. Jang Han-soo came in, supported by his Junior Brother.
Baek Ryeo-il’s eyebrows twitched when he saw him. Then, without hesitation, he moved away from the wall and stood between Seong Mu-yeon and Jang Han-soo.
“Han-soo! Didn’t I tell you not to overdo it yet!”
Before he could open his mouth, Sang-geol preempted him, pushed Baek Ryeo-il away, and supported Jang Han-soo’s shoulders. Jang Han-soo immediately drew everyone’s attention. He limped in and looked at Seong Mu-yeon. Then, he wore a strange smile on his lips.
Seong Mu-yeon didn’t understand the situation. Judging from the fact that no one was opening their mouths, it seemed that other people were also the same.
“I don’t want Young master to be banished.”
In the silence, Jang Han-soo’s voice rang out vividly.
“What are you saying! You don’t want him to be banished!”
“This incident is my fault for not controlling my mind. Young master is not at fault at all. If an innocent person is driven to their death because of me, how will I repay that sin?”
He spoke fluently, like a flowing stream. Deep magnanimity could be seen in every word.
“Moreover, at a time like this when the Demonic Cult’s movements are unusual, he will be an important source of information. We must move in a direction that can be of even the slightest help. I have no doubt that Young master Seong Mu-yeon will work hard for Hwasan and, furthermore, for the Central Plains.”
Jang Han-soo looked straight at Seong Mu-yeon and asked.
“You will do that, won’t you, Young master?”
“…Yes?”
“I will do my best to destroy them. Can you help me, Young master?”
Jang Han-soo had a seemingly upright and righteous look in his eyes. There was no trace of the Heart Devil he had seen before.
Who could deny those words in this situation? What on earth is he thinking?
Seong Mu-yeon hid his reluctant feelings and nodded.
“…Of course.”
“Then that’s enough.”
Jang Han-soo cast his gaze towards the head table as if seeking their opinion. Someone sighed and muttered.
“…Excellent. Excellent.”
“Senior Sister Sang, you raised your disciple well.”
Sang-geol’s lips stretched to his ears at the adults’ praise. Seeing a middle-aged man rejoicing like that, Seong Mu-yeon felt strangely twisted inside.