Chapter 21: Refusal and Revelation

“I refuse.”

“What… what did you say?”

Raeji’s master opened his eyes and mouth wide.

“Heek…!”

Pang Gayun also covered her mouth with her hand while staring at me.

In a way, this reaction was quite natural.

“Sujin, it feels strange for me to say this, but you don’t know who Ohho Doje is, do you?”

I slowly shook my head.

“I know.”

How could I not know?

He is one of the top ten masters of the righteous sect and is famous as a master of the sword technique, the Five Tiger Sword Emperor, Pang Seomak (彭殲据).

The number of people he’s killed with his sword is beyond count.

Many people in the righteous sect admire him, so there are those who would take it as an insult if I didn’t know who he was.

“Then why are you refusing? I don’t understand. Right now, others are desperately begging for a chance to meet him. He could offer you a lot of guidance. Don’t you want to reconsider?”

Turning my head sideways, I made eye contact with Pang Gayun, who was smiling slightly.

“Sujin, would you like to go see my grandfather with me?”

I won’t go.

I can tell just by looking at her granddaughter’s request.

As the only granddaughter, she is treasured, and it’s clear she’s incredibly doting on him.

I can already guess what she wants to say to me.

“If I get caught in this, it’ll be really troublesome.”

The cons outweigh the pros.

Most of the academy students might be tempted by the opportunity to learn sword techniques from one of the top ten masters in the world, but I don’t need that.

Instead, maybe I should be the one giving the lessons.

As for connections… it’s complicated.

Whether or not the granddaughter learned from her grandfather, Pang Seomak also frequently traveled around the Jianghu, performing acts of justice.

Because of that, he gained considerable support and reputation within the righteous sect, but it also means he made many enemies.

In the martial world, people are very clear about their grudges, and the more one is involved with the forces considered邪魔 (邪魔), the more vicious the revenge becomes.

That’s why, even when he suffered severe losses later on, there was a reason why Pang Seomak was hunted down and killed by the Blood Alliance.

Until my martial level reaches a higher stage, it’s better to keep a low profile as it’s difficult to protect oneself in the Jianghu.

There’s no need to get involved.

But since I couldn’t directly say that, I made up a plausible excuse.

I slowly shook my head.

“It’s not a good time.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Isn’t Ohho Doje coming to this martial arts competition as a judge?”

“Ah… I see.”

Raeji’s master seemed to understand right away and tapped the table with his fingers.

“Although I was exiled from my clan, I am still a descendant of the Guangdong Jin family. I want to avoid causing any misunderstandings.”

“Sujin, are you sure about this? This could be a chance to advance your martial skills by one, or even two, levels. Didn’t you say your martial arts had stagnated? The title of one of the top ten masters in the righteous sect isn’t something just anyone can claim.”

“It’s not that.”

Master explained slowly, as if he were admonishing a child.

I understand.

Connections with powerful people are also called fated encounters.

“Still, it’s okay.”

But for me, it’s not.

“It’s better to focus on refining the Sun and Moon techniques during that time.”

Raeji’s master sighed deeply and turned his head.

“Isn’t this an overreaction? Sojin, not many people will recognize you for doing this. Others from the Eight Great Sects will try to build connections with the judges no matter what…”

As expected, the righteous sect’s hopefuls never fail to disappoint.

But it doesn’t matter.

I have no intention of joining the Wulin Alliance.

I would’ve hoped he understood by now.

Slowly, I reached out and grasped the box in my hand.

I understand his intentions, but honestly, it’s like a cat trying to teach a tiger.

“Master, you and Pang Sojeo both know, right? I’m fine with that.”

“Sojin, if that’s what you mean, I understand. I’ll explain it to my friend myself…”

A beautiful blonde girl stared at me intently.

It’s a bit much.

“No, Master. I was being short-sighted. I’ll talk to my grandfather directly.”

“Alright, then both of you go.”

“Master, I’ll take my leave now.”

I followed Pang Gayun out of the room.

The box in my hand feels reassuring.

Creak-

Thud.

Once the two left the room, Raeji’s master tapped his feet twice.

Then, the bookshelf slid open, and an elderly man with sharp eyes stepped out.

“How is it?”

“Stronger and more upright than I expected. Definitely a better person than those other righteous sects.”

“What do you mean?”

“I like him. Raeji, this friend definitely has an eye for people. He would be a good son-in-law.”

The two men laughed heartily and sat down in their chairs.

“Did Gayun like him?”

“She said he reminded her of my younger days and was happy. I was worried since she’s still naive, but if it’s a guy like him, he would be a good son-in-law. …By the way, do we have any more of that wine from yesterday?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t we? Let me bring out the special-grade Du Kang wine.”

Raeji’s master retrieved a large bottle from beneath the desk.

“The taste of this wine is truly something.”

“Are you planning to head back now?”

“Yes, the Blood Alliance has started releasing demons, which is causing trouble.”

“Demons? Aren’t they the core strength of the organization? Could they be planning to rampage in Zhongyuan?”

He shook his head.

“I’m probably the target. I just annihilated one of their hidden Blood Alliance branches.”

Glug-glug-

The old man drank the wine in one gulp.

“Heh… Annihilated? How did I not know about that?”

“I couldn’t possibly know, everyone’s not interested, right? The righteous sects have gone astray. Even the Wulin leader isn’t in his right mind… We have to make a move ourselves.”

“How bitter… It’s hard to believe how things have come to this… Anyway, don’t die.”

“I won’t die until I kill that beast, the Blood Demon.”

The old man placed the cup down on the table.

“He’s coming again.”

“Be careful, Seomak.”

The old man vanished, just like the last time, in the blink of an eye.

As if he had never been there to begin with.

A few of the members gathered in a circle on the platform.

‘What should I do…? What am I supposed to do?’

He stood up and clapped his hands.

“Does anyone have any last questions?”

“No.”

“None, Master.”

“I understand everything, brother!”

This is bad.

I didn’t catch any of the conversation because I was lost in thought…

No, it’ll be fine, right…?

“Good. Then tomorrow, right away…”

‘Huh?’

At that moment, my gaze met with Gwon Jeong-gyeom’s.

Through his eyes, I think I saw him smile.

“Han Sojeo, do you have no questions? You haven’t said anything since the start… Do you have any other opinions?”

My heart sank.

Why is he asking me…?

No, it’s fine. Nothing’s wrong, right?

I forced a smile, trying to relax my stiff face.

“No… I’m fine too.”

Gwon Jeong-gyeom’s lips curved slightly upward, and with a strange smile, he nodded.

“Are you okay?”

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

I was stammering, despite how hard I tried to stay calm.

‘Calm down. Don’t shake.’

“Yes, yes… I, I don’t mind.”

“Mm… I see you’re okay. Han Sojeo is in charge of the camping preparations.”

“Eh? Me?”

Camping preparations…?

Could it be…?

In that moment, he widened his eyes and gave me a rather unpleasant smile.

“I see… you weren’t paying attention, were you?”

He kept that unsettling smile on his face and walked toward me.

Slowly, deliberately making noise with his footsteps.

“Han Sojeo, I tend to respect and favor capable individuals. I’m sure you’re aware of that, right?”

As he spoke, he glanced around at the other members and smiled.

“…Yes.”

“The more capable a person is, the more they’re treated well and respected. That’s the kind of righteous sect I dream of. That’s why I decided to bring Han Sojeo on board, and I offered several extraordinary benefits. Do you remember?”

“…I remember.”

Why is he bringing this up all of a sudden?

I can already tell that he’s going to mock me in the end.

My family is as famous as the trading guild, after all.

“Is that so?”

“The name ‘Yeolpaegyeom’ is not something to be taken lightly. I don’t want to bring shame to my master.”

You know I have a lot of money, right? That’s why I’ve been giving expensive elixirs every week. Right?

“Right.”

Gwon Jeong-gyeom looked down at me and sneered.

“But what if there’s a member with no ability… and who can’t even afford the cost of the elixirs? What would you do, Han Sojeo?”

I had no words.

Gwon Jeong-gyeom stared at me with cold eyes.

“Han Sojeo? I’m asking you, aren’t I? Could you answer me?”

His tone was infinitely polite, but his words were full of mockery.

I wasn’t foolish enough not to tell the difference.

In the end, I had only one thing to say…

“…I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”

“Hahaha!! Look at that face. I’m sorry~ I’ll grow more~ Is that all? I said, put in some effort!”

“Right. Sis! You’re such a fool. An idiot.”

Linlin and the other members of Yeolcheondae burst out laughing.

“Han Sojeo, do you remember? Didn’t I pitch the tent myself and even lay down your bedding?”

“…I didn’t even ask you to set it up…”

“That’s not the point. If you have a conscience, you should be doing something. From now on, you’re in charge of the camping preparations.”

His voice left no room for refusal, and I was left speechless.

It was truly terrifying.

“…Yes.”

“Now, you understand what I mean. I’m glad. Then, let’s call it a day for today, and we’ll meet again tomorrow.”

With those words, Gwon Jeong-gyeom descended from the main tent.

As he left, the other members also started to disappear, one by one.

“Hey, Han Seol-a.”

“Not even answering now? Want to get hit like last time?”

The repeated poking at my head really bothered me.

It wasn’t painful, but…

“…No.”

“What?”

“Really?? Say that again.”

“…No.”

“If you can’t stay here, just leave. I don’t even want to see someone like you. Please, just go. I’m begging you.”

“She’s right. Just leave.”

Strangely, tears started to fall.

Why do I have to be treated like this?

“Wow… Are you crying now? It’s really disgusting. If anyone sees this, they’ll think we’re bullying you.”

“Exactly. Han Seol-a, your very existence is a burden to us… We’re the victims here. Ugh~”

How did it end up like this?

I thought a bright future would unfold after coming to Yeolcheondae…

But if this is the price for giving up even my friends, I can’t accept it.

“Really disgusting, so gross. Are you still crying?”

I don’t have anyone on my side here.

Thinking about it like this, sadness overwhelmed me.

Cheon Sojin…

Where are you?

I’m struggling…

Help me…

And in that moment,

Like a miracle, Cheon Sojin appeared at the distant stairs.

“Ah? S-Sojin!”

I must have heard that voice in my head and rushed over.

No, I’m sure that’s what happened.

“Hey, aren’t you paying attention? Do you think I’m joking?”

“Get away!!”

I shoved the interrupter aside and started heading down to the practice area.

No, I was about to go down.

But my feet wouldn’t move.

“Cheon Sojin! Let’s go together!”

A woman I had never seen before was clinging to me, acting friendly.