OGHOU C46

Chapter 46

“Alright, alright. I won’t run away, so can you just let go and talk?”

Cheongyeon struggled, pleading as he tried to free Muho’s arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Though clothed, the thought of Muho’s bare body pressed so close behind him made him dizzy. Even the wet fabric clung to his skin, as if revealing every inch beneath.

Given this, he resolved to feign ignorance of Muho’s feelings to the end. A rash refusal could very well cost him his ankles.

“What is this between men? Everyone bathes separately, understood?”

“You said it’s fine since we’re men.”

“When did I say that?”

“When you were young.”

“When have I ever said such a thing?”

Cheongyeon frowned deeply and, looking back at Muho’s dark eyes, nearly bit his tongue. The memories rushed back—he recalled exactly what Muho meant.

When Muho, at fifteen, had burst open Cheongyeon’s door without a sound, there was that one time when Cheongyeon was bathing and Muho had barged in, face flushed red. Cheongyeon had teased, “What’s so embarrassing about men bathing together?” and even invited him to bathe together.

But none of that had any indelible meaning. It was just the innocent notion of childhood friends bathing as equals—with no ulterior motives. Now, however, Muho’s youthful innocence had turned into passion, even dark desire.

What have I done to the boy…?

Cheongyeon pressed a hand to his forehead in pain. His thoughtless actions had come back to torment him.

“I’m losing my mind.”

“Remember everything now?”

“Don’t know… just stop talking to me.”

“You already talked to me like that a few days ago.”

“Don’t talk about that, please.”

On the night he fell asleep in the tub, Cheongyeon had known Muho had carried him to bed and dressed him. But that had been half-asleep, and recalling it sober was too embarrassing. He didn’t want to hear it from Muho’s mouth again.

Despondent, Cheongyeon gave up struggling. Muho could have pressed pressure points to immobilize him but instead held only his waist. Perhaps he enjoyed a little resistance.

“Now, enlighten me with your excuses.”

“What… what excuses? Ah.”

Right. How Muho knew his real name and birthplace. Cheongyeon blurted out with a shrug.

“I’m from another world.”

“……”

“Which is why I know everything. Your past and even the world’s ending.”

Though now uncertain about that ending.

He glanced at Muho. As expected, his face said, What nonsense are you spouting?

“Just kidding.”

“Interesting.”

“Don’t say things like that without smiling. Anyway, how I came to know your past was…”

“……”

“Hao Sect. I’m actually from the Hao Sect, possessing a trove of information. I know all the secrets of the martial world.”

Again he read Muho’s expression.

What nonsense is this?

Wondering what lie to concoct if Muho didn’t believe this, Cheongyeon heard a mocking voice in his ear.

“Then let’s just go with that.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s say you’re from the Hao Sect.”

Muho nuzzled Cheongyeon’s shoulder, his breath tickling moist skin.

Is he just letting this slide?

Pity moved him to indulge Cheongyeon’s nonsense for now.

With hope flickering, Cheongyeon tapped Muho’s hand resting on his waist.

“Well, then answer something too.”

“What?”

“About that man in the underground prison. Why is he held there? Was he really the one who betrayed you? And what were you doing down there? More importantly, do you believe me? That I didn’t sell you out?”

“More than one question.”

“Does that matter? Just answer… Hey, what are you touching now?”

Startled by Muho’s hand suddenly moving downward, Cheongyeon tried to slap it away, but the water rendered his efforts futile.

“W-what are you doing?”

“Just stay still.”

The hand crept lower, finally resting on Cheongyeon’s abdomen. Long fingers traced slowly across his belly. Tense, Cheongyeon held his breath, waiting for the touch to end.

Then Muho grasped Cheongyeon’s left arm, sleeves rolled up clinging damply. Only then did Cheongyeon realize it was a health exam.

“You’re not hurt worse.”

“What?”

“Your dantian.”

“Really? Since when? From the start?”

Cheongyeon bombarded him with questions, but Muho, annoyed, lowered his rolled sleeve.

“Why wouldn’t I know?”

“Ah… I just felt it.”

Cheongyeon recalled when he first was possessed—he didn’t know how to sense energy and couldn’t detect his dantian’s damage until doctor Somyeong examined him.

“Why didn’t you tell me then?”

Muho ignored his question, drawing Cheongyeon close once again, seeming unwilling to release him through the night.

Cheongyeon sighed and grumbled,

“Enough. What can you teach me anyway? Just give me back my hair ribbon. It’s falling loose all the time.”

“……”

“You don’t want to? If you don’t, I’ll tear the curtains and make one. They looked expensive.”

“……”

“You’re swimming in money, right? What’s with all the luxury here? Porcelain, paintings, golden turtles. You had nothing when you were young and borrowed from me. Remember? Hey, are you listening?”

“Wait.”

While grumbling, Muho paid no attention. He raised a hand out of the water and flicked his fingers toward the bushes. A loud pop sounded clearly. Lowering his hand, he embraced Cheongyeon as if nothing had happened.

“Continue.”

“What was that? Someone outside?”

“A bug was flying about.”

“Stop lying. How can a bug make a pop sound? If you grow up to be a liar just like when you were a kid, what will become of you? And clean the leg over there. It’s been annoying me.”

“……”

“Ah…”

Not a leg.

The sudden chill in the air deepened. Cheongyeon stared into the distance, tears streaming silently.

I was wrong. Please don’t make such terrifying faces!

“I’ve never seen the master so happy.”

Jihong smiled from afar as he watched them. The plan, using the maze trap to lure Cheongyeon there, had worked splendidly. Though he panicked sending news mid-way and got beaten by Heavenly Demon Martial Arts, causing him to vomit blood, it was still, in essence, a token of the master’s favor. If truly angry, there would be a hole in his forehead.

The master goes crazy for his beloved, indeed.

Jihong recalled a conversation he’d shared with the master just after his appointment.

“Please grant your first command.”

Before joining the guard, Jihong was ready to do anything. To strike down the righteous sects or to lead the conquest of the martial world, he swore loyalty and vowed to obey only the master’s orders.

How does one arrange a wedding?

“Huh?”

Jihong thought he misheard as the master’s expression grew unusually serious.

“First, you must bring up the marriage proposal.”

“A marriage proposal.”

Jihong glanced toward the master’s thoughtful profile.

“Has the master already set his heart on someone? We always thought he cared only for martial arts, but when did he find love?”

Marriage was a joyous event. Discovering this new side of the master, Jihong found him warmer.

“I wonder what he intends to ask this time.”

He answered with a pounding heart.

“Yes.”

“What if the other party doesn’t want it?”

“Huh?”

What kind of question was that? Was the master in one-sided love?

“No way. Who could refuse a man like the master?”

“……”

He meant it sincerely. He challenged anyone to step forward who dared reject such a man. If someone did, it would undoubtedly be from fear, not appearance… or perhaps from worse thoughts.

Yet the master remained deeply pensive. Jihong added,

“The master is said to have the finest bearing among all of Tianshan, indeed the entire Central Plains. I guarantee—”

“I seem large and lumbering.”

“Huh?”

What was wrong with being large? Jihong’s jaw dropped in shock.

“More than anything else—”

He dreaded what might come next.

“I’m not handsome.”

“……”

“No woman would marry such a hideous man.”

This was a scandal shaking heaven and earth. Jihong felt as if the cult’s doctrine had sunk to its lowest depths.

That the bride is not a woman, but a man.

In any case, the master seemed content with his spouse. Wiping joyous tears, Jihong heard a command to stop lingering and set off without hesitation.