Chapter 567: To Hanam.

This was around the time when the Wudang sect was dealing with an incident and was busy cleaning up the mess.

Right after the children were sent off, only Geomhu and U Bongchwigae remained.

Geomhu quietly waited for U Bongchwigae to speak, and the old man opened his mouth, looking at her.

“It’s been a while.”

How long had it been? It had easily been over ten years, at the very least.

After the incident at the Divine Dragon Platform, Geomhu hadn’t met U Bongchwigae.

“It’s been a long time, Pavilion Master-nim.”

“Yes, have you been well?”

Geomhu smiled slightly at U Bongchwigae’s words.

“Don’t you already know everything?”

“Hoh hoh…”

U Bongchwigae chuckled lightly at her subtly barbed words.

It was true.

Most of the things happening in this world were likely known by U Bongchwigae.

There are many beggars in the world.

Because all those beggars were U Bongchwigae’s eyes and ears.

“It’s out of affection and concern that I asked, so please don’t resent me for it.”

Geomhu simply took a sip of tea without replying.

Watching her, U Bongchwigae wore a bitter expression.

“It seems you still resent me quite a bit.”

“That’s not true. A lot of time has passed.”

“Then…”

“It’s just that, for the sake of the former members, I believe I shouldn’t easily change my mind.”

“…”

A chill emanated from Geomhu, different from when the children were by her side.

“…Yes.”

Seeing Geomhu like that, U Bongchwigae held back his words as if resigned.

He had nothing more to say.

At least, he and the Sword Master-nim would have nothing more to say when looking at Geomhu.

“I thank you, Pavilion Master-nim, regarding the children.”

“What do you mean?”

“I am thankful that you didn’t insist on holding onto them and let them go.”

She was talking about how he didn’t pry further with the children, who claimed ignorance, and let them go easily.

U Bongchwigae could have interrogated them further under the guise of questioning, but…

He didn’t.

This was probably because he let it slide out of consideration for Geomhu. Of course.

“Some circumstances also aligned.”

When considering the reports he received in that brief moment.

The biggest reason was judging that the children were likely not significantly guilty.

Furthermore.

“Besides, it was something that could be asked of you, Soi.”

Geomhu already knew that U Bongchwigae had business with her.

She figured he wouldn’t have created this situation otherwise.

It didn’t matter. In fact, it was something Geomhu had hoped for.

“Before we proceed, I have something I’d like to ask, Pavilion Master-nim.”

“Go ahead.”

“Did you perhaps come all the way to Wudang because of me?”

The reason why the busy master of the Beggars’ Sect would go out of his way to come to Wudang.

Could it be because of Geomhu herself? That was the question.

“Hmm.”

Hearing her question, U Bongchwigae tilted his head for a moment before replying to Geomhu.

“No, that’s not it.”

“This matter was also requested by the Alliance Leader…”

U Bongchwigae paused before continuing, seemingly having something he shouldn’t say.

“Anyway… Soi. I didn’t come here because I had business with you.”

“I understand.”

Geomhu showed no particular reaction to his answer.

Although his trailing words lingered, she was certain she wouldn’t get an answer even if she asked.

“If that answers your question, then may I proceed to the main topic now?”

“Please, proceed. I will listen attentively.”

“Woong-!”

As U Bongchwigae spoke, Geomhu felt a barrier being erected around them.

“Wudang got completely wrecked, didn’t it? Quite a sight, considering how proud they were.”

“…Pavilion Master-nim.”

At his words, Geomhu furrowed her delicate brows.

“People died. You shouldn’t speak of it like that.”

Even if U Baek and Ji Cheol weren’t people Geomhu particularly liked,

she strongly disliked him speaking about the deceased in such a manner.

“You’re still so kind.”

“…I merely…”

“However, if you knew the intentions with which they lived, you wouldn’t be able to say that.”

“…”

U Bongchwigae had always known more than others,

and it was no different now.

“Now, I shall ask what I wanted to ask. Soi.”

“…Yes.”

“Tell me about the attacker of Wudang. I heard you saw them up close.”

At U Bongchwigae’s question, Geomhu felt a strange discomfort rising within her.

Recalling the one who suddenly appeared.

Just thinking about it stirred up such uncomfortable feelings.

The blue glow visible beyond the mask.

The intense aura emanating from him.

Even the presence that made the surrounding air heavy just by standing there.

It was a feeling Geomhu had never experienced before.

And that person had said something when introducing himself.

“Tianma (天魔)….”

Upon hearing this, U Bongchwigae murmured his alias lowly.

“Do you know this person?”

“It is a name that has been heard frequently lately.”

It was a name slowly making its way from the edges of the Central Plains, bit by bit.

It was the very name uttered by the individual who single-handedly attacked a Murim Alliance branch.

Tianma.

‘A devil descended from the heavens.’

At first, he thought some fool was pulling a ridiculous stunt, but as things escalated, it became something U Bongchwigae had to consider seriously.

Even overlooking the Murim Alliance branch attack.

Including the fact that an incident occurred in the Guangdong region this time.

And that two martial artists of the Hua Jing (化境) level had lost their lives in these incidents.

Furthermore.

“Wudang was attacked.”

This time, even one of the Nine Great Sects, the Alliance Leader’s own sect, was attacked.

And they couldn’t even catch the culprit, letting them escape.

It must be quite troublesome for the Alliance.

If there was another problem.

“You said they tamed demonic beasts?”

“Yes. It appeared so.”

The existence called Tianma was taming demonic beasts.

And not just any beasts, but monsters on the level of Red Demonic Beasts.

This alone was enough to cause enormous repercussions if the rumors spread.

Currently, they couldn’t even properly tame Green Demonic Beasts.

The Alliance had made countless attempts but never succeeded.

Although experiments were still being conducted in secret, there had been no change.

In such a situation,

‘For someone hostile to the Alliance to be able to tame demonic beasts.’

Especially Red Demonic Beast level ones, which require multiple peak martial artists to hunt.

This wasn’t just a dangerous situation.

“Aside from this Tianma, you said there were others?”

“From what I saw, there was only one other besides Tianma. But yes, there was.”

A giant who appeared at Wudang before Tianma, seemingly to intimidate them.

He appeared to be Tianma’s subordinate, calling Tianma ‘Gyo-ju’ (Cult Leader).

“Gyo-ju…”

U Bongchwigae focused on that word. It was a term rarely used in the Central Plains nowadays.

From that word and the situation described, one thing could be inferred:

‘This wasn’t a solo act, but an organization, and that organization was by no means small.’

And

‘They clearly harbored hostility towards the Murim Alliance.’

Having summarized thus far, U Bongchwigae sighed inwardly.

Why now, of all times?

This was a time of great upheaval, a period of immense change.

And now, such beings appear. If they were insignificant, he might have dismissed them lightly with a casual attitude, but…

‘I believe she called them Transcendent Realm experts.’

If Geomhu, of all people, made that judgment, it was highly likely to be true.

The situation changes if we’re talking about martial artists who have reached the Transcendent Realm, beyond Hua Jing.

They were individuals beyond the ordinary, numbering no more than twenty even within the Central Plains.

Some lived quietly, having left the secular world.

Others lived hiding their strength, while some openly displayed it, perhaps to uphold the principle of ‘the strong survive.’

One commonality among them was:

They were all treated as walking natural disasters.

In this situation,

Not only has a new Transcendent Realm expert appeared, but they also possess a vast organization.

‘This is a crisis.’

It was undoubtedly a crisis for the Murim Alliance.

Amidst the complicated situation, U Bongchwigae carefully concealed his expression and spoke to Geomhu.

“Thank you for telling me.”

“…I hope my inadequate words were sufficient.”

“I will need to ask other witnesses as well, but this was certainly a great help.”

“Thank you.”

U Bongchwigae slowly rose to his feet, and Geomhu followed suit.

“I’ve already informed the Alliance Leader. You won’t be inconvenienced by this matter.”

“What do you mean…?”

“I’ve secured the Alliance Leader’s confirmation that the attack involving the demonic beast and the subsequent complications will not cause you trouble.”

“…!”

“On the contrary, since Wudang suffered damage from the attack, you should discuss the compensation separately with that Peach Blossom fellow.”

As U Bongchwigae brought up the matter of the Plum Blossom Fan, Geomhu slightly bowed her head, showing him respect.

“…Thank you for your consideration.”

“Hoh hoh… It’s been a while since I’ve seen your face. I should at least do this much.”

Saying this, U Bongchwigae started walking first.

Turning back, U Bongchwigae’s usual relaxed demeanor was gone.

His eyes beneath his long eyebrows were incredibly sharp.

‘Tianma (天魔).’

As he was barely piecing things together,

he repeated the name of an unwelcome typhoon.

This is not good.

It seemed he needed to investigate this beforehand.

“…I suppose I should contact Shinan.”

He needed to re-establish the Divine Dragon Platform as soon as possible.

With that thought, U Bongchwigae continued walking.

His destination was the location of the Wudang Sword Sage, the master of the sect.

---

One spring day.

At the Hanam branch of the Baihua Trading Company, someone was walking briskly.

As the woman took graceful steps with her long legs, a subtle floral fragrance wafted through the air.

The floral scent spread outwards along with an inexplicable cool breeze.

Those who saw her bowed their heads to greet the woman.

“Greetings, Branch Manager-nim.”

“Greetings, Branch Manager-nim…!”

The woman passed by, giving a casual wave to those paying their respects.

Watching the woman’s retreating back, many expressed their admiration.

“Wow…. The Branch Manager-nim is beautiful today as well.”

“Indeed. She seems particularly lovely today.”

“When wasn’t she?”

“That’s true too.”

The men continued speaking with stunned expressions.

It couldn’t be helped. The Hanam branch manager, newly assigned last year, looked so young to the men.

And so beautiful.

What’s more,

“It would be one thing if she were just pretty. But she’s also excellent at her job.”

“I heard she’s still far from reaching twenty, yet how is she so competent…?”

I heard she’s barely in her mid-twenties.

The new Hanam branch manager was exceptionally competent.

While the Hanam branch had always appointed only outstanding talents from the Baihua Trading Company to the position of branch manager,

this time, rumors were circulating that she was the best ever.

Amidst such talk, one man added:

“Wasn’t she already famous? Being from one of the Four Great Clans makes it even more so.”

“Hey, now. Do you really have to stir things up here?”

“No, it’s just unusual. I mean, why would someone known as the Six Dragons and Three Peaks of the world, from one of the Four Great Clans, come to the Baihua Trading Company?”

At his words, those nearby fell silent.

It was because everyone was curious about the same thing.

Just then.

“Ah, I’ve heard something about that.”

A young man diligently moving documents spoke up as if he knew something.

All eyes turned to him. The young man was the youngest member of the Hanam branch.

“Heard what? About what?”

“About why the Branch Manager-nim came to the Baihua Trading Company.”

“How did you hear that?”

As they all asked in surprise, the young man replied with a calm expression.

“Because I asked, I heard.”

“You asked…? Who did you ask…?”

“The Branch Manager-nim.”

At the answer, everyone stared at the youngest member in shock.

“…That guy is seriously crazy. He actually asked…?”

“Is it not allowed…?”

“Hmph, everyone, stop talking to him. We need to break ties now, while we can. Looks like he won’t last long here…”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

The youngest asked what they meant by their seniors’ words, but the seniors deliberately ignored him.

They figured he’d be transferred to another branch soon, so they needed to cut ties now.

“Anyway… So, what did the Branch Manager-nim say?”

The youngest wore an expression full of unease, but

fortunately, he did answer.

“What did she say… Ah.”

The youngest seemed to recall and quickly continued.

[I’m taking classes to become a daughter-in-law.]

That’s what she said.

Hearing this, the men collectively made bizarre expressions.

Finally,

“Damn it! I was a fool to believe you!”

“Asking her was a lie too, right? Tsk tsk.”

“Huh…?”

“There’s no way the Branch Manager-nim would say something like that. This guy is asking for trouble.”

“No, really…”

“Shut up and get back to work. What a waste of time. Tsk tsk.”

“…”

The youngest, having heard the men’s angry remarks, wore an expression of injustice.

Leaving the youngest behind,

the young Branch Manager hurried to meet someone.

Sarak.

Amidst the sound of rustling letters, the Branch Manager of the Baihua Trading Company’s Hanam branch, Moyong Hi-ah, carefully paid her respects to the person before her.

“Greetings, Head-nim.”

To her politely recited greeting, the person seated at the desk raised their head.

“Have you been well?”

The tone was somewhat cold, lacking discernible emotion.

“Yes. Head-nim.”

The person Moyong Hi-ah was facing was none other than Mi Hyoran, the owner of the Baihua Trading Company.

Mi Hyoran continued speaking to Moyong Hi-ah while organizing the letters she held.

“Your performance is good. To achieve this much in nearly half a year. It’s impressive.”

“…Thank you.”

Moyong Hi-ah swallowed nervously as she looked at Mi Hyoran.

She had learned something over the past few years under Mi Hyoran’s tutelage.

When Mi Hyoran started with pleasant words, it meant she had more prepared, less pleasant words to follow.

“However.”

As expected, Mi Hyoran spoke, looking at Moyong Hi-ah.

“There are a few issues with the reported details. And some of the handled matters are also lacking.”

“…If you point them out, I will correct them.”

“Words won’t suffice. I’ll compile these points separately and give them to you by tomorrow. Please review them carefully.”

Hearing Mi Hyoran’s words, Moyong Hi-ah sighed inwardly.

She thought she had handled everything perfectly, but it seemed Mi Hyoran still saw shortcomings.

It was regrettable.

Perhaps sensing something from Moyong Hi-ah’s expression, Mi Hyoran chuckled subtly, unnoticed, and said:

“By the way. I heard you’ve broken through the wall. Is that correct?”

At Mi Hyoran’s words, Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes widened in surprise.

She hadn’t expected her to know.

In fact, Moyong Hi-ah had surpassed the peak of her cultivation realm about three months ago.

It was a remarkable achievement, accomplished not long after she resumed her training.

“Ah… Yes, that’s correct.”

“Congratulations. It seems you worked hard despite the busy circumstances.”

“Thank you.”

Moyong Hi-ah suppressed the corners of her mouth that threatened to turn upwards at Mi Hyoran’s praise.

She couldn’t afford to show any unbecoming behavior, especially in front of Mi Hyoran.

Just then, Mi Hyoran handed something to Moyong Hi-ah.

“It’s not exactly a congratulatory gift… but I have something for the Branch Manager.”

“Yes?”

Moyong Hi-ah’s already wide eyes widened further as she accepted the letter.

“It’s an important task. Can you handle it?”

“Ah! Of course. I can do it.”

Hearing that Mi Hyoran was assigning her a task, Moyong Hi-ah actually smiled with delight.

When Mi Hyoran assigned an important task, it meant she trusted the recipient.

It was a form of ‘recognition’.

Looking at Mi Hyoran, Moyong Hi-ah happily unfolded the letter, and as she checked its contents…

She froze.

Seeing the content of the letter and the seal imprinted on it, she had to stop.

Then, she looked at Mi Hyoran.

“…Head-nim. This…?”

Moyong Hi-ah looked at Mi Hyoran with trembling eyes.

She couldn’t help it.

Because the seal imprinted at the end of the letter belonged to the North Sea Ice Palace.

Furthermore, the content of the letter was also problematic.

The content was as follows:

News that the Young Princess of the North Sea Ice Palace was seeking the Central Plains,

and a request to entrust her guidance not to the Murim Alliance, but to the Baihua Trading Company.