Chapter 26 (1/2)

It was spring. Plants were sprouting and the wind carried the scent of flowers. There were fifteen men and women approaching the main entrance of the sect.

Currently they were slowly going up the ten thousand step stairway.

This was because it was not polite to use air magic while entering other people’s homes. In addition, the residence was not that high up.

“From what I heard, Cheonma is a fine man.”

“Hmpf! How good can a man from an evil sect be? He’s an official from the Murim Alliance.”

“How about his daughter?”

“She’s probably a vicious child and knows nothing about the world. The apple wouldn’t fall far from the tree, would it?”

“Even ignoring Cheonma, Bing Eun-seol was famous for being a cold-blooded witch in her early days. But she was born between those two. It is obvious what she will be like.”

Each of them talked about Cheonma and his daughter.

The head of the investigation team, Jegal Hyun, said something in a low voice.

“You’d better refrain from speaking. We are now in the sect’s territory.”

Only then did the investigators, who were constantly talking, cringed and shut up.

There were some people looking around just in case someone heard, but their conversation did not continue. They all looked intimidated.

Jegal Hyun sighed softly and silently climbed to the top.

Then, suddenly, a child about five or six years old popped out.

“Welcome to the sect! Welcome!”

Jegal Hyun looked down embarrassingly at the smiling child.

Such a young child coming out to meet them!

This wouldn’t happen unless they were looking down on the Murim alliance.

“I’m Chun Lihua. I’ve come to greet you as a representative.”

“… are you possibly the Sect Master’s daughter?”

“Yes!”

It was a good thing they didn’t protest their treatment.

The child was young, but being a sect master’s daughter gave her more than enough qualification to welcome the investigation team.

Throwing away his past prejudice, Jegal Hyun looked at the child. The child was so different from what he imagined. Smiling without wrinkles and giving a bright greeting. He had heard that she was six-years old but he felt her intelligence.

The faces of some investigators who had castigated the child turned red.

Jegal Hyun quickly collected his emotions and took the initiative.

“Thank you for your hospitality. I am from the Soga Province and the family of Jegal, Jegal Hyun.”

Jegal Hyun quickly introduced the investigation team.

The child, who was making eye contact with each and every one of them, tilted her head when she saw a particular person.

Looking back to see who she was looking at Monk Jeonghyeon who participated as a representative of the Shaolin Temple.

Maybe they were acquainted?

However, no sign of anything was read from Monk Jeonghyeon. He’s been with the Shaolin Temple for his entire life, so he’s probably never seen this child.

“Is there a problem?”

Only then did the child draw attention from Monk Jeonghyeon.

“No, it’s just that the list of attendees differs.”

“Oh… because of some circumstances the list had to change.”

It was because the temple had replaced him with someone else as the departure time approached. He said it was because of unavoidable circumstances, but the real reason was obvious.

How can they trust the sect and send their precious talent? Eventually, the investigation team was forced to consist of people who were treated as ostentatious or troublesome by each faction.

“Really? That’s not what I was promised.”

“Only the people have changed. It is absolutely true that we represent the Murim Alliance. Then this wouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“Even during a children’s birthday party, uninvited children can’t attend. If you’re invited and you can’t go, you politely refuse instead of sending someone else without asking.”

The child’s soft, but sharp words made Jegal Hyun’s face redden.

This was definitely a blunder by the Murim. They had broken their promise and acted however they wanted.

It was a diplomatic matter that was far beyond the comparison with birthday parties. The child was pointing that out.

‘She’s a tough kid.’

Jegal Hyun brought up an excuse he had prepared in advance.

“Because of the long journey, people who couldn’t leave their position for long were forced to stay. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in advance, but I hope you’ll understand.”

The child’s blue eyes locked onto Jegal Hyun. For some reason, Jegal Hyun felt that her eyes were piercing into his soul so he subconsciously avoided her gaze.

“You’ve come all the way here, so I can’t tell you to go back… fine, come this way. Let me introduce my family first.”

“Are you talking about Cheonma…?”

“My dad’s a little busy… but I can introduce my grandpas.”

Grandpa?

In accordance with the tradition, Cheonma, who was kidnapped as a child and raised as a religious leader, couldn’t have a father.

Jegal Hyun followed the child, exchanging looks with the investigation team.

The palace that the child led them to was a five-story palace decorated with precious black rock and gold.

It was a luxurious building that was hard to see even in the Central Region, so the investigators were surprised.

“Cool. Is this Cheonma’s palace?”

“No, it’s the palace you’re staying in.”

“……our palace to use?”

“There’s a restaurant on the first floor and an exercise hall in the basement. Each room has a bathroom. You won’t be uncomfortable.”

“……you seem to imply that we shouldn’t wonder around carelessly.”

The child, who seemed to be embarrassed, grinned.

“I’d like you to consider it as advice to save us the trouble.”

The child’s attitude was so natural and skillful. He couldn’t believe that she was six years old.

She was truly the daughter of the sect. What was really behind that smiling face?

Jegal Hyun examined the palace with his downcast eyes.

What’s the point of being so generous? It was paramount to create a plan in a situation that was going completely different from what was expected.

“I will gratefully receive your hospitality.”

“Thank you. Now I’ll introduce you to my grandfathers.”