Chapter v11c2

“Unfortunately, despite deploying people for a thorough investigation, we haven’t caught any leads yet. They’re clever.”

“If we do catch that lead…”

Majinga muttered quietly.

“Then we could eradicate the remnants of the Heavenly Tribulation that have been plaguing us for decades and uproot the Heavenly Tribulation completely. Unless we encounter an exceptional situation.”

“And what might that exceptional situation be…?”

At that moment, Na Baekcheon’s eyes flashed with a sharp, almost terrifying light.

“That would be if ‘he’ is still alive.”

“Him!”

Majinga’s expression darkened instantly, like storm clouds gathering before a downpour. If such a scenario were to come true, it would indeed be the worst-case scenario. He couldn’t confidently say that the martial world, which had enjoyed a period of peace, could withstand such an unprecedented catastrophe.

“It’s just a hypothetical scenario. I hope we never face such a desperate situation. I never want to see another bloodbath like that day. I’m too old for that.”

“I agree.”

“No, you don’t understand. Only those who have experienced it know how horrifying it was. It’s a memory so dreadful that even recalling it makes me shudder. If I could erase one part of my memory, I would remove the memory of that day a hundred years ago without hesitation. It would make sleeping at night much easier. I wouldn’t have nightmares about him anymore. I still dream of that day from time to time. The field was as red as a sea of blood…”

Na Baekcheon’s face was grim and contorted with the memory. He had inadvertently recalled that day, a day he consciously tried to forget. Such a tragedy should never be repeated. After a moment of silence, Na Baekcheon regained his composure and continued.

“The roots of the Heavenly Tribulation that have infiltrated the current martial world run too deep. We can’t see the end of them. I feel too old to even think about weeding them out.”

Na Baekcheon seemed to have regained his calm.

“Haha, but I can’t believe you’re old, Master. You look like you could go on for another hundred years.”

“Hahaha, then I would hate to disappoint you! Putting an old man in charge of weeding is too harsh, young man!”

“Haha, I’m already over sixty. I’m getting old too.”

Sixty was not a young age, and for ordinary people, it was considered a long life. But to Na Baekcheon, a martial artist, it didn’t seem that way.

“Oh, come on. In our generation, sixty is written as ‘sixty’ but read as ‘youth.’ A person in their prime shouldn’t show such weakness.”

To Na Baekcheon, Majinga, who was over sixty, still looked young. In fact, despite being over sixty, Majinga had no gray hair, not even a single strand. And it wasn’t because he dyed it. His skin was still elastic and vibrant, making him look like he was in his forties. No one would believe he was over sixty.

“By the way, won’t those kids be quite surprised when they reach Mount Hua?”

Na Baekcheon asked with a slightly mischievous smile.

“They’ll be startled when they encounter facts different from what they’ve always believed. Just like always.”

“I hope they understand the true significance of the Mount Hua Sect’s Hundred-Year Agreement Conference.”

“I agree. I hope they don’t get swept up in their youthful fervor. It would cloud their judgment. They might miss the essence of the conference if they focus too much on fighting or dueling.”

“I hope there are no accidents. It would be great if they arrived safely…”

But the problem was that their hopes had been repeatedly dashed over the past few decades. Not once had their wishes been fulfilled.

“More than that, there’s something even more troubling to me right now. It’s a painful matter.”

“Please, tell me.”

Majinga replied with a tense voice. He could sense Na Baekcheon’s agitation. What could be more troubling than uncovering the backers of the Heavenly Tribulation?

He was genuinely afraid of the answer. He didn’t even want to know.

“Master!”

When Na Baekcheon spoke, Majinga hurriedly responded, trembling with fear.

“Yes, please speak!”

“Could it be that rascal did something inappropriate to our Yerin while they were trapped in the Phantom Demon Cave?”

“What?”

Majinga’s expression turned grim despite his efforts to maintain composure.

“What do you mean…?”

He didn’t have the courage to finish the sentence.

“Since she came out, her demeanor seems to have changed. I can’t shake the feeling of unease.”

Na Baekcheon’s serious tone prompted Majinga to speak quickly.

“Didn’t she say nothing happened?”

“No! My intuition as a father who loves his daughter tells me something happened. Something did!”

Na Baekcheon’s expression was so serious that Majinga didn’t dare to argue.

“Maybe you’re being overly sensitive?”

It’s best to avoid arguing with Na Baekcheon about his daughter. This giant, who remains calm and rational in all other matters, loses his composure when it comes to his daughter. Majinga could understand his suspicions. How many times had Na Yerin almost been involved in such incidents? He had lost count. Na Baekcheon’s doubts were understandable.

“If I find out that rascal laid a finger on my precious Yerin, I won’t let him go. If there’s even the slightest hint that something happened, he’ll have to prepare to be torn limb from limb. How could I let someone harm the child I’ve raised with such care? If Yerin hadn’t stopped me then, I would have broken his legs…”

If he had done that, they wouldn’t be having this conversation now.

**The Foolish Father Na Baekcheon**

“Are you the boy named Bi Ryu Yeon?”

“Yes!”

Bi Ryu Yeon answered without hesitation.

Despite this being a one-on-one private meeting with the Great Martial Alliance Leader, he showed no signs of being flustered or agitated.

Na Baekcheon was displeased with Bi Ryu Yeon’s lack of intimidation in front of him. Normally, he might have praised him as a “dignified and confident man” or said, “A real man should have that kind of spirit!”

However, when it came to his precious daughter, Na Yerin, Na Baekcheon became a different person. Thus, his current evaluation of Bi Ryu Yeon was:

‘Insolent brat!’

If Na Yerin had treated Bi Ryu Yeon like an ordinary man, like a pebble on the street, Na Baekcheon wouldn’t have felt this way. But his sharp paternal instincts sensed that Na Yerin recognized Bi Ryu Yeon as a significant presence. He felt like a father whose daughter was being stolen. Naturally, he found Bi Ryu Yeon unappealing.

Despite Na Yerin assuring him that nothing happened in the Phantom Demon Cave, Na Baekcheon wasn’t convinced. That’s why he had called Bi Ryu Yeon for a one-on-one meeting.

“You were fortunate to survive the collapse of the Phantom Demon Cave. Yerin said you were a great help to her.”

“You’re too kind.”

“She might have said that out of courtesy, but thank you anyway!”

Na Baekcheon said with a meaningful smile.

‘Anyway?’

Bi Ryu Yeon felt something prick his nerves. There was a hint of sarcasm in Na Baekcheon’s words. But that wasn’t the end of it.

“I hear you’re called the ‘Fortunate Strike’ because your luck is so good it overshadows your skills. It seems your luck really paid off this time.”

Na Baekcheon emphasized the word “luck,” implying that Bi Ryu Yeon’s escape from the Phantom Demon Cave with Na Yerin was due to luck, not skill.

Bi Ryu Yeon’s mouth twitched into a smile. He never backed down from a challenge, even if it was from the Great Martial Alliance Leader. Whether Na Baekcheon realized it or not, he quickly got to the point.

“So, was there anything unusual during those 44 days? Any unfortunate incidents that might be embarrassing to mention, considering the difference between men and women? Can I trust you?”

An immense pressure emanated from Na Baekcheon, enough to cause breathing difficulties for an ordinary martial artist. But Bi Ryu Yeon remained calm and even dared to provoke.

“There might have been, or there might not have been.”

His ambiguous and meaningful words, along with the smile that seemed to say, “A lot happened, but I’m not telling,” were the pinnacle of his provocation.

“What did you say? What did you just say?”

Na Baekcheon’s face hardened. Few people in the martial world could unsettle the Great Martial Alliance Leader with a single sentence.

“Oh, did you not hear me?”

Bi Ryu Yeon asked with a smile. To Na Baekcheon, it seemed as if he was saying, ‘I understand if you didn’t hear me. You’re getting old.’

Na Baekcheon was growing increasingly annoyed with every aspect of Bi Ryu Yeon.

“Let me summarize it simply so you can understand…”

Bi Ryu Yeon began to speak in a condescending tone, treating the Great Martial Alliance Leader with blatant disrespect. His instincts clearly saw this as a challenge.

“Even if something happened, there’s no need to tell you.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Na Baekcheon asked, struggling to control his temper.

“How can I explain everything? You should know.”

Bi Ryu Yeon said, twisting his body and blushing, mimicking a shy daffodil.

‘This brat! What does he know!’

Na Baekcheon, who had thrown aside his usual dignified demeanor to become a foolish father, was infuriated.

“Whatever you’re thinking, Yerin is not someone a boy like you can even dream of. I understand you’re captivated by her charm, just like the thousands before you, but it’s best to give up on something you can’t have. She has no interest in you. To her, you’re less than a pebble on the street. So, give up!”

However, Bi Ryu Yeon didn’t feel the need to let someone else’s—whether it was a father or the Great Martial Alliance Leader—biased and personal opinion interfere with his relationship with Na Yerin. He wasn’t the type to despair or get hurt based on someone else’s words without confirming his own feelings.

“How can you be so sure?”

“What?”

“How can you be so sure of Yerin’s feelings when you can’t read her mind?”

Bi Ryu Yeon said clearly.

“Y-Yerin!”

No young man had ever dared to call her Yerin so familiarly in front of him. To call her by her name as if she were a lover! But Bi Ryu Yeon didn’t stop there. He wasn’t the type to hold back his words.

“Is there something wrong with calling her Yerin? Master! Yerin is not your puppet. She’s a living person with her own free will. Why don’t you respect her free will? She doesn’t move according to your will. So, don’t make assumptions about her feelings. Only Yerin knows her own heart.”

Bi Ryu Yeon’s words were sharp and cutting.

“You insolent brat! How dare you speak so boldly in front of me!”

An immense, intangible pressure emanated from Na Baekcheon’s entire being, as if it could destroy everything around him. But Bi Ryu Yeon didn’t even blink. His expression seemed to say, ‘Do your worst.’ Na Baekcheon was baffled by Bi Ryu Yeon’s audacity.

“Stop it!”

The door burst open, and a beautiful voice filled the room. A woman entered, her presence like a work of art. It was Na Yerin.

“Mr. Bi! And Father!”

Na Yerin looked at both men. Judging by her expression, she had heard everything from outside. Na Baekcheon, embarrassed by his behavior in front of his daughter, looked away. Even one of the greatest swordsmen in the martial world was weak in front of his daughter.

“I heard everything from outside. Both of you, please stop.”

Na Yerin’s deep eyes turned to her father.

“Father!”

Na Yerin called softly.

“Wh-What is it?”

Na Baekcheon’s current appearance would make the leaders of the Righteous Martial Alliance cry if they saw him.

“Ryu Yeon is my lifesaver. Please don’t make things difficult for him anymore.”

Na Baekcheon’s eyes widened in shock.

“R-Ryu Yeon!”

No one had ever heard Na Yerin call a man so softly and familiarly. Initially, she had called him Mr. Bi out of respect for her father, but she had unconsciously used a familiar tone. The shock Na Baekcheon felt at that moment was indescribable. His daughter, who had always distrusted men, was now calling another man’s name affectionately and defending him in front of her father.

The shock was so great that he inadvertently let Bi Ryu Yeon go, which was the biggest mistake of his life. Clearly, something had happened! He should have pressed further that day.

But the ship had already sailed.

“Ugh!”

Na Baekcheon still couldn’t let go of his anger when he thought about that day.

“I shouldn’t have let him go just because my daughter intervened. I should have taught him a lesson…”

Majinga glanced around nervously, even though there was no one else present to overhear their conversation. The authority and dignity of the Martial Alliance Leader, who oversaw the entire righteous path, were crumbling in an instant. Majinga knew he had to prevent this from leaking out at all costs.

In all other matters, Na Baekcheon was nearly perfect in his duties, but when it came to his daughter, he turned into a foolish father who couldn’t see reason. This behavior of Na Baekcheon’s was a major headache for Majinga.

‘I understand he’s fond of his only daughter, especially since he had her so late in life…’

(TLN: late is a freaking understatment dude was at the very least 110 years old)

Majinga understood. How could he not? Anyone would be enchanted by her charm and mysterious loveliness from a young age.

‘He’s still vigorous, having a daughter at the age of a hundred…’

Majinga couldn’t even imagine what that felt like. He briefly entertained the idea of trying it himself someday, but that was a distant thought. After all, he was already in his sixties with a daughter in her twenties. Of course, that was nothing compared to Na Baekcheon…

While Majinga was lost in his thoughts, Na Baekcheon, who had been venting his anger, suddenly looked sad and muttered.

“We’ve only just reunited, and now we have to be apart again, Yerin…”

The Martial Alliance Leader, who was supposed to be a grown man, was sniffling. He missed his daughter, who had left for Mount Hua shortly after their reunion.

“We need to uncover that boy’s true identity as soon as possible.”

Na Baekcheon still seemed uneasy.

“Yes, I was curious about that too.”

There weren’t many places in the martial world that could raise such an impudent, disrespectful, and bold disciple. Especially one who could stand confidently and sometimes provocatively in front of the Martial Alliance Leader.

The problem was that there were hardly any places that would raise a disciple so recklessly. Moreover, his background was unclear. His application to Cheonmu Academy didn’t list a sect or master.

Majinga wondered how he had even managed to enroll with such vague credentials. It was probably due to his guarantor. The person listed as Bi Ryu Yeon’s guarantor was Yeomdo. That was also quite unusual. Majinga couldn’t deny that there were many suspicious aspects. It was a complete mystery. It was as if Bi Ryu Yeon had appeared out of nowhere one day.

“Where was the first place he was spotted?”

“The first trace of him was at the Zhongyang Escort Agency, located at the foot of Mount Emei.”

When Majinga mentioned the Zhongyang Escort Agency, Na Baekcheon was visibly surprised.

“Oh, the Zhongyang Escort Agency that’s been making waves recently? They suddenly grew rapidly two years ago and are now said to be challenging the largest escort agency in the martial world, the Zhongyuan Escort Agency.”

“Yes, that’s correct. Interestingly, their sudden growth coincided with the appearance of that boy, Bi Ryu Yeon. At least, that’s the timeline. It’s not confirmed, though…”

“Hmm… They say coincidences can turn into inevitabilities. We’ll have to see if it’s just a coincidence. But you still haven’t found any trace of him before that?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Focus the investigation around the Zhongyang Escort Agency in Sichuan.”

“Yes, I’ll send people to Mount Emei. I’ll dispatch the Shin Gyeon Dae, experts in information gathering and tracking.”

“Oh, the Shin Gyeon Dae?”

“Yes.”

The Shin Gyeon Dae was one of the most elite units within the Shadow Pavilion. Normally, this matter wouldn’t warrant deploying such a high-level team, but given Na Baekcheon’s recent comments, Majinga decided to make an exception.

“If it’s them, we can trust them. Please handle it.”

“Rest assured. I hope the Shadows bring back good news…”

At this point, neither of them could have imagined that their subordinates were about to poke a sleeping tiger.