Chapter 19 — The Participants
‘Sect Leader Cheon Gwang-cheon…’
Despite Kunlun’s disadvantageous position right next to the Heavenly Demon Cult’s territory, he was the towering figure who had firmly protected Kunlun as one of the pillars of the Nine Great Sects.
The one person whom everyone living under Kunlun’s roof respected without exception.
That man was now standing right before me.
Contrary to his widespread reputation for possessing both exceptional wisdom and martial prowess, his first impression up close was surprisingly ordinary.
A face with deep wrinkles around the eyes, carrying a simple, unpretentious smile.
If one only looked at his appearance, he seemed no different from any ordinary old man you might encounter on the street.
However.
The moment he stepped inside, the entire flow of air in the room changed completely.
The First Generation Elders, who had been releasing fierce auras toward each other just moments ago, simultaneously withdrew their energy as if by prior agreement.
Everyone bowed their heads, showing respect to the pinnacle of Kunlun.
Even Jin Gwang-ung, who usually seemed completely detached from etiquette, gave a light bow.
I, too, quietly lowered my head.
While the others’ gestures came from genuine respect, mine was closer to a silent condolence for a man soon to face death.
Sect Leader Cheon Gwang-cheon responded to their greetings with a warm, unassuming smile.
“Thank you for gathering like this for this old man’s small request, despite all of you being so busy.”
His gentle voice filled the entire room.
True to his reputation as one of the greatest masters of the Dao, his voice was clear and resonant, not matching his age.
“How could anyone dare refuse the Sect Leader’s summons? Anyone living under Kunlun’s sky must answer such a call.”
Explosive Sword Yu Gwang-cheol, who had remained silent until now, spoke for the first time.
His words carried deep loyalty toward the Sect Leader — fitting for a man who would willingly walk through hellfire for Kunlun’s sake.
Of course, not everyone was like him.
“Seriously, why drag a bunch of old men out so early in the morning? I already don’t get enough sleep, and now I couldn’t even catch a nap.”
As expected, it was Jin Gwang-ung.
At his grumbling, the other First Generation Elders narrowed their eyes simultaneously.
“Watch your words, Elder Gwang-ung. No matter who you are, there are still manners that must be observed.”
At Yu Gwang-cheol’s sharp response, Jin Gwang-ung shot back without hesitation.
“How rigid. Weren’t all of you curious too? Why the Great Assembly of Elders was suddenly moved forward, and why those snake-like bastards from the Orthodox Alliance came all the way to Kunlun.”
“….”
The room fell silent once again at Jin Gwang-ung’s words.
It was something everyone had been wondering about.
The one who broke the strange silence was none other than Sect Leader Cheon Gwang-cheon himself.
“Hahaha. Gwang-ung, you really haven’t changed at all. That fiery temper from your youth is still alive and well.”
The Sect Leader let out a hearty laugh and continued.
“I’ll explain what you’re all curious about soon. It’s nothing too serious, so there’s no need to be overly tense.”
“The Sect Leader’s relaxed attitude is the same as always. Just spit it out already. You’re making everyone anxious for no reason.”
“Hehehe. Thanks to that, I get to meet face-to-face with you like this. For me, that alone is enjoyable.”
“Stop with that embarrassing nonsense. People might think you and I are close or something.”
“Haha. The bond between you and me runs deep. How many times did we roll around together on the battlefield against the Heavenly Demon Cult in our younger days?”
Cheon Gwang-cheon accepted even Jin Gwang-ung’s mischievous attitude with generous warmth.
There was no pretense on his face or in his voice.
His attitude toward Jin Gwang-ung was filled with genuine sincerity.
Thanks to the Sect Leader, Jin Gwang-ung only let out a single awkward cough and refrained from making any more rude remarks.
‘Those two were that close?’
It was unexpected.
At first glance, Cheon Gwang-cheon and Jin Gwang-ung seemed like the most ill-matched pair imaginable.
One was the pillar who had led Kunlun for decades with gentleness and tolerance.
The other was Kunlun’s problem child who stirred up trouble with his wild personality whenever he felt like it.
To see two people with such completely opposite natures speaking to each other so warmly was difficult to comprehend.
Even considering their positions as Sect Leader and First Generation Elder.
‘What kind of relationship do they have?’
While I was pondering their strange bond, the conversation continued.
“Still, I was surprised. I never expected you to volunteer to participate in this Great Assembly of Elders, Gwang-ung.”
“It’s all because of you, Sect Leader.”
“Because of me? What do you mean?”
“You said that if I skipped it again this time, you’d close down the Abandoned Martial Hall completely.”
When Jin Gwang-ung replied grumpily, Cheon Gwang-cheon stroked his pure white beard and smiled.
“Hmm, I didn’t realize you cared about the Abandoned Martial Hall that much. You always seemed completely uninterested.”
“Care? Nonsense. It’s just the most comfortable place in Kunlun to slack off and enjoy life. If you closed it, knowing your personality, you definitely wouldn’t leave me alone. You’d stick me in some random position and dump a mountain of annoying tasks on me.”
“Hahaha. That just means you’re an indispensable person to Kunlun. Are you sure you don’t want to return to the Heavenly Guard?”
“No thanks! The Heavenly Guard is already doing fine under Gwang-cheol over there. Don’t even think about dragging me back in.”
“Aren’t you and Elder Gwang-cheol close friends? If this is because of what happened with your previous disciples—”
“Enough! Stop digging up useless old stories. Keep this up and I’ll quit the Great Assembly of Elders altogether.”
After his final remark, Jin Gwang-ung turned his head and firmly shut his mouth.
Even for a First Generation Elder, such behavior in front of the Sect Leader — the highest authority in the sect — was improper.
Yet Cheon Gwang-cheon showed no sign of displeasure.
Instead, a faint trace of pity could be seen in his eyes as he looked at Jin Gwang-ung.
Or was it just my imagination that Jin Gwang-ung’s expression also looked somewhat sorrowful?
Setting aside the subtle emotions flowing between the two, a stronger curiosity arose in my mind.
Specifically, about Jin Gwang-ung’s hidden past.
‘Jin Gwang-ung used to belong to the Heavenly Guard? And what about his previous disciples?’
These were all things I was hearing for the first time.
Come to think of it, very little was actually known about Jin Gwang-ung within the sect.
Kunlun’s eccentric genius with outstanding martial prowess and a bizarre personality.
That was all people knew about him.
‘I should look into Jin Gwang-ung’s background separately. After all, he is my master.’
As I made that mental note, Cheon Gwang-cheon changed the subject to ease the heavy atmosphere.
“Speaking of which, are these brilliant young stars the proxies you’ve chosen?”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
The First Generation Elders nodded in unison.
Cheon Gwang-cheon looked at them with a generous expression and spoke.
“Elder Na Gwang-do, I heard you suddenly selected a new proxy just yesterday. It seems something changed your mind?”
“….”
Unable to answer immediately, Na Gwang-do made an awkward face and glanced toward me.
I met his gaze directly without avoiding it.
Na Gwang-do let out a short sigh before replying to the Sect Leader.
“This is the first Great Assembly of Elders in a long time where all four First Generation Elders are participating. I simply wanted to be more careful in selecting my proxy.”
“Hoo, is that so? Hearing you say that makes me even more expectant.”
“Myeong-jeon, what are you doing? Come forward quickly and greet the Sect Leader.”
At Na Gwang-do’s words, the sly-looking boy Daoist hurriedly stepped forward.
“Sect Leader, it is an honor to meet you. I am Myeong-jeon, who has been appointed as First Generation Elder Na Gwang-do’s proxy for this assembly.”
“Yes, nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing your performance at the Great Assembly of Elders.”
“I will do my utmost not to disappoint you!”
Myeong-jeon answered in a polite and slick manner. True to his background in the Finance Hall, his words and actions felt cunning and quick-witted. Even while bowing his head in greeting, his eyes were constantly darting around.
‘…He looks like someone who’s good at scheming.’
While I was clicking my tongue inwardly, Iron Lion Gwang-heon from the Hall of Martial Law quietly spoke up.
“Kwon.”
The person who stepped forward at his call was Hyun-kwon, the Junior Hall Master of the Hall of Martial Law.
Hyun-kwon cupped his fist and spoke with a confident voice.
“I am Hyun-kwon, participating in this Great Assembly of Elders on behalf of my master.”
“Your eyes have become much sharper since the last time I saw you. It seems you’ve trained diligently.”
“Thank you, Sect Leader.”
Hyun-kwon bowed his head in gratitude at the Sect Leader’s kind words. However, he didn’t forget to sneak a glance in my direction.
Seeing his gaze, I inwardly let out a chuckle.
‘Haa, look at this guy. Still trying to keep me in check.’
It was clear that Hyun-kwon had already marked me as his rival. I’d have to properly step on him later.
After receiving Hyun-kwon’s greeting, Sect Leader Cheon Gwang-cheon turned toward Explosive Sword Yu Gwang-cheol.
He looked briefly at the girl standing beside Elder Yu Gwang-cheol and tilted his head.
“Hmm, this is unexpected. I didn’t think you would send your granddaughter, Seol-ah, as your proxy.”
I nodded inwardly at his words.
‘So she was Explosive Sword’s granddaughter. No wonder she acted like that.’
Now I understood why she didn’t seem intimidated at all even in front of the First Generation Elders.
‘Well, being the granddaughter of Explosive Sword would make everything easier. She probably got the proxy position without much trouble.’
Just as I was about to conclude that, Yu Gwang-cheol’s reply shattered my shallow assumption.
“I had no personal feelings involved. As you know, the proxy for the Great Assembly of Elders was selected through fair internal competition. There was no favoritism. Seol-ah simply defeated all the other candidates.”
“Hmm…”
Cheon Gwang-cheon narrowed his eyes as he observed Yu Seol-ah.
Rather than looking nervous before the Sect Leader, the girl named Seol-ah turned her head slightly and pouted.
“Are you doubting me as well, Sect Leader? As my grandfather said, I won fair and square.”
Her sharp tone clearly revealed her youthful personality.
Cheon Gwang-cheon smiled gently at her.
“Hahaha, your personality hasn’t changed at all, Seol-ah. Do your best at this Great Assembly of Elders.”
“Yes, Sect Leader. You’ll see for yourself.”
Cheon Gwang-cheon nodded.
And finally, it was my turn.
The Sect Leader slowly walked toward where Jin Gwang-ung and I were standing.
Stopping in front of me, he spoke with a meaningful expression.
“So you are the child from the rumors? The one who has shaken up the quiet Kunlun after so long.”