The one to break the awkward silence was the Ryu Patriarch. After he cleared his throat, he dared to ask: "Senior, are you certain that this...hm...junior...is part of our clan? After all, all our juniors are being trained internally..."

Hae-Hyuk answered back: "Yes, except for those your clan decides to exile. I found him at the brink of death in a space storm back then...I was quite surprised when I discovered his identity. You have quite the way to train your youths, Patriarch"

At this moment, not only the Patriarch but all the elders were sweating like mad. If this powerful monster was here for revenge for this disciple, they were dead. Putting aside whether or not he was one of theirs, if this man believed it, it was the truth. They had no choice but go along and try to appease him: "Respected Senior, you are most right. Our customs are indeed peculiar, eh eh... May we ask for the junior's identity?"

Hae-Hyuk told them: "Min-Su"

As the name was uttered, one of the elders flinched. He did so because he recalled a kid of said name that he forced into exile a few years ago. He looked at this Min-Su. If it was the same one, it certainly would be the case of being slapped back twice as hard after giving one first. This could be the end for him and his entire branch. Most unfortunately, the Patriarch noticed him acting strangely.

Ryu Kwang Seok saw one of his elders flinch at the mention of the disciple name. It wasn't difficult to guess what had happened. Since this clan was so big, management of branches were given to elders from them. This particular elder was such a manager. If he had, behind everyone's back, decided to exile someone, no one could blame him. It was one of the perks of the job... But! Since they had a monster at their doorstep because of it, he would be the one to deal with his own mess.

Ryu Kwang Seok turned to said elder and said: "I recall a Min-Su from your branch, elder Yong-Sik. Why don't you go check down there and bring back what family he might have left?"

Obviously, this wasn't a suggestion. Clenching his teeth, Yong-Sik got up and said: "Then I will excuse myself, Patriarch, esteemed Senior" then he left the hall. He went straight for their private teleportation array that was solely linked to their personal floating island where the rest of the clan lived. As he recalled, the parents of the kid he exiled still lived to this day... And wasn't his sister still alive too? He would need to check with his third son. The little bastard had truly brought him trouble this time!

While this elder was on the way, the others were still forced to deal with the pressure emanated from Hae-Hyuk. No one but the Patriarch dared to even talk. And the Patriarch wasn't having that great a time either: "Esteemed Senior...May I ask for the reason you are visiting at this time?"

It was indeed an unwritten rule for a Master to visit the family of the disciple he took in when it came to wandering cultivators. But this was already far too late! He had most likely taken this Min-Su in years ago. Why would he only come here now? What did he want from them?!

"It was on the way"

Hae-Hyuk's answer made them feel like he didn't wish to explain himself and scared them further. The truth was that it had truly been on the way. If they knew, how would they feel? But they didn't and only fear remained. However, before they could attempt to uncover more, the doors of the great hall burst open as another handsome man entered with vigorous steps.

The new entrant wore a grey robe with golden ripple-like drawings. He had short gray hair and gray-colored eyes. Also, he had a prominent tattoo around one eye. In black color, there were four extremely thin circles surrounding that eye. As he entered, he was followed by some scared Ryu's clan guards who profusely apologized to their Patriarch and elders. They weren't even trying to stop the man though. And no one could blame them. This was one of the strongest man in this world.

As this man saw Hae-Hyuk, he hurried even more and appeared next to him. Looking at him from his standing position, he coldly asked him: "I already rejected your offer back then, Hae-Hyuk! What is the meaning of your presence?!"

It was the first time that those of the Ryu clan heard the name of their first guest. The Patriarch nearly lost consciousness on the spot as he stuttered: "H-Hae-Hyuk? Technique Master Hae-Hyuk?!"

He couldn't believe his lack of luck. It had to be this monster. One of the strongest men. And he had likely offended him because he had picked one of their randomly thrown away trash as his disciple. Life was certainly unpredictable and fate liked to play tricks alright!

While the Ryu people were having internal difficulties, Hae-Hyuk was very calm as he answered: "Ma Song-Min... I am aware of your rejection. It is a shame. However, I did not come here for this business. Unless, you have changed your mind?"

"I have not!"

"Well then, feel free to leave as my business this time isn't with you"

"Hmph! As if! Here I am, here I stay! I dare to see who would ask me to leave!"

As he glared at the Patriarch hurried: "We wouldn't dare! We wouldn't dare! Esteemed Senior Ma, it is an honor to have you with us! Please, feel free to take a seat!"

Dealing with one monster was already pushing him closer to his coffin but two... The poor Ryu Patriarch was really feeling the pressure. And unfortunately for him, it was unlikely to stop here. Because just as he thought so, the doors were opened savagely once more.