Chapter 113
“Thank you for coming. Don’t just stand there—please, have a seat.”
Following Ambassador Beop-eum’s words, Sibi guided Soso and Sau to their seats.
It was right next to Ambassador Beop-eum.
Oh my, this is intimidating.
Soso still wasn’t used to being the center of attention.
And now, to be receiving the full attention of some of the most formidable martial artists in the world, she felt like sweat was trickling down her wings.
Her hands, placed under the table, clenched tightly.
At that moment, a hand covered hers.
It was slightly cold but familiar. Sau’s.
Sau, sitting next to Soso, seemed to sense her tension and briefly held her hand. Even though the hand had no warmth, the tremor in her body somehow steadied.
Sau quickly withdrew his hand and assumed the fighting stance.
“It’s an honor to meet the senior martial artists of the world. I am Cheong Eon-woo, the last swordsman of the Cheongseong Sect. However, I have decided not to use the name Cheong Eon-woo anymore, so please call me Sau.”
Despite Sau’s shocking announcement, no one seemed particularly surprised.
Ambassador Beop-eum had likely told them beforehand.
Though not surprised, everyone’s eyes remained fixed on Sau.
He then gestured to Soso, signaling her to introduce herself.
Soso greeted them calmly.
“I am Baek Sam. Thank you for inviting me to the Alliance.”
No questions about the Golden-Clad Maiden, or suggestions that she remove her veil—contrary to her expectations of being grilled, people first showed interest in Sau.
Among them, the first to speak was a bear-like large man.
“I’m Hwang Bo-do-ung. Honestly, I didn’t believe the Alliance Leader until I met you… but this is remarkable. A disciple who survived the Demon Sect and returned alive.”
“It wasn’t easy to survive. I endured hardships enough to abandon my name.”
“…I heard you learned demon arts?”
The one responding was a man who looked like a beggar.
“It was a decision for survival. Magic Qi is completely separated from the divine skill, and I will never use it again.”
“But regardless, having learned demon arts, your body is no different from a Demon Sect disciple. Hahaha. Ah, I’m Hong Si-young, the Ark of the Open. Nice to meet you.”
Whether joking or serious, Hong Si-young laughed heartily for some time.
Though his appearance was shabby and his laughter loud, Soso quickly realized he was not someone to be taken lightly.
It seems everyone here is an extraordinary expert.
No one displayed their inner strength openly, yet the room was filled with an overwhelming aura.
These people seemed far greater than any martial artists Soso had previously met.
Especially…
That Taoist looks like the strongest here.
The composed Taoist whose eyes met hers as she entered the room—he exuded an unusual presence.
The Taoist appeared to be the same age as Sau, suggesting his mastery of the Rejuvenation Technique (Returning Youth) was genuine.
He might even be stronger than Sau.
As she observed him, their eyes met.
The Taoist, despite his stern appearance, smiled gently at Soso.
Then he spoke:
“Hong Si-young, don’t trouble the children too much. Regarding the demon arts Sau has learned, wasn’t it already decided in a meeting before the children arrived?”
The Taoist spoke calmly, as if educating those around him.
“But I didn’t weigh in with lies, did I?”
Hong Si-young protested with a laugh, but the Taoist ignored him and continued.
“We’ve decided not to hold you accountable for learning demon arts, Sau. It wasn’t an easy decision. But we also have our own failure—we couldn’t protect the posthumous disciples.”
“……”
“Our leniency toward you is a reflection of our deep remorse.”
Despite the Taoist’s generosity, Sau’s reaction was rather lukewarm. Fortunately, the Taoist didn’t seem to mind.
Then, the atmosphere suddenly shifted.
“But.”
Just one word—but it carried an intense inner strength that could easily injure anyone if mishandled.
The Taoist, who changed the room’s mood instantly, spoke like a warning:
“One time! Just once—if you use demon arts again, know that we will have no reason left to protect you.”
To Soso, it sounded like a clear threat: if Sau used demon arts, he would be killed without mercy.
Unfazed by the strong aura, Sau replied calmly:
“I will bear it in mind.”
Satisfied with the response, the Taoist withdrew his energy.
“A junior of considerable skill indeed.”
With the tension lifted, breathing became easier. Soso inhaled deeply and glanced at Sau.
Our Gongja (Master) is truly remarkable. Even in this situation, he isn’t intimidated once.
If she were still his attendant in the past, she would have gushed to everyone in the Cheongseong Sect about his boldness and greatness.
She briefly missed those days.
Being his attendant had allowed her to be close to him and share much of his time—more valuable than being the head of the Medica Hall.
I wonder what expression Sau would make if I asked to be his attendant again.
While Soso entertained this mischievous thought, Un-han, who had been silent, spoke:
“I vouch for Sau’s character. He will never use demon arts. So trust him and welcome his return.”
It was a statement only someone closest to Sau could make.
“Understood, Un-han.”
The Taoist nodded in acceptance and continued:
“And according to Hong Si-young, he desperately escaped from the Demon Sect to rebuild the Cheongseong Sect?”
It seemed word of Sau’s words to Je-gal Cheon had reached here.
But Soso knew that wasn’t true. Sau had no intention of rebuilding the Cheongseong Sect. He likely only mentioned it to deflect further questioning.
“Having heard your story, how could we punish you? Moreover, you risked your life against the Celestial Demon that appeared at the Je-gal estate.”
“Thank you for understanding. I only did what I was meant to do.”
“Mu-liang-shu-bul, we will actively support you. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
“May I first ask the name of the senior before me?”
“I am Myeong-heo, head of the Shamans. I have awaited your visit… and yet we meet at the Martial Alliance.”
“……!”
Soso was surprised to hear that the esteemed Myeong-heo was that Taoist!
She had many questions for Myeong-heo, especially about the child who suddenly disappeared, the one called Mumyeong.
At that moment, Ambassador Beop-eum’s voice broke in:
“Thank you for explaining on my behalf, King Kwon.”
“Not at all.”
“Now, enough about demon arts. There is something I truly wish to ask Sau.”
Beop-eum’s gaze fell on Sau.
“We are not forcing you, but we need information on the Demon Sect. So please share as much as you can.”
Sau answered without hesitation.
It was the same answer he had given at the Je-gal estate: factual, but offering little practical value.
“…Namo Amitabha, perhaps we should visit the caves in Hanam where you emerged.”
“If the opportunity arises, I will cooperate fully.”
It seemed the questioning was coming to an end.
Soso had worried that the martial experts might pressure Sau for learning demon arts. Fortunately, that issue had been resolved smoothly.
If all goes well, we might depart for Sajeon today.
But before she could relax, Hwang Bo-do-ung’s voice rang loudly—not at Sau, but at Soso.
“Are you the one called the Golden-Clad Maiden?”
Soso took a small breath and answered calmly:
“I am honored to be called that, but I do not possess the extraordinary skill of the real Golden-Clad Maiden. My limited abilities have been greatly exaggerated.”
Phew, that should suffice.
Soso carefully looked up at Hwang Bo-do-ung.
But he furrowed his brow and raised his voice even more.
“Let me make this clear: I do not trust you. The Golden-Clad Maiden has long been dead, and I’ve never heard of her power being passed on. And if you are so confident, why are you hiding your face?”
If hiding her face was the problem, there was an immediate solution.
Without hesitation, Soso removed her veil and revealed her face.
As soon as her beautiful face appeared, the crowd murmured.
Even Hwang Bo-do-ung, who had seemed ready to devour her, gaped in astonishment.
