Why hold a banquet?
To build connections.
While watching good performances, enjoying delicious food, and having a drink, one can easily become friends with someone they didn’t even know before.
In that sense, since Wi Ji-cheon made his appearance, the banquet finally took on its true form.
For the Outcast faction forces of Yunnan and the martial artists of the Heavenly Demon Sect, the current banquet felt like a rendezvous with the unknown.
From the perspective of the Outcast faction, there was uncertainty about whether it was safe to interact with the martial artists they had only heard bizarre rumors about.
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Demon Sect’s martial artists were clueless about how to treat external martial artists.
As they observed Wi Ji-cheon’s generous demeanor towards Sabok Seol, the Outcast faction would have gained confidence in interacting with the Heavenly Demon Sect’s martial artists, realizing that mingling with Yunnan’s martial artists wouldn’t be a problem either.
“I am from Jeong Gyeongmun…”
“I am the team leader of the Hell Annihilation Squad…”
The Yunnan Outcast forces actively approached the martial artists of the Heavenly Demon Sect, exchanging cups and conversation in various places.
From the perspective of Yunnan’s forces, they had no choice but to be proactive; after all, a previously non-existent option had appeared.
Having no choice but to choose the Blood Sect among the two powerful factions dividing the world, the Yunnan Outcast factions had to adopt a friendly stance towards the Blood Sect, and now the possibility of aligning with the Heavenly Demon Sect emerged, making the scales in their minds tip towards the Heavenly Demon Sect.
And it was clear from the atmosphere that those scales leaned more towards the Heavenly Demon Sect rather than the Blood Sect.
It was likely due to Wi Ji-cheon effortlessly overpowering the senior expert Hyeong-gyeong.
In that atmosphere, I was able to leisurely enjoy the banquet with my companions.
“Mmm, this fish-flavored seasoning is just right for my taste. The eggplants too, and the fish-flavored shredded pork…”
The Black Cat’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, and Hyeok Gi-rin nodded in agreement.
“It’s excellent. It seems it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s a time-honored sect among the Outcasts.”
“It holds its own compared to the cooks in my family.”
No one was particularly interested in my companions and me.
Although I presented myself as a neutral outcast, who would truly see me as neutral? The prevailing vibe was that I was a member of the Sacheon Righteous Faction.
After all, there were two members from the Tang Clan among the group. Including the unofficial disciple from the Jeomchang Faction, there were two disciples from the Jeomchang Faction. And not to mention, Moyong Yeon-hwa from another region was also mixed in.
Even though I had the title of a saint from the Heavenly Demon Sect, why would they attempt indirect communication through me when this banquet presented a direct opportunity to interact with the martial artists of the Heavenly Demon Sect?
And they were probably wary of the awareness of the sects that were once aligned with the Sadoryeon.
Jeong Cheol had vanished after losing a duel against Inwon, so there was no underlying issue between me and the Sadoryeon.
But that was only the surface of things; it’s impossible for what had happened to completely disappear.
There were likely unspoken grudges lingering between the sects of the Sadoryeon and me, which is why the martial artists of Yunnan were hesitant to approach me or my companions, afraid of drawing the ire of the sects that were part of the Sadoryeon.
“Oh my~ Miss Dokgo I-seol. It seems your skin has gotten even smoother than before.”
“Hoho, what are you saying? I’m just worried that my journey has roughened my skin.”
“What do you mean~ you’re so beautiful. Isn’t that right, Miss Cheong-hwa?”
“Yes~ I truly envy you~”
Only Dokgo I-seol from the Dark Dragon Sect was the center of attention.
Dokgo I-seol was mixing with her peers, enjoying the flattery from the other young women who were praising her.
While it’s true she enjoyed the flattery, it could be seen as her solidifying support as well.
Being more knowledgeable about the customs of the Outcasts than I was, Dokgo I-seol would handle the situation well.
While chatting with my companions, I turned my head towards Wi Seoryeon.
The martial artists of Yunnan approached Wi Seoryeon, trying to build rapport.
It seemed that Wi Seoryeon was not impressed by these martial artists from Yunnan at all.
Most of the time, she was rather indifferent, but when it came to assessing martial artists, she was extremely strict. Even in a crowd of peers, there were hardly any rivals, but even among those, she would barely acknowledge them.
Wi Seoryeon was making it clear that she had no interest in mingling with martial artists who didn’t meet her standards, so when the Yunnan martial artists sensed that atmosphere, they hesitated to approach her.
“Do you want my cup?”
“I-I would love to have a drink.”
Then Wi Seoryeon took out the dice from her pocket.
“Then, show me a higher number than I roll.”
Perhaps unable to engage as a martial artist, she intended to interact through gambling instead.
And thus began a dice game, forming a long queue. Perhaps they thought it was their chance to leave a good impression on the Heavenly Demon, if luck was on their side.
“I am Cheong Gap-san from Tang Gyeongmun! It’s an honor to receive the Heavenly Demon’s cup!”
“Good. Next.”
Even if a few words can leave an impression, it was something.
Just exchanging a few words seemed to be considered a valid opportunity, judging by the bright smiles of Gap-san and the envious expressions of the challengers.
In contrast, Wi Seoryeon’s expression was not so pleasant.
“…Why is it that these Outcast folks can’t gamble?”
She spat out a prejudiced remark, looking like she was betrayed.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at that.
Those gathered here were at least senior members of their respective sects. Even among the Outcasts, how likely was it that such senior members would indulge in gambling skills? There might be some outliers who rose through the ranks from the bottom, but it was hard to believe that such oddballs would have wasted their time on gambling.
If one sought true gambling experts among the martial artists of Yunnan, it would be more likely to invite the low-ranking and mid-ranking martial artists from each sect than looking at the experts present in this banquet.
The expressions of the challengers, glowing with excitement at the prospect of receiving a drink from the Heavenly Demon, contrasted sharply with Wi Seoryeon, who was disheartened, leading to my suppressed laughter.
Noticing my amusement, Miss Yeo Il-ye turned towards me and forced a smile.
“It seems Miss Wi Seoryeon is quite disappointed.”
“Well, life is just a series of disappointments anyway.”
Tang So-yeol sparked up a cigarette and stated with a satisfied expression as if it were a profound insight.
“For Miss Tang So-yeol, it seems to be more of a series of laziness rather than disappointments.”
“Hmph, is there anywhere as diligent a person as me?”
“If Senior Seo Gong had understood the words, he would have been laughing till his belly hurt.”
“Hah.”
Amidst the usual playful banter among my companions, I surveyed the banquet hall.
The Yunnan forces were displaying a friendly demeanor towards the Heavenly Demon Sect.
It seemed like the initial objective of severing the connection between the Blood Sect and Yunnan had been adequately achieved.
All thanks to the power of the Heavenly Demon.
I gazed towards the prominent seats where Wi Ji-cheon, Sabok Seol, Dokgo Yeongcheon, and Ak Gyeong-cheol were gathered.
In the end, I couldn’t extract a clear answer from Dokgo Yeongcheon, Ak Gyeong-cheol interrupted me, and Sabok Seol’s actions were entirely unpredictable.
It goes without saying that I had not anticipated that Wi Ji-cheon’s martial prowess would be this formidable.
Even considering the veterans of the martial world, it was proof that my ability to fully comprehend the actions of the well-renowned martial artists of Yunnan, not to mention the Heavenly Demon, was lacking.
When I think about it, it makes perfect sense.
Even if I had managed to slightly sway the sects of the Sadoryeon, their stature as the leaders of gigantic sects and masters of the martial realm had not changed.
It was not a way I could comprehend, but they had all reached their current positions following their own paths.
Through this banquet, I was able to accept that fact quite clearly.
Thus, I remained vigilant, maintaining my gaze on the prominent seats, ready to seize any opportunity that might arise.
If I were aware that I had missed something, it would be essential to act quickly to recover what I had lost.
Not long after, the moment I had been waiting for arrived.
Despite the Heavenly Demon’s importance, it was impossible for one person to monopolize the banquet. The host of this banquet, Dokgo Yeongcheon, stood up to host his guest, and Ak Gyeong-cheol, feeling the need to converse with others present, also got up from his seat.
In line with their movements, I too stood up.
It was a prime opportunity for quiet discourse between the two of us.
As I stood, my companions paused momentarily, but soon they returned to their natural conversation flow. Since I had risen silently, there was no need for me to draw attention.
Perhaps due to the time spent honing Array Formation, it seemed our breathing fell into sync without signaling anything.
Thanks to my companions’ timely responses, I could move smoothly without attracting much attention.
Feeling Dokgo Yeongcheon’s gaze upon me, I faced my interlocutor and opened my mouth.
“Pleasure to meet you. I am the Brain Knife Outcast, Ho Cheon-an.”
“Oh, oh, it’s an honor to meet a hero of the martial world. I am Ak Gyeong-cheol, the one leading the Sokryeong Sect.”
The individual I approached was not Dokgo Yeongcheon, but rather Ak Gyeong-cheol.
I sensed Dokgo Yeongcheon’s puzzled gaze as he had been looking at me, seemingly wondering if we were continuing our conversation from before the banquet. However, putting Ak Gyeong-cheol first was my priority.
“Such an esteemed hero as you calling me a hero is beyond my worth.”
“Hohoho… you are truly humble. Here you are tirelessly working for the safety of the martial world; if the Brain Knife Outcast is not a hero, who else could be?”
“Hahaha!”
“Hohohoho!”
As I caught Ak Gyeong-cheol’s gleaming eyes, I thought to myself.
Sabok Seol had completely exceeded my expectations. As I mentioned earlier, I hadn’t fully been able to predict the actions of a martial artist of the Xin-gyeong Sect, who also happened to be the head of a major faction.
Likewise, the Black Cloak Dokgo Yeongcheon, who surely had something planned that surpassed my predictions.
Though it’s only a guess, his recognition of me as a member of the Yongji Maeng was part of the evidence of how well he understood the situation.
Before I could gauge the layout, Ak Gyeong-cheol had stepped in, preventing me from assessing that situation.
So, what about Ak Gyeong-cheol?
He had also surpassed my predictions. Throwing aside all pretense, he barged into the Dark Dragon Sect and interrupted my conversation with Dokgo Yeongcheon.
But could that be the true nature of Ak Gyeong-cheol?
If Sabok Seol chased after romance and Dokgo Yeongcheon was ambitious to do anything for the growth of his sect, then the true nature of Ak Gyeong-cheol was that he would sell out anyone for his own benefit.
“Indeed. I think we have a lot to discuss with Ak Gyeong-cheol.”
“Hohoho! I’m glad to hear that. I feel the same way.”
Ak Gyeong-cheol’s warm reception of my approach birthed a sense of certainty that my predictions were indeed correct.
The Sokryeong Sect would have suffered considerable damage while caught between Jeong Cheol and me. Therefore, it wouldn’t be unusual if Ak Gyeong-cheol harbored some bitterness against me.
No, considering his petty disposition, it was clear he harbored quite a bit of resentment.
There were evident reasons for Ak Gyeong-cheol to dislike me, but even if he were to make friends with me, the benefits he stood to gain were nearly nonexistent.
Yet, he seemed willing to build rapport with me, confirming my internal reasoning.
His propensity to quickly seize even small gains was evident—this aspect of Ak Gyeong-cheol had been proven on multiple occasions.
He had rushed toward Rano Jingbu to avoid the forefront position of the Sadoryeon, even while personally attending to tasks in the organization.
Would Ak Gyeong-cheol remain idle with the Blood Sect needing the influence of the Outcasts?
Just as Dokgo Yeongcheon and Sabok Seol had exceeded my predictions in their own ways, Ak Gyeong-cheol surely had outstripped them as well.
Thus, I believed Ak Gyeong-cheol had already aligned himself with the Blood Sect, reaping the benefits of such cooperation.
Or, perhaps he was the one to reach out to the Blood Sect even before they extended their tentacles to the Yunnan forces.
That made his need for friendship with me palpable.
Now that he had teamed up with the Blood Sect and the formidable power of the Heavenly Demon was on the scene, he would certainly require an intermediary to navigate the relationship between himself and the Heavenly Demon Sect.
What a consistently relentless person he was.
Collecting small advantages relentlessly only to play for the big win later.
Well, after building up the Sokryeong Sect as a significant faction, that method might just be sufficient.
Contemplating this, I raised my cup filled with alcohol towards Ak Gyeong-cheol.
“Here, please have a drink.”
“Hohoho! I won’t refuse.”
Ak Gyeong-cheol and I emptied our glasses in unison, looking at each other with hearty laughter.
“It seems I will have to engage in a long discussion with the Sect Leader! Hahaha!!”
“Hohoho! I think so too!”
Ak Gyeong-cheol was the first among the factions in Yunnan to join hands with the Blood Sect.
It was time to extract every bit of information he had.
