Absolute Dominion

◈ Absolute Dominion

Chapter- 29

When Jeok Lee-Gun returned to the spot, Cha-Ryun was alone.

The three elders had gone somewhere.

Cha-Ryun’s face was flushed as she sat deep in thought. She closed her eyes, then opened them again, sometimes smiling as well. It seemed she could not hear the surrounding sounds.

She was completely immersed in deep contemplation. In her mind, she was organizing the teachings of the elders, one by one. These would serve as the foundation that would lead her to becoming a true master.

Jeok Lee-Gun remained silent, patiently waiting for her to come back to her senses.

How much time had passed?

Cha-Ryun finally took notice of his presence.

“Huh? When did you get here?”

Jeok Lee-Gun, who had been dozing off, scowled as he woke up.

“Let’s go. I’m starving.”

Cha-Ryun glanced around at her surroundings, realizing that the sun was now hanging high in the sky.

“Has that much time passed already? Oh! What about the elders?”

“How would I know? You were the one with them.”

“Oh no! I made a mistake—I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

Cha-Ryun stood up abruptly, looking around anxiously for the elders.

“Don’t worry. You’ll meet them again.”

“Really? You promise?”

“I promise. So, did you learn something?”

It was more than just learning. She had received teachings from the Supreme Demon Empress herself. She felt like she had already reached the pinnacle of the Red Silk Sword Technique, though it was just a feeling for now.

“Thank you.”

“Then you owe me a treat.”

Not just a treat—she’d be willing to spend everything she had if necessary. The problem was she only had two nyang.

For the first time since they’d met, Cha-Ryun walked ahead of Jeok Lee-Gun.

“Let’s go. It’s on me.”

At the same time.

A man sprinted desperately, his breath ragged and uneven.

His name was Myung. His body, drenched in blood from numerous wounds, made it look like he would collapse at any moment.

Every ounce of strength had left him. His eyelids felt as heavy as iron, and his waist and ankles throbbed with unbearable pain, threatening to snap under the strain of each step.

He wanted to give up, to lie down and rest right there. He wanted to spread his arms wide and shout at his relentless pursuers, ‘You want to gut me that badly? Then come and do it!’

But surrender wasn’t an option.

‘I have to let them know.’

The fate of the martial world depended on it.

Several times, his legs buckled beneath him, sending him crashing to the ground, but each time he quickly stood up again.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally reached the bamboo forest—the designated rendezvous point.

Whistle—

A soft whistle escaped his lips.

From within the shadows of the bamboo, a figure emerged.

It was the women sent to meet him. She presented her identification badge first.

It was the insignia of the Black Tortoise Division. The Black Tortoise Division was the intelligence organization within the Orthodox Alliance.

Myung’s face brightened. The person he had been hoping for had arrived.

“I am Myung of the Northern Sky Clan.”

There was no time for lengthy greetings.

“We must leave immediately. The pursuers are right on our tail.”

“There’s a secret safehouse nearby. Once we get there, we’ll be safe.”

The secret safehouses of the Black Tortoise Division were known to be shielded by intricate formation techniques, making them hidden and secure from outsiders.

Without wasting another second, the woman took the lead and began running. As they ran, she spoke.

“Why did you contact us directly instead of reporting this to your superiors?”

“That’s because…”

Myung hesitated but then decided to reveal everything to her. After all, they were still being pursued, and they could be forced to part ways at any moment. Both of them needed to know the secret.

“My direct superior, Bong Su-Chan, has betrayed us.”

Bong Su-Chan was one of the four great elders of the Northern Sky Clan and the chief overseer of this Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament.

The woman’s eyes widened in shock.

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“Betrayed? To whom?”

“I couldn’t trust anyone once I learned he was a traitor. That’s why I sought the help of the Orthodox Alliance.”

“Could it be that the Demonic Cult is rising again?”

“No. This is a new threat—a new organization.”

“A new organization?”

“They call themselves the Veiled Lotus Society.”

“The Veiled Lotus Society?”

“They are at the center of a huge conspiracy involving both of the martial arts tournaments. We must inform the leader of the Orthodox Alliance. There’s no way of knowing how many spies there are within the main household.”

“This… it’s hard to accept.”

The woman, seemingly in shock, began to slow her pace. If someone as powerful as Bong Su-Chan, one of the Northern Sky Clan’s four great elders, had been recruited by a shadowy organization, the implications would be catastrophic.

Suddenly, the woman looked back and shouted.

“The pursuers are catching up!”

From the far end of the path, dark figures began to emerge.

Myung’s voice was filled with urgency.

“We have to call off the Heavenly Dragon Tournament—the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament must be canceled as well.”

The woman asked urgently.

“Has this information been leaked anywhere else?”

“You are the first to hear it.”

“That’s a relief.”

“W-what did you just say…?”

Thud!

The dagger plunged into Myung’s chest. The curiosity preceding his death overwhelmed the tragedy of it.

“…Why?”

The woman smiled brightly, a cruel contrast to her actions.

“It’s not the Veiled Lotus Society… it’s called the Flying Swallow Society.”

Myung’s legs gave out beneath him, his strength failing.

‘Ah! This woman was also recruited by that organization.’

At the same time, Myung realized that the Flying Swallow Society was far larger and more terrifying than he had imagined. Regret clawed at him—he should have risked everything to warn the leader of the Northern Sky Clan personally.

But it was too late now.

Myung’s final breath was filled with despair—it felt like a lament to the heavens.

From the distance, the sound of the pursuers’ footsteps grew louder.

The woman who had killed Myung put on a mask. The edges of the white mask were adorned with the image of a flying swallow.

The woman knelt before a middle-aged man who appeared to be the leader of the masked pursuers.

“Swallow Sixteen greets the Vice Leader.”

The eyes of the man, addressed as Vice Leader, were sharp and cold beyond measure.

His gaze alone seemed capable of cutting down anyone who stood before him.

“Stand up.”

Swallow Sixteen stood up quietly.

“What happened to the other one?”

“Swallow Fourteen is pursuing him and will report the results soon.”

“I trust that child’s capabilities.”

The Vice Leader’s lips curved into a smile of satisfaction.

“How is the plan progressing?”

“Everything is unfolding exactly as anticipated.”

“There must not be a single mistake.”

The woman responded with an unsettlingly cheerful smile.

“This Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament will become a nightmare—one that will haunt their memories forever.”

The waiters at Tranquility Inn were having a chaotic day.

“We’re full! Please find another inn!”

Although the inn was always busy, today, the arrival of distinguished guests had stirred an even greater commotion. News of their presence had spread quickly, drawing a crowd of people which turned the inn’s entrance into complete chaos.

Amidst the shouting crowd stood Jeok Lee-Gun and Cha-Ryun.

“You said the meat here is definitely better than at the last inn, right?”

“That’s true, but do we really need to eat meat? We just had some the other day. How about something simpler, like a bowl of noodles?”

“Comparing meat to noodles? That’s blasphemy!”

“I don’t like meat.”

“That’s why your personality is so soft. You need to eat meat to become more combative.”

Ah, now I’m hearing all sorts of ridiculous things. Now he’s saying that I have a soft personality?

Cha-Ryun shook her head in disbelief.

“Anyway, we only have two nyang. Keep that in mind while you eat.”

She was worried after remembering how much food Jeok Lee-Gun had ordered last time. And sure enough…

“Only two nyang?”

Jeok Lee-Gun looked visibly disappointed.

“That’s after saving up my allowance for months.”

“Hmm, your father is stingier than he looks.”

“Call it frugality. If you don’t want to eat, then forget it.”

“No chance. They say turning down free food is a sin.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s not an actual saying.”

“Then you can eat less.”

Spending time with Jeok Lee-Gun made her feel like an ordinary woman. Of course, she knew she wasn’t. Even in this crowded place, she could feel several pairs of eyes focused on her. The man standing far too close, breathing heavily beside her, looked like he might try to grope her at any moment.

“Let’s just leave.”

“Follow me.”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

Jeok Lee-Gun led Cha-Ryun through the crowd and around the back of the Tranquility Inn, stopping in front of a discreet door that led to the kitchen.

“Inns always have a back door to the kitchen—do you know why?”

She had never thought about it before, so she remained silent.

“The bigger the inn, the more often they have to restock ingredients. But they can’t just bring them through the dining area, where the guests eat.”

Without hesitation, he opened the door and stepped inside. Sure enough, they had entered through the back door of the kitchen.

A young chef, bustling past, abruptly stopped and blocked their way.

“You’re not allowed to come in this way.”

Without a word, Jeok Lee-Gun held up a small gold nugget, the size of a finger.

“Surely, you can find us a spot, right?”

The nugget appeared to be worth at least ten nyang.

He tossed it to the chef, whose attitude immediately became respectful.

The chef gestured for them to wait and hurried off somewhere.

A slight pout started to form on Cha-Ryun’s face.

“You’ve developed a bad habit—solving everything with money.”

“I’ll admit it, but that’s only half true.”

“And the other half?”

“It’s about getting things done without nitpicking. Instead of wasting time overthinking, take a step forward. It’s simple—spend ten nyang wisely, eat well, and then make a hundred nyang with the strength from that meal.”

“Hmm, I think I get what you mean, somewhat.”

“We want to eat here, right? Even if we go somewhere else and the food is great, we’ll still feel some regret about not eating here. You trade that negative feeling for ten nyang and use the positive feeling to earn a hundred more. And that chef? He’s pleased to have earned his ten nyang.”

“Hmm…”

“Picture this—you earn ten nyang a month but live in a cramped room that costs half a nyang. It’s humid in the summer and freezing in the winter. Instead of saving money by living like that, just spend two nyang on a better place. You’ll eat and sleep comfortably, and in turn, you’ll work harder and earn more.”

“I agree, but only halfway.”

“And what’s the part you don’t agree with?”

“It’s too idealistic. It also feels like you’re looking down on people who work hard and save their money. Sometimes, life doesn’t always go as planned. What if something goes wrong, and you end up in a situation where you have to borrow a half nyang? Living in that half-nyang place might have saved you from debt.”

“And the part you agree with?”

“On the other hand… it does make sense.”

“That’s why I like you.”

“What?”

“You’re kind, but not overly so. Being too kind is exhausting.”

Jeok Lee-Gun strode ahead as the chef signaled by waving for them to come over from ahead.

Cha-Ryun stood still for a moment.

‘Kind, but not overly so? Was that an insult…?’

“What are you doing? Hurry up!”

“…I’m coming.”

They were led to a spot by the window on the second floor of the Tranquility Inn.

Jeok Lee-Gun glanced out the window and tilted his head in curiosity.

“What’s causing all the commotion out there?”

The young waiter who came to take their order was practically bouncing with excitement as he answered.

“The Divine Dragon, Young Master Lim, has just arrived! And with him is Young Lady Sama, who will be competing with him in the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament.”

Jeok Lee-Gun’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Young Lady Sama? Is she beautiful?”

Cha-Ryun shook her head in exasperation. Of course, that’s the first question he asks.

“Of course, she’s beautiful. That’s why she’s participating in the tournament alongside the Divine Dragon.”

“Who is this Divine Dragon?”

The waiter’s expression was one of complete disbelief, as though he couldn’t fathom how someone could be so oblivious.

“Are you seriously asking that? How could you not know Young Master Lim of the Northern Sky Clan?”

“You fool, it’s possible not to know.”

“Impossible! How could anyone be ignorant of the title of the Divine Dragon?”

“Do you know the name of the person who sells the best fruits at the Jade Gate Pass?”

“No, I don’t.”

“See, you punk? Then it’s possible I don’t know of this Young Master Lim either.”

“Young Master Lim is the successor of the Northern Sky Clan!”

The young waiter was clearly idolizing Lim Ha-Gi, his face was turning red as he raised his voice in anger. The only reason he had the gall to vent his anger at Jeok Lee-Gun was due to his gentle demeanor. This made him an easy target for the waiter’s frustration.

“How can you say that he’s the successor when he hasn’t become the leader yet? The only way you’ll know that he is the successor is once he’s actually inherited the position. Most of the time, brothers end up fighting and killing each other before they can even inherit their position.”

“Young Master Lim is one of the strongest contenders for winning the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament!”

“The word ‘contender’ is just something people made up to console the losers!”

“We’re not serving you! Get out!”

“You can save lines like that for when you become the owner of this place.”

The young waiter’s eyes began to fill with tears.

Cha-Ryun shook her head in disbelief at Jeok Lee-Gun’s childishness.

“What are you doing, picking on a kid?”

“A kid? He’s probably ten times more scheming than you. Hey, kid! I bet you’ve taken money from that Young Divine Dragon or whatever he’s called, right?”

The waiter hesitated, clearly flustered by his piercing intuition. It seemed he had indeed received money from him before.

The young waiter shouted defensively.

“It wasn’t because of that!”

“See? I knew it. How do you even know what kind of person that guy really is? He could be doing all sorts of dirty things behind the scenes. Tomorrow, he might even assault your brother.”

“I don’t have a brother!”

“If it’s a sister, it’s even more pathetic… mmm—!”

Cha-Ryun clamped Jeok Lee-Gun’s lips shut with her fingers, pinching them tightly.

“Aah! That hurts!”

Ah, that felt so satisfying. She had always wanted to do that.

As she twisted Jeok Lee-Gun’s lips back and forth, she winked at the young waiter.

“Why don’t you let this go, just this once? How about bringing us some tea first?”

At last, the waiter’s anger cooled. Now that he was calm again, he nodded.

Jeok Lee-Gun shook off Cha-Ryun’s hand and shouted at the retreating waiter.

“Tell that Divine Dragon or whatever that the winner of this tournament has already been decided!”

The waiter stuck his tongue out in defiance before disappearing into the crowd.

At that moment, a voice came from behind Jeok Lee-Gun.

“May I ask who that might be?”

The man who approached from behind was tall and had a sturdy build. His gentle eyes and masculine face gave him the aura of a righteous hero.

“Who are you?”

“I am Lim Ha-Gi. The martial artists of the world have graciously given me the title of Divine Dragon, though it is far more than I deserve.”

Cha-Ryun was startled and instinctively, she stood and greeted him with a respectful fist salute.

“I am Cha-Ryun of the Righteous Sword Sect.”

Lim Ha-Gi was the successor of the Northern Sky Clan, one of the Four Great Conquerors. Even though Cha-Ryun wasn’t one to care about making a good impression, she couldn’t help but feel intimidated by his prestigious background.

“Oh, as the rumors suggest, you are truly beautiful. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Meanwhile, Jeok Lee-Gun seemed to be unimpressed, and simply glanced up at Lim Ha-Gi with a bored expression.

Cha-Ryun nudged Jeok Lee-Gun in the side, prompting him to offer a reluctant greeting.

“I’m Jeok Lee-Gun.”

Lim Ha-Gi’s expression subtly stiffened at Jeok Lee-Gun’s lackluster attitude.

In the martial world, the name “Lim Ha-Gi of the Northern Sky Clan” carried tremendous weight. Those seven syllables alone made any difficulty or impossibility before him disappear. That’s how he had been raised. Even the leaders of prominent families didn’t dare to treat him disrespectfully.

Cha-Ryun quickly intervened.

“My friend is not well-versed in the etiquette of the martial world. Please excuse him.”

Lim Ha-Gi nodded, though the sight of Jeok Lee-Gun’s massive sword and saber slung across his back only served to make him seem even more insignificant.

Just then, another person approached from behind.

“Young Master Lim, what are you doing here?”

Cha-Ryun’s face immediately soured upon recognizing him. There’s an old saying in the martial world that, “Enemies always meet at inns.” It couldn’t have been truer, for the person was none other than Jang In-Gyeol.