Chapter 54 Masochist’s Rebellion (2) - Martial Arts Masochist

"...Is it just me, or is your tone a bit insolent today?" It's all or nothing. There's no way out. Just look at what's emanating from Cheongwol's body! Whatever it was, I didn't know, but if someone like me, who knows nothing about martial arts, could see it, it was definitely dangerous. Cheongwol might not have a sword, but that blue energy felt as sharp as a blade. It's like the muzzle of a gun is pointed straight at me. But if I cower now, it's even worse. Apologizing and submitting would be my death sentence. Power must be met with power. I can't afford to back down in fear. With a cliff behind me, there's no retreat. Get angry instead! To turn this situation around, I needed to take command, as if I were giving orders from the basement, and regain the upper hand. I glared at Cheongwol. She mirrored my gaze. For a few seconds, we locked eyes, and I wished to look away a hundred times over. Still, I summoned my courage. Glancing at the liquor bottle in Cheongwol's hand, a thought struck me. I picked up another glass from the table and commanded Cheongwol. "...Pour me a drink." As if commanding a courtesan. "What?" "I'm thirsty." I didn't bother hiding my uncomfortable tone. I rested my glass on my thigh, trying to steady my trembling hands. "Jangju, are you crazy?" she growled, her irritation evident. I frowned. "You keep making me angry, Wol." To my surprise, Cheongwol was the first to avert her gaze. "You ignore your own faults and dare to point out only mine..." "Think about it. You broke your promise the other week, you didn't listen, and you brought the eldest daughter of Sichuan Tang, the renowned Dang Solan, to me—someone who despises martial artists. Not just any martial artist, but a figurehead." Cheongwol's lips pressed together tightly. "And then you suggested giving Dang Solan some experience?" "That—if we didn't, Dang Solan wouldn't back down—" "Whatever the reason, it was your reckless action." "Am I doing this right?” I wondered internally. "Uncle Gwakdu, I need strength. I feel like I'm going to die from fear." "So, as a punishment, I told you to face the wall, but you gave up halfway and stormed out, slamming the basement door in my face... And now, you follow me to the brothel to stop me..." "..." I weakly kept up the pressure. "You didn't listen to me, and if you say I abandoned you, what am I supposed to say?" "Ugh!" The alcohol bottle in Cheongwol's hand trembled violently. She was gripping it so hard it was a wonder it hadn't shattered. Should she swing it and smash my head, that'd really be the end for me. As the fear gripped me, I managed to suppress the instinct to back away and, instead, leaned toward her. "...Pour, Wol." "..." "Pour it, and apologize to me first." Cheongwol remained trembling, frozen in place. I took a mental inventory of the situation. So, rather than coming to kill me, she wanted to join the gathering, and seeing me enter the brothel sparked her rage? I could understand that. She might have had an instinctive purity concerning relationships, disliking that I might be involved in debauchery. Someone that's never held multiple responsibilities at once might feel similar. She may have disliked the idea of me consorting with women. It makes sense, too. For women, a man engaging in such acts wouldn't exactly be admirable. Especially for nuns, who value chastity and purity. Although it does seem insane she'd come all this way to make a point, well... ...Acknowledged! But I feel unjustly accused! I didn't even get a taste because of you! I'm not dirty! "...You ruined my first visit to the brothel." So I whispered, letting my words flow. Cheongwol's body lightly shivered. "...First time?" "Where would I get money for this? I just followed along because a good older brother offered to take me." Keep the excuses coming. I needed to prove I wasn't filthy. ...I'm as pure as a nun! I only gave in to curiosity! "I only came here for a drink... but you ruined it. I feel bad for my elder brother too. This must've cost quite a bit." "..." "So, pour me a drink, Wol. Do you really think you did no wrong?" It was impossible to discern what Cheongwol was thinking. Her eyes darted nervously, caught between anger at me and doubt about herself. "Jangju," she quietly lowered her head and asked, "Have you ever drunk a drink poured by another woman before?" "What?" "Even... like Ga-yeong?" Why is Ga-yeong mentioned here? "...Never." "I'm... the first?" "I guess so." Cheongwol bit her lip, then with trembling hands picked up the bottle. "I... about Senior Dang..." She didn't finish, but the implication seemed clear. I stared at the bottle in her hands, making sure it wouldn't be used to bash my head in. ...Is she going to pour? ...She is pouring. I suppressed my excitement. Perhaps I've survived another ordeal. It felt like the upper hand has been regained, at least for now. Yes, you do have some conscience. Honestly, acting so contrary, you'd better have some morals to back it. I pressed further. "Say, 'I'm sorry for being so unruly,' while you pour." "...I'm not crazy..." Though she said that, there was a light pour. Despite her protest, Cheongwol poured the drink with hands folded politely, as though she only knew how to pour tea. After taking the drink she had poured, I tried to calm my racing heart and quietly downed the shot. -Thud! I then set the glass down firmly. "...Let's just leave. This is getting boring." Cheongwol's eyes widened in surprise, as if she didn't expect me to say that voluntarily. Damn it...! Surprised? You practically forced me into it! How many chances do I get to visit a brothel in my lifetime? She doesn't understand the feeling of having to walk away from treasure right in front of my eyes. But my neck is more precious than gold and jewels, so I had no choice but to comply. Cheongwol put her hat back on. Wow, but when she walked in, her figure was stunning, a perfect ten. And her face alone is another perfect ten. But when combined into Cheongwol, her appeal is somehow a minus. It's astonishing. I walked ahead, and Cheongwol followed obediently behind me. As we were leaving the brothel, we encountered Juhyul. I had to whisper to him, bowing my head slightly, making sure to conceal my expression from Cheongwol with my hand. 'I’ll explain later.' Juhyul looked bewildered, unable to grasp the situation. Then again, what could he do when a martial artist was dragging me off? Once outside, I braced myself. At least I managed to regain some control. Although Cheongwol's visit was terrifying, I somehow talked my way through it. I made her realize she was in the wrong. She’d even poured me a drink as a tentative apology. ...So, at this juncture, shouldn't I set a few boundaries? How many more incidents like this would I endure? Right now, I had the perfect rationale. "Wol, since the opportunity's here, let me give you a warning." "..." "If you keep breaking our promises like this... I can't help you with your inner demonic disorder." With that, Cheongwol abruptly closed the distance between us. I wanted to step back but reined in the urge once more. Her veil brushed against my face. Her beautiful features were evident beneath it, paired with a tantalizing scent. Still, her gaze was brutally fierce. "What... What are you talking about?" For someone who believed that our play helped ease her internal struggles, my words must have sounded like a threat. But I pressed on with my logic, trying to apply pressure. "When the patient refuses help, what can I do? My methods come with conditions. Compliance to my directives must be absolute. You know this, don't you?" "My...!” "...?" "My... undergarments you’ve seen...! How much more...!" It seemed that was partly why she chased after me. To be fair, I am the only man who has seen her bare skin. The man who glimpsed the bare skin of the Millennium Flower from the Emei Sect, that’s me. Given that standard, am I doomed for life? Continuing with a calm demeanor, I refused to surrender the initiative. “It wasn’t a retreat. You just assumed it was. Besides, I don't owe you updates on everything I do, right?” “...” “Go back for now. I’ll let you know when I return to Mount Emei. You’ll be staying at the Tang family estate, I assume?” Maintaining the demeanor of a sadist but delivering the words with concessions, Cheongwol's face was full of dissatisfaction. Still, it seemed she understood she couldn't push further. She slowly stepped back and then disappeared. -Thump! “Hah...hah...!” As soon as she was gone, I collapsed on the ground, releasing the breath I had been holding back. I hoped this was the right move. . . . It didn't take long to realize it wasn't. Just as my escape plan began to crumble, I found myself sitting in the street, mentally drained. Uncle Gwakdu approached me with a run-down beggar in tow. "Did you hear, the leader of the Emei sub-faction?" the beggar asked. "What?" "Apparently, the Millennium Flower destroyed the Black Dragon." -Tap. I placed a hand on my forehead. You crafty woman.