“Palace Lord.”
Bu Eunseol bowed with utmost respect and courtesy.
“Captain Seon.”
Jeok Mumi showed a delighted smile.
In the meantime, her internal energy seemed to have deepened considerably—her aura was now incomparably superior to what it had been in the past.
The fire in her heart had gathered into one point and merged within her body, reaching the pinnacle of Heart Fire Returning to One and Internal Fire Unified as One.
Her hair was dyed a vivid red, as though blazing flames were flowing through it.
Not only that—her appearance had become even more beautiful, resembling a exquisite fairy born from within the heart of fire itself.
“It’s been a long time. Have you been well?”
Jeok Mumi, still wearing a warm smile, took both of Bu Eunseol’s hands and teased lightly.
“You’re still a Captain even here. Aren’t you advancing a bit too slowly?”
The Yeolha Holy Palace was located beyond the central plains.
Unlike the martial artists of the Central Plains, they did not fuss over minor points of etiquette and propriety.
“I haven’t accomplished anything worthy, so that’s only natural.”
Knowing this well, Bu Eunseol gladly shook her hands in return.
“Palace Lord, you have achieved great success in the meantime. Congratulations.”
“How could this Palace Lord’s meager internal energy possibly compare to the divine sword of the Sword King?”
After praising Bu Eunseol lavishly for a while, she finally noticed So Eunhyang and blinked in surprise.
“This is So Eunhyang, the Young Sect Leader of Snow Blossom Sect.”
Sensing Jeok Mumi’s gaze, Bu Eunseol quickly introduced the two.
“Young Sect Leader, this is Jeok Mumi, Palace Lord of the Yeolha Holy Palace.”
Although the two women appeared to be of similar age, Jeok Mumi’s seniority was far higher. So Eunhyang had no choice but to clasp her hands and bow politely.
“Palace Lord Jeok.”
So Eunhyang swiftly scanned Jeok Mumi’s figure with cool eyes.
The reason was simple: not only was the other woman young and beautiful, but she was also directing an affectionate gaze toward Bu Eunseol.
“Snow Blossom Sect—that’s the mysterious sect in the Central Plains said to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the North Sea Ice Palace, isn’t it?”
Jeok Mumi spoke to So Eunhyang in a friendly tone, smiling.
“To meet the Young Sect Leader of such a renowned mysterious sect in person is truly a great honor.”
When Jeok Mumi treated her warmly without regard for status or seniority, So Eunhyang relaxed her cold expression and replied.
“You flatter me. However, our sect has been inactive for a very long time. In the Central Plains we have already become a forgotten, nameless sect.”
“No way. Just from looking at the Young Sect Leader’s aura alone, one can guess how prestigious Snow Blossom Sect is and how rigorously they train their disciples.”
As befitting a Palace Lord of a sect, Jeok Mumi possessed excellent skill in winning people’s hearts with words.
As warm compliments flowed back and forth in the pleasant atmosphere, Bu Eunseol cautiously asked, “By the way, Palace Lord, what brings you here?”
“I heard that Captain Seon had joined a new organization, so I thought I should come and show a little face.”
“Are you saying you will join the Azure Sky Alliance?”
“Wasn’t joining the Martial Alliance in the first place also because of Captain Seon?”
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands together.
“I’m grateful just for the sentiment. But there is truly no need for you to go that far.”
And then he spoke honestly.
“Although our Alliance has established some structure, it is still merely a newly born coalition. It likely cannot offer Palace Lord any meaningful help.”
“It’s fine.”
Jeok Mumi smiled and said.
“Since we’re going to become one family anyway, why fuss over such details?”
“One family…? What do you mean all of a sudden…”
Jeok Mumi declared confidently.
“Don’t you remember? Our palace has a few rules and precepts that are not disclosed to the outside world.”
‘Surely you didn’t think it was just because of one act of loyalty, did you?’
In the past, Jeok Mumi had trusted Bu Eunseol—a mere third-grade Captain—and forged a reconciliation with the Martial Alliance.
When explaining her reason, she had said:
“Our palace has several rules and precepts that are not known to outsiders.”
“What kind of rules are you referring to?”
“Let’s talk about that the next time we meet.”
Recalling the conversation they had when parting back then, Bu Eunseol’s expression turned ominous.
“Then the rule you mentioned… could it be…”
“That’s right.”
Jeok Mumi smiled broadly, started to say something more, then glanced sideways at So Eunhyang.
‘Oh no.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
So Eunhyang—who had barely managed to compose herself and maintain calm emotions—was now glaring at him with blazing flames of jealousy burning fiercely in her gaze.
‘He created all this atmosphere just to lie about marrying the Yeolha Holy Palace Lord?’
Reading her thoughts from her eyes, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
‘No, it’s a misunderstanding.’
He quickly spoke to Jeok Mumi.
“My apologies, Palace Lord. I’ve kept you standing in the meeting room without even offering a cup of tea. Please come this way.”
Then, turning to So Eunhyang:
“So Eunhyang. It seems I must have an important private conversation with the Palace Lord, so I will excuse myself for a moment.”
Bu Eunseol wisely attempted to escape.
No matter how impulsive So Eunhyang could be, she was still the Young Sect Leader of Snow Blossom Sect—the future leader of the sect.
She could not possibly interfere when he was having a confidential discussion with another Palace Lord of equal standing.
Clack.
Before So Eunhyang could explode, Bu Eunseol swiftly opened the office door with the agility of a beggar.
But the moment the door opened, a beautiful woman dressed in uniquely flowing robes resembling cascading water passed right in front of him.
Her long hair flowed softly like ripples on a lake, and with every step she took, tiny droplets seemed to dance around her.
She was none other than one of the Three Great Beauties of the World—Gongsun Dana, known as the Flower of Eloquence.
“Miss Gongsun?”
Just as Bu Eunseol—frozen like a block of ice—opened his mouth to speak,
“Dana!”
At that moment, So Eunhyang, standing behind Bu Eunseol, stepped forward happily.
Gongsun Dana’s eyes widened.
“Hyang-ah.”
Although unknown to the wider martial world, Snow Blossom Sect and Divine Water Palace had maintained close ties for a very long time.
Moreover, since the two were of similar age, they had been very close friends for many years.
“It’s been so long. Have you been well?”
As Gongsun Dana happily took both her hands, So Eunhyang nodded.
“Of course.”
“But what brings you to the Azure Sky Alliance?”
At that moment Bu Eunseol quickly stepped in.
“The Young Sect Leader So has helped me greatly in the past, and so…”
As he tried to continue,
Rustle, rustle.
From the opposite corridor, a woman in white robes with her hair elegantly pinned up was walking toward them.
She possessed perfectly balanced features, flawless skin, and large, calm yet mysterious eyes.
It was none other than the Chief Inspector of the Azure Sky Alliance—Gongsun Dankyung.
“Captain… Seon.”
The moment Gongsun Dankyung met Bu Eunseol’s eyes and widened hers in surprise,
“I came to see Unni*.”
*Older sister
Gongsun Dana grabbed the sleeve of Gongsun Dankyung, who had just arrived, and smiled brightly.
“Since Unni became the Chief Inspector of the Azure Sky Alliance.”
“Senior Sister.” So Eunhyang greeted Gongsun Dankyung happily.
Although they were not from the same sect, because the two sects were close, disciples of both called each other senior brother or senior sister.
“It’s been a while, Young Sect Leader.”
As Gongsun Dankyung acknowledged her, So Eunhyang immediately took her hand and spoke warmly without hesitation.
“Congratulations on becoming the Chief Inspector of the Azure Sky Alliance.”
Unlike the bright and lively Gongsun Dana, Gongsun Dankyung had carried a calm and rather cold atmosphere since childhood. However, So Eunhyang’s personality was cheerful and innocent, so she treated even the intimidating Gongsun Dankyung with familiarity.
“But what brings you…”
Just as Gongsun Dankyung opened her mouth, Gongsun Dana suddenly jumped in and cut off the question.
“Hyang-ah, what brings you here?”
At her question, So Eunhyang bit her lip.
Then, pointing straight at Bu Eunseol who stood side by side with Jeok Mumi, she declared boldly:
“I came to see my husband.”
At that bombshell statement, not only Gongsun Dana but also Gongsun Dankyung and Jeok Mumi’s expressions turned icy.
Only Bu Eunseol stood there like a thief caught by constables—eyes closed, wearing an utterly resigned expression.
“What did you just say? Brother-in-law… no, Captain Seon is your husband?”
Gongsun Dana opened her eyes wide in disbelief.
Seon Woojin was firmly bound to her own unni, Gongsun Dankyung—and hadn’t he recently visited the Gongsun family and been officially recognized as such?
How could such a man possibly be So Eunhyang’s husband?
“Captain Seon. Did you get married in the meantime?”
Jeok Mumi, watching the situation, asked him incredulously.
“No way. I…”
As Bu Eunseol waved his hands to explain, So Eunhyang stepped forward and stated firmly:
“He took my chastity. And afterward, we promised each other our future.”
Her even more destructive reply caused the atmosphere in the corridor to freeze solid.
After a long silence,
“It seems there is nothing more to discuss with Captain Seon.”
Jeok Mumi, her face now cold, turned away and said:
“Then I’ll be going.”
“Lies.”
At that moment Gongsun Dana lifted So Eunhyang’s forearm and spoke.
“With the Water Palace Mark so clearly visible like this, what do you mean he took your chastity?”
On So Eunhyang’s white forearm was a vivid red mark.
“I lost it. But my husband restored it for me.”
When she said this innocently, Gongsun Dana looked utterly baffled.
“What are you talking about? How can lost chastity be restored?”
So Eunhyang had no choice but to explain—how Bu Eunseol had absorbed her True Yin, and how he later returned it.
After listening for a long while, Gongsun Dana burst into laughter.
“That’s not dual cultivation through intercourse—that’s just restoring True Yin!”
“But the Water Palace Mark disappeared and then reappeared, didn’t it? That means he took my chastity and then restored it—same difference.”
So Eunhyang declared proudly.
“His true energy is flowing inside my body right now. In truth, we have already become one.”
At her absurd logic, everyone present let out sighs mixed with relief and exasperation.
Jeok Mumi, too, looked apologetic as she spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“I’m sorry. I misunderstood.”
Only then did she realize that although So Eunhyang was as beautiful as a splendid flower, she also possessed the pure yet willful personality of a naughty child.
“Young Sect Leader, you shouldn’t say such things carelessly.”
Jeok Mumi admonished So Eunhyang as though scolding a child.
“Don’t you know words like that could ruin Captain Seon’s life?”
“Why would it ruin his life? I only spoke the truth.”
“That’s why…”
The two stood in the corridor and argued for quite some time.
Meanwhile, Gongsun Dana—who had been watching—felt something strange.
‘Why isn’t Unni saying that she is officially dating Captain Seon even though she brought him to our family?’
After observing the situation for a while, she noticed that Bu Eunseol’s expression was extremely dark.
In contrast, Gongsun Dankyung wore a calm look, as though she were merely watching other people’s drama.
‘Captain Seon lacks courage, and Unni is too shy.’
Interpreting Bu Eunseol’s expression however she pleased, Gongsun Dana snorted.
‘Then I have to help!’
Gongsun Dankyung was excellent at many things, but poor at expressing emotions.
Even back when they visited the Martial Alliance, she liked Captain Seon so much yet couldn’t express it properly—instead she ended up criticizing him.
“Captain Seon is…!”
Just as Gongsun Dana was about to shout,
Murmur, murmur.
In the distance, a group of people approached while chatting.
It was Tang Cheong—younger sister of the Sichuan Tang Family Head Tang Gon and now the Poison Hall Lord of the Azure Sky Alliance—together with her subordinates.
“Captain Seon.”
Spotting Bu Eunseol from afar, Tang Cheong approached with a dazzling smile.
Originally she had only known that Seolso and Bu Eunseol were one and the same but thanks to a hint from her brother Tang Gon—who played a major role in the founding of the Azure Sky Alliance—she learned that the Sword King Seon Woojin was also Bu Eunseol.
Of course, this wasn’t because Tang Gon wanted to tease Bu Eunseol.
It was because Tang Cheong kept threatening: “Bring Bu Eunseol to me, or I’ll go to Majeon myself.”
‘Since Cheong-ah has already made up her mind, the only choice is to place her by his side early.’
Tang Gon had decided.
Bu Eunseol’s fiancées were none other than:
Yeon Soha (one of the Three Great Beauties) and Dan So-ok (one of the Two Supreme Beauties of Majeon).
No matter how much Tang Cheong was called the greatest beauty of Sichuan, she would inevitably pale in comparison—and her personality was quite abrasive as well… so she could never compete from the start.
But the one hopeful point was:
Bu Eunseol still showed no interest in women.
Moreover, he was his one and only close friend’s sworn brother.
‘But he will never become a live-in son-in-law of the Tang Family.’
No matter how much he liked Bu Eunseol, Tang Gon could not break the Tang Family rules with his own hands.
After much deliberation, using “helping the Azure Sky Alliance” as an excuse, he recommended Tang Cheong as the Poison Hall Lord in charge of poison techniques and hidden weapons.
Alliance Leader Bukgung Ryeong naturally accepted it gladly.
‘This brother has done all he can. The rest is up to you.’
And so Tang Cheong immediately entered the Azure Sky Alliance and tried to meet Seon Woojin whenever possible.
But what she hadn’t realized was:
In the early days of a newly formed coalition, there was so much work that one barely had time to blink.
And yet—to run into Bu Eunseol here like this?
‘This is my chance!’
Tang Cheong inwardly cheered.
They had both been so busy that seeing each other was difficult and she had been frustrated—but now a chance encounter? She absolutely could not let it slip.
“Poison Hall Lord.”
Upon seeing Tang Cheong, Bu Eunseol bowed politely.
He was thinking of using her to escape this situation.
“I actually had business with the Poison Hall…”
“Really? What kind of business?”
But seeing Tang Cheong’s expression—sweet as if she had just eaten candy—he immediately understood.
‘This is bad.’
It was like avoiding a fox only to enter a tiger’s den.
From Tang Cheong’s expression Bu Eunseol realized that the trusted Tang Gon had revealed his identity.
“Ah, instead of standing here, let’s go to my office first and talk.”
Tang Cheong boldly took Bu Eunseol’s hand, seemingly unaware of Gongsun Dankyung and the others standing nearby.
‘This won’t do.’
Watching the situation, Gongsun Dana’s eyes sparkled.
‘If I stay still, Unni will be taken by these vixens!’
Having made up her mind, she gathered strength in her lower abdomen and shouted at So Eunhyang:
“Sorry, but Captain Seon cannot become your husband. Because he has a fetal engagement with my unni.”
At that shocking statement, another freezing north wind swept through the corridor.
A fetal engagement out of nowhere?
“Captain Seon, what does this mean?”
When Tang Cheong asked with a dazed expression, Gongsun Dana answered:
“Captain Seon already has a fetal engagement with my older sister.”
“Fetal engagement?”
At that moment So Eunhyang blinked.
Gongsun Dankyung was roughly ten years older than Seon Woojin.
How could there be a fetal engagement?
“He wasn’t even born yet? What fetal engagement?”
Gongsun Dana made an “Ah” sound.
“Ah, sorry… I mean…”
Gongsun Dana was beautiful but had loved martial arts since childhood and neglected academic studies.
Because of that, she failed to think of the simple word “betrothal” and blurted out something absurd.
“Betrothal—I mean betrothal.”
“You’re betrothed to the Captain? That’s strange.”
Tang Cheong spoke up.
“A few years ago when the Gongsun Family Head visited our house, during conversation with my late father, he said… that the Chief Inspector’s marriage prospects were completely full, yet he couldn’t find a suitable match and was troubled?”
Gongsun Dana’s eyes became hazy.
When did Father ever say such a thing to the Sichuan Tang Family Head?
“Ah, that’s… um…”
Wiping sweat from her forehead, she quickly explained.
“The truth is, he recently got betrothed to me, but as time passed and he grew closer to Unni… I gave way, and now he’s betrothed to Unni again.”
It was utter nonsense.
Unfortunately, however, So Eunhyang had a pure personality and, having focused solely on martial arts since childhood, her thinking was extremely simple.
Thus she was the only one who actually believed Gongsun Dana’s words.
“If giving way is possible, then wouldn’t it be fine if Dankyung-unni gives way to me again?”
“Huh?”
Surprised by the unexpected reply, Gongsun Dana glanced at Gongsun Dankyung.
But Gongsun Dankyung’s expression remained calm, showing no change.
Gongsun Dana interpreted that as:
Her unni freezing up from embarrassment due to being somewhat ignorant about romantic matters.
‘I’m sorry, Unni. I’ll fix everything!’
Steeling herself, Gongsun Dana began chattering at Bu Eunseol.
“You can’t keep giving way anymore, right? Right?”
Gongsun Dana was not skilled at lying.
As a result, every sentence she spoke only dug her deeper into self-destruction.
“Oh, that’s perfect.”
Before Bu Eunseol could respond, So Eunhyang nodded.
“Then that means I become part of the same family as Senior Sister?”
She looked at Gongsun Dana, smiled brightly as though confirming, and asked:
“Right?”
So Eunhyang’s eyes overflowed with innocence bordering on madness.
In the end, Gongsun Dana avoided her gaze without saying a word.
“That’s good then.”
At that moment Jeok Mumi—who had been silent the whole time—spoke.
“Since Captain Seon has long ago become the Supreme Palace Lord of our palace… it looks like I’ve gained many more sisters.”
She too was quick to read the situation.
Knowing that although Bu Eunseol was not married, and many women admired him, she changed her approach entirely and now aimed to secure the main wife position.
Just like Yeon Soha had done when she visited Majeon in the past.
“What do you mean?”
When Gongsun Dankyung asked, Jeok Mumi explained:
“In his third-grade Corps Leader days, Captain Seon received the true transmission of our palace’s founder, the Yeolha Holy Palace. According to our palace rules, anyone who inherits the founder’s martial learning must become Supreme Palace Lord and lead our palace.”
Jeok Mumi was an experienced woman.
She did not openly express affection for Seon Woojin, instead citing the palace rules and emphasizing “third-grade Corps Leader days” to remind the other women that she had known him since the beginning of his Martial Alliance career.
“That’s why I came here. I found it hard to bring up the subject, but now that things have turned out this way, my heart feels lighter.”
“Third-grade Corps Leader, huh.”
Then Tang Cheong stepped forward.
“This one has known Captain Seon since before he even entered the Martial Alliance. My late father also recognized Captain Seon as family.”
She looked at Bu Eunseol and asked:
“Is what I said a lie?”
Tang Cheong’s speech was cunning.
Everything she said was true, yet the phrase “recognized as family” sounded as though it acknowledged a relationship with Tang Cheong herself. Moreover, considering his especially close relationship with the previous Family Head Tang Pae… Bu Eunseol could not outright deny it.
As everyone fell into deep silence at Tang Cheong’s unexpected move,
“Captain Seon.”
Gongsun Dankyung—who had been quietly watching—approached Bu Eunseol.
Her eyes sparkled like red jewels, and a confident smile played on her lips.
Step, step.
She stared straight at the somewhat dazed Bu Eunseol’s face.
Then she straightened his slightly disheveled clothes and brushed dust off his shoulder.
“No matter how busy your mind is, how can you walk around leaving your identity plaque like this?”
She naturally placed the Supreme Corps identity plaque into his hand.
Ever since the Martial Alliance days, Gongsun Dankyung had been Bu Eunseol’s superior. Therefore, patting his shoulder or handing him the plaque according to missions—such minor physical contact—was very common.
In other words, the way she adjusted Seon Woojin carried a naturalness that the other women here could not possibly imitate.
“Then after finishing my business…”
Coming even closer, Gongsun Dankyung leaned near his ear and whispered softly:
“Come to the Chief Inspector's office.”
At her bold demeanor, Bu Eunseol’s cheeks flushed bright red.
When he looked up, Gongsun Dankyung gave him an utterly enchanting smile.
Then she slowly turned and left.
“…”
In an instant, the expressions of every woman standing in the corridor hardened like stone.
It felt as though an endlessly dark and heavy air was pressing down on their heads.
An effortless naturalness no one could imitate.
The composure of one who already possesses.
The certainty in her eyes.
The dignity of the main wife…
All of it emanated from Gongsun Dankyung.
“Ah.”
As though remembering something, Gongsun Dankyung turned back once more.
She looked clearly at So Eunhyang, Tang Cheong, and Jeok Mumi one by one and said:
“If all of you only fight among yourselves, in the end none of you will be able to stay by Captain Seon’s side.”
And she added:
“But if you help and respect one another… perhaps everyone can obtain what they desire.”
“What do you mean?”
When Tang Cheong asked, Gongsun Dankyung answered with a sweet smile instead of words.
And that smile instilled an inexplicable sense of defeat in those who saw it.
Step, step.
When Gongsun Dankyung finally left,
Thud.
It felt as though an iron weight had dropped somewhere, and soon all sound around them vanished.
Before long, a suffocating silence filled the corridor.
The women were looking at each other, yet the silence continued as though an invisible hand covered their mouths.
“…Shall we… talk for a moment, just us?”
In the end, it was Jeok Mumi who broke the silence.
“It seems we have a lot to discuss among ourselves.”
Nod.
With infinitely gloomy and dark expressions, they nodded.
Then, like jiangshi following a sorcerer, they quietly trailed behind Jeok Mumi.
“Ah, no—I…”
Gongsun Dana waved her hands.
She had nothing to do with Seon Woojin.
But overwhelmed by the blazing momentum radiating from Tang Cheong as she approached, she was dragged along like a puppy caught by the scruff… and had no choice but to enter the office.
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