Chapter 26

It was spring. Plants were sprouting and the wind carried the scent of flowers. There were fifteen men and women approaching the main entrance of the sect.

Currently they were slowly going up the ten thousand step stairway.

This was because it was not polite to use air magic while entering other people’s homes. In addition, the residence was not that high up.

“From what I heard, Cheonma is a fine man.”

“Hmpf! How good can a man from an evil sect be? He’s an official from the Murim Alliance.”

“How about his daughter?”

“She’s probably a vicious child and knows nothing about the world. The apple wouldn’t fall far from the tree, would it?”

“Even ignoring Cheonma, Bing Eun-seol was famous for being a cold-blooded witch in her early days. But she was born between those two. It is obvious what she will be like.”

Each of them talked about Cheonma and his daughter.

The head of the investigation team, Jegal Hyun, said something in a low voice.

“You’d better refrain from speaking. We are now in the sect’s territory.”

Only then did the investigators, who were constantly talking, cringed and shut up.

There were some people looking around just in case someone heard, but their conversation did not continue. They all looked intimidated.

Jegal Hyun sighed softly and silently climbed to the top.

Then, suddenly, a child about five or six years old popped out.

“Welcome to the sect! Welcome!”

Jegal Hyun looked down embarrassingly at the smiling child.

Such a young child coming out to meet them!

This wouldn’t happen unless they were looking down on the Murim alliance.

“I’m Chun Lihua. I’ve come to greet you as a representative.”

“… are you possibly the Sect Master’s daughter?”

“Yes!”

It was a good thing they didn’t protest their treatment.

The child was young, but being a sect master’s daughter gave her more than enough qualification to welcome the investigation team.

Throwing away his past prejudice, Jegal Hyun looked at the child. The child was so different from what he imagined. Smiling without wrinkles and giving a bright greeting. He had heard that she was six-years old but he felt her intelligence.

The faces of some investigators who had castigated the child turned red.

Jegal Hyun quickly collected his emotions and took the initiative.

“Thank you for your hospitality. I am from the Soga Province and the family of Jegal, Jegal Hyun.”

Jegal Hyun quickly introduced the investigation team.

The child, who was making eye contact with each and every one of them, tilted her head when she saw a particular person.

Looking back to see who she was looking at Monk Jeonghyeon who participated as a representative of the Shaolin Temple.

Maybe they were acquainted?

However, no sign of anything was read from Monk Jeonghyeon. He’s been with the Shaolin Temple for his entire life, so he’s probably never seen this child.

“Is there a problem?”

Only then did the child draw attention from Monk Jeonghyeon.

“No, it’s just that the list of attendees differs.”

“Oh… because of some circumstances the list had to change.”

It was because the temple had replaced him with someone else as the departure time approached. He said it was because of unavoidable circumstances, but the real reason was obvious.

How can they trust the sect and send their precious talent? Eventually, the investigation team was forced to consist of people who were treated as ostentatious or troublesome by each faction.

“Really? That’s not what I was promised.”

“Only the people have changed. It is absolutely true that we represent the Murim Alliance. Then this wouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“Even during a children’s birthday party, uninvited children can’t attend. If you’re invited and you can’t go, you politely refuse instead of sending someone else without asking.”

The child’s soft, but sharp words made Jegal Hyun’s face redden.

This was definitely a blunder by the Murim. They had broken their promise and acted however they wanted.

It was a diplomatic matter that was far beyond the comparison with birthday parties. The child was pointing that out.

‘She’s a tough kid.’

Jegal Hyun brought up an excuse he had prepared in advance.

“Because of the long journey, people who couldn’t leave their position for long were forced to stay. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in advance, but I hope you’ll understand.”

The child’s blue eyes locked onto Jegal Hyun. For some reason, Jegal Hyun felt that her eyes were piercing into his soul so he subconsciously avoided her gaze.

“You’ve come all the way here, so I can’t tell you to go back… fine, come this way. Let me introduce my family first.”

“Are you talking about Cheonma…?”

“My dad’s a little busy… but I can introduce my grandpas.”

Grandpa?

In accordance with the tradition, Cheonma, who was kidnapped as a child and raised as a religious leader, couldn’t have a father.

Jegal Hyun followed the child, exchanging looks with the investigation team.

The palace that the child led them to was a five-story palace decorated with precious black rock and gold.

It was a luxurious building that was hard to see even in the Central Region, so the investigators were surprised.

“Cool. Is this Cheonma’s palace?”

“No, it’s the palace you’re staying in.”

“……our palace to use?”

“There’s a restaurant on the first floor and an exercise hall in the basement. Each room has a bathroom. You won’t be uncomfortable.”

“……you seem to imply that we shouldn’t wonder around carelessly.”

The child, who seemed to be embarrassed, grinned.

“I’d like you to consider it as advice to save us the trouble.”

The child’s attitude was so natural and skillful. He couldn’t believe that she was six years old.

She was truly the daughter of the sect. What was really behind that smiling face?

Jegal Hyun examined the palace with his downcast eyes.

What’s the point of being so generous? It was paramount to create a plan in a situation that was going completely different from what was expected.

“I will gratefully receive your hospitality.”

“Thank you. Now I’ll introduce you to my grandfathers.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Grandpas, come on out.”

The child called for someone, but even after a long wait there was no response.

Jegal Hyun tilted his head but then he swallowed his saliva when he suddenly detected the enormous power.

“Huh! What is this….”

“I-I can’t bre-athe.”

It wasn’t just Jegal Hyun who felt overwhelmed.

All the investigators gripped their chests and complained of pain. There were people on their knees in nausea.

“Ara? What’s wrong with you?”

The child tilted her head as if she knew nothing. Then she bit on her thick lips and yelled.

“Grandpas! If you keep doing this, I’ll stop giving you ice flowers!”

At that moment, the incredible sense of intimidation disappeared into thin air.

“Please understand, my grandfathers are a little shy.”

“…… well, I see.”

“Ahem! Did you call for us?”

Jegal Hyun widened his eyes when he saw them land using air magic.

“They’re… aren’t they the elders?”

“Yes, they are my grandfathers.”

The investigators looked at the child with astonished eyes.

The elders are called grandfathers! Don’t call upon those monsters with such a cozy title!

Jegal Hyun took a step forward by moving his trembling legs.

“The Soga Province’s family of Jegal greets seniors.”

The elders didn’t even look back. They were looking up at the sky with arrogant expressions.

This was what was expected.

Not because they were from the sect, but because the power difference was too large. One couldn’t even talk to the master unless he or she was an accepted opponent.

The small child urged the elders.

“Grandpa?”

“… please rest here comfortably.”

It was obvious that they were forced to say those words, but Jegal Hyun bowed politely.

“Because of seniors, this junior has enjoyed this luxury. I will surely return the favor.”

“We didn’t do it. This child… the Young Miss set up everything. If you want to return the favor, return it to our Young Miss.”

One of the elders answered heartily. Seeing that his face is red, this person must be the Enemy King.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Elders, who had not even looked at Jegal Hyun, approached the child and whispered.

“Child, that’s enough, right?”

“You did a great job. I’ll give you an ice flower.”

“I was the only one that talked though?”

“I’ll give Grandpa Enemy King two.”

“What?”

The man with a dark blue face shouted. It was clear that he was the Poison King by the poisonous aura that he gave out.

Huffing, he suddenly came and put his hand on Jegal Hyun’s shoulder.

“Welcome. You can relax here for a long time. Of course, only in this palace.  If possible, don’t come out.”

Jegal-hyun, who was flinching because he thought he was under attack for a moment, slowly straightened his shoulders.

“… I-I will do so.”

The face of the Poison King, who got one more ice flower from the child, was bright.

The other elders wanted to be like the Poison King, but they couldn’t bear doing so because of their dignity.

“I’m sure you’re tired today, so I’ll leave. If you need anything, ask the servant sisters. Oh, do you want me to show you around the sect around lunchtime tomorrow?”

A tour of the sect…

He didn’t want to do it at all, but Jegal Hyun answered calmly.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“Then make yourself at home.”

The child returned with the elders. An elder with brown skin like a bark, the Green King lifted the child up and put her on his neck.

The grunts of elders while messing with the child’s feet or hands were quiet. The child’s clear laughter was mixed into it.

The investigation team, watching the scene, quietly entered the palace. The interior of the palace was more splendid than it looked. In ordinary houses, items that could be used as heirlooms were placed everywhere.

It was true that sect’s wealth was second only to the emperor.

Jegal Hyun forced the servants to retreat and convened the investigation team.

“There’s a lot to report to the League of Nations. Tell us what you have found one by one.”

“First of all, this is an unexpected welcome. What are they up to?”

“It seems certain that Cheonma’s daughter has control of the elders. Did you see that? They are under her thumb.”

“Was the Xi King among the elders? I felt a sickeningly strong aura, so I thought he was present, but I didn’t know who he was.”

“The Xi King is famous for being unrecognizable. Maybe he’s good at disguise.”

Jegal Hyun, who was sharing opinions with the investigation team, quietly talked to the person who was playing with his buddhist prayer beads.

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

“All the wick needs is a mission.”

Not saying a word throughout the journey, the monk unexpectedly said something.

Shaolin compares Buddha to a flame that purifies the world, and a monk to a wick that burns his body to make a fire. That was roughly what he meant.

“Ugh! I’m so curious that I can’t stand it! What the hell is an ice flower? Everyone has flower decorations on their chests, is that it? What is it that the elders want to have that they compete with each other over it?”

A flower decoration that hung on the chests of the elders and gave out a gentle chill. It seemed to be called an ice flower, but it could not be identified.

“Let’s do our own research starting tomorrow.”

Investigators nodded at Jegal Hyun’s careful answer.