Chapter 333: When Revealing an Aged Desire

TL: FoodieMonster007

The Drunken Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme arrived at the Great Drunken Forest.

"Leave the box of liquor here," the Drunken Demon said. "I'll carry it from now on."

The Flower Sword Supreme ignored him and continued walking.

"Let's have a drink before we go."

"Weren't you so cold and about to leave when I tried to hold you back?"

"We've got good liquor now, don't we?"

Of course, that was not the real reason. She had noticed the Drunken Demon's sunken mood and wanted to comfort her only friend.

The Flower Sword Supreme spoke to Yeo Bin, one of the Three Great Drunkards, who came to greet them.

"Let's drink together today."

"I'm fine, thank you."

"I'm asking because I want to drink."

Yeo Bin looked at the Drunken Demon. The Drunken Demon glanced once at the Flower Sword Supreme, then nodded to Yeo Bin.

"Then I will go get some side dishes."

The Flower Sword Supreme and the Drunken Demon went up to the Drunken Dream Palace first.

"Why are you doing something you never do?" the Drunken Demon asked.

As he asked, the Drunken Demon found the answer himself.

I secretly worked behind the scenes to help the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Flower Sword Supreme reconcile. Thanks to me, much of their long-standing conflict has been resolved. Even though the Flower Sword Supreme doesn't know that, she's trying to connect me with Yeo Bin. Is this really how life comes full circle?

"I'm tired of doing the same thing all the time," the Flower Sword Supreme said.

She held out her hand. A bottle of liquor rose from the box they had brought and flew to the pavilion where she sat.

"You have a golden touch, picking out the most precious and expensive bottle from all that liquor. Then again, it is the hand of the Sword Supreme, so it must be the most noble."

In the past, that joke might have slightly offended her.

But I don't feel any anger now. Because I'm doing my best right now. Yes, right now, my hand is a precious hand.

The Flower Sword Supreme poured a drink for Yeo Bin, who had brought the side dishes.

Yeo Bin politely received the drink and emptied her cup. The Flower Sword Supreme saw Yeo Bin's hand tremble with tension as she held the cup.

"Have another."

The Flower Sword Supreme poured her a second, and then a third cup. After drinking three cups in a row, Yeo Bin's hand no longer trembled.

"It seems like just yesterday that you came to the Great Drunken Forest. So much time has already passed."

"Do you remember that time?"

The Flower Sword Supreme nodded. She remembered because few women were among the drunkards. Of course, that did not mean Yeo Bin held any significance in the Flower Sword Supreme's life. Only recently, as the Flower Sword Supreme's heart changed, had she begun to notice her.

Life must change for martial arts to change. This was the opposite of what Geom Mugeuk used to say. As her martial arts changed, or more accurately, as her heart toward martial arts changed, her life was changing. In this way, life and martial arts influence each other like two sides of a coin.

"Back then, you were young, I was quite young, and your Demon Supreme over there was quite handsome."

The Drunken Demon laughed silently. Normally, he would have boasted about being more handsome now, questioning how youthful immaturity could compare to the charm of a middle-aged man. Today, however, the Drunken Demon was calm.

The three of them drank. The Flower Sword Supreme did not draw the Drunken Demon into the conversation. She let him drink alone and talked with Yeo Bin. She asked various questions but, like the seasoned Sword Supreme she was, avoided anything that would make Yeo Bin uncomfortable.

Except for one question.

"Don't you want to get married?"

The Drunken Demon shot the Flower Sword Supreme a look that said she was asking something unnecessary. Ignoring his gaze, the Flower Sword Supreme waited for Yeo Bin's answer.

"No, I have no thoughts of it."

"Why not?"

"What man would like a wife who drinks like this every day?"

"You could just meet someone who also likes to drink. Aren't there plenty of men in the Great Drunken Forest?"

Yeo Bin simply smiled.

"What about your Demon Supreme?"

The Drunken Demon cut in. "You're talking nonsense! Are you drunk?"

The Flower Sword Supreme faced the Drunken Demon. "Yes, I'm drunk. Why aren't you drunk when you drink so much? If you're the Drunken Demon, you should be drunk!"

Their gazes tangled in mid-air.

The Flower Sword Supreme then said what she had intended to say all along.

"Do you know why you've been so sulky and angry lately?"

The Drunken Demon flared up. Sulky? Are you going to say that kind of thing in front of my subordinate?

However, the Flower Sword Supreme continued. "It's because you're holding it in. Holding it in because you're older, holding it in because you're a Demon Supreme. What is this damn age? What is this damn face? Look, friend. The older you get, the more you need to know how to reveal your desires with class. You have to, if you want to stop being angry and sulky."

Though I myself failed to reveal my desires with class. That's why. It's the reason I have something to say on this topic. Because whenever I fall into thought, even for a moment, I invariably recall my own shameful desires from the past.

"Stop your nonsense and go. Stop depleting someone else's precious gift."

"I don't want to."

"Then I'll go."

The Drunken Demon grabbed a bottle of liquor, descended from the Drunken Dream Palace, and set a boat afloat on the lake by himself.

The two women watched the Drunken Demon's boat as it slowly drifted toward the moon's reflection on the water.

"Actually, I was saying that to you," the Flower Sword Supreme said. "I know that friend of mine won't listen to such words."

Yeo Bin looked at her with a surprised face.

"If you endure and endure, at first, you'll become sulky. Later, you'll become angry."

Knowing full well what she meant, Yeo Bin could not answer.

"Are you scared? That this life of watching from the sidelines might disappear?"

Still, Yeo Bin said nothing.

"If so, don't be afraid. You've watched for long enough. That's just a lingering attachment, a habit. It's time to let that life drift away."

Silence fell upon the Drunken Dream Palace and the lake.

After some time, a cool breeze blew from somewhere. The wind sobered up the Flower Sword Supreme, and her mind cleared.

Am I in any position to give someone advice? What do I know so well about Yeo Bin?

She felt she had gone too far out of concern for the two of them. Should I say I can't remember because the liquor from the Outer Regions was too strong?

"I was drunk when I said it, so don't think too deeply about it."

Just as the Flower Sword Supreme was about to get up, Yeo Bin finally spoke.

"You saw correctly, Sword Supreme. I have already passed the sulky stage and am now angry. It has been several years since I became angry."

It was the first time she had revealed her inner thoughts. Because she had always maintained a polite attitude, one could not feel her anger.

"Seeing how I'm still trembling like this, I suppose I'm afraid that even this angry life will disappear."

Yeo Bin's eyes trembled, having revealed her innermost feelings to someone for the first time.

The Flower Sword Supreme had nothing more to say. So, she filled Yeo Bin's cup to the brim, the greatest courage one could give a fellow drunkard.

"For today, try being a real drunkard."

After saying that, she leaped away. She crossed the lake with movement arts too splendid and elegant for someone who claimed to be drunk.

When she landed on the shore and looked back, she saw Yeo Bin flying toward the Drunken Demon's boat on the lake, holding a bottle of liquor.

A smile formed on the Flower Sword Supreme's lips.

I envy her youth, which allows her to act first, even if she might regret it later.

However, it's okay. Because from now on, I too plan to live while revealing my desires, but with elegance and class.

I arrived at the Eastern Fist Garrison with my brother.

Since I had once trained with everyone from the White Fists to the Black Fists, every person I passed was a familiar face. Their gazes and attitudes toward me were completely different now.

Receiving polite greetings from the Iron Fists, I entered the inner courtyard.

In the inner courtyard's training ground, the Fist Demon was training the Black Fists. He personally instructed only the Black Fists, while Cheon Sohwi was in charge of training the rest of the Iron Fists.

"Master! I'm back."

"You're here?"

After a long time, even the Fist Demon's scary face was a welcome sight.

Compared to his blunt greeting for me, the Fist Demon greeted my brother with a gentle gaze.

"You've arrived, First Young Lord. Please put that heavy thing down here."

I was not one to just stand by. "The box I'm holding is heavier! Are you discriminating against people?"

The reason for the discrimination was quickly revealed.

"I've heard it several times from Chief Gwak. That the First Young Lord went through a lot of trouble to make the gauntlets."

"It was my duty," Geom Muyang said. "Today, I've brought the completed gauntlets."

Geom Muyang opened the box and showed him the gauntlets.

Meanwhile, Cheon Sohwi, who had missed her chance to greet me and had only bowed, came over and whispered a greeting.

"I'm so glad you returned safely, Young Cult Leader."

"I told you to call me Senior Brother when we're alone."

Cheon Sohwi glanced at the Fist Demon and my brother with a look that said, But we're not alone right now, are we?

I said it again so those two could hear, a shout disguised as a whisper.

"It's a relief to have such a kind junior sister under such a heartless Master."

The Fist Demon looked at me and said, "The kinder she is, the shorter your junior sister's lifespan will be."

"That won't do. Kind junior sister cancelled! Junior sister, this is the ruthless jianghu!"

Those watching smiled. Since everyone knew my personality well, the atmosphere was good.

The Fist Demon picked up the gauntlets and examined them.

"You've put a thin steel mesh in the palm."

"That's right. It's light yet incredibly strong. The smithy's technology was concentrated in that part."

The Fist Demon handed the gauntlets to Cheon Sohwi.

Cheon Sohwi put on the gauntlets and tested their power.

"First of all, the fit is very good."

She had an Iron Fist bring her a sword.

"Strike with all your might!"

The Iron Fist who brought the sword struck forcefully. She blocked the blade with her palm. Despite the considerable force, her palm was unharmed.

The watching Black Fists exclaimed in admiration.

The Fist Demon nodded in satisfaction.

"These are excellent gauntlets. You've worked hard."

"For now, fifty people can use them, but within a few months, we will produce and send enough for all the Iron Fists of the Eastern Fist Garrison."

"It must be thanks to your efforts. Thank you."

The Fist Demon expressed his sincere gratitude. Geom Muyang smiled with satisfaction, his past hardships melting away.

While Cheon Sohwi distributed the gauntlets to the Black Fists, we walked through the inner courtyard together.

The Fist Demon spoke mainly with Geom Muyang, not me. They discussed various work-related topics, from the gauntlet production to what kind of support the Eastern Fist Garrison needed.

Walking silently with them, I felt it clearly. My brother was indeed better at this kind of work. It was a moment that made me realize anew that for a job to be done properly, someone needed to have a meticulous and thorough personality.

It was when we said our goodbyes and turned to leave that the Fist Demon sent a telepathy.

[Welcome back.]

[I'll visit again later.]

This single word of telepathy was enough of a welcome from my Master. It felt better than being welcomed by hundreds of exploding firecrackers.

At the entrance of the Eastern Fist Garrison, I said to Geom Muyang, "I'm hungry. Let's eat together."

"Since when did we eat together?"

"When I went to the Outer Regions this time, I thought a lot about Father and you."

After a brief pause, Geom Muyang said, "Let's have a meal with Father soon."

I could tell. It was his answer to my words about taking care of Father. It meant we would do it together.

"You're buying."

"No way. You're the rich one, you buy it."

Surprisingly, I was starting to like my brother.

However, I can't let my guard down. Mistakes between people happen at times like this. When you're just starting to like someone. At times like these, you have to open your eyes wider and watch the other person.

I stood for a moment watching my brother's back, then turned in the opposite direction. I headed for the Southern Blade Sect.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was in his residence.

"I've returned, Elder."

"You should be recovering from your journey. Why did you come here?"

"Seeing you is how I rest, Elder, but why are you organizing books?"

He was taking out collections of poetry and literature and putting martial arts manuals in their place.

"These are manuals I read when I was young. I'm going to have that Daeryong fellow read them."

"Everyone is overflowing with love for their disciple."

"Everyone?"

I was originally referring to the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

"I mean that I'm also loved by the Fist Demon."

"Don't be ridiculous. You're lucky if you don't get beaten up."

"Should I help you organize?"

"I'm done."

I squatted down and rummaged through the books the Blood Heaven Blade Demon had piled up.

"There are a lot of new books I haven't seen. Please lend them to me."

"Do you even have time to read?"

"Even if I don't, I have to make time."

As I looked through the books, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who was organizing the bookshelf, asked, "Were they the same kind of bastards as that guy from the Murim Alliance?"

I had been with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon when we caught Baek Cheongeong of the Murim Alliance.

"Yes, they seem to be on the same side."

"This damn murim never has a peaceful day."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon did not ask any more about it and picked out a few books for me.

"I'll lend you more when you've read them all."

"I'll visit again."

Tucking the books under my arm, I returned to my residence.

Cheokyeon was waiting and held out a bottle of liquor.

"What's this?"

"It's a gift."

"A gift?"

"When you were buying a gift for the Drunken Demon, we pooled our money and bought a bottle."

I saw it was one of the more expensive liquors among those I gifted to the Drunken Demon. It seemed my bodyguards had secretly bought a bottle for themselves when I bought mine.

"Where did you guys get the money?"

"You might not know who we are, but we are none other than the bodyguards of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult's Young Cult Leader. We get paid a lot."

It was a self-deprecating joke from Cheokyeon. They probably felt like they were the ones being protected, not the ones protecting me.

"Thanks for the gift. I'll savor it."

"Then we will take our leave."

After Cheokyeon left, I washed myself and changed into new clothes.

Instead of turning off the lights and lying in bed, I took the book and the liquor.

TAK.

I opened my own space with the Spacetime Manipulation Technique.

A clear sea, a white sandy beach, a blue sky, a broad-leafed tree, and a comfortable chair beneath it.

"You rascals, I missed you!"

I laid my body down on the comfortable chair.

"Ah, this is nice."

The happiness here was truly something! The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader says that those who learn illusion arts must be wary of getting lost in their own worlds, but I can't give up this space.

Looking back on my past life, the most important and necessary thing as I got older was my own space and my own time. At least here, I could forget all the worldly affairs and quietly enjoy my own rest.

Today, I added one more thing to my sanctuary.

A small chair appeared next to my chair. I placed the Secret Box on top of it.

"How is it? Do you like it?"

The Secret Box seemed to like it too, as it was smiling brightly.

Leaning back in the chair, I sipped liquor and read my book. The only sounds were the wind, the cry of gulls, and the turning of pages. Even if they offered me the entire murim, I would not trade it for this moment.

Thus passed the first day back in the cult, which had been busier than the journey itself.