Book 8 Chapter 5

Evil Flower (邪中花), Silver Snow Orchid (銀雪蘭)

Moyong Hui saw what he shouldn't have seen that day.

A woman's tears flowing down her milky white cheeks.

Moyong Hui was captivated by those tears

and could not quit the task he was assigned.

A magnificent pavilion located deep within the Black Heaven Alliance!

Heavenly Evil Pavilion (天邪閣)!

It is the residence of Gal Jungcheon, the leader of the Black Heaven Alliance, the focal point and symbol of power for the current underworld. A formidable and imposing place that instills awe just by looking at it, even for a sinister faction member!

Inside its depths, a woman sat demurely and respectfully before the giant of the underworld. She appeared to be around twenty-five years old. She was adorned with a radiant beauty that enveloped her entire being, like a blooming flower bud. However, the pitch-black mourning attire she wore seemed to dampen her fragrance.

Even Gal Jungcheon, who always exuded an intimidating aura, was now suppressing his energy to create a gentle atmosphere before this woman. This alone showed how much he cared for her.

The woman, who had been in a state of shock from the deeply shocking and immense content she had just heard, spoke again. Doubt still lingered in her words.

"… Do you mean to send me there?"

Her face was still etched with the residue of surprise. Her expression was one of sheer astonishment.

"Yes! I ask for your favor!"

Gal Jungcheon nodded and answered the girl's question. The woman confirmed that her understanding of the situation was accurate. It was, frankly, unbelievably unexpected. Moreover, the emotional wounds she had recently sustained had not yet fully healed.

The giant of the underworld opened his mouth again.

"This matter may involve some unseen force intervening. The death of that child is already suspicious… Furthermore, I cannot shake the feeling that some powerful, unseen force is at play on the righteous side. That is why I am sending you, even though I know it is dangerous. They might underestimate you, thinking you are just a girl. Your brilliant beauty will, to some extent, mask your intelligence. And…"

Gal Jungcheon paused for a breath before continuing.

"I trust you. I place my infinite faith in your exceptionally sharp mind. I apologize for placing such a heavy burden on your slender shoulders…"

Overwhelmed with emotion, she lowered her head.

"It is an honor."

"I ask of you."

The woman trembled slightly.

"Yes! Father! I will surely uncover the mastermind behind his death. Even if I have to stake my life… I swear upon his soul in heaven."

"My child!"

Gal Jungcheon called out to her in a voice as tender as a father's. It was incredibly hard to believe that such a gentle voice could come from the man known as the giant of the underworld.

"Yes!"

"Do not die! If you die too, I will be truly sad."

She lowered her head, a look of shame on her face. His voice was so tender that tears welled up in her eyes.

"Yes! Father!"

"And, I am truly sorry. I could not fulfill your wish to marry him before sending him off…"

His voice was filled with deep regret.

"No. No, Father!"

Tears welled up in her eyes. She could no longer contain her overwhelming sorrow within herself.

In fact, Gal Hyobong had been her betrothed since childhood. However, Gal Hyobong, who preferred practicing martial arts over eating, had never treated her as anything more than a younger sister. He always treated her like a younger sibling. Their relationship was closer to that of close sworn siblings than engaged lovers.

This remained the same even as she grew older and more beautiful. And when her beauty reached its peak, and she began to be praised as one of the five great beauties of the underworld, Gal Hyobong unfortunately could not witness her splendor. By then, he had already been driven mad and imprisoned in the Heavenly Demon Prison (天魔牢).

To her, Gal Hyobong of the Blood Flow Sect was a man of her dreams. And the best man. How overjoyed she had been to learn that he, whom she vaguely admired, was her betrothed! She knew she would never again experience that heart-wrenching joy.

But now, he was gone.

"Forget that heartless fellow! He was a heartless and foolish boy who left before his father. Once this matter is resolved safely, I will find you a good match. You too must meet a good man, not someone like that…"

Gal Jungcheon's voice was laced with regret. With his eldest son, he had not worried about the next generation. He was the best of the best, exceptionally intelligent and outstanding. He had placed all his hopes in his eldest son… but his eldest son had left this world, leaving a gaping wound in his heart. Leaving only indelible regret…

"Hoo hoo hoo!"

A hazy veil of tears obscured her vision.

She silently swallowed her sadness and loneliness. She could not show any weakness.

She cried out countless times within herself.

'I must smile! I must smile! No matter what happens, I must always smile brightly and vibrantly!'

To always smile brightly and act vibrantly, and not lose herself! That was the last request left by Gal Hyobong before he fell into madness.

After the woman withdrew, Gal Jungcheon spoke in a low voice.

"Are you there?"

Swoosh!

A shadowy figure appeared from the dark, empty space and prostrated itself before him. The greatest unseen expert in the darkness, known as "Winged Shadow Without a Trace" (비영무흔), one of the Black Heaven Ten Wings! That was his title.

"Your subordinate is present. Command me."

"That child has just left. I may have asked her to do something too cruel, given how heartbroken she must be by Hyobong's death. This will draw attention to her from the other side. She is a child who always causes a stir, so there should be no problem."

"You mean the child is a decoy?"

At the mention of "decoy," Gal Jungcheon's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"That child will play her role well in her own way. She is a child with exceptional intelligence, so she will be able to handle herself without issue! Please handle this investigation well. I am counting on you! And…"

Gal Jungcheon paused for a moment and continued.

"If anything happens to that child, I will not forgive you… Of course, not to mention the other side…"

Gal Jungcheon was a man of action. People did not know how much he agonified over this decision. Therefore, his resolve was also extraordinary.

"Leave it to me!"

The man replied forcefully.

"Then I entrust it to you."

Gal Jungcheon firmly believed that this man, prostrating before him, was the only one suited for this task.

"Understood!"

Before disappearing into the darkness, Winged Shadow Without a Trace replied in a powerful voice.

And the next day!

A carriage carrying a woman, escorted by several riders and bearing a messenger's banner, left the main gate of the Black Heaven Alliance. At that moment, on the outer wall of the Black Heaven Alliance, a person was watching the departing procession intently.

"She has finally departed!"

It was finally time for him to carry out his mission.

He blew a bird call, and a carrier pigeon landed on his leather gauntlet with a flutter. He attached an urgent communication marker to the pigeon and sent it off again. His actions did not arouse suspicion from anyone else. It was something he was responsible for in the first place.

The carrier pigeon, carried by the wind, headed towards a place called the Sky-High Pavilion (마천각).

"She has finally departed. I wish she hadn't…"

After listening silently to the report from Che-Sa-han, the Head of the Evil Shadow Brain (사영뇌), who had rushed over, the Great Young Master uttered his first words. If one proclaims the law of blood, should they not also accept the consequences! The fact that a leader of the underworld spoke with a double tongue did not sit well with the Great Young Master.

"What should we do?"

"Well? Isn't that the role of a strategist, to think of such things?"

Che-Sa-han could only flinch at the Great Young Master's quiet voice. He felt a sense of reprimand.

No matter how many times they met, he could never get used to the unprecedented, inexplicable sense of pressure emanating from the Great Young Master. That undiluted pressure always gripped his heart with fear.

"Currently, the Heavenly and Earthly Twin Killers (천지쌍살) have been reported as missing, but if the truth is uncovered and something goes wrong, the situation could escalate uncontrollably. It would be best to take preventive measures before a large fire breaks out. Above all…"

"Above all?"

Che-Sa-han took a breath and continued.

"Above all, there are too many survivors on the righteous side of that incident. No, except for the members of the Soul Chasing Division of the Heavenly Demonic Academy's Flying Cloud Pavilion, there were no casualties. It seems that some unseen force may be acting behind the scenes."

"Are you saying there's a third force at play, besides us?"

The Great Young Master's eyes sharpened. Che-Sa-han's heart began to pound a little faster than before. A chill ran down his spine.

"It's all speculation, but there are more than a few suspicious points about the Iron Hoof Demon Horse Brigade incident alone. They, who were fierce to the point of being violent, turned back so docilely like geldings. It's hard to believe nothing happened in between."

"Then we must find out about that third force, whatever it takes! There is nothing more unpleasant than some unknown force at play in the world that we are unaware of."

All potential threats must be eliminated in advance. He had no intention of tolerating any obstacles in his preparations for the grand undertaking. One of the biggest obstacles had already been overcome. This was just the beginning.

"We will ensure that all dispatched investigators proceed as if the righteous side is at fault."

"Everything must be done in the utmost secrecy! They must absolutely not suspect our involvement. I authorize the use of 'Darkness Rooted in Light'."

"Yo-you mean them? They haven't been used for thirty years!"

Che-Sa-han's body trembled with an eerie sensation. The Great Young Master's words were that monumental.

"Handle everything in the most perfect manner!"

"Understood!"

Che-Sa-han's mind was racing with concrete execution plans.

The dispatch of investigators by the Black Heaven Alliance was a major headache for the Heavenly Demonic Academy as well. With investigators arriving, there were many things to consider.

Of course, the Joint Agreement of the Righteous and Unrighteous Sects, established after the Heavenly Calamity and Blood Sea a hundred years ago, clearly included a clause for mutual dispatch of investigators. It was adopted as one of the methods to foster close cooperation and minimize bloodshed. It was a clause with a good intention to resolve misunderstandings through words rather than force. However, the problem was that there were numerous things to consider when investigators were dispatched.

When investigators arrived, there were over a dozen things to consider, the most important of which was personal safety.

If investigators were dispatched, they couldn't just say, "We'll rest comfortably here, please investigate diligently." Once an investigator was dispatched, the responsibility for their safety also fell to the righteous side. If anything happened to the investigator, the righteous side bore all responsibility. If something happened to the investigator, they could end up having gone through all the trouble for nothing.

The burden was not small. Moreover, with a major incident like the Wudang Mountain Massacre, neither side would let it go easily. It was an event of immense significance that could easily escalate into a war between the righteous and unrighteous. There was no room for the slightest negligence.

"As expected, there's no one else but him…"

Ma Jing-ga, who was in charge of the Heavenly Demonic Academy, pondered for a long time. He was extremely cautious. Finally, having made a decision, Ma Jing-ga summoned a man.

"Do you know why I summoned you?"

Ma Jing-ga asked in a quiet voice.

"I don't know yet."

Moyong Hui replied honestly. In fact, he had no clue.

"Ho ho ho! You haven't done anything wrong, so don't be so tense."

Seeing Moyong Hui's stiff, tense posture as they sat opposite each other, Ma Jing-ga spoke, intending to put him at ease. However, Moyong Hui seemed to have completely misunderstood.

"It's fine."

His response was still as stiff as ever. For Moyong Hui, who valued neatness and order above all else, simply sitting at the same level as the Heavenly Demonic Academy Head Ma Jing-ga was a great burden. His demeanor was in no way befitting the grandson of the Sword Sage, one of the Three Sages of the Heavenly Demonic Academy.

"Oh dear! You really don't understand what I'm saying. I mean to relax and ease your tension."

Despite Ma Jing-ga's attempts to relax him, Moyong Hui did not yield. His posture remained as precise as if measured by a ruler. Although a considerable amount of time had passed since they met, Ma Jing-ga had never seen Moyong Hui relax his posture. Even after about half an hour, Moyong Hui's only movements had been blinking and slight movements of his lips when speaking.

"Please state your business!"

Moyong Hui remained tense. At this point, Ma Jing-ga himself began to feel uncomfortable.

"Your bluntness is even more renowned than the rumors."

Ma Jing-ga decided to conclude the business quickly before the atmosphere became too awkward.

"You are aware that an investigator from the Black Heaven Alliance is coming regarding the Wudang Mountain Massacre, aren't you?"

"Yes!"

Of course, Moyong Hui knew. Rumors were already rampant within the academy. Some were angry about the Black Heaven Alliance's unilateral dispatch of investigators. They felt it was unfair. Moyong Hui himself felt a pang of guilt regarding the Wudang Mountain Massacre, for which an explanation was needed.

He was the one who had exchanged swords with Gal Hyobong of the Blood Flow Sect until the very end. Gal Hyobong, whom he could not defeat even with his full strength, was a worthy martial artist to respect. Even he, who was always strict with rules, had something left unsaid. It was something he himself could not understand. However, once he had made a vow with Yeon-do, he had to keep it.

"I know that the younger generation has many complaints about this matter. They are vigorous youths, so it's natural. But since we have agreed to dispatch an investigator according to the regulations, the safety of the investigator is our responsibility at the Heavenly Demonic Academy."

Moyong Hui knew this well, even without the detailed explanation. However, he did not interrupt Ma Jing-ga rudely.

Ma Jing-ga continued, "It would be very troublesome if any harm came to the investigator! It could cause unnecessary misunderstandings, and you, as a talented individual, know that it could immediately lead to conflict. Therefore, thorough protection is necessary to avoid being unfairly blamed."

"But why are you telling me this?"

Moyong Hui asked, full of questions.

"There are more than a few suspicious aspects to this matter. It might involve a huge conspiracy. There is a high possibility that unseen dark forces will target her. I am considering the worst-case scenario. Even the most horrific nightmares."

"What do you mean by worst-case scenario…?"

"For now, just know that much. It's not yet time to tell you… So, I would like you to take charge of guarding the investigator."

"What?"

Moyong Hui's mouth fell open in astonishment. It was the first emotional expression he had shown before Ma Jing-ga today. Ma Jing-ga continued speaking.

"Although we are furious about the annihilation of the Soul Chasing Division of the Flying Cloud Pavilion… we cannot help it! We cannot officially protest to them until our suspicions are cleared. Nor can we leave the envoy coming as a messenger to be neglected. That is why I am asking you, someone trustworthy. Please do your best!"

Ma Jing-ga used the word "request" rather than "order." However, this made it even more impossible to refuse.

"How could I possibly undertake such a task… Aren't there many experts for such matters?"

He was still a student. Bodyguarding was out of the question.

"No! In my eyes, there is no one but you. In fact, your status as a student might help ease their guard. Experts might make them feel like they are being watched. Please do your best."

Moyong Hui's role was to be both a protector and a watchful observer. He had to keep an eye on the investigator's every move. However, this role of observer had to be completely undetectable. Moyong Hui was perfect for performing both tasks simultaneously. His lack of flexibility was a major issue, however.

"Such a weighty mission for me…!"

Moyong Hui's sense of responsibility began to burn fiercely. It was a stark contrast to Bi Ryu-yeon, who was far from having any sense of responsibility. How could his sense of responsibility not ignite when the future of the Heavenly Demonic Academy rested on his shoulders?

"Please!"

"Leave it to me!"

Moyong Hui said with a resolute voice.

"Hearing you say that reassures me!"

Ma Jing-ga smiled with satisfaction. The most pressing issue had been resolved.

"By the way, who is the investigator coming this time?"

Moyong Hui asked, thinking he should at least know who he was preparing for.

"Well… I haven't been notified yet. They'll probably send some worn-out old demon. They wouldn't send a young girl for such an important matter, would they? They must have their reasons… The person coming this time might be a very troublesome old man with a meticulous and demanding personality. Ho ho ho! Then you'll have your work cut out for you!"

He intended it as a joke to help Moyong Hui relax and laugh. However, Ma Jing-ga genuinely believed it. It was a perfectly logical assessment.

"I see. I understand."

Waiting without knowing who it was might be interesting. With a slightly excited heart, Moyong Hui awaited the scheduled arrival of the investigator.

And, he would bitterly regret not having prepared himself beforehand.

"Gather all comrades immediately!"

Bi Yeon-tae shouted, his heart burning with passion.

As soon as a carriage entered the academy, the women's club, the "Love for Young Ladies Society" (애소저회), commonly known as the "Natural Enemies of Women" (女人天敵), belonging to the Heavenly Demonic Academy, began to work at a furious pace. Countless pieces of information were exchanged, their authenticity verified, and then categorized according to their importance.

It seemed like a large case after a long time, and everyone was brimming with energy. The overflowing energy and burning passion were so intense that they showed signs of escalating into madness.

Bustle! Clatter! Chaos!

It was surprising how they moved so busily without bumping into each other. However, to those who knew them, it was natural. They all used footwork in their movements, so they could skillfully avoid each other while appearing to collide. To forcefully make physical contact while using footwork was something only an idiot would do.

"Why is everyone so busy?"

This was Bi Ryu-yeon's single remark upon seeing people moving with lightning speed. He was returning to the clubroom with his friends after a long absence. Everyone implicitly made excuses about being extremely busy, and no one answered Bi Ryu-yeon's question. His words became a hollow echo. And like a stone dropped into an abyss, they were empty.

"Were there always this many people here?"

Bi Ryu-yeon looked around with a surprised expression.

"I'm also quite surprised! This is unusual!"

Hyo-ryong also appeared very surprised. His astonishment was clearly visible on his face.

The Love for Young Ladies Society's clubroom was packed with people. Their usual calm and leisurely demeanor had vanished. The air of musty decadence and rooted laziness and sloth was gone.

There is a saying that suppressing curiosity for too long leads to illness. Bi Ryu-yeon, whose creed was strict self-discipline, had no desire to fall ill.

"What's going on?"

Finally spotting a familiar face, Bi Ryu-yeon grabbed his shoulder, tilted his head to meet his eyes, and asked. He felt a sense of crisis, fearing he would become a deaf echo again if he didn't do this.

"Oh? Ryu-yeon, is that you? It's been a while."

The person who answered was a man of massive build, with arms and legs as thick as logs, a master of the "Collapsing Staff" (崩棍), Im Seong-jin (震星棍).

"It's good that it's been a while. It proves we haven't parted forever. But what on earth is going on? I think it's better for my mental health to know from the start."

Resolving curiosity in the shortest possible time was the best way for mental health.

"You still don't know? It's a big incident! A big incident!"

"A big incident?"

Bi Ryu-yeon revealed his ignorance in a forward manner. But it wasn't entirely Bi Ryu-yeon's fault.

"No? You still don't know?"

It felt as if he was being interrogated, as if to say, "How could you not know!"

"Of course I don't know. I'm smart and know a lot of things, but even a genius sometimes wants to know nothing."

To avoid further nonsensical talk, Im Seong-jin needed to explain the reason.

"It's about the investigator dispatched by the Black Heaven Alliance this time… Do you know who it is?"

"How would I know? I've strongly asserted multiple times that I don't know. Aren't you taking too long?"

Im Seong-jin was talkative, like a novelist who wanted to increase the length of his work by adding even one extra sentence. Bi Ryu-yeon urged him to answer.

"She's a… a… a veeeeery gorgeous beauty."

"Huh? A beauty?"

Bi Ryu-yeon's expression was momentarily stunned. Although his facial expression was obscured by his hair, his gaping mouth was enough to predict his current state. It was a mouth agape with a mix of emptiness and absurdity.

"Was that all?"

Bi Ryu-yeon, regaining his composure and recovering from his mental shock, said dismissively.

It was natural that he wouldn't know about such a matter. It was normal not to know. It hadn't even been an hour since the carriage arrived. Who would have imagined that the investigator dispatched by the Black Heaven Alliance would be a mysterious woman!

It was astonishing how so many people had gathered in such a short time. When it came to women, especially beautiful women, they tended to move excessively fast.

"Just? Just? What a blasphemous thing to say! Don't you know the rules of the Love for Young Ladies Society, which states that beauty takes precedence over all situations and lives? That's why we're currently looking for and organizing the existing data."

To be honest, Bi Ryu-yeon had not memorized a single rule of the Love for Young Ladies Society.

"But who is it that requires such a large number of people to organize data?"

The number of people mobilized was too large for organizing data for just one person.

"Ah! She's one of the five great beauties of the Black Sect! A peerless beauty who commands the allegiance of over a third of the men in the Sky-High Pavilion! This much data is natural. Moreover, the information coming from the Black Sect side is so scattered and messy that it requires a lot of work. We need to improve our interaction. This way is too cumbersome… it just takes a lot of effort…"

Im Seong-jin grumbled. It seemed there were groups of perverts with similar tastes on the Black Sect side as well. Indeed, the limitations of men were obvious.

"If you had organized it regularly, this wouldn't have happened!"

Jang Hong, who had been watching silently, spoke up. His usual principle was that information should always be organized for easy access. There was nothing more dreadful than disorganized information.

"Huh? Isn't organizing something you do all at once before a big event?"

Im Seong-jin blinked his eyes.

"What nonsense are you talking about! Organizing is a series of actions taken daily to prevent messiness from invading the room."

How could people be so lazy and lethargic! Jang Hong raised his voice, scolding these people for their usual laziness. He truly regretted that Moyong Hui, the embodiment of organization, the master of cleaning, and a germaphobe, was not by his side. However, Jang Hong was too complacent. The idea that he could subjugate the members of the Love for Young Ladies Society to this extent was absurd. Im Seong-jin waved his index finger left and right in front of Jang Hong's eyes.

"Tsk tsk! You've still got a long way to go! A long way! Rule two of our Love for Young Ladies Society: Don't do anything until it's urgent. Understand?"

It was a rule he had never heard before. It was a ridiculous and unbelievable rule. It was also a rule that would surely lead to ruin. Jang Hong hastily raised the white flag, signaling surrender.

"So, who is that famous beauty? You've told me all the trivial stuff, but you haven't told me the most important name."

Even if he wasn't interested, Bi Ryu-yeon thought it was polite to at least know her name and asked.

"That is…"

Crash! Bang bang bang bang!

From a corner of the clubroom, the sound of a desk being overturned and a person rolling around was heard. It seemed his body, saturated with laziness and lethargy, had rebelled from working too hard.

"… it is!"

"Huk!"

Hyo-ryong's face turned ashen, and he staggered. His complexion was as pale as a corpse that had been dyed. Not a trace of blood could be seen on his face.

"Are you okay?"

Jang Hong asked with a worried expression at Hyo-ryong's sudden reaction. Hyo-ryong's current reaction was like someone who had fallen into qi deviation.

"I-I'm fine! I'm fine! Ah… I'm not feeling anything! It's just a mild case of anemia."

Hyo-ryong waved his hand, trying to assert that he was fine.

"Don't beat around the bush and say you're not okay! You're not a woman who gets her period once a month, and you're a martial arts master, so anemia? Does that make any sense?"

"Ugh!"

Bi Ryu-yeon and Im Seong-jin nodded in agreement with Jang Hong's opinion.

"I'm really fine! I'm sorry if I worried you!"

Cold sweat was now running down Hyo-ryong's forehead.

"Go and rest for a while! There won't be any major incidents for the time being."

Jang Hong said with genuine concern.

"That would be good!"

Im Seong-jin also agreed.

"Then I'll go and rest for a while."

Yielding to the surrounding suggestions, Hyo-ryong turned to leave. He desperately needed rest to escape the immense mental confusion and psychological panic he was experiencing. There was no room for stubbornness.

Jang Hong's gaze as he watched Hyo-ryong turn away shone sharply like a treasured sword.

"Do your best!"

Bi Ryu-yeon patted Moyong Hui's shoulder in encouragement.

"???"

Moyong Hui, who had no idea what was going on, just stared blankly with wide eyes. He always felt disoriented when he was with these friends. It was indeed a hardship to have people he couldn't understand by his side.

"I'm jealous! So jealous!"

Jang Hong also approached and patted his back. Jang Hong, shamefully, seemed too eager for an older man. He was genuinely expressing his envy.

"Jealous of what?"

Moyong Hui, still clueless, felt frustrated. For him, it was unbearable frustration. It was incredibly easy to make a fool out of someone.

"Huh? Haven't you heard the rumor?"

Bi Ryu-yeon and Jang Hong asked with surprised expressions. However, they themselves had only just found out the rumor from the Love for Young Ladies Society. This was a form of showing off.

"What rumor?"

Moyong Hui asked.

"Your ears seem to be neglecting your primary mission, as you haven't heard the famous rumor that's already making the Heavenly Demonic Academy buzz!"

Jang Hong nodded without hesitation at Bi Ryu-yeon's words.

"My ears exist to listen to the noble teachings of the masters, not to hear frivolous and careless rumors or light gossip circulating within the academy. I would appreciate it if you wouldn't misunderstand."

Jang Hong's expression briefly turned disgusted at the words of Moyong Hui, a perfect model of a model youth, upright and true, but quickly recovered.

"You know, the more I see you, the harder you are than granite that has endured for a thousand years. Furthermore, your stubbornness is so rigid that it's suffocating just to look at, like a colon blocked by a hardened stool. It's truly admirable."

Jang Hong wondered about the educational environment in which he grew up. However, he couldn't recall hearing about anyone so eccentric among the direct descendants of the Moyong family. Therefore, it could be said that this was closer to innate nature than environment.

"I don't want such respect. Don't respect me as you please when I haven't asked for it. I'm not so idle as to receive such pointless respect. I still have thirty-six books left to read. If your business is finished, please don't disturb my studies."

Jang Hong calmly raised both hands above his head in a gesture of surrender. However, he continued to speak. He was a person who had to say what he wanted to say. Even if Moyong Hui didn't want to hear it.

"Everything I say will be beneficial to you. True study cannot be solely through books. Hui, didn't you take on the role of bodyguard for the investigator?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with the rumor?"

Moyong Hui asked with a puzzled expression. Jang Hong smiled a triumphant smile.

"As expected, you didn't know. The rumor is that the investigator dispatched by the Black Heaven Alliance is a 'wo~man'! And a very, very young woman!"

Jang Hong was convinced that Moyong Hui, with his limited social skills, would surely not have heard it. Jang Hong's prediction was accurate. Moreover, he showed a very surprised reaction. This was a great success. It was worthwhile to spread rumors when one could elicit such a reaction. For Moyong Hui's face, which rarely showed emotional changes due to his constant poker face, this was a very unusual occurrence.

"You must be joking, right?"

Moyong Hui asked with a serious expression. Jang Hong, with a sly, uncle-like smile, silently cheered for his victory.

"No! It's the absolute truth! Furthermore, the rumor is that she is a great beauty. Not a few people are already murmuring about her beauty! That's why I'm congratulating you like this. Do you finally realize the deep friendship of your friends?"

Moyong Hui's expression changed subtly after hearing Jang Hong's words.

"I sincerely hope that rumor is false. Women aren't for me…"

Moyong Hui sighed. Women had always been an incomprehensible existence to him. Hundreds of women clung to him, but he had never given his heart to any of them. He had certainly never thought of them casually as a pastime. Moyong Hui certainly believed that women were respectable beings with dignity. And he acted accordingly. However, the excessive reactions most women showed towards him were inexplicable phenomena that his mind could not comprehend.

Therefore, to him, women were difficult beings to deal with.

"Who knows? Perhaps someone as stiff as you might fall for the beautiful investigator at first sight. Don't you think?"

Jang Hong continued to tease Moyong Hui with a mischievous smile.

"That's impossible, even if the sky splits in two!"

Moyong Hui boasted.

"I'm worried about what's to come."

Jang Hong shook his head.

The investigator's escort was a request, or rather an order, given by the Heavenly Demonic Academy Head, Ma Jing-ga, with great honor. Moyong Hui was also certainly prepared to carry it out with all his heart and soul. However, the fact that the investigator was a woman, around his age, and moreover a beauty was a truly unexpected turn of events. The most unrealistic and impossible assumption had suddenly become a reality. It was like being hit on the back of the head while walking down the street. It was like being stabbed by a sword in a lapse of vigilance.

He was already starting to get a headache just thinking about how to deal with the beautiful woman. It was clearly an unwelcome task for him.

But it was not something he could avoid.

And the moment of destiny arrived.

First Impression!

It is said that the first impression plays a very significant role in people's relationships. Perhaps it is because it is the first feeling imprinted in the brain. Some say that this first impression can even determine one's entire life. Especially in male-female relationships, the first impression can often be fatally decisive. However, Moyong Hui's first impression of her was quite complex and subtle.

"Beautiful!"

Moyong Hui was startled by his own muttered words. This was at the place where Ma Jing-ga was introducing him to the mysterious investigator for the first time.

It was a strange feeling that was hard to describe in words. He couldn't explain in words which parts of her he found specifically beautiful. It felt as if his soul was being drawn to her… It was a mysterious experience he had never had before in his life.

"Huh?"

However, fortunately, Moyong Hui's words did not seem to reach her.

"Ah, it's nothing."

Moyong Hui quickly made an excuse. This was the first time Moyong Hui had found a woman beautiful. It was the first time he had perceived a woman not as a human being, but as a potential romantic partner. Moyong Hui could not shake the feeling that he was acting very strangely today.

Before meeting her, Moyong Hui had been averse to women. He had had quite a few bad experiences. He particularly disliked overly zealous women.

'Is she sick?'

This was the most plausible and rational thought he came up with. For Moyong Hui, this was normal reasoning.

Evil Flower (邪中花), Silver Snow Orchid (銀雪蘭)!

As expected of a woman called the "Flower of the Evil Faction," there would be no more than three people in the Heavenly Demonic Academy who could rival her beauty.

However, the good first impression she had made was shattered by Eun Seol-ran's subsequent words.

"Oh my! It is an honor to have such a beautiful person escorting me. Ho ho ho!"

Eun Seol-ran said with a smile that seemed to bloom a million flowers.

"Yes?"

Moyong Hui, after looking around again and confirming that there were no other women around him, asked with a frown.

"Who are you calling beautiful?"

"Oh dear, are you angry?"

She made an expression like she had touched something hot. However, she didn't seem to regret it.

"Ho ho ho! But even your angry face is cute."

Moyong Hui suddenly felt the world spin. It wasn't that the world was spinning chaotically, but he felt a sense of confusion. He couldn't figure out how to react to Eun Seol-ran's sudden and unpredictable behavior.

And he started to feel very uneasy.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Eun Seol-ran (銀雪蘭) of the Black Heaven Alliance. People usually call me the Evil Flower (邪中花). Please take good care of me from now on."

Her introduction was filled with a grace that made her previous frivolous demeanor seem like a lie. Moyong Hui couldn't grasp her true nature. Moyong Hui quickly returned the greeting with a fist and palm.

"Nice to meet you. I am Moyong Hui of the Moyong family."

It was a simple and concise greeting, typical of Moyong Hui.

"Oh my! Young Master, you are the Moyong Hui Gongzi, the Seven Absolute Sword, whose fame is widespread even among the women of the Black Sect. It is an honor to meet you."

Eun Seol-ran was also surprised to learn of Moyong Hui's identity. The Heavenly Demonic Academy had indeed prepared a formidable card.

Only at this meeting could they finally learn each other's identities.

Ma Jing-ga had postponed their introductions, intending for them to introduce themselves upon meeting. As Ma Jing-ga had expected, Eun Seol-ran was surprised. Not to mention, Moyong Hui's reputation as the Seven Absolute Sword was well-known even in the Black Sect. He was particularly popular among women.

"Ho ho ho! It seems Moyong Hui's fame has reached even the Black Heaven Alliance across the way."

Ma Jing-ga chuckled heartily.

"Of course. He is so popular among women. Even the most skilled young martial artists of the Black Sect dare not mention his name. Speaking of which, I am truly fortunate to receive escort from the renowned and peerless Young Master Moyong, the Seven Absolute Sword. Thank you, Master Ma!"

Eun Seol-ran greeted him with a charming demeanor. No one, no matter how stoic, could resist such an affable greeting.

"Ho ho ho! No need for such words! That child should consider himself honored to escort such a peerless beauty as you, Miss."

"Oh my! Peerless beauty… you flatter me."

Ma Jing-ga's laughter grew louder at Eun Seol-ran's charming and adorable voice. To Ma Jing-ga, Eun Seol-ran was an increasingly likable woman. She felt as comfortable as a granddaughter.

Moyong Hui was not pleased at all.

'Sigh… Women…'

Looking at her, Moyong Hui became even more perplexed about women. Moyong Hui finally had to admit that he was no match for the woman before him. Moreover, since she was a woman, he felt embarrassed to always be by her side. And finally, after considering all the surrounding circumstances, Moyong Hui concluded that he was not the right person for this task.

The Heavenly Palace Master, Ma Jing-ga, must have been greatly surprised to see the investigator was a young girl. It must have felt like being hit on the back of the head by a rock. Of course, he was now smiling broadly, but…

'There must be someone more suitable than me!'

Moyong Hui finally came to the conclusion that he should resign from this post. He thought it was the best and most optimal choice. However, life is indeed fickle and quite vexing, and it did not go as he planned.

Initially, Moyong Hui was considered for the bodyguard role because he was not only diligent and skilled but also thought that his outstanding ability and exemplary demeanor would make a good impression on the investigator. Of course, as a bodyguard, he would use the room next to hers. But who could have imagined that the Black Heaven Alliance would send a young woman around twenty-five years old, as if they were eager to surprise people!

Neither the brightest minds at the Heavenly Demonic Academy nor Ma Jing-ga himself had anticipated that they would send a young virgin like Eun Seol-ran. Moreover, Eun Seol-ran was very cheerful, lively, and bright, and her overflowing charm made her seem approachable, which delayed the activation of his psychological defense mechanisms. In this state, he was almost defenseless. Ma Jing-ga saw this as dangerous.

After all, they couldn't keep a man and a woman together indefinitely. So he considered replacing her. But Eun Seol-ran said there was no need. In fact, she said she was very satisfied. However, even so, they couldn't keep them together with so many onlookers. There was too much gossip.

Some of Moyong Hui's fervent followers were already screaming as if they were suffocating, making Ma Jing-ga's ears ring. It was truly unbearable.

Therefore, Ma Jing-ga decided to assign another person as a bodyguard to balance the genders. Of course, this bodyguard was also a woman. Come to think of it, in a crisis situation, two people would be better than one. So, 'Who among the disciples is most suitable for this task?' Ma Jing-ga pondered. But something was strange. No matter how much he thought, and thought again, and sometimes even thought about other things before thinking again, only one person came to his mind. He could not think of anyone else.

Ice White Phoenix (氷白鳳), Na Ye-rin!

Ma Jing-ga knew better than anyone that when it came to flying blades from the darkness, there was no one more reliable than Ye-rin.

This was because, through his long friendship with Na Baek-cheon, the leader of the Martial Alliance, he was one of the few people who knew of Ye-rin's innate abilities from a young age. A spiritual power possessed from birth, not cultivated!

Dragon Eye (龍眼)!

There was no one more suitable than her for sensing suspicious energy. Moreover, since she was also a woman, he had a small hope that they might be able to communicate. However, given Ye-rin's personality, it was difficult to expect her to readily agree.

Therefore, Ma Jing-ga, abandoning all pretense of dignity, was now pleading with Na Ye-rin.

"Ye-rin! I'm sorry, but please do this for me. Surely you won't coldly refuse the plea of this uncle who has doted on you since you were little, right? Huh?"

Ma Jing-ga even resorted to the forbidden technique of appealing to emotions using his authority as an uncle, showing how desperate he was for Na Ye-rin's help.

Where in this scene could one find the dignity of the Heavenly Demonic Academy Head, Ma Jing-ga?

Na Ye-rin was forced to ponder.

The meeting between Na Ye-rin and Evil Flower Eun Seol-ran!

Na Ye-rin had to think for a moment about why she had suddenly come here. The only thing certain was that she couldn't bring herself to refuse Ma Jing-ga's plea.

Why hadn't she firmly refused then, leading to this situation? Regret washed over her.

"Oh my! What a truly beautiful person!"

This was Eun Seol-ran's pure exclamation upon first seeing Na Ye-rin. It was a compliment with twelve parts sincerity, completely devoid of any exaggeration! Anyone would admit Na Ye-rin's beauty, but Eun Seol-ran was also a woman who was very honest with her emotions.

"Hey, hey? Isn't that right?"

Eun Seol-ran poked Moyong Hui, who had been assigned as her escort, hard in the ribs and asked. Moyong Hui, who had just learned that he still had to escort Na Ye-rin along with the famous Na Ye-rin, was in despair.

Therefore, there was no way he could give a good answer.

"That's right."

Moyong Hui's answer remained blunt and unchanging. His demeanor seemed as firm as a sheer cliff, resisting all surrounding changes. However, there was a life-or-death difference between firmness and being completely closed off. And Moyong Hui could not escape the suspicion of being the latter.

"Oh my, you really don't appreciate the finer things in life. To not even change your expression when faced with two such stunning beauties right in front of you is a great discourtesy."

Eun Seol-ran said with a pout.

"Then I'll be going!"

Moyong Hui tried to leave abruptly. His attitude was reckless. Only then did Eun Seol-ran realize that her words were having no effect on Moyong Hui. She felt that this man was quite a formidable opponent.

"Where are you going?"

Eun Seol-ran stopped Moyong Hui, who was determined to leave.

"Now that Miss Na has arrived, I will be leaving."

This was exactly what Moyong Hui desired. Even with two peerless beauties by his side, Moyong Hui could not feel the joy that a man typically would. Rather, he felt very awkward and burdened by the presence of women beside him. Naturally, his body stiffened. This is not to say he had homosexual inclinations, so please do not misunderstand.

Eun Seol-ran did not accept Moyong Hui's decision. With a sulky expression and slightly exaggerated movements, she said in a tearful voice, which was almost a form of coercion.

"Oh my! Such a heartless young man! Are you planning to slip away alone, leaving two beautiful women in a dangerous area? Do you have the confidence to face the guilt of leaving two women alone in a death trap? Was the top martial artist of the martial world only capable of being such a man?"

Moyong Hui was speechless at Eun Seol-ran's fluid eloquence and astonishing force. It was impossible for his honest and naive mind to come up with a defense against her words. In fact, her words were not wrong. In the event of an unexpected situation, it would be very difficult for only two women to handle it. Even if it was safe for now, the role of a bodyguard was to prepare for potential future emergencies.

Moyong Hui became as mute as a mute. Only then did Na Ye-rin hand him a document, stating in a blunt face that he still had to perform the role of bodyguard alongside her. Upon seeing it, Moyong Hui fell into even deeper despair. It was a death notice confirming that his request had been rejected.

"Sigh! I have no choice."

Moyong Hui finally raised the white flag. He had no other choice. But the awkwardness remained unchanged. It was virtually impossible for the uncomfortable relationship to suddenly turn comfortable.

"Hey!"

"Yes?"

Eun Seol-ran called out to Moyong Hui, who was sighing deeply, looking at the ground. It seemed she felt a mission to not leave this man alone.

"To sigh in front of two beautiful women! That is a great discourtesy. If that sigh is interpreted differently and causes emotional distress, leading to depression, will you take responsibility? Always keep in mind. Women are always sensitive to such trivial matters!"

Once again, Eun Seol-ran did not forget to kindly warn the dense Moyong Hui with her incredibly fast eloquence. Moyong Hui lowered his head and silently listened to her words.

Eun Seol-ran greeted Na Ye-rin with an elegant smile.

"Miss, you are the famous Ice White Phoenix, Na Ye-rin, the First Flower of the Righteous Path, aren't you? It's truly a pleasure to meet you."

*Bow*

Na Ye-rin nodded without showing any particular emotion. For a moment, Eun Seol-ran mistook them for siblings.

Thus, the bodyguard duty for Evil Flower Eun Seol-ran changed from one man to one man and one woman.

Now, a new destiny was about to be intertwined at one place, and a new story was about to begin. The threads of fate were gathering different destinies in one place, weaving a new tapestry of stories.

The incident broke out sooner than expected.

Five days could be considered very short, but it was enough time to break the ice between people. However, even after the sun had risen and set five times, the relationship between Eun Seol-ran, Na Ye-rin, and Moyong Hui remained awkward.

It was not in Eun Seol-ran's nature to simply watch the extremely cold Na Ye-rin and the blunt, wooden Moyong Hui. During the five days she had received their escort, she had learned that both Moyong Hui and Na Ye-rin were extremely unsociable people. In over five days, the conversations she had with the two could be counted on one hand. If someone asked her, she could recount all the conversations they had had. Eun Seol-ran could not tolerate such a frustrating reality. So, she was determined to improve their relationship somehow.

However, the road ahead was long and arduous. Improving relationships first began with conversation. Conversation was the basis of social interaction. But dealing with these two people made even conversation difficult.

If she felt the urge to have a conversation, Eun Seol-ran had to initiate it and lead the discussion. This was one such instance.

"Excuse me, Ye-rin!"

Eun Seol-ran quietly called out to Na Ye-rin.

"What is your business?"

Despite her very business-like tone, Eun Seol-ran was not disappointed. She had braced herself for it.

"Um… do you have a boyfriend?"

Eun Seol-ran asked without hesitation. She did not blush or act coy.

"No."

Na Ye-rin answered firmly.

"Truly, even as a woman, I find you beautiful. So beautiful that it makes me sigh…"

She decided to start by discussing beauty, one of women's main interests. However, Na Ye-rin's reaction was cold.

"I have no desire to attract others' attention merely for being beautiful."

Was the choice of topic wrong? The conversation continued to hit rough patches.

"Indeed, when someone as beautiful as you moves, it is said that it could topple a nation. In ancient times, such beauty was called a 'national beauty' (傾國之色)!"

"I have no desire to live by merely flattering men."

Eun Seol-ran nodded as if in agreement.

"That's right. Well, men are like immature children, and fundamentally wolves. The mission of beauties like us is to trap men in our skirts and play with them in the palm of our hands."

Eun Seol-ran smiled sincerely. To Moyong Hui's ears, her words did not sound like a joke at all.

"That is a radical ideology."

Na Ye-rin's response ended there. Eun Seol-ran felt embarrassed as her hands met only air. But she did not give up.

"You are truly like an eternal block of ice. I wonder who will win your heart… I can see a bloody path formed by the desperate struggles, endless duels, envy, and jealousy of men vying for you. Such extraordinary beauty is a sin."

"You are beautiful too!"

Na Ye-rin's words were sincere. It was not a lie; Eun Seol-ran's beauty was indeed that of a peerless beauty. She wasn't called one of the Black Sect's five great beauties for nothing.

"Oh my! Really? I'm so happy!"

Eun Seol-ran jumped for joy. She was remarkably cheerful and lively, perhaps excessively so. It seemed that some progress had been made between Eun Seol-ran and Na Ye-rin without her realizing it.

She thought she would like to get to know this Miss Na better. Her unyielding spirit was something that the countless men challenging women could learn from.

"Let's go shopping for clothes, okay?"

It was a sudden proposal. The originator of this sudden proposal was Eun Seol-ran.

"Clothes?"

For Na Ye-rin, clothes were sufficient if they were comfortable to move in, blocked the wind, and kept out the rain, covering her body. Of course, there was no need to buy them. Because she had received countless luxurious clothes from others. However, the gaudy silk clothes adorned with various accessories were not enough to satisfy her heart. She usually returned such clothes. Some were accepted, but not because she liked the clothes. Usually, it was because of situations like: "It would be an honor for ten thousand generations if you just accept it, so please don't refuse!" or "If you return it, I'll bite my tongue and die right here!" Of course, the latter was the more troublesome case. Even more troublesome were those who threatened to bite their tongues if the clothes were not accepted once, or those who had strange desires, asking to wear them just once before returning them, with a lecherous smile.

"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! We are definitely going! We absolutely must go! So, you're going, right?"

This was the first request she had made since entering the Heavenly Demonic Academy. Na Ye-rin could not bring herself to refuse Eun Seol-ran's almost coercive plea.

And so, Evil Flower Eun Seol-ran's first outing began.

"This is a peaceful place."

"Of course. There has never been a trivial fight here before."

Of course, that was until yesterday.

The Five Star Pavilion (五星樓), a rather famous and therefore profitable restaurant located in the bustling streets of Nanchang (南昌).

On the third floor of this colossal, five-story restaurant, two men were drinking heartily. One was a young man in his twenties, voraciously consuming alcohol and elaborately prepared side dishes as if to annihilate them, while the other, a middle-aged man in his forties, watched the young man's astonishing appetite with a dazed expression. The middle-aged man was a swordsman with a striking all-red appearance. The two men were Yeon-do and Bi Ryu-yeon.

Munch munch! Gulp gulp! Gulp!

An appetite so amazing that ordinary people could not imitate it! Yeon-do could only marvel at how the man ate so much without gaining any weight. Where did all that food disappear?

And what kind of universe was Bi Ryu-yeon's stomach? Yeon-do was increasingly amazed. Piles of neatly emptied side dish plates were already accumulating around Bi Ryu-yeon.

How much could one eat if there was no cost involved? Yeon-do absolutely… absolutely… had no desire to see the end of it, even if he died.

Yeon-do stared at Bi Ryu-yeon with fierce eyes. The wine glass in his hand seemed to have forgotten its purpose, refusing to be emptied.

"Why? Do you have any worries?"

Bi Ryu-yeon asked, pausing his eating for a moment.

"Ah… no."

Although he said no, Yeon-do couldn't bear to worry about the ever-increasing figures on the bill. It seemed Bi Ryu-yeon was determined to drive him into financial ruin.

His already burning stomach began to bubble like lava. It was a miracle he hadn't developed a hole in his stomach.

'Damn it, I lost again…'

If he hadn't lost, he wouldn't be here, wasting his own money to feed Bi Ryu-yeon so heartily.

He was now stuck being this annoying disciple for six months. Yeon-do felt wronged, resentful, and indignant.