Chapter 137
Chapter 137
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Shinchang Yang Clan
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Their rush did not stop.
They continued their journey toward the Shinchang Yang Clan, changing carriages several times.
Thanks to their haste,
they arrived at the Shinchang Yang Clan in Lanzhou, Gansu—a considerable distance—much faster than expected.
Neigh!
The warrior from the Shinchang Yang Clan sitting in the coachman's seat yanked the reins.
"Clan Leader, we've arrived."
Yang Jogang opened the carriage door.
As soon as he stepped out,
"Clan Leader!"
"Did you bring the young miss?"
A commotion erupted outside.
As dozens of voices—not just one or two—filled the air, making his ears ring,
"I'll get out first. Great hero."
Yang Seryeong spoke and descended.
At that moment, the uproar grew even louder.
"Young miss!"
"Are you alright?"
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
Cheonhwi glanced out the carriage door.
Whether because it was a clan bound by blood ties, or because Yang Seryeong was so beloved by them,
they ignored Yang Jogang entirely and swarmed around Yang Seryeong.
"Tch, ignoring the clan leader like this."
"Is the clan leader the priority right now?"
"Exactly! Our young miss went through so much..."
"...I was just saying. I went because I was worried about Seryeong too."
Yang Jogang grumbled amid the scolding.
'What an amusing place.'
It was truly a peculiar situation.
In most clans, the clan leader was an imposing figure whom most retainers feared and respected.
But how were they treating him now?
He was practically yesterday's leftovers.
While most of the retainers clung to Yang Seryeong, fussing over her,
"Seryeong."
A woman's voice called out.
At the same time, those clustered around Yang Seryeong parted like the Red Sea.
"Seryeong!"
A middle-aged beauty appeared in the gap.
The middle-aged woman, who looked like Yang Seryeong would grow up to resemble her exactly, rushed over panting and pulled Yang Seryeong into a tight embrace.
Drip...
Her eyes slightly brimming with tears, she gently stroked Yang Seryeong's face while holding her.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
Seeing the single tear trail down her face as she spoke, Yang Seryeong's emotions welled up.
But she held it back and replied,
"...I'm... fine."
"Thank goodness. Really, thank goodness..."
Their restraint lasted only a moment.
"Sob."
Unable to hold back any longer, Yang Seryeong burst into tears, and the two wailed as they clung to each other fiercely.
At the same time, the Shinchang Yang Clan retainers around them began hiding their own tears.
In the midst of this sea of tears,
'Not a good time to step out.'
Cheonhwi, who had been about to exit, sat back down.
His instincts told him it would only lead to unnecessary hassle.
'They'll call me when things calm down.'
He leaned back against the seat and rested for a while.
"Great hero."
As expected, Yang Seryeong called for him.
"Oh? Looks like it's over."
Her eyes were puffy from crying, and she nodded.
He turned his head to look outside the carriage.
The later-generation disciples had already disembarked and were greeting people here and there.
"Come on."
As he stood and stepped out of the carriage,
"You're the one. The one who saved our daughter..."
The middle-aged beauty approached immediately.
Her voice was slightly hoarse from sobbing as she drew near.
Then she grasped Cheonhwi's hand tightly.
"Thank you for saving my daughter."
Cheonhwi looked at the middle-aged beauty's hand gripping his, then met her eyes.
'She reminds me of Hyeonryeo.'
Watching her demeanor and expression, so similar to Hyeonryeo's speech and actions,
"Oh, right. I haven't introduced myself."
The middle-aged beauty released his hand.
She then formed a fist salute and smiled.
"I'm Gongsun Lian."
'Gongsun? So it's the Gongsun Clan.'
Cheonhwi stared at the woman.
It wasn't one of the current Eight Great Clans, but it had been one of the Five Great Clans in the past.
'I thought the Gongsun Clan had fallen since it's not among the Eight Great Clans, but it seems they've maintained their line.'
Then Yang Seryeong approached.
"She's my mother."
Even with her explanation, Cheonhwi responded nonchalantly, as if he already knew.
He had roughly pieced it together.
From the others' reactions, it had seemed that way already.
The retainers had parted and made way the moment she appeared,
At that moment, Gongsun Lian smiled with her eyes.
"If it's alright, may I know the young hero's name?"
"Hard to reveal."
At Cheonhwi's indifferent reply, some of the Shinchang Yang Clan members flinched momentarily.
"I see."
But she brushed it off gracefully.
She scanned Cheonhwi up and down, then nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Everyone has secrets they can't share, so I won't ask further."
"Unlike some, you're straightforward."
"Am I?"
As she covered her mouth and laughed,
"Who are you calling 'some'?"
Yang Jogang suddenly appeared.
Having overheard their conversation, he glared at Cheonhwi's mouth with a face full of displeasure, waiting for it to open.
His eyes said, 'Let's hear your answer!' He stared for a while, and as if granting his wish, Cheonhwi's lips parted.
"You know exactly who."
Yang Jogang's eyebrow twitched.
His lips had opened, but the words that came out weren't what he wanted to hear.
But that wasn't the end.
"You were so persistent, it was exhausting."
Cheonhwi immediately drove the nail in deeper.
"Persistent?!"
Yang Jogang's face crumpled.
"I merely asked as clan leader. We need to know your identity to welcome you properly..."
"That's what makes it persistent."
"But without knowing your identity..."
Cheonhwi gazed curiously at Yang Jogang, who kept chattering without pause.
He was quite the unique character.
Cheonhwi's image of a sect leader was someone grave and solemn, but the man before him was anything but.
'What kind of clan leader talks this much?'
Not even a market vendor hawking wares would prattle on like that.
"At least your name..."
As he continued muttering, Gongsun Lian grabbed his arm.
"Clan Leader. Instead of keeping our guest standing here, shouldn't we welcome him properly?"
Her words were gentle, but Yang Jogang froze in place.
Unlike her curved smiling eyes, her gaze was as cold as ice.
"Ahem, ahem."
Yang Jogang cleared his throat repeatedly.
"I was just about to, dear."
He turned away as if he'd planned it all along.
At the same time, his demeanor shifted.
'He separates public and private well?'
Cheonhwi's eyes narrowed slightly.
A moment ago, he had seemed like any marketplace merchant, but now his presence was weighty.
Yang Jogang addressed the rowdy retainers in a low voice.
"All of you, welcome our guest."
The commotion ceased instantly.
The retainers, who had ignored him until now, bowed their heads and replied in unison.
"Understood, Clan Leader."
As he watched them move with perfect discipline at a single word, Yang Seryeong looked up and met his gaze.
"I'll guide the great hero..."
"Seryeong."
Gongsun Lian took Yang Seryeong's hand.
"M-Mother?"
"Come with me for a moment."
"But I need to guide the great hero..."
"That's not your duty."
Gongsun Lian cut her off firmly, then glanced back and called softly.
"Seoyun."
A woman approached at the summons.
The soft-featured girl in blue robes hurried over with small steps.
"Madam, did you call?"
"Can you guide him to the annex?"
"Understood."
As Seoyun nodded and moved toward Cheonhwi,
"But I... M-Mother?"
Yang Seryeong persisted, but
"Seoyun will handle that."
Gongsun Lian forcibly led her inside the gate.
Watching the two disappear, Seoyun approached with sparkling eyes.
"I'll guide you."
The place she led him to was a large annex in the back garden of the Shinchang Yang Clan.
There were three spacious halls, complete with a pristine pond and garden. She explained it was opened only for esteemed guests.
"Fitting."
Cheonhwi agreed with her words.
Though an annex, it was impeccably clean, as if swept daily. The pond water was clear, and the garden flowers and grass bloomed beautifully.
As Cheonhwi sipped tea in the largest hall, gazing at the view through the window,
Bang!
The door flew open, and Yang Seryeong entered.
"Great hero."
Seoyun, who had been pouring tea beside him, looked at Yang Seryeong in surprise.
"Oh, young miss."
Her appearance was different from usual.
Instead of her daily martial robes, she wore ornate clothes, and her face bore light makeup for the first time.
Seoyun grinned slyly.
"Then, since the young miss is here, I'll take my leave."
She backed away past Yang Seryeong, whispering softly.
"Have a good time with him, young miss."
"...Good time?"
Yang Seryeong tilted her head in confusion, then realized the implication and flushed crimson.
"Seo, Seoyun...!"
She glared wide-eyed.
"It's not like that."
She emphasized firmly, but Seoyun beamed.
"Yes, yes. I know."
"You, right now..."
As Yang Seryeong trembled with anger,
"I'll be going now."
Seoyun fled hastily.
Yang Seryeong glared at Seoyun's retreating back, then sighed.
She stared at Cheonhwi for a moment.
'...No reaction at all.'
Men her age usually couldn't take their eyes off her.
Not that she'd say it herself, but she was a beauty.
And not just that.
She never wore makeup usually, but today was different.
Her mother had suddenly applied it and dressed her up.
Even she had been shocked when she first saw herself, feeling like a stranger.
Yet he showed no interest.
He completely ignored her.
And paradoxically, that drew her interest and made her feel at ease approaching him.
'Unlike those with ulterior motives.'
She approached Cheonhwi.
"Great hero. I've come to keep my promise."
"Promise?"
"I said I'd show you a feast of delicacies when you arrived."
"Ah!"
Cheonhwi stood up.
"Where is it?"
"Follow me."
They left the annex together with Yang Seryeong.
As they crossed the Shinchang Yang Clan's garden, passing retainers' eyes lit up, and they called out.
"Young miss! You look beautiful today!"
"What a sight!"
"A perfect match, like a painting!"
Regardless of age or gender, the praises and subtle teasing made Yang Seryeong blush.
"Aren't you supposed to be working?"
She replied primly, but the retainers seemed to enjoy her reaction and smiled warmly.
"Oh dear! Getting old, I forgot."
"Haha, back to work."
"Hey, what are you doing? The young miss says get to work!"
Yang Seryeong pressed her forehead at their teasing tone and actions, her head aching.
'...Seoyun's doing, no doubt.'
Recalling Seoyun, who never shut up about romance, she sighed inwardly and glanced at Cheonhwi.
'Good, the great hero isn't bothered.'
He showed no reaction whatsoever.
She liked his lack of ulterior motives, but his utter indifference made her feel a tiny bit miffed.
'...Am I not attractive? No, what am I thinking?'
She shook her head vigorously.
'It's not like I dressed up to impress him.'
To clear her swirling thoughts, she strode ahead briskly.
Moments later, arriving at a room, Yang Seryeong opened the door.
Slide...
All eyes turned to them.
Inside, the later-generation disciples, Yang Jogang, and Gongsun Lian were already seated variously.
Seeing Yang Seryeong, their eyes widened.
What had her usual look been?
Martial robes and bare face were the norm.
Even so, her beauty was renowned, and now with silk robes and makeup,
all gazes converged on her stunning beauty.
Especially Yang Jogang, who knew she hated makeup, was stunned beyond measure.
"Se-Seryeong?"
Unlike Yang Jogang with his gaping mouth, Gongsun Lian beside him was pleased.
"Doesn't the makeup suit her?"
"You did it, dear?"
"Yes."
"It does, but..."
Yang Seryeong looked beautiful.
Evoking memories of first seeing Gongsun Lian long ago.
But one thing.
Bothered him.
'Why with that guy of all people...'
Yang Jogang's eyes fixed on Cheonhwi.
His expression soured instantly.
He disliked it, but she looked perfect standing with her.
The other later-generation disciples seemed to agree, unable to hide their admiration.
"They suit each other."
"...Yes, they do."
"Like a painting."
"Wow! Perfect match!"
Yang Seryeong was slightly startled by the sudden attention but soon smiled.
'Guess I'm not bad-looking after all.'
Her confidence, which had shrunk from Cheonhwi's indifference, lifted again.
Meanwhile, Cheonhwi's ears were deaf to their words.
Only one thing captured his senses.
The feast on the table.
'Better than most inns.'
Centered on a massive pork dish, the table groaned under an abundance of cuisine.
Cheonhwi sat at an empty spot, inhaling the savory aromas wafting up.
It was directly opposite Yang Jogang—a typically intimidating seat—but Cheonhwi sat without hesitation.
Yang Seryeong hesitated at his attitude, glanced around, then sat beside the empty spot next to him.
Lightning flashed in Yang Jogang's eyes.
"Seryeong. Why not sit here instead?"
He pointed to the seat beside him.
"Clan Leader."
Gongsun Lian shot him a look.
Yang Jogang was displeased but shut his mouth at her gaze.
'Finally, a proper meal after so long.'
Meanwhile, ignoring them, Cheonhwi picked up his chopsticks and began sampling the dishes.
Fried foods, pork, noodles, soups.
With elegant chopstick work, he tasted each one.
Yang Jogang shook his head in disbelief at Cheonhwi, who ignored everyone's stares.
"We should finish our earlier discussion first."
He turned to Paeng Cheolwi.
"Will you stay at our clan?"
"I'll focus on treatment."
Paeng Cheolwi glanced at the later-generation disciples.
After the relentless Heavenly Net Maneuver, their conditions weren't great.
Especially Paeng Cheolwi's side wound, which had torn open further while blocking ambushes without time to treat it.
"And after that..."
As he asked gravely,
Clink...
Cheonhwi suddenly set down his chopsticks.
"This is a shame."
The conversation halted at his abrupt action, all eyes on him.
Yang Jogang frowned.
"What's a shame?"
"You still don't get it?"
As Cheonhwi furrowed his brow and asked seriously for the first time, not just Yang Jogang but everyone tensed.
After staring at the table for a long while, Cheonhwi met Yang Jogang's eyes and spoke.
"Why is there no alcohol?"