Chapter 555: Would You Like to Get Some Fresh Air With Me?

TL: FoodieMonster007

Han Seol's astonishment did not cease. Arriving amidst a bloody battle and being forced to use a palm technique could be dismissed as poor timing. It was also perhaps acceptable for the North Sea Ice Palace Princess to discuss her ideal type before the successors of the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions. But now, she was watching the Demon Slaying Brigade and the Thirteen Evil Wolves share a toast. These were the very symbols and elite forces of the orthodox and unorthodox sects, drinking together under the watch of the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon and the Faceless Warriors.

This time, it was Han Seol who initiated a telepathic message to the Cold Ice Dual Swords.

[Is this really what the Central Plains is like? It's so different from the Central Plains I was taught about.]

The Cold Ice Dual Swords understood she was joking, but they conveyed their own surprise in return. In reality, their shock was even greater than hers.

[As far as I know, the orthodox, unorthodox, and demonic factions have never mingled this freely in the entire history of the murim.]

[We must be even more cautious in a situation like this.]

They were on the verge of suggesting this could be a conspiracy, but they held back. The scale was simply too immense to be a mere conspiracy. It was unbelievable that all these individuals would be gathered just to ensnare Han Seol. Besides, everyone present seemed far too sincere at that moment.

The Thirteen Evil Wolves and the Demon Slaying Brigade raised their cups for a joint toast, draining them completely. They even exchanged names with the person sitting across from them.

"I'm First Wolf."

"My name is Gwang Hyo."

While Geom Mugeuk had poured the first round, this time Bi Sayin and Jin Hagun came forward together. Bi Sayin served drinks to the Demon Slaying Brigade, while Jin Hagun poured for the Thirteen Evil Wolves.

This was a new experience for both the two men pouring the alcohol and the subordinates receiving it. Had it been any other organization from the Murim Alliance or the Evil Alliance, such an atmosphere would have been impossible. Even if they were drinking together, it would have been a tense affair, a battle of wills where they were ready to attack each other at any moment. However, the Demon Slaying Brigade and the Thirteen Evil Wolves had overcome a life-and-death crisis with their leaders, thanks to Geom Mugeuk's help. They were now the martial artists who best understood that their leaders' friendship was real.

Next, they poured drinks in the customary way. Bi Sayin served the Thirteen Evil Wolves, and Jin Hagun served the Demon Slaying Brigade. The looks they directed at their leaders were filled with profound loyalty and trust. It was as if a secure lock had been fastened upon the bond they had forged throughout this battle.

If a human relationship does not experience such a moment of being locked in, even a long and positive one can shatter instantly. It can happen over a single, truly trivial word. In fact, the triviality of it makes the collapse all the more senseless.

Was that the reason? Bi Sayin made an announcement to everyone present.

"This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of First Wolf joining the Thirteen Evil Wolves."

First Wolf grew flustered at the sudden attention.

However, Bi Sayin had something he felt compelled to say in this setting, before all these witnesses.

"Regardless of your affiliation or status, I sincerely respect you as a fellow martial artist."

When Bi Sayin lifted his cup, everyone else did the same.

The Thirteen Evil Wolves cheered with congratulations. The members of the Demon Slaying Brigade showed their respect by raising their cups and drinking, allowing the action to speak for them.

Jin Hagun spoke to First Wolf on their behalf.

"I believe protecting one's position for thirty years is a great accomplishment. You are truly remarkable."

Feeling the respect coming from the Demon Slaying Brigade, not just First Wolf but all of the Thirteen Evil Wolves were pleased.

"Thank you, Commander."

First Wolf offered his thanks politely before turning his gaze to Bi Sayin. He would have been grateful if Bi Sayin had said this privately, but he was truly thankful for being acknowledged so formally in front of everyone. This was an approach and method that Bi Sayin had learned from Geom Mugeuk.

"When I was born and just learning how to walk, First Wolf must have already been on the path of the unorthodox."

First Wolf laughed at Bi Sayin's comment, and the Thirteen Evil Wolves lifted their cups in unison.

"The thirteen followers of evil live and die as one!"

They shouted loudly and emptied their cups together.

As he watched them, a thought occurred to Jin Hagun.

You're also taking proper care of your subordinates.

It was just like when he had glanced back at his own Demon Slaying Brigade subordinates while fighting the Heavenly Fiend within the formations. If he had not looked back at that moment, he would never have been able to have a sincere conversation with them.

When Jin Hagun lifted his cup high, the warriors of the Demon Slaying Brigade also raised theirs. Because this was a moment to celebrate First Wolf, they did not shout to boost their morale. Instead, they simply exchanged glances and drank.

This level of consideration was unimaginable before. In the past, they would have yelled "slaying demons and eradicating evil" even louder than their counterparts.

Jin Hagun turned his gaze to the man responsible for creating this moment. Geom Mugeuk had returned to his original seat and was speaking with Han Seol. He had decided it was best for him to step away from the atmosphere of unity.

Han Seol set her cup down at the same time as Geom Mugeuk. Worried she might get too drunk, she had only touched her lips to the cup before putting it down. Geom Mugeuk, however, had once again emptied his. Geom Mugeuk neither forced her to drink nor prevented her from doing so.

"You hold your liquor well. It doesn't look like you're using qi to sober up, either."

Indeed, Geom Mugeuk had been drinking with one person after another, yet he showed no signs of being drunk.

"Why would I use my inner arts to dispel such a pleasant buzz?"

"You must have a high tolerance."

"You know, don't you? My brother is the Drunken Demon."

She was aware of their relationship, as he had previously come to the North Sea with the Drunken Demon.

Han Seol poured a drink for Geom Mugeuk and asked a question.

"Is Lee Ahn doing well?"

She had hoped she might get to see Lee Ahn on this visit.

Then, Geom Mugeuk gave a surprising reply.

"I don't know either."

"Pardon?"

Geom Mugeuk's gaze drifted into the distance, looking outside.

"Lee Ahn is out in the world on her own."

Han Seol knew he considered Lee Ahn his heart, so she was surprised he had allowed her to go alone.

"Aren't you worried?"

"Why wouldn't I be? She shows up in my dreams every night like a ghost."

"Then why did you send her out by herself?"

After a short pause, Geom Mugeuk spoke.

"She needs to learn how to walk on her own."

Although it was an ordinary phrase, Geom Mugeuk's words carried the weight of his life before his regression. He had learned from direct experience that the more difficult the path, the stronger a person becomes when they return.

The moment Han Seol heard those words, her heart began to pound. A desire to travel the world by herself had suddenly bloomed inside her.

"That's a shame. I thought I'd be able to see her this time."

Then, Geom Mugeuk said something she did not expect.

"You can see her before you leave."

"Pardon?"

"It's about time for her to come back to our Cult. She might even be back already. Come with me to our Cult. I will extend a formal invitation to you."

Before Han Seol could reply, a telepathic message from the Cold Ice Dual Swords entered her mind.

[You must never go to the Divine Cult!]

[The main palace has never paid a visit to the Divine Cult!]

Ironically, their telepathic warning only strengthened her resolve.

Let my journey to the Central Plains mark the first time.

Han Seol wanted to visit the headquarters of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Since they had come to the North Sea Ice Palace, wasn't it only proper for her to visit them in return?

More than anything, she wanted to see Lee Ahn. She wanted to ask what Lee Ahn had seen after venturing into the world alone.

"I once asked my mother what the Central Plains was like for her. She said it's a place you want to leave when you're there, and a place you want to return to once you've left. I wonder what kind of place the Central Plains will be for me."

As it was a formal invitation, she spoke with a polite, clasped-hands greeting.

"I accept your invitation. Thank you for inviting me."

Geom Mugeuk also responded with a polite, clasped-hands greeting.

"I hope our Cult can become a good memory of the Central Plains for you, Princess."

And just like that, Han Seol's visit to the Divine Cult was settled.

As the night grew deeper, the drinking party became more intense. Everyone was drunk. Of course, this did not mean the Thirteen Evil Wolves or the Demon Slaying Brigade made any blunders with one another. As elite warriors who served their respective successors, they remained careful and cautious even while drinking. Geom Mugeuk drank with Jin Hagun and Bi Sayin, while Jin Haryong and Han Seol drank with the Thousand Flower Palace Chairwoman. It was impossible to tell what they were discussing so cheerfully, but the two young women were probably hearing advice that would be a great help to them in their lives.

Geom Mugeuk called out to the musicians playing on the second-floor balcony.

"A more exciting tune, please!"

The gentle music immediately picked up its tempo, naturally raising everyone's spirits.

As Geom Mugeuk began to sway his body lightly, Bi Sayin was the first to shout.

"Don't even dream of it!"

However, Geom Mugeuk's movements started to grow larger, as if he were only just getting started.

When Geom Mugeuk shot a glance toward Han Seol, Bi Sayin launched another preemptive strike.

"The second you mention dancing, the Great Unorthodox-Demonic War will break out!"

Geom Mugeuk appeared disappointed.

"Young Lady Han would fall for you even more if she saw your dancing skills."

Although his words conveyed disappointment, his body seemed ready to leap up and start moving at any moment. And would Geom Mugeuk really dance by himself? If the true dancer was right there, he would surely be pulled into it.

Feeling cornered, Bi Sayin looked at Jin Hagun. He gave him a look that said if Jin Hagun didn't stop this, it would become a war not between good and evil, but between Bi Sayin and Jang Hu.

However, Jin Hagun, his face flushed from the alcohol, said something completely unexpected.

"If you two dance, I'll perform a sword dance."

He simply meant that while he couldn't just dance, he could perform a sword dance instead.

Bi Sayin stared at Jin Hagun with a look of pure shock. He expected the teasing from Geom Mugeuk, but Jin Hagun was actually going to perform a sword dance?

"Everyone's gone mad! You're all way too drunk!"

With Jin Hagun now on board, Geom Mugeuk's swaying body gained wings. He was determined to create an atmosphere for dancing one way or another.

Bi Sayin shot up from his seat.

Geom Mugeuk looked at him with surprise.

"You're going to dance?"

Of course, that was highly unlikely.

Bi Sayin walked directly over to Han Seol.

"Would you like to get some fresh air with me?"

Since this was not a problem that could be solved by running away, he had opted for a frontal assault.

Han Seol was flustered by his words, and Jin Haryong was even more taken aback.

The Young Alliance Chairman was asking a woman to go for a walk?

Jin Haryong looked at Geom Mugeuk and sent a telepathic message.

[What on earth did you do?]

[It's not fair! I didn't say anything.]

[The Young Alliance Chairman has gotten weird because of you.]

If only she had heard her brother say he would perform a sword dance.

Was he just being considerate of the people watching? Or did he genuinely want to go for a walk?

Han Seol, who had been watching Bi Sayin quietly, gave a calm reply.

"The alcohol was starting to get to me, and I was feeling a bit stuffy anyway."

Han Seol stood up from her seat and walked out of the building with Bi Sayin.

Of course, a telepathic message from Geom Mugeuk flew toward Bi Sayin.

→What a man, a real man!

[And whose fault is all this!]

Geom Mugeuk's playfulness vanished from his next telepathic message, which arrived with a sigh.

[Even after many years pass, you'll never forget the thrill of asking someone for a walk.]

Bi Sayin understood. He knew that Geom Mugeuk was sincerely cheering for him, pushing him forward with a genuine heart.

[If a war breaks out, I'm invading the Divine Cult first! To hell with the North Sea!]

And with that, the two of them went outside.

Watching them leave, Geom Mugeuk raised his cup high.

"Now, let's have a toast to victory!"

Was it truly a toast to victory? Jin Hagun watched Bi Sayin with a worried look. The only thing the two had in common was their clothing. He wondered if Bi Sayin could even hold a proper conversation.

After they had a few more drinks, Jin Hagun revealed the thoughts he had been keeping in his heart.

"When I go back this time, I plan to tell my grandfather. I'll ask him to decide on me as the successor."

Geom Mugeuk quietly refilled Jin Hagun's cup.

His inner thoughts now flowed out with ease.

"I've been hiding my desires for too long. I believed that was righteousness and the proper path. I thought if I just lived that way, everything would fall into place naturally. But… I've started to think this might also be a kind of escapism. An escape I've delayed over and over, trying to hide my greed to become the next Chairman from my grandfather. It was easier to become the head of the Demon Slaying Brigade and fight than to say those words."

Geom Mugeuk listened to him and drank his alcohol in silence. Perhaps the Murim Alliance leader felt the same way. He carried the burden of making his grandson the successor. It was a heavy burden for the Murim Alliance leader, a man who had pursued nothing but honor his entire life. Unable to bear the dishonor of appointing his grandson as successor when there might be someone more capable, perhaps he too was escaping from reality. Vaguely thinking that if his grandson served as the head of the Demon Slaying Brigade for a long time, a moment would come when everyone would acknowledge him.

Geom Mugeuk believed Jin Hagun's decision was a good one.

The most dangerous kind of relationship is one where both people are dishonest about their desires. When a relationship like that goes wrong, the two parties drift apart uncontrollably.

"I also think it's time for your lava to erupt."

Jin Hagun drew strength from Geom Mugeuk's encouragement.

"I'm going to risk my life."

"What! You haven't risked it yet? Even neighborhood thugs risk their lives to become a boss, and this is about becoming the Murim Alliance leader. You should've risked it already! Go to the Chairman and shout, 'Please give me the successor position now!' If you get scolded, go back the next day and flatter him! Just show him your honest intentions!"

Jin Hagun laughed. Yes, conversations with Geom Mugeuk always gave him strength like this.

Just then, they spotted Bi Sayin and Han Seol walking together in the distance.

"What do you think they're talking about?"

"A secret pact for the Evil Alliance and the North Sea Ice Palace to join forces and attack the Murim Alliance?"

"Didn't you hear him earlier? If they attack anyone, it'll be you."

"That's impossible. I'm the one who tied the red thread between those two."

Jin Hagun turned to Geom Mugeuk with a worried expression. "What are you going to do if that friend gets his heart broken?"

"Then he gets it broken." Geom Mugeuk looked at Jin Hagun and spoke calmly, "When we look back on our lives someday, wouldn't it be a shame if the only memories we have are of fighting our enemies?"