Chapter 60 - Martial Arts Masochist

Cheongwol felt her fingertips trembling. As Han Seojin gazed back at her, his eyes carried an emotion she couldn't decipher. Her heart fluttered uncontrollably, making it impossible for her to meet his eyes. Just the fact that she had sought him out felt embarrassing. Whatever actions Han Seo-jin would force during their games, any humiliating command he would give... Perhaps she could dismiss them by claiming he dictated them unilaterally, but the beginning had to be initiated by Cheongwol herself. She had to be the one to find Han Seojin. And when she did find him, it felt like she was willingly acknowledging all those actions he commanded, leaving her feeling beyond embarrassed, like she was asking for more humiliation and shame. Cheongwol could confidently assert she wasn't such an unconventional person. Being a nun from the Emei Sect, even if she didn't relish it, the people of Zhongyuan hailed her as the Millennium Flower. If not for Han Seojin, she had never felt a man's touch. Deeply engraved on her arm was the Su-gung-sa, a symbol of her chastity. Even though she was as far from having such unconventional habits, this moment felt endlessly embarrassing. If there was a mouse hole, she'd want to hide in it. Yet, knowing all this, she still sought out Han Seojin. "..." "..." Her heart tingled with tension. She wished he'd say something, but Han Seojin just stood there, dazed. A mere veil wasn't enough. She wanted nothing more than to cover her face with a blanket. Unable to endure the embarrassment any longer, Cheongwol whispered, "...Quickly... to an inn or something... Ah, no..." Realizing immediately how odd her request sounded, her face flushed. It was unthinkable for a woman to urge a man to an inn. She regretted it instantly. Perhaps she should have just stayed with the rest of the disciples. Though they hadn't played for a while, forgetting the overwhelming sensation that Han Seojin could evoke in her was impossible. "...To the back." Han Seo-jin whispered quietly, suggesting they move deeper into the alley. He walked towards her silently, and reflexively, Cheongwol began to back away. As she moved, it felt as if she was hesitating, pushed back by his presence. With each step Han Seo-jin took, his domineering aura grew. With each backward step of Cheongwol, she felt as if she herself was shrinking. She knew there was no need to be intimidated by a man like Han Seojin. Yet there was an indescribable hierarchy that had been established at some point, holding Cheongwol captive. Her lips felt dry, though her mouth was moist, and she gulped. Han Seojin, seeming to sense Cheongwol's embarrassment behind her veil, playfully inquired, "They seemed to be having a feast among the disciples. Aren't you going, my lady?" The mere act of showing up here left her feeling deeply embarrassed, and yet he was poking fun at her. Cheongwol looked down at the ground and continued to step back, "...I don't drink." "Well, you could still have tea." She halted momentarily, then defensively asked, "Wasn't it the Master who asked me to come?" -Thunk! At that moment, Han Seojin grabbed Cheongwol by the shoulder and pushed her somewhere. "Hng!" Startled by his sudden action, Cheongwol barely managed to hold her breath. Hidden in the middle of the alley was a small space where only one person could barely fit. Han Seojin pushed Cheongwol into that small space. Then Han Seojin stood closely in front of her. Cheongwol bowed her head again, struggling to meet his gaze. "...Let go." Determined to hold onto her pride, Cheongwol shook his hand off her shoulder. She stood stuck there, trapped by Han Seojin. "...Are you planning to stay here forever? We should move-" "-Wol-a." Her breath caught by his endearing nickname. He began to praise her warmly, "...You've been good, haven't you? Made peace with Mookryong... smiled at people." At his sweet words of acknowledgment, Cheongwol grimaced. "...It's not because of you... I wanted to-" "-You did well." -Osososo... Once again, an inexplicable shiver ran down her spine, and she hated how her body reacted to just his words. "Well done, Wol-ah." Han Seojin teased as he continued, "Everyone praises you readily. They admire your quick reconciliation with Mookryong. 'Ah, she truly is the Millennium Flower. So noble and pure. A celestial being in the flesh,' they say." Cheongwol frowned. Han Seojin let out a faint snort. "Isn't it funny? The real Cheongwol... is visiting me to endure humiliation, like some sort of deviant." Her emotions swung erratically. Her face flushed once more with heat. Stammering, she protested, "I-I've told you so many times that I'm not like that!" "Are you sure?" "It's for the mind-demon treatment... How many times do I have to say it!" Gathering her courage, Cheongwol lifted her gaze to Han Seojin. "Besides, I haven't forgiven the master yet." Perhaps this grudge was prolonged, but once more, Cheongwol raised her grievance. "He neglected my mind-demon all the while... only focusing on Tang So Ran and indulging at a district, I can't forgive-" "-I don't need your forgiveness," Han Seojin retorted coldly, shutting Cheongwol's mouth. The words of an overwhelming force against a weaker presence were overwhelming. Still, Cheongwol couldn't immediately retort. Drawing a faint smile, Han Seojin changed the atmosphere. "Still. You truly have been wonderful, Wol-ah. I mean it. You're so lovely. I could just hug you." Disregarding the complex emotions stirred by his words, Cheongwol focused on keeping her pride intact. As an esteemed lady of the Emei Sect, she had to say, "Go ahead, hug the master's embrace. I'll be so disgusted, I'll–" Han Seojin gave it no attention. For false words garnered none from him. "-And for you, Wol-i, I've got a gift prepared." "A gift?" Han Seo-jin took something out from his waist and handed it to Cheongwol. With trembling fingers, she accepted his 'gift.' "...It's a collar." Cheongwol remarked, her voice filled with confusion. "No?" Han Seo-jin countered. "...It's your collar." **** Her heart was pounding as if it were about to explode. A collar. Even she couldn't believe what she was doing. One of the Seven Heavens of the Demonic Cult. A monster that slaughtered countless martial artists and commoners alike. And now, handing a collar to Cheongwol of the Emei Sect, who is now called the Millennium Flower... I can't believe I'm in my right mind. Maybe being in these endlessly extreme situations is driving me insane. They say soldiers in warzones become unexpectedly brave over time; is it something like that? One way or another, I handed it over. The collar play. An emblem of SM just like spanking. Some might dismiss it as nothing more than a crude game of treating someone like a pet... But I believe that a collar transcends such simplicity. It symbolizes the structure of relationships, the hierarchy between people, and the ideas of ownership and submission. A collar is originally meant for animals. Something placed around the necks of creatures that humans can own and dominate. Thus, ownership and belonging are clearly defined by it. It unequivocally demonstrates who leads and who follows. This principle also applies to people. As soon as a subordinate wears a collar, they are reminded of who they belong to. The master, upon gripping the collar, can control the other's direction, distance, and even their very breath. And such a collar, I handed to Cheongwol. I might as well have declared to possess her. Even if Cheongwol is not familiar with SM, she certainly understands the symbolism of a collar. I'm terrified. Though it's just play, putting a collar on Cheongwol? Owning Cheongwol? It's a daunting proposition, one of the most formidable to handle. Whether she will endure this proposal or even wear the collar is unknown. Perhaps she will kick back and punish me. She might even unleash the fury she has held against me. However, alongside my fear, there was another emotion that arose. The thrill of gambling with my life. Moreover, a subtle delight watching Cheongwol gaze at the collar. Hidden beneath the fear yet quietly present within my heart... Twisting inside me is a sadistic desire to dominate another. ...For even just a moment, the overwhelming presence of Cheongwol under my control... "Wh-why is this my collar?" Cheongwol naturally questioned. Within typical rationale in Zhongyuan, it was unimaginable. Yet, I responded with unabated confidence. "Haven't I told you before? I'll take responsibility for you."