Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 408

Tales of the Spirit Blade – Part 2, Episode 117

Cheonbeom had observed that most Spirit Ascendants were arrogant.

Perhaps it varied from individual to individual, but a common trait seemed to be that they were easily flushed.

What could be the reason for this?

‘Law Blood.’

It was proof of their inherent nature.

Because of Law Blood, a simple, easily excitable way of thinking was prominent.

One might say they were individuals with whom it was impossible to reason, but Cheonbeom thought he could take full advantage of that.

Even if Law Blood caused the blood to rush to their heads, they were fundamentally beings with thousands of years of experience.

Just now, they hesitated for a moment, having come to represent the Water Realm.

At least, it was a hopeful sign.

“How can we believe those words?”

“I didn’t say believe. I asked if you could handle it.”

“Are you daring to threaten Elder Ak Gokjong! Even if you are an emissary of the Water Realm, do you think we will tolerate such rudeness!”

“Then how can I make you believe? We have just met, and no matter what evidence I present, the Elders will doubt my identity and even my relationship with the Water Realm. Isn’t that how doubt works? Once it starts, it spreads uncontrollably like a plague.”

A plague.

Yes, a plague.

They are infected with a plague.

Then, to quell it, a potent remedy is needed.

What would be a potent remedy for them?

“A plague, an interesting expression. Then, to quell our plague, what prescription will you, who claims to be an emissary of the Water Realm, offer us?”

“Elder Cheol! There’s no need to listen to the words of a mere Upper Immortal! We don’t even know if that guy is truly an emissary of the Water Realm, and if the Fragrant Immortal beside him is related to the Water Realm as a Loyal Immortal, it can only be a bad connection!”

Then, next to him, Tamlang subtly winked at Beom.

-I’m trusting in the little prey.

-Please shut your mouth.

-That’s why I’m shutting up and communicating telepathically.

Cheonbeom’s brow furrowed.

Annoyingly, it wasn’t wrong.

That’s why anger surged.

‘Be patient.’

Blessings come to those who are patient.

“Although this person’s origin is as a Loyal Immortal, he is now a Water Immortal affiliated with the Water Realm. He is a member of the emissary group who came here to Profound Martial Star from the Water Realm with me to assist me.”

“How can we believe that…”

Elder Ak Gokjong, who was about to say ‘believe,’ was reminded of Cheonbeom’s earlier words about it being like a plague.

“To cure a plague, the environment is often more important than medicine. First, shall we move locations? As far as I know, this place is a hidden venue operated by Ak Gokjong, and I doubt you want to ruin such a well-made venue.”

Saying that, Cheonbeom handed them the Gongjeong Bracelet he was holding.

“What is this?”

“These are the auction items from Ak Gokjang [likely a business or organization]. Someone was trying to steal them, so I stopped them and took them back.”

The Elders, startled, looked into the Gongjeong Bracelet and saw that it was as Beom had said.

Ak Gokjang was a business that accounted for most of Ak Gokjong’s income.

They were furious that the hidden venue had been damaged because of it, but now that they were handed the Gongjeong Bracelet containing all the auction items, they could only feel relieved.

Seeing the Elders inwardly relieved, the corners of Cheonbeom’s lips turned up.

“We don’t want to be enemies with Ak Gokjong. Our emissary group currently has the important task of choosing between the factions of the Human Immortals and the Spirit Ascendants. Although my aide made a mistake, I believe that this incident can be a link that strengthens our relationship.”

At Beom’s words, the Ak Gokjong Elders closed their mouths and pondered.

“The Water Immortal that person killed was the youngest son of the Ak Gokjong Sect Leader. You may not know well, coming from the Water Realm, but the meaning of a child to a Spirit Ascendant is quite different.”

Come to think of it, he had vaguely heard that it was difficult for Spirit Ascendants to have children.

No matter how deep the affection, the characteristics of the Spirit Ascendant’s bloodline could not be erased, and if they had conflicting blood, it was difficult to have children, so they would check if their blood mixed well before marriage.

And even then, it took a lot of effort and time to have a child, so their maternal and paternal love was extraordinary.

“So, wouldn’t they remember that grace and keep the name of Ak Gokjong in their hearts?”

The name of Ak Gokjong.

That’s what Cheonbeom was trying to say.

If he, as an emissary group from the Water Realm, felt indebted to the name of Ak Gokjong, the benefits to be gained from that would be immense.

“Before coming here, we stayed in a place called Juhae Star. However, due to a slight misunderstanding, they attacked us, and we fled to this Profound Martial Star, enduring many sacrifices.”

It was because of Cheonnyeo, but that didn’t matter now.

There was no choice but to smooth over this situation. Right now, it would simply be tied to a grudge with Tamlang, but it was only a matter of time before the sparks flew to the emissary group.

So, he had to finish it now.

“Such a thing…”

“Our emissary group was about to cut ties with the Spirit Ascendants and head to the Human Immortals. We showed goodwill, but it came back as a dagger, so it was only right to do what we had to do.”

However.

“If you show generosity in this matter, I believe that our framework of thinking about Ak Gokjong, and even the entire Spirit Ascendant faction, will change.”

Cheonbeom gave them a choice.

Would they follow the same path as Juhae Star, or would they be different and build a friendly relationship to draw a bigger picture?

Even if their temperament was aggressive due to Law Blood, they would know if they had a brain.

Improving relations with the Water Realm.

Using that as an excuse to connect with the Seon Palace [likely a powerful organization or location], which was the central axis of the Spirit Ascendants, would be an unparalleled opportunity to accumulate more wealth and fame!

“Ahem…”

They would hesitate.

He had made it so they had no choice but to hesitate.

And they would choose.

“First… how about we move locations?”

The emissary representative.

At the subdued voice of the Ak Gokjong Elder, the corner of Cheonbeom’s lips twitched.

“Yes, let’s do that.”

* * *

Deep in the night, at dawn.

The sound of insects chirping was gladly heard, and the sky was draped in the dawn dew.

The voice of a man grumbling as he headed towards the inn could be heard.

“Little prey. I trusted you.”

“Tamlang, if it weren’t for the cultivation you’ve built up, I would have long ago confined you and sealed you in some cave.”

It was Cheonbeom, holding a folding fan and dressed as a neat scholar, and Tamlang, with the rugged appearance of a bandit.

“Little prey, the years I’ve spent with you have been quite long. During that time, I’ve come to understand the word and meaning of ‘friend.’ You’re no different from my prey, but you’re also a friend.”

Tamlang said that as if he was sincerely moved.

However, Beom’s expression was as if he had eaten dung, distorting his face.

It didn’t seem to register at all.

“Do you know how much damage you’ve caused me?”

“Are you talking about the promise to stay here for a while? If that’s the case, it doesn’t matter. My senses tell me that Profound Martial Star is a very good place. If I stay here, I’ll gain a lot.”

Tamlang subtly avoided Cheonbeom’s eyes. Originally, he was going to repair Gyewolseon [likely a ship or vehicle] and immediately move on to the Human Realm, but that plan was ruined thanks to Tamlang.

Ak Gokjong decided to overlook this incident. Instead, Cheonbeom and his group were forced to stay on Profound Martial Star and interact here.

It was a natural thing.

They had covered up the crime, and if they ran away, it would be a disaster for Ak Gokjong.

“It doesn’t really matter, does it? Little prey. I trust you. If it’s you, you’ll use your rat-like cunning to gain profit.”

Why a rat of all things.

He didn’t know if it was sarcasm or praise.

“Tamlang, are you talking about a fox?”

“Ah, was it a fox? Then what’s a rat?”

“Never mind. That’s not the important thing.”

“Yes, the important thing is not that. The important thing is that I lived.”

Cheonbeom’s eyes glared at Tamlang.

Tamlang glanced away and stared blankly at the sky.

“There are so many stars.”

The sky was very clear.

Krrrr.

But in an instant, dark clouds gathered and covered all the stars.

It was Cheonbeom’s doing.

“The sky is full of dark clouds, it’s just like my heart, so pitiful.”

“Haha, if I do this, will that pitiful heart be a little relieved!”

Tamlang shook his arm and swung it towards the sky, sending a gust of wind that scattered the dark clouds.

“How is it now?”

“Seeing the dark clouds scattered, it looks just like my heart torn to shreds, so I don’t feel good.”

“…What do you want me to do?”

“How about sticking your nose in a dish of water?”

If he was lucky, he might die.

“Why stick my nose in a dish of water? Do the Water Immortals of the Water Realm have such a hobby?”

Tamlang didn’t seem to understand.

Beom sighed and left it at that.

“Ah, Chief! Oh, Tamlang! You’re back. I’ve been waiting!”

Baek Geonbun, who was drinking alone, welcomed the two as they entered the inn.

Tamlang looked at Baek Geonbun with cold eyes and subtly said to Beom.

“I trusted you. And you repaid my trust. So, I will help you someday as a reward for this reward. But not that guy.”

Tamlang clicked his tongue as he looked at Baek Geonbun.

“What happened?”

“When the Ak Gokjong Elders rushed in, he ran away to save himself. I, Tamlang, am greatly disappointed in White Prey!”

Then what did he expect from prey?

“I’m not the Chief. Tamlang. If I had interfered, I would have died in an instant. And I believed.”

“…That I would win?”

“No, I firmly believed that the Chief would somehow take care of it!”

Tamlang punched Baek Geonbun in the face as he spoke with a bright smile.

Thwack!

“Gack!”

“What is this feeling? Very… infuriating.”

“It’s probably the feeling of being unlucky.”

“Unlucky? I’m not unlucky.”

How could he explain it so he would understand for sure?

“Hmm… doesn’t it feel like you’ll become unlucky if you look at Baek Geonbun?”

Then he exclaimed lightly as if he had realized.

“That’s right. He’s not talking to me, he’s cursing that guy. Haha, I understand. Unlucky. You’re an unlucky, dimwitted prey!”

“It’s Baek Geonbun…”

“Shut up, unlucky prey!”

Cheonbeom couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched the two bickering.

And he took a seat in an empty spot in the inn.

“Chief, would you like a drink?”

“If you prepare it, I’ll gratefully accept it.”

“Unlucky prey. Set up mine too.”

Baek Geonbun glared at Tamlang as if he was displeased and took out several bottles of alcohol from his chest and lined them up.

“Honestly, isn’t it not my fault? Tamlang suddenly stole his alcohol and ate it, so he got angry and this happened.”

As he grumbled while pouring alcohol into a glass, Tamlang retorted.

“Little prey. I heard that there is something called infused liquor in the art of brewing.”

“That’s right.”

“If you soak an unlucky prey in alcohol and drink it, do you know what it will taste like?”

“Well, it probably won’t be inedible. If you look at ancient books, it’s even written that making alcohol with immortals is good for restoring vitality.”

“Hoo, that’s right.”

Soon, Tamlang gazed intently at Baek Geonbun.

“Don’t scare me…”

“If I soak you in alcohol and eat you for the rest of my life, we’ll be together for a lifetime.”

Goosebumps rose all over Baek Geonbun’s body.

“Chief. Please do something!”

“Tamlang.”

Cheonbeom put down his glass and looked at Tamlang.

Then Tamlang flinched and began to read his face.

Baek Geonbun’s momentum increased.

“I also have my own views on infused liquor. If you’re going to make it, please discuss it with me.”

“That’s the most welcome sound I’ve heard.”

Baek Geonbun, startled, didn’t know if the Chief was teasing him or threatening him, and went up the stairs of the inn.

Tamlang and Cheonbeom laughed heartily, clinked glasses, and quenched their thirst.

“He’s an interesting friend.”

“It’s not boring. He’s usually useless, but I’m still learning a lot from that prey.”

His face had changed a lot.

Cheonbeom thought so.

When he first saw him, he saw a lack of emotion in him, but not now.

Various emotions were visible on his face.

He didn’t know what impact that would have on him as a result.

But Beom thought it wasn’t bad.

Creak.

Beom got up from his seat.

It was to go to Hwanmang [likely a place or person].

His schedule had been disrupted, so he had to discuss it with Yeon-a and check on Hwanmang’s condition.

He had taken a short break with a glass of alcohol, so he had to move busily again.

“Are you getting up already?”

“I have a lot to do.”

Even more so because of someone.

Tamlang, who didn’t know, coughed and emptied his glass, casually expressing his feelings on Cheonbeom’s back as he headed up the stairs.

“Thank you.”

Unlike before, it was a simple yet deep word without any playfulness.

Cheonbeom’s foot, which was stepping on the stairs, stopped for a moment, then smiled and stepped up the stairs one by one again.

The stairs were groaning, but for some reason, Cheonbeom liked it.