Chapter 217: Omen. (4)

Omen. (4)

The Elder Council.

Normally, the head of the family decides most matters. However, when there are various issues that make it difficult for the head of the family to decide alone. They gather the key figures of the family to proceed. As the name suggests, most of these are elders. There are a total of four elders in the Gu family. No, perhaps three now. Among them, Elder San and Elder Sa, excluding Elder Lee. Are figures who, like Elder Il, hold certain positions or powers within the Gu family. If Elder Il was in charge of the Gu family’s Gu Seon Mun (Nine Immortal Gates) and its overall power base, then the few business managers in the Gu family, And those in charge of information-related matters were them.

‘Honestly, Elder Lee is strangely not in charge of anything.’

The person named Yeom Agwon Gu Ryun. Was an old man who never intended to be an elder in the first place. My father probably forced him into the position, or something like that.

‘Is that why he wanders around outside?’

I recall Elder Lee often going outside instead of staying within the family. He claimed he was responsible for matters outside the family. But seeing as he’d bring back some dog-shit-like things every day as part of drinking bets, I suspect he was just going out to have fun. That’s definitely how it felt to me.

‘I don’t know what kind of crazy person… brings other people’s treasures every time they go out.’

Ah, I also asked Geolwang to look into something. Is that still pending?

‘There shouldn’t be any problems, right?’

It’s Geolwang, so surely there wouldn’t be any issues. …Actually, there might be.

‘…Geolwang seemed a bit clueless right now.’

Where did that imposing figure from back then go? I felt a bit uneasy remembering how he acted like a common neighborhood beggar. Especially since I asked him about information regarding Tuyong, no. Actually, Pazon.

[I heard, but it’s absurd. That such a master is truly posing as a late-stage disciple.]

‘…There must be a reason.’

Tuyong Bi-ui-jin. He was a direct blood relative of the Bi family, to which Pazon Bi-ju belonged, and the second son of the family head who didn’t possess the right of succession. He is now one of the Six Dragon Peaks, who became Six Dragons from Five Dragons, and a late-stage disciple of the Bi family who hadn’t shown up since the first martial arts tournament. When he first appeared, being a direct blood relative of the Three Sovereigns, And a youth who earned the title of Dragon, he was talked about by many. As time passed, he is now a martial artist who has quieted down. Now, he’s probably remembered as merely adequate, or perhaps a talented member of the Bi family. That’s probably how most people remember him. But his true identity is, in fact, one of the Three Sovereigns of the world, And Pazon Bi-ju, known as the Number One Fist under Heaven.

‘Reverting to youth… I can’t believe he actually did it.’

Reverting to Youth (返老還童). It’s something passed down only in ancient legends. It is said that when a martial artist’s realm reaches its peak, They can reverse the body’s time and become young again. While it’s praised by many as giving aging martial artists back their time, And offering a chance to reach higher realms, the reality is different. Because Reverting to Youth brings more disadvantages than advantages. This is why Pazon disappeared like Sword Sovereign, leaving no trace, And why he couldn’t show himself until the Demon Lord appeared and caused the blood calamity.

‘If not for that, he probably wouldn’t have appeared.’

If the Demon Lord hadn’t appeared, For an even longer time, Pazon would have lived hiding his appearance. I certainly would have done the same. The reason Pazon hid himself after Reverting to Youth.

‘The absence of power.’

That was the problem. Bi-ju has lost all his strength now. Reverting to Youth, which makes the body young again, granting a new lease on life. Just hearing about it, it sounds like a miracle, but just as there’s equivalent exchange for everything, Reverting to Youth has a significant problem.

‘Something that can only be obtained by abandoning everything one has built.’

The realm a martial artist has painstakingly cultivated. Even the pure internal energy built up over a long period. Reverting to Youth comes only after abandoning all of this. All that remains is experience. In a way, it could be considered similar to my situation, returning to the past through regression, but

‘It’s different, vastly different.’

The biggest problem with Reverting to Youth is none other than this: The body of a person called one of the Three Sovereigns, who reached the absolute level, Is undoubtedly what’s called the ‘bone structure of a martial prodigy.’ This is a part of innate talent, determined from birth, And it was a crucial factor in determining whether one could overcome bottlenecks. Reverting to Youth blocks that potential of the body. A weak body. A narrow vessel. The body obtained through Reverting to Youth Is a frail body that might crumble with just a nudge. Pazon himself said this. What one gains after losing everything Is a weak, oh-so-weak body possessing past experiences. And for some reason, Pazon did it, And as a result, he has no choice but to stay confined within his family, hiding himself.

‘Does that mean Elder Lee knew about it too?’

Not only did he get a letter of recommendation from Pazon, But seeing as he also received the ring contained within, it seems Elder Lee knew Pazon’s current situation.

‘But he passed that crap onto me?’

My head throbs. The baseless rumor about me being Pazon’s disciple was still ongoing. All because of that insignificant letter of recommendation.

‘There are so many martial artists in the world, why are they bothering me….’

Pazon doesn’t even use energy-dispersing techniques; he’s purely a martial artist. This is all because of that damn letter of recommendation.

‘He couldn’t even use it properly.’

I gained nothing, And only accumulated nonsensical misunderstandings, leaving me furious.

‘I just hope it doesn’t reach Pazon’s ears and cause trouble.’

Knowing a little about Pazon’s personality, I just hope nothing happens if he hears about it. That’s also why I asked Chu-ong.

‘Regarding Muk-gwon… it’d be nice if it comes, but if not, whatever.’

I don’t know how reliably Chu-ong will investigate the information, But this is actually for my future relationship with Geolwang, It’s not crucial information. Of course, I don’t know if Chu-ong knows this.

‘I’m not in a position to worry about that right now….’

Right now, I was enduring the silent, pouring gazes. A total of four pairs of eyes. Amidst gazes that were nothing short of menacing, Only the benevolent eyes of the Steward were soothing me. I keep forgetting. That I am standing in a critical position. I am currently attending the Elder Council, convened to decide my punishment. Facing my father, I had to stand there blankly.

The head seat.

My father, seated in the head of the family’s position, looked at me and spoke.

“…This Elder Council is a session to discuss the punishment for the matters Young Master Il has committed.”

Even without using any power, my father’s words alone made the atmosphere grow heavy.

“Young Master Il.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have anything specific to say?”

“No.”

I answered my father’s question. I truly had nothing specific to say. What I could say now, I had already conveyed to my father and others, And the truth of my words would be confirmed shortly.

“Kuhum…. hum.”

However, perhaps displeased with my answer, a throat-clearing sound came from the left.

“Does your lack of words mean you admit to killing Elder Il?”

‘Is that Elder San?’

It was a face I hadn’t seen in a while. I wonder what happened to him in my past life. I remember him as an old man who was still alive until I left the family. I answered his words without hesitation.

“What’s there to admit or deny? I did kill him.”

“Hah! A family member, moreover an elder, killed by a blood relative with his own hands, how can you be so brazen?!”

At Elder San’s roar, I slightly frowned. Because his pathetic ploy was too obvious.

“Family member or whatever. Isn’t it natural to be punished if you commit a wrong?”

“Why is Young Master Il deciding the punishment for that crime?”

“Then who should?”

“What?”

“If you, Elder San, heard what Elder Il did, were you planning to step in yourself?”

At my words, Elder San’s expression crumpled. Perhaps he didn’t like me talking back.

“If the justification Young Master Il presented is truly factual, then naturally, after the investigation is complete, the family head should decide.”

“But the family head is currently away. And the culprit might flee upon learning of the situation, right? That’s why I acted.”

“Are you… calling a family elder a criminal right now?”

“Then should I treat him like a hero for committing a crime? Why are you twisting my words nonsensically?”

“You…!”

“If you’ve lost your mind, just go sleep in the back room. Or perhaps you have something to fear, like Elder Il….”

Kuuung-!

Annoyed, I blurted out the words, then shut my mouth as a force enveloped me. Instantly, a heavy aura settled upon the hall.

“Do not cross the line with your words. Do not forget why you stand in this place.”

“…I apologize.”

That senile old man was speaking nonsense, So I couldn’t help but snap back.

[Didn’t you say you’d live with more composure?]

‘It’s obvious he intends to grab me like a dog, how could I endure that?’

I don’t understand why people are like this. They should all be burned down and replaced, but Father doesn’t seem to have any intention of doing that. Seizing this moment, Father spoke.

“As Young Master Il said, we have confirmed the existence of a secret space in Elder Il’s quarters.”

Fortunately, it seems they found it properly.

“Judging by the complex formation array set up, we will proceed with the verification process.”

“Patriarch Gu. This matter should not be taken lightly.”

As Father spoke, Elder Sa, who had been quiet, subtly added.

“A direct blood relative of the family, moreover, reaching out to an elder. It cannot be taken lightly.”

“I have no intention of taking it lightly.”

“…Hmm.”

“However, as Young Master Il mentioned, after confirming all the unsavory circumstances surrounding Elder Il, isn’t it right to then decide on the punishment?”

Father’s gaze momentarily shifted to Elder Sa.

“Or do you wish for punishment to be decided before the matter is even confirmed? This is also a rule.”

“No, well, that’s not it, but….”

As Elder Sa uttered his sharp words, The Steward intervened, as if to sort things out.

“Regarding this incident, it is not about Young Master Il punishing Elder Il.”

My father’s eyes, briefly scanning the surroundings, were quite sharp.

“It is to discuss the punishment for handling matters arbitrarily without the Patriarch’s permission, and for escaping custody before a conclusion was reached.”

Unconfirmed matters are still pending. He drew the line, stating that only confirmed crimes would be punished now.

‘So, don’t do anything unnecessary.’

That must be the warning.

“Do you admit guilt?”

“I admit it.”

I had committed the act with the intention of dealing with the consequences, whatever they might be.

“Regarding the escape, it was to save Young Lady Il, and you provided significant assistance, so we will take that into consideration.”

It was exactly as I had said before. After all, I helped save Gu Huibi using the Heavenly Road Bead, So they would give me some leeway considering my intentions. For reference, Father confiscated the Heavenly Road Bead. Gu Huibi grumbled about him taking it back, But she seemed subdued, perhaps having been reprimanded by Father due to her poor intentions. That sight was quite amusing.

“However, even though this family head was away, the fact that you proceeded recklessly without reporting the matter, and furthermore,”

“Regardless of the reason, you must be held accountable for killing an elder of the main family.”

If Elder Il had ulterior motives, One could argue the justification, But for acting rashly without permission, And for ultimately killing him despite being able to subdue and await orders, you will be punished.

“Young Master Il, do you have any objections?”

“No.”

At my answer, the surrounding elders murmured. Perhaps they expected some excuse, so my simple ‘no’ surprised them.

‘…I did throw quite a tantrum during the last Elder Council.’

A really big one, at that.

-Why is that my fault…! That damned girl started it…!

-Since there’s not a single person in this house on my side, you think I don’t know that!?”

Damn it, the memories I don’t want to recall Come to mind so easily when I try. I still wanted to erase that disgraceful image of myself from my mind. Father quietly observed me for a moment, then spoke again.

“…I shall now decide the punishment for Young Master Il.”

It felt like we barely exchanged a few words, yet he was already bringing up the conclusion. No, if he was going to do that, why did he even call the elders? He was going to decide everything himself anyway.

‘Is this okay?’

If the punishment seemed inappropriate, the elders would surely rise up and voice their objections, Does Father have something else in mind?

[You don’t seem particularly nervous.]

‘How old do you think I am? Would I tremble over this?’

[…And how old are you that you can engage in childish arguments with decrepit old men?]

‘I’m the type who generally doesn’t bother with people like that.’

I calmly waited for my father’s words. Honestly, having committed the act, I expected a few months of confinement.

‘The elders might wish for my ascension to Junior Patriarch to be delayed, but that’s unlikely.’

Though it was something I also wished for, As I just mentioned, I knew better than anyone that it wouldn’t happen. As expected, Father’s words turned to the matter of confinement.

“I sentence Young Master Il to two months of confinement.”

“…Two months?”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. I thought it seemed short compared to what I had done. Perhaps the elders thought the same, as they suddenly stood up with surprised expressions.

“Patriarch Gu…. Right now.”

Just as the elders were about to say something, Father immediately continued.

“The moment you emerge from confinement, you are ordered to serve for one year as part of the Sword Brigade on the front lines.”

“…What? What did you say?”

“That is all.”

“Wait…. Father?”

As Father spoke, I urgently called out to him, But he got up as if the discussion was over and left the building.

“…What did he just say? The Sword Brigade?”

Two months of confinement, And then immediately go to the front lines and endure for a year?

“You must be kidding, right? I must have misheard?”

The front lines mean the Fifth Sword Brigade, And that’s where Gu Huibi is the captain. In other words, I was being ordered to endure hardship on the front lines as a member of the Fifth Sword Brigade, directly under Gu Huibi. This was akin to the most hellish punishment I received in my past life, And even recalling those memories now makes me sick. And now I have to do it again?

“…Shit?”

Now I finally understood. The reason Father didn’t bother asking for the elders’ opinions.

‘He intended to give me a punishment severe enough that I’d shut up and accept it, so he didn’t need their input.’

I remembered what Father told me the day before.

-I will not be on your side either.

Those words. That’s right, he kept his word perfectly.

“Still, he’s keeping this promise too well….”

It was the moment I decided I needed to run away from this household as soon as possible.

---

As I stepped outside, a familiar face was waiting.

“Young Master! This!”

It was Wi Seol-ah, who approached me bouncing energetically. And in her hand, inexplicably, was tofu.

“…What is this?”

“They say you eat tofu when you get out of prison.”

At her words, I took a bite of the tofu Wi Seol-ah offered with a wry expression.

“…It’s tasty.”

“Right?”

“It’s so delicious. So much so that it almost makes me cry.”

“I’m glad I bought it!”

Seeing Wi Seol-ah smiling brightly, unaware of my thoughts, I could only sigh deeply, unable to react properly, and ruffled Wi Seol-ah’s hair. It made me feel slightly better.

“Young Master, Young Master.”

“Yeah?”

“Over there… someone is waiting for you.”

“Hm? Who?”

Following Wi Seol-ah’s words, I shifted my gaze. Then, I saw the familiar red martial uniform. Unlike my expectation that it would be Namgung Bi-ah or Tang Soyeol, It was someone rather inconvenient for me.

“…Greetings.”

Despite his haggard appearance, his handsome features remained unchanged. The handsome young master with the same face. And the guy who probably hates me quite a bit.

“…Young Master Il.”

Gu Jeolyub, the rumored young master of the Gu Seon Mun, was waiting for me.