Book 20 Chapter 22

Bilyeon vs. Gongseon Ilchwi!

— Do not let fate drag you around.

The man's clothes were shabby and dirty, completely unfitting for the prison, yet they were a pristine white. Bilyeon, who had been squatting, opened his eyes and looked at the man.

"So, your name is…"

As Bilyeon spun his finger, looking like he couldn't remember at all, the man finally realized he was being ignored.

"It's Baek Muyeong."

"Ah! That Palgahoe!"

Bilyeon clapped his hands.

"…It's Gujeonghoe!"

Baek Muyeong replied, suppressing his anger.

"The Munshang of that Gujeonghoe is a bit later than I expected."

"Late? I don't think we had an appointment."

"If things went as expected, you should have been here earlier."

"Then you know why I came?"

Bilyeon then offered his cuffed arms, saying, "Here."

"What is this?"

Baek Muyeong asked in confusion.

"You're here to release me, aren't you?"

Bilyeon replied as if it were obvious.

"What if I told you I brought news of your execution being confirmed?"

Baek Muyeong countered.

"Pfft! Is that supposed to be a threat?"

Bilyeon said, as if impressed by the man's courage to call such a pathetic threat a threat.

"No, it's just simple mischief. You don't seem to fear anything. Aren't you scared?"

Bilyeon shrugged.

"There's no reason to be scared. Why should I be scared?"

"Well…"

When asked directly, he couldn't quite answer.

"Those who become the masters of their own fate do not fear. If it's a fate they've created, they naturally know what will happen to them. For example, I'll be released today. Want to bet?"

There was no trace of doubt in Bilyeon's words.

"No, I'll pass on the bet."

Baek Muyeong refused his offer.

'Where on earth is the source of that absurd confidence?'

Baek Muyeong sighed, seeing a sight rarely seen around him.

"It seems you firmly believe that is your fate, don't you?"

"Of course. You just realized that obvious fact? You're dumber than your reputation."

"It's as if all of this happened under your plan."

Baek Muyeong spoke in a gruff tone. Among the many types of people he had met, he couldn't find anyone like Bilyeon. This unfamiliarity made him even more uncomfortable.

"Naturally. I am the master of my own fate. Those who are dragged by fate will only face defeat."

Bilyeon's answer was unhesitating.

"How is that possible?"

"Ah, that's a trade secret."

Bilyeon replied with a smirk.

"Oh, really?"

Baek Muyeong sighed and took out a key from his pocket.

"I have no choice but to do as you say, which is regrettable."

*Clang!*

The keys meshed, and the lock turned.

With the sound of clanking chains, the handcuffs fell to the ground.

"Ah! Now I feel a bit lighter."

Bilyeon stretched widely and said.

"Follow me."

"Where are we going?"

"You know, don't you?"

"I'm asking to confirm."

"The Governor's office! The elders are waiting for you."

Baek Muyeong replied in a gruff tone.

"Elders? Not just one?"

"You'll find out when you follow."

*Knock, knock!*

"Come in!"

"Governor, I've brought him as you ordered."

Five people were waiting for him in the office.

"Oh, I didn't expect you to be here? How have you been?"

Since Bilyeon knew Jin Sorin, he smiled and greeted him first.

"It's been a long time."

Jin Sorin also nodded slightly.

"But this person over here seems like I'm seeing them for the first time?"

Bilyeon said, pointing towards Yu Eunseong.

"You've likely heard of him. This is Yu Eunseong, the swordsman of the Damo faction, known as the best swordsman of Damo, Grand Master Yu!"

"Aha! That… I haven't heard of him."

Bilyeon shrugged.

'What kind of person is this…'

As if he could hear Yu Eunseong's displeasure, Namgung Sang, standing in the corner, licked his lips with an embarrassed expression. Regardless of Namgung Sang, Bilyeon shifted his gaze elsewhere.

Jang Uyang had already left with the escorts assigned by Majin Ga and the children.

The person who received his gaze was none other than Sword Master Gongseon Ilchwi.

"Oh, I haven't seen you in a while either, Grandpa."

As if he had no fear, Bilyeon waved cheerfully at the Sword Master.

'Grrr! That guy…'

Gongseon Ilchwi scowled as soon as he saw him. It was evident he found him displeasing. His greeting was perfunctory, as if he barely acknowledged it. Bilyeon had no intention of greeting someone like that enthusiastically, so he waved a couple of times and stopped. Once the greetings were mostly over, Majin Ga spoke.

"Mm, good work. Muyeong, you may leave now."

"That…"

Baek Muyeong trailed off.

"Why? Do you have any unfinished business?"

"Ah, no. I will take my leave now."

Baek Muyeong himself wanted to see what would happen here, but his wish was denied before he could even voice it.

"Goodbye! Byeee!"

Bilyeon waved goodbye, his smile seeming to mock him.

"No! I cannot accept this!"

Sword Master Gongseon Ilchwi's answer was firm.

"Really not?"

Bilyeon countered.

"No! Absolutely not!"

The answer was the same.

"You'll regret it."

Bilyeon shook his head, looking pitying rather than threatening. It was a sigh of disbelief, as if wondering why he was causing himself trouble.

"Are you threatening me now? Because I can't be an exam supervisor?"

Gongseon Ilchwi's firm stance was that someone who caused such a disturbance couldn't be appointed as a supervisor for the Ascension Martial Arts exam.

"Of course not! I'm pitying you."

Bilyeon said with a bright smile. He didn't care about being removed as an exam supervisor, but the loss of the accompanying income was a serious matter.

"W-what! This, this guy…!"

He looked like he might die of anger.

"Can I talk to this grandfather privately?"

Bilyeon asked Majin Ga.

"Grandfather?!"

Ignoring the Sword Master Gongseon Ilchwi's shock, Bilyeon asked.

"It's fine."

Majin Ga replied. Bilyeon bowed slightly in thanks and approached the Sword Master. The closer Bilyeon came, the closer his long bangs swayed, the more menacing Gongseon Ilchwi's expression became.

"Why is the Sword Master acting like this, Grand Master Yu?"

"Who knows? It's clear he dislikes him."

"For someone of the Sword Master's caliber to show such strong emotions towards a mere student…"

"Indeed. It's a very strange occurrence."

It was a very peculiar and unusual case for the Sword Master to dislike a student.

"It would be awkward to go outside. Shall we talk in that corner?"

Bilyeon whispered, cupping his hand over his mouth as if afraid of being overheard.

"Why should I do that? I have nothing to hide, so speak here. You can speak loudly if you wish."

The Sword Master replied in a gruff voice, turning his head away as if he didn't want to make eye contact.

"Here? Really? Are you sure it's okay? You'll regret it."

"Regret? That's impossible."

Bilyeon whispered into the Sword Master's ear.

"Even about your dear grandson?"

Gongseon Ilchwi glared at Bilyeon with wide eyes. Bilyeon was not intimidated at all.

"Ah, now you're looking at me. It's rude to avoid eye contact when talking. Even if you are an elder, no, especially if you are an elder, shouldn't you set an example?"

Bilyeon delivered his sharp words with a cheerful smile. However, the Sword Master didn't have time to worry about such trivial matters.

"Yes, how did you… Jeolhui…"

The message that should have arrived long ago had not arrived at all. He had been in Namchang for quite some time. Even if he couldn't visit in person, his grandchild would never forget to send a letter.

'Could it be that this wicked, rude bastard kidnapped that child…'

It was a plausible thought for the old man.

'If even one of that child's fingers is harmed… then today, you will personally experience how terrifying the Sword Master's sword is!'

The old man's delusion was already reaching dangerous levels. He felt as if he could already hear his grandchild's desperate screams for mercy. Everyone in the room flinched at the Sword Master's sudden surge of killing intent.

'What on earth are they talking about to make him like this?'

What absurd story could have provoked the Sword Master's rage? Accusations were directed at the sole suspect, Bilyeon. However, Bilyeon was actually very wronged. He hadn't even gotten to the main point yet.

'Oh my…'

No matter how he looked at it, the current Sword Master seemed to be in a state of "no questions asked." However, if left unattended, his runaway delusions wouldn't stop. This was also difficult for Bilyeon himself.

By this time, Gongseon Ilchwi was already comforting his grandchild's soul, who had died tragically in his mind. And before his grave, he swore revenge with tears of blood.

'Jeolhui, watch from heaven. See how your grandfather avenges you!'

The grandfather whispered in his heart to his grandchild, who had become a star.

"Um, I don't know what misunderstanding you're having, but…"

Bilyeon's words were cut short.

"Take this! Your grandson's enemy!"

It was an unexpected incident.

*Shhh-!*

With a roar of desperate rage, the Sword Master's sword cleaved through Bilyeon's body at dazzling speed.

"Gasp!"

It was natural for people to be shocked by this sudden event. Who was the Sword Master? He was a master of swordsmanship, considered 'almost' on par with Sword Saint Moyong Jeongcheon. There were 'almost' no rivals to the infinite variations of his 'Supreme Sword Technique.' Although he hated the qualifier 'almost.'

*Swish!*

A long diagonal crack appeared on one wall of the Alliance Leader's office. Sword energy had sliced through the entire wall.

"Is, is he dead?"

For Yu Eunseong, this was the most logical conclusion. However…

"Wow! This chair is nice! It's soft and fluffy. Made of rosewood and water buffalo leather, it must be quite expensive."

A voice that lowered the tension was heard from the Alliance Leader's seat. By then, Bilyeon was sitting in the exclusive chair of the Alliance Leader, spinning it around.

"When did…"

"Huh? He, he dodged?"

"R-really?"

"H-how…"

The Sword Master himself seemed unable to believe it, blinking his eyes.

*Rustle.*

A few strands of Bilyeon's cut hair fluttered down.

'Tch, I didn't completely dodge it.'

Bilyeon grumbled inwardly. If someone in the martial arts world heard his current complaint, they would be shocked. For anyone else, it wouldn't have ended with just a few strands of hair. He had received the Sword Master's strike, which was imbued with clear killing intent.

Bilyeon raised his hand as if to say, 'I have a question.'

"Um, I'd like to know the reason before facing a life-threatening situation?"

"Are you playing dumb! You… you…"

Overwhelmed by emotion, the Sword Master couldn't continue.

"So, who is that child?"

Bilyeon asked with a sigh.

"You don't know? You kidnapped that child with your own hands, tortured him with all sorts of horrible methods, and then killed him using various terrible means, you don't know my grandson, Gongseon Jeolhui!"

The people present were shocked by Gongseon Ilchwi's blood-curdling words.

'Even if he has the guts, did he do such a terrible thing?'

It was tantamount to inviting death. But something felt a little off.

'And what are these 'various' things?'

Bilyeon had the same thought.

"I haven't said a single word yet. Besides, 'various' is vague and lacks specificity. Moreover, I was imprisoned during that time, so how could I possibly commit all those 'various' things 'here and there'?"

Bilyeon protested logically and point by point.

'That's true.'

The people nodded again, perhaps convinced by his reasoning. The office had turned into a battlefield.

"And who died?"

"Silence! I will not listen to anything you say!"

'What a closed-minded old man.'

It seemed like no matter what he did, it would be like reading scripture to a deaf person. His words were being distorted and reinterpreted in the old man's delusions. Even silence in such a situation would be distorted. He didn't want to bother speaking to someone who wasn't ready for a conversation. Instead, Bilyeon gestured towards a spot.

*Flick, flick.* Namgung Sang looked left and right, pointed to his chin with his finger, and opened his mouth.

'Me? Me?'

His twitching eyes and moving lips seemed to say that. Bilyeon nodded his head vigorously. Then, he looked left and right again, and then leaned his head slightly towards Namgung Sang.

'Yes, you! Who else is there besides you here?'

That was the meaning.

Namgung Sang's shoulders slumped as if all the air had escaped.

'Sigh!'

It was the meaning of a sigh.

*Tap, tap!*

Yu Eunseong, standing next to him, patted his back twice.

'It seems like he's calling you. Why don't you go?'

That was the meaning.

'Sigh… I don't want to go…'

Namgung Sang drooped his head again.

Not many people would want to go to a place filled with such terrifying killing intent. At that moment, Bilyeon raised his finger again without a word. A moment later, he raised a second finger.

'One, two, three, four…'

Or,

'Do you want to get hit once, or twice?'

Whichever way it was interpreted, he had to go. Namgung Sang reluctantly dragged his feet. The people standing behind him waved their hands silently.

'Go safely,' 'Good luck.' That was the meaning.

'See! Conversation is possible even without words, so why can't this old man have a conversation even with words?'

Bilyeon found that utterly incomprehensible.

"Did you call me, Eldest Senior?"

Namgung Sang, standing beside Bilyeon, asked telepathically.

"Yes, I called you. Why the sour look?"

Bilyeon replied telepathically, seeing Namgung Sang's face like he had eaten something bitter.

"Sour? Anyone would make this face when encountering such chilling killing intent."

The Sword Master was still brandishing his sword and emanating chilling killing intent. Although it was directed at Bilyeon, Namgung Sang was not immune to its effects.

'If the residue of killing intent is this much, then what is the intensity of the killing intent directed at Eldest Senior?'

The better the master, the better their ability to concentrate killing intent at a single point. And who was his opponent? He was a top-tier master called the Sword Master. Even the mere remnants of killing intent, or 'aftermath,' made his body shrink. Then, how powerful was the killing intent directed at Bilyeon? He couldn't even imagine.

'To be able to match the Sword Master like that…'

Bilyeon showed no sign of backing down even in the face of the Sword Master's show of force.

'Of course, what kind of person is he that he wouldn't be intimidated by something like this.'

Namgung Sang found Bilyeon's unyielding, or rather, consistent attitude, truly admirable.

"You tell that deaf old man the situation. He won't even try to listen to me, and even if I told him, he wouldn't believe me. So, be my mouth."

"Understood. But…"

"Why?"

"It's really hard to move here."

The killing intent pressing down on his back felt as heavy as ten thousand pounds, making it difficult to take a step.

"What have you been learning? Shall I prepare another special training list for you?"

The kind words of the Eldest Senior, thinking of his junior, brought Namgung Sang back to his senses.

"Ah, no. I'll go. I'll definitely go."

Namgung Sang began to move his feet, which he had been reluctant to lift. The fear of special training seemed to outweigh his fear of the Sword Master.

"You should have done that earlier… You're so slow."

Bilyeon muttered, deftly deflecting the killing intent directed at him.

Soon, Namgung Sang went outside the office and brought in a person who had been waiting there. The Sword Master's eyes widened upon seeing that person.

"J-Jeolhui! How did you…"

"G-Grandfather…"

Gongseon Jeolhui couldn't even lift his head.

"Phew~ I barely managed to smooth things over."

Majin Ga wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Still, it's fortunate. That the Sword Master accepted it."

Jin Sorin said.

"Well, I doubt he truly accepted it… but he had no choice."

"Didn't the shackles of the family almost ruin your grandson's life? I wish he would realize that fact…"

"You're right. When one is consumed by such abnormal competitiveness, their vision narrows. But…"

Jin Sorin also knew the rest of his words.

"But it will be difficult…"

The older one gets, the less they try to change their thinking. So many people refuse to admit they are wrong and close their ears and eyes, even though they are not deaf or blind. Come to think of it, 'that person' seemed truly remarkable.

"Mm, speaking of which, the identity of the culprit has been revealed, but we failed to capture them, which is problematic."

Majin Ga clicked his tongue with regret.

"Are there still difficult matters, Governor?"

Yu Eunseong asked with a bewildered expression.

"The situation has become very ambiguous. You would understand, wouldn't you?"

Majin Ga asked, looking at Bilyeon.

"I have a rough idea."

Bilyeon replied.

"Ugh, it's become quite troublesome. We failed to completely clear your name."

The condition for being released was to capture the culprit alive, but they failed.

"It's more troublesome than expected, isn't it?"

"That's why we are also very troubled."

"Just witnesses are not enough, is that it?"

"Exactly. The opponent is someone who came as an envoy. We cannot arrest them with just a few witnesses from our side. That would immediately become a diplomatic issue. We already have a strained relationship with Macheongak, so we can't afford to widen the distance."

Majin Ga also had his own difficulties.

"Where is that envoy now?"

"I called him to subtly probe for details today, but I received a reply saying he suddenly had a relapse of his chronic illness and couldn't move."

"It's a fake illness."

Bilyeon stated definitively.

"Who wouldn't know that? But there's nothing we can do."

"It's truly regrettable."

Yu Eunseong sighed in the face of the dilemma.

"Indeed. Considering that Yin Yi-jeong of Jungwon Escort Service, a subordinate of Fengmado, was confirmed to be involved in the annihilation of Qinglong Eunjang, we might be able to obtain more information if we question him…"

Majin Ga's words couldn't continue. An immense killing intent that froze everything around them stopped him.

*Rumble!*

Jin Sorin and Yu Eunseong's swords trembled as if warning their masters. The source of this terrible killing intent was none other than Bilyeon.

"What—did you just say?"

A voice, as if from the deepest layer of hell, emerged. Even Majin Ga, a veteran who had experienced all sorts of hardships, couldn't help but tense up at the thick killing intent.

"Mm, are you saying Fengmado Yin Yi-jeong was his subordinate?"

"No, before that."

"Then the annihilation of Qinglong Eunjang…"

The killing intent grew thicker, almost palpable.

"…There's no need to hear the answer."

Why was this friend so angry? Majin Ga couldn't understand for a moment. But the atmosphere wasn't conducive to asking.

"Those guys dared… my compound interest…"

A reverberation of hatred came from Bilyeon, who was always known for his slyness and excessive composure.

"N-no way, did you deposit money there?"

Bilyeon silently nodded.

"Then, perhaps your entire fortune?"

Bilyeon remained silent and shook his head.

"No way. It's common sense to diversify funds for risk! I put it in three places, but…"

"That's a relief, at least."

How much did he put in to be so angry? Majin Ga couldn't guess the amount.

"Just how much did you put in?"

"The amount is secondary. That's a later issue."

"Then?"

"Damn it! My retirement pension was paid from the interest from there…"

"Pension? For whom?"

"…"

Bilyeon fell silent at that question.

"Moreover, my magical compound interest also vanished with it."

"Compound interest? Is that so important?"

Compound interest refers to the method where interest is applied to the principal amount, and then that amount becomes the new principal for further interest.

"Of course, it's important. Qinglong Eunjang's interest rate is 18% per annum! Imagine depositing 100 taels. After one year, it's 118 taels, after two years, 139 taels, after three years, 164 taels, after four years, 193 taels, and after two more months, it exceeds 200 taels! In other words, if you keep it deposited, your principal doubles every four years."

"Is, is that so?"

"That's how it is."

"I can see why you're so angry. You've suffered a loss not only of the present but also of the future value you were scheduled to receive."

"Precisely. You understand quickly. Most martial artists have muscles for brains and are practically ignorant of such matters."

"When you lead an organization, you inevitably learn, even if you don't want to."

"As time passes, my losses grow like a snowball. Instead of profits that should have grown like a snowball!"

That was the core of his anger.

"Don't worry too much. Jungyang Escort Service has pledged to help rebuild Qinglong Eunjang. We at Cheonmu Academy also intend to do our best to assist in its reconstruction, considering the debt we owe."

Bilyeon asked with a surprised expression.

"Jungyang Escort Service? I've never heard of such a thing before."

"It was decided recently. Not more than a few days ago. It's not your fault for not hearing anything, since you were imprisoned."

"I see. Jungyang Escort Service…"

Bilyeon fell into deep thought for a moment.

"You still don't know the exact culprit, do you?"

"No. We have certainty, but no proof."

Majin Ga said regretfully.

"If only we had caught that guy back then…"

Namgung Sang gritted his lips in frustration.

"That wasn't your mistake. Ultimately, it's my responsibility. It was an unfortunate outcome caused by the immaturity of my disciple. As his master, I feel a degree of responsibility for this matter. Therefore, I intend to take responsibility for this incident."

"Miss Jin, in truth, this happened because of that foolish Unbi. Yuran was merely caught in the middle."

If Yu Unbi heard this, he would have felt wronged.

"Then it's all of our responsibility."

Yu Eunseong's heart fluttered upon hearing Jin Sorin's lament, as she used the word 'our.'

"Ahem, then what are your plans, Miss Jin?"

Yu Eunseong asked after clearing his throat a couple of times to manage his expression.

"I plan to pursue that guy. And recapture him. I believe that is the truly responsible action."

"D-does that mean you're going to Macheongak…"

"Yes. Even if I have to go alone."

Jin Sorin answered without a moment's hesitation.

"No, Miss Jin! That's unacceptable!"

Yu Eunseong shook his hands.

"No, Grand Master Yu, no matter what you say, I will go. My disciple's immaturity is my immaturity for not teaching him properly, and I, who was present but couldn't make up for that immaturity, must take responsibility."

"However, even for the Amitabha Nun, going to Macheongak alone is extremely dangerous."

"I never said I would storm in. I only said I would visit."

Yu Eunseong did not back down.

"A visit will inevitably lead to a fight, so it's the same thing. Alright. If Miss Jin goes, I, Yu Eunseong, will accompany you."

In truth, he wanted to say, 'I want to spend my life with you.' But that had to remain a dream for now. A dream in the mist, with no certainty of whether it would come true.

"There's no need for Grand Master Yu to do so…"

"No. Frankly, Unbi's fault in that matter was also significant. It's my responsibility. So, shouldn't we share that responsibility?"

"But it will still be dangerous for just the two of you."

Majin Ga pointed out.

"Macheongak's potential is limitless. No one knows what hidden traps lie within. Even I, as the Governor of Cheonmu Academy, can only gather superficial information, let alone grasp its true nature. And even that was information obtained with great difficulty."

"Then how about this?"

The gazes of Jin Sorin, Yu Eunseong, and Majin Ga turned to one point. It was Bilyeon.

"Do you have a clever idea? If so, please share it."

Yu Eunseong urged. Bilyeon looked towards Majin Ga instead of replying.

'Why is he looking at me?'

At first, he seemed incredibly lighthearted, but the more he looked, the more inscrutable he became.

"Governor, an envoy group will be departing for Macheongak soon, won't they?"

Bilyeon asked.

"Yes? That's right. It will be right after the entrance exam."

"And there will be escort elders accompanying them."

"It's a dangerous place to send children alone. Especially this year."

Therefore, his worries were considerable. That's why he was almost begging Hong, who adamantly refused to go—though he would vehemently deny it—to accompany them.

"How many people will there be?"

"The escort elders? It'll be decided with about five or six. I want to send more, but they might dislike it, so we can't. We also feel uneasy if a dozen or so masters of the Wu-sa-bu level are hanging around."

"Has it all been decided?"

"No. We've asked Elder Binggeom and Elder Yeon, but the rest are undecided. We need to be more cautious this time."

Selecting people was not easy. That's why Majin Ga couldn't sleep properly at night these days.

"That's why I'm so worried these days. Can't you see the dark circles under my eyes?"

"Well, your skin is so dark, it doesn't show much?"

Majin Ga looked hurt by Bilyeon's honest assessment. It seemed to be a surprisingly sensitive area. In such cases, it's best to quickly change the subject.

"Anyway, that's good. We can immediately get two people from here."

"What do you… Ah!"

Majin Ga clapped his hands, as if he finally understood.

"As expected, there was such a way!"

Majin Ga exclaimed. He felt ashamed that he had overlooked such a simple yet effective method while worrying about other things.

"That's right."

Bilyeon nodded, thinking he would definitely charge a consultation fee and a problem-solving advice fee related to this matter later.

"It seems to be decided."

Jin Sorin understood.

"R-really?"

Yu Eunseong didn't understand.