When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Amidst the crowd of eager mystics swarming like hungry ghosts to uncover rumors about Ju Sehwa, Sa Yeonju could only offer an awkward smile.
‘Had I known, would I have rushed here in this state, feeling so ill? You fools.’
Upon hearing that her cousin would attend the banquet, she'd desperately applied mystic realm medicine to her skin like a waterfall, and even resorted to drinking until bloated, barely concealing the swelling with makeup. She'd hurriedly arrived at the banquet hall, only to be met with frustrating news.
‘That day, she rushed at me like a madwoman. Why this sudden public appearance now?’
She'd acted as the Elder's family's mistress for years, yet now Ju Sehwa stepped forward—a declaration of war, threatening to steal a decade of her efforts.
"By the way, why is your face so swollen today? Your skin seems rather dull too."
"That's right. Are those faint marks on your face wounds?"
Sa Yeonju hastily waved her hands, wary of the conversation's direction.
"My cousin was unconscious and bedridden for three days and nights. I was so worried, my heart ached for her, and my face is still swollen from crying."
"Three days and nights? She fainted from shock over the Baek Clan trip and hasn't woken up since?"
"Please don't say it like that. She must have been terribly distressed and scared to leave alone."
"Still, that seems a bit much."
"Much? She's always been frail due to her weak spiritual power."
Sa Yeonju's voice trembled as she wiped her dry eyes.
"If she became this ill just from hearing about the Baek Clan, imagine the hardship she'll face in another clan's territory. I'm deeply concerned."
The listening clans members exchanged intrigued glances.
‘How weak is her innate spiritual power to faint and fall ill like that?’
Perhaps such a useless blood relative would be better off as a tribute. Despite her supposed condition, she'd sent word she'd appear.
‘What's her reason?’
Was she seeking a blood relative to become a tribute in her place? Speculation about Ju Sehwa's motives ran rampant as anticipation for her arrival heightened.
Finally, someone informed the banquet host of Ju Sehwa's arrival, and the announcement filled the hall with excited expectation. For the dozens waiting, the time until her appearance felt like an eternity.
Meanwhile, Ju Myoungyoon, having crossed into the Mystic Realm, was startled upon emerging from the passage.
"You have arrived!"
Someone greeted him with unexpected formality and a warm handshake—and it wasn't even a Ju Clan soldier.
"Baek... Clan Head?"
It was Baek Giha, who had summoned him.
"I have been waiting."
Ju Myoungyoon's eyebrows twitched. 'Waiting?'
"It's been a while. Now that you, Elder, have arrived, may I pass through?"
Ju Myoungyoon's eyebrows twitched again. 'What's with the sudden formality? Elder? Me? May I?'
He searched for Sa Danyoon, who merely shrugged, indicating he'd received the same strange treatment. Ju Myoungyoon recalled Baek Giha's words on the battlefield:
"You are Ju Myoungyoon, the Ju clan Elder? Finally, I see that shameless face! You can't even handle one incident, yet you act like a ruler? Shameful! The Six Clans suffer, yet you do nothing with your power? Shame on you for even showing up!"
Yet now, the captivatingly beautiful Baek Giha addressed him as:
"Honorable Elder."
'...Honorable Elder????'
He finally understood, noticing the Ju Clan soldiers' strange looks. 'He's trying to create discord between the Mystic Ruler and me by feigning closeness!'
Had he rushed here after the war just for this? Ju Myoungyoon felt a sense of betrayal, though illogical since they were never allies. 'I thought he was above such schemes.'
His recent praise of Baek Giha to his daughter now felt foolish. He tried to discreetly withdraw his hand, but Baek Giha's spiritual power held it fast.
"Clan Head Baek, what is this..."
Ju Myoungyoon, having depleted much of his spiritual power for war reparations, was no match for the Divine Beast. As if just realizing, Baek Giha released his grip with a startled expression.
"I apologize. Please go ahead then, Honorable Elder."
'Apologize? Honorable Elder again?' He was surprised despite seeing through the scheme. Baek Giha now boldly approached the passage to the human realm.
"Clan Head Baek!"
"Yes, what is it?"
"Why are you entering there?"
"I need to go to the human realm. This is the passage, naturally."
"The human realm? Shouldn't you see the Mystic Ruler first?"
"The Mystic Ruler?" Baek Giha stared blankly, as if unfamiliar with the title. Ju Myoungyoon was bewildered. 'Isn't it common courtesy to meet the leader when entering another's territory?'
Was he disregarding the Ju Clan due to his victory? Then, surprisingly compliant, Baek Giha offered his wrists.
"No, I'll do as you wish. Perhaps you need to bind me?"
Ju Myoungyoon was baffled. Restraints were useless against a Divine Beast.
"But if it's alright, I'd like you, Honorable Elder, to guide me during my stay."
The seemingly polite request held an undeniable firmness. Baek Giha was determined to have his guidance and maintain his charade of respect. 'Does he hold a grudge? What did I do?' The old warrior, conscious of the guards' stares, trembled.
Every neck in the banquet hall craned towards the main hall entrance. All sounds ceased except for the performers' music. The seemingly endless wait finally broke with a voice:
"This way, Young Lady."
It was Choi Jangmyung, in charge of the banquet hall. There was no response, not even the sound of footsteps. 'Has she actually arrived?'
Eyes scanned beyond the door. A figure appeared, handing off a veil and gracefully stepping onto the wooden floor in human realm attire. The stark black of her clothing caught their eyes first. Then, the door opened further, and the guest raised her head.
"...!"
A collective gasp filled the hall. 'That person...' Everyone blinked, trying to confirm what they saw. 'Is that Ju Sehwa?'
The one with negligible spiritual power, supposedly weak and frail, who would have been abandoned to the human realm if not for her lineage. The one who had supposedly fainted from the shock of the Baek Clan summons and remained unconscious for days. Those who knew her only through Sa Yeonju's words were stunned into silence. Ju Sehwa's arrogant gaze sweeping across the banquet hall held no trace of weakness.
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