Chapter 675: What Are the Successors Talking About?

TL: FoodieMonster007

That evening, Bi Sayin and Han Seol made their way to Geom Mugeuk's residence. Han Seol had given the Cold Ice Dual Swords a rare chance to have time together, since she no longer needed a bodyguard for her meeting with Geom Mugeuk.

"You're finally here."

Geom Mugeuk greeted the two of them with a warm welcome.

"I thought you said you were arriving tomorrow?"

He had planned to simply reply, 'Well, things just turned out that way.' However, when he saw Geom Mugeuk's face, he found he couldn't bring himself to lie.

"We arrived early today, so I did some sightseeing in Wuhan with Young Lady Han."

They had enjoyed delicious food at Wuhan's Number One Restaurant, sipped tea at a teahouse renowned for its fragrant brews, and even taken a pleasant walk before their arrival. Bi Sayin felt genuinely apologetic toward Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Muyang also emerged to greet the pair.

"Welcome."

"I apologize for visiting so late."

It was Geom Muyang, however, who could not meet their eyes. He felt a sense of embarrassment as he recalled the moment he had been spying on the two of them.

"Alright, let's go inside. We have things to discuss and a lot to prepare."

Geom Mugeuk led them into the main hall.

"I plan to hold our own celebration in two days."

He figured that since Jin Hagun would be exhausted from the Murim Alliance banquet today, it would be best to let him rest for a day and hold their event the day after tomorrow.

"And for a celebration, we need a celebratory performance, right?"

At the mention of a "celebratory performance," everyone flinched and became tense. The emotion in their gazes was identical.

What are you plotting now?

Before Geom Mugeuk could utter another word, Bi Sayin spoke with firmness.

"Absolutely not."

"What?"

"Whatever you're thinking right now, absolutely not!"

Geom Mugeuk then asked with a meaningful smile on his face.

"What am I thinking?"

Bi Sayin refused to allow those words to pass his lips. He was certain that if he spoke them, Geom Mugeuk would immediately make it a reality.

However, Geom Mugeuk's target was not Bi Sayin. He casually directed a question to Han Seol.

"Can you dance? Surely a celebration isn't complete without dance and music, right?"

Han Seol had come to see Geom Mugeuk as such an eccentric individual that this insane suggestion of dancing at a party did not sound strange at all.

"Do we have to go that far? Isn't it enough to congratulate him sincerely?"

"Of course, that would be fine. Just like the countless guests who met Hagun today to congratulate him. He's probably still receiving congratulations if the banquet isn't over. In about ten years, Hagun will probably think to himself, 'What did that person say to congratulate me back then? Did they even come?'"

There was no way to refute his point.

"So you're saying we should do something memorable?"

Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

"We're not doing it for him."

"Then?"

"We're doing it for us. For the memory of us, who prepared such a celebratory performance for a friend. Think about it. Don't you remember the things you've given more than the things you've received in life?"

"!"

Bi Sayin, who was observing, shook his head. He could sense that Han Seol was being slightly persuaded.

No! You can't fall for it!

"I understand what you mean, but I can't dance."

At her words, a wave of relief washed over Bi Sayin.

Well done. Truly well done.

But then, Han Seol added another sentence that struck like a thunderbolt.

"…But what about a song?"

Bi Sayin stared at her, completely shocked. He was not the only one. Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang were also surprised.

"I'm not a great singer, though."

"It doesn't matter! We're all tone-deaf anyway, so this is perfect."

Geom Mugeuk cheered, but Bi Sayin's heart became complicated. If she was participating, he couldn't possibly refuse. Still, no matter what, he could not bring himself to dance again.

This time, Geom Mugeuk involved his brother.

"Besides, we have someone among us who can play a wonderful tune to accompany the Young Lady's song."

Just as Geom Mugeuk was about to slyly retrieve the bamboo flute from his sleeve, his brother's telepathy shot towards him.

[If you take that out, you're dead!]

[We can't have her sing without any music.]

Using her as a shield, Geom Mugeuk produced the bamboo flute.

"Isn't it amazing? That my brother knows how to play an instrument."

He then offered some subtle praise for his brother.

"He's probably the strongest person in the world who can play an instrument."

Geom Muyang looked at Geom Mugeuk with an expression that conveyed he was hopeless. His younger brother's gaze seemed to ask a question.

[Hyung, isn't it fun to live a life you've never lived before?]

Right, if he had intended to refuse, he shouldn't have played at the instrument shop that day.

"I'll do the playing."

Yes, if he was going to do it, it was better to decide quickly. To be more honest, playing the bamboo flute was a hundred times better than dancing or singing.

He felt relieved. What if he had been forced to dance? He would rather perform the Golden Basin Handwashing and enter seclusion.

Now, only one person remained. Bi Sayin was cornered at the edge of a cliff. If he fell, he would have to dance.

No! Absolutely not!

Geom Muyang could now clearly see what Geom Mugeuk had been plotting for Bi Sayin.

I really can't help with this one. Sorry.

One wrong move and his bamboo flute could be snatched away, and he could be dragged onto the dance floor himself.

Geom Mugeuk started to persuade Bi Sayin.

"Fortunately, we have a long time, a whole day."

"It's only one day."

"So what if we can't sing well, dance well, or play an instrument well? We'll be the only ones listening and watching."

Geom Mugeuk placed emphasis on the word 'we'.

"It's something the five of us are doing together. We'll take it to our graves."

"Why five?"

"Miss Jin has already agreed to join."

Even Miss Jin!

CRUMBLE!

A stone from behind his feet tumbled off the cliff below.

"Were you a dancer in a past life? Why are you so obsessed with dancing?"

Geom Mugeuk's reason came from an unexpected place.

"When we were on the brink of death, you said it. That if you survived, you would dance."

"!"

He had ended up dancing at the tripartite meeting because of that promise.

"It was a choice from your subconscious. The first thing you wanted to do if you survived. Perhaps it was because you wanted to live a different life, not your usual one, if you made it out alive?"

He's so good at twisting words I just said!

However, it was true that he was getting the chance to live a different life because of Geom Mugeuk. His current relationship with Han Seol was a part of that.

SWOOSH.

Just as he could hold on no longer and was about to fall from the cliff.

GRIP.

Someone grabbed his hand. It was Han Seol.

"Let's do a good job."

Her single phrase changed Bi Sayin's mind. It transformed from something he couldn't possibly do in front of her to something he would do bravely because she was watching.

Bi Sayin declared to Geom Mugeuk.

"This is the last time I'm dancing."

Geom Mugeuk shouted with a bright smile.

"Alright, let's dance our hearts out and then find other things we've never done before."

Two days later, Jin Hagun entered the Azure Cloud Forest. This was the location chosen for today's celebration, the very place where the final battle had occurred. The pavilion had been destroyed and was now gone, but the bamboo forest remained the same.

A banquet table was set in the middle of that bamboo forest. The table was laden with fine liquor and excellent dishes, which were foods that Jin Haryong had requested the Alliance's chefs to prepare.

"Welcome, my friend."

Geom Mugeuk, Bi Sayin, Han Seol, Jin Haryong, and Geom Muyang were all waiting for him.

The moment he saw them, Jin Hagun's mood lifted. He felt good just looking at them, even before a single word had been exchanged.

"Here, come and have a drink first."

As Jin Hagun strode over, Geom Mugeuk immediately poured him a drink.

TRICKLE.

The clear sound of a cup being filled echoed.

Jin Hagun gazed at Geom Mugeuk. His ascension to the position of successor.

No matter what anyone says, it's thanks to you.

Once the cup was full, Jin Hagun then filled Geom Mugeuk's cup in return.

I'll follow you slowly, my friend.

After filling Geom Mugeuk's cup, he proceeded to fill the cups of everyone else as well.

Geom Mugeuk raised his cup high.

"To the next Lord of the Murim Alliance!"

Everyone present echoed Geom Mugeuk's words and emptied their cups. A wide smile spread across Jin Hagun's face after he drained his cup.

He had achieved his dream, and he was surrounded by people who sincerely congratulated him for it. Among the people here, none were trying to get on his good side simply because he was the Murim Alliance Lord.

"Alright, this time, I'll pour you a drink."

This time, it was Bi Sayin who poured liquor into Jin Hagun's cup.

"Thank you for coming all this way."

"I'd come no matter where you were."

As the two men emptied their drinks, Geom Mugeuk made a sly comment.

"He might have wished the road was even longer."

At Jin Hagun's questioning look, Geom Mugeuk glanced toward Bi Sayin. A flustered Bi Sayin looked away, avoiding his gaze.

He could tell at once.

He noticed.

How sharp he was. He thought it might be for the best. It would be more comfortable to be teased by Geom Mugeuk than to carry the uncomfortable feeling of having deceived him.

Next, Jin Haryong stepped forward.

"Congratulations, Orabeoni."

"Thank you."

At the warm gazes they exchanged, Geom Mugeuk remarked.

"Hyung, that's the look siblings give each other."

Geom Muyang pretended not to hear and poured a drink for Jin Hagun.

"Please accept my cup as well."

"Thank you so much for coming."

Jin Hagun did not ask Geom Muyang separately about the Gwak Yeong siblings. The First Young Lord of the Demonic Cult was someone who inspired trust that he would take good care of them without needing to be asked. That was the kind of person he was to Jin Hagun now.

Finally, Han Seol poured him a drink.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you so much for coming."

And so, Jin Hagun drank with everyone there, taking turns with each of them. Now, the real drinking party began.

When everyone was tipsy from exchanging drinks, Geom Mugeuk stood up from his seat and walked out.

"Alright, today we will have a celebratory performance to congratulate our friend Hagun on becoming the successor!"

The announcement was so unexpected that Jin Hagun was startled. He was even more surprised to see everyone else stand up and walk out as well.

All five of them?

The others were one thing, but even Geom Muyang? That was the most shocking part.

The five of them stood in their designated spots. Geom Muyang and Han Seol stood at the very ends, with Geom Mugeuk, Bi Sayin, and Jin Haryong positioned between them.

They stood in a line and looked at Jin Hagun. He hadn't expected this kind of atmosphere to be created, so it was Jin Hagun who felt flustered.

What on earth are they planning to do?

Since there were no musicians, were they going to perform a sword demonstration? Just as he was thinking that, Geom Muyang took out a bamboo flute.

He was shocked for the first time right there. It was the moment the First Young Lord of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult took out a bamboo flute instead of hidden weapons.

As Geom Muyang took his stance and blew into the instrument, the bamboo flute sang out beautifully. It was truly a master-level skill.

Soon, a clear singing voice rode on the melody of the bamboo flute. Jin Hagun was shocked for the second time seeing Han Seol sing.

The Princess of the North Sea Ice Palace was singing to congratulate him?

Finally, the three people in the middle began to dance to the melody and the song. Jin Hagun's gaze fixed on one person. It was a man with an appearance least suited for dancing in this world.

Sayin, I'm sorry.

How much must he have been tormented by Geom Mugeuk to perform this dance? He could tell without even seeing it.

However, apart from that feeling, Bi Sayin was dancing the most earnestly of the three. He was not the type to do a half-hearted job of a dance he had agreed to do, even if he had said he would rather die than do it.

It was clear that they had practiced a lot. The three's dance was perfectly in sync with the bamboo flute and the song. It was a dance of complete absorption from Bi Sayin.

Had he practiced dancing in his daily life? The dance was so impressive it was hard to believe it was the result of just one day's practice. Bi Sayin deserved to be in the center.

Geom Mugeuk and Jin Haryong on his left and right also danced hard, but they reduced their own movements to make Bi Sayin stand out even more.

The music became more exciting and faster, and Han Seol's song became more cheerful. The mist flowing around them made this stage even more magnificent.

A scene that Jin Hagun would truly never forget in his life was unfolding before his eyes.

What would happen if someday, when he was old, he told someone about today's events?

[A long time ago, a celebratory performance was held to congratulate me on becoming the successor. The First Young Lord of the Divine Cult played the bamboo flute, and the Princess of the North Sea Ice Palace sang a song. And the successor of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the successor of the Evil Alliance, and my younger sister danced to that song.]

After hearing it all, that person might go to see the Murim Alliance's physician.

…..The Chairman seems to be unwell.

The bamboo flute and the song stopped, and the dance ended. Even their finishing poses were perfectly synchronized. It was too brilliant a performance for just one day of practice.

A brief silence flowed.

Jin Hagun rose from his seat and bowed his head in greeting.

"I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life."

He was sincerely grateful to them. Were these people who would normally play the bamboo flute, sing, and dance? The fact that they had practiced for him was deeply moving.

A completely burnt-out Bi Sayin staggered back to his seat and chugged his drink.

"How is it? Don't you feel refreshed now that it's over?"

He couldn't deny Geom Mugeuk's words. The drink he had just had was the most delicious in the world.

Just then, Bi Sayin's eyes met Han Seol's.

"You were amazing."

Her one phrase was enough. Bi Sayin smiled with satisfaction. Still!

There will be no more dancing in my life!

That night, under the moonlight, three men stood atop the bamboo canopy. They were the three successors who would lead murim in the future: Geom Mugeuk, Jin Hagun, and Bi Sayin.

"I'm leaving tomorrow."

Geom Mugeuk intended to return to our Cult as soon as this gathering was over. There was a place he needed to go, but he had been away from the cult for too long, so he planned to return to the Headquarters with his brother for now.

Jin Hagun was disappointed. He didn't know when they would see each other again if they parted like this.

At this moment, Bi Sayin was lamenting a different farewell even more. Once this gathering was over, Han Seol was also scheduled to return to the North Sea with the Cold Ice Dual Swords.

Bi Sayin's gaze drifted down toward Han Seol. Below, Geom Muyang, Jin Haryong, and Han Seol were talking, drunk on alcohol.

Let's have a drink, just us who were pushed out of the succession!

Geom Muyang and Jin Haryong had become one over the cup Jin Haryong offered, and the teddy bear Han Seol had brought all the way here also became a topic of conversation. Surprisingly, the three who seemed like they would be awkward together had a conversation that never stopped. Even Geom Muyang, who seemed like he wouldn't say a word, was chiming in with a few phrases.

Bi Sayin's gaze shifted from Han Seol back to Geom Mugeuk. He knew he had already been found out.

"Why aren't you teasing me?"

He had expected Geom Mugeuk to tease him, make fun of him, and fluster him for liking her.

"The road ahead is long. I figured I can tease you slowly."

His words were laced with worry about how difficult it would be for the two of them to get together.

Jin Hagun nodded as if he had the same thought.

Bi Sayin asked Jin Hagun.

"When did you figure it out?"

"From the first time I saw you."

"……"

"Did you expect me not to know when you came together in matching white clothes, carrying a teddy bear?"

Bi Sayin's face flushed slightly. He had been through so much with Geom Mugeuk that he had nothing left to be embarrassed about. However, he was still a little embarrassed in front of Jin Hagun.

He was the type of person who would rather die than talk to someone about his issues with women. But thinking that the two of them knew made him feel at ease.

"If the Ice Empress objects, just invade the North Sea! Our Cult will pretend not to know."

Jin Hagun picked up on Geom Mugeuk's joke.

"Don't do that. We'll have to go help the Ice Palace."

"You have to help your friend! Sayin, tell her she owes you a dance!"

At those words, Bi Sayin laughed. It had been a long time since he had laughed so brightly.

"Oh! A charming laugh! Show that laugh to Young Lady Han!"

At Geom Mugeuk's words, Bi Sayin let out a light sigh. Would such a day ever come?

Just then, Jin Haryong shouted from below.

"What are you talking about that's so interesting?"

Three young men gathered together, what else but women?

Geom Mugeuk shouted back to her.

"What do you think successors talk about when they gather? The peace of murim, of course!"