The Heavenly Demon Wants a Quiet Life

Chapter 97: The Guests Depart

Jin Sahong looked at the person sitting in front of him with a slightly displeased expression.

He had come to the Golden Wall Manor to meet Byeok Taesan, but not long after his arrival, another guest had entered the room.

The issue was that the new guest was Jeong Gyeol Gyeong from the Black Lotus.

Gyeol Gyeong was the leader of one of the combat divisions within the Black Lotus, a figure who, in many ways, stood in direct competition with Jin Sahong.

This made the situation of waiting for Byeok Taesan alongside Gyeol Gyeong all the more unpleasant.

The feeling was mutual for Gyeol Gyeong.

The moment he entered the reception room, his brows furrowed, and he had yet to relax his expression since.

While they were waiting in tense silence, the door to the reception room opened once more.

Thinking it might finally be Byeok Taesan, they both looked toward the door, only to see two familiar faces walking in.

It was Namgung Jun and Zhuge Gwan.

Now, even members of the Namgung Clan and Zhuge Clan who had entered Wuhan had arrived here.

The Namgung Clan and Zhuge Clan both had a minor affiliation with the Murim Alliance, with talented individuals from each clan playing significant roles within the Alliance.

However, to say they were fully aligned with the Murim Alliance would be incorrect.

The Namgung and Zhuge Clans, unlike other martial families, had accumulated enough power to dominate their respective regions without external support.

Though they couldn’t rival the Murim Alliance or Black Lotus in scale, their combined strength exceeded that of the Hubei Marital Alliance.

In the Murim world, there were five great families whose individual might surpassed even large alliances, commonly referred to as the Five Great Clans. Among them, the Namgung and Zhuge Clans were the strongest.

The other three paled in comparison to these two.

As Namgung Jun and Zhuge Gwan entered the room, they greeted the other two with shining eyes.

“Finally, we get to meet. It’s a pleasure.”

“We’ve been so busy since arriving in Wuhan that we haven’t had the chance to visit earlier. I hope you’ll forgive us.”

Jin Sahong and Gyeol Gyeong responded in kind.

“No, the fault is mine. I should have sought you out first upon hearing you’d entered Wuhan. As you know, there’s been some… incidents.”

“I was planning to visit soon as well, but I’m pleased to meet you like this.”

Namgung Jun and Zhuge Gwan slightly bowed their heads and took appropriate seats.

There wasn’t much to discuss among them.

An icy silence settled over the reception room.

However, no one attempted to break the silence.

Each of them was contemplating what to say to Byeok Taesan once he arrived.

Before even entering Wuhan, they had thoroughly investigated Byeok Taesan.

The Hubei Martial Alliance expansion into Wuhan had provided the initial catalyst, but it had quickly become evident that Byeok Taesan was the primary reason for the move.

The more they learned about him, the more their admiration, curiosity, and intrigue grew.

“Still… it feels like we’ve been waiting for too long,” Gyeol Gyeong muttered, his brows furrowing slightly.

Although Jin Sahong had been waiting even longer, Gyeol Gyeong’s characteristic impatience—typical of the Black Lotus—was showing.

Of course, the others were equally dissatisfied with the prolonged wait.

“It’s tedious to sit here in silence when we don’t even know when he’ll arrive,” Gyeol Gyeong remarked, casting a glance around at the others.

Zhuge Gwan responded.

“Do you have something you’d like to discuss?”

“I couldn’t help but notice that the attendants guiding you two were exceptionally beautiful.”

Namgung Jun and Zhuge Gwan cursed internally. How typical of someone from the Black Lotus, to bring up something like this.

But Gyeol Gyeong wasn’t wrong. The attendants who had guided them were indeed stunning.

When the two men nodded subtly, Gyeol Gyeong grinned and continued.

“The attendant who guided me earlier was breathtaking. Truly, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Don’t you agree?”

Jin Sahong scowled at Gyeol Gyeong’s crude remark, but Zhuge Gwan remained unfazed and replied.

“I’ve heard rumors that the attendants serving Byeok Taesan are renowned for their beauty. It’s said there are not just one or two, but as many as ten of them.”

Gyeol Gyeong’s eyes widened.

“Ten? Are you saying all ten of them are that beautiful?”

“That’s what I’ve heard. Of course, it’s just a rumor, so I can’t vouch for its accuracy.”

Gyeol Gyeong shot Zhuge Gwan a sly look.

“You certainly seem well-informed, hero from Zhuge. Still, if there are ten of them, wouldn’t it be possible to charm one or two away? What do you think?”

His question was directed at everyone in the room. As he scanned their faces, no one responded.

Gyeol Gyeong smirked.

“Everyone’s so tight-lipped… this doesn’t make for much of a conversation. Should I be the first to admit something? The girl who guided me had extraordinary potential.”

At the mention of “potential,” the others’ eyes gleamed momentarily.

Realizing they’d all had similar thoughts, they exchanged surprised looks.

“Could it be… all of you?”

Gyeol Gyeong knew that the attendants assigned to guide them had been different individuals. Namgung Jun and Zhuge Gwan had shared one attendant, but three attendants in total had been involved.

The realization that all three attendants possessed exceptional potential was startling.

Gyeol Gyeong was genuinely surprised.

It wasn’t easy to assess someone’s potential or constitution at a glance.

Perhaps a highly skilled physician might be able to do so, but even among martial artists, few possessed this ability.

Gyeol Gyeong prided himself on his talent for identifying potential, a rare skill in its own right.

But judging by the reactions of those present, it seemed the other three shared a similar gift.

Four individuals with such rare abilities had gathered in one place. It was a surprising coincidence.

Each of them held a significant position within their respective organizations or families.

Having reached a certain age and rank, they had started to consider training disciples.

And now, they have encountered individuals with exceptional potential.

“Their age is a slight concern…” Jin Sahong muttered.

Gyeol Gyeong quickly interjected.

“Then step aside. It won’t bother me.”

“When did I say I’d step aside? I’m just saying.”

The attendants’ talent was so extraordinary that their age hardly mattered.

Although further testing would be needed to confirm, the brief encounters had been enough to make an impression.

Not only their potential but also their constitutions appeared remarkable.

Their unique constitutions were why the four men were willing to overlook age considerations.

“In any case, I hope Byeok Taesan isn’t a narrow-minded individual,” Zhuge Gwan said with a hint of concern.

“Clearly, following us would be a far better opportunity for those attendants, yet if his stubbornness prevents that, it would be disappointing.”

The others nodded in agreement.

Of course, none of them were entirely pure-hearted.

In fact, all four harbored ulterior motives, even if only slightly.

They were that beautiful.

As they were chatting about the attendants who had guided them, Byeok Taesan arrived.

The door slowly opened, and when Byeok Taesan entered the reception room with Hwaryeong by his side, the gazes of the four people immediately turned towards them.

Their eyes widened slightly.

‘There’s more?’

Their attention was completely focused on Hwaryeong.

Since spending the night with Byeok Taesan, Hwaryeong’s beauty had blossomed.

She had changed far more dramatically than the others.

Half of it was due to her age, and the other half was because of the Moonlight Demonic Art she had been recently mastering.

Hwaryeong had originally been the branch leader of Hao Clan.

Naturally, she wasn’t young. She was about the same age as the owner of White Flower.

However, after that night with Byeok Taesan, she had begun to grow younger.

Now, she looked young enough to blend in with the other attendants, and it was believable.

The Moonlight Demonic Art was a martial art practiced under the moonlight, absorbing its energy, which had a significant impact on one’s appearance.

Anyway, when Hwaryeong entered the room, it seemed as if the atmosphere brightened, and no one could take their eyes off her.

Byeok Taesan watched this and chuckled lightly.

“I thought you came to see me… But I guess that’s not the case.”

At those words, the four people snapped back to their senses.

A slight hint of embarrassment appeared in their eyes before quickly disappearing.

They were all well over the age of forty, yet they had been so distracted by beauty and grace that they hadn’t even realized it. It was truly shameful.

The first to recover his composure was Gyeol Gyeong.

He quickly stood up and respectfully saluted Byeok Taesan.

“I am Jeong Gyeol Gyeong. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Byeok Taesan, noticing Jeong Gyeol Gyeong’s respectful gesture, lightly returned the salute.

“I am Byeok Taesan.”

Only then did the other three people hastily perform their salutes, which Byeok Taesan accepted with a nod.

They all sat around the large, round table, with Byeok Taesan among them.

Hwaryeong quietly stood behind Byeok Taesan, her eyes sparkling.

The four people’s gazes kept drifting to her but would quickly look away.

Byeok Taesan silently observed the scene.

The first to speak again was Jeong Gyeol Gyeong.

“Our Jeong family is planning to settle in Wuhan soon.”

When Byeok Taesan looked at him, Jeong Gyeol Gyeong continued.

“We haven’t fully established a base yet, but we plan to resolve that through a trade with the Golden Wall Merchants. Of course, someone else is handling the details. I came here to maintain a good relationship with Young Master Byeok.”

Jeong Gyeol Gyeong’s tone was very polite.

He didn’t try to dominate the conversation based on age or status, nor did he speak recklessly.

His eyes were full of sincerity.

Starting with Jeong Gyeol Gyeong, the others spoke in a similar manner, stating that they wanted to establish themselves in Wuhan through the Golden Wall Merchants and maintain good relations with Byeok Taesan.

After starting the conversation this way, they gradually transitioned into small talk, discussing the situation in the martial world, the recent events in Wuhan, and other topics.

Byeok Taesan mostly listened. To the four of them, it seemed that he was being excessively silent.

They had to try various tactics to draw words out of him. However, no matter how hard they tried, he simply responded briefly, and the conversation didn’t flow smoothly.

Watching this from behind, Hwaryeong began to sweat nervously.

She knew what kind of person Byeok Taesan was, but the four people before them were truly formidable individuals.

The atmosphere, however, seemed to be drifting towards them trying to win Byeok Taesan’s favor.

If this continued, the four of them would surely become very uncomfortable.

But time healed all, and as the conversation went on, the mood slowly began to soften.

At one point, they even began exchanging jokes, and it was then that Gyeol Gyeong, who had been carefully observing for an opening, quietly spoke.

“I’ve heard that Young Master Byeok’s attendants are very famous. Is that true?”

Byeok Taesan didn’t immediately respond, just looking at Jeong Gyeol Gyeong.

Gyeol Gyeong quickly assessed Byeok Taesan’s mood and, seeing no signs of hostility, continued.

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, could we perhaps see Young Master Byeok’s attendants? I want to confirm something important.”

After saying this, Gyeol Gyeong pulled in the others.

“I’m not the only one thinking this. The others here share the same thought. Perhaps… this could be a very important opportunity for Young Master Byeok’s attendants.”

Byeok Taesan calmly stared at Gyeol Gyeong.

He didn’t frown or glare; he just quietly observed them, yet an oppressive air seemed to settle over the room.

Byeok Taesan slowly turned his head and glanced at Hwaryeong.

“The guests are leaving. Please escort them outside.”

With that, Byeok Taesan stood up and left the reception room without another word.

It was a rude action, but no one present could speak up.

No one could muster a single word.

And Hwaryeong’s face turned pale as she watched him leave.

Thud.

When the door closed after Byeok Taesan left, the others finally let out a collective sigh.

Surprisingly, they realized they had been holding their breath until that moment.

“Huuhh.”

They all exhaled deeply at once.

As seasoned martial artists, controlling their breath was a matter of moments. But their minds were far from calm.

Hwaryeong’s voice then gently penetrated their ears.

“I will escort you outside.”

By now, Hwaryeong had already regained her composure and made a decision on how to handle the situation.

Her polite words made the others look at her with sour expressions.

After a moment’s hesitation, they finally nodded and stood up.

It was just one of those days.

Jin Sahong, Jeong Gyeol Gyeong, Namgung Jun, and Zhuge Gwan walked together outside the Golden Wall Merchants’ building.

They could have parted ways right at the front gate, but none of them did.

They walked in silence.

Once again, Gyeol Gyeong was the first to speak.

“What do you think that was about?”

They all shook their heads.

“It wasn’t that we were intimidated…”

If that had been the case, they would have known.

“I don’t think Young Master Byeok is a great master…”

That much was clear.

They had gotten a very clear sense of Byeok Taesan’s level just by observing him.

Byeok Taesan was certainly exceptional compared to others of his age.

All the information and rumors they had gathered were now confirmed to be true.

But that was all.

There were plenty of martial artists of that level in the Murim Alliance or the Black Lotus Sect.

In fact, even within their own warrior corps, they could recruit ten or more martial artists of that caliber.

“Perhaps there was some formation in place?”

At Jin Sahong’s plausible suggestion, Gyeol Gyeong shook his head.

“I didn’t see anything like that.”

Since it wasn’t someone from the Jeong family who said this, they ruled that out.

So, what could it have been?

“Perhaps… there was a great master hiding there?”

Gyeol Gyeong’s suggestion made the others tilt their heads.

It wasn’t completely impossible.

“Anyway… we didn’t say what we needed to say. We just babbled about unnecessary things.”

At Gyeol Gyeong’s self-deprecating mutter, everyone fell silent.

It wasn’t until much later, when they had returned to their residence, that they finally thought about how rude Byeok Taesan had been.