Chapter 123: Murim Hohyanghoe (武林懷鄕會) (3)

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Seol Jungyeon was in a good mood right now.

Because of her usual expressionless face, no one would be able to tell. But, Shin Hye-ji, who worked right next to her almost every day, was different. She could tell Seol Jungyeon’s mood by looking at how her mouth slightly raised by 0.001mm or by the frequency of her tone.

What could be the reason for her good mood? The first is because she got a call from Yoo Seodam. The second was because she checked some news about Yoo Seodam on the media. And the third reason was she has just been fiddling with accessories that were given by Yoo Seodam. Even if nothing happened, there were times when she feels good just by thinking about Yoo Seodam.

However, Shin Hye-ji was the only one who could see it. Everyone else was always pressured when they sat face-to-face against Seol Jungyeon.

Seol Jungyeon was a former lord of the Cheonma Sect, and the current lord of New Murim Alliance. However, because of her extremely petite body as well as her soft and gentle impression, it was hard for her to give a charismatic impression befitting her title. That was why she would always put on an expressionless face when she met other people.

And now in front of her, an official from the International Hunter Association was acting humble.

“I come here today to inform you that you have to wear this armband when you become officially active.”

Rikle Siers, a SS-rank body strengthening-type superhuman as well as the current president of International Hunter Association, personally come to the new Jungwon Murim to attach the ‘SSS-rank’ armband to Seol Jungyeon.

A pale pink SSS-rank armband. Seol Jungyeon was the first hunter on Earth who would work with an armband which has three S on it.

However, Seol Jungyeon had a small question.

“Do I really have to fit into the class system you have set?”

It was just a trivial question. However, she asked that question because people from Murim had a different rank system from the alphabetical rank system used by superhumans of Earth.

“By any chance, do you feel uncomfortable with it? If that is the case, we will introduce a completely different rank system for the Murim people.”

The Chairman of the Association immediately agreed with Seol Jungyeon. She didn’t ask the question because of that reason, nevertheless the result itself wasn’t too bad, so she laughed happily. Of course, only Shin Hye-ji could recognize her smile.

“Thank you. Since you are considerate to us, Murim people, I will also be considerate.”

“Oh, no…no… it’s fine!"

“I can't do that. If you ever need our help, please let me know.”

“Then… I will definitely tell you later!”

Including Rikle, there were 4 other people at this meeting. They were all from the Hunter Association and Superpower Association. So, it could be said that they were all bigshots. However, Shin Hye-ji couldn’t help but sigh because all of these amazing people couldn’t even look Seol Jungyeon in the eye as if being overwhelmed by her dignity.

However, the truth is…

‘…It's not because of her dignity.'

Shin Hye-ji laughed inside.

Of course, the realm of Hyunkyung was something that was revered by both the superhumans and the people of Murim. When it comes to wielding a sword, they were people who would always make the best move. At first glance, it may sound like the ‘true sword path’ was nothing, however this ‘true sword path’ was the goal of every swordsman out there.

Those who fully understand and realize the ‘true sword path'.

Those who could always come up with the best result for slightest movement. 

Such people were called the hyunkyung expert.

However, the reason people in the meeting couldn't make eye contact with Seol Jungyeon was not because they were afraid of the overbearing pressure emitted by a hyunkyung expert as well as a Murim Lord. Rather, it was because Seol Jungyeon was much more attractive today.

Albeit lightly, Seol Jungyeon wore makeup that she usually despised because it was annoying. She also wore a light pink ether suit that looks like a combination between Hanbok and Mubok.

(T/N Mubok is Martial arts uniform.)

The reason she did things she usually wouldn’t do was simple. It was because Yoo Seodam was going to visit today.

It was only that much, but all the high-ranking people who had seen quite a few beautiful women in their life were having a hard time making eye contact with Seol Jungyeon. So, Shin Hye-ji was also in a good mood. She wanted to keep Seol Jungyeon's mischievous smile for herself.

‘It would be nice if master laughs like that every day.'

Her original appearance leaned towards innocence rather than a sharp and archaic face. It was a face that didn’t match her personality. So when she laughs sometimes, she was so pretty, it was as if the entire world was shrouded by beautiful lights.

“Oh, and could you please attend the Hunter Meeting sometime later? If the only existing SSS-Rank Hunter is present, the value of the discussion will shine even more.”

“Hmm. Such a place is very uncomfortable.”

“Ah… I remember, Hunter Yoo Seodam would also attend the event…”

“I'm going.”

In response to her immediate answer, Rikle opened his eyes widely. It seems that the rumour he had heard about Murim Lord and Yoo Seodam was indeed true. However, he wasn’t foolish enough to keep using the same tactic over and over again in front of the wise lord of the New Murim Alliance. He didn’t want to be on the receiving end of her animosity.

‘What kind of relationship do they have? Is the rumor between the two of them true…?'

The leaders of the association returned with such curiosity on their mind.

And then, 30 minutes later.

Seol Jungyeon was depressed.

It was because she checked the Yoo Seodam’s through her tablet.

Others may say that she was expressionless, but thanks to the smile that had gone down as small as 0.001mm and the tone of her voice that had gone down by about 1 dB, Shin Hye-ji was able to tell.

“I wonder why there are so many women around this man……” 

“……”

Seol Jungyeon's life was now tightly tied to Yoo Seodam. If it was not for him, she would have no other reason to live. However, aside from herself, there were also several other women around him.

Seol Jungyeon lamented as she looked at Yoo Seodam’s photo that was taken by a reporter at the airport.

In one of the photos, she could see a woman with short silver hair putting her hand on the right arms of Yoo Seodam as she raised her sunglasses. In the other picture, Geom-hee was joking around with her hand on Yoo Seodam’s neck (Yoo Seodam’s expression was pale because he was being strangled), and in another picture, a tall girl with a blonder hair was staring at him and chasing after him.

She was aware of the identity of every woman in the photo. Yoo Seodam had told her about all of them when they spent the night together last time. She couldn’t say anything to Yoo Seodam because all of the girls were someone with an unfortunate story. 

She especially paid attention to a woman named Taylor Nine. She had been with Yoo Seodam for 16 years, she was also currently living together with Yoo Seodam.

From the story she heard, Taylor Nine was forced to stay away from Yoo Seodam because of her family. However, she gave up all of her privileges, including her own family, and chose to stay with him.

‘If it means that I could be with him, I would love to give up the position of a lord…'

"Lord, You can’t!"

“But I didn't say anything?”

“I know what you were thinking.”

“Do you also have a mind reading ability?”

"Of course! Though it was a mind reading ability limited to Master's thought.”

And then Shin Hye-ji realized that Seol Jungyeon's mood had improved. The reason was of course…

Yoo Seodam had arrived.

Seol Jungyeon tried to conceal her happiness and politely told Shin Hye-ji.

“The two of us want to spend time alone, so stay outside for a while.”

Shin Hye-ji smiled at both of them and walked out of the room.

* * *

Seol Jungyeon, whom I hadn’t met in a very long time, had become quite feisty.

“What took you so long?” 

“….”

‘I’m busy.’, it was an excuse that a man should never make. Even more so when she was showing me pictures of Another League member on her tablet.

As I was embarrassed, I didn't know what to do. Then, with a gentle smile on her face, Seol Jungyeon got up from her seat and walked towards me with one hand sweeping the table.

She carefully grabbed my cheek with both of her hands and lifted my face so that I was forced to look into her eyes. She was quite short, so even when I was sitting down, I just had to look up slightly to gaze into her eyes.

“It's a joke. I know how busy you are, how can I rush you? It's nice to be able to see your face from time to time like this.”

With that said, she also put away her tablet, which she had taken out playfully.

Somehow, I felt sorry for her. I wanted to cry. But, a trash like me doesn't deserve to cry.

“Your expression is dark. Is there something troubling you?”

“There is no such thing…. It's just because there are a lot of tiring things happening these days.”

“Tell me about it.”

At her words, I completely forgot about the purpose of my visit and started telling her about all my problems. Seol Jungyeon was a splendid conversation partner. It wasn’t because she was a good talker but rather, she was a good listener.

When I say something, she tries to understand me and sympathize with me. She also gave out advice when I needed it.

“Don’t be like that. When you ask ‘why', you are forcing the other person to make an excuse.”

“I understand your feelings. I would have done the same…”

“It's interesting. I don't know that it's been popular these days.”

(T/N: Yeah it’s all Seol Jungyeon’s dialogue.)

So I spent a long time with Seol Jungyeon talking about my personal problems before I remembered the true purpose of my visit. 

‘It’s not the right time to be like this…….’

When I was in front of Taylor, I felt more comfortable than ever, so I tried to return to my original form and personality.

Similarly, when I was in front of Seol Jungyeon, I would always reveal all the worries I had hidden in my heart. I really don't know why.

“Actually, I have something to tell you. That’s why I come here today.”

"I know. It's probably because of the ‘Murim Hohyanghoe'.”

"…Yes."

I was surprised that she had already known, but when I remembered the fact that the New Murim League now had an information organization called ‘Gaebang’ which could rival the best information organization on the planet, it all made sense. Then I took out a tablet I had prepared and showed it to Seol Jungyeon.

[China : "China is the beginning of Mugong!"]

[China says “Murim Expert has to return all their knowledge!”]

Lately, China has been actively claiming ownership of mugong. With the pretext of solving the special intellectual superpowers property disputes, they had requested Murim Lord, Seol Jungyeon to come to China.

Everyone in the world knows China’s claim was nothing more than a bullshit. 

‘The world the returnees of Murim had been to is actually Ancient China!'

It's bullshit from the start. They claimed that it was not a different world but the past. But, their claim had its own ground. The current world was more fantasy than any movie. It was not a far cry to think that the door to the past actually existed when there were numerous doors to different worlds around the world.

Moreover, the language that the Murim people used in their world was close to Chinese character. Their architecture, culture, and customs were similar to those of Ancient China.

Murim people on Earth were all aware that the world they returned from wasn’t China, but a completely different world. It wasn’t a place in Asia continent itself, or a place with relation to China.

“It was important for us to know the reason why China made those claims.”

“I’ve been pondering about that too…. They are really annoying, it stresses me out.”

In the first place, Seol Jungyeon was the only officially active SSS-rank. Even the President of the United States showed great respect towards her. However, even when she received such treatment, in the end, the New Murim League was only at the level of a small to medium guild with about 3,000 members. It means that they couldn’t compete against a country.

If China sincerely declares, ‘Murim people will not be able to tread on this land in the future!', most Murim people would lose their homes and jobs. 

“In addition, there were Murim people who appeared at the official event and said, ‘Murim is actually the history of China.' I believe there is a reason why they said that.”

Those Murim people were called ‘Murim Hohyanghoe’.

“The way I saw it, China is trying to absorb Murim in order to boost their nation power….”

Seol Jungyeon closed her eyes as she listened to my words. Even now, hundreds of Murim people were already under China. If my reasoning from earlier was correct, is there any reason to claim the ownership of mugong itself? Or does China really want to absorb the Murim League itself?

“If not for that reason, would there be anything else?”

“….Noonim, have you heard that Bang Ho-win is alive?”

Seol Jungyeon's expression hardened.

"That was indeed surprising news.”

She said.

Even if you weren't someone from Murim, Bang Ho-win was a name you might know if you had been in the hunter industry for a long time. He was a Murim expert who caused the worst terror in the history of Europe.

The number of S-rank hunters who died in the process of defeating him exceeded two digits. On top of that, SS-rank hunter Salvatore Costantini also lost his right arm to him. It was truly a terrible event.

“I heard that he is someone who had mastered mugong of extorting spirit of woman, called ‘Saekgong’”

“You are right, he is the worst sorcerer ever.”

(T/N Saekgong: Lecherous arts. And I also use ‘sorcerer’ because the hangul is different from ‘magician’ or ‘wizard’)

Seol Jungyeon frowned. She looks quite displeased.

From what I heard, Bang Ho-win was a really strong expert. Even before returning to earth, he was known as someone who was on the verge of breaking into the realm of hyunkyung. And four years had passed since then, it wasn’t far-fetched to say that Bang Ho-win may have reached the realm of ‘Hyunkyung’ just like Seol Jungyeon.

If so…… the situation was rather serious.

“Maybe he is the reason why China did all of this.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“I still can’t figure out the reason why Bang Ho-win didn’t personally show up. However, because he cannot enter the ‘House of Goblins’ he cannot directly harm you. And even if he could get in, he wouldn't be able to handle the 3000 Murim people residing there.”

“That means?”

“He used China in order to bring you to China. If that really happens, I am sure Bang Ho-win will show up.”

In other words, Bang Ho-win was aiming for Seol jungyeon.

That fact was somehow pissing me off.

I was on the verge of losing my composure several times on my way here. It was only after meeting her I could get my shit together. And now, another headache tried to piss me off. I’m really tired of seeing my loved one being targeted while I was too weak to fight against it.

‘This is not an old martial arts world, to think such an obvious cliché is happening here….'

I had my speculation. Probably, all of this may have been an ‘episode’ related to the already dead Supreme Dharma. Because of clichés, about a lecherous person who aimed for the girls of the former hero of martial arts, was a must in any story.

[E/N: My my, look who has turned into a protagonist ¬‿¬] (P/N *put Obi-Wan's ‘You were the chosen one!' meme here*)

‘I wonder what would Dharma do in this situation….'

It’s not like I don’t have any idea. I believe the story would progress along the line of….

One of the women around Dharma was in crisis. Then, Dharma would come to rescue his girls in the most perfect timing possible just like any other protagonist out there.

And with the great kiss scene, they finished the episode!

(T/N don’t tell me? You are not going to do exactly that right?) 

But I’m not a protagonist. It means that if the crisis was something that didn’t have any relation with probability… It was a real crisis. It wouldn’t progress like those cliche crises in novels or movies.

In other words, I must avoid the crisis at all costs.

I pretended to be as calm as possible and said carefully to Seol Jungyeon.

“….Noonim, I have a really good idea.”