Chapter 19: The Participants
Sect Leader Cheon Gwangcheon....
A great figure who had kept Kunlun firmly among the Nine Great Sects and One Union despite its terrible location beside the Demonic Cult.
A person respected by practically everyone living beneath Kunlun's roof.
That was Cheon Gwangcheon.
Yet despite his reputation for possessing both extraordinary intelligence and martial strength...
his first impression up close was surprisingly ordinary.
Deep wrinkles surrounded his eyes.
A simple smile rested on his face.
If I judged only by appearance...
he looked no different from an ordinary old man I might meet on the road.
However...
the moment he entered...
the flow of the entire room changed.
The First Elders, who had been releasing fierce pressure toward one another moments earlier...
simultaneously withdrew their auras.
All of them lowered their heads in respect toward Kunlun's leader.
Even Jin Gwangung...
who seemed almost completely disconnected from the concept of manners...
gave a slight bow.
I quietly lowered my head as well.
The others bowed out of respect.
Mine was closer to mourning for someone who would soon die.
Cheon Gwangcheon answered everyone's greeting with a gentle smile.
"You are all busy people."
"I can only be grateful that you gathered because of one small request from this old man."
His warm voice filled the room.
For someone of his age...
it was remarkably clear and powerful.
Yu Gwangcheol, who had remained silent until now, spoke first.
"This is the Sect Leader's order."
"Who beneath Kunlun's sky would dare refuse?"
His words carried deep loyalty.
As expected of someone said to be willing to enter hell itself for Kunlun.
Of course...
not everyone responded like Yu Gwangcheol.
"Why did you gather a group of old men this early?"
Jin Gwangung complained.
"I already don't get enough sleep before dawn, and now I couldn't even get a proper nap."
Naturally...
it was Jin Gwangung.
The other First Elders immediately narrowed their eyes.
"Watch your words, Elder Gwangung."
Yu Gwangcheol's voice sharpened.
"Even you have certain manners you must observe."
"How old-fashioned."
Jin Gwangung immediately answered.
"You're all curious too, aren't you?"
"Why the Elders' Lecture Gathering was suddenly moved forward."
Then his eyes narrowed.
"And why those snake-like bastards from the Righteous Alliance came all the way to Kunlun."
"..."
Silence returned.
He had simply said what everyone else was wondering.
Cheon Gwangcheon broke the silence with a laugh.
"Hahaha."
"You haven't changed, Gwangung."
"That fiery temper from your youth is still alive."
He continued warmly.
"I'll explain everything you're curious about shortly."
"Nothing especially serious has happened, so there's no need to become too tense."
Jin Gwangung clicked his tongue.
"Sect Leader, you're still just as relaxed as ever."
"Why not simply explain it now instead of making everyone wait?"
"Hahaha."
Cheon Gwangcheon smiled.
"Because thanks to this, I have an opportunity to meet you face-to-face again."
"For me, that's already enjoyable."
"Say embarrassing things like that somewhere else."
Jin Gwangung grimaced.
"Someone might think we actually like each other."
"Hahaha."
Cheon Gwangcheon laughed louder.
"There's certainly plenty of affection between us."
"How many times did we roll around the battlefield against the Demonic Cult together in our younger days?"
Cheon Gwangcheon accepted even Jin Gwangung's rude attitude with warmth.
There was no fake politeness in his face or voice.
He genuinely seemed to care for Jin Gwangung.
Even Jin Gwangung could only clear his throat awkwardly.
He stopped complaining.
They're actually this close?
That was unexpected.
On the surface...
Cheon Gwangcheon and Jin Gwangung seemed completely incompatible.
One had led Kunlun for decades with patience and understanding.
The other was Kunlun's greatest troublemaker, constantly turning the sect upside down with his uncontrolled personality.
Yet somehow...
those two opposites looked genuinely close.
What happened between them?
While I wondered...
their conversation continued.
"I'm still surprised."
Cheon Gwangcheon smiled.
"You actually agreed to participate in this Elders' Lecture Gathering."
"That's because of you."
Jin Gwangung frowned.
"My fault?"
"What do you mean?"
"Didn't you say you'd close the Abandoned Martial Hall completely if I refused again?"
Cheon Gwangcheon stroked his white beard and smiled.
"Hmm."
"I never realized you cared so deeply about the Abandoned Martial Hall."
"You always looked as though you had no interest in it."
"Care about it?"
Jin Gwangung scoffed.
"It's the best place in Kunlun for eating, drinking, and doing absolutely nothing in peace."
"If you close it, do you think you'd leave me alone?"
He pointed accusingly.
"With your personality, you'd definitely stick me somewhere annoying and bury me under work."
"Hahaha."
Cheon Gwangcheon smiled.
"That only means you're someone Kunlun truly needs."
Then his tone changed slightly.
"Have you ever considered returning to the Geoncheon Guard?"
"No."
Jin Gwangung immediately refused.
"Gwangcheol is already doing perfectly well there."
"Don't even think about dragging me back."
"You and Elder Gwangcheol were once inseparable."
Cheon Gwangcheon's smile faded slightly.
"If this has something to do with your former disciples..."
