.jpeg){kind=tracking}
C138. What Has to Happen, Will Happen
The Bongmu Clan in Dengzhou is one of the most powerful sects among the martial arts sects of justice. Naturally, they are members of the Justice Alliance and make a significant donation to the Alliance every year.
Despite this, the people of Dengzhou viewed the Bongmu Clan as a sect of dubious morals. Not because they committed great evils, but because the extroverted personality of their leader, Yong Yucheon, often got the clan into trouble.
Yong Yucheon was a passionate man with clear likes and dislikes. Although he generally sought justice, he often became emotionally involved in personal matters, especially when it came to women. He was not ashamed of the fights caused by women. Every time he got into big trouble, he would say, "Heroes love beauty."
Since the leader was like that, his disciples were also bolder in that aspect. That is why Seo Woobeom, a disciple of the Bongmu Clan, approached Yeon Jeokha's group.
At first, they did not realize that the seven were from the same group. But when the women looked at the men with discomfort, they realized they were together.
However, Seo Woobeom's attitude did not change. He showed neither shame nor hesitation, as half of the restaurant's customers were disciples of the Bongmu Clan.
—"Ladies, would you care to join us?"
At the insistence, Seol Chasu intervened.
—"We appreciate the offer, but we are a large group, not just the ladies."
But Seo Woobeom did not back down. He laughed and said enthusiastically:
—"Haha! I understand. Then, everyone can join us. We are many, and finding a place for everyone will be difficult. What do you say?"
Seol Chasu looked at Yeon Jeokha and Old Shim, seeking their approval. It seemed better to accept the invitation rather than wait indefinitely.
Yeon Jeokha nodded slightly. If problems arose, they could simply fight and throw them out.
Old Shim, with youthful enthusiasm, smiled at the prospect of a possible fight.
Seol Chasu quickly made the decision.
—"We appreciate the offer to join your table."
Knowing Yeon Jeokha's impatient nature and Old Shim's tendency to seek trouble, Seol Chasu had learned that "what has to happen, will happen." Just as water flows from high to low, things would happen as they should.
Seo Woobeom returned to the leader's table, and after speaking with him, the vice-chief Yong Bicheon quickly stood up to make space.
Soon, Seo Woobeom returned and led Yeon Jeokha's group to the leader's table.
—"That is the leader of the Bongmu Clan, the Great Swordmaster Yong Yucheon. And this is the vice-chief Yong Bicheon."
Yong Yucheon, smiling, spoke:
—"I am Yong Yucheon, leader of the Bongmu Clan. Our sect is having a meeting, and the restaurant is full. We don't know when the tables will be free, so it's better to share. You seem to be companions of the Justice Alliance, where are you from?"
Surprised to be the representative, Seol Chasu looked at his group. Yeon Jeokha and Old Shim were focused on their food, and the experts from the Namgung Family, Namgung Cheon and Namgung Yeon, showed no interest.
Clearly, they did not want to introduce themselves at a first unfavorable impression.
Seol Chasu had no choice but to introduce only his group.
—"We are from the Justice Alliance branch in Zhengzhou. I am Seol Chasu from the Cheondo Sect, this is Yu Geunsik from the Geumgeom Sect, and this is Jin Seolha from the Changin Sect."
Yong Yucheon's eyes sparkled upon hearing "Justice Alliance."
As members of the same alliance, they were brothers. He smiled, thinking he was getting closer to the beautiful women.
—"Haha! Our Bongmu Clan is also part of the Justice Alliance. Now I see that we are family. Brother Seol, make yourselves at home and enjoy your meal. We will cover the expenses today."
—"Thank you."
Seol Chasu looked around. The leader's table only had space for two more people, and there were scattered seats around.
—"Haa..."
Seol Chasu sighed at the seating arrangement. As expected, Seo Woobeom indicated the vacant seats to Namgung Yeon and Jin Seolha.
—"Please, ladies, sit here. The rest can find a suitable place."
Yong Yucheon, smiling shamelessly, added:
—"Haha! We are family, so take a seat."
Namgung Yeon and Jin Seolha reluctantly sat next to the leader. They had no reason or excuse to refuse.
Yeon Jeokha, Old Shim, and Namgung Cheon sat near the leader, while Seol Chasu and Yu Geunsik were left in the corner.
Once seated, Yong Yucheon openly looked at Namgung Yeon.
—"What's your name, young lady?"
Namgung Yeon did not respond.
Uncomfortable, Yong Yucheon turned to Jin Seolha.
—"Your name is Jin Seolha, right? What brings you to Dengzhou? If you need anything, the Bongmu Clan can help you."
—"We are just passing through on Justice Alliance business. We are only here to eat, don't worry."
—"In this cold weather? You seem to have caught a cold."
—"We are carrying out orders from the Justice Alliance Leader."
—"How is the Great Swordmaster of Thunder and Wind? I haven't seen him in two years."
Yong Yucheon was trying to show his connection with the Justice Alliance Leader.
—"I don't know. I suppose he's fine, since we haven't heard anything."
Jin Seolha, though a member of the Justice Alliance, had never seen the leader.
Yong Yucheon continued, showing his pride.
—"Yes, of course. His drinking ability is amazing. Once, I drank so much with him that I ended up sick, but the next day, he was as good as new. He's an impressive man. He should reduce his alcohol consumption at his age."
Yong Yucheon spoke as if he were a close relative of the Justice Alliance Leader, concerned about his well-being.
Jin Seolha, barely listening, focused on her food.
Yong Bicheon, the vice-chief, commented:
—"Ladies, even if you are in a hurry, you should respond to the leader when he speaks to you."
Jin Seolha replied while blowing her nose.
—"What can I say about the leader if I know nothing?"
—"You don't have to answer everything, I just wanted a conversation."
—"I understand, but we are very hungry and have no energy to converse with strangers."
Yong Bicheon was baffled by Jin Seolha's direct response.
To ease the tension, Yong Yucheon intervened.
—"Haha! Saying we are strangers is a bit sad. We are brothers of the Justice Alliance, fighting together for justice. Consider this a family reunion."
Yong Yucheon hinted at a fraternal tone.
The disciples of the Bongmu Clan laughed, enjoying the spectacle.
Jin Seolha, choked by the food, responded:
—"Brother? That kind of joke is inappropriate. You seem old enough to be our father."
Yong Yucheon, at least fifty years old, was taken aback.
—"Come on! Age doesn't matter between men and women. From now on, you can call me older brother. Especially you, Jin Seolha."
Jin Seolha slightly frowned. Yong Yucheon's attitude was too informal, more befitting of a customer at a pleasure house.
—"Leader Yong, as a member of the Justice Alliance, your comment is inappropriate."
Jin Seolha couldn't say it was disrespectful.
—"Inappropriate? What do you mean?"
Yong Yucheon smiled slyly, looking at Jin Seolha. She hesitated at his direct question.
Meanwhile, at another table, the conversation was rougher. Im Hodan, the leader of the Bongmu Clan's combat squad, was staring at a young man devouring food.
"Where are you from?" "What's your name?" but the young man did not answer.
Im Hodan decided to overlook it, thinking he was upset for not being with the women.
But the young man suddenly broke the silence.
—"Old Shim, the food here smells good but tastes terrible. I feel cheated."
Im Hodan's face hardened. It seemed like a slight towards the Bongmu Clan.
Im Hodan tried to hold back but responded.
—"Being famous in Dengzhou, this restaurant has good food. Maybe the problem is your palate."
Old Shim intervened, nodding.
—"Not just the food, many things appear good but are garbage inside."
Old Shim wasn't pointing at anyone in particular, just expressing his disdain for the false morality of the righteous sects.
—"Yes, it tastes like garbage. If I had to pay for this, I'd flip the table."
Although he normally ate without complaints, his resentment towards the Bongmu Clan made him rant.
Im Hodan, feeling insulted, stopped holding back.
—"Even if the leader invites us, you shouldn't be so rude. Do you consider us insignificant?"
The atmosphere tensed, and all eyes turned to Yeon Jeokha.
At that moment, Yeon Jeokha spoke.
—"It's cold, and it seems like I hear flies buzzing. Do you hear them, Old Shim?"
-
(Up to '50' more ch4pt3rs)
Publication of up to 5 weekly ch4pters, thanks.
---