Chapter 63 - Martial Arts Masochist

People are less interested in others than we often think. Though it’s a truth I’ve heard until my ears bled, I didn’t really grasp it. Especially when there's something weighing on my mind, it feels like the whole world is watching me. “Waiter! Another bottle of liquor here!” “Hey, Jang! Seriously, are you doing this again? Come on, just let it slide this one time!” “I let it slide earlier! Now, hand over the money!” “So, what's next?” “Ha ha, feeling a bit parched.” “I'll buy you a drink, just start talking!” Voices erupting from all directions. Loud arguments, laughter, the smell of alcohol, and greasy food fill the air. I rolled my eyes, my ears already overwhelmed, my brain overheating as if it were burning up. Would anyone be watching us? Could they notice anything peculiar about our actions? Although I was the one who brought Cheongwol out into the streets, the responsibility was equally mine. I took deep breaths, trying not to let her notice, all the while glancing back. Every time I did, Cheongwol shyly lowered her head, out of sync with the surrounding atmosphere. Hey, wear your hat straight! If the veil comes off, we’re both done for! Cheongwol would be ruined, and I would be tied to her mess forever. Stories would spread like wildfire, starting with, "Do you know the man who dared to leash the Millennium Flower?" Or perhaps, they’d turn into, "Do you know the fool who earned the grudge of the Millennium Flower from leashing her?" Shaking my head, I dismissed these ominous thoughts. Today is a day devoted entirely to serving Cheongwol. Not that it was different any other day, but today I would serve her with even more passion. She's a thrill-seeker. The thrill comes from danger. I just need to give her a taste of excitement and reward her endlessly, offering her what she claims to soothe her inner demon. “Hah... Hah...” The sound of Cheongwol’s shallow breathing reached my ears. I could tell how exhilarated or tense she felt in this situation. Her vice-like grip was about to crush my hand, and she wobbled with every step as if losing balance. Will she be okay? Hopefully, we don’t end up like last time... Sweat started to form in our joined hands. In this unpredictable world, who would have thought a day would come when I'd be sweating hand in hand with Cheongwol? I leaned closer to Cheongwol. Among the cacophony of voices around us, our conversation slipped unnoticed. “Walk proudly. If you find it this difficult, you won't be able to continue taming your inner demon.” “Hah... Hah... Can’t we take a break... just for a bit?” “...How far have we walked for you to need a break already? Stand up straight.” I mustn’t get swept away either. Despite just a bit of leashing, Cheongwol showing such hardship stirred something within me. That damned sadist streak of mine. I really should hold back this time. Last time, it all went to ruins because I let myself get carried away by emotions... Cheongwol, seeing me refuse, looked around before trying to subtly steer her steps where there were fewer people. -Snap! “Ah!” At that moment, I yanked the leash. “I choose the direction, Wol-ah.” “Okay, I got it... Just, don’t suddenly pull the leash like that...” In this scenario, Cheongwol was compliant. It seemed she understood that arguing with me might reveal her secret. Under the gaze of onlookers, she became much easier to handle. But, seeing her so weakened, maliciously, buried feelings of vengeance flared up. That damn woman. Kicking me out of the brothel, surprising me by pretending to be a courtesan, even making me bump into her here in the capital city. It's all because of you that things go awry. It’s human nature, I suppose. Just as predators chase fleeing prey, humans become brave seeing another’s vulnerability. “Let’s stay focused. This is just a role play, a role play. I’m the officer, she’s the thief. I’m the sadist, she’s the masochist. Gaining some power in this game doesn’t mean I have true power...” Nonetheless, I don't intend to let this be just petty payback... Since it’s a role play, I should execute my plan smoothly. Simply parading her with a leash is not enough. It's time for her to feel the sting of shame. After perhaps a hundred steps, I slowly released the pressure in my grip. “Holding hands makes me hot. I’ll just hold the leash instead. Ugh—” -Snap!! “...Ugh.” I barely stifled a groan. “Hah... Hah...!” Cheongwol clutched my loosening hand tightly. Her eyes glimmered dangerously beyond the veil. “Don’t... don’t let go.” She pleaded, “Never... never, Jangju...” Perhaps out of desperation, she hesitated before intertwining her trembling fingers with mine. Previously, we had held hands like a regular handshake, but now her fingers threaded between mine, filling the spaces. It sent shivers down my spine, yet surprisingly a part of me wasn't repulsed. Perhaps because her hands were the first I held since arriving in Zhongyuan, unknowingly creating such a feeling. Feigning composure, I taunted her. “...Is it alright for an Emei Sect nun to act like this?” She flinched. “Stop clinging, it’s annoying.” “I’m not... clinging...!” “Begging to hold a man’s hand, an Emei Sect disgrace indeed.” “That’s not—” “-Then let go, I’m hot.” “Ugh…!” Even in humiliation, Cheongwol didn’t budge. Instead, she tightened her grip between our linked fingers. I shrugged my shoulders and continued walking. Cheongwol followed along. “When property clings like this, what else can I do? I’ll have to yield, I suppose.” “...I’ll really... really get angry?” ...Perhaps I should stop here. Though pretending not to hear her words, I refrained from crossing further lines. -Tap! At that point, someone lightly bumped into my shoulder. Too many people, there was no avoiding it. It took me by surprise as well. “Ah, sorry there, buddy.” "My apologies as well," I said, exchanging a simple apology with him. The problem was Cheongwol. The man had stopped between us, noticing our intertwined fingers. Though silent, his expression clearly asked if we couldn’t let go for a moment. “Hmph…” Noticing this, Cheongwol tightened her grip. Observing the situation carefully, I quickly interjected. "My lady here just can’t seem to let go of my hand, haha." "...Haha, public displays of affection are all well and good, but flaunting it in front of everyone is a bit inappropriate," he remarked. “Ugh...” Cheongwol lowered her head sharply. It seemed hearing such a comment for the first time as a nun left her both wronged and dizzy. Without any of the usual protestations, she swiftly moved behind me, as if she were a criminal, cautiously stepping aside to clear the path. The man shook his head and walked away, leaving me with a sigh of relief in an unexpected situation. "Ah!" A stinging pain shot through my back as Cheongwol pinched me discreetly. It felt like a chunk of flesh had been torn off. Instead of asserting discipline and hierarchy, I chose to offer a justification to ease her mind. “We couldn’t just let go of hands there, right?” "..." "But you were good, staying quiet without making a fuss. You're so well-behaved, my dear Wol." "..." Seemingly mollified, she whispered cautiously, “Let’s just walk.” Even then, her hands remained entwined with mine. **** Cheongwol followed closely behind Han Seo-jin, despite the awkward positioning that made moving a challenge. Yet, sticking close this way offered a sense of security. It helped avoid shoulder bumps or catching unwanted stares like before. Ironically, their conspicuous appearance attracted more attention from passersby. Drunken patrons leaning out of the taverns made snide remarks: "Hey, you there! Aren’t you being a bit too clingy with your lover?" "Hoo! A man shouldn’t be such a coward! Teach your wife some discipline at home! A woman should walk confidently behind her husband without holding hands!" “Hey, there, kid! All this attention to your wife isn’t good; you’ll end up being under her thumb!” "Ugh!" Despite gnashing her teeth, Cheongwol remained speechless. The chaotic words spoken by the worldly were new criticisms compared to what she had faced as the Millennium Flower. She often experienced ambiguous harassment, but such unfiltered remarks were a first. In her heart, she wanted to rush and retaliate immediately. But doing so would inevitably draw attention to the rope slipping from her sleeve. Hence, she could only swallow the bitter humiliation. Admittingly... she was scared they would tease her further. In this powerlessly humiliating situation, the bullying didn’t invoke a good feeling. She feared provoking trouble that might reveal her compromised state. But there was someone supporting her. "I’ll handle it! Just drink more, you bums!" "So why isn’t your wife clinging to your back, as she should?" “Judging by her temperament, I bet she loves her husband a lot.” Even with a leash in hand, Han Seo-jin appeared composed. His retorts were met with booming laughter from the patrons, enjoying the exchange. He navigated the rowdy banter effortlessly, deflecting the crude jests of the drunks while Cheongwol quietly nestled further behind him. Such a scene was baffling to her. She, who once prided herself on her strength, now found solace hiding behind a man she deemed weak. "..." Surprisingly, she didn’t mind it. The longer they strolled, the more natural it felt to lean on Han Seo-jin. Cheongwol needed to do nothing. Remaining passive, Han Seo-jin protected her. The sense of relying on someone, something she had forgotten while aspiring to become a self-sufficient heroine, was oddly comforting. How long had it been since she felt such ease? His shoulders appeared broader, his back more dependable. Inspecting further, even his arm seemed more robust than she’d initially thought... She was hit with an unexpected thought. "Ugh!" She shook her head vigorously. A nun entertaining thoughts of resting on a man’s back was unthinkable. Especially towards a man she initially deemed insignificant. She needed to gather her thoughts once more. As they strolled the streets, many conversations could be overheard. Unsurprisingly, discussions about the post-graduate school were prevalent. Unsurprisingly too, Cheongwol was often a subject of such talks. Her recent uproarious actions seemed to catalyze even more chatter. "It must be Mookryong starting the fight! Would an Emei Sect nun really provoke it?" "Is that why she didn't make the Rising Dragon Society?" “Mookryong must indeed be at fault! I witnessed Lady Cheongwol from afar; I’ve never seen a person so pure and noble. She’s like a snowflake, truly befitting her title as a once-in-a-millennium blossom.” “Heaven may have gifted us such beauty, yet it’s a shame she became a nun. What a pity that no man will have her.” “There’s no pity! She wouldn’t pick any of us anyway. I’m rather glad; nobody possessing her means we can endure without envy.” Hearing this, Han Seo-jin whispered mockingly. On the other hand, each word dug into Cheongwol, pricking her conscience while perverse sensations slithered around her. While the public maintained such an image, she was threading their midst performing acts of perversion with him. -Snap! "Oof!" Once more, Han Seo-jin tugged at the leash. Each tug jarred her heart, constantly reminding her she was committing a forbidden act, riling a sense of wickedness within her. "It’s boring when you just stay quiet," Han Seo-jin criticized. Cheongwol had no words to offer. "..." “That won’t do, Wol-ah. See that old lady walking towards us over there?” "...What?" “When she gets closer, let’s greet her.” “W-What? Hold on!” Without a moment's pause, the gap closed between them and the approaching old woman. "I’m not doing it!" Cheongwol protested, her voice raised for a change. Han Seo-jin didn’t even turn to face her. "If you don’t, there’ll be a punishment." "Ugh!" Her heart sank again at those words. She dreaded punishment. Under these circumstances, it seemed more perilous than anything else. Cheongwol wanted to step back, but the leash made it impossible. She couldn’t even distance herself from Han Seo-jin because then the leash would become noticeable again. Just then, the old woman approached them. Only three steps away. While Cheongwol hesitated, Han Seo-jin spoke up. "Good evening. It’s a lovely night." The old woman smiled warmly. “Such a polite young man.” Next, it was Cheongwol's turn. With the leash still around her neck, she whispered to the seemingly innocent old lady, "...G-good... evening..." A chilling sensation pierced through her. It felt so intense as if she might even let out a groan. It was a vigor like being struck by lightning. She tightened her grip on Han Seo-jin's hand even more. The old woman smiled once more and asked Han Seo-jin, “Does your girlfriend get shy easily?” When they were walking, it was always Han Seo-jin who people spoke to. They perhaps assumed Cheongwol, with her face hidden, wouldn’t answer. This natural oversight made Cheongwol feel even more like a possession. "Yes, she's quite shy. That's why she covers her face with a veil. Anyway, take care now." “Alright, you take care too.” After walking about ten more steps, Cheongwol plopped down, unable to hold on any longer. Yet, she didn’t dare let go of his hand. “Hah... Hah...” It felt as though she survived a life-threatening gamble. The fierce relief was almost maddening for her. "Are you alright?" Han Seo-jin asked, looking at her as she rested. Cheongwol struggled to lift her head. Although their hands were intertwined, the truth was it felt like just the leash was being held. The sensation of the rope brushing against her arm constantly reminded her of this. Han Seo-jin stood above her, holding the leash with authority, while Cheongwol, crouching with the leash around her neck, looked up at him. If she took off her veil, she could certainly command reverence from everyone, but here she was, submitting to a mere leadership from a brothel manager in front of others. Her heart pounded. The sense of betrayal, relief, and being controlled. All these feelings... "Hah... Ah..." ...felt good. Although shameful and degrading, the intense pleasure enveloped her entire being. “Ah... Ah…” Instead of the Millennium Flower of Emei Sect, she had become just a possession. She bore no burdens on her shoulders, nor any responsibilities. “Ah…” Wandering among the mundane, she temporarily forgot about her identity as a martial artist. Despite the ugliness in this, it allowed her to feel ordinary. The image of Han Seo-jin impressed itself vividly in her mind. Could she ever forget this moment until her dying day? Having aimed to be an independent heroine, this was the first time Cheongwol met her master. Just for this moment. Cheongwol thought. I’ll submit just for this moment, for the sake of dispelling my inner demon. -Snap. Han Seo-jin tugged on the leash once more. Her airway tightened briefly. Even her breathing felt controlled. Cheongwol summoned strength into her trembling legs once again. “Just a little more effort. We’ve arrived.” "...Huh?" Arrived where? Focused on each step, Cheongwol hadn’t realized they were headed somewhere. Only now did she understand they had a destination. “W-where to?” However, it seemed they had already arrived. Han Seo-jin gave a light smile. Then, he pointed with his finger toward a building. It was a three-story building. Crowds enjoying drinks and music filled the wide-open walls. “Chwionru, was it? Or Chwiunru? Anyway, that place.” "...?" “Don’t you recognize it from that description?” Cheongwol looked in the direction Han Seo-jin pointed, at the massive tavern. On the third floor, she spotted a group she was all too familiar with... Han Seo-jin explained. "It's the place where your abandoned post-graduate disciples have gathered, all of them left behind for this twisted game.”