Chapter 133
Chapter 133
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 133
Chapter Title: The Younger Brother's Discipline
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Wi Seongcheon stared in blank astonishment at the violent act. Jeong Miju was just as shocked. Should she shove him away or tell him off? She was deep in that dilemma when Jegal Uiseok went rolling across the ground.
“Elder brother.”
Looking down at Jegal Uiseok, who clutched his cheek with bulging eyes, Jegal Ihyeon shook his head.
“You’re far too drunk. What on earth is this disgraceful behavior?”
“You... you...!”
“What exactly do you want, elder brother? This little brother of yours simply cannot fathom your intentions. Do you truly believe that groveling so pitifully will let you marry the lady?”
Jegal Ihyeon spoke those words as he approached Jegal Uiseok, sprawled on the ground.
Wait...!
Jeong Miju startled and tried to block Jegal Ihyeon’s path, but he did not stop.
“Gahk!”
The kicked foot slammed into Jegal Uiseok’s solar plexus. Jegal Uiseok’s mouth gaped wide as he retched out groans. Jegal Ihyeon shook his head as if regretful, then lifted his foot once more.
“That could never be. With such disgraceful conduct, how could the lady ever develop feelings for you?”
“Grrk...!”
Jegal Uiseok’s head whipped around as he flailed. Blood and a tooth sprayed from his mouth in an arc.
“The more disgrace you show, elder brother, the greater my sorrow. I must truly question whether yielding the young lord’s seat to you was wise. Perhaps it’s not too late—I should bring this up with the clan lord and the elders.”
“H-Hyun-ah...!”
“Of course, I couldn’t simply claim the young lord position without justification. Pretext is vital, after all. If I were to express my desire for it, the clan lord would gladly set us brothers against one another in competition.
Should that happen, it would have been ages since I last clashed with you, elder brother.”
Thud!
Jegal Ihyeon’s kicks did not cease. With each strike, Jegal Uiseok curled into a ball on the ground, letting out moans. Refraining from screaming outright was the best he could manage.
“I want none of that. Clashing with you holds no amusement for me, and you would find it even less enjoyable. Isn’t that the case right now? Elder brother. Are you having fun at this moment?”
Jegal Uiseok could not possibly respond. Amid the one-sided violence, all he could do was curl up tightly and shield his vital points.
The humiliation of Jeong Miju looking down at him was utterly swallowed by the terror he felt from his younger brother’s eyes, cold as ice.
“So please, elder brother. Refrain from such disgrace in my presence, if only to avoid that outcome. I respect you, but today’s version of you is just too, too pathetic. Why display such behavior before our guests? Do you wish to bring shame upon the Jegal Clan?”
“Young lord...!”
“Please forgive him, lady. My elder brother is simply too intoxicated to discern right from wrong. It must be because you are so breathtakingly beautiful that he can’t help but act so desperately.”
Jegal Ihyeon did not turn around. He merely continued kicking at Jegal Uiseok, hunched like an insect.
The violence was bizarrely dispassionate. His words carried little passion, and not a speck of madness.
‘He’s insane...!’
Realizing Jegal Ihyeon’s true intent, Jeong Miju whipped around to face Wi Seongcheon. Only then did Wi Seongcheon understand why Jegal Ihyeon had gone to such extremes.
He finally grasped what Jegal Ihyeon desired. Wi Seongcheon urgently propelled himself off the ground, crossing the garden.
“That’s too far.”
His outstretched hand seized Jegal Ihyeon’s shoulder. Jegal Ihyeon turned his head and glared at Wi Seongcheon.
“Let go.”
“Young lord.”
“This is a matter for the Jegal Clan. As the younger brother of such a foolish elder, this correction is my rightful duty.”
Wi Seongcheon offered no reply. It was far too delicate a topic for an outsider to interject. Thus, he remained silent, fixing his gaze on Jegal Ihyeon.
Even in silence, Wi Seongcheon’s stance was clear. He kept his firm grip on Jegal Ihyeon’s shoulder.
“I understand the young master’s intent.”
It was Jeong Miju’s place to speak here. She was well aware of her role.
“I did not consider the young lord’s actions rude in the slightest. However, I’m at a loss as to how I should interpret the young master’s behavior now.”
Jeong Miju’s expression and voice grew icy. Jegal Ihyeon clamped his mouth shut and stared at Wi Seongcheon and Jeong Miju.
“My emotions appear to have run too high. I beg your forgiveness for my rudeness.”
Jegal Ihyeon bowed his head deeply as he spoke. The kicks had ceased, but Jegal Uiseok still lay huddled on the ground.
His robes were soiled with dirt, his face a bloody mess. Jegal Uiseok trembled in that wretched state.
“My apologies.”
Jegal Ihyeon lifted his head and turned to Wi Seongcheon. His eyes were serene to the point of transparency. Only then did Wi Seongcheon release his shoulder.
“I sought only to halt elder brother’s disgrace, yet I ended up displaying my own. Whatever shall I do?”
“......I’m fine with it.”
“But my conscience is not at ease.”
Jegal Ihyeon’s eyes bored into Wi Seongcheon. Wi Seongcheon swallowed a burst of hollow laughter and shrugged.
“If you insist so strongly, then buy me a drink somewhere nice.”
“If that would satisfy you.”
Jegal Ihyeon gave a faint smile and nodded.
“And what of the lady?”
“I’m perfectly fine. Tonight, I simply wish to rest without incident.”
Jeong Miju, who had been listening intently to the exchange, glanced at Jegal Uiseok on the ground as she replied. Jegal Ihyeon nodded.
“Understood. Having committed such a grave discourtesy today, we shall take utmost care during your stay with the Jegal Clan to ensure no further offenses occur.”
Jegal Uiseok’s huddled form flinched.
“I shall request the same of the clan lord.”
That was the end of it. Jeong Miju nodded, her expression now much softer.
[It’s over.]
[Is it?]
[Yeah. The Jegal clan lord and that wretched young lord seem quite taken with me, but what can they do? I’ve made my refusal clear. And with Jegal Ihyeon going that far, the young lord won’t dare pester me further.]
[Did you see this coming?]
[How could I? I only learned yesterday that Jegal Ihyeon had returned. But... hmm. Last night, I did think things might ease up a bit thanks to him. Though I never imagined he’d thrash Uiseok right in front of us.]
Jegal Ihyeon’s actions had been that extreme. At the same time, they firmly demonstrated his standing within the clan.
The Jegal Clan’s young lord was the eldest son, Jegal Uiseok, but he had only assumed the role thanks to Jegal Ihyeon’s concession.
Everyone in the clan knew this. At the banquet, the clan lord had seen Jegal Uiseok rudely interrupting his brother and thought nothing of it. The other retainers felt the same.
And now, no one had stepped in to stop the younger brother from soundly kicking the young lord smack in the middle of the garden.
[In any case. Well done, little brother.]
[Should I have stopped it sooner?]
[No, the timing was perfect. Truth be told, I wanted to let it go on a bit longer.]
[He laid into him good.]
[That was no amateur’s work. Thanks to him, we won’t face any awkward situations.]
Had Wi Seongcheon tried to restrain Jegal Uiseok himself, the young lord could have made endless excuses out of it. He already believed the marriage talks had fallen through because of Wi Seongcheon.
But Jegal Ihyeon had gone berserk, and Wi Seongcheon and Jeong Miju had reined him in. With Jegal Ihyeon openly issuing threats and hurling insults, Jegal Uiseok could no longer cling to the marriage proposal.
[So, what do you think?]
[Of what?]
[Thunder Justice Jegal Ihyeon. You’ve spoken with him alone and gotten a glimpse of his skills.]
[Strong skills, prickly personality. But I don’t dislike him.]
[Probably because he’s not an enemy.]
[I’d hate him fiercely if he were. So, sis, you’re really only staying at the Jegal Clan?]
[I can’t just wander about recklessly. But I don’t plan to stay long—tomorrow... no, the day after, we’ll head out.]
[What about me?]
[Follow if you want. We’ve got about a month before the return journey, right?]
[I’ll think it over. First, I’ll meet with Jegal Ihyeon today.]
They returned to the annex and parted ways with Jeong Miju. Seo Baek, having heard the story from a maid, approached with a worried face to inquire after his well-being.
“No need to fuss.”
Jeong Miju replied with a nonchalant expression. Back in his room, Wi Seongcheon shed the uncomfortable outer robe he wore.
He then sat in the center of the room, mulling over the earlier events.
‘Fast.’
The speed Jegal Ihyeon had displayed. It couldn’t have been his full power. And yet it was astonishingly swift. Before entering the training cave, Wi Seongcheon wouldn’t have even been able to track it properly.
‘That’s a Black Tyrant. One of the Black Forest’s six saints.’
To think he wasn’t even the strongest with that level of skill. Then how formidable must the Black Dragon Sangwan Hu be, the Black Forest’s sole seven-star saint? Wi Seongcheon stuck out his tongue and shook his head.
Unlike the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, little was known about the Black Tyrants. That was because they rarely ventured out into the martial world, remaining deep within the Black Forest.
This, then, was a golden opportunity.
“A fine place.”
As the sun dipped low, Jegal Ihyeon arrived.
“Not knowing your standards makes me cautious about where to take you.”
“I’m just a country bumpkin who’s lived his whole life in some Gangseo valley, so my tastes aren’t high. No need to worry.”
“Hearing that only makes me more cautious. If we’re going somewhere nice, it ought to be somewhere truly splendid you’ve never been before.”
“Nah, no need for that.”
Wi Seongcheon grinned and shook his head.
“How about a brothel?”
“Never been.”
“Care to try this time? I’m no expert in such matters myself, but the courtesans of Gwangseo are quite exceptional.”
“Not really my thing. A quiet spot would be preferable.”
“You don’t indulge in feminine charms, then?”
“No.”
Wi Seongcheon banished the image of Peng Yeonhwa flickering before his eyes and answered. At that, Jegal Ihyeon chuckled and clapped him on the back.
“Excellent. A quiet place for drinks—I can confidently guide you to one.”
A carriage was already waiting at the clan’s main gate. It carried the pair off toward the city.
“You went too far earlier.”
“There’s a saying: a dull head means a suffering body. It suits my elder brother perfectly.”
Jegal Ihyeon stared at Wi Seongcheon as he spoke.
“For someone saying that, you looked like you enjoyed it quite a bit yourself.”
“What would I have to enjoy about it?”
“The guy you wanted to thrash was getting thrashed right in front of you?”
“I never thought about thrashing him.”
“Looks like you don’t realize what kind of face you were making before I stepped in.”
“It was just my face. I know my position well enough.”
“And yet you stirred up all sorts of trouble back at the Heavenly Origin Academy.”
Jegal Ihyeon spoke with a deep smile.
“That was the Heavenly Origin Academy.”
“This is the Jegal Clan.”
Wi Seongcheon smiled back.
“I do regret it a little. I had no choice but to stop you, but I was curious to see just how you’d dismantle my brother.”
“Shall I describe it in words instead?”
“Go ahead.”
“First, I’d snatch his wrist. I was pretty angry myself, so I’d twist the young lord’s elbow and pop his shoulder out of joint.”
“What if elder brother resisted?”
“I’d do the same to his other arm.”
“Good thing I intervened.”
Jegal Ihyeon burst into laughter.
“Had this not been the Jegal Clan, I could’ve witnessed your handiwork in full.”
“You seem awfully interested in me.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? The Latent Dragon of the Heavenly Flower Sect—who in the martial world lacks interest in you? Especially me. How old are you, exactly?”
“Just turned twenty-one.”
“I’m twenty-three. Our generation was already brimming with talent, and then the Heavenly Flower Sect suddenly produced a latent dragon. On top of that, there’s Sword Seal Woo Hayeon. I’ve heard all about her exploits at the Heavenly Origin Festival.”
“I’m not the only one who burst onto the scene out of nowhere.”
“The Black Heaven Young Master.”
Jegal Ihyeon’s eyes narrowed.
“I’m terribly curious, you know. Just who caught the eye of the Black Demon King Baeg Ri Mu-won and became his disciple?”
“No guesses?”
“None. It’s not me, for one. Nor the Black Dragon of the Sangwan Clan. And among the other Black Tyrants, is there anyone fit to be the Black Demon King’s disciple? Forget the rest—even that Black Dragon failed to measure up.”
Jegal Ihyeon chuckled and gazed out the window.
“No need to be so curious. You’ll know soon enough.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Should I tell you? Or not.”
Jegal Ihyeon turned to Wi Seongcheon with a mischievous smile.
“So. How long do you plan to keep calling me ‘young lord’?”
“If I don’t call the young lord ‘young lord,’ then what should I call you?”
“How about ‘elder brother’?”
“Suddenly?”
“Don’t overthink it. It’s just a form of address— I’m not asking you to truly serve me as one.”
“When we’re alone, I’ll call you elder brother.”
“That works. I understand the Heavenly Flower Sect’s position.”
“And you’re satisfied with that?”
“You’re to my taste.”
Jegal Ihyeon spoke those words and raised a finger.
“It’s a fact known only to the Black Forest’s five-star saints and above. One month from now, the Black Heaven Young Master will enter the Black Forest.”
“......Elder brother, is that true?”
Wi Seongcheon deliberately used the honorific as he asked, and Jegal Ihyeon burst into laughter.
“Why would I lie? But here’s the key point. If you defeat the Black Heaven Young Master... ah, unlike at the righteous Heavenly Origin Academy, in the Black Forest, ‘defeat’ means regardless of life or death. Killing is permitted.”
“And if one does defeat him?”
“Then you can take his place as the Black Demon King’s disciple.”
Wi Seongcheon’s eyes went wide. Jegal Ihyeon, savoring the reaction, lowered his raised finger and pointed it at Wi Seongcheon.
“The same applies to you all.”
“......Pardon?”
“As long as the Black Heaven Young Master lives until you arrive in the Black Forest—hypothetically speaking, of course. Should you defeat him, you could inherit the God-Demon Extermination Law in his stead.”
The supreme martial art of the evil path’s greatest figure.
A reward that would send the Black Forest’s saints into a frenzy.
“There are also various rumors about you... no, the Heavenly Origin Academy students. But those can wait for our drinks.”
As expected. Jegal Ihyeon’s return to the clan wasn’t merely out of curiosity toward Wi Seongcheon. He had returned with a clear purpose and made contact with Wi Seongcheon.
“By the way, elder brother.”
“Yes?”
“You’re covering the drinks, right?”
“......What?”
“You’re not expecting your little brother to foot the bill, are you?”
Wi Seongcheon spoke as he brushed off his chest with a pat. A faint jingle sounded.
Jegal Ihyeon blinked as he watched Wi Seongcheon’s actions.
“I’ve got no money.”
Wi Seongcheon grinned brazenly, and
“......I’ll cover it, so don’t worry.”
Jegal Ihyeon replied, uncharacteristically flustered.