Chapter 200: Marble of Celestial Captivation (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 200: Marble of Celestial Captivation (3)
Three days had passed since Gu Yangcheon’s imprisonment. Two days had gone by since the Second Elder’s visit.
The fact that Gu Yangcheon had entered the prison willingly, without any coercion from the guards, had left the Second Elder deeply perplexed. The butler’s lack of intervention only deepened his suspicions. The Second Elder felt a familiar frustration brewing.
…That boy never acts without a reason.
Perhaps in the past, it might have been different, but he refused to believe the current Gu Yangcheon would act recklessly.
Hmm… They did report a strange energy around Gu Sunmoon’s mansion.
Though his condition prevented a personal investigation, he had received reports of an unusual aura enveloping the estate. The fact that he was informed, despite his recent incapacitation, suggested something was definitely amiss.
Gu Yangcheon must have known.
The Second Elder sincerely hoped this was the case. He didn’t want to question the boy’s methods further. That brat always claimed to have his reasons, so…
He must have acted on prior knowledge.
Furthermore, the examination of the First Elder’s corpse had revealed a startling truth: despite being a Fusion Realm martial artist, the First Elder had only a few years left to live. The Second Elder recalled his few encounters with the man, astonished by his skill in maintaining such secrecy.
“Hmm.”
The Second Elder grunted, stroking his beard with one hand. His other arm was still wrapped in bandages.
“So…” he addressed the two older men before him, his tone flat and apathetic. “What is the purpose of this meeting?”
The elders averted their eyes. They were faces he hadn’t seen in decades, and their relations had never been amicable.
“If my memory serves, it has hardly been a month since our last gathering.”
The only two remaining Elders of the Gu Clan, aside from himself—the Third and Fourth Elders—sat across from him. They were individuals whose roles had long since diminished, to the point they deemed it unnecessary to appear unless summoned by the Lord himself.
“Ahem…”
A forced cough from the Third Elder preceded the Fourth Elder’s words. “First, I’d like to express our delight that you have regained consciousness, Second Elder.”
“Much obliged.”
“Let us proceed, then. We have convened to discuss the Young Master’s transgression.”
“Transgression, is it…” The Second Elder’s brow furrowed. “What is your concern?”
“The First Elder is dead. That… is our concern, Second Elder.”
The Second Elder suppressed a derisive laugh.
Since when have you shown any concern for him?
“Indeed, it is a grave matter for us all.”
“Then should we not discuss how to address this situation?”
“Discuss, huh?… Very well. Let us discuss.”
Pinch-
The Second Elder pinched his chin in contemplation. His gaze appeared focused, but his indomitable physique, strained by lingering injuries, betrayed a different kind of intensity.
“However, may I inquire about something first?”
“You may.”
“Is this truly the proper time for such discourse?”
His words made the other elders flinch. It wasn't guilt that troubled them, but the palpable fury emanating from the Second Elder.
“An Elder has returned gravely wounded, the clan’s eldest daughter has been abducted, and yet you wish to discuss this paltry affair?”
“Well…”
“Furthermore, the Lord is not even present… Oh, were you perchance waiting for this moment?”
“Second Elder!”
The Second Elder chuckled with unbridled amusement at the Third Elder’s exclamation.
“Do not raise your voice. Do you really intend to do so, when even I am restraining myself?”
“What are you implying? Even if he is of direct descent, he assaulted an Elder—“
“Is that not what makes it remarkable?”
“What?”
The Third Elder was flabbergasted, thinking he must have misheard. The Second Elder’s comment was bold enough to elicit such a reaction. Yet, the man himself carried on as if it were nothing.
“Even if his body was failing, the First Elder was no pushover. Yet, Gu Yangcheon bested him. A feat unprecedented for someone his age.”
The Second Elder didn’t yet know the full extent of the First Elder’s injuries. Regardless, it was true Gu Yangcheon had triumphed and killed him. A historic achievement, especially for one so young.
The elders, however, interpreted this differently. Affronted, the Third Elder retorted, “Your favoritism towards the Young Master is common knowledge, but your words just now…”
“I know.” The Second Elder cut him off, his voice dripping with mockery. “That is why I question this assembly. You know my stance, so why even convene?”
“…You!”
“Were you attempting to coerce me? Or did you hope to silence the child through me?”
“Gu Ryoon…! You dare!”
A chuckle escaped the Second Elder, soon turning into roaring laughter. He found the situation utterly hilarious. Abruptly, he ceased, addressing them after a long moment.
“Are you afraid?”
“…!”
“Or perhaps, you’re nervous?”
The Second Elder knew the real reason for the meeting. They had gathered out of fear.
“What? Are you fearful of that child’s potential retaliation?”
“Mind your words, Second Elder! What are you trying to convey!?”
“Ha! If you’re going to pretend, do it after you’ve wiped that look from your eyes.”
Before becoming Elders, they had been renowned martial artists. This applied to the First Elder and himself as well. Seeing them in such a sorry state made the Second Elder feel nauseous.
It’s as though I’m witnessing the ruin of my comrades.
They were individuals who had fought alongside him in the past. He struggled to find a more fitting word than ‘corrupt’ to describe their current state. He hesitated to use it, but no better alternative came to mind.
“I acknowledge that the Young Master possesses remarkable talent.”
“It’s not just remarkable; Yangcheon is a heaven-sent prodigy.”
“…Yes, I recognize his extraordinary abilities, but that’s a separate matter.”
“A separate matter? Separate from what?”
“Should a young member of the clan misbehave, we must correct them before it’s too late. Especially for him, as he is poised to become the Young Lord.”
They seemed well aware that Gu Yangcheon would inevitably become the clan’s next Lord. Anticipating his growing strength and the danger of future conflicts of interest, they used this excuse as a preemptive measure to handle him. Their aim was to prevent any future interference with their affairs.
The Second Elder found their actions pathetic.
“Don’t you dare disguise your shitty intentions with sophistry.”
“Wha…?”
“You mentioned ‘before it’s too late.’ A clever choice of words… but too late for what, exactly? The return of the Lord? Or his ascent to even greater heights?”
“Second Elder… Do you not realize the danger of seeing him in such a light?”
“Do I appear to be someone solely motivated by self-interest? If that were the case, I would never have bothered with the two of you.”
How disgusting. The Second Elder was repulsed. The sight was akin to rust corroding a once-sharp blade.
What a tragedy.
Having spent much of his time on battlefields beyond the clan’s borders, he had remained oblivious to its internal decay. The First Elder shouldn’t have been his sole concern. A fact he now deeply regretted.
“I care not for your machinations. However…”
His unhealed body struggled to contain the surging Qi within, but the Second Elder had priorities more pressing than pain. Qi emanated from him, taking tangible form.
“Do not overstep your boundaries. If you do, it shall not be Yangcheon, but me who acts.”
With that final warning, the Second Elder departed.
* * *
The Second Elder strode away, rubbing his aching chest.
It’s still difficult.
Just as the Immortal Healer had warned, his recovery was a slow and painful process, making even simple tasks a struggle.
“Sigh…”
Beyond his exhausted body, his mind was overwhelmed with thoughts gnawing at his conscience. He felt helpless in his broken state, unable to take action.
“…Even though the child is in danger, I…”
Beyond the shame of his defeat by the Black Palace Lord, he was haunted by the guilt of failing to protect Gu Huibi. He refrained from joining the Lord to offer support, despite his desire, knowing his current condition would only be a burden. His activities were limited to waiting to heal and assisting Gu Yangcheon in the meantime. He had few options.
“Ah, Second Elder…”
He turned at the sound of a voice, swiftly erasing his intense expression.
“Oh, it’s my dear Ryunghwa.”
It was the Lord’s youngest daughter, Gu Ryunghwa.
“Are you… feeling okay?”
“Of course! This old man is always hale and hearty. Besides, are you eating well? You look far too thin.”
He replied with a smile, but Gu Ryunghwa’s eyes welled with tears. Her gaze was fixed on his injuries.
“Ha! Why is this little girl on the verge of tears? Don’t worry, I’m truly fine.”
“But…”
She was a gentle soul, a stark contrast to the Gu Clan’s infamous toughness. Like Gu Huibi, the clan’s children had fierce exteriors but soft hearts.
“Ryunghwa, why are you here?” he inquired, noting her presence at Gu Yangcheon’s residence.
“…Oh. Umm… The sisters invited me for a meal.”
“Sisters?”
After her reply, the Second Elder ventured into Gu Yangcheon’s home. He had his reasons for being there.
“…Hmm?”
Upon entering, the scene puzzled him. Though the owner was absent, the atmosphere was bustling. A girl immediately stood and greeted him with great respect.
“I greet the Flaming Fist.”
Was she from the Tang Clan?
She had a cute appearance with dark green hair.
She definitely looks to be from the Tang Clan’s lineage. But why is she here? Surely, she should have her own lodging.
Yet, her familiarity with the place suggested otherwise. It was as if she had been living there for some time.
“Oh! It’s Grandpa Gu!”
The one who dashed towards him was Wi Seol-Ah. Judging by her hat, she was in the midst of cooking.
Her eyes are still puffy.
Her eyes remained red and swollen, just like the last time he saw her. Likely due to Gu Yangcheon’s imprisonment.
I hope he’s unaware of this.
He wondered what expression the Sword Venerable would make, seeing his granddaughter in this state. If he were in the Sword Venerable’s shoes, even he would give that guy a piece of his mind.
Ooof… Even I can’t stop that Senior. I wonder what might happen.
He could only hope the Sword Venerable remained oblivious.
“…Where is your grandpa?” he cautiously inquired.
Wi Seol-Ah pointed to a distant mountain. “He went to gather vegetables! He said spring brings delicious harvests!”
“…Oh, I see.”
The image of the Sword Venerable, renowned for his heaven-piercing swordsmanship, wielding a sickle and digging in the dirt struck the Second Elder as peculiar.
“Oh, I’ll go fetch Sis.”
“Hmm?”
The Second Elder wished to continue, but Wi Seol-Ah hurried into Gu Yangcheon’s room as if remembering something urgent.
—Sis! Wake uup! Grandpa Gu is here!
Sis?
After her voice echoed, commotion sounds came from the room, followed by someone emerging.
A stunning lady with bluish-white hair. The Second Elder recognized her immediately.
“You are…”
“I greet the Flaming Fist. I am Namgung Bi-ah of the Namgung Clan.”
Namgung Bi-ah’s salutation was articulate. Soft voices from the sidelines murmured, ‘Why is Sis speaking like that?’
“Oh, right. You must be Yangcheon’s bride.”
“Yes.”
She accepted the title without hesitation, though it should have been embarrassing. The Second Elder had said it playfully, but her reaction made him feel a bit awkward.
“No, Sis, you aren’t. Not yet.” Wi Seol-Ah pouted and prodded Namgung Bi-ah’s hip.
“…Right, were you perhaps sleeping?”
“…No.”
It seemed she had been. Though she stood upright, her disheveled hair and tired eyes betrayed her.
“Sis couldn’t sleep well these past few days. That’s why she went into the Young Master’s—Umphh!”
Wi Seol-Ah began to explain but was promptly silenced by Namgung Bi-ah.
What a unique child…
The Second Elder marveled. He wondered if she was so exhausted she’d fallen asleep in Gu Yangcheon’s room. He considered scolding her but decided against it. It didn’t seem ill-intentioned, and he wasn’t in a position to address it.
“Grandpa Gu.”
“Hmm?”
Wi Seol-Ah approached him and posed a careful question. “Umm… When is… when is the Young Master coming out?”
Her cautious inquiry weighed on his conscience. Her question cast a momentary silence over everyone present, including Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol.
Yangcheon, that brat, he certainly has a way with the ladies.
Each of their feelings toward him was unmistakable. It wasn’t just the Sword Venerable’s granddaughter, but also the daughters of the Namgung and Tang Clans. The Second Elder was pleased Gu Yangcheon had so many admirers, but he couldn’t help but wonder what had endeared him to them.
“He’ll be out soon.”
“Really…?”
“Of course.”
It was the only response he could offer. Gu Yangcheon himself had said he’d be released soon, and the Second Elder had faith in his word, for reasons unknown.
“I’m so happy…” Wi Seol-Ah smiled, her relief palpable.
Oh?
The Second Elder was struck by something remarkable. Gone were her baby fat and chubby cheeks. Wi Seol-Ah had grown into a more beautiful and refined young woman. She was taller, and her features had matured. She was slowly transforming into a lady. He wondered if Gu Yangcheon had noticed. He suspected the boy was likely oblivious, focused on trivial matters instead.
“If you haven’t eaten yet, would you like to join us?” Namgung Bi-ah kindly offered.
Gu Ryunghwa had mentioned coming for a meal, and the Second Elder appreciated the gesture. However, he had to decline.
“Thank you for the offer, but I have some business to attend to. I cannot join you.”
“Oh…”
As he prepared to leave, Hongwa appeared, handing him a bundle of food wrapped in cloth. “Thank you.”
This was the meal he and Gu Yangcheon were supposed to share. An elder shouldn’t be running such errands, especially in his condition, but the Second Elder insisted on handling it himself.
“Take care, everyone. There’s no need to see me off.”
Spotting the girls following him outside, he stopped them.
…Now that I think about it, I didn’t get to ask why they were gathered there in the first place.
His mind was too full, and the important question had slipped away.
With that, the Second Elder ventured to the clan’s basement, checked in with the guards, and descended to where Gu Yangcheon was held. Following the torchlight, he walked deeper…
He spotted Gu Yangcheon from far away… wait, shouldn’t he be unable to do that?
“…Hmm?”
Gu Yangcheon, who should have been confined to a cage, was inexplicably outside it. He appeared somewhat bewildered and met the Second Elder’s gaze when he noticed him.
“Oh.”
The Second Elder asked as Gu Yangcheon made an expression of someone caught red-handed.
“…What are you doing?”
Glancing repeatedly between the basket the Second Elder held and the Elder himself, Gu Yangcheon responded.
“…This isn’t an escape attempt, so don’t misunderstand.”
He wore an awkward expression on his face.