Seo Jinha, who had been wandering the martial world as Bu Eunseol’s shadow, was greatly shocked.
He had always anticipated something like this.
That Bu Eunseol’s identity might be exposed or that he’d face a crisis, urgently summoning his shadow.
‘I was always prepared, but…’
Receiving Bu Eunseol’s emergency summons through the Death Spirit Corps’ intelligence network, Seo Jinha briefly stopped by Majeon to retrieve something before hurriedly departing, employing his movement technique.
Swoosh!
It was a technique similar to Swift Beyond Shadow, taught by Bu Eunseol. Though only at the fifth level, Seo Jinha’s form sliced through the air, moving swiftly.
‘Spirit herbs, of all things.’
Bu Eunseol had requested the mysterious spirit herbs offered as tribute by the Azure Cloud Sea Palace, stored in Majeon’s warehouse.
The amount he carried was thirty geun (about 18 kilograms).
In monetary terms, it was worth over three hundred thousand taels.
‘Why ask for thirty geun of this stuff?’
Seo Jinha couldn’t understand but followed orders, packing the herbs and using his movement technique.
Running day and night, he finally reached the vicinity of Chimju.
Swoosh!
Using his movement technique to approach Mount Geumwang, he spotted a white-clad figure.
It was Bu Eunseol.
‘There he is.’
Spotting Bu Eunseol, Seo Jinha used the Cloud Dragon Transformation technique to land stealthily near the bushes where he stood.
“Bu Eunseol!” Seo Jinha sent a secret transmission.
Bu Eunseol glanced toward the bushes and said, “Just speak. There’s no one around.”
“Really?” Seo Jinha scanned the surroundings sharply before asking gravely, “What’s going on? Why the sudden emergency summons?”
He stopped mid-sentence, unable to hide his shock.
Bu Eunseol’s complexion was poor, his brow furrowed.
‘Something’s unresolved.’ Having mastered Bu Eunseol’s expressions and mannerisms, Seo Jinha could tell his state from a glance.
“It’s a serious situation,” Bu Eunseol said, glancing at a distant manor. “I need your help.”
“Hmm.”
Noticing Bu Eunseol’s gaze fixed on the Jongri family estate, Seo Jinha smirked as if realizing something. “A woman problem, isn’t it?”
“Exactly.”
“Hahaha. You’re clueless about everything else, but women always stump you.”
Seo Jinha patted his chest in relief.
He had thought it was a grave issue, but it was something trivial.
‘Well, for him, it’s probably serious.’
Smirking, Seo Jinha thumped his chest. “Don’t worry. I’m an expert at this.”
“Good to know,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding and pulling an envelope from his robes.
“What’s this?”
“The details are written here.”
Seo Jinha opened the envelope and read. His eyes wavered like ripples.
It wasn’t a trivial matter.
As Bu Eunseol said, it was a serious problem.
“You expect me to handle this?”
“I’m attending an urgent meeting with the Lotus Hall Lord today.”
“Then do it tomorrow.”
“It’s ongoing until the old man Buk changes his mind. If we miss this chance, it’ll be irreversible.”
Bu Eunseol stared at Seo Jinha with a desperate expression, narrowing his eyes and nodding.
Unable to withstand that intense gaze, Seo Jinha reluctantly nodded.
***
The Jongri family estate was in an uproar.
The culprit who had deceived Needle King Jongri Sahyeon and his granddaughter Jongri Sayu, stirring up the estate, had walked in of his own accord.
“I am Bu Eunseol, the Martial Soul Command Lord,” said Seo Jinha, disguised as Bu Eunseol, clasping his hands politely to the guards. “I’ve come to apologize to Elder Needle King.”
Unlike his calm demeanor, the guards’ eyes and expressions were as cold as a blizzard.
Rumble.
As the guards relayed the news, the gates opened, and numerous disciples rushed out, surrounding Seo Jinha.
Their expressions were fierce, their hands clutching golden needles.
‘Quite the warm welcome.’
As Seo Jinha’s eyes wavered, the disciples parted, and an elderly man with a sage-like presence strode forward.
His eyes were wide with fury, and each step radiated killing intent.
It was Needle King Jongri Sahyeon.
“Well, well, who do we have here? Isn’t it the illustrious Golden True Dragon, Young Hero Baek?” Jongri Sahyeon said, his red gums bared as he glared.
He looked ready to devour Seo Jinha in one bite.
‘I’m in deep trouble.’
Seo Jinha inwardly sighed.
The envelope from Bu Eunseol contained a simple explanation.
While wandering the martial world to track the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang, he learned that Jongri Sahyeon knew of his past whereabouts. To gain the Needle King’s favor, he had used the name Baek Museong to obtain information.
The problem was that Jongri Sayu had fallen for him. She had gone to the Martial Alliance searching for him, only to discover the deception.
‘This won’t be easy to resolve.’
Seo Jinha sighed deeply.
He had thought it was a simple woman problem.
But to quell the rage of the Needle King, known for wielding the sharpest and finest weapons in the martial world, and to resolve the resentment of Jongri Sayu, who had inherited his skills?
Had he known it was this absurd, he would have ignored the emergency summons.
But what could he do? He had thumped his chest, promising to handle it.
“I’m sorry, Elder,” Seo Jinha said, bowing deeply again. “I’ve come to sincerely apologize.”
“Apologize?” Jongri Sahyeon stomped, shaking the estate as a powerful wave of internal energy spread. “Because you deceived us so thoroughly, Sayu was humiliated at the Martial Alliance. Not only that, but rumors spread across the martial world that she was fooled by a conman, making her a laughingstock.”
His face grew even fiercer. “Sayu has spent nights crying, yet you talk of apologies?”
At that moment, Jongri Sahyeon’s hand fluttered like a butterfly, aiming for Seo Jinha’s cheek.
Normally, Seo Jinha would have dodged instantly.
But he couldn’t.
‘A thick face, spirit herbs, and extra patience.’
The envelope from Bu Eunseol had outlined a clear solution.
When the Jongri family is furious, they can’t control their anger and slap others’ cheeks.
If you take the slap without dodging, the matter can be resolved quicker than expected.
‘I can endure a slap!’
Seo Jinha closed his eyes tightly.
Dodging would make it impossible to calm Jongri Sahyeon’s anger.
Slap!
Stars burst before Seo Jinha’s eyes.
Was it the fury and resentment? Though no internal energy or cunning technique was used, the pain was excruciating.
‘Why is his hand so spicy?’
The pain was overwhelming, but Seo Jinha maintained a calm smile. “Please calm down, Elder.”
Jongri Sahyeon was slightly surprised.
As a future leader of Majeon and the legitimate heir of Nangyang Pavilion, ‘Bu Eunseol’ was of high status.
Yet he stood still and took the slap?
“You…” Jongri Sahyeon stammered, caught off guard.
Seo Jinha smiled and said, “I didn’t act to gain personal glory but to quickly find the whereabouts of Majeon’s Vice-Lord, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang.”
“…”
“Though an apology can’t erase it, please understand it wasn’t out of personal feelings and forgive me.”
His apology was courteous and sincere.
Seo Jinha then presented a thick bundle, from which a clear, refreshing fragrance emanated.
‘This scent?’
Jongri Sahyeon’s eyes widened.
He recognized it from the fragrance alone.
The spirit herb he had desperately sought, the Mysterious Extreme Immortal Spirit Herb from Azure Cloud Sea Palace, now part of Majeon and hard to obtain.
“Hmm.” Jongri Sahyeon let out a heavy sigh.
The heir of Majeon, which shook the martial world, had bowed and apologized, even taking a slap. And he brought a gift that perfectly suited his tastes—his anger couldn’t help but subside.
‘Well, using a false name was wrong, but he only asked about the Seven-Finger Demon Blade. And Sayu… she acted too hastily.’
“Ahem,” Jongri Sahyeon cleared his throat, signaling a disciple to take the bundle.
After several more coughs, he said in a softer tone, “I might forgive you, but Sayu’s anger won’t be easily quelled. Understand?”
“Of course. If given the chance, I’ll apologize to her directly,” Seo Jinha said, clasping his hands respectfully.
Since he was playing Bu Eunseol, he intended to handle it thoroughly.
“Hmm.” Jongri Sahyeon reluctantly signaled a disciple. “Guide him to where Sayu is.”
Seeing the man standing before her chamber, Jongri Sayu trembled.
She had sworn to draw her sword and kill him if they met again. But now that he stood before her, her resentment melted away like snow.
From the first moment she saw him, she thought it was fate, someone worth dying for.
It was just painful that such a person had deceived and toyed with her.
Huffing, Jongri Sayu approached, her resentment, tearful nights, and unspoken feelings in her heart.
She slapped Seo Jinha’s cheek with all her might.
‘Well, a woman’s touch should be—’
As Seo Jinha braced himself, closing his eyes,
Whack!
An indescribable impact made the world spin.
‘Argh!’ Seo Jinha turned, stifling a scream, his eyes rolling back.
Was it the fury of a scorned woman?
Or her daily practice with acupuncture needles?
Or did the Jongri family have a secret technique for slapping cheeks?
Despite her delicate appearance, unable to wring a chicken’s neck, Jongri Sayu’s hand was several times fiercer than Jongri Sahyeon’s.
‘Ugh.’ Suppressing the urge to writhe like a squid, Seo Jinha bit his lip.
Turning back, he bowed sincerely. “I’m sorry.”
His eyes were naturally moist, without any forced emotion.
“You,” Jongri Sayu said, startled that he didn’t dodge. “Why didn’t you avoid it?”
Looking at her with teary eyes, Seo Jinha said, “You were humiliated because of me. How could I hesitate to take a slap?”
“Do you think I’ll forgive you for that?”
He had anticipated such a reaction.
With a sorrowful expression, Seo Jinha began reciting prepared words. “Though our paths differ, I, as Vice-Lord… no, I have been pursuing forces creating puppets and artificial elixirs for the peace of the martial world. The matter with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade was an extension of that.”
“Deceiving me as Baek Museong was for the martial world?”
“Of course not. I was merely tracking the Seven-Finger Demon Blade for the martial world’s peace.”
His words flowed like a clear stream.
With a forlorn expression, Seo Jinha said, “I swear, I didn’t deceive you with ill intent. Can’t you forgive me for that?”
“You didn’t have ill intent?” Jongri Sayu turned away, pained. “Because of you, I was humiliated at the Martial Alliance, labeled a fool toyed with by a conman. How will you take responsibility?”
Tears streamed from her eyes.
With a white flower ornament in her hair, styled elegantly, her sorrowful crying was as poignant as a fairy who lost her winged robe, both tragic and beautiful.
‘Hmm.’ Seo Jinha narrowed his eyes inwardly.
Though not widely known due to limited martial world activity, Jongri Sayu was one of the martial world’s most beautiful flowers.
‘As the Needle King’s granddaughter, she’s likely well-versed in academics, with exceptional martial arts and acupuncture skills.’
Why did those close to Bu Eunseol always act the same?
Seo Jinha, like a discerning father-in-law, began evaluating if Jongri Sayu was a suitable match for Bu Eunseol.
‘The Jongri family has many officials, so their wealth is substantial.’
“What are you staring at?” Jongri Sayu glared primly.
Seo Jinha nodded. “Oh, nothing. Just… you’re too beautiful.”
“What, what did you say?” she said, turning away angrily. “Is that something to say now?”
Even in anger, her speech and demeanor exuded refinement. Though her habit of slapping when angry was a concern, considering her humiliation at the Martial Alliance, it wasn’t unforgivable.
Besides, Bu Eunseol could dodge even the Thousand-Handed Buddha Palm of Shaolin, so her fierce slaps wouldn’t be an issue.
‘Oh, he’s already engaged.’
The problem was on Bu Eunseol’s side.
He was already betrothed to two stunning beauties.
‘Well, two or three—what’s the difference?’
The more flowers, the more splendid; great heroes attract beautiful women.
Making a bold decision Bu Eunseol would never make, Seo Jinha cleared his throat. “I’ll do as you say.”
“What?”
“If you tell me to die, I’ll die. If you tell me to kneel, I’ll kneel.” With fervent eyes, he said, “If there’s a way to appease your anger, I’ll do anything.”
“…”
“I mean it.” His eyes blazed like a volcano. “I’ve always been sincere, even to the point of hiding my identity.”
Utter nonsense.
But spoken with such earnestness, Jongri Sayu stepped back, intimidated. “So, what?”
“What do you mean? I’ll do whatever you ask.”
“Are you mocking me now?”
“Why would you think that?”
Jongri Sayu bit her lip. “You’re already engaged to two women. How can you take responsibility for me?”
“Engagement is just engagement. The world’s affairs are only clear at the end.”
“What?”
Ignoring her bewildered expression, Seo Jinha said shamelessly, “But right now, I have too many things to handle.”
“Things to handle?”
“How can I start a family before the martial world is at peace?”
Saying one can’t start a family until the martial world is stable is a common excuse among righteous rogues.
But spoken with such solemnity, it sounded convincing.
“But more importantly, I want to appease your anger,” Seo Jinha continued, his tongue moving smoothly. “Tell me anything. I’ll do whatever you ask.”
Wasn’t this an indirect expression of his feelings?
Jongri Sayu looked at him, startled.
‘Huh?’
Something felt off.
Though his cheeks were swollen from the slaps, his beautiful, refined features remained.
But somehow, the lonely, melancholic aura was gone.
It was like looking at a beautiful but bland statue, lacking charm and allure.
‘Was I caught up in a fleeting infatuation?’
Was the passion she felt just a momentary first love?
Even facing him so closely, her once-burning affection was cooling.
“Alright,” Jongri Sayu said, taking a deep breath. “You’re a demonic practitioner, but you’ve saved many by dealing with puppets and artificial elixir incidents.”
“So?”
Avoiding his fervent gaze, she said firmly, “Keep working for the martial world as you are. That’s why I’ll forgive you.”
Seo Jinha’s mouth fell open inwardly.
The matter resolved surprisingly easily.
He had prevented the Needle King and Jongri Sayu from storming Majeon.
‘See, Bu Eunseol! I did it!’
Suppressing the urge to shout to the heavens, Seo Jinha said with a soulful gaze, “Then, what’s next…”
“I’ll think about what’s next,” she replied.
Though his charm seemed diminished, finding such a fine suitor wasn’t easy.
Despite the obstacle of his demonic origins, hadn’t the young palace lord of the Divine Maiden Palace overcome it?
If she set her mind to it, she could leap over such hurdles.
‘She’s stepping back but wisely.’
If Jongri Sayu had fallen for this, Seo Jinha would have thought her frivolous.
But knowing when to push and pull, she was well-suited to capture Bu Eunseol’s stoic heart.
‘This outcome isn’t bad.’
“I understand. Thank you,” Seo Jinha said, bowing respectfully and clasping his hands.
“I’ll take my leave.”
Jongri Sayu felt a nagging sense of being deceived but nodded reluctantly. “Alright.”
Having resolved everything, Seo Jinha strode out of the Jongri estate confidently.
Perhaps because it was over, the suppressed pain surfaced, and his cheeks began to swell like steamed buns.
“Ouch.” He didn’t need a bronze mirror to know his face must look unrecognizable, puffed up like a bun.
But for his dear friend, he felt no resentment.
“No choice. That guy needs me,” Seo Jinha said, looking at the distant sky with a proud expression, striding forward confidently.
But then, he saw dozens of warriors approaching the Jongri estate.
It was Yuk Cheongah, Lord of Lotus Hall, her warriors, and Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woojin.
‘Hmm?’
Yuk Cheongah looked puzzledly at the man with cheeks swollen like steamed buns.
But seeing him remain indifferent despite her Martial Alliance insignia, she passed by casually.
‘Not a martial artist, I suppose.’
His cheeks were so swollen, and his eyes dazed, she assumed he was insignificant and moved on.
“Don’t worry, it’s all handled. The Jongri family won’t go to Majeon,” Seo Jinha sent a secret transmission as he passed Bu Eunseol.
Bu Eunseol, seeing Seo Jinha’s swollen cheeks, sent a transmission back. “Good work. Later, I’ll treat you to a big drink…”
But then, Seo Jinha turned back and grinned.
Grin.
Seeing his white teeth, Bu Eunseol felt a chill, as if a cursed doll had smiled at him.
Grin.
Seo Jinha flashed another bright smile, as if asking for one in return.
Reluctantly, Bu Eunseol grinned back broadly and turned away.
But the uneasy feeling grew stronger, and he would only learn why much later.
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