Chapter 160: Son-in-law, Come Here and Have a Drink.
Chapter 160: Son-in-law, Come Here and Have a Drink.
As the Alliance Leader’s gaze shifted toward us, a heavy silence settled over the boisterous hall.
His eyes moved past his granddaughter and landed squarely on me. I didn't meet his stare, keeping my head slightly bowed in a respectful posture.
Even without looking, I could feel his scrutiny weighing down on me. It was a suffocating tension, and I made no effort to hide my nerves. In a place like this, it would have been far more suspicious for an ordinary attendant to appear calm.
Even if I were destined to be caught eventually, I intended to remain inconspicuous for as long as possible.
Jin Pae-cheon, the Leader of the Murim Alliance, finally addressed me.
“And who might this young hero be?”
At that exact moment, Jin Ha-ryeong spoke up, her voice clear and ringing.
“He’s the man I’m seeing.”
This was her plan to save my life.
I had intended to force a direct breakthrough, but her choice was a frontal assault of its own. I had expected something like this, but seeing it play out in person, I couldn't help but admire her courage. It couldn't have been easy for someone of her status—the granddaughter of the Alliance Leader—to make such a declaration before the entire Murim.
The crowd erupted into murmurs. Among them were Jo Sin and his father, the Lord of Jinryong Manor.
The Jinryong Manor Lord’s face contorted into a fierce scowl. He was in the middle of arranging a marriage for his son, only for the prospective bride to show up with another man.
Beside him, Jo Sin was smiling as he looked at us, but it was a brittle mask. Beneath that grin, he was undoubtedly reeling from a profound sense of humiliation.
Jin Pae-cheon raised his hand, and the hall fell silent instantly.
“I did not ask you,” he said to Jin Ha-ryeong, before turning his sharp gaze back to me. “Who are you, young hero?”
“I am called Geom Yeon.”
“From which sect do you hail?”
“I am merely an attendant who accompanied Young Master Seo Ryong of the West Blade Sect in Gansu.”
The word 'attendant' sent a second ripple through the crowd, louder and more incredulous than the first.
Though Jin Pae-cheon was a man who rarely showed emotion before the gathered heroes of the Murim, even he couldn't hide his bewilderment.
He looked at Jin Ha-ryeong. His expression asked: Are you really doing this?
Her firm gaze answered: Yes.
Jin Pae-cheon’s eyes returned to me. Aside from her bombshell declaration, I wondered just how much the Alliance Leader had already figured out.
“Young Hero Geom.”
Despite me calling myself a mere attendant, he still addressed me as a young hero.
“Ha-ryeong has been prone to mischief since she was a child. Her specialty, in particular, is shocking people. Once, she even tried to reverse the flow of a sword mantra and nearly fell into Qi Deviation. It seems she brought you here today just to give us all a fright.”
Jin Pae-cheon spoke as if the entire event were merely another one of her pranks.
“Everyone has been sufficiently surprised, so I believe you’ve fulfilled your role. You must have suffered quite a bit being dragged here by her whims. I shall reward you properly another time, so you may take your leave for today.”
The Alliance Leader moved to settle the situation. Some might believe it was just a joke, while others would see it as the Leader trying to gloss over her rebellion. At the very least, one thing was certain: no one truly believed I was the man she was dating.
Of course, Jin Ha-ryeong did not back down.
“You were quite surprised back then, weren't you? If you hadn't been there, Grandfather, I wouldn't even be alive today. That’s why I’ve decided to stop playing games. This man is truly the person I love.”
All eyes focused on me once again. Some clicked their tongues at my shabby appearance; others let out weary sighs.
Their expressions ranged from 'Ah, children never grow up' to 'Even the Alliance Leader isn't exempt from family trouble.' They simply didn't dare voice those thoughts aloud.
“You say you love this man?”
“Yes.”
Her answer was unhesitating.
Tension crackled between the two. It was tauter than the atmosphere on a sparring stage. Everyone, save for Jo Sin and the Jinryong Manor Lord, watched the scene with bated breath.
“Then I suppose you would even marry him.”
Jin Ha-ryeong flinched at the mention of marriage.
“Well, marriage is a great matter of ethics and tradition, so we should date a bit longer first...”
“Why hesitate after making such a declaration before all these people? Fine. Since he is the one you want, I shall have you married.”
“Grandfather!”
“I will have the wedding held right here, right now. Isn't this what you wanted? You didn't want a political marriage; you wanted to marry for love. Fine, I shall grant your wish!”
Jin Pae-cheon didn't stop there; he pushed the gambit even further.
“Prepare for the ceremony immediately!”
As soon as the command fell, his subordinates actually began moving to arrange the hall.
As the situation spiraled out of control, Jin Ha-ryeong’s panic became palpable. She knew her grandfather had a formidable personality, but she clearly hadn't expected him to call her bluff by forcing a wedding on the spot.
“I... I haven't even met his family yet!”
“Martial artists are not bound by such trivial formalities; I’m sure they will understand. You can pay your respects to them later.”
Jin Ha-ryeong looked at me, her face frantic. Truly, even I hadn't anticipated this turn of events.
“My prospective son-in-law, come here and have a drink.”
Son-in-law? Honestly, in all my lives, including the one before my regression, that was a first. And to hear it from the Leader of the Murim Alliance?
Father, I’m being called 'son-in-law' and receiving a drink from the Murim Alliance Leader himself!
I accepted the cup he poured. It was the first drink I had ever received from his hand.
“Thank you.”
“I leave my granddaughter in your care.”
Looking into his deep, cold eyes, I knew. He had already seen through my facade. He was simply dealing with his granddaughter’s rebellion in front of the gathered heroes before dealing with me.
He gave me a faint smile. It wasn't a smile of joy, but a warning that said: I’ll deal with you in a moment.
In the meantime, the wedding preparations were being completed with lightning speed. Since the Murim Alliance frequently hosted ceremonies, the logistics were second nature to the staff.
Finally, Jin Ha-ryeong threw up the white flag.
“Stop it! I give up! I lost. We aren't in a relationship like that.”
Only then did Jin Pae-cheon break into a smirk.
How dare you try to play this old man?
I admit defeat, Grandfather. But I have to explain this.
After that silent exchange of expressions, Jin Ha-ryeong turned to the crowd.
“Elders, seniors, I apologize for ruining this precious occasion. There is a reason I caused such a commotion today. Someone is trying to kill this man out of jealousy, simply because he was seen with me. I staged this to protect him.”
Suddenly, someone among the guests began to clap and shout.
“How magnificent!”
It was Jo Sin.
“To go to such lengths for a shabby, ugly attendant! Truly remarkable!”
As he clapped, others joined in, though their applause was awkward.
I could feel Jo Sin bristling with venom. That was actually better. People tend to make mistakes when their emotions run high. Go ahead, keep acting like a madman.
Jin Ha-ryeong spoke loudly to the crowd.
“From now on, if anyone touches this man, I will stake my name on seeking revenge. My grandfather has taught me my whole life to refrain from bullying the weak, so I hope you all keep that in mind.”
Invoking the Alliance Leader’s teachings was a clever move.
Having finished her piece, Jin Ha-ryeong tugged at my sleeve.
“Come, let’s go. Grandfather, I’m sorry about today. I will come back later to properly apologize.”
After bowing politely to the Alliance Leader, I followed her out of the hall.
We walked through the inner court of the Murim Alliance in silence. Eventually, she stopped.
“I’m sorry I didn't tell you the plan in advance.”
“It’s alright.”
“You told me before, didn't you? That someone else gets hurt because of my selfishness.”
“I didn't use those exact words.”
“But that’s what it meant. You’re right; even the way I handled this was self-centered. But no matter how much I thought about it, this was the only way I could protect you.”
Regardless of whether the method was right or wrong, she had sincerely tried to save me.
“Since I said those things in front of my grandfather, they won't dare try anything against you. And if they do try something despite that... well, that works for me too. It’ll give me an eternal excuse to avoid political marriages. I can just say, 'Look, Grandfather, you said he was a good person, but he isn't.'”
“Then I shall gladly die for your sake, Miss.”
Jin Ha-ryeong looked at me with a slightly annoyed face.
“I know you’re joking, but don't make jokes like that. Since I was a child, the words I heard most from my grandfather were these: 'To protect the good from the wicked—that is the only reason our Orthodox Path exists.' I may not be a great person, but I won't stand by and watch someone else become miserable because of me.”
“You are a noble person.”
“I didn't say it to get a compliment.”
“But will you be alright? By tomorrow, rumors of what happened today will spread.”
“Bad rumors won't spread. Instead, the story will be: 'The Murim Alliance Leader’s granddaughter caused a scene to save an attendant!' It’ll be framed in a positive light. The Alliance manages the narrative, you know. Didn't you know that?”
She stared at me intently.
“At least until the Young Dragon Tournament is over, they won't be able to touch you. Take the opportunity to leave. Don't go back to your hometown; go somewhere far away.”
She pulled some money from her robe and handed it to me.
“I’m sorry I couldn't keep my promise to buy you noodles and drinks three times.”
It was far more money than the cost of a few meals. She was giving me funds to survive while in hiding.
A hint of regret lingered in her eyes as she looked at me. She believed this was our final farewell. Even if I didn't leave immediately, she had no intention of approaching me again—to ensure I wouldn't fall into danger once more.
“Then, I wish you happiness.”
I watched her back as she turned and walked away. I looked down at the money in my hand, then up at the bright, shimmering moon.
Father, the Unification of the Murim you dream of... is something that can only be achieved by killing people like her.
As I gazed at the night sky, I turned around and spoke.
“I have something to say.”
Unnoticed, Murim Alliance Leader Jin Pae-cheon had come to stand behind me. He must have heard the entire conversation.
“Of course you do. And you had better speak well. Your life depends on every single word.”
The Jin Pae-cheon who now released his aura was not the same man I had seen in the banquet hall.
His presence felt like the vast, crushing weight of the ocean. A deep resonance, like the cry of a whale, echoed from the depths of his power, and the wind seemed to carry the scent of salt and spray. I fell into the illusion that I was floating alone on an endless, boundaryless sea.
In the next instant—
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Dozens of martial artists dropped from all directions like bolts of lightning. Their faces were hidden behind white masks, and they wore snow-white martial robes. They were the masters of the Heavenly Dragon Guardian Squad, the elite force said to follow the Alliance Leader even into the depths of hell.
Clang!
Dozens of swords were drawn simultaneously, yet the sound was so synchronized it seemed like a single blade. The mere act of unsheathing revealed their terrifying discipline. The momentum radiating from their blades tightened around me like a spiderweb.
“I wish to speak with the Alliance Leader alone.”
“Is there any reason I should grant that?”
“Because what I am about to say is something only the Alliance Leader should know.”
The Leader did not dismiss his men. The guards were unlikely to retreat easily when faced with an unknown master.
“If I had come today to assassinate you, I would have found another opportunity. I certainly wouldn't have tried it while you were this alert.”
The Alliance Leader finally spoke to his men.
“All of you, withdraw.”
In an instant, they leaped away and vanished. Though they were gone from sight, I knew they hadn't truly left. They were not merely subordinates; they were his protectors. They would never leave his side, no matter the command.
To kill the Alliance Leader, one would have to kill them all first.
I sent a Voice Transmission to Jin Pae-cheon.
— I will speak via Voice Transmission from here on.
— Reveal your identity first.
I revealed my status to him.
— I am from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult...
Before I could even finish the sentence—
BOOM!
A streak of Palm Force erupted from Jin Pae-cheon’s hand, flying toward me like a thunderbolt.
CRASH!
An explosion roared, and dust billowed into the air. When it settled, I was still standing in the same spot. I had crossed my arms and raised my Body Protection Qi to block the strike.
Looking at Jin Pae-cheon over my crossed arms, I continued.
— ...the second son of the Cult Leader.
WHOOOOSH!
KABOOM!
This time, an even more powerful Palm Force slammed into me.
I didn't budge. Even though my Body Protection Qi was pushed to its absolute limit and my arms throbbed with a pain that felt as if the bone might shatter, I held my ground.
— ...I am Geom Mu-geuk.
By blocking those two strikes, I had proven my identity through sheer strength.
The Alliance Leader’s tiger-like eyes were glowing. The man who had asked 'Who are you, young hero?' and the man now radiating this ferocious aura were two completely different people. This burning intensity was his true self.
— Why has the child of the Demonic Cult Leader approached my granddaughter?
I uncrossed my arms and straightened my posture.
— To save her.
Jin Pae-cheon’s aura grew savage. The overwhelming pressure swirling around me felt as if it would tear my body apart. To be able to shred a person through sheer aura alone—this was the power of the current Murim Alliance Leader.
The next Palm Force he threw would be incomparably stronger. If he drew his sword, every move would be a gamble between life and death.
The real battle began now—the battle to see if I could persuade him.
— Only I can save your granddaughter.
Jin Pae-cheon’s aura shifted from savage to terrifying. Dark clouds gathered, the world grew dim, and the ocean began to churn.