Chapter 1481
Why are you suddenly here? (1)
“Sasuk.”
“…Don’t talk to me.”
“No, it’s not that, Sasuk.”
“…I said don’t talk to me.”
In the end, Yoon Jong gave up on what he was going to say and shook his head.
‘Does he really hate it that much?’
Baek Cheon’s every movement was stiff. You could tell he was uncomfortable with Jongnam’s attire touching his body. Even if one made clothes out of disgusting bugs, no one would get that kind of reaction.
“…How did I… end up like this…”
Everyone looked at Baek Cheon’s despairing back with sympathetic eyes.
For a while, he had managed to avoid such humiliation…
“But seriously, looking at him like this, it’s incredible. At this point, even his father wouldn’t recognize him. How can siblings look so identical?”
“…Just by changing his expression and clothes, he looks so detestable.”
“He always looked aggrieved when we said he was annoying, but it turns out he could look this unpleasant if he wanted to. He’s been holding back a lot.”
“…Shut your mouths…”
Baek Cheon glared back at them with bloodshot eyes. Everyone quickly averted their gaze.
However, one person, whose courage always seemed to exceed his common sense, couldn’t help but chatter.
“But Sasuk, I’m really curious. Are you pissed off because you’re pretending to be from Jongnam? Or is it because you’re pretending to be your older brother… Urk!”
A strong blow to the side made Jo Geol twist his body like a squid on a grill.
“You’re asking for it, you really are!”
Tang Soso clicked her tongue while shaking off her hands. How could such a thing even matter right now?
“No…”
“Shh. Someone’s coming.”
Instantly, everyone’s faces tensed up. One of the passersby had spotted them and was approaching with a delighted expression.
“Ah! Aren’t you Jin Daehyeop from Jongnam?”
Five Swords swallowed hard and looked at Baek Cheon. Meanwhile, Tang Soso reached out at lightning speed to straighten the slightly crocked wig on Hye Yeon’s head.
“Do you remember me? We met once in Shaanxi. We even had a meal together back then.”
‘Damned.’
‘Screwed.’
‘Didn’t I tell you this wouldn’t work, you idiots?’
Cold sweat streamed down everyone’s faces. Even Chung Myung, who had insisted on this plan, was now sweating profusely with a look of distress.
But Baek Cheon, the one truly unbothered, just turned his gaze slightly to look at the approaching person with a nonchalant expression.
“Hmm.”
After briefly looking the person up and down, he spoke calmly. However, his words were not directed at the newcomer, but at his own group.
“Yoon Pyeong.”
“…”
“Yoon Pyeong!”
“Yes? Ah… yes, Sasuk!”
Yoon Jong answered promptly, bowing his head deeply.
“Observe carefully. This is a common breach of etiquette in Gangho.”
“…This disciple is foolish and finds it hard to grasp Sasuk’s teachings. Please blame this foolish disciple.”
Baek Cheon squinted at Yoon Jong and spoke in an even tone.
“Whether you are acquainted with someone or not, in Gangho, you must first state your name and title when addressing someone. Failing to do so is a serious act of disrespect. Remember this. If a disciple of the Great Jongnam Sect makes such a mistake, I will not forgive it.”
“I, I will remember.”
Just as Yoon Jong was about to respond further, the person who had addressed them spoke first, his face turning pale.
“I-I am Go Ilsan of the Ihwamun [이화문(李花門)] in Henan! Several years ago, I met you with our sect leader in Shaanxi. I was overcome with joy and acted rudely. I apologize, Daehyeop.”
“There is no need to apologize.”
Baek Cheon quietly smiled. It was a gentle smile, yet it made the observer’s stomach slightly twist.
“What I mentioned was merely the etiquette expected of a disciple of Jongnam. There is no reason to demand the same from someone of another sect.”
“…”
“However, I must apologize as I do not recall meeting you, given the amount of time that has passed. I do remember the Munju of Ihwamun, though.”
“Oh, of course. I was there with him. You made such an impression that day, Daehyeop, and meeting you again here is such a delight that I-“
“I am also pleased to see you again.”
Baek Cheon cut off the man’s words smoothly and met Go Ilsan’s gaze with emotionless eyes.
From Baek Cheon’s cold stare, Go Ilsan read the underlying message: “If you’ve said everything, then why are you still here, you insignificant nobody?” Feeling awkward, Go Ilsan bowed again.
“Congratulations on Jongnam lifting the Bongmun. I will visit again with our Munju next time.”
“I will do my best to welcome you then. Wishing you safe travels.”
“Wishing you safe travels as well.”
Go Ilsan bowed deeply, almost groveling, and then hurried away as if his pants were on fire.
Those who had been watching in a daze erupted in astonished admiration.
“Amazing…”
“What on earth did I just witness?”
“…Perfect.”
Jo Geol shivered and whispered.
“S-Sasuk. You didn’t even rehearse, so how did you manage to do that so suddenly? It was perfectly annoying.”
Baek Cheon looked up at the distant sky with a bitter expression.
“…I’ve seen it millions of times.”
“Ah…”
You must have had a hard time. No wonder you ran away.
A moment later, Baek Cheon, who had turned into a corner alley, checked that no one was around and grabbed his clothes with both hands.
“Ehey!”
“Don’t tear it!”
“Whoa, Sasuk. Just hold on a little longer. Come on, be good. Be good.”
“Sago… It won’t be resolved with sweets. That’s a bit much.”
“…Really?”
Yu Iseol, who had been silently holding out a sugar plum, retracted her hand. Tears welled up in Baek Cheon’s eyes.
How did it come to this…
“Sasuk, but that person earlier, he seemed to genuinely have a connection with Jongnam. Was it okay to treat him like that? Surely, he must hold some grudge…”
“Who cares. Geumryong will take the blame.”
At Baek Cheon’s nonchalant response, everyone nodded with satisfied expressions. Clearly, this man wasn’t normal either.
“See! I told you he wouldn’t suspect a thing!”
In response to the smug tone, Baek Cheon’s eyes filled with bloodshot rage. His venomous gaze soon fixed on Chung Myung, who was giggling.
“You… you snake-like bastard.”
“Hehehe.”
As much as he wanted to rush over and shove this cursed robes into that bastard’s mouth, he had to restrain himself. If he acted out, it would bring shame not only to that guy but to Hwasan itself.
“Is this something a person should do?”
“Why are you trembling so much? You used to wear these clothes every day.”
“Chung Myung, stop it. Sasuk might really explode at this rate.”
Indeed, he seemed to be swelling a bit.
“More importantly, are we even going in the right direction?”
“Just a moment.”
Chung Myung patted his chest. A small, white ball of fur poked its head out, blinking its black eyes in a daze.
“Hey, which way?”
When Chung Myung asked, Baek Ah stretched his head out further and sniffed the air quickly.
Kiii!
Then he extended his short front leg and pointed northeast.
“It says that way.”
“At least it’s a bit far from the main headquarters.”
“Let’s hurry. Honestly, just wearing these clothes makes my stomach churn.”
“Yes. Let’s go, Sasuk.”
“…Wait a moment, Siju. My wig keeps slipping, can someone…”
“So, try not to sweat so much. Your head is so shiny and slippery that the wig keeps turning.”
“How am I supposed to not sweat in this situation?”
“Try putting a towel underneath.”
“Then it’ll get bulky and look awkward, you idiot. Walking around with just my head swollen like that isn’t weird to you?”
Hye Yeon closed his eyes and muttered prayers incessantly. What sins did he commit to deserve this punishment? Life is suffering, indeed…
“Someone’s coming from behind. Let’s go quickly.”
“Yes.”
The group resumed walking, performing their roles as credible disciples of Jongnam. Passersby looked at them with admiration, without a hint of suspicion.
Yoon Jong spoke up, looking completely baffled.
“But, Chung Myung.”
“Yeah?”
“How is this working at all?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, no matter how you look at it, this is so sloppy, yet no one suspects anything… And this is Kaifeng!”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
Chung Myung chuckled.
“Of course, there are people who suspect. But what are they going to do about it if they do?”
“…What kind of nonsense is that? If someone is suspicious, they’ll check it out.”
“Who are they going to check it with?”
“Well, that’s…”
Yoon Jong started to say something but then closed his mouth. He finally understood.
“If someone checks because they’re suspicious, and Dongryong turns out to be the real Geumryong, what do you think will happen? With that maniac’s personality, do you think he’d let anyone who doubted him off easily?”
“…”
“Moreover, Geumryong is the next in line to be the Sect Leader of Jongnam. Rumors are already spreading that he’ll take over soon. Being rude to Geumryong is akin to insulting all of Jongnam. Who would be bold enough to come up and ask, ‘Are you really Jin Geumryong?’ Those kinds of people are already buried under some bridge.”
“Ah…”
Everyone nodded in agreement. However, the doubts hadn’t completely vanished.
“So, they’re just going to leave it alone?”
“Leave it alone? No way. Letters are probably flying like crazy to Shaanxi right now to verify if Geumryong is really here.”
“That’s true, right?”
“But!”
Chung Myung flashed a wicked smile.
“By the time they get the confirmation, we won’t be here anymore.”
Everyone marveled simultaneously, except for Baek Cheon.
“Hey…”
“That’s amazing.”
Amid the praise, Chung Myung puffed out his chest proudly.
“This is a perfect crime, a perfect crime.”
“…Sometimes I think your brain works really well for these schemes.”
“It’s not my cleverness that’s impressive, it’s that face that made this plan possible. Man, even looking at it now, it’s uncanny. Gives me the chills.”
“…Shut up.”
Ignoring the protests, Chung Myung watched Baek Cheon tremble with satisfaction.
“Anyway, in Kaifeng, there might be people who are suspicious of us, but no one will take action. So just act naturally. Ha, thinking about how furious Geumryong will be when he finds out about this later is already making me feel ten years younger. Hehehe!”
With a devilish glee, Chung Myung moved forward. Everyone followed, clicking their tongues but staying in line.
“Yeah, well… as long as we don’t get caught, it’s fine.”
“We need to finish this quickly and get out of here, Sahyeong. Imagine the disgrace if we’re caught.”
“I swear, if we’re caught, I’ll bite my tongue and die immediately.”
The disciples of Hwasan were making awkward jokes as they turned a corner.
“…Huh?”
“Huh?”
“…Huh-huh?”
The disciples of Hwasan froze like a picture.
What they encountered were beggars with an unusual aura of martial prowess. This wasn’t an issue – after all, it was common to see strong beggars moving in groups in Kaifeng. The real problem wasn’t the group of beggars but the person among them.
“Uh…”
He wore pristine white martial robes embroidered with a cloud pattern. His hair was neatly styled and held in place by a silver-white cloud-patterned cap, with a white hair ribbon hanging down the front. His eyes were wide with surprise.
The disciples of Hwasan recognized him immediately. As if doused in cold water, they stood frozen, staring. The man blinked at Baek Cheon standing in front of him.
“S-Sahyeong? What?”
At that moment, Chung Myung, who had been standing as rigid as a wooden statue embedded in the wall, let out a genuinely startled whisper.
“Lee… Lee… Songbaek.”
“……”
Ha. Hahaha…
Why are you suddenly here?
This is crazy, seriously…
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