Chapter v20c19

(TLN: posted wrong chap yesterday mb I fixed it)

## Bi Ryu-Yeon Versus Gongson Il-Chwi!

– Don’t Let Fate Control You

The man was dressed in pristine white robes, a stark contrast to the grimy, dilapidated prison cell. Bi Ryu-Yeon, squatting on the floor, opened his eyes and looked at him.

“So, your name was…”

He twirled his finger in the air, feigning forgetfulness. The man realized he was being mocked.

“It’s Baek Moo-Young.”

“Ah! From the Eight Families Association!”

Bi Ryu-Yeon clapped his hands together.

“…It’s the Nine Stars Society!”

Baek Moo-Young corrected him, suppressing his anger.

“You’re a bit late, esteemed representative of the Nine Stars Society.”

“Late? I don’t recall making an appointment with you.”

“You should have arrived earlier, according to my calculations.”

“So you know why I’m here?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon held out his shackled hands.

“What’s this?”

Baek Moo-Young asked, confused.

“You’re here to release me, aren’t you?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon replied, as if it were obvious.

“What if I came to tell you that your execution date has been set?”

Baek Moo-Young countered.

“Pfft! Are you trying to threaten me?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon scoffed, amused by his feeble attempt.

“No, it’s just a little prank. You’re not afraid at all. Aren’t you scared?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon shrugged.

“There’s no reason for me to be scared. Why should I be?”

“Well…”

He couldn’t answer the question.

“Those who control their own destiny have nothing to fear. If you’ve created your own destiny, you know what’s going to happen. For example, I’m going to be released today. Want to bet on it?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon’s voice was filled with unwavering confidence.

“No, I’ll pass.”

Baek Moo-Young declined his offer.

‘Where does he get that absurd confidence from?’

He sighed, baffled by his unusual demeanor. He had never met anyone like him.

“You seem to be convinced that this is your destiny, aren’t you?”

“Of course. You’re slower than I thought. You’re not as smart as the rumors say.”

“You’re talking as if all this is happening according to your plan.”

Baek Moo-Young said gruffly. He had met many types of people in his life, but he had never encountered anyone like Bi Ryu-Yeon. His unfamiliarity made him uncomfortable.

“Of course. I’m the master of my own destiny. Those who let fate control them are destined to fail.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon replied confidently.

“How is that even possible?”

“That’s a trade secret.”

He grinned.

“Is that so?”

Baek Moo-Young sighed and took out a key from his pocket.

“I guess I have no choice but to do as you say.”

*Clank!*

The key turned.

The shackles fell to the ground with a clang.

“Ah, that’s better.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon stretched.

“Follow me.”

“Where are we going?”

“You know, don’t you?”

“Just confirming.”

“The Branch Manager’s office! The elders are waiting for you.”

Baek Moo-Young replied gruffly.

“Elders? More than one?”

“You’ll see.”

* * *

*Knock, knock!*

“Come in!”

“Branch Manager, I’ve brought him as you requested.”

Five people were waiting for him in the office.

“Oh, I didn’t expect to see you here. How have you been?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon greeted Jin So-Ryeong with a smile. He had met her before.

“It’s been a while.”

She nodded slightly.

“But I don’t think I’ve met you before.”

He said, turning to Yoo Eun-Seong.

“You must have heard of him. He’s the First Sword of Jeomchang, the Setting Sun Sword, Yoo Eun-Seong.”

“Ah! The one… I’ve never heard of him.”

He shrugged.

‘What kind of person is he…?’

Namgung-Sang, standing in a corner, cringed, sensing Yoo Eun-Seong’s displeasure. But Bi Ryu-Yeon ignored them and turned his attention to someone else.

Jang Woo-Yang had already left with his children and the guards that Ma Jin-Ga had assigned to them.

His gaze landed on the Sword Sovereign, Gongson Il-Chwi.

“Oh, Grandpa, it’s been a while.”

He waved at him cheerfully, fearless as ever.

‘Grrr! That brat…!’

Gongson Il-Chwi scowled, his displeasure evident. He barely acknowledged his greeting. Bi Ryu-Yeon, sensing his hostility, stopped waving after a couple of times. Ma Jin-Ga spoke.

“Well done, Moo-Young. You can leave now.”

“But…”

Baek Moo-Young hesitated.

“What is it? Is there something else?”

“N-no, sir. I’ll take my leave.”

He wanted to stay and see what would happen, but his request was denied before he could even voice it.

“Goodbye! See you later!”

Bi Ryu-Yeon’s smile, as he waved goodbye, seemed mocking.

* * *

“No! This is unacceptable!”

The Sword Sovereign, Gongson Il-Chwi, said firmly.

“Really? No?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon asked.

“No! Absolutely not!”

He repeated his answer.

“You’ll regret this.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon shook his head, as if he couldn’t understand why he was making things difficult for himself. It was more of a pitying sigh than a threat.

“Are you threatening me? Just because I won’t let you be an examiner?”

Gongson Il-Chwi was adamant that someone who had caused such trouble couldn’t be appointed as an examiner for the Ascending Martial Arts Competition.

“No, I’m pitying you.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon said, grinning. He didn’t care about being an examiner, but losing the extra income was a problem.

“W-what?! You…!”

He looked like he was about to have a stroke.

“Um, can I talk to Grandpa in private?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon asked Ma Jin-Ga.

“G-grandpa?!”

Gongson Il-Chwi was outraged, but Bi Ryu-Yeon ignored him.

“Go ahead.”

Ma Jin-Ga replied. Bi Ryu-Yeon bowed his head slightly in gratitude and approached the Sword Sovereign. Gongson Il-Chwi’s expression darkened as he got closer, his long bangs swaying.

“Why is the Sword Sovereign acting like that, Master Yoo?”

“I don’t know. He clearly doesn’t like him.”

“It’s strange for someone of his stature to show such strong emotions towards a mere student…”

“I know. It’s bizarre.”

It was indeed unusual for the Sword Sovereign to dislike a student so much.

“I don’t want to go outside. How about we talk over there, in the corner?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon whispered, as if afraid of being overheard.

“Why should I? I have nothing to hide. I’ll speak here. You can speak loudly.”

The Sword Sovereign replied gruffly, his head turned away, refusing to meet his eyes.

“Here? Really? Are you sure? You’ll regret this.”

“Regret? That’s impossible.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon whispered in his ear,

“Even if it’s about your precious grandson?”

Gongson Il-Chwi glared at him, but he wasn’t intimidated.

“Ah, you’re finally looking at me. It’s rude to avoid eye contact during a conversation. Even if you’re an elder, no, especially if you’re an elder, you should set a good example.”

He said, his smile unwavering, his words laced with venom. But the Sword Sovereign was too preoccupied to notice.

“Y-you… how do you know about Jeol-Hwi…?”

He had been expecting news from his grandson, but nothing had arrived. It had been a while since he had arrived in Nanchang. He would have at least sent a letter, even if he couldn’t visit in person.

‘C-could it be that this vicious brat kidnapped him…?’

It was a plausible scenario, in his mind.

‘If you’ve harmed a single hair on his head… you’ll experience the wrath of the Sword Sovereign!’

His imagination was running wild. He could almost hear his grandson’s screams. Everyone in the room flinched, sensing his sudden surge of killing intent.

‘What are they talking about?’

What could Bi Ryu-Yeon have possibly said to provoke such anger? But Bi Ryu-Yeon was innocent. He hadn’t even gotten to the main point yet.

‘This is ridiculous…’

The Sword Sovereign was clearly in a “no questions asked” state. But his delusional rampage wouldn’t stop on its own. It was a problem for Bi Ryu-Yeon as well.

Gongson Il-Chwi was already mourning his grandson’s death in his mind, vowing revenge at his grave.

‘Jeol-Hwi, watch from heaven. I’ll avenge you!’

He whispered to his grandson’s soul.

“Sir, I don’t know what you’re misunderstanding, but…”

Bi Ryu-Yeon couldn’t finish his sentence.

“Take this! You killed my grandson!”

It was an unexpected attack.

*Slash!*

The Sword Sovereign’s sword flashed, slicing through Bi Ryu-Yeon’s body with blinding speed.

“Gasp!”

Everyone gasped in horror. The Sword Sovereign was a master swordsman, almost on par with the Sword Saint, Mo Yong Jeong-Cheon. His Supreme Sword Art was unmatched. He hated the “almost,” but it was true.

*Whoosh!*

A long, diagonal crack appeared on one of the walls of the Branch Manager’s office. His sword energy had sliced through the entire wall.

“I-is he dead?”

Yoo Eun-Seong said, assuming the most logical conclusion. But…

“Wow! This chair is nice! It’s so soft. Rosewood and buffalo leather? It must be expensive.”

The casual voice came from the Branch Manager’s chair. Bi Ryu-Yeon was sitting there, spinning around, as if it were his own chair.

“When did he…?”

“H-he dodged it?”

“He’s alive?”

“H-how…?”

Even the Sword Sovereign seemed to be in disbelief.

*Rustle.*

A few strands of Bi Ryu-Yeon’s hair, severed by the sword, fluttered to the ground.

‘Tsk, I didn’t dodge it completely.’

He muttered to himself. Anyone in the martial arts world would have been shocked to hear his complaint. It was a miracle that he had escaped with only a few strands of hair missing. He had blocked the Sword Sovereign’s attack, which had been filled with killing intent.

He raised his hand, as if asking a question.

“Excuse me, but would you mind telling me why you’re trying to kill me?”

“Don’t play dumb! You… you…”

The Sword Sovereign was too choked with emotion to speak.

“Who are you talking about?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon sighed.

“You don’t know? The boy you kidnapped, tortured, and murdered! My grandson, Gongson Jeol-Hwi! You don’t know him?!”

Everyone was horrified by his accusation.

‘How could he do such a thing?’

It was suicide. But something didn’t add up.

‘What does he mean by “tortured” and “murdered”?’

Bi Ryu-Yeon thought the same thing.

“I haven’t said a word yet. And you’re being vague. What do you mean by “tortured” and “murdered”? And how could I have done all that while I was imprisoned?”

He protested, his voice calm and logical.

‘That’s true.’

People nodded, convinced by his argument. The office had turned into a courtroom.

“And who said he was dead?”

“Shut up! I don’t want to hear your excuses!”

‘He’s not listening.’

It was like talking to a brick wall. His words were being twisted and distorted by the old man’s delusions. Even silence would be misinterpreted. He didn’t want to waste his breath on someone who wasn’t ready to listen. Instead, he gestured towards someone.

Namgung-Sang, looking around, pointed at himself with a questioning look.

‘Me?’

His eyes and mouth were asking the same question. Bi Ryu-Yeon nodded emphatically, then looked around and leaned towards him.

‘Yes, you! Who else could it be?’

That was what he meant.

Namgung-Sang’s shoulders slumped.

‘Sigh!’

That was what his sigh meant.

Yoo Eun-Seong patted him on the back.

‘He wants you to go talk to him. Why don’t you go?’

That was what he meant.

‘Sigh~ I don’t want to~’

He lowered his head again.

Not many people would want to approach someone radiating such intense killing intent. Bi Ryu-Yeon raised a finger. Then another.

‘One, two, three, four…’

Or,

‘Do you want to get hit once, or twice?’

Either way, he had to go. He dragged his feet towards the Sword Sovereign. It seemed like he was more afraid of Bi Ryu-Yeon’s special training than the Sword Sovereign.

“About time… Slowpoke.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon muttered, deflecting the killing intent directed at him.

Namgung-Sang left the office and returned with someone. The Sword Sovereign’s eyes widened.

“J-Jeol-Hwi! How…?”

“G-grandpa…”

Gongson Jeol-Hwi couldn’t even look at him.

* * *

“Phew~ That was close.”

Ma Jin-Ga wiped the sweat from his brow.

“It’s a good thing the Sword Sovereign understood.”

Jin So-Ryeong said.

“Well, I’m not sure if he understood… But he didn’t have much choice. He was in a difficult position.”

“His obsession almost ruined his grandson’s life. I wish he would realize that…”

“You’re right. When you’re blinded by such an abnormal competitive spirit, your vision narrows. But…”

Jin So-Ryeong knew what he was going to say.

“But it’s difficult…”

The older you got, the more resistant you became to change. You refused to admit your mistakes. She knew that there were too many people who closed their eyes and ears, even though they weren’t blind or deaf. Bi Ryu-Yeon was an exception.

“Hmm, anyway, we’ve identified the culprit, but we failed to capture him. That’s a problem.”

Ma Jin-Ga said, his voice filled with regret.

“There’s still a problem, Branch Manager?”

Yoo Eun-Seong asked, confused.

“The situation is complicated. You understand, don’t you?”

Ma Jin-Ga asked Bi Ryu-Yeon.

“Sort of.”

He replied.

“Hmm, this is troublesome. We failed to clear your name completely.”

The condition for his release had been to capture the culprit, and they had failed.

“He’s more troublesome than we thought, isn’t he?”

“Indeed. We’re in a difficult position.”

“So the witness isn’t enough?”

“That’s right. He came here as an envoy. We can’t arrest him based on the testimony of a few witnesses. It would become a diplomatic issue. Our relationship with Machun Pavilion isn’t very good as it is. We can’t afford to make it worse.”

Ma Jin-Ga had his own problems to deal with.

“Where is this envoy now?”

“I summoned him today, hoping to get some information out of him, but he sent a message saying that he’s suddenly bedridden due to an illness.”

“He’s faking it.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon said flatly.

“Who doesn’t know that? But there’s nothing we can do.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Yoo Eun-Seong sighed, frustrated by the stalemate.

“Indeed. Considering that Yoon Yi-Jeong, the Wind Demon Blade of the Twelve Jade Walls, who was involved in the destruction of Blue Dragon Manor, was his subordinate, we might be able to get more information if we interrogate him…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence. An overwhelming wave of killing intent silenced him.

*Shudder!*

Jin So-Ryeong and Yoo Eun-Seong’s swords trembled, as if warning their masters. The source of the killing intent was Bi Ryu-Yeon.

“What… did you just say?”

His voice was like a whisper from the depths of hell. Even Ma Jin-Ga, a seasoned veteran, couldn’t help but tense up.

“Um, you mean that Yoon Yi-Jeong was his subordinate?”

“No, before that.”

“You mean the destruction of Blue Dragon Manor…?”

The killing intent intensified, becoming almost visible.

“…I don’t need to hear the answer.”

Ma Jin-Ga was confused. Why was he so angry? But it wasn’t the right time to ask.

“They dared… to touch my compound interest…”

Bi Ryu-Yeon, usually carefree and composed, said, his voice filled with hatred.

“W-wait, you deposited money there?”

He nodded silently.

“Your entire fortune?”

He shook his head.

“Of course not. Diversifying your assets is common sense! I divided it into three parts and deposited it in three different places, but…”

“That’s a relief.”

Ma Jin-Ga couldn’t imagine how much money he had deposited to be this angry.

“How much did you deposit?”

“The amount isn’t the issue.”

“Then what is?”

“Damn it! My retirement fund was coming from the interest…”

“Retirement fund? For whom?”

“…”

He didn’t answer.

“And my magical compound interest is gone too!”

“Compound interest? Is that so important?”

Compound interest was the interest earned on the principal plus the accumulated interest.

“Of course it’s important. Blue Dragon Manor’s interest rate was 1.8% per year! Imagine depositing 100 nyang. After one year, you’d have 118 nyang. After two years, 139 nyang. After three years, 164 nyang. After four years, 193 nyang. And after two more months, you’d have over 200 nyang! In other words, if you leave it alone, your principal doubles every four years.”

“I-is that so?”

“Yes, it is.”

“I understand why you’re so angry. You’ve lost not only your present assets but also your future earnings.”

“Exactly. You’re quick. Most martial artists are all brawn and no brains. They don’t understand these things.”

“You learn these things when you’re managing an organization.”

“My losses will snowball over time. The profits that should have been snowballing are gone!”

That was the crux of his anger.

“Don’t worry too much. The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild has stepped up to help rebuild Blue Dragon Manor. And Cheonmu Academy will do everything we can to help, considering our debt to them.”

“The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild? I haven’t heard anything about that.”

“It was a recent decision. It hasn’t been long. It’s understandable that you didn’t hear about it while you were imprisoned.”

“I see. The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild…”

He fell into deep thought.

“So you still don’t know who’s behind all this?”

“We have a suspect, but no evidence.”

Ma Jin-Ga said regretfully.

“D-damn it! If only we had captured him…”

Namgung-Sang said, clenching his teeth.

“It’s not your fault. It’s my responsibility. It was a mistake caused by my disciple’s inexperience. As her master, I feel responsible. And I intend to take responsibility.”

“Miss Jin, it was all because of that idiot Un-Bi. Ryu-Ran was just caught in the crossfire.”

Yoo Un-Bi would have protested if he had heard that.

“Then it’s all our fault.”

Yoo Eun-Seong’s heart skipped a beat, hearing her say “our.”

“Ahem, so what do you intend to do, Miss Jin?”

He cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure.

“I’m going after him. And I’m going to bring him back. That’s the responsible thing to do.”

“Y-you mean you’re going to Machun Pavilion…?”

“Yes. Even if I have to go alone.”

She replied without hesitation.

“No, Miss Jin! You can’t do that!”

Yoo Eun-Seong shook his head.

“No, Master Yoo, I’m going. My disciple’s inexperience is my inexperience. I failed to teach her properly. And I failed to compensate for her inexperience, even though I was there. I have to take responsibility.”

“But it’s too dangerous to go to Machun Pavilion alone, even for the Emei Goddess.”

“I never said I was going to attack them. I’m just going to visit.”

He didn’t back down.

“A visit will turn into a fight. It’s the same thing. Fine. If you’re going, I’m going with you.”

He wanted to say, “I want to be with you forever,” but he had to keep that dream to himself. A dream that might never come true.

“You don’t have to do that, Master Yoo…”

“No, it’s my responsibility too. Un-Bi was partly to blame. I have to share the burden.”

“But it’s still dangerous for two people to go.”

Ma Jin-Ga pointed out.

“Machun Pavilion is a dangerous place. We don’t know what kind of traps they have hidden. Even I, the Branch Manager of Cheonmu Academy, only have superficial information about them. And that was hard to come by.”

“Then how about this?”

They all turned to Bi Ryu-Yeon.

“Do you have a plan? Let’s hear it.”

Yoo Eun-Seong urged him. He ignored him and looked at Ma Jin-Ga.

‘Why is he looking at me?’

He had seemed frivolous at first, but the more he saw him, the less he understood him.

“Branch Manager, Machun Pavilion will be sending an envoy soon, right?”

Bi Ryu-Yeon asked.

“Yes, right after the entrance exam.”

“And they’ll be accompanied by an escort.”

“It’s too dangerous to send the children alone, especially this year.”

That was why he was having trouble finding escorts. He had even begged Jang-Hong, who hated Machun Pavilion, to go with them.

“How many escorts?”

“About five or six. I’d like to send more, but they wouldn’t like that. We wouldn’t like it either if they sent a dozen master-level escorts.”

“Have you decided who’s going?”

“No, not yet. I’ve already asked Master Bing Geom and Master Yeomdo, but the rest are still undecided. I need to be more careful this time.”

It was difficult to choose the right people. That was why he was losing sleep.

“It’s been giving me headaches. Can’t you see the dark circles under my eyes?”

“I don’t know. Your skin is so dark that it’s hard to tell.”

Ma Jin-Ga was hurt by his blunt comment. He was clearly sensitive about his skin. It was best to change the subject.

“Anyway, that’s good. We can recruit two people right here, right now.”

“What do you… Ah!”

Ma Jin-Ga clapped his hands together, finally understanding.

“That’s a brilliant idea!”

He was impressed. He was ashamed of himself for overlooking such a simple and effective solution.

“That’s right.”

Bi Ryu-Yeon nodded, thinking about charging him a consultation fee and a problem-solving fee later.

“It’s settled then.”

Jin So-Ryeong understood.

“I-is that so?”

Yoo Eun-Seong didn’t.