“Don’t worry. I’ll have my subordinates wait at a distance so they won’t ruin the friendly atmosphere.”
What kind of ‘atmosphere’ is that?
Those words almost bubbled up in everyone’s throats but were barely swallowed down.
“Hmm. You seem confused, but your decision was quite quick, wasn’t it?”
At Tang So-yeol’s direct question, Dokgo I-seol smiled brightly.
“Indeed. Thinking about it, it was really a simple matter. No matter who Yongji Maeng is or what circumstances they have, I wanted to keep them by my side at all costs.”
There was a fair bit of sincerity in Dokgo I-seol’s statement.
In the end, they acknowledged that Yongji Maeng was hiding some kind of story. And they had grown stronger to consider that backstory, promising to keep them close if nothing else worked.
The truth that Yongji Maeng was the Brain Knife Outcast and had a lover was shocking, even surpassing I-seol’s resolve.
Yet, despite whatever adversity might arise, hadn’t they promised countless times to possess Yongji Maeng and rushed all the way to Xin Gang?
“Yongji Maeng was a Brain Knife Outcast… I felt shocked and betrayed, but when I thought it over, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s attractive to have a nameless martial artist and my own lover Yongji Maeng by my side, but sharing space with the world’s greatest hero and the venerable Brain Knife Outcast isn’t too shabby either, right?”
The fact that Yongji Maeng was a Brain Knife Outcast was shocking, but there were also positive aspects.
There’s a saying: when you’re going to do it, might as well go all out.
I-seol had originally aimed for Yongji Maeng, but if Yongji Maeng also had power, fame, and connections, it couldn’t be a reason to feel upset.
I-seol had to give up a lot to connect with Yongji Maeng, but connecting with the Brain Knife Outcast would bring I-seol many gains too.
At I-seol’s declaration, Black Cat, Miss Yeo Il-ye, and Hyeok Gi-rin’s expressions hardened.
With a smile, Dokgo I-seol observed their reactions.
“So, what do you plan to do?”
At Miss Yeo Il-ye’s question, Dokgo I-seol looked at her and Black Cat. They were the ones who had connected with the Brain Knife Outcast yesterday.
‘They’re not easy opponents.’
The renowned beauty celebrated as the “Best Beauty in Yunnan.” Black Cat, with beauty that could crush any self-respect, and the famed swordswoman from among the Central Plains, Miss Yeo Il-ye. The aura of prowess she exuded was utterly overwhelming.
‘Plus…’
Dokgo I-seol’s gaze reached Hyeok Gi-rin.
Tang So-yeol and Tang Do-yeon, who kept their distance, might not be obvious competitors, but given the situation so far, they appeared as potential rivals.
Rushing in blindly to win Ho Cheon-an’s heart would be tough with such formidable competitors around.
And the situation wasn’t favorable either.
Dokgo I-seol looked at Ho Cheon-an, who was feeling the pressure of the current circumstances.
‘Even if I bring the world’s greatest troublemaker to the table, I have to tread lightly in this situation.’
Only a short time had passed since the two had begun a relationship, and now accepting another woman into his heart.
‘If Yongji Maeng were such a cad, I would have never given my heart in the first place.’
Time was needed.
Time to gently push into Ho Cheon-an’s heart.
So, Dokgo I-seol opted for a long game.
“I’m well aware of what you are most worried about. If the conflict between Jeong Cheol and the Brain Knife Outcast were to surface, it would undoubtedly lead to numerous unfortunate events.”
As Dokgo I-seol mentioning the most concerning part brought tension to the group’s faces.
“However, I have come here with nothing but the single-minded desire to cherish Yongji Maeng. I have no intention of putting the one you care for in any trouble.”
“Ugh…”
“Hmm…”
Although Black Cat and Miss Yeo Il-ye’s expressions turned uncomfortable, all they could do was groan helplessly.
The declaration of affection for Yongji Maeng was utterly bothersome, but the assurance that there would be no trouble for Ho Cheon-an was comforting.
“My sudden appearance must have surprised both the Brain Knife Outcast and all of you who have traveled with me. I’m in the same boat. So… let’s take our time, shall we?”
Dokgo I-seol smiled at Ho Cheon-an.
“Rather than forcefully pushing things, we should take time to get to know each other.”
* *
“Hmm.”
Wi Seoryeon, visiting the campsite, couldn’t help but let out a sound of surprise at the visible changes around.
Amid the uncomfortable expressions of the party, there was Dokgo I-seol, beaming happily among them.
Noticing Wi Seoryeon’s arrival, Dokgo I-seol jolted up and struck a pose.
“Sorry for the late introduction yesterday. I am Dokgo I-seol, the Sect Leader of the Dark Dragon Sect in Yunnan.”
“You’re the Dokgo I-seol, the one held up as the Best Beauty in Yunnan. No need for an introduction.”
“Of course. Seeing those eyes, that hair, and the aura as rumored, how could I fail to recognize you, Miss Heavenly Demon Wi Seoryeon?”
“Your presence here must be kept quiet.”
“Yes.”
Completely ignoring the attentiveness of the group, Wi Seoryeon pulled Tang So-yeol into a gambling game.
Tang So-yeol stared at Wi Seoryeon with a bewildered gaze. Though he never backed down in terms of social awareness, even he was left speechless by Wi Seoryeon’s actions.
“That, um… is that all you plan to say?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, is that all for keeping Dokgo I-seol quiet?”
“Hmmm. Is there something more needed?”
Wi Seoryeon mused while inspecting the cards.
“I said to keep quiet, but Dokgo I-seol understands the cost of not doing so. If she doesn’t abide, she will pay.”
Tang So-yeol felt a chill run down his spine.
If she doesn’t listen, she’ll be trampled.
For an ordinary person, it would sound like arrogant bragging, but if those words came from Heavenly Demon Wi Seoryeon, it was far from a joke.
The martial world, no matter how you dress it up with various justifications, ultimately returns to the logic of power.
The thought that Wi Seoryeon was among the few strongest in the expansive martial world suddenly resurfaced in Tang So-yeol’s mind.
And.
Dokgo I-seol also sparkled as she watched Wi Seoryeon engage Tang So-yeol in a gamble.
“Seems like the Brain Knife Outcast has a wide network.”
“…”
“Not only the connection with Podalap Palace but also a link to the Imperial Family’s special forces and the Heavenly Demon Sect as well.”
Hyeok Gi-rin, the epitome of the Imperial Family’s connections, was sweating coldly.
As Dokgo I-seol’s proposal forced them into an uncomfortable arrangement, Ho Cheon-an and his group had no choice but to reluctantly accept.
Nonetheless, it was clear they were not wholeheartedly welcoming her presence, and an uncomfortable silence settled over the group. But Dokgo I-seol simply smiled and looked around at them.
Having forced her way into their group, this level of discomfort was something she had fully prepared for.
‘Being a Righteous Faction, they aren’t too cruel after all.’
In fact, Dokgo I-seol thought this was manageable.
Internally, she had prepared herself for potential bloody confrontations with Black Cat and Miss Yeo Il-ye.
Though the atmosphere was tense, it was nothing compared to the conflicts they had faced before regarding succession, trading sharp words with various factions.
So, Dokgo I-seol pressed forward even more actively.
“I’ve heard your name is Ho Cheon-an.”
“…That’s right.”
“Then may I call you Ho Cheon-an from now on?”
Dokgo I-seol charged in headfirst.
“I wouldn’t mind being called ‘Gaga’ instead.”
But it was Miss Yeo Il-ye who stopped her.
“How rude.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you not see that I am connected to the Honorable Person here? How could you treat me like this?”
Dokgo I-seol smiled sweetly at Miss Yeo Il-ye’s rebuke.
“Why, Mr. Gaga here is now a person of great renown throughout the world. Of course, many women would flock to him.”
“Don’t call me Gaga!”
I’m still calling you Honorable Person! How could you already be using such a nickname when I haven’t even started charming you?
That sweet romantic life should’ve just begun, and yet here’s Dokgo I-seol messing things up—Miss Yeo Il-ye was very flustered.
But Miss Yeo Il-ye could only pause at Dokgo I-seol’s next comment.
“Or perhaps, Miss Yeo Il-ye is contemplating sharing ‘you two’ together with Black Cat for Ho Cheon-an?”
Miss Yeo Il-ye’s gaze unintentionally flickered towards Hyeok Gi-rin. Dokgo I-seol saw the change of expression, and her smile only deepened.
‘Just as I expected.’
Black Cat and Miss Yeo Il-ye creating movements to support Hyeok Gi-rin.
Having traveled together for a long time, those in love forming alliances wouldn’t be strange at all.
However, the two had already achieved results while Hyeok Gi-rin was still at square one.
It would be hard for Miss Yeo Il-ye to speak carelessly with the thought of Hyeok Gi-rin in mind.
“Seeing your lack of a response, could it be that you thought it was a bit much? If so, there’s no need to get so worked up. My own martial arts are decent, and my background is not lacking either.”
“Ugh…!”
With an expression of frustration, Miss Yeo Il-ye glared at Dokgo I-seol, who wore a smug smile. Watching the scene unfold, Black Cat let out a sigh.
The moment Dokgo I-seol joined them, it was clear things would not be easy.
“Get up, Senior.”
“Uh? Huh?”
Black Cat dragged the watchful Ho Cheon-an, who had been staying quiet, and tossed him into Miss Yeo Il-ye’s side.
Thud.
And then, Black Cat took the empty space by Ho Cheon-an’s side and linked her arm with his.
“Hey, hey…”
“Why? We’re lovers, you know. Miss Yeo Il-ye, what about you?”
At Black Cat’s urging, Miss Yeo Il-ye’s face flushed as she hooked her arm with Ho Cheon-an’s. Her shy, moving body couldn’t hide the smile on her face.
After confirming that Miss Yeo Il-ye was linking arms, Black Cat turned to look at Dokgo I-seol.
Dokgo I-seol’s smile was nowhere to be found.
As Black Cat’s gaze met Dokgo I-seol’s, she remained calm while staring. Dokgo I-seol could read the intent gleaming in Black Cat’s beautiful eyes.
Don’t get reckless.
A deal is merely a deal; I won’t let you have your way.
Dokgo I-seol bit her lower lip tightly and stared back at Black Cat.
‘Alright, I admit it. I was too hasty…’
Yet that acknowledgment was merely in regard to the folly of this moment.
‘That spot you enjoy right now, I will surely take it for myself.’
With a fiery gaze, Dokgo I-seol stared at Black Cat, while Black Cat regarded her with clear intent through her transparent eyes.
It was the beginning of the uncomfortable coexistence.
