So

A hint of suspicion surfaced in his eyes. Hyun Jong studied the man before him closely.

Green Forest?

Yes, Sect Leader.

The man seated across from him dipped his head in profound respect to Hyun Jong.

Kindly address me as Im So-Byeong. I am indeed inadequate, but I am the Green Forest King.

Green Forest

Hyun Jongs glance shifted to where Baek Cheon had anxiously turned his gaze away.

In truth, if we probed the root of this predicament, the person who logically bore scrutiny was Chung Myung. However, Hyun Jong had no intention of doing so, and Baek Cheon didnt appear to either.

So the Green Forest King

Yes, exactly, sect leader.

Hyun Jongs gaze lifted to the ceiling as he chuckled at the unequivocal response that was returned.

Witnessing such a day

He could perceive a myriad of stars. Indeed, he was looking at the stars.

But no matter how much Mount Hua had changed, he never imagined that the Green Forest King would dare to invade.

Hyun Jong could only laugh at the incomprehensible emotions coursing through him.

What stunned him more than his own embarrassment was the demeanor of the man known as the Green Forest King.

Doesnt he resemble a scholar in the eyes of everyone?

And it wasnt only about his appearance.

Every movement the man made, every word he spoke, he did with an air of authority. As the sect leader of Mount Hua, he wondered if it was permissible to harbor such thoughts. Yet, as he glanced behind him, he couldnt help but compare his disciples to a band of outlaws.

Who would have thought such a noble person would visit Mount Hua

Ideally, he should be extending compliments to their guest, using phrases such as its an honor to have you or we are blessed. However, try as he might, Hyun Jong just couldnt find the words.

What sort of leader of Mount Huas sect would welcome the Green Forest King?

If he misspoke, the great men of Mount Hua, who have established their reputation, may haunt his dreams and punish him.

Fortunately, Im So-Byeong was a man with a clear understanding of the circumstances. He intervened before Hyun Jong could further hesitate.

Given my status, I was greatly apprehensive about visiting. However, being met with such humble hospitality has left me unsure of how to respond.

Haha, how can you say that? The world is composed of everything.

Hyun Jong cleared his throat and offered a teacup to the man.

This is no ordinary tea, but one crafted from the leaves of plum blossoms that bloom on Mount Hua. Please, give it a try.

Thank you.

Im So-Byeong experienced the taste of the tea slowly, maintaining rigid control of his movement. Hyun Jong felt overwhelmed with emotion by the flawless movements that didnt deviate by even an inch from traditional tea ceremonies.

Who really is the bandit, and who is the Taoist?

Was it wrong for a bandit leader to not actually be a bandit?

Was it improper for a bandit to be a Taoist?

This tea smells divine. Its as if the very essence of Mount Hua has been captured in this cup.

Thank you.

Haha. Ive been longing for someone to share this joy with, as there was no one around who could appreciate it. The pleasure of finding someone with such profound knowledge is beyond words. Can we put the profound discussions on hold, and may I offer you another cup?

You neednt ask. Of course, I will have it. Heheheh!

Upon seeing Hyun Jongs flushed face, Jo Gul whispered to Yoon Jong.

Sahyung.

Uh?

No matter what, he is a bandit leader. Can our sects leader really behave this way?

how is that the sect leaders fault? It is our fault for being stupid.

S-still

Quiet.

Jo Gul, who had intended to defend himself, eventually dropped the topic with a shake of his head.

Fine.

After pouring another cup of tea, Hyun Jong posed a query to Im So-Byeong.

The Green Forest is known to have enemies everywhere; thus, finding a remote place like Mount Hua couldnt have been easy. Why did you venture so far?

Ah, that cough! Cough! Couuuuugh!

Seeing Im So-Byeongs sudden outburst of coughing, as if he might vomit, Hyun Jong was taken aback.

Are you alright?

I-I am alright yet this cough I I beg your pardon. Im not feeling particularly well.

Hyun Jong remained speechless.

Was the Green Forest King unwell?

Wasnt that akin to suggesting that the Wudangs sect leader did not wield a sword, or the Shaolins abbot did not recite religious texts?

Upon closer inspection, the man did indeed appear ill, his face pale and his body thin.

I suffer from a disease

Ah.

I am okay, its justcough!

Im So-Byeong quickly covered his mouth with a handkerchief as if this was a routine he had grown accustomed to.

NO!

Hyun Jongs eyes widened at the sight of the cloth instantly becoming stained with red. Im So-Byeong licked his lips, managing to utter the words,

I-its okay. This happens cough cough.

Witnessing this stirred sympathy within Hyun Jong.

You must have endured so much, climbing the steep cliff with a body like yours.

I may not be able to change the body I was born into, but I can certainly strive to make a difference.

Oh

Hyun Jongs expression shifted as if he was regarding a person worthy of admiration.

Could this man truly not be a scholar? It was hard to fathom how such an individual could endure in an uncouth place like the Green Forest.

After a few bouts of coughing, Im So-Byeong composed himself and let out a sigh before he began to speak.

Well, the reason I came here is

He cast a fleeting gaze at Chung Myung as he started to explain.

So

As time passed, a newfound understanding dawned on Hyun Jong, causing a surge of anger to brew within him.

So you are feeble, in need of treatment and so

Yes.

Someone took the money and

Ten thousand coins! Cough!

But they didnt hand over the item

At this, Hyun Jong felt as if his body was faltering.

Sect leader!

Maintain your composure, Sect Leader!

Standing on either side of him, Hyun Sang and Hyun Young clasped his arms and started massaging his back for reassurance.

Ugh

Hyun Jong, winded, rose to his feet, his eyes gleaming. His gaze landed firmly on Chung Myung.

Is this all true?

Hehe.

With an embarrassed look, Chung Myung simply chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

It seems theres been some misunderstanding.

Is this true?

Well, it might appear that way, considering the circumstances. But there were so many nuances involved

You rotten jerk!

Hyun Jong seized the wooden stick beside him, hurling it at Chung Myung, who sprawled flat to dodge it.

His fists were already clenched as Hyun Jong shouted.

The Disciple of Mount Hua is shamelessly scamming people? What? A bandit, you say! Unbelievable! You mean to tell me a Taoist disciple has stooped so low as to become a common bandit?

Well, its not like I was aiming to cheat, but by the time I arrived at Mount Hua, the goods were gone.

Even if one falls into water, they must fend for their own life!

Hyun Jong attempted to rush towards Chung Myung but ended up caught by the shoulders by two elders.

C-calm down, arent we hosting guests?

Im sure Chung Myung has thought everything through!

Thought? About what? Ive never known a guy who thinks that things occur this way! Have you seen it? You?

Hyun Jong lost his nerve and immediately sat down.

To witness such a day a disciple of Mount Hua duping a bandit from the Green Forest. What is the world coming to

Hyun Young, quiet until then, scoffed.

Well, this is the right thing. If he is a bandit, then he is bad, and if he went to cheat a bad guy, then he did a good thing!

You! You just shut that mouth! You!

Hyun Jong took a deep breath, flung the wooden stick at Hyun Young with all his might, and then drew another deep breath.

C-calm down now, sect leader.

Upon seeing him on the brink of exploding, even Im So-Byeong, who was feeling ill, tried to dissuade him.

II really have no words to say

Chung Myung grumbled at that time.

Why should I apologize to him? He should be thankful I didnt behead him.

YOU SHUT UP!

Hyun Jong lashed out at Chung Myung, but he couldnt get far, with Hyun Young and Hyun Sang holding him back.

You go around duping vulnerable people under the guise of offering help! Thats not only a disgrace to a Taoist but to humanity as a whole!

Hehehe. But if you scrutinize it closely, this is the Taoists way. Im certain our ancestors practiced this a few times.

Ugh.

Sect leader!

Soso! Soso! Summon her at once!

Eventually, the chaos subsided.

Straighten up.

My arm aches.

Stand upright before I snap that arm and discard it.

Ugh.

Chung Myung was kneeling in the corner, arms raised, expressing his pain through groans. All the while, he voiced his complaints.

Sect leader, I have a reputation to uphold. Punishing me in front of those mischievous young ones.

Why? Would you rather be disciplined in front of such children?

It would feel as if the punishment is excessively harsh, you see.

Ugh.

Hyun Jong shot the disciples and Baek Cheon a glowering look, causing them to lower their heads in unison, avoiding his gaze.

I

Hyun Jong growled these words out.

I refuse to stop! Just like you dont cease when we demand it! I realize theres nothing we can do!

But if you created chaos, you should have at least reported back to me! Are all of you really aligning with Chung Myung and choosing to remain silent? Is this what I taught you?

We apologize.

We were wrong.

Just yesterday, they were all lauded for returning from the North Sea.

Grew, my ass!

Hyun Jong was concerned about what chaos they may have stirred up in the North Sea. How could he know if they stayed silent?

In the past, whenever Chung Myung caused turmoil, the others would promptly inform him

Ughh. I might as well drop dead now.

Hyun Jong released a sigh and started to apologize to Im So-Byeong.

My sincerest apologies. I failed in guiding my disciples correctly despite taking them under my wing

No, sect leader.

Meanwhile, Im So-Byeong was already sweating profusely.

There was no other option, hence he had traveled this far to ask, yet who would have imagined this fearsome brute was rebuked and chastised publicly, just like a naughty child?

His martial arts level was not outstanding, but the fact that he could command Mount Huas Divine Dragon confirmed Hyun Jongs worth.

I tried to be patient, but my affliction is spreading. No matter how much I pondered, it seemed unlikely that I would hear his summons

Yes.

He didnt seem to care.

Did he not just use you for his purposes, then cast you aside?

Hyun Jongs face lit up at the whispers that seemed to drift from every corner.

Everywhere he went, this kid caused problems. Reliable as he may be, he was bound to act out, using people and then discarding them without a second thought.

Now, he had even exploited a dying man.

I truly apologize Ill ensure that he hastens the preparation of the pill.

So irritating

Shut it!

Chung Myung shot Im So-Byeong with a sharp look.

Ill catch up with you later. I have something to discuss.

How dare you intimidate him, you insolent child!

Chung Myung, who was upset by the outcry, sulked. Hyun Jong was already losing his patience.

Just then, Im So-Byeong began to speak, his smile uneasy.

And

His expression turned grave.

My visit to Mount Hua isnt merely for that.

Hmm?

I believe I should speak more clearly.

Reading his expression, Hyun Jong nodded.

Tell me.

Im So-Byeong surveyed his surroundings. In response to his cautionary actions, Hyun Jong responded sternly as though their surroundings were oversaturated with listening ears.

There are no secrets here at Mount Hua. If you cant share it with everyone, we have no need to hear it.

No. Its not a significant secret. Ill just tell you.

Im So-Byeong paused, then spoke.

Theres something odd about the Ten Thousand People Clans movements.

Silence fell.

At his words, a chill swept everyones eyes.