Chapter 166
After training for an hour, Baek Mu-Gun briefly washed up and got changed. He then headed to Namgung Hyun-Ahs residence. When Mu-Gun arrived, Hyun-Ah came out to meet him in an elegant green dress. Hyun-Ah also put makeup on and did her hair as best as she could, making her look totally different from when she was in the training hall earlier.
Her beauty momentarily mesmerized Mu-Gun. He had never seen her in much makeup or wear adornments before. She was so beautiful when dolled up that she looked like a completely different person.
Ehem. You have always been beautiful, but I cant even take my eyes off you now that you have dolled up, Mu-Gun said.
Am I really that pretty?
Yes.
I should doll up every day so my dear husband will only have eyes for me.
No matter how beautiful something or someone is, one is bound to get sick of seeing them nonstop. It is nice to see you dress up every now and then, but if you look like this every day, it might not captivate me as much. You are still extremely beautiful even if you dont dress up anyway, so you dont have to try so hard. Mu-Gun smiled.
That is true. I will only dress up from time to time so that I can catch you by surprise, then, Hyun-Ah chuckled.
Now then, lets go.
Where are we going?
I am thinking of going for a boat ride at the East Lake. Is that fine with you? Mu-Gun suggested.
Anywhere is fine as long as I am with you, dear husband, Hyun-Ah replied.
Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah left the Baek Sword Sets manor to head to the lake east of Shaoxing. Just like the West Lake in Hangzhou, the East Lake was regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Central Plains due to the picturesque sceneries it offered. Although they had been in Shaoxing for quite some time, Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah had yet to see the East Lake. Hence, they finally decided to visit it today.
After about an hour, their carriage finally reached the East Lake. Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah rode a boat at the entrance and took their time sightseeing. The East Lake used to be a quarry, but it turned into a lake when water filled it. Even though it was not that big, the unique rocks and strange stones surrounding it like a folding screen drew the admiration of many. The high-ranking officials manors and villas along the shores of the East Lake were also worth seeing.
After sightseeing, Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah visited the teahouse that was known as one of the East Lakes must-visit tourist attractions for lovers because of the view it had of the entire East Lake. Living up to its fame, the teahouse was filled with many young couples.
Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah sat at the highest floor of the teahouse, the tables of which cost several times more than the other seats. Each table on the top floor was so expensive that many were available.
Having taken a seat at a table that had a clear view of the East Lake, Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah ordered tea. While waiting for their orders to be served, the two looked across the East Lake, where the sun was setting. The red sunset between the unique stones and strange rocks of the East Lake was so beautiful that it seemed as if they were looking at a painting.
Wow! Its so pretty. Hyun-Ah could not take her eyes off the beautiful scenery.
The sunset is beautiful, but I heard that rain over the East Lake is also quite picturesque. Lets visit this place again when it rains.
Really?
Yes. Seeing such a wonderful view with my wife today makes me feel like I can forget all my worries. I want to spend quality time with you more often.
That is a relief. I was worried that I was boring you.
Not at all. When I am with you, no matter what we do or where we are, I will always have fun.
You really are quite the sweet talker. I am worried that Sister Dan will be sad if she finds out that we went on a trip without her, though.
Would you be upset if I spent time with Seol-Young alone? Mu-Gun asked.
Hmm, to be honest, I probably would be, but I would also think that such an occurrence is only natural since we cannot do everything together, Hyun-Ah admitted.
Seol-Young likely feels the same way, my dear wife. I will take Seol-Young out someday as well anyway, and I am certain that shes well aware of that, which is why she will not pay much attention to what we did today.
That is not how the heart works. Even if her mind understands, her heart could still be upset. You better comfort Sister Dan properly, dear husband.
I got it. Anyway, thank you.
What for?
It would have been very difficult for me if you two were jealous of each other and constantly bickered over every matter. Thank you for understanding and treating each other like sisters.
We both love you, so we naturally accepted each other. Moreover, sister Dan and I think alike, Hyun-Ah said.
Isnt that just cheating?
What is?
Your heart is just as beautiful as your looks. If that is not cheating, what is? Mu-Gun joked.
You really like teasing me whenever you have the chance, Hyun-Ah said shyly.
Hahaha. When Hyun-Ah glared at him, Mu-Gun could no longer stop himself from laughing.
Mu-Gun and Hyun-Ah had dinner at the East Lake before returning. As soon as they got back, Dan Seol-Young visited his residence. Mu-Gun immediately felt guilty even though he should not..
What brings you here at this hour? Mu-Gun awkwardly asked.
I bring important information, Seol-Young revealed.
What is it?
We have confirmed that the outlaw groups martial arts masters went to the Lee Household at Suzhou.
The Lee Household? Mu-Gun confirmed.
Yes. I doubt thats just a coincidence.
If so
The Lee Household is most likely connected to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
Mu-Gun and the Heavenly Secret Hall believed that the Lee Household and the Taiyun Household were under the Nine Celestial Demons Sects control. Three Absolute-Realm masters related to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect visiting the Lee Household was too much to be considered a coincidence, but Mu-Gun could only wait and observe for now since they lacked solid evidence.
The Lulin Heavenly King and the two others are probably planning to rely on the Lee Household since they are all part of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, Mu-Gun said.
I think so too, Seol-Young replied.
Hmm, do you have any information about the Lee Household?
We have been paying great attention to them, but we havent found anything useful yet. I think the Lulin Heavenly King and his peers visiting the Lee Household is enough justification to attack them, though.
You think we should attack the Lee Household, my dear wife?
Yes. If the Lee Household falls, the Loyal Heart Alliance would be able to set the foundation for occupying the southern part of Jiangsu Province, from Suzhou to Nanjing. Letting them stay so close to us is also detrimental to our defenses, considering they are suspected of being one of the forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
I understand what you mean. For now, please closely monitor the situation at the Lee Household. Now that the Lulin Heavenly King and his peers are in their care, the Nine Celestial Demons Sect could make a move.
Understood. Then, please rest up. Seol-Young tried to get up and leave as soon as she was done talking.
Youre leaving already?
I just think you would be tired from your outing with Sister Namgung, Seol-Young said.
Hahaha, are you upset that we went without you? Mu-Gun asked.
No, how could I live with you if I was jealous of something like that? Just as how you sometimes spend time alone with Sister Namgung, you also spend time alone with me.
Do you really think so?
Yes. I am fine. I know you love me as much as you love Sister Namgung.
Thank you for understanding. I will make time for you soon, my dear wife.
No. You dont have to do that out of obligation. That would be uncomfortable for me too. Dont be pressured and just do what your heart tells you, Seol-Young firmly said.
Okay. Speaking of which, why dont you sleep here tonight?
Huh?
Didnt you just tell me to do what my heart tells me to? I want to spend the night with you.
Dumfounded, Seol-Young could only laugh.
The next day, Mu-Gun immediately visited Baek Cheon-Sang and informed him that three outlaw groups Absolute-Realm masters were at the Lee Household in Suzhou.
The Lee Household is probably also related to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, Cheon-Sang said.
I think so as well, Mu-Gun replied.
We cant leave them be, then.
The Loyal Heart Alliance should consider attacking the Lee Household.
You want to attack them with the Loyal Heart Alliance?
This is a good opportunity to solidify the Loyal Heart Alliances presence in murim. It can serve as a good experience for the alliances martial artists as well, Mu-Gun explained.
I see. Lets convene a Council meeting right away to discuss this.
Understood.
After listening to Mu-Guns report, Cheon-Sang immediately called for a Council meeting. That same afternoon, the Council meeting was held. Having heard Mu-Guns report from Cheon-Sang, the delegates concluded that the Lee Household was connected to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and agreed to attack the Lee Household in the name of the Loyal Heart Alliance.
How do you plan to prepare our forces, though? Justice Martial Sect Patriarch Jeong Won-Hyo asked.
Shouldnt we first determine the size of the Lee Households army?
According to our intel, the Lee Household has about four hundred martial artists. They also have one Absolute-Realm master, three Upper-Peak-Realm masters, and about twenty Peak-Realm masters, Cheon-Sang revealed what he heard from the Heavenly Secret Hall.
If we count the three outlaws who joined forces with the Lee Household, they would have four Absolute-Realm masters, Won-Hyo said.
We should not forget that the Nine Celestial Demons Sect can send martial arts masters as well, Flying Lance Sect Patriarch Jo Jin-Myeong added.
We should assume that they have at least five Absolute-Realm masters, then.
That means we have to send at least six Absolute-Realm masters. Is that possible? Wind Saber Sect Patriarch Tae Gong-Pyo asked Cheon-Sang.
All of the Loyal Heart Alliances eight Absolute-Realm masters were under the Baek Sword Sect. The three Sword Immortals were also with them as guests. If they also counted the three wanderers who recently reached the Absolute Realm, they would have fourteen total Absolute-Realm masters. The Baek Sword Sect also had five people who could still be considered Absolute-Realm masters despite being half-baked.
They did not even have to worry about who to send.
You dont have to worry about that. Our sect will prepare and mobilize our Absolute-Realm masters, Cheon-Sang said.
I dont know if it would be wise to mobilize the core forces of the Loyal Heart Alliance. Wouldnt it be a big problem if the Nine Celestial Demons Sect attacks us while the majority of our forces are away? Jiuhua Sect Patriarch Lee Geom-Hwan commented.
It has already been over two months since murim learned that our sects Young Patriarch is the Thunder Gods successor. If the Nine Celestial Demons Sect wanted to attack, they would have done so long ago. The fact that they still havent shows that they do not intend to attack any time soon. They could certainly be waiting for an opportunity, but we should not be so worried about them that we hold ourselves back.
The Alliance Leader is right. The greatest defense has always been a good offense. Even if the Nine Celestial Demons Sect wants to attack the Loyal Heart Alliance, they would be forced to focus on the Lee Household first if we put the latter in danger, Kang Household Patriarch Kang Won-Hee added, supporting Cheon-Sang.
I will trust and follow the Alliance Leader's decision, Geom-Hwan said.
All thats left to discuss is who to send with the Absolute-Realm masters, then, Gong-Pyo said.
Why dont we deploy half of each sects members that are gathered at the headquarters?
Half of the delegates should join as well.
Half of us?
Considering the Baek Sword Sect is mobilizing a large number of their Absolute-Realm masters, shouldnt we at least take that much responsibility? It will also minimize the damage to the Loyal Heart Alliance.
I agree. How will we pick who to deploy, though?
Why dont we draw lots?
Lets do that.
The delegates quickly drew lots. According to the results, Wind Saber Sects Tae Gong-Pyo, Byeok Sword Manors Byeok Cheol-Seong, Flying Lance Sects Jo Jin-Myeong, Iron Palm Sects Dam Hwa-Seong, Mei Households Mei Jung-Hak, and Sea Palace Sects Nam Go-San would be the ones joining the battle.
With the meeting adjourned, the Loyal Heart Alliance quickly prepared their forces. To that end, Mu-Gun and Cheon-Sang discussed which Absolute-Realm masters to send against the Lee Household. Not long after, they decided to deploy Mu-Gun, Daybreak Swordmaster Geom Woo-Saeng, Tempest Saber Yang Cheol-Gon, Thunderous Wind Palm Han Baek, and the seven wanderers.
With all preparations finished, the Loyal Heart Alliance went to war.
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