Chapter 200: Beads of the Heavenly Road. (3)

Beads of the Heavenly Road. (3)

Three days have passed since Gu Yangcheon was imprisoned.

Two days have passed since the Second Elder visited Gu Yangcheon.

Without any need for the Sword Guard units to mobilize, Gu Yangcheon had walked into prison of his own accord.

And the Steward General hadn’t said a word about it either.

For the Second Elder, it was a frustrating time.

‘…That child wouldn’t have done something without any reason.’

The Second Elder might not have thought so before, but now, he didn’t believe Gu Yangcheon would have acted recklessly without any thought.

‘They say there’s something suspicious about the residence.’

Reports had come in that a strange aura was felt around the residence of the Gu Seon Sect Leader.

Although his body wasn’t well enough for him to check personally.

If the report was true, then there must be something there.

‘Does this mean Yangcheon knew about this?’

Before the question of ‘Why?’ could arise.

He wished that were the case.

Gu Yangcheon’s words also had sufficient justification, they said.

He must have acted knowing something.

And while recovering the First Elder’s body, they discovered that the First Elder had been suffering from a chronic illness.

Even with the power of a martial artist who had reached the Hwa Gyeong realm, he only had a few years left, wasn’t that what they said?

They had encountered each other several times, so it seemed the First Elder had kept it thoroughly hidden.

“Hmm.”

The Second Elder stroked his beard with one hand.

The other hand was bandaged and unusable, so he had no choice.

“So.”

The Second Elder stretched his stiff body and opened his mouth.

“What is this meeting for?”

In response to the weighty question, the two elders sitting before him avoided his gaze.

From the Second Elder’s perspective, these were faces he had known for decades.

Though their relationship wasn’t exactly comfortable.

“It feels like it hasn’t even been a month since the last Elder Council meeting.”

These were all elders of the Gu family.

Including the Second Elder, there were three remaining.

The Gu family’s Third Elder and Fourth Elder.

At this point, they were individuals who didn’t move from their respective positions.

They were also the type who wouldn’t show their faces unless there was a family matter or a summons from the family head.

“Ahem…”

As the Third Elder cleared his throat, the Fourth Elder beside him spoke as if in his stead.

“First, we are relieved that you have recovered your senses, Second Elder.”

“Thank you.”

“To get to the point, we’ve gathered because of what the First Young Master did this time.”

“This time’s incident…”

At the Fourth Elder’s words, the Second Elder couldn’t help but frown deeply.

“What’s the problem?”

“Why wouldn’t there be a problem? The First Elder was killed.”

Since when did they care so much about each other to act like this?

The Second Elder had to suppress the laughter rising from deep within his dantian.

“Right, that is a problem.”

“So, shouldn’t we discuss what to do about it?”

“Discuss… Fine, let’s discuss.”

Kkuyuk.

The Second Elder rested his chin on his hand, striking a pose.

At first glance, it looked like he was concentrating his gaze according to his senses.

But seeing his bulging muscles even in his injured state, that didn’t seem to be the case.

“But you know. Before that, let me ask you something.”

“Go ahead.”

“Is it right to be discussing that in this situation right now?”

At the Second Elder’s words, the other elders flinched.

It wasn’t because their words were caught in a loophole, but because the killing intent subtly emanating from the Second Elder’s body was not shallow.

“The family’s elder returned half-crippled, and the eldest daughter was taken by a fiend from the Demonic Sect. Is this appropriate right now?”

“Well…”

“Moreover, with the family head himself absent… Ah, was that the goal?”

“Second Elder!”

As the Third Elder let out a shout, the Second Elder smirked.

“Don’t raise your voice. Since I’m killing people myself, would it be appropriate for you to raise yours?”

“What are you trying to say now? Even if he’s kin, after laying hands on an elder…”

“Doesn’t that make it amazing?”

“What?”

The Third Elder frowned as if he had misheard.

The Second Elder’s statement was quite a dangerous remark.

However, the Second Elder continued speaking as if unconcerned.

“Even if the First Elder’s body was damaged, at that age, to have defeated the First Elder single-handedly, how could that not be amazing?”

How damaged the First Elder’s body was, would need further investigation.

Regardless, it was a fact that Gu Yangcheon had subdued and killed the First Elder.

This was a realm no one in the history of the Central Plains had ever reached.

However, for the other elders, this meaning was closer to something else.

The Third Elder, seeming to take offense, said to the Second Elder.

“It’s well-known within the family that you favor the First Young Master, but this statement right now…”

“That’s why I’m asking.”

The Second Elder’s voice, cutting off the Third Elder, still held a hint of laughter.

“Knowing full well that I favor the child, why did you create this meeting?”

“…You!”

“Are you trying to pressure me? Or did you want to use me to temporarily rein in the child?”

“Guryun…! You really!”

Keolkeol.

The Second Elder just laughed.

Because the current situation was so ridiculous, his laughter wouldn’t stop.

After laughing like that for a while, the Second Elder suddenly stopped and said to the elders.

“Are you afraid?”

“…”

“Or, are you scared?”

The Second Elder could guess the main reason this meeting was convened.

They were afraid.

“Are you afraid of what that child might do, afraid that Yangcheon’s fingertips might turn towards you?”

“Watch your words, Second Elder. What exactly are you saying right now?”

“If you’re going to play dumb, take off that pathetic emotion stuck in your eyes and then talk.”

Before becoming elders, each of them was a renowned martial artist in the Central Plains.

The First Elder was the same.

Since he himself was like that, these individuals were no different.

Seeing them like this now made his insides burn.

‘It feels like seeing a broken friend.’

These were people he had once fought alongside on the front lines.

Should this be called corruption?

He didn’t dare to attach such a word, but in the Second Elder’s eyes, there was little difference.

“I admit that the First Young Master is talented.”

“It’s not just talented, Yangcheon is clearly a child blessed by heaven.”

“…Yes, I admit he’s great. But that’s a separate matter.”

“What is?”

“If a young family member commits a wrong, isn’t it right to correct their ways before it’s too late? Especially if they are destined to be the Young Family Head.”

They too would know.

That Gu Yangcheon was the only one destined to become the family head. Therefore, before the young Gu Yangcheon, who had reached the point of directly eliminating the First Elder, could turn his gaze upon them.

They were saying it would be right to take preemptive action to prevent that.

The Second Elder did not like that demeanor.

“Don’t smear shit on the words you spew as justification.”

“What…?”

“You said ‘before it’s too late’? How impressive. Before what? Before the family head returns? Or before the child soars even higher?”

“Second Elder… Don’t you know you’ll only lose out if you keep looking at it that way?”

“Do I look like someone who acts based on profit and loss? If that were the case, I wouldn’t have needed to see you all in the first place.”

How vulgar.

The Second Elder could once again feel how dirty a rusted sword could become.

‘Truly pathetic.’

Perhaps it was because he was out fighting on the front lines, he didn’t truly know what was happening within the family.

It wasn’t just the First Elder he should have been wary of.

The Second Elder was now experiencing a regret that wasn’t quite regret.

“I don’t care what you intend to do. However.”

Kkeureuk.

His still unhealed body couldn’t fully contain the rising internal energy, but.

The Second Elder was a man for whom many things were more important than pain.

Soon, the internal energy took form and erupted.

“Don’t cross the line. If you do this time, it won’t be Yangcheon, but I myself who will step forward.”

Finishing his words, the Second Elder kicked off from the building and left.

---

The Second Elder walked, gently stroking his throbbing chest.

‘It’s still too much.’

As the divine physician had said, it would take a long time of recuperation for his body to heal.

Even simple actions like this were overwhelming right now.

“Ha…”

More than his exhausted body, his heavy spirit bothered him.

The problem was that with his body failing, there was nothing he could do.

‘…The child is facing a difficult situation.’

More than losing the battle against the Black Night Palace Lord.

He felt more regret about Gu Huibi, whom he couldn’t protect.

The reason the Second Elder, despite feeling that way, did not leave the family to join the family head was.

Because he knew that going now would only be a hindrance to them.

Simply spending time recovering his body.

Within that time, trying to help Gu Yangcheon as much as he could.

These were among the few things the Second Elder could do at this point.

“Ah. Second Elder-nim…”

The Second Elder, struggling to walk, lifted his head at the call.

“Ah, it’s our Ryunghwa.”

He quickly wiped away the expression lost in stray thoughts.

The one who had called out to the Second Elder was none other than the family head’s youngest daughter, Gu Ryunghwa.

“Are you… alright?”

“Of course! This old man is always healthy. Are you eating properly? You’re too thin.”

He tried to force a smile, but tears welled up in Gu Ryunghwa’s eyes.

Her gaze was fixed on the Second Elder’s wounds.

“Hey now, why are you trying to cry? I’m really fine, I tell you.”

“But…”

She was a child with a tender heart.

Gu Huibi too, considering they say the Gu family members have bad tempers, they all truly have tender and beautiful hearts within.

Thinking such thoughts, the Second Elder asked Gu Ryunghwa.

“Ryunghwa, why are you here yourself?”

“…Ah.”

The reason for asking was none other than that this was Gu Yangcheon’s residence.

“…My sisters invited me to eat together.”

“Sisters?”

At Gu Ryunghwa’s words, the Second Elder moved his steps and entered Gu Yangcheon’s residence.

It just so happened he had a purpose for coming here.

“…Hmm?”

As soon as he entered the residence, the scene that greeted him made the Second Elder flustered.

Clearly, the owner of the residence was absent, so it should have been somewhat quiet.

The atmosphere was quiet, yet it somehow felt bustling.

As the Second Elder entered the residence, many people abruptly stood up and assumed a posture.

“Greetings, Great Hero Yeom Agwon.”

‘Was she a child of the Tang Clan?’

She was a young girl with dark green hair and a cute impression.

She seemed to be direct lineage of the Tang Clan, I think.

‘Why is she here…?’

There should be a guest residence. Was this child also invited?

However, looking at how she moved, she seemed quite familiar with the place.

As if she had been living here since she arrived.

“Oh! Grandpa Gu!”

The one running over from afar was definitely Wi Seol-ah.

Judging by the headscarf she was wearing and her condition, she seemed to have been cooking.

‘Her eyes are still swollen.’

Wi Seol-ah’s eyes were red and swollen, just like when he saw her last time.

It was probably because Gu Yangcheon caused trouble and went to prison.

‘I hope Senior doesn’t find out.’

As Wi Seol-ah was the Sword Master’s granddaughter, he wondered what the Sword Master would think if he saw this.

If his granddaughter was crying over some dark fellow, he might have smacked her on the head too.

‘…Sigh… Even so, I can’t stop Senior, what should I do.’

He could only hope she wouldn’t find out.

“…Where did your grandfather go?”

When he subtly asked about the Sword Master, Wi Seol-ah pointed towards the back mountain.

“He went to pick herbs! He said there are many delicious things because it’s spring!”

“…Ah, I see.”

The Sword Master picking herbs in the back mountain.

It felt quite strange.

Because it meant his hands, which used to cleave the sky with a sword, were now holding a sickle and digging the ground.

“Oh right, I’ll go call my sister.”

“Hmm?”

Just as he was about to continue the conversation, Wi Seol-ah seemed to remember something and suddenly dashed into Gu Yangcheon’s room.

-Sister! Wake up! Grandpa Gu is here!

‘Sister?’

Immediately after Wi Seol-ah’s voice was heard, a slight clatter came from Gu Yangcheon’s room, and then.

Someone burst out of the door shortly after.

A beautiful woman with silvery-white hair.

She was someone the Second Elder knew well.

“You are…”

“Greetings, Great Hero Yeom Agwon. I am Namgung Bi-ah of the Namgung family.”

As Namgung Bi-ah, maintaining a modest posture, greeted the Second Elder in a clear voice.

Somehow, murmuring sounds could be faintly heard from the surroundings.

Roughly, sounds like ‘Why does that sister talk like that?’

“Ah, right. You’re our Yangcheon’s bride.”

“Yes.”

Namgung Bi-ah quickly replied to the Second Elder’s words.

She should have been embarrassed, but she didn’t hesitate for a moment.

He had said it intending to tease her a bit, but her calm reaction made the Second Elder feel rather awkward.

“Sister, it’s not time yet.”

Wi Seol-ah, with a slightly sulky expression, poked Namgung Bi-ah’s side.

“…Right, were you perhaps sleeping?”

“…No…”

It seemed like it.

Although her posture was straight, her somewhat disheveled hair.

And the fatigue filling her eyes proved it.

“Sister hasn’t slept for days. That’s why she slept in the Young Master’s room like this… Ugh-guk.”

As Wi Seol-ah added words as if defending her, Namgung Bi-ah covered Wi Seol-ah’s mouth with her own hand.

‘What an unusual child…’

He wondered if she was so tired that she slept in Gu Yangcheon’s room.

He briefly considered whether he should scold her for sleeping in the ownerless room.

Regarding this, the Second Elder decided not to bring it up.

It didn’t seem like she had any ill intentions.

And he wasn’t in a state to do so right now.

“Grandpa Gu.”

“Hm?”

Wi Seol-ah casually approached the Second Elder and asked.

“…When will the Young Master come out?”

The way she asked cautiously, as if trying to gauge something, looked pitiful.

At Wi Seol-ah’s question, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.

Not only Namgung Bi-ah, but Tang Xiaoye also remained silent, seemingly curious about it.

‘…It seems Yangcheon is overflowing with luck when it comes to women.’

The emotions they harbored were all too evident.

Not only the Sword Master’s granddaughter, but also the Namgung family head’s child and the Tang family’s child.

What was he doing to attract girls like these? The Second Elder felt both proud and puzzled.

“He’ll be out soon.”

“Really…?”

“Of course.”

For now, this was all he could say.

Gu Yangcheon himself had said he would be out soon.

And the Second Elder somehow believed his words.

“That’s a relief…”

Perhaps reassured by the Second Elder’s words, Wi Seol-ah smiled bashfully.

‘Ho ho.’

Seeing that, the Second Elder let out a non-exclamatory admiration.

Now that he saw it, Wi Seol-ah, whose plumpness had all disappeared, even her cheeks had thinned.

She had grown much more beautiful than before.

‘Her height seems to have grown too, her lines have changed.’

She looked like she was gradually becoming a woman.

Did Gu Yangcheon know about this change?

It was highly likely he was probably picking his nose and thinking nothing of it.

“If perhaps you haven’t eaten… would you care to join us?”

This was what Namgung Bi-ah said.

Even without this, Gu Ryunghwa had mentioned earlier that she came to eat.

It was a kind offer, but the Second Elder had to refuse it.

“Thank you for the offer, but this old man has matters to attend to and cannot join you for the meal.”

“Ah…”

Leaving the children, who wore slightly disappointed expressions, behind, Hongwa then appeared as if waiting and handed him an item wrapped in cloth.

“Thank you.”

This was food for Gu Yangcheon and food for himself.

A mere elder didn’t need to do such chores.

As a patient, he should have been resting even more.

But the Second Elder insisted he would do this himself, asserting his authority to receive it.

“Take care, everyone. Oh, and don’t come out to see me off.”

Seeing them about to follow and see him off, the Second Elder quickened his pace.

‘…Thinking about it, I forgot to ask why the children were in Yangcheon’s residence.’

Perhaps because the situation was so overwhelming, he felt like he missed asking the most important thing.

Thus, the Second Elder approached the underground, got confirmation from the guards, and descended to where Gu Yangcheon was.

Walking a bit along the torchlight.

Gu Yangcheon was visible in the distance… but he shouldn’t be?

“…Hm?”

Gu Yangcheon, who should clearly have been in prison, was somehow outside the prison.

Gu Yangcheon, who seemed hesitant about something, noticed the approaching Second Elder, and they made eye contact.

“Ah.”

To Gu Yangcheon, who wore a look of realization, the Second Elder asked.

“…What are you doing?”

Gu Yangcheon, glancing alternately between the basket in the Second Elder’s hand and the Second Elder himself, replied.

“…For the record, I’m not escaping, so don’t misunderstand.”

He had a rather awkward expression.