Chapter 291: What if That Scary Man is My Father-in-Law?
Chapter 291: What if That Scary Man is My Father-in-Law?
"I told Lee An that if she wishes, I will become her father."
At the Fist Demon’s bombshell declaration, everyone turned to look at Geom Mu-geuk. They were curious to see how he would react.
Unexpectedly, he merely blinked, showing no signs of shock.
"You’re not surprised?"
At the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s question, even Geom Mu-geuk seemed to find his own lack of reaction strange.
"You’re right. Why am I not surprised?"
Why? Because you’re too busy trying to tease the Fist Demon.
Geom Mu-geuk looked back and forth between the Fist Demon and Lee An.
"A father and daughter who are such polar opposites? Maybe that’s why it doesn't feel strange."
If anyone else had said that, they might have needed the Heaven Extermination Great Blade as a shield, but the Fist Demon simply nodded in agreement despite the teasing. Even he thought their appearances were worlds apart.
"Will anyone even believe it?"
"Would you believe it, Master?"
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon chimed in, masking his sincerity with a joke.
"They’ll probably think he kidnapped her."
The Fist Demon nodded again, as if acknowledging that point as well.
Right then, Lee An spoke up abruptly.
"Father!"
Startled eyes gathered on her. Of the three men, the most shocked was the Fist Demon. Lee An gazed at him and spoke.
"If a daughter like me is acceptable to you... please take me as your daughter."
The Fist Demon’s eyes widened. It was the first time since meeting him that Mu-geuk had seen him look so stunned.
"Would a father like me... truly be enough for you?"
Incredibly out of character, the Fist Demon’s voice trembled. The voice of a man who wouldn't blink if ten thousand enemies stood before him was shaking.
"You are far more than I deserve."
Tears welled in Lee An’s eyes. She was overwhelmed with emotion that such a great man would offer to be her father. She was truly, tearfully grateful.
Lee An looked at Geom Mu-geuk, her eyes asking a silent question.
Is this really okay?
It had been an impulsive decision. It was perhaps the most important choice of her life, yet she had made it in an instant.
Is it really okay for me to do this?
Geom Mu-geuk’s bright smile served as his answer.
"Congratulations, Lee An."
After taking a deep breath, Lee An asked the Fist Demon once more.
"May I ask you one thing?"
"Anything."
"Why did you decide to take me as your daughter?"
The Fist Demon’s answer was simple.
"Because I wished I had a daughter like you."
It was an answer that touched Lee An’s heart more than any other words could. Lee An stood up and bowed deeply to the Fist Demon.
"I look forward to being in your care... Father."
As she said the word 'Father,' her voice choked up.
"The word 'Father'... this is the first time in my life I've ever said it."
She was someone who had never once uttered the words 'Dad' or 'Mom.'
She had resented the parents who abandoned her, tried to understand that they must have had their reasons, longed for them, hated them, and tried to forget them. I must never become a parent like that. No, I shouldn't become a parent at all. I'll just live alone and die quietly.
As the pent-up emotions surged, tears began to flow.
Geom Mu-geuk, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, and the Fist Demon watched her shoulders heave in silence. They let her cry her fill. Some of the strongest people in the world stood there for a long time, guarding her.
When her sobbing subsided, the Fist Demon helped her up. Seeing her tear-streaked face, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon cracked a joke.
"Now that you look a bit uglier, you finally look like father and daughter."
Geom Mu-geuk burst out laughing. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was usually one to mind his own business, yet he was particularly fond of bantering with the Fist Demon. It was a sign of how well they got along—despite all his grumbling about being an outcast at the Demon Lords' meetings.
A powerful aura radiated from the Fist Demon as he looked at Lee An.
"Once we return to the Cult, I will officially announce that you have become my daughter. From this day forward, as long as I draw breath, no one in the Murim shall dare treat you lightly."
At his declaration, tears fell from Lee An’s eyes once more.
"This is the last time I'll cry. I won't cry anymore."
She tried to force a smile, but the tears wouldn't stop.
The very concept of parents had always been her deepest wound. It was something she never wanted to speak of to anyone, sharing it only with Geom Mu-geuk. From now on, she would live her life bragging about her father. What does your father do? My father is the Fist Demon!
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon spoke with a look of surprise.
"When you first brought it up, I thought you were joking."
Geom Mu-geuk followed up. "He’s not the type of person to joke about something like this, is he?"
"But having that scary man as a father-in-law?"
"I know, right? I wonder what kind of son-in-law could possibly handle him."
At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Geom Mu-geuk with an expression that clearly said, 'I'm talking about you!'
Whether he realized it or not, Geom Mu-geuk teased Lee An.
"Lee An, what are you going to do? Your marriage prospects are ruined."
Then, the Fist Demon spoke up abruptly.
"She can just marry you, can't she?"
Lee An waved her hands frantically at his words.
"Please don't say things like that! Young Master, please don't pay him any mind."
The Fist Demon glared at Geom Mu-geuk, waiting for an answer.
"I like my food salty, though?"
"From now on, you'll eat it bland!"
So that’s how you’re going to play it?
Geom Mu-geuk gave him a meaningful smile.
"Can you handle having the Heavenly Demon as an in-law?"
The Fist Demon flinched. He had only been thinking about Lee An and hadn't considered that far ahead. The only person in the world who could make him freeze up... as an in-law? To be in-laws with the Cult Leader?
"Excuse me! I'm right here! The bride who has absolutely no intention of getting married is right here!"
Amidst the chaos, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon stroked his chin, imagining that day.
"If a wedding actually happens, it’ll be a total uproar."
*
That night, the Fist Demon was in the backyard of the safe house, practicing his martial arts alone. He was likely soothing his complicated thoughts through training.
Stripped to the waist, his muscles were as perfect as if drawn by a master painter.
"I wonder when my body will look like yours, Master?"
I also stripped off my top, stood beside him, and unleashed the Thunder Asura Fist. The reason for training fist techniques shirtless was to observe every single movement of the muscles.
It felt refreshing to train with him after such a long time.
The Fist Demon had me repeat the Fifth Fist, Vajra Asura, over and over. It was a technique that temporarily turned the body as hard as steel for protection—a move that could save one's life in a moment of crisis. It was a technique I hoped would produce the effect of the Vajra Indestructible Body if used alongside the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art.
"Why are you focusing so much on teaching me Vajra Asura?"
"Looking at how things are going, I decided you need to be able to protect your own body first."
Since the mastermind targeting the Murim Alliance Leader had appeared, he judged that even the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult couldn't afford to be complacent.
The Fist Demon repeated the core principles of Vajra Asura. Some parts I had heard before, while others were new. Whenever I didn't understand, I asked immediately, and the Fist Demon answered with all his heart.
"Now, try to withstand this!"
"You’re not actually going to hit me with that fist, are you?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
No sooner had he spoken than the Fist Demon’s fist came flying.
Whoooooosh!
Boom!
Without even thinking of blocking the attack, I was pushed back. In the process, the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art and Vajra Asura activated simultaneously to dissipate the impact.
When I walked back toward him unscathed, the Fist Demon looked greatly pleased.
"Well done. Vajra Asura will save your life one day. Never neglect it."
"I will keep that in mind."
After the bout of training ended, we sat side by side to catch our breath.
"May I ask why?"
Despite the abrupt question, the Fist Demon knew exactly what I was asking.
"Didn't I tell you? I wished I had a daughter like Lee An."
"I mean the real reason."
After a brief pause, the Fist Demon spoke.
"I don't know my parents' faces either. That's why I understand that girl's feelings better than anyone."
It was the first time I had heard his personal history.
"When I was young, I gritted my teeth and denied them. I tried not even to think about revenge. To harbor a desire for revenge is to acknowledge them. I tried desperately to erase them from my life entirely."
"And now? Do you not wish to find them? Do you not want to tell them that you've lived well even without them?"
The Fist Demon shook his head, his expression hollow.
"I wish I had even such a trivial desire for revenge left in my heart."
It sounded as if he had become so desolate that even those emotions had vanished.
"And yet, here I am, trying to make someone family."
I was grateful to the Fist Demon for showing this human side of himself. It meant he trusted me that much.
"No, you did well."
"Do you really think so?"
"I want Lee An to be happy. And I believe becoming your daughter will be the greatest happiness for her. It was a good choice, both for Lee An and for you, Master."
A smile formed on the Fist Demon’s fearsome face. I like these moments. A smile that forms amidst the intimidation—the Fist Demon looks quite cool then.
"Thank you for saying that."
Who would have thought I’d ever be having this kind of conversation with the Fist Demon? Usually, he was a man of few words, but in situations where he needed to speak, he was more eloquent than anyone.
"It might be difficult for you in the future."
"Why?"
"You’ve never been a father before, have you? What will you do if your daughter rebels?"
The Fist Demon raised his fist. "Would this not work?"
"If that worked, would people say that raising a child is harder than becoming a Sword God?"
The Fist Demon playfully lowered the fist he had raised. That precious fist shouldn't be lowered so powerlessly.
"But it will certainly work elsewhere."
"Where?"
"The fact that you now have the most beautiful daughter in the world. There will be plenty of occasions to use your fists."
Realizing what I meant, the Fist Demon clenched his massive fist again.
"That sounds like it could be fun."
"It might be fun for you, Master. I’ll pray for the souls of your opponents in advance."
One truly never knows what lies ahead in life. Who could have imagined Lee An would become the Fist Demon’s daughter?
"Perhaps you really will be able to crumble the cliff, Master."
At Geom Mu-geuk’s words, the Fist Demon asked with a puzzled look.
"Not the opposite?"
He must have been thinking: How can I crumble a cliff when I've become so soft and susceptible to emotion?
"Martial arts only change when the person changes."
The Fist Demon chewed on my words. "I must change to be able to break it?"
"Did you ever imagine you would take someone as an adopted daughter?"
The Fist Demon slowly shook his head.
"You have changed, Master. I believe that change will allow you to break through your limits."
The Fist Demon looked down at his fist and suddenly spoke.
"Perhaps when the thunderous sound vanishes from my fist, I will finally be able to crumble the cliff."
I couldn't imagine a Thunder Asura Fist that didn't make the sound of thunder. However, there was an even more terrifying thought than ear-splitting thunder.
A fist that flies without a sound and turns heaven and earth upside down!
Visualizing that, neither the Fist Demon nor I could remain still. We sprang up and thrust our fists. Our training did not cease until dawn.
*
The next day, I said my goodbyes to everyone.
"I will head to the Jiangxi Branch."
My original purpose for leaving the Cult this time was to visit the Hunan and Jiangxi branches before returning. Until new clues regarding Hwa Mu-gi surfaced, I had to live my own life. Steadfastly, without being swayed.
"You’re going alone?"
"Yes. You two take Lee An and return to the Cult. Oh, and tell the guards waiting on the way back to return as well."
"You’re going alone, even leaving the guards behind?"
"This time, it’s a secret inspection."
Since I had gone to the Hunan Branch openly with guards, I planned to visit this one secretly. I truly hoped the Jiangxi Branch Leader wasn't as corrupt as the one in Hunan.
"I'll be going first. Don't think about ordering this old man around anymore."
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon said his piece and walked toward the gate. I shouted at his retreating back.
"Considering the results I got from ordering you around, I think that might be difficult!"
Don't worry. If I ever need the Demon Lords again, I'll call on the others next time.
Next, I parted with the Fist Demon.
"Thank you for the lessons last night."
"Be careful."
The Fist Demon also walked toward the gate. Even though that massive back now had more to protect, it looked even more cheerful as it filled the doorway.
Once the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Fist Demon had left, Lee An finally spoke her mind.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For deciding such an important matter without consulting you first."
"It’s not like you had it planned out either, right?"
"I feel like I should have at least asked you via Voice Transmission at the moment of the decision."
She must have stayed up all night worrying about that. Yes, it was because she was so kind-hearted that she deserved to be the Fist Demon’s daughter.
"That’s why you decide things like that—because it's important. You followed your instincts."
"What if it was the wrong choice?"
"Then you'll have to deal with it. You'll just have to suffer under a scary father."
Lee An made a face as she imagined it, then mimed clutching her head.
"He’s not just a scary father! He’s the scariest father in the world."
"He’s only the second, so don't worry. You have a poor soul standing before you who has the first."
Lee An laughed at my joke.
"Trust your instincts. Both in your martial arts and your heart. The stronger you get, the more accurately your instincts will function."
"I'll keep that in mind, Young Master."
"I'll see you later at the Main Cult."
"Please be careful."
Lee An, who was about to walk out, turned back at the door.
"To think I've become the Fist Demon’s daughter. It’s thanks to you, Young Master, that I’ve come this far. I’m truly grateful."
"Lee An, our journey might not have even truly begun yet."
Startled, Lee An seemed unable to even imagine what lay beyond.
"Just how far do you plan to go?"
"I don't know that myself."
"It doesn't sound like a joke anymore."
"Because it isn't."
Killing Hwa Mu-gi isn't the only goal of my life. My goal is to live this life happily and well. Killing Hwa Mu-gi is simply something I must do to achieve that. My life will continue even after he is dead. For me, and for my people.
"Young Master, you told me once, didn't you? To rest if I'm tired."
"I did."
"You look very tired right now."
It probably wasn't just because of the training until dawn. My nerves had been on edge lately thinking about Hwa Mu-gi. No matter how much I hid it, only Lee An could sense and read my emotions.
I smiled at her and nodded.
"Alright, I'll take it slow."
With that, she too departed.
I stood in the courtyard of the safe house for a moment and looked up at the sky. I try to look at it whenever I have the chance. Every time I do, the sky seems to say: Yes, no matter how busy you are, let's live while looking at me once in a while.
I know better than anyone that once you start being swept away by life, it becomes hard to even lift your head. Just like my life before the regression.
Back then, I didn't look at the sky; I only looked at the ground. I only looked for materials to fill my pockets. I only looked for ways to kill my enemies. The sky must have been just as blue back then...
Hoping that this trip to Jiangxi would be a comfortable and peaceful journey, I left the safe house.
So, villains, you should take a break too. Please!