Chapter 118: Lucky Opportunity
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 118: Lucky Opportunity
Barging through the gate of Namgung Jin’s guesthouse wasn’t exactly part of my original plan.
My initial strategy had been more deliberate. I hadn't intended to approach with such brute force.
My original idea was to propose a deal. Fortunately, I possessed something of significant value that could be used as leverage to prevent Namgung Bi-ah from being taken back to her clan.
It was information regarding Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.
To be more precise, it was information about the sword the Demonic Sword Queen had wielded in my past life.
As I’ve mentioned before, a clan’s treasure possesses not only unique power but also profound symbolic significance, representing the clan itself.
This was true for the sword she had used. It was a treasure forged by the mightiest figure of the Namgung Clan in ancient times—Namgung Myung, the Thunder Sword, one of the five heroes who had stopped the Blood Demon. The sword wielded by that legendary figure was counted among the Five Great Swords of the world.
The Thunder Sword.
The Lord of Heaven should have been its rightful keeper at this time, but it was highly unlikely he actually had it in his possession.
It was probably with the Wudang Sect.
The Monster of Wudang—the master of the Wudang Sect—likely had the sword now.
I didn’t know the exact circumstances of how it ended up there, but this was the information the Demonic Sword had revealed to me in my past life.
There was a chance she had lied. But would the Demonic Sword really deceive me about something like this? She wasn't like Zhuge Hyuk.
I don’t think so.
This was information about a lost clan symbol. Would a clan lord like Namgung Jin, who was currently lacking in power, simply let such a crucial piece of information slip through his fingers? I was certain he wouldn't.
[How are you going to explain how you came by that information?]
I have the plaque the Immortal Healer gave me.
The plaque from the Beggars' Sect could prove useful here. I didn't know the exact function of this wooden token, but judging by the Sword Queen's shocked reaction when she saw it during our journey, I highly doubted it was worthless.
I could weave a story, mixing truth with lies, and claim I obtained the information through the Beggars' Sect's network.
[But what if that Namgung guy goes to the Beggars' Sect to verify your story?]
I had a couple of contingency plans if he did that, but it was pointless to worry about it now.
"...What did you just say?"
I asked the Second Elder that question as the sun began to set. Seeing his solemn expression, I knew the matter was serious.
"I heard Lord Namgung had a discussion with the First Elder."
I grimaced at the Second Elder's words. Just hearing it made me feel a nasty scheme brewing in the shadows.
* * *
After returning to my residence, I spent some time with Wi Seol-Ah. It was a familiar, comfortable scene.
I had already sent a servant to Namgung Bi-ah’s guesthouse to inform her of my impending visit.
I still had some time to spare after the meal.
Now, I was stroking Wi Seol-Ah’s hair as she sat on the floor, happily munching on a yakgwa with a bright smile.
"Twintails today?"
"Sis did it for me! It's pretty, and I like it."
Wi Seol-Ah’s hairstyle seemed to change daily, depending on the whims of the servants who attended to her.
Today was apparently a twintail day.
As I ran my fingers through her smooth, silky hair, Wi Seol-Ah leaned her back against me. Seeing her playful antics, I stroked her cheeks, and she didn't push my hand away, seeming to enjoy the affection.
"Hmm?"
While touching her soft, supple cheek, I detected a subtle difference in the sensation.
"Did you lose some weight?"
"Wha…?"
Her cheek had never been large enough to fill my whole hand, but I was sure it hadn't been this slender before. It felt like the plumpness had noticeably diminished.
Now that I think about it…
I gently grabbed Wi Seol-Ah’s arm. The confirmation was immediate; she had definitely lost weight.
Just a few months ago, her cheeks were full and cherubic, adding to her adorable charm. But now… I could even see a hint of her jawline.
"...Hmm."
Had she been eating less lately? But that didn't seem right, as I'd seen her finish full bowls at all three meals today. She was even happily enjoying the yakgwa I gave her. Noticing my pensive look, Wi Seol-Ah asked,
"What's wrong, Young Master?"
"Nothing, it's nothing."
…Why has she lost so much weight? Is she secretly exercising or something?
I discreetly observed Wi Seol-Ah’s body, checking for any signs of Qi cultivation, but her vessel remained completely empty. There was nothing—not a single trace of energy within her.
If it's not training, is it just natural exercise? Or… perhaps she's slimming down due to a growth spurt? She does seem a bit taller than before.
The same was true for me. I had grown quite a bit this year—compared to last year, that is.
…Not that I'm particularly thrilled about it.
Knowing the height I'd reached in my past life, I held no illusions about becoming exceptionally tall. While Wi Seol-Ah had become more refined and prettier with the weight loss, she seemed to have lost some of the unique, childish plumpness that made her so endearing.
"I just need to feed you more."
"Wha…?"
"Never mind."
I'll just have to fatten her up again. As that thought crossed my mind, a servant approached with hurried footsteps.
"Young Master, the Second Elder is here."
"The Second Elder?"
The moment I heard those words, I saw a giant figure approaching. It was indeed the Second Elder, his face etched with an unusually grave expression.
[I can never get used to that body of his, no matter how many times I see it.]
You're from the Mount Hua Sect… How can that physique seem strange to you?
[What are you talking about? What does having muscles have to do with Mount Hua being a Taoist sect…]
…
Is he seriously saying that because he doesn't know? I felt a headache coming on just thinking about it, so I quickly pushed the thought aside.
"Second Elder, did something happen?" I asked.
His expression was terribly grim, a stark contrast to his usual nasty grin.
"Yangcheon."
"Yes."
"It seems a problem has arisen."
"A problem?"
Hearing his tone, I instinctively straightened my posture. For the Second Elder to speak so seriously, it must be something major.
When I met his gaze with my most somber expression, the Second Elder spoke, a sigh escaping his lips.
"I heard that Lord Namgung is having a talk with the First Elder."
"...What, all of a sudden?"
That's completely random. The First Elder and Namgung Jin? What kind of combination is that?
"Where did you hear that?"
"Does this old man not have eyes and ears?"
"Everyone normally has eyes and ea… I get it, put your fist down! I'm just joking… Joking…!"
I was only teasing him a little, but he was already preparing to bonk me on the head, forcing me to retract my words.
"...Do you even understand how serious this situation is, you brat?"
"Well, surely it can't be that bad…" I said with a strained smile.
Judging by the Second Elder's desperation, the problem was indeed serious. However, when I considered the First Elder's ambitions, I doubted he could actually achieve his goals.
Does he want the Gu Clan that badly?
That's what surprises me the most. Why is he so obsessed with that position? Does the seat my father occupies—and that I will inherit—look so lofty to him?
The First Elder had no idea that the clan lord's seat wasn't a throne for a king. Did it really seem like my father was stubbornly clinging to it? From my perspective, it seemed he wanted to relinquish it more than anyone else but was bound by duty.
The First Elder's problem was that his vision was completely clouded by greed, preventing him from seeing the truth.
If the Second Elder knew about this, then my father undoubtedly knew as well. Yet, despite being aware of the scheming, he hadn't intervened or said anything to stop the First Elder.
Doesn't the First Elder ever stop to wonder why my father isn't doing anything about his suspicious activities?
…What a stubborn old man.
I admit that the First Elder had practically lived for the Gu Clan and had contributed much to it. However, his beliefs and perspective were fundamentally flawed. His understanding of the clan lord's seat was far removed from reality.
And since I knew the tragic end the First Elder met in my past life, I couldn't help but see all this as meaningless struggle on his part.
What a venomous old man.
So those two are talking, huh…
Hearing this news confirmed a suspicion I'd held until now.
I knew that Namgung Jin's reason for coming all the way to the Gu Clan wasn't solely about the engagement or retrieving Namgung Bi-ah. It seemed that meeting with the First Elder was a core part of his agenda.
I knew he was being too quiet.
I hadn't paid much attention to the First Elder lately, assuming he'd been lying low since I thoroughly beat Gu Jeolyub… But it seems he wasn't completely inactive after all.
"It feels like I've been backstabbed."
"Did something happen?"
"I finally managed to persuade the Namgung Clan elders regarding this engagement, but now it's becoming problematic because the clan lord himself seems dissatisfied with the arrangement."
"...I've always wanted to ask, how did you manage it?"
"Manage what?"
"The engagement with the Namgung Clan."
This was the Namgung Clan we were talking about. They weren't the type to easily involve themselves with other families. I was always curious how the Second Elder managed to arrange an engagement with a direct descendant of the main family.
Furthermore, given my notorious reputation for breaking off a previous engagement and the slew of other terrible rumors about me, it was unthinkable that the Namgung Clan would readily accept.
The Second Elder fell into thought at my question and responded after a moment.
"Knowing will only hurt you."
He said this with a teasing smile. He was definitely ribbing me, but I didn't press further. For some reason, I had a feeling he hadn't used conventional methods to arrange the engagement.
"Anyway, I need to do something about this."
"What do you mean, 'do something'...?"
"How can you be so calm when you don't even know what might happen!"
"Well, what are you going to do about it? It's not like you can pick a fight with the Lord of the Namgung Clan, nor can you brawl with the elders."
"...Oh?"
"...Huh?"
What do you mean, 'Oh?' Why do you sound impressed…?
As if confirming my sudden unease, the Second Elder immediately shot to his feet.
"Yangcheon, I didn't know you could be this clever. I'll be back shortly."
"Hey! Where are you going? Lord Second Elder, please calm down for a moment! Where are you going at this hour? Let's think about this rationally— Wait, I told you not to go!"
I quickly tried to grab his arm, but the Second Elder vanished before my eyes, leaving only a faint trail of fiery Qi in his wake. I even tried to sense him with my Qi, but his presence had already disappeared completely.
"This… This crazy old man…!"
Even at my current level, I was still no match for the Second Elder.
"Surely he didn't actually go to the Namgung Clan, right?"
There was no way he would do that.
And even if he did, what could he possibly accomplish?
…I hate that I'm breaking out in a cold sweat despite thinking this.
That crazy old man was absolutely capable of such a thing.
Just how much backing does he have to act so recklessly every single time?
"...Sigh."
I let out a weary sigh and finally stood up. It was about time. I realized that sitting here idly would only lead to frustration.
As I moved, Wi Seol-Ah, who had fallen asleep leaning against me, woke up and rubbed her eyes.
"Young Master, are you going out?"
"Yeah, it seems I have to."
"Should I come with you?"
"How can you offer without even knowing where I'm going?"
"I don't mind wherever you go…"
I patted Wi Seol-Ah’s head and playfully messed up her hair as she tried to hold back a yawn.
"Just get some sleep before Hongwa comes to find you for work. I'll be back soon."
"Okay…"
Succumbing to drowsiness, she promptly collapsed back onto the floor. I could already picture Hongwa finding her like that soon.
After watching her for a moment longer, I set out.
At that moment, Elder Shin suddenly spoke up.
[…There isn't a single normal person with the last name 'Gu'.]
I know, right? Everyone except me is just—
[Stop your nonsense and keep walking.]
…
I had no choice but to shut my mouth with an awkward expression.