Chapter 30: So Yeong-hyeon (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 30: So Yeong-hyeon (1)
The entrance to the northern village of Yulrang County.
About a hundred warriors of the Yikyang So Family marched in formation, their steps synchronized as if in a parade.
In the center of the procession was a group on horseback.
The middle-aged man with a stylish beard and light green silk robes was So Ikheon, the Family Head of the Yikyang So Family.
Riding alongside him were a man and a woman in navy blue Taoist robes, representing the Hengshan Sect: Hengshan's First Sword Jo Cheong-un and Hengshan Lady Hero Jo Il-hye.
As they were prominent figures within the Martial Alliance, Family Head So Ikheon had come out personally to receive them.
Feeling burdened by the grand procession, Jo Cheong-un expressed his embarrassment repeatedly.
"You really didn't have to go to such lengths."
Seeing this, Family Head So Ikheon let out a boisterous laugh.
"Hahaha. If I were to mistreat guests coming to my home, I would never hear the end of it from my fellow brothers in the Martial World. Please, do not feel burdened."
"We are truly grateful. My Senior Brother lives a life of such simple pleasures that he is unaccustomed to such hospitality. Please understand," Hengshan Lady Hero Jo Il-hye said, offering a Fist-and-Palm Salute.
Though she held a lower rank among them, her voice carried the dignity befitting one of the Ten Great Lady Heroes of the Jianghu.
"Every time I see you, Lady Hero Jo, I am struck by your heroic spirit. As a father, I am truly grateful that you serve as such an inspiration to my daughter."
"You flatter me."
The expression of the young girl watching this from just behind them was not pleasant.
The girl, who appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, was So Yeong-yeong. She was the eldest daughter of the Yikyang So Family and So Ikheon’s only daughter.
He certainly has a silver tongue.
She hated her father, So Ikheon.
In front of others, he acted like an infinitely kind and caring father, but the reality was different. To him, she was nothing more than an ornament to bring glory to the Yikyang So Family.
My life is truly unfortunate.
There wasn't much time left for her to stay with the Hengshan Sect. In two years, she would have to return to the main family. Once that happened, she would be forced to marry into a household chosen by the Family Head.
[That is the duty of a daughter of a martial family.]
That was the phrase the man who called himself her father always emphasized.
If she hadn't possessed any martial talent, she probably would have been sold off into marriage already. That was why she intended to risk her life in the upcoming Grand Martial Assembly.
I have to win, no matter what.
If she won or placed second in the women's division of the Successor's Martial Discussion at the Grand Martial Assembly, she could obtain the position of Hall Master or Deputy Hall Master of the Phoenix Hall. If that happened, she could stay at the Martial Alliance. With luck, she might even be able to cancel the engagement currently being pushed upon her.
"By the way, it has been a while, but it seems the Family Head's achievements have grown even further," Jo Il-hye praised.
In response, a young man in flamboyant silk robes riding in the rear row offered a Fist-and-Palm Salute. His face bore a strong resemblance to So Ikheon. He was the eldest son of the Yikyang So Family, So Yeong-hyeon.
"I believe I will be able to have a good match against Senior Brother's disciple in this Successor's Martial Discussion."
"You overpraise him. How could my unworthy son compare to the top disciple of Hengshan's First Sword? I only hope it will be a good experience for him."
"You are too kind, Family Head," the tall young man in navy blue Taoist robes to So Yeong-yeong’s left said modestly.
He was Seoilju, the first disciple of Hengshan's First Sword Jo Cheong-un. Having traveled the Martial World with his master for the past two years to build his reputation, he was considered one of the favorites to win the upcoming Successor's Martial Discussion.
"It has been a long time since I last saw Brother So, and he is no pushover. I am quite nervous."
"Hahahaha! Are you trying to save my son's face? Your disciple is truly clever."
"Goodness."
Jo Cheong-un, who was shy by nature, rubbed the bridge of his nose in embarrassment.
Just as the warm atmosphere was continuing, someone came running urgently from the direction of the Yikyang So estate. Judging by his attire, he was a warrior of the family.
Step!
"I offer my greetings to the Family Head, Hengshan's First Sword, and the Hengshan Lady Hero."
Family Head So Ikheon asked, looking puzzled, "What is the matter?"
"That is..."
As the warrior hesitated, So Ikheon turned to the Hengshan Sect guests beside him.
"It seems to be a family matter. Please excuse my rudeness for a moment."
"It is quite alright, Family Head."
Since the two didn't mind, So Ikheon nodded to the warrior. The warrior then sent a Sound Transmission to So Ikheon.
As he listened, So Ikheon’s expression gradually hardened. He turned his head to look at So Yeong-hyeon. Seeing his throat vibrate, it was clear he was giving instructions via Sound Transmission.
After giving the orders, So Ikheon spoke to the two guests.
"A small matter has arisen at the estate. If you don't mind, may I send my children ahead first?"
"Please, do so."
So Yeong-yeong was puzzled. What could have happened at the estate that required even her to be sent ahead? As she pondered, a thought flashed through her mind.
Could it be?
Just as she thought of him, So Yeong-hyeon spoke to her.
"Let's go."
"Understood."
She would find out once she got there. As So Yeong-hyeon pulled out of the procession and spurred his horse, she followed behind him.
Once they were a good distance away from the procession, So Yeong-hyeon spoke.
"If we don't hurry, Jang-yun might cause an accident."
"What do you mean by that?"
"That wild colt has returned to the estate."
"!!!"
The 'wild colt' referred to her brother. At those words, So Yeong-yeong’s eyes wavered. Did that mean the damn man who had gone missing had finally returned? Her prediction was correct.
Stupid So Woon-hwi.
She cursed her brother inwardly. When she heard the news that her brother had disappeared from the Hengshan Sect, she had hoped that if he wasn't dead, he would stay far away and never return to the family.
Why on earth did he have to come back at a time like this? He was a man who was never any help.
He's going to make me worry again.
She never wanted to see her only blood relative getting beaten by those bastards again. But it looked like it was about to happen all over again. Her chest felt tight with frustration.
I have to hurry.
As So Yeong-hyeon said, if they didn't hurry, there was no telling what that violent man would do. He was nothing but a burden, but he was still her only blood-related brother in the world.
Before long, they reached the manor. Dismounting, she immediately used her Lightness Skill to rush inside.
Please...
She hoped nothing had happened before she arrived. If that piece of trash touched her only blood relative, she would never forgive him.
But as she rushed in, an unbelievable sight met her eyes. Though she was still some distance away, she could hear a shout.
"I lost! I apologize for speaking out of turn and for targeting your life!"
It was So Jang-yun’s voice. The family's warriors were gathered there. Like her, So Yeong-hyeon could not hide his bewilderment at the situation.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
They hurried toward the spot where the warriors were gathered. And when they arrived...
"You son of a bitch! Die!"
They saw So Jang-yun striking down toward the Spirit Command Point of her brother, who was bowing with a Fist-and-Palm Salute.
No!
At that moment, someone grabbed So Jang-yun’s wrist. It was a handsome young man with a slender build, dressed like a scholar. The young man who caught the wrist immediately snapped it.
Crack!
"Aaaaaaaagh!"
Seeing this, So Yeong-hyeon’s face hardened terrifyingly as he flew forward.
*
The moment I gave the permission, Sama Yeong snapped the wrist without a moment's hesitation. She was smiling brightly, as if she had been dying to teach him a lesson. Was she really that happy?
Yeah.
All the warriors saw it. Even So Jang-yun’s own lackeys saw him launch a sneak attack after he had already apologized. Though the person caught in the Illusion Eye wouldn't realize it, he had crossed a line that an Orthodox martial artist should never cross. With this, he could no longer be a representative of the younger generation.
Now, all that was left was...
Hm?
I turned my head at a new presence I felt. Someone caught my eye. It was So Yeong-hyeon, flying toward us. I heard he had gone out with the Family Head; had he arrived already?
Ah!
Besides him, another person caught my eye. It was my younger sister, So Yeong-yeong.
Yeong-yeong is here?
I could guess one thing from this. The Family Head had likely gone out to receive the guests from the Hengshan Sect. Yeong-yeong was staring at me with a look of utter confusion.
"Stop!" So Yeong-hyeon shouted at Sama Yeong, who was still holding the broken wrist.
Sama Yeong looked at me with a disappointed expression. It seemed that just breaking his wrist wasn't enough to satisfy her. When I gave her an instruction via Sound Transmission, she smacked her lips and pressed So Jang-yun’s Stun Point.
So Jang-yun, his pressure point struck, immediately lost consciousness.
Thud!
"Just what do you think you are doing?" So Yeong-hyeon said to Sama Yeong in a remarkably composed voice, unlike his agitated shout from a moment ago.
Of course he is. Unlike the low-born character of So Jang-yun, his older brother So Yeong-hyeon was quite a cunning fellow. He cared about how others perceived him and knew how to manage his image.
"Who are you to commit such an act within the territory of this family?"
Sama Yeong offered a Fist-and-Palm Salute and spoke.
"Greetings. I am Ma-yeong, a junior fellow disciple of Senior Brother So Woon-hwi here."
"Fellow disciple?"
She had simply dropped the first character of her surname. So Yeong-hyeon, who had been focused only on Sama Yeong, now looked at me. I also offered him a Fist-and-Palm Salute.
"It has been a long time, Brother."
At the word 'Brother,' his eyebrows twitched slightly. Still, he was a cut above the rest. Unlike his foolish younger brother, he didn't let his feelings show, knowing that all eyes were on him. Conscious of his surroundings, he spoke to me like a man of impartial justice.
"Tell me exactly what happened."
I replied with a deliberately bitter expression.
"Perhaps because it's been a while since I returned home, Second Brother became quite agitated under the influence of alcohol."
"Under the influence?"
So Yeong-hyeon looked at the unconscious So Jang-yun. He had been drinking so much since the afternoon that the stench of alcohol was overwhelming.
"...What does his drinking have to do with the rude behavior of your fellow disciple?"
He deliberately shifted the focus. It seemed he was trying to frame Sama Yeong’s actions as the problem. Even if he had arrived late and hadn't seen everything, he must have at least seen Jang-yun trying to strike my Spirit Command Point while I was offering a salute.
At his words, Sama Yeong interjected, sounding angry.
"Then was I supposed to just let my Senior Brother be struck in the Spirit Command Point and die? You'd better watch what you say."
Sama Yeong’s hand was already moving toward the hilt of her sword. She looked ready to take his head off in an instant.
Phew. I thought she was holding back well.
[Hand!]
[...Fine.]
At my Sound Transmission, Sama Yeong slowly took her hand off the hilt. Seeing her behavior, So Yeong-hyeon looked incredulous. He then sent me a Sound Transmission.
[You arrogant brat. Are you doing this because you trust in your fellow disciple?]
To his Sound Transmission, I replied out loud.
"Why are you speaking via Sound Transmission?"
"!?"
"Is something wrong? Are you trying to say something that others shouldn't hear?"
"You!"
So Yeong-hyeon’s expression changed instantly as he flared up. He was better than his stupid brother, but it didn't seem like he was that great at controlling his emotions either. Or maybe it was because he was still young.
Why was I ever afraid of people like this before my regression?
"You..."
So Yeong-hyeon’s eyes darted left and right. Realizing the atmosphere wasn't in his favor, he suppressed his anger and spoke.
"Wasn't your... fellow disciple's hand too heavy? No matter how excessive Jang-yun’s behavior was due to the alcohol, there was no need to break his wrist."
He's really trying to push this. I stared at him. The fact that he and Yeong-yeong had arrived meant the Family Head and the Hengshan Sect experts would be arriving soon.
That was actually perfect. I could move my original plan forward a bit. I spoke to him in a troubled voice.
"Ah, so that was the problem. My fellow disciple was in such a hurry to stop him that it seems they were a bit excessive."
I deliberately left an opening for him to nitpick. He took the bait, his expression saying he had caught me.
"It wasn't just excessive! Who dares to break the wrist of a member of the So Family within the territory of the Great Yikyang So Family!"
So Yeong-hyeon raised his voice so everyone could hear. He seemed to hope for a response from the warriors and So Jang-yun’s lackeys.
But what to do? Everyone else had seen So Jang-yun’s foolishness with their own eyes.
"!?"
Contrary to his hopes, both the warriors and even So Jang-yun’s lackeys only looked on awkwardly. Still, I suppose this really is enemy territory for me. Even in this situation, not a single person stepped forward to point out So Jang-yun’s fault.
That was when someone else stepped in.
"Wait a moment."
It was So Yeong-yeong. She approached us along with Song Yang-hwa.
Ah...
This was a variable. I was trying to get him to pick a fight with me. It seemed Song Yang-hwa had told Yeong-yeong what had happened.
...I did.
She must have hated the sight of me, but seeing her step forward like this, it seemed she was trying to help. Maybe she didn't just hate me.
While I was wondering, Yeong-yeong spoke to So Yeong-hyeon.
"I heard what happened from Sister Yang-hwa. Second Brother was clearly drunk and made a mistake; he tried to kill Third Brother."
At her words, So Yeong-hyeon’s expression turned cold. It seemed that Yeong-yeong rebuking him, contrary to his intentions, acted as a trigger. He spoke in a voice that had gone cold.
"Third Brother? Who are you calling Third Brother?"
"Brother!"
"To call someone who was cast out of the family 'Brother'... I suppose that dirty bloodline of yours really shows..."
Whoosh!
Unable to bear it, Yeong-yeong tried to slap him. It wasn't infused with internal energy, and since he was no less skilled in martial arts than So Jang-yun, he easily caught her wrist.
Her wrist caught, Yeong-yeong’s eyes turned red as she spoke.
"Let go."
If there was one thing she hated above all else, it was being insulted for her 'dirty bloodline'—an insult to her mother. At her reaction, So Yeong-hyeon looked slightly flustered. But once his temper had flared, he couldn't seem to control it and shouted back.
"Hmph! As if I said anything wrong—"
"Let go of her hand."
"What?"
So Yeong-hyeon turned his head in disbelief. He spoke arrogantly.
"Ha! Are you talking to me right now?"
Yeong-yeong shouted at me.
"Don't get involved!"
The moment I heard her shout, I felt a strange emotion. In the past, I thought this child hated me. But that wasn't it. She had been treating me coldly on purpose so that I wouldn't be harmed.
"..."
Something hot surged up from deep within my chest. It was an emotion different from anger. I gave Yeong-yeong a faint smile and spoke.
"I will protect you now."
At my words, Yeong-yeong’s face flushed red, and she shouted through tears.
"What is this idiot talking about! Don't interfere in my business—"
"You two are really asking for it!"
Before Yeong-yeong could finish, So Yeong-hyeon, his anger reaching its peak, raised his hand to slap her.
Grab!
With lightning-fast movement, I flew forward and snatched his wrist. The moment his wrist was caught, the startled man spun his body and tried to strike me behind him with his elbow.
However...
Thud!
"Huh?"
Before his elbow could even connect, I yanked the wrist I had caught and slammed him straight into the ground.
Boom!
"Gah!"
At the unexpected sight, Yeong-yeong stared at me with wide, trembling eyes.