NOVEL NEXT Chapter 35
35th Episode: Confession and Punishment
“······.”
Upon hearing my confession, Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom wiggled her fingers with a blank expression.
What’s up with that? Why is she acting like that?
My confession was 100% sincere. Even a lie detector would’ve confirmed that with the accuracy of Yeomwang’s eye technique, Chalsiman.
I could easily tell that with both Yeomwang and Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom.
“Could it be that you still think I’m lying? Senior lady?”
“······.”
Still silent was Jeoksawol.
I decided to confess my feelings until she was convinced.
This was the so-called “operation to confess and punish.”
“Your eyes resemble a lake, your ebony hair, your graceful form; they are all beautiful. How could I not admire the lovely Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom, who embodies the beauty of closing the moon and shaming the flowers? If you doubt my words, trust my body. A man’s body naturally reacts in front of a woman he truly likes, so my lower half is…”
“······C-Could you please shut up?!!”
Just then, while I continued praising Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom.
She cut me off with a scream.
Under the white moonlight, Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s face was already as red as a ripe tomato.
“Do you still think I’m lying? According to the rumors of the martial world, Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom possesses the insight to discern truth from lies and can detect deceptions like a ghost. I heard that she castrated men who falsely praised her beauty. What do you think of my words?”
As I looked squarely at her flushed face, which seemed distorted, I asked.
Twitch.
My lower half remained standing tall toward the sky.
I was confident.
There was not a speck of lie in my words.
As I met her gaze with determination, she quickly turned her head away.
*
Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom.
No, as Sado Ryeonju, Yeomwang Jeoksawol was experiencing the most embarrassing moment of her 60-year life.
‘What the heck…? How disgraceful?!’
Sayeong Hoe.
A third-rate faction equivalent to Heukryongbang’s Gansu branch. The mission assigned to her as Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom was to monitor the Sayeong Hoe, establish contact networks with the Heukryongbang, and to support the Sayeong Hoe as an agent of Heukryongbang when the need arose.
Of course, that was merely nominal, as the actual task of monitoring the Sayeong Hoe was a low-priority assignment.
The Gongdong Sect already had a significant decline in influence, almost to the point of extinction. Thus, if she dealt with the Gongdong Inn, this job would be complete.
And the Gongdong Inn was already being cornered by the Sayeong Hoe. There was almost nothing for her to do. The black rogues of the Sayeong Hoe were intimidated by her presence from Heukryongbang, hardly daring to speak. Hence, she was rather bored.
That’s why, when she learned that one disciple of the Gongdong Sect had turned three black rogues into eunuchs and that the Gongdong Sect had sent a martial arts competition document to Heukryongbang, she felt the urge to climb up to the Gongdong Sect Main Base to personally test him.
She thought it could serve as an entertaining break from her dull assignment.
‘The conditions written in the martial arts competition document… At first glance, it seems like a disadvantage for the Gongdong Sect, but in reality…’
As the head of Hao Mun, one of the two major intelligence factions in the Central Plains, Jeoksawol was well aware of information related to the Gongdong Sect.
Demon Subduing Swordsman Jeonyeong was a figure overlooked by the public. However, contrary to popular belief, he was a talented individual who reached the pinnacle with only basic skills and the Reverse Blood Great Method.
Had the Gongdong Sect still retained its seasonal rituals, Jeonyeong would have easily aspired to be a top-tier master.
No one had confirmed the actual martial arts proficiency of Yujinhwi, whom he had taken as a disciple. However, rumors spread widely in Hwajeong County that Yujinhwi was a once-in-a-century genius.
Of course, she used to dismiss rumors about Yujinhwi’s abilities, but when she saw the martial arts competition document yesterday, Jeoksawol changed her mind.
The fact that anyone could see the Gongdong Sect’s supposed disadvantage indicated there was a chance of victory.
Reasonably considering that, Jeonyeong, the sect leader of the Gongdong Sect, must have believed in his disciple Yujinhwi and took the gamble.
‘So, I came to Gongdong Mountain to verify…’
No matter how much she disguised her identity while traveling, Jeoksawol was still Sado Ryeonju, a leading figure in the unorthodox faction.
In this case, she had to side with the unorthodox. Of course, Yujinhwi might not be as talented as rumored. But what if, by any chance, Heukryongbang loses in the post-stimulation indicator martial arts contest against the Gongdong Sect?
Then this contest would mistakenly become a celebration of the Gongdong Sect’s revival. The Heukryongbang, positioned as one of the Eight Palaces of Sado, would become a sacrificial lamb for the Gongdong Sect’s resurgence, and their prestige would plummet.
Consequently, her reputation as the leader of Sado Ryeon would also suffer.
From an orthodox perspective, it would be akin to Gudaimun Sect being defeated by a minor unorthodox faction.
Such a thing could never happen.
Therefore, she took it upon herself to come to Gongdong Mountain to learn about Yujinhwi’s capabilities as a precaution.
Upon arriving at the Gongdong Sect, she ran into Lee Cheol-soo, and recognizing his identity, she performed a habitual test.
After all, she believed no man would pass her examination. Jeoksawol thought this way confidently, so she didn’t feel cheated.
Generally, men are driven by mere appearances, after all. This applied to both the proud young aristocrats of the orthodox sect as well as the rogues she governed.
Well, that was until Lee Cheol-soo passed the test.
“······.”
Lee Cheol-soo.
A disciple of the Gongdong Sect, a student of Yujinhwi, and the individual who turned three black rogues from Sayeong Hoe into eunuchs with a single strike.
His skills weren’t ordinary. But that alone didn’t seem to make him a particularly remarkable candidate, in Jeoksawol’s view.
That was before he passed the test.
‘Truthful? I can’t believe it…’
Employing Chalsiman to read the opponent’s heartbeat, facial expressions, tremors, eye movements, breathing, and sweat countless times still yielded the same results.
Lee Cheol-soo.
What he said upon looking at Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s face was indeed sincere.
Moreover, the unspeakable lustful remarks he made towards her were also all genuine.
‘This can’t be happening…’
She was engulfed in confusion.
The Most Beautiful in the World.
Having been referred to as that for over 40 years, Jeoksawol understood the power of beauty all too well.
Men desired her beauty yet always tried to present themselves well outwardly.
Since her youth, numerous men had pursued her like clouds. Naturally, the desire of the public for her captivating beauty had put her in danger countless times.
Women envied her beauty yet admired it, while men praised her beauty yet longed to possess it.
A powerless beauty in the Central Plains was dangerous. She could get caught up in a man’s lust or a woman’s schemes, leading her to death or worse.
That’s why she learned martial arts, ascended to become the leader of Hao Mun, and eventually the leader of Sado Ryeon, obtaining power through it.
She also learned how to wield her beauty.
Disguising herself as Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom and parading beauty was part of it.
Jeoksawol’s face flushed with shame.
Since reaching Hyeongyeong’s Mastery, had she ever encountered such overtly lascivious remarks?
No, had she ever been confessed to in such a heartfelt manner while in the guise of Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom?
Neither, definitely.
“······.”
Jeoksawol’s hands trembled.
Internally, Jeoksawol longed for someone who would see her for who she truly was, someone acknowledging her inner self.
If there was a man who appreciated her scarred face, he might be a decent man.
Jeoksawol thought that.
However, no man had ever truly called Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom beautiful. Jeoksawol had to reaffirm her belief that men only cared about appearances numerous times.
Yet, she had secretly wished to meet someone who would appreciate Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s beauty.
The absence of such a person made her yearn even more deeply.
‘This isn’t what I wanted!’
Right now, she met such a man. Lee Cheol-soo had genuinely called her beautiful.
But the mood was all wrong. The test she envisioned was more romantic and thrilling.
She had imagined a handsome gentleman caressing her scarred face, murmuring, “Your beauty is unparalleled to me. Don’t worry about what others say.”
She never once envisioned a confession filled with vulgarities while displaying his lower half.
She detested such a confession.
Jeoksawol’s reason fought against this notion, yet her heart continued beating faster.
After all, even if it was vulgar, his confession was sincere.
The expression may be off, but he truly saw her inner self and deemed her beautiful.
He was unlike other men. Vulgarities? Jeoksawol understood through her 60 years of life that men’s desires are basically the same. In her view, it was merely a difference in how sweetly they wrapped it, but fundamentally, every man dreamed of indulging in a beautiful woman.
Perhaps it would be better if they openly displayed their desires rather than masking their true intentions with sweet words while scheming behind her back…
Additionally, there was nothing incorrect in Lee Cheol-soo’s words. A man’s lower half reacts only to alluring women. And Lee Cheol-soo’s lower half was standing tall, responding to Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom.
With such thoughts swirling in her mind, Jeoksawol shook her head.
No matter how much, this was unacceptable. How could someone brazenly present their lower half like that…
Countless thoughts rushed past Jeoksawol’s mind.
Amid the chaos, she finally opened her mouth.
“If, if I am beautiful, then why do you spew such dreadful, vulgar remarks at me?!”
“Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom despises lies, I’ve heard. So I merely confessed my true feelings to you. If you think it’s vulgar, that’s upsetting. A man has true feelings for a woman he cherishes. What other flowery words would be needed? It’s only natural for a loving couple to enjoy cloud and rain together, just as water flows from high to low. There’s no need to be embarrassed about it.”
Hearing Lee Cheol-soo’s words, Jeoksawol’s heart nearly exploded.
Her face turned crimson.
She bit her lip. How infuriatingly shameless he was! The problem was that all his words were genuine.
Thump, thump, thump.
Despite her grotesque appearance, there he was— a man who desired only her.
The reality made Jeoksawol’s heart spin even more.
As the leader of Hao Mun, she had met all sorts of people, from lowly rogues to prominent aristocrats of noble clans.
She had confidence that she wouldn’t be thrown off by anyone she met.
But without a doubt, someone like Lee Cheol-soo had never appeared in her 60 years of life.
That was why it confused her all the more.
“Do you still see me as lying?”
“······N-No! Just please shut that mouth!”
Jeoksawol yelled at Lee Cheol-soo.
Hearing more from him might just drive her mad.
“Just tell me, I’ve passed, so say your wish…”
While avoiding his gaze, Jeoksawol stammered.
A reward for the man who passed Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom’s test. It was the wish that Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom would grant.
Wish.
As she uttered that word, Jeoksawol felt her heartbeat race even faster.
‘W-What if he asks for us to be together…?’
Her purity, protected for 60 years, could not be lost to a boy more than 40 years younger than her now…
Images unfolded in her mind.
On a plush silk blanket, Lee Cheol-soo kissing the lips of the scarred Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom. Following that, slowly peeling away, revealing pure white bodies beneath the moonlight.
Jeoksawol shook her head.
This shouldn’t be happening.
How could she lose the purity she had maintained like this?
Should she refuse, even if it meant revealing her identity?
But then again, she wasn’t entirely averse to being seduced by a handsome boy more than 40 years younger than her…
As those grotesque images continued to swirl in her mind, suddenly—
“Good. My wish is… to discuss the way of yin and yang with Hwa Myeon-ho-gyeom tonight under the bright moon in the same bed…”
Lee Cheol-soo’s wish rang in her ears.
Upon hearing his words, Jeoksawol’s heart thumped wildly.
The wish she had anticipated was now in her ears.
Should she refuse? What should she do?
Being a master at Hyeongyeong’s level, she could handle countless thoughts within a fleeting moment. Therefore, as Lee Cheol-soo spoke, numerous scenarios and outcomes raced through her mind.
Thump, thump.
Her face and neck turned into a furnace as her mind filled with thoughts.
“······While I truly desire to, as a disciple of the upright Gongdong Sect, I cannot prioritize personal desires over the faction’s greater good. Therefore, I shall use my wish for you to appropriately transmit our martial arts document to the Heukryong Clan Leader, ensuring that the post-stimulation indicator contest is successfully held.”
Upon hearing Lee Cheol-soo’s subsequent words, her face turned pale.
Her racing heart, as well as her flushed cheeks, turned cold.
An inexplicable sense of disappointment surged within her.
Tremble.
Jeoksawol clenched her fists tightly.
“You little brat!”
Soon after, her sharp voice echoed throughout Gongdong Mountain.