“Anyway, I apologize once more,” Yeon Soha said, bowing politely.
“The Lord urged me to leave multiple times, but I insisted on staying.” Raising her head, she spoke with a courteous expression. “It’s all my fault, so please don’t blame the Lord.”
Jin Seol’s gaze grew colder.
The term concubine is used by a married woman to refer to herself when addressing her husband in a low-level manner. Not only was Yeon Soha using the term inappropriately, but she was also treating Jin Seol as if she were encroaching on someone else’s man.
“I didn’t come here to blindly blame the Lord,” Jin Seol said, regaining her composure and speaking in a gentle tone. “But the Martial Soul Command Lord is the successor of our sect, and I’m entangled in various matters with him. So, I ask for your understanding, Young Palace Master.”
Yeon Soha’s delicate brows arched slightly.
—This is a matter between two members of Majeon, so an outsider should stay out of it.
Her tone and expression were polite, but wasn’t that her true meaning? Fuming, Yeon Soha, with a faint vein pulsing on her forehead, waved her hands with a troubled expression.
“No, no. The Lord may face many troubles because of me in the future… How could I dare?”
Jin Seol’s slender brows shot up.
—He and I will continue to be involved, so I’ll keep interfering.
That was what Yeon Soha was implying.
“You’re overly considerate, Young Palace Master. There’s no need to go to such lengths.”
—Your dreams are grand. Do you think that will happen?
“No, no. In the past, Lord Bu risked his life to meet me, so I’m merely acting accordingly.”
—Our relationship is different from yours. We’re destined to be together.
Since earlier, Bu Eunseol’s ears had been hearing things differently. Though their words were polite, his mind interpreted entirely different meanings.
“I have urgent matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.” As a master who had stepped into the Extreme Heaven Realm, Bu Eunseol seized the fleeting moment to escape.
But his attempt ended in futile failure.
Because another woman was approaching from the opposite path.
Wearing a long robe that reached her knees, tied with a black sash at the waist, she looked like a refined scholar from a distance. But up close, her peerless beauty, like polished jade, became apparent.
It was Dan So-ok, the precious jewel of Dan Wolhon and a candidate for the next Chief Instructor, the Secret Lord of Majeon.
“Lord Bu.” The beauty in scholar’s robes revealed pearly white teeth as she smiled at Bu Eunseol.
“It’s been a while.”
“Who are you?”
“I’m Dan So-ok.” Bu Eunseol flinched and examined her face closely.
Having absorbed the Extreme Spirit Elixir, Dan So-ok’s appearance had completely transformed. She had become so beautiful that one might mistake her for a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
“You’re Lady Dan?” As Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened in shock, Dan So-ok bowed deeply, her head nearly touching the ground.
“Thank you. For giving me the Extreme Spirit Elixir, which is as precious as life itself, without any conditions.”
Noticing Yeon Soha and Jin Seol, she expressed her gratitude through voice transmission. No one must know she had consumed the Extreme Spirit Elixir.
“It’s fine. It was to repay the debt for rendering the Azure Flower unusable.”
Replying through voice transmission, Bu Eunseol spoke aloud, “What brings you here?”
“To apologize for my father’s mistake…” Dan So-ok glanced at Yeon Soha and Jin Seol with a faint smile. “And to help resolve the trouble you’re in, Lord.”
Muttering something cryptic, she greeted Jin Seol.
“Lady Jin, it’s been a while.”
“Lady Dan.” Jin Seol returned the greeting reflexively. “I heard you went to recuperate. Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, thanks to you.” Then, Dan So-ok turned to Yeon Soha and spoke.
“I’m Dan So-ok, the Secret Lord of our sect.”
“You must be the Silver Scale Jewel,” Yeon Soha nodded. “I’m Yeon Soha.”
“Pleased to meet you, Young Palace Master Yeon.” Glancing at Bu Eunseol’s sweating profile, Dan So-ok smiled faintly. “Lord Bu, I have something to discuss with these two ladies. Is that alright?”
“Of course. Take your time.” Bu Eunseol employed the Thirty-Six Stratagems for the first time in his life. “I have urgent matters, so I’ll take my leave.”
As he hurriedly turned to leave, a shocking statement reached his ears.
“I’m sorry, but Lord Bu and I have already exchanged betrothal gifts and are engaged.”
Freeze.
Bu Eunseol, about to exit the guest hall, froze like a statue.
‘Resolve it, she said…’ Slowly turning his head, his eyes widened as if they might tear.
‘Isn’t this just pouring gunpowder on a burning house?’
As he hurriedly turned to approach, Dan So-ok pointed at his neck with a triumphant expression.
“Look. The necklace around Lord Bu’s neck is the betrothal gift I gave him.”
Stagger.
Yeon Soha swayed as if dizzy.
Jin Seol maintained a calm expression, but her gaze was fixed like a blade on Bu Eunseol’s neck.
Indeed, a delicate necklace hung around his neck. It was merely a habit, something he hadn’t thought to remove…
But to their eyes, it appeared as a betrothal gift he never parted with.
“I’m sorry. If I had mentioned this earlier, this ridiculous situation wouldn’t have happened.” Dan So-ok clasped her hands with an apologetic expression. “I’ll ensure such scandals don’t circulate about Lord Bu in the future.”
Then, she winked at Bu Eunseol and sent a voice transmission.
“Don’t worry. This is just a lie to prevent you from facing further trouble.”
She was indeed a strategist worthy of being a candidate for Chief Instructor. Under the guise of helping Bu Eunseol, she aimed to eliminate her rivals and spread the rumor of their engagement…
Catching two rabbits with one stone.
“Just say you understand. I’ll never trouble you.”
Dan So-ok was a formidable woman.
If Bu Eunseol agreed, all the troublesome scandals would vanish. But from this day forward, whether he liked it or not… he would be recognized as Dan So-ok’s betrothed.
It was like being pierced by an invisible needle.
Bu Eunseol hesitated.
The image of Dan Wolhon, spitting fire in rage, flashed through his mind.
‘But right now, stopping these complicated rumors is more important.’
Knowing the apple Dan So-ok offered was poisoned, Bu Eunseol had no choice but to accept it. He needed to escape these scandals quickly to focus on his future tasks.
‘She’s wise, so she won’t bother me using this promise as leverage.’
Ignoring Dan So-ok’s pure intentions, Bu Eunseol was about to nod when…
“Then what betrothal gift did you receive?” A woman with a white-sheathed sword at her waist shouted from a distance.
It was A-yeon, the successor of the Sword Pavilion.
“Oh, I’m sorry for interrupting.” Feeling the sharp gazes of the women, A-yeon pointed at Bu Eunseol and said coldly, “I got tired of waiting for the Lord.”
She had an appointment to spar with Bu Eunseol at the Small Training Ground at noon.
But as the hour of the Snake approached and he didn’t show, she sought him out at the guest hall of the Secret Pavilion. There, she witnessed the women vying for dominance around Bu Eunseol.
Initially, she hadn’t intended to intervene.
But seeing Dan So-ok outmaneuver the two women with her scheme, her sense of justice compelled her to step in.
“Who are you?” Dan So-ok asked.
A-yeon clasped her hands politely. “I’m A-yeon, a disciple of the Sword Pavilion.”
Realizing A-yeon was the legitimate successor of the Sword Pavilion, Dan So-ok’s eyes widened. Having recently returned from Hangzhou, she had only heard that a Sword Pavilion disciple had entered the sect, not that she was the successor.
“Betrothal gifts are exchanged mutually, aren’t they?” A-yeon said confidently, looking at Dan So-ok. “May I see the gift you received from the Lord?”
At her repeated question, Dan So-ok’s gaze wavered.
A-yeon’s eyes were as still as a clear lake. That alone told Dan So-ok her intellect was no less than her own.
If she couldn’t provide a proper answer?
Her lie would be exposed instantly.
“I can’t show it,” Dan So-ok said.
“Why not?”
“Because we promised not to reveal it.”
Dan So-ok believed the Extreme Spirit Elixir was the gesture of Bu Eunseol’s heart toward her.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have given her such a rare elixir, capable of granting decades of inner energy in an instant. She completely ignored the fact that Bu Eunseol had no interest in elixirs or treasures and had given it to repay his debt for the Azure Flower.
“Pfft.” Yeon Soha burst into laughter.
She finally realized Dan So-ok’s words were full of holes and unbelievable lies.
“Lord Bu.” Yeon Soha stepped forward, looking directly at Bu Eunseol. “Is what she says true?”
Her eyes, reflecting the sunlight, sparkled like blood-red jade.
“Is Lady Dan your betrothed? Please give a clear answer.” Boldly approaching, she stared into Bu Eunseol’s eyes. “If so, I’ll never trouble you again.”
Bu Eunseol didn’t answer. He couldn’t.
If he lied to escape this situation…
He couldn’t even imagine the repercussions that would follow.
“I’m sorry.” Bu Eunseol lowered his head with a vacant gaze.
He couldn’t find a way to resolve this situation.
Even he, renowned for his quick thinking and ability to handle crises, had to raise the white flag.
***
In the Banquet Hall of the Secret Pavilion
Yeon Soha sat at the center of the table, with Jin Seol, Dan So-ok, and A-yeon seated before her.
“…That’s how it happened.” Yeon Soha explained in detail how she met Bu Eunseol and when they became betrothed.
Of course, she omitted the part where Divine Maiden Palace Master Yeon Jami altered the betrothal gift to drive him away.
“I’ve never lied. If you doubt me, feel free to use Majeon’s entire intelligence network to verify.”
Yeon Soha mixed a touch of falsehood with the truth. If she didn’t seize this chance to solidify her position, troublesome issues would keep arising.
“So, what are you proposing?” Dan So-ok asked with a displeased expression.
Yeon Soha smiled confidently. “Lord Bu is a hero, so it’s natural he’d be admired by many women. And I’m not an unreasonable woman.” Taking a deep breath, she continued, “I’d prefer it didn’t happen, but… if it does, I only ask that you remember I’m the principal wife.”
Thud.
Dan So-ok’s expression froze. Yeon Soha’s words were a provocation she couldn’t laugh off.
“Are you telling me to become a concubine?” Dan So-ok snapped, unable to hide her true feelings.
Yeon Soha covered her mouth and laughed. “I said I’d prefer such things didn’t happen.”
“Your words aren’t worth listening to. I’ve wasted my time,” Dan So-ok said coldly, standing up.
Yeon Soha responded, “If we part without an agreement, women seeking betrothals will line up, and the Lord will face endless trouble.” Looking at Dan So-ok with her sparkling red eyes, she said, “I’ll protect the Lord from this crisis. In the same way you tried.”
Dan So-ok fell silent.
If she left now, Yeon Soha would indeed use her own method to quell the spreading rumors. Then, Bu Eunseol’s betrothed would be confirmed as Yeon Soha.
“What are you suggesting?”
“Let’s settle this among ourselves.” Yeon Soha spoke openly. “Honestly, I don’t want more rivals. The three of you are already more than enough.”
The world’s praise had named her one of the Three Beauties, but all three women were peerless beauties comparable to Yeon Soha.
Jin Seol held sway over Majeon’s leadership and had the Chief Instructor’s strong support.
Dan So-ok was the next Chief Instructor candidate and Dan Wolhon’s precious jewel.
And A-yeon?
Not only was she beautiful enough to shame the moon, but she was a rising star challenging to become the greatest swordmaster of the righteous factions.
Yeon Soha didn’t want any more competitors.
“My point is, let’s stop the rumors with just the four of us and prevent more rivals from emerging.”
“I’m out,” Jin Seol said, standing up.
“I have no intention of marrying the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
“Are you serious?” Yeon Soha asked.
“Of course,” Jin Seol replied with a faint but confident smile. “But one day, to become the master of Majeon, the Lord will kneel before me and propose.”
Leaving a cryptic remark, she added, “I’ll consider it then.”
With a meaningful smile, she turned and left the banquet hall.
What confidence was this?
Why was she so certain Bu Eunseol would propose to her to become the master of Majeon?
“Very well.” Yeon Soha’s clear voice broke the others’ reverie.
The distant future wasn’t her concern. She needed to address the immediate problems at hand.
“With Lady Jin stepping out, that leaves three of us.”
“I’m out too,” A-yeon said, standing up. “I came to spar with the Martial Soul Command Lord, not to deal with him romantically.”
“Even if the Lord kneels and proposes?” A-yeon’s cheeks flushed.
The image of Bu Eunseol gazing at her earnestly and kneeling flashed through her mind. As a disciple of the mysterious sect, it was a fantasy she shouldn’t even entertain.
‘What am I thinking?’
Shaking her head vigorously, A-yeon said firmly, “Of course.”
“Then fine. As a disciple of the Sword Pavilion, I trust you’ll keep your word.” At Yeon Soha’s words, A-yeon didn’t respond and coldly turned to leave the banquet hall.
“So, it’s just the two of us to decide?” Yeon Soha said.
Dan So-ok pondered deeply before replying in a low voice, “On one condition.”
***
From that day forward, the rumor that Majeon’s successor was seeking a bride completely vanished.
Because the news that Bu Eunseol had exchanged betrothal gifts with Yeon Soha, the Young Palace Master of the Divine Maiden Palace, and Dan So-ok, the Secret Lord of Majeon, spread like wildfire.
—As expected of Majeon’s successor!
To think he’d claimed two of the most beautiful women in both hands?
As the rumor spread that he had betrothed two beauties simultaneously, the members of Majeon were filled with awe and astonishment.
—Dan So-ok aside, to be engaged to the Young Palace Master of the Divine Maiden Palace, a deeply rooted righteous faction?
The sect’s members expressed amazement at Bu Eunseol’s bold and unconventional decision.
—Truly the Martial Soul Command Lord. Always stirring up storms!
At this point, only one question lingered in people’s minds.
—So, who’s the principal wife?
The members of Majeon were intensely curious about who held that position, but no further details emerged.
Yeon Soha had already left, and Dan So-ok remained silent on the matter.
—That guy, he should’ve at least consulted me.
Baek Yeon, the Peongan Corps Leader of Nangyang Pavilion, sent a letter filled with suppressed disappointment upon hearing the rumors.
—That brat openly took concubines!
Dan Wolhon, upon hearing the news, stormed to the Secret Pavilion to cause a scene again.
—Summon the Ten Thousand Demons to the front of the Secret Pavilion! This time, I’ll destroy his quarters for sure!
But when Dan So-ok angrily declared she’d never see him again if he continued such behavior, Dan Wolhon, terrified of losing his daughter’s favor, never set foot near the Secret Pavilion again.
Yet Bu Eunseol himself remained silent…
***
Yoo Unryong’s Office
Yoo Unryong was writing a letter, while Myo Cheonwoo and the other leaders lounged around.
“Why decide on two betrotheds and announce it?” Won Semun sighed. “I can’t fathom what our Lord is thinking.”
“How would I know?” Jo Namcheon said, leaning back with his hands behind his head. “Still, rejecting Jin Seol was unexpected. She would’ve been the most beneficial.”
“A-yeon from the Sword Pavilion was the most helpful. Her martial arts are the strongest,” Myo Cheonwoo said.
Wi Cheongyeong shook his head. “Honestly, I think he should’ve taken all four.”
At Wi Cheongyeong’s bold statement, the leaders’ jaws dropped, eyes wide.
“You’re into that sort of thing?” Won Semun asked.
“What sort of thing?”
“That kind of bold statement is unprecedented in martial history…”
As Won Semun grinned, Yoo Unryong, writing his letter, shouted with a pulsing vein on his forehead, “Hey!”
“Is my office a gossip den?” The leaders stared at him, then turned away as if it were no big deal and resumed their chatter.
Yoo Unryong lowered his head in defeat.
The reason he had passionately advocated for A-yeon as the leaders’ choice was to keep these rowdy men out of his office.
‘Bu Eunseol isn’t going to marry anyway!’ Yoo Unryong already knew.
The rumor of exchanging betrothal gifts was Bu Eunseol’s firm resolve to end this “betrothal fiasco.”
It was the result of a truce negotiation between Yeon Soha and Dan So-ok. But these blasted fools, even after the rumor of betrothal gifts spread, still gathered in his office to gossip.
“Aren’t you leaving?” Yoo Unryong shouted again.
The leaders ignored him, continuing their heated discussion.
Slump.
Collapsing into his chair, Yoo Unryong gazed glumly at the Ten-Section Staff Manual on his shelf.
With a defeated voice, he muttered, “Please… go somewhere else.”
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