"But now, that's all over... If I drink with those guys again, I'll be a beast, not a man."
When he said "those guys," did he mean Elder Jiulun and others?
What kind of gathering could it be that involves such a prominent figure?
Thanks to this, my ideal image of a Taoist, which I had for Plum Blossom Immortal, was shattered in less than a moment.
Almost to the level of Shin Noya.
[Why is my story suddenly brought up here!]
'Look at what you've done. Do you feel any respect?'
[Shame... I'm not the type to be treated like this.]
Well, you're a ghost, so you're not that type.
Plum Blossom Immortal, feeling suffocated, kept sighing deeply and then said to me,
"So, where is the demon?"
After a long conversation, Plum Blossom Immortal finally asked about the demon.
"I have the demon with me."
"...Good. Then."
"But I can't give it to you yet."
"Um...?"
At my refusal, Plum Blossom Immortal seemed surprised.
I straightened my posture.
"The family clearly said to hand over the demon directly to the leader of Huashan."
"Yes, the leader of Huashan is right in front of you."
"But what if it's not you?"
At my unwavering answer, Plum Blossom Immortal had a blank expression for a moment, then let out a "Huh!" and laughed loudly.
"Do I look like a fake?"
"No. I'm still far from being a worthy successor, but I'm confident that you are the great master Plum Blossom Immortal."
The plum fragrance that permeated the air, the energy that moved within my body, and the sublime aura that I couldn't fully grasp even when looking at you—these all confirmed that you are Plum Blossom Immortal.
He asked,
"Then?"
"But I think it needs to be confirmed clearly. I, Ouyang Chuan of the Shanxi Gu family, have come to deliver the demon to the Huashan Sect on behalf of my family."
As I spoke, my throat felt dry.
What a creepy thing to do first thing in the morning.
It was really terrible.
[Why don't you just give it to him?]
'Don't say things you don't mean. The game was already set from the start...'
[You're only quick to notice things at times like this... I thought you had buried your other senses in a toilet.]
Who would have thought someone would show up like this in the morning?
Plum Blossom Immortal didn't interrupt my words and just looked at me.
As if he was waiting to hear me out.
"In such a situation, I can't hand over the demon here, not in Huashan."
"Firm... But there's one thing lacking in your words."
I wanted to ask what it was, but I couldn't bring myself to speak.
The pressure on my shoulders made my body tremble.
The thick energy emitted from Plum Blossom Immortal's small body instantly filled the room.
"Do you think I don't know that I could take it by force without listening to your words?"
I endured the pressure and circulated the Nine Yang Wheel Technique.
Honestly, it was half-forced, but I had no choice if I wanted to breathe.
I could vaguely tell that this was all part of Plum Blossom Immortal's plan.
As evidence,
First, the talkative Shin Noya was unusually quiet.
Second,
'I can circulate the technique, can't I?'
Plum Blossom Immortal gave me a tiny opening, as if to see what I could do.
I don't know why such an obvious setup was made, but what could I do? If he wanted to, I had to comply.
In this wretched world, you have to do what you can if you're weak.
As the energy slowly circulated in my body, the pressure on my shoulders eased.
"...Oh..."
A short exclamation escaped Plum Blossom Immortal's lips.
In the barely held situation, my voice came out weakly.
"...I don't think you would do that."
"Why not?"
Guh!
Just as I was holding on, an even heavier energy pressed down on me.
What a ridiculous situation, asking a question and not letting me answer.
"Grgh..."
I groaned and intensified the energy circulation.
I thought it would be better this way.
[Don't overdo it. You might lose control again.]
'I know...!'
A red mist rose from my shoulders.
I compressed the energy without emitting flames.
Thanks to this, the situation became much more manageable, and I could speak more clearly.
"As I said, I'm confident that you are the leader of Huashan."
Plum Blossom Immortal's eyes sparkled.
"Even if I take it by force because I don't like your actions, what would you do?"
"If that happens, there's nothing I can do. I won't die, so I can explain the situation when I return."
"Hehe... You don't think much about the aftermath. You're just like Jiulun."
What...?
'The worst thing I've heard this year...'
But I couldn't show my displeasure and forced a smile.
[...What's that strange expression?]
'...'
The energy that filled the room disappeared in an instant.
"Is someone outside?"
The person who entered at Plum Blossom Immortal's call was Shin Xian, who had returned to the sect last night.
"Yes, leader."
He just called out like that?
...Does he know this is my room?
"When the guests from the Gu family are ready, tell the elders they will come up slowly."
"Understood."
Shin Xian left, and Plum Blossom Immortal, noticing my slight fatigue, said,
"In the past, Jiulun told me about you."
"You mean Elder Jiulun?"
"Yes, he said you caused a lot of trouble and gave him a headache."
"...Ha ha."
How far did that old man spread my bad reputation...?
"Recently, he's been boasting about you, even writing letters he rarely used."
"...About me?"
"Yes, he was so proud that it was embarrassing."
"...Hmm."
Plum Blossom Immortal chuckled.
"I'm sorry for showing you a harsh side so early in the morning."
At his words, I cleared my throat and composed my voice.
"...I don't know the reason, but I believe you had a purpose."
[Your words are like honey-coated lips, so smooth and oily...]
I had to say something; the person in front of me could easily erase a mountain if he wanted to.
"Jiulun, that guy, didn't listen to my pleas for years to give me the demon. Do you know what he bet on to give it to you?"
"I don't know."
"He asked me to teach you."
"...What?"
A surprising statement.
Elder Jiulun said that? I thought he just gave it to me because he was too lazy to come.
...The fact that he kept the demon for years after winning it in a drinking bet was even more terrifying.
Plum Blossom Immortal, seemingly unaware of my thoughts, continued with a smile.
"...I don't think it's necessary, though."
"No, how could I...?"
"Child, excessive modesty is a poison. I was confident that the most talented in this era would be the Sword Dragon of Huashan, but seeing you has changed my mind."
I had no words to respond.
It was a new feeling, something I had never heard in my past life.
But it also made me feel guilty, knowing I could only hear it after reincarnating.
'What should I do now...?'
I was almost giving up.
Maybe I should just boldly accept it.
"Then, what should we do?"
"...What?"
"No matter how I look at it, you don't seem to need my teachings... and you're not quite ready for my elixir."
"No, the elixir would be enough... I think."
"Ah! That's it, that's the way to do it."
"Really?"
"Let's talk about it in detail when you come up later."
What is this guy...!
Why is he just leaving after saying that...?
"Yes... I'll see you later."
[You couldn't even argue with him.]
'...Cough.'
"Yes, come find me when you come up. We have a lot to talk about, like the promised reward."
As he said this, Plum Blossom Immortal pointed at my dantian.
"About the energy you have inside."
"...!"
I couldn't help but tremble at his words.
Did he notice?
"...Understood."
"Good, have breakfast. You can't be used if you're hungry."
With that, Plum Blossom Immortal swiftly left through the window...
Why did he leave through the window when there was a door?
[...The end of the world... The end of the world.]
'...'
...I couldn't help but agree with Shin Noya this time.
******************
After a storm, I came out with a dazed face.
Wuyan was waiting with a frozen expression.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing... sir."
He looked like he had seen a ghost.
I ignored Wuyan and looked around for Weixueya, who should have come to knock on the door earlier.
"Where is he?"
"Sir... the attendant?"
"Yes, why are you so frozen?"
"...I shook hands with Master Plum Blossom Immortal."
"...What?"
"I have no regrets now, even if I die."
"...Oh, I see."
I shook my head at Weixueya's dazed state.
I wondered what his face would look like if he knew that the Sword Sage, the idol of all swordsmen, had eaten and chatted with me.
"Where did he go?"
"I heard he went somewhere early in the morning with No Ya."
"With No Ya?"
Went somewhere with the Sword Sage? To Shanxi?
'What's going on?'
Wuyan handed me something.
"This is a document with the family head's permission, given by No Ya."
The Gu family's seal was on the front, so it must be genuine.
Besides, the Sword Sage wouldn't lie about something like this.
'With the Sword Sage, it should be fine.'
As I was about to go have breakfast, a nearby door opened, and someone walked out.
It was Nangong Bia, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"...Ah."
Nangong Bia noticed me and waved slightly.
Is that a morning greeting...?
He had a completely peaceful expression, as if nothing had happened this morning.
I looked at him skeptically and asked,
"Do you want to have breakfast?"
Nangong Bia nodded slightly in response to my question.