I Became the Owner of the Heavenly Flower Palace-Chapter 68: Just as a Bell Must Ring When Struck

Jincheon decided it was time to leave the Soaring Willow Sword Sect.

The weight of Ji Riik and Ji Yeongryeong’s gazes was too much, and he could not afford to linger here any longer.

Though he had expected them to ask him to stay, Ji Riik and Ji Yeongryeong instead let him go without protest.

Clack.

As Jincheon climbed into the carriage, Ji Yeongryeong called out to him.

"Young Master."

He thought he knew what she would say next. Surely, she would ask him to visit again.

But his guess was wrong.

Looking at him with shining eyes, Ji Yeongryeong said, "I will come find you. No matter what."

Her voice carried a quiet, heavy determination that made Jincheon give an awkward smile. He himself had no idea where he would end up, so how could she find him?

"Stay in good health," he said, offering a vague farewell.

Ji Yeongryeong quietly bowed her head.

Thus, under the watchful eyes of Ji Riik and Ji Yeongryeong, Jincheon’s crimson carriage departed from the Soaring Willow Sword Sect.

Even after the red carriage vanished from sight, Ji Riik and Yeongryeong remained standing at the main gate.

****

Jincheon's carriage made its way toward Luoyang.

From there, he planned to pass through Zhengzhou and Kaifeng, enter Anhui Province, and head south to Hefei.

There was also a route from Luoyang through Xuchang directly to Hefei, but Jincheon had chosen not to take it.

He gave no reason, and no one asked.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

"Ilyo."

"Yes, Young Master."

"Do not stop in Luoyang. Pass straight through."

"Understood."

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

Once the ancient capital of a thousand years, Luoyang was now a shadow of its former self. The crimson carriage rolled slowly down the wide, empty streets, making no effort to hide itself.

Neither the Iron Gate Sect nor anyone else interfered. No one even seemed to recognize the carriage.

Without incident, Jincheon’s carriage left Luoyang behind and headed toward Zhengzhou.

Rustle.

"Welcome, honored guests!"

The server greeted them with an overly abbreviated bow as Jincheon entered the tavern.

As one of Zhengzhou’s most famous taverns, it was bustling with customers even near the entrance.

Step.

When Jincheon’s group walked in, the lively noise quickly faded into silence.

The patrons, stunned by the sight of Ilyo and Neung Gayeon, simply stared.

Here we go again, Jincheon thought, smiling bitterly.

When he had traveled with seventy escorts, he had never experienced this.

The atmosphere would quiet then, too, but it was because people hurried to avoid them, not to gawk.

Now, traveling with only two companions, they drew open stares.

At least no one dared approach, likely because of the sword hanging at Neung Gayeon’s waist.

"This way, honored guests," the nervous server stammered, leading them to a table.

Jincheon sat down, but Ilyo and Neung Gayeon remained standing.

"Commander Neung?"

"I will stand," Neung Gayeon replied with a graceful smile.

Hearing the sighs of admiration ripple through the tavern, Jincheon smiled bitterly again.

"In that case, wasn’t it pointless to come here instead of staying at the inn?"

"I can eat later. It’s no trouble," Neung Gayeon said firmly.

It was a decision made for Jincheon's safety, and he couldn’t very well object.

"What about you, Ilyo?"

"I will stand as well."

She was no ordinary maid.

If Ilyo decided something, there was always a reason for it.

Perhaps it was because of that strange Heavenly Flower Palace rule—that only the Oracle could dine at the same table as the Red Dragon.

"Very well," Jincheon said, giving up.

He ordered a simple meal and some tea.

Even then, the stares from the other patrons didn’t fade.

Among them were members of the Gu Clan.

"Wow..." said Gu Yangjeong, the Gu Clan's prized disciple from Kaifeng, unable to hide his amazement. "Such beauty, and without any adornment. Truly a masterpiece."

The term "masterpiece" was sometimes used to praise rare beauties.

"Tsk."

Across from him, the middle-aged Gu Yangheon clicked his tongue.

"How many times have I told you not to act so foolishly? How can you call yourself the heir of the Gu Clan if you’re so easily distracted?"

Gu Yangheon scowled sharply, but Gu Yangjeong only shrugged.

"Isn’t it natural for a man to look at beauty?"

"He’s not wrong," said Gu Yangcheok with a soft smile.

Though already entering his elder years, Gu Yangcheok looked nearly as young as the middle-aged Gu Yangjeong.

"Big Brother," Gu Yangheon said with displeasure, but Gu Yangcheok continued leisurely.

"Still, be careful, Jeong. It’s easy to lose judgment when deceived by appearances. What’s truly important often lies hidden."

Gu Yangheon nodded in agreement.

Gu Yangjeong, however, pouted.

"But if it’s hidden, how are we supposed to know? In the end, all we can do is judge based on appearances."

Gu Yangheon furrowed his brow.

"There is a way," Gu Yangcheok said, smiling as if enjoying the conversation. "Just as a bell must ring when struck, people too reveal themselves when touched the right way."

"Strike them? You mean literally?"

"Jeong!"

"Haha, not in that sense. As the heir of the Gu Clan, you must never strike someone lightly. What I mean is this."

Gu Yangcheok raised his hand lightly and flicked his fingers.

Snap.

The sound was soft, almost inaudible.

But the ripple of internal energy spread outward like waves across a still pond.

Gu Yangcheok continued with a smile.

"Now, let’s see what they’re hiding..."

But he fell silent.

The smile disappeared from his face.

His eyes widened in shock.

Confusion and disbelief flickered across his expression.

"This... this is..."

At that moment, while Gu Yangjeong and Gu Yangheon exchanged confused glances, a disciple of the Iron Gate Sect, sitting nearby, leaned closer and spoke in a low voice.

"Sir... I believe those are the ones I mentioned."

He had been guiding the Gu Clan’s party to Luoyang on behalf of the Iron Gate Sect.

The Iron Gate’s Sect Master had personally sent a letter to bring these people to their side, offering them nearly everything.

Gu Yangheon asked,

"What are you talking about?"

"The guests who killed the Ghost-Slaying Sword from the Soaring Willow Sword Sect," the disciple said quickly.

Gu Yangheon’s expression darkened.

"What?"

"Is that true?" Gu Yangcheok asked with a grim face.

The disciple, unaware of the gravity of Gu Yangcheok’s tone, answered confidently.

"Yes, sir. A young master with two unparalleled beauties—such a trio would hardly go unnoticed. And if the carriage they arrived in was crimson, then there’s no doubt."

Immediately, Gu Yangheon turned to the server and called him over.

"What color was the carriage those guests arrived in?"

"Uh, well... it was..." The server stammered, eyes wide.

The middle-aged Gu Yangheon frowned and placed a few coins on the table.

The server quickly pocketed them and whispered,

"It was red, sir. Bright, vivid red."

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

After sending the server away, Gu Yangheon turned quietly to Gu Yangcheok.

The Iron Gate Sect disciple had been telling the truth.

These were indeed the guests of the Soaring Willow Sword Sect—the ones who had killed the Ghost-Slaying Sword, though in reality, it had been Ji Yeongryeong who delivered the fatal blow.

The Iron Gate disciple spoke again, quickly and in a low voice, unable to hide his excitement.

"This ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) is a blessing. If we deal with them here, it will be as if the matter is already resolved."

Gu Yangcheok was a master who had manifested Sword Qi.

Even within the Gu Clan, few could match him. He was a peak expert, the very man the Iron Gate Sect had offered up all of their rights in Luoyang to recruit.

Along with Gu Yangheon, who was on the verge of Sword Qi manifestation, and their heir, Gu Yangjeong, it was no surprise that the disciple saw this moment as heaven’s blessing.

Thud.

Gu Yangcheok slammed his hand onto the table.

"Leave."

"Sir?" the Iron Gate disciple asked instinctively, thinking he must have misheard.

But he had heard correctly.

"How much longer must the Gu Clan involve itself in your affairs? From this moment on, the Gu Clan has no ties to the Iron Gate Sect."

The disciple’s face turned pale.

"Sir, I— I was wrong. Please, I beg you, calm your anger—"

Grit.

Gu Yangcheok ground his teeth.

"I said, leave."

The force blazing in his eyes was neither a joke nor a whim.

Overwhelmed by the sudden fury, the Iron Gate disciple immediately rose and fled outside.

He turned once at the door, but the members of the Gu Clan didn’t even glance in his direction.

The disciple rushed out of the tavern as if fleeing for his life.

After a moment, Gu Yangheon spoke quietly.

"Big Brother."

Neither he nor Gu Yangjeong understood what had just happened,

but they trusted that Gu Yangcheok would never act without cause.

Swish.

Gu Yangcheok made no reply. Instead, he gestured for the server to approach.

When the server hurried over, Gu Yangcheok spoke with a calm expression.

"Bring a bottle of the best wine and a dish of the finest food to every guest in this tavern."

"S-sir?" the server stammered, his eyes wide with shock.

"Today marks the first visit of the Gu Clan’s Heir to Zhengzhou. I wish to commemorate the occasion."

The server didn’t understand the reasoning, but with money involved—especially coming from the famous Gu Clan of Kaifeng—he didn’t question it.

"Yes, sir! Right away!"

The server sprinted off toward the kitchen.

Soon, the kitchen burst into activity, and even the owner of the tavern rushed over to bow deeply to Gu Yangcheok’s table.

But Gu Yangcheok remained silent and indifferent.

As wine and food were brought out, the tavern quickly filled with noise.

The server beamed as he carried the dishes and made sure everyone knew it was the Gu Clan’s treat.

"Thank you so much!"

"Congratulations, Young Heir!"

"The Gu Clan is truly generous!"

Cheers and laughter echoed through the tavern as patrons enjoyed the unexpected feast.

Yet Gu Yangcheok stayed silent, offering no explanation,

leaving only the awkward Gu Yangjeong to wave politely to the guests with an uneasy smile.

Clack.

Gu Yangcheok rose from his seat.

Gu Yangheon stood as well, and Gu Yangjeong got up a beat later, still looking unsure.

Step, step.

Gu Yangcheok moved to the neighboring tables, greeting the patrons.

He smiled faintly and nodded in response to their thanks.

To the casual observer, he looked like a gracious host,

but the expressions on Gu Yangheon and Gu Yangjeong’s faces remained tight.

Gu Yangcheok continued moving from table to table.

And then, as if naturally, he stopped.

Before him sat a young nobleman and two breathtaking women—the very group identified as guests of the Soaring Willow Sword Sect.

Gu Yangcheok offered a gentle, courteous smile and bowed lightly.

"How is the wine? I hope it suits your taste."

The young nobleman, Jincheon, looked up, clasped his hands respectfully, and returned the greeting.

"Thank you for your kindness.

Unfortunately, we have not yet had the chance to drink, as we still have a journey ahead.

Nevertheless, congratulations."

Even as he spoke, Jincheon found it odd.

Kaifeng wasn’t far from Zhengzhou, yet this was apparently the first time the Gu Clan’s heir had visited.

"My apologies for the late introduction," Gu Yangcheok said with a smile. "I am Gu Yangcheok of the Gu Clan of Kaifeng."

"Please call me Young Master Jin," Jincheon replied, without revealing his full name.

It was discourteous, but Gu Yangcheok showed no offense.

"Young Master Jin," Gu Yangcheok said, nodding warmly. "And these two?"

His gaze shifted momentarily toward Ilyo and Neung Gayeon, and his eyes flashed subtly.

"They are the ones I rely on," Jincheon said simply.

He didn’t call them maids or guards.

He couldn’t bring himself to say something so small.

Gu Yangcheok remained silent for a moment.

He stared intently at Neung Gayeon, but neither she nor Ilyo returned his gaze.

"...I see. Truly remarkable individuals," Gu Yangcheok said quietly.

Jincheon wondered what he meant by that.

Assuming he was referring to their appearance, Jincheon nodded lightly.

"Yes, well, something like that."

Swish.

Gu Yangcheok slowly turned his head away from Neung Gayeon.

The movement was so careful, so deliberate, that Jincheon tilted his head slightly, puzzled.

Gu Yangcheok then clasped his hands together once more and bowed deeply toward Jincheon.

"Though today’s meeting is a small one, the Gu Clan shall welcome you with open arms."

Jincheon was unsure what prompted such a statement, but Gu Yangcheok continued,

"Please know you are always welcome.

Come freely, whenever you wish."

His tone was cautious, and his words carried weight.