Heavenly Inquisition Sword

Chapter 326: You Can Return to Your Own Faction**

To witness the negotiations between the Heaven and Earth Alliance and the Yoomyung Cult, a multitude of curious onlookers crammed the official road (Kwan-do).

When the road became completely blocked, the escort guards rushed to Jegal Seun.

Sama Pyeong addressed the Commander-General:

—Commander, the road is blocked by spectators who have come from everywhere. What should we do with them?

—Leave them be.  Such chaos isn’t always a negative thing.

—Understood.

Although Sama Pyeong frowned in bewilderment, he retreated along with the escort guards.

Gong Son-il sighed upon hearing Jegal Seun’s words:

—Hmm… A true “wall of people”.

Jegal Seun responded with calculating coldness:

—They say it’s better to prevent than to cure. There’s no smoke without fire. If so many people are gathered here, the Yoomyung Cult won’t dare to draw their swords so easily.

Jegal Seun’s eyes gleamed with icy determination. For him, even ordinary spectators were useful as a shield.

———————

Around 11 AM (Dragon Hour), approximately three hundred experts from the Heaven and Earth Alliance arrived at the White Demon Temple.

However, despite their arrival, there were no signs of the Yoomyung Cult’s experts, not even their ordinary members, who usually came and went frequently.

This caused unease among the alliance’s experts. Some began to repeat the rumors they had heard in Luoyang.

Mu Geuk, the alliance leader, approached Jegal Seun with concern.

—What’s going on here? There’s no sign of the Yoomyung Cult. Haven’t we mistaken the date of the negotiations?

—It’s not possible. They’re probably buying time to flaunt their victory.

—You mean they’re deliberately making us wait?

—Even the imperial family has welcomed the cessation of war. There’s no turning back now. Even if they wanted to continue the war, they couldn’t. It’s best to wait.

—In Luoyang, the rumors have unsettled the experts. Is it right to simply stand idly by?

Mu Geuk, hesitant, looked at Jegal Seun with insecurity.

The Commander-General’s prestige was no longer what it once was, and his words didn’t carry the weight they used to.

Although aware of the leader’s concerns, Jegal Seun knew there was no other option.

They were already at the White Demon Temple, and now all that remained was to wait for the Yoomyung Cult to appear for the negotiations.

Even the Nokrim bandits, usually relaxed, were visibly restless.

Although the Yoomyung Cult had a friendly attitude towards them, now that they were aligned with the orthodox factions, they couldn’t fully trust that relationship.

While the bandits kept their eyes and ears open for any movement within the temple, Yeon Jeokha seemed unconcerned.

He knew what was happening inside the Yoomyung Cult, so he sat in the shade of a pavilion and calmly sipped a glass of Hyangseolju (snow-perfumed liquor), which he had obtained in Luoyang.

—Old Shim, you said that a good zither performance enhances the taste of liquor, right?

—Yes, I did.

—What’s that “yes”? Don’t you see I’m drinking right now?

—Don’t tell me you want them to play the zither here.

—Why not? Can’t you play music in a temple?

—It’s not that you can’t, but this doesn’t seem like the appropriate place. Everyone is too tense to do something like that.

—Tch. You only know one thing and not the other. It’s in situations like these that you need to soften the atmosphere.

—Are you going to take responsibility for what happens?

—Responsible? I just want to hear a song.

—Young Master, this isn’t just any place. The orthodox factions or the Yoomyung Cult might see it as disrespectful.

—The Yoomyung Cult? If they’re not even here, what are they going to criticize? Besides, according to you, the eccentrics of Murim like this kind of thing.

—Yes, but in social gatherings, not in a place like this. Anyway, if you decide… Geuma, play something for the Young Master.

—Yes, Master.

Geuma, somewhat nervous, looked alternately at Shim Tong and Yeon Jeokha.

The pressure of the energy radiating from the experts of the orthodox factions made it difficult even to remain still.

However, it was equally difficult to disobey her master and the ancestral master.

Finally, Geuma untied the zither she carried and sat under the eaves of the pavilion.

With a tense expression, she began to play.

*Diiiing… Diiiing…*

The melody was “Bonggu Hwang,” a song composed by Sama Sangyeo for his lover, Tak Mugun.

Having worked in a pavilion, Geuma was familiar with many songs about love between men and women, and this was one of her favorites to perform.

As she played, Wola began to sing softly, accompanying the music.

Yeon Jeokha, closing his eyes, let himself be carried away by the melody and the girls’ voices.

On the other hand, the experts of the orthodox factions frowned, uncomfortable with how inappropriate it seemed to listen to music and songs in that place and at that moment.

Even so, no one dared to approach Yeon Jeokha to reprimand him.

Time passed, and after about an hour, some of those present began to murmur that they should leave.

It was then that, suddenly, about six hundred people from the Yoomyung Cult emerged from inside the temple.

The overwhelming number of cult members left the alliance experts completely silent, making them feel how outnumbered they were.

Moments later, Yang Soran and seven members of the Great Demon Generals headed to the Main Buddha Hall.

The leaders of the Seven Great Sects, the Four Great Families, and the Six Demon Generals followed them.

The meeting ended in just fifteen minutes.

Thus, the end of the long and cruel war arrived in a surprisingly simple way.

When the representatives of both sides, including the Great Demon Generals and the leaders of the orthodox factions, came out of the Main Buddha Hall, Cheok Jingyeong, known as the Swordsman of Chaos, turned his head upon hearing music.

—What’s that zither sound in a temple?

In a corner of the pavilion, a young man, an old man, and two girls were drinking while playing and singing.

—Who are those?

Yang Soran quickly replied:

—They are Yeon Jeokha and the Old Dao of Nine Heavens, Shim Tong.

—Hmph. What impudence is this?

Although for a moment his expression showed a trace of hostility, Cheok Jingyeong decided to let it pass.

The war was over, and he had no intention of starting a conflict with Nokrim.

Besides, with the cult leader’s followers present, fighting Nokrim would only bring trouble.

The Great Demon Generals, including Cheok Jingyeong, retreated towards the Great Hall.

When the Great Demon Generals and their troops disappeared, the Yoomyung Cult warriors also retreated, like a receding tide.

With all the attention focused on Mu Geuk, the alliance leader, he addressed the Commander-General with a few words before going up the stairs in front of the Main Buddha Hall.

—Today we have signed a ceasefire agreement with the Great Demon Generals of the Yoomyung Cult. From this moment on, the Heaven and Earth Alliance will be dissolved. I deeply appreciate the efforts of the heroes of the Seven Great Sects, the Four Great Families, the members of the orthodox factions, and the warriors of Nokrim. We will not forget their sacrifices. Now, you may return to your respective factions. Thank you.

Mu Geuk bowed, joining both hands as a sign of respect to the assembled warriors.

The representatives of the Seven Great Sects and the Four Great Families bowed their heads in a sign of respect to Mu Geuk and the other warriors.

After the ceremony ended, the experts of the Seven Great Sects and the Four Great Families began to withdraw from the White Demon Temple.

The orthodox clans also hurried to leave the place.

On the other hand, the Nokrim leaders and the Six Demon Generals approached Yeon Jeokha’s group before leaving.

Guiyeong Ja, representing the others, spoke respectfully:

—Grand Protector, now we too will return to the Mountain Stronghold. Thank you very much for your efforts.

—Efforts? Go on, get lost. I hope I don’t see your face again.

—No, no, I didn’t mean that… May you have a peaceful and safe life.

After hurriedly saying goodbye, Guiyeong Ja led the Nokrim leaders out of the place.

As he watched the orthodox warriors disperse, Shim Tong asked Yeon Jeokha:

—Aren’t you going to leave?

—Yes, I think I should.

—Are you going back to the Namyeon Inn in Hwasang Village?

—For now, yes.

—Before going to the Wudang Sect, you should enjoy a good meal.

—If the inn prospers, I will be able to eat well.

—How is it that someone with so much money worries about those things?

—If I help you open your tavern, I won’t have anything left.

—Are you really going to help me?

—When have I ever said something I haven’t kept?

Shim Tong, excited, bowed deeply.

—Thank you, Young Master. In our tavern, you can drink for free your whole life!

—I’m not someone who enjoys free things.

—Of course, of course, I understand. Of course you’re not.

With his mind occupied thinking about his future tavern, the smile didn’t disappear from Shim Tong’s face.

When Yeon Jeokha’s group was about to leave the White Demon Temple, a group of people from the Namgung Family ran towards them from outside.

The first to arrive was Namgung Cheon, the Blue Cloud Swordsman, who shouted enthusiastically:

—Ha, ha! You, you cunning rascal! So you were in love with Namgung Yeon? All this time you completely hid it from me!

—Hide it? What are you saying? You’re the one who didn’t notice, so don’t blame others.

—What a cheeky fellow! Who are you calling oblivious?

Namgung Cheon lunged at Yeon Jeokha and messed up his hair with his hand.

While this was happening, Namgung Byeok, the Sword Emperor, approached calmly.

—Jeokha.

—Yes, Great-Uncle.

—I think it would be better to discuss your marriage with Yeon after the Namgung Family has recovered. Besides, you’ll have to stay a while at the Wudang Sect, don’t you think?

Yeon Jeokha, with rosy cheeks, nodded quickly.

—Yes, I’ll do as you say.

—Good. Once you come down from the mountain, come and find us. Then we will choose an auspicious date.

Since Yeon Jeokha was practically an orphan, Namgung Byeok planned to personally take care of the marriage preparations.

—Yes, I will.

Upon receiving Yeon Jeokha’s confirmation, Namgung Byeok smiled contentedly and withdrew.

From a distance, Namgung Yeon, too embarrassed to approach, only greeted Yeon Jeokha with a look before following her father.

—Some people are lucky.

Hearing Namgung Cheon’s words, Yeon Jeokha asked with a smile:

—Don’t you also have someone you’re pursuing, brother? What about Miss Jin from the Changin Sect?

—It’s alright, she’s going home.

—Didn’t it work out with her?

—What do you mean? Of course it worked out. But the distance between us is a problem. It’s difficult for us to see each other frequently.

—Then you should get married.

—I won’t until the Namgung Family recovers its former prestige. At least I must ease my father’s burden a little.

—I respect you very much, brother.

—Tch. Respect, my foot. When you get to the Wudang Sect, learn its techniques well. Today, just looking at the Great Demon Generals, I felt chilled.

—Understood. I hope you also reach greater heights, brother.

—Yes, I will do my best to be someone worthy of respect. We’ll see each other soon. Shim Tong, take care of your health. Girls, keep learning with dedication.

After exchanging glances with everyone present, Namgung Cheon said goodbye and walked away.

Watching him leave, Shim Tong murmured:

—That Blue Cloud Swordsman is quite a character. For the Young Master of the Namgung Family to talk like a housewife… well.

With a dreamy look, Wola commented:

—But he seems like a very kind person. He even gave us words of encouragement.

Not wanting to be left behind, Geuma added:

—Yes, it would be great if all men were like him.

Faced with the compliments of his disciples, Shim Tong cleared his throat and replied:

—Ahem! Well, there are all kinds of men. But I warn you, you are still young, and you should know that womanizers are usually charming.

Yeon Jeokha, clicking his tongue, asked:

—So you’re saying my brother is a womanizer?

—Heavens! I would never call the Blue Cloud Swordsman a womanizer! I’m just saying don’t be fooled by a kind face.  You, Young Master, don’t seem so charming either, but getting to know you…

—Getting to know me, what?

—Hehehe, you already have someone special, so why do you care so much about your reputation?

—Oh, you old rascal!

Shaking his head, Yeon Jeokha strode forward with long strides.

Shortly after, when the warriors of the orthodox factions had already left the place, the Yoomyung Cult experts emerged from the White Demon Temple.

Immediately, they split into two groups and took opposite directions.