Chapter 377: Baekcheon Sword Master. (1)
by Afuhfuihgs
The meal began after we rented out the entire inn.
Naturally, Father sat at the head seat.
Beside him was Madam Mi, and the seat that seemed to be left empty was likely for First Elder.
Both Gu Huibi and Gu Yeounseo were seated, too.
Gu Yeounseo, in particular, had red-rimmed eyes, looking like she had been crying.
Up to that point, it was fine.
Crying was understandable.
Whether Gu Yeounseo cried after seeing Madam Mi for the first time in a while, or for some other reason, didn’t really matter to me.
The problem here was…
‘Why are they here?’
What bothered me was something else entirely.
I had attended what was supposedly a family meal, but several unexpected faces were present.
People I couldn’t fathom why they were here, you know?
First off…
‘Why is Namgung Jin here…?’
Namgung Jin, the Azure Sky Sword King and head of the Namgung Family.
He was suddenly sitting near Father. Honestly, I thought I was seeing things.
Just why on earth was that guy sitting here?
Not only Azure Sky Sword King Namgung Jin, but Namgung Bi-ah was sitting next to him.
Namgung Bi-ah waved at me as I entered.
‘Okay, this much is fine.’
After all, they were engaged, so it made sense.
It was understandable for a family meal to include the family of one’s fiancée.
That part, while unexpected, felt acceptable. But then…
‘…Why is she here too?’
The problem was Wi Seol-ah, sitting next to Namgung Bi-ah.
Wi Seol-ah’s expression showed emotion.
She looked like she herself didn’t know why she was here.
Our gazes met. Her eyes were shaking frantically.
Her expression as she looked at me was filled with a desperate plea for help.
‘Seeing her like that, she must have been dragged here.’
Dragged here by whom?
Or rather, even if she was dragged here, it was strange that Father allowed it…
‘…Ah.’
Father knew Wi Seol-ah was the Sword Saint’s granddaughter. Was that why?
Still, Father wouldn’t have summoned Wi Seol-ah himself.
Just then.
-…I… brought her…
A telepathic message reached my ears. It was Namgung Bi-ah.
-You brought her? Her… Wi Seol-ah?
-Yeah…
-Why?
-Is it… not okay?
Namgung Bi-ah asked as if asking what the problem was, but the question of why she thought it was okay was even more baffling.
-…No, this is…
-I got permission…
-Permission? From whom?
-Mother…
Hearing Namgung Bi-ah’s words, I had to frown slightly.
Madam Mi allowed this?
‘Why Madam Mi?’
My gaze naturally drifted towards Madam Mi.
As soon as I looked her way, Madam Mi looked back at me.
Just as I was about to ask my question, filled with doubt, Madam Mi spoke first.
“Are you planning to stand there all evening?”
“…I’m coming to sit now.”
I walked over and pulled out a chair opposite Namgung Bi-ah and sat down.
That was practically the only empty seat available.
Wi Seol-ah happened to be sitting next to Gu Huibi.
Because of that, Gu Huibi slowly leaned towards Wi Seol-ah and started talking to her.
“You….”
“Y-Yes?”
“Haven’t we met before?”
“…!”
Wi Seol-ah flinched at Gu Huibi’s words.
It couldn’t be helped.
Wi Seol-ah had actually met Gu Huibi before.
It must have been around the time I returned to the Gu family after finishing my journey to Sichuan.
About a year after my regression, I think.
Upon seeing Wi Seol-ah, Gu Huibi had told me back then.
-Give her to me.
Gu Huibi had demanded Wi Seol-ah, who was serving as my attendant.
I had told her it was ridiculous and refused to give her up, and nearly had my hair completely burned off as a result.
Calling that a memory feels quite chilling.
Remembering that time, Gu Huibi looked at Wi Seol-ah and said,
“Hey cutie. Don’t you remember me, Unni?”
“J-Just a moment…”
“It’s nice to see you, but why is our cutie here?”
Gu Huibi hugged Wi Seol-ah as if she’d found a delicious treat and started stroking her here and there.
Wi Seol-ah shot me another look begging for help, but…
There was nothing I could do about that.
Just then.
Namgung Bi-ah suddenly looked at Gu Huibi and said.
“…Excuse me.”
“Hm?”
Gu Huibi frowned at Namgung Bi-ah’s words.
Gu Huibi didn’t particularly like Namgung Bi-ah.
‘Rather than dislike, it’s more like she finds her uncomfortable.’
Even when I was being punished and pushed around on the front lines, Namgung Bi-ah tended to stick close to Gu Huibi.
Gu Huibi obviously hated it.
But Namgung Bi-ah didn’t care, following Gu Huibi everywhere, exploring the front lines together, or even participating in the unpleasant tasks of defeating monsters.
Did Namgung Bi-ah secretly like Gu Huibi?
Gu Huibi…?
‘Why…?’
No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t understand it, but that was the reality.
“…Me too.”
“What?”
Namgung Bi-ah pushed her hair towards Gu Huibi, as if asking to be petted too, and Gu Huibi’s face went blank for a moment.
My face went blank watching her reaction.
I never expected her to ask for that.
And Gu Huibi, upon hearing that, immediately scowled deeply.
“No. You’re not cute when you grow up.”
“…!”
She refused firmly, then went back to fussing over Wi Seol-ah.
Namgung Bi-ah’s expression, pale as if she’d been struck, was a sight to behold.
Seeing that, I recalled.
‘Being tall… she must mean height, right?’
It had to be.
‘No, that’s not the important thing.’
Maybe because the situation was so absurd, I momentarily forgot what mattered.
I immediately sent a telepathic message to Namgung Bi-ah.
-Then… did you call her too?
Namgung Bi-ah, looking like her soul had left her body, looked at me and questioned.
As if asking who ‘her’ was.
At that, I pointed with my fingertip to the guy sitting on the edge of the table.
There sat a handsome young man, smiling brightly as if thrilled.
That guy was the most unexpected person of all.
“Wow. I was starving, so I’m really looking forward to this.”
The young man wore a bright smile, seemingly unfazed by the awkward atmosphere.
It was U Hyuk, the Sleeping Dragon.
I was so taken aback seeing him.
Why was this guy, who should be eating at the Wudang Sect, suddenly sitting here…
Just as I was wondering why this crazy bastard was here so randomly.
As if sensing my confusion, Madam Mi spoke to me.
“Young Master U, I invited him.”
“Madam Mi did?”
Madam Mi brought the Sleeping Dragon guy?
“You said Yangcheon was your friend, didn’t you?”
“…That’s… right, but…”
Wondering what reason could possibly lead to the Sleeping Dragon appearing, it seemed Madam Mi had brought him.
No, Father allowed this…?
If Father allowed Cheoljiseon, then I could perhaps understand the Sleeping Dragon being here… but with the Namgung Family Head present, was this really okay?
“The Namgung Family Head also readily agreed, saying he’s your friend.”
“Ah, yes…”
Madam Mi shattered my last remaining doubt quite thoroughly.
The reason the Namgung Family Head didn’t find it uncomfortable and readily agreed was obvious.
‘That guy…’
Namgung Jin was in a position where he needed to curry favor with me.
He probably allowed something like this without a second thought.
Something that felt less like a family meal and more like a complete distortion of the concept.
Screech.
The door behind us opened, and First Elder, who had been outside, appeared.
“Oh dear, I almost ran late.”
“…Elder?”
“Hm?”
First Elder looked at me as if asking what was wrong when I called him.
The reason I called out to First Elder was none other than…
Because…
‘…Why is he carrying that on his shoulder.’
Cheoljiseon was slung over First Elder’s shoulder like laundry.
“What’s that for now… Never mind.”
I started to ask but then shut my mouth tightly.
Having come this far, I felt like it was a ‘whatever happens, happens’ situation.
Deciding to give up on understanding.
For now, I decided to just fill my stomach first.
The meal proceeded without any particular incidents.
Well, what kind of incident could happen during just a meal?
However, with so many people present, there was conversation.
Mostly, Namgung Jin and First Elder did most of the talking.
Asking if Heavenly Venerable was doing well.
Why Namgung Cheonjun hadn’t come…
Ah, for reference, the reason Namgung Cheonjun didn’t come was the same as why he couldn’t come to the Divine Dragon Pavilion.
Since I had given orders that he shouldn’t come anywhere near Namgung Bi-ah, Namgung Cheonjun wouldn’t be able to come to Hanam, even if he wanted to.
Even amidst all this, Gu Huibi was still hugging Wi Seol-ah.
She seemed quite fond of her.
Even after hearing that Wi Seol-ah was a descendant of the Sword Saint, her attitude didn’t change.
What stood out amidst it all was the Sleeping Dragon.
Cheoljiseon was nervously glancing around, practically shoving food into his nose, while that crazy bastard was eating heartily without a care in the world.
‘…Please, you crazy bastard…’
Isn’t it a bit much for a cultivator to be tearing into chicken drumsticks with both hands?
Even Father, who generally wasn’t very interested in others, was observing the Sleeping Dragon closely.
Despite that, the reason I didn’t pick a fight with him was…
Because the Sleeping Dragon’s condition seemed quite poor.
Though he had his usual sleepy eyes and a vacant smile, there was a subtle difference I could sense.
It was strange enough that he, who belonged in the Wudang Sect, was mixed in here.
‘And it’s strange that the people in my family allowed it too.’
Whatever was going on, it was certain that the Sleeping Dragon’s condition wasn’t good.
Especially right after losing his fellow disciples in the previous attack.
The image of the Sleeping Dragon’s darkening back lingered in my mind.
Later, whenever I tried talking to him, he’d smile as if everything was fine, but…
I knew, at least better than anyone, that his smile was fake.
It was the same smile he often wore in the Demonic Realm.
Even during the meal, whenever I spoke to the Sleeping Dragon, he’d reply as if he were fine, but…
‘It feels iffy.’
I couldn’t help but feel bothered.
Meanwhile, the Sleeping Dragon just kept eating, and as soon as the meal ended, he offered his greetings and disappeared.
Did he really just come to eat?
‘This is absurd.’
Seeing that, I felt a sense of futility, wondering if I had worried for nothing.
I thought he might have had something to tell me.
Anyway, the meal ended just like that.
As expected, since it was just a meal, not much of importance was discussed…
‘Ah.’
One thing was discussed.
During the meal, Namgung Jin asked Father.
-When would be a good time to hold the wedding?
Hearing that, I almost vomited my food.
To think he would ask that.
It wasn’t necessarily a problem. I was of age to get married, and Namgung Bi-ah was at an age where, if she weren’t a martial artist, people might say she was getting on.
It was understandable for Namgung Jin to bring it up, but…
He probably didn’t anticipate the atmosphere turning so cold because of that question.
Wi Seol-ah’s eyes shook frantically as if an earthquake had struck.
Gu Huibi’s glare at Namgung Bi-ah intensified.
And…
Namgung Bi-ah, without showing any particular reaction, just kept looking at me.
Her gaze felt burdensome.
It wasn’t like she was expecting an answer, but the situation itself was burdensome to me.
In that situation, Father said to Namgung Jin.
-My child is busy with important matters right now. Once things settle down, we can consider it then.
Fortunately, it was a rejection for now.
He tactfully declined, citing the exaggerated rumors about me, like the ‘Little Yama’ stuff, and my upcoming schedule to head to Sichuan.
‘Someday.’
Someday, a proper discussion would have to happen.
What should I do then?
Furthermore…
‘The position of Young Master…’
In my previous life, I received the position of Young Master of the Gu family as soon as I passed the age of majority.
In this life too, if nothing major goes wrong…
No, even if major problems arise, I would likely receive it.
Perhaps it would be decided even sooner.
‘I thought about running away precisely because I didn’t want it.’
By the time it came to this, things had become far too complicated. Including the truths I didn’t know.
Now that I knew my family was involved in more than just one or two things, I couldn’t easily run away.
If it’s come to this, do I have to bear it?
‘If there was a way not to, I would have done it long ago.’
Right now, I couldn’t see any other way.
The remaining time was only a few years.
I had tasks piling up within that time.
‘Is it just my imagination that things seem to pile up more and more?’
I wish it were imagination, but unfortunately, it probably isn’t.
“Haa.”
I stepped outside to catch some air. The night view of Hanam was still bright.
“Ugh…”
Someone else came out of the inn shortly after. It was Wi Seol-ah, looking exhausted.
Seeing her, I asked,
“Are you okay… You don’t look okay.”
“…I’m okay.”
She looked somewhat worn out, likely from being tormented by Gu Huibi all day.
“You didn’t seem to eat much either.”
“No, I… ate a lot.”
“You’re lying.”
She barely managed to eat one bowl. Ate a lot, my foot… Normally, she’d eat at least five bowls.
“She… Namgung Bi-ah brought you?”
“Ah, yes. Unni… suddenly said she had somewhere to go and brought me here. I’m sorry. It must have been a nuisance.”
“…It’s not a nuisance, so don’t worry about it.”
I don’t know about others, but at least I didn’t think it was a nuisance.
Hearing that, Wi Seol-ah’s eyes widened slightly.
“If that’s the case, then I’m relieved.”
She smiled brightly, seemingly pleased with my words.
I quietly observed Wi Seol-ah’s smile before turning my head away.
Like Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah’s smile was also a face I couldn’t bear to look at for long.
“I have a question.”
“Yes?”
“Isn’t your grandfather coming?”
“…”
When I asked about the Sword Saint, Wi Seol-ah quickly fell silent.
It was something I’d felt before, but whenever the topic of the Sword Saint came up, Wi Seol-ah’s expression would darken.
‘Looks like Wi Seol-ah doesn’t know either.’
The attacker was none other than the Black Dragon Sword.
As someone who had some connection with the Sword Saint, I thought he might attend this meeting, but…
The Sword Saint did not come.
In that situation, I looked at Wi Seol-ah and asked,
“What are you going to do now?”
“I…”
“Are you going back? Or…”
Are you coming with me?
I was about to ask that, but it wasn’t something I could get an answer to just by asking.
Wi Seol-ah hesitated, unable to answer easily.
Perhaps she hoped I would ask her to come along, but…
“Think about it.”
I felt it wouldn’t mean anything if I did.
Most importantly, Wi Seol-ah’s own will was crucial.
After hesitating for a long time, Wi Seol-ah tried to say something to me, but…
-Where did cutie go?
“Hich…! I have to go first, Young Master…!”
“Oh, right, see you la-“
At Gu Huibi’s voice from behind, Wi Seol-ah slipped away without even waiting for my reply.
She must have been terribly tormented.
Why else would she act like that?
Watching Wi Seol-ah’s back as she quickly leaped away and disappeared…
“Ahem.”
Someone else came looking for me this time.
“Have… you been well?”
It was Namgung Jin.
I knew this old man had been watching me since a while ago, but I had deliberately pretended not to notice.
“…Ah, yes. It’s been a while since we last met.”
“Hem hem…”
Meeting Namgung Jin after so long, his aura felt somewhat changed.
The inherent unpleasantness was still there, but…
It felt slightly dulled, perhaps.
‘…Or maybe he’s just trying to get me to teach him something again.’
If that were the case, it would be quite troublesome.
The teachings I had given him were things I myself didn’t know.
The first time was from Old Man Shin, and the second time, I had merely let slip what I heard from the Sword Marquis back in the day.
There was nothing more I could teach Namgung Jin, so it was quite problematic.
Amidst all this, Namgung Jin spoke to me.
“First, congratulations.”
“Congratulations on what?”
“I heard you received a new epithet.”
“…Ah, yes.”
Is that really a congratulation?
It felt like a backhanded remark.
As my mood started to sour, Namgung Jin subtly approached me and said.
“Um…”
“I actually have a prior engagement with the Family Head. I’ll see you again later.”
I bolted, leaving Namgung Jin, who seemed about to say something, behind.
If I got caught here, it would be truly difficult.
In this situation, problems would inevitably arise later anyway, but it was difficult right now.
So, I used Father as an excuse and ran.
I didn’t think he’d actually chase after me, and thankfully, it seemed he didn’t.
Keeping a close watch on Namgung Jin’s presence, I headed towards the location previously agreed upon with Father.
And so.
Left alone, Namgung Jin watched Gu Yangcheon, who was leaving, then shifted his gaze.
Towards the inn’s entrance.
Watching there, he quietly opened his mouth.
“Would it be alright if you didn’t go together?”
In response to Namgung Jin’s words, someone appeared.
It was his daughter, Namgung Bi-ah.
Namgung Bi-ah approached Namgung Jin and moved her lips slightly.
“…He has business to attend to…”
“I see.”
A moment of silence passed.
Not much progress had been made between the father and daughter.
The fact that too much time had passed to turn things back was also a problem. Besides, neither Namgung Bi-ah nor Namgung Jin seemed to pay much attention to this aspect.
“Princess Il.”
“Yes.”
Namgung Bi-ah responded to Namgung Jin’s call.
“…I conveyed your message to him as you wished.”
“…”
“He gave me a reply before I headed to Hanam.”
Hearing Namgung Jin’s words, Namgung Bi-ah wore a peculiar look. Who was this ‘him’ Namgung Jin was referring to?
It was…
“Your great-grandfather wishes to see you.”
One of the Three Venerables.
Heavenly Venerable (Cheonjun), Namgung Jeolcheon.
He was the one looking for Namgung Bi-ah.
The place I headed to after leaving Namgung Jin was an empty lot in Hanam.
I had already arranged with Father to meet here, and all I had to do was wait patiently for Father to arrive.
When would he come? He probably wouldn’t be too late.
If I were to talk with Father, what should I start with?
‘Should I start by asking where Mother is?’
That was the most important question right now. The beast inside my body, and the advice to contain the divine sword’s energy within me…
All of it was related to Mother.
Moreover…
-The one in your body, the Abyss, too.
That’s what the Blood Demon said while looking at me.
Does the beast possess such a high status that even that being would use a title of respect?
What could Mother’s intention have been in putting something like that inside me?
To find out, I ultimately needed to meet Mother, who was apparently alive somewhere.
‘And the Blood Demon is also a problem.’
The Blood Demon, who had taken over Jang Seon-yeon’s body, sometimes appeared in that form, but…
This encounter felt distinctly different from those times.
It even seemed…
Related to the skin growing on my arm.
‘He called that pain hostility.’
The Blood Demon had clearly seen the pain I felt during the meeting and called it hostility towards him.
That meant the Blood Demon knew about this too.
‘He said he changed his plans upon seeing this happen to me, didn’t he?’
What exactly were the Blood Demon’s plans and thoughts?
As doubts about it grew…
Sssshhh…
I sensed a presence behind me.
‘Did Father arrive?’
He arrived earlier than I expected.
Thinking so, I turned around, but…
“Huh…?”
The presence I sensed wasn’t Father’s.
It was such a quiet presence, I thought it was Father who had erased his presence, but… the person who appeared was completely unexpected.
He wore light blue martial attire, with his unique embroidery looking beautiful. The sword hanging at his waist, and the ornament next to it, clearly looked expensive.
Where was the shabby man who wore worn-out clothes and pulled a bamboo hat low?
He appeared before me now, looking like a neat, handsome middle-aged man.
“Nice to meet you.”
The man spoke to me.
“…How did you get here?”
Swoosh.
The man, Moyang Tae, the White Heaven Sword Master, drew his sword quietly as he looked at me.
And then he said,
“Are you finally willing to tell me your name now?”
“…”
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but frown.
Why is this old man acting like this again…
0 Comments