Chapter 792: Control Your Strength.

It was during the long conversation.

I had to leave my quarters with a thoroughly unpleasant expression.

It was only natural.

Not only was I summoned, but when I tried to have a conversation, it felt like being interrupted mid-poop, you know?

‘What is this.’

So, what was the conclusion?

Why did the old man, the first sect leader, summon me? And why did he specifically ask about the Gu family?

What could be the reason for that old geezer to do this?

I was curious about all of it, but I couldn’t find out now.

‘…Hmm.’

Madam Mi suddenly barged in, starting a cold war. Consequently, not only was I summoned, but I was kicked out without getting proper answers.

It was truly a pathetic situation where I couldn’t even complain.

‘…Since it’s like this, maybe I should try eavesdropping?’

Feeling wronged about being kicked out, I considered using a barrier to eavesdrop on the room, but…

‘Tsk.’

I immediately dismissed the thought.

The fact that Madam Mi barged in during the conversation meant she was listening, even though I had set up a barrier.

It was likely the power of a demonic artifact, and conversely, if I tried to eavesdrop, she would have prepared a way to detect it.

‘If it’s related to eavesdropping, maybe it’s the Blue Herring Stone.’

A few artifacts related to listening came to mind, but the Blue Herring Stone was the most likely. Although its utility is limited, it’s suitable for hiding, and if the distance is right, the clarity isn’t bad.

However.

‘It’s an artifact that’s easy to detect, so I don’t usually use it.’

Normally, I would have started by using my senses to detect such artifacts first.

I didn’t consider that Madam Mi might have hidden it in my quarters.

That must be why I couldn’t figure it out.

‘Did she hide it anticipating this?’

Did she hide it beforehand, expecting me not to figure it out?

It’s possible. Madam Mi might have made such an assumption.

‘…’

It was a bit too late to realize this now.

‘The barrier was already set up anyway.’

As soon as I retrieved my barrier, I knew another barrier had been placed in the room.

‘The barrier’s level seems to be at the Hwajing level.’

Judging by the density and firmness of the surrounding barrier, it seemed to be Hwajing level.

I could try to break through it, but…

‘It’s rather like gambling.’

In my current state, the possibility of the opponent detecting me was high.

Moreover…

‘The old man’s reaction was strange from the start.’

The reaction of the first sect leader who summoned me.

His reaction was extremely strange. What exactly did he want by summoning me?

‘Did he ask if I intended to become the head of the family?’

Did he even ask if I knew what the head of the Gu family actually was?

Did the old man really summon me just to ask that?

Doubts began to sprout regarding this.

‘Something…’

It didn’t seem like that was the only reason. If that was truly his intention, he wouldn’t have used this opportunity.

This means…

‘He had a different intention from the start.’

Something other than asking me a question.

It was true that he wanted to see me, but I don’t think that was the main reason.

More precisely, it seemed like he wanted to use me to obtain something.

What he wanted to obtain was probably…

‘Madam Mi?’

Madam Mi burst through the door the moment the topic of the Gu family came up.

From my perspective, that seemed to be the situation the old man was aiming for.

‘Hmm.’

What could it be?

Who is that old geezer, and why would Madam Mi react so intensely?

Just as I was pondering this deeply.

“Heeheehee!”

“Oh my, is it fun?”

“Yep!”

I turned my head at the familiar sound.

On the wooden porch outside my quarters. Gu Huibi was there, smiling brightly and waving her hand.

Moreover, I could see that brat Ddol Ddol floating in the air, smiling innocently and having a blast.

“…What is she doing?”

Seeing Ddol Ddol’s height change with every movement of her hand, it looked like she was using an air manipulation technique.

‘She’s using an air manipulation technique to play with a child?’

I wondered what crazy martial artist would do such a thing, but surprisingly, Gu Huibi was doing just that.

She was even laughing as if she enjoyed it, diligently playing with Ddol Ddol.

Ddol Ddol, who was being played with, also seemed to be having fun…

‘Look at that brat.’

It was an absurd situation for me.

‘Why is he pretending to have fun when he can fly on his own?’

Ddol Ddol, who could fly even without using an air manipulation technique.

The kid was pretending to be amused, seemingly playing along with Gu Huibi.

It was quite a sight.

“What are you doing?”

Seeing that, I approached her with a frown.

“Oh? You’re back.”

“…”

I frowned and reached out.

I grabbed the brat Ddol Ddol by the back of his neck and yanked him down.

“What’s this?”

Holding Ddol Ddol, I asked Gu Huibi.

Gu Huibi then said to me with an embarrassed look.

“Well, the kid seemed a bit bored…”

“And you’re using an air manipulation technique to play with him? Are you crazy, sis?”

“If you have the ability, you can use it. It doesn’t wear out from use.”

Doesn’t wear out my ass.

Air manipulation techniques are such irrational and cost-ineffective actions.

It might be okay for a brief moment, but maintaining a child floating in the air is absurd.

Knowing that, I looked at Gu Huibi with a somewhat pathetic expression.

“So. Who is this kid?”

“…”

Gu Huibi’s question made my expression stiffen abruptly.

“Younger brother.”

“…”

What should I say?

I pondered for a moment.

‘…How should I introduce him?’ Just as I thought of that.

“…He’s here. My father’s son.”

I decided to use the answer I’d used before.

Madam Mi had given her tacit approval, so it should be fine, right?

“Ah, I see. Your father’s son… Hmm?”

Gu Huibi, who had nodded as if understanding, suddenly froze.

“…Younger brother. What did you just say?”

“What are you asking? You heard it all.”

“No, I’m saying it doesn’t make sense-“

“Then, is he my son?”

“…”

Gu Huibi’s expression crumpled.

Her expression suggested that the latter was actually more likely.

Even I thought he looked just like me, and statistically, that possibility might be higher…

“…That’s impossible. Do you know how old I am?”

“Then. Is it plausible that he’s the father’s… no, the sect leader’s son…?”

“Sometimes, things like that happen in life.”

“What can happen? Younger brother, what kind of life have you lived to give such an answer-“

“I’m a bastard son.”

“…”

Gu Huibi’s mouth clamped shut.

“No, that… why is that suddenly coming up here…”

She looked somewhat deflated.

I felt a sudden pang of guilt, but I couldn’t help it.

“Isn’t it possible for him too…? That’s what I mean.”

“…That…”

“Never mind that. Where did he go?”

“Huh?”

‘He’ went where? Hearing the question, Gu Huibi looked puzzled.

She didn’t seem to know who I was referring to.

“You know, him.”

“Who are you talking about… Ah.”

Only then did Gu Huibi react, as if she had guessed correctly.

“Are you talking about Yeon?”

Yeon. That was Gu Huibi’s way of calling Cheonma.

“…Yeah. Him.”

He was clinging to Ddol Ddol and acting crazy earlier, but when we came out, he was gone.

That’s what I was curious about and asked.

“Yeon went home.”

“He went home?”

I nodded at Gu Huibi’s answer.

He just left?

“You didn’t stop him…?”

“If he says he’s going home, why should I stop him? Besides, he left before I could even try.”

“…”

He was clinging to me and crying, so I thought there was more to it, but he just disappeared.

I felt a sense of anticlimax.

The feeling of unease returned.

Just then.

“Ah, speaking of which. Younger brother. I heard you’ve been doing great lately?”

Gu Huibi asked about my recent activities.

“They say you’re doing very well. You must be happy, right?”

“…Happy? Bullshit.”

“I knew my younger brother would turn out this well!”

She tried to pat my butt casually, so I immediately pulled away.

“Are you crazy?”

“Oh really? Trying to give you some praise, and you run away?”

“Praise me from afar. Not up close.”

“How boring.”

Gu Huibi burst into laughter as she said that.

Watching her, I brought up another question this time.

“Sis.”

“Yeah?”

“This is just something I’m asking out of surprise.”

“What.”

“Why didn’t you come?”

“…”

Hearing my words, the smile disappeared from Gu Huibi’s face.

It was a somewhat abstract question, but Gu Huibi seemed to know what I was asking.

Why didn’t you come?

This was a question about the recent attack and the monster incident in Hanam.

At that time, many martial artists had appeared, but…

There were even more who didn’t show up, and Gu Huibi was among them.

Yes, Gu Huibi had stayed in Hanam but hadn’t appeared during the incident.

“Honestly, I hoped you wouldn’t come.”

Even if an incident occurred, I hoped Gu Huibi wouldn’t come. However.

“Given your personality, I didn’t think you wouldn’t come.”

Gu Huibi is not the type of person to stand by when such a disaster happens.

Her personality might be rough, but she wouldn’t ignore a disaster unfolding before her.

“But you didn’t come. What happened?”

I’m not blaming you for not coming.

I couldn’t possibly blame you for that.

As I said earlier, this is just simple curiosity.

Gu Huibi remained silent for a moment. Time passed.

She didn’t seem like she was refusing to answer, so I waited.

And after a while.

“…Indeed.”

Gu Huibi said to me.

“Why did I do that?”

“…What?”

“She told me not to go.”

“Who?”

“Yeon.”

My eyes narrowed involuntarily.

‘Cheonma told her not to go?’

Does this mean Cheonma stopped Gu Huibi during the incident?

Why on earth?

Moreover.

‘And Gu Huibi didn’t go just because she was told not to?’

Even if Cheonma told her not to go, it was stranger that Gu Huibi heard it.

So, I wanted to ask why, but…

“…”

I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

Gu Huibi’s expression was so unfamiliar.

She seemed deeply melancholic, and it felt like she was asking me not to ask.

So, I ended up not asking.

“Okay.”

It was enough that nothing major happened.

Thinking that, I nodded.

In the somewhat awkward atmosphere.

This time, I asked Gu Huibi something else.

“By the way, sis.”

“Yeah…?”

“About her name.”

“Name?”

“Yeah, why do you call her Yeon?”

“Ah.”

How could Cheonma be called Yeon?

Actually, I’d been curious since last time but hadn’t asked.

Why did Cheonma get that name?

I asked that.

“Because of destiny.”

She explained it to me.

“…Destiny?”

“Yeah. Destiny (因緣). A destiny formed suddenly. That’s why Yeon.”

“…”

“It’s a pretty name, isn’t it? I think I came up with it well, even though the child herself doesn’t seem to like it.”

“Isn’t it a truly lovely name?” Gu Huibi said with a smile as she explained.

Yes, it’s a pretty name.

It was a truly pretty name, quite unlike Cheonma.

Perhaps that’s why.

“Younger brother?”

“Huh?”

“What’s wrong?”

“What is?”

“No, your face looks strange. Did you eat something bad?”

“…”

Hearing her words, I touched my face.

Just as Gu Huibi said, something did seem strange.

Obviously, it wasn’t because I hadn’t eaten.

‘Something.’

Something was simply off.

‘…Yeon.’

Destiny. I felt a sense of dissonance from Gu Huibi calling Cheonma that.

It was like… maybe…

‘Uncomfortable.’

It felt like she was calling him by a name that wasn’t right for him.

A strange and unsettling discomfort.

That’s exactly how I felt right now.

---

After that, I came out the door.

I wasn’t like this when I went in, but I came out looking like I was burdened with heavy thoughts.

Gu Huibi said she had things to discuss with Madam Mi.

And since I didn’t need to bring that brat Ddol Ddol, I left him there.

They seemed to get along well, so they’d probably play nicely.

Judging that, I stepped outside.

“Oh, you’re back.”

“Elder Il?”

Elder Il was waiting outside the door.

I widened my eyes seeing that. Come to think of it, I thought he came with me, but Elder Il hadn’t entered the room.

Why was such a large man standing stiffly by the door like a dignitary?

“Why aren’t you coming in? Why are you standing here?”

“It seemed like things might get noisy inside.”

“…”

That was truly remarkable insight.

“Besides, seeing your face, it seems my choice was correct. Khkhkh. You must have gone through something tough in there.”

“…You’re the one who dragged me here, Elder Il.”

“Hahahaha.”

Is this guy trying to brush it off with laughter?

I was genuinely dumbfounded.

Perhaps because of that laughter, I became quite irritated.

“Just who is that person?”

“Who are you talking about?”

“The first sect leader. What gives him the right to talk about the head of the family and the Gu family?”

“That old geezer said that to you?”

“Yes.”

As I spoke with emotion, Elder Il suddenly chuckled.

“What a sly old man.”

More accurately, it was a laugh close to a sneer.

“He said he’d act rationally, but his tricks are no different than before.”

“…What the…”

“Enough. Don’t sulk just because you went through a little something, young man. You need to have a broader perspective!”

Fwoosh-!

I turned my head. A hand passed over my head.

Elder Il was subtly trying to mess up my hair again, so I dodged.

“Hoho. Look at this guy?”

“Please don’t. I’m tired…”

I’d usually play along, but I was genuinely mentally exhausted right now.

My mind was already complicated, making me quite sensitive.

“Tired? That’s just lack of training.”

“Training isn’t a cure-all…”

“Oh, really? In that case, how about we spar for old times’ sake to relieve your fatigue?”

“…”

Something much more troublesome popped up.

I hate training, let alone sparring.

I dislike it normally, but sparring with Elder Il right now? It was impossible.

I was mentally tired and my physical condition was also strange.

So, I was naturally going to refuse, but…

“…No thank you. I don’t have the confidence to control my strength right now-“

I stopped mid-sentence and widened my eyes.

At the same time, I covered my mouth with my hand.

‘I don’t have the confidence to control my strength.’ That was a clear slip of the tongue.

An attitude that completely disregarded the opponent.

I had just blurted that out towards Elder Il.

Maybe he didn’t hear? I glanced subtly at Elder Il.

“Hoho.”

‘…Damn.’

It seemed he heard me loud and clear.

As proof, Elder Il’s eyes were smiling, but veins were bulging on his forehead. It was clear he was quite displeased, as heat visibly radiated from his body.

Seeing that, I quickly added an excuse.

“No, Elder Il, that’s not it. I’m tired, so I misspoke a bit…”

“Yangcheon-ah.”

“…Yes?”

I answered and bowed my body.

Paaang-!

An impact exploded in the air.

It was the shockwave from Elder Il swinging his fist.

If I hadn’t dodged, I would have taken it straight to the face.

“Elder Il…?”

“I’m sorry I’ve been busy lately and couldn’t pay attention to my grandson…”

Shweeeek-!! Thump-!

“This is all my fault.”

“…!”

A large hand shot out and grabbed me by the collar.

“So, today, let’s use that fault as our companion and have a proper conversation after a long time.”

“…Elder Il. No matter how I look at it, this doesn’t seem like a conversation-!”

Before I could finish speaking, a gust of wind pressure surged.

The surrounding scenery shifted as pressure was felt.

It was because Elder Il grabbed my collar and threw me forcefully.

Kuuuuk-!

My body was propelled by the powerful grip.

Gritting my teeth, I gathered my energy.

Fwoosh-! Flames instantly enveloped me, emitting heat.

The recoil from that explosion allowed me to stop my body.

Kwaddeuk-!!!

My soles created clear marks as they scraped against the ground.

Just as I managed to slow down.

Chiiiiik-!

“…!”

The sound of boiling steam came from somewhere. Hearing it, I immediately twisted my body to evade.

Kwaaang-!!!

With an immense impact, the floor exploded, sending fragments flying.

I created distance and checked the epicenter.

The floor, which had been intact, was now caved in and ruined.

Someone was rising from within.

Chwiiik-!

A body emitting steam.

Elder Il, who had shattered the floor with a single punch, was slowly retracting his fist.

“Tsk.”

Seeing that, I clicked my tongue, looking troubled.

‘…This is a bit problematic.’

Judging by his expression, he seemed genuinely pissed off.