Chapter 90
Chapter 90
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 90
Chapter Title: The Long-Awaited Meal
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A faint smile crept onto Namgung Ryong's lips.
It was a change so subtle it was almost imperceptible, but anyone who knew him would call it a beaming grin.
*How long has it been?*
The emotions welled up anew.
His sickly younger brother could go outside and share a meal with him.
It was a small thing, but to Namgung Ryong, it held immense significance.
Each step Namgung Ryong took toward Namgung Hyeok's residence quickened with anticipation, as if he were employing the Earth-Shrinking Technique, propelling him forward in smooth, rapid strides.
He arrived at Namgung Hyeok's quarters in an instant and scanned the surroundings.
His gaze landed on the Thunder Dragon Squad, soaked through like drowned ghosts, and he tilted his head in puzzlement.
What could have happened to leave them all with such dazed expressions...?
Geon Cheon-hwi braced his hands on his knees and barely managed to stand, looking so unsteady it seemed he needed a cane for support.
"Young Master... I greet..."
Thud.
Splash.
"......"
Geon Cheon-hwi collapsed limply, like a fish flung from water onto dry land.
A glance around showed the rest of the Thunder Dragon Squad already sprawled on the ground, vomiting water in streams.
Namgung Ryong paused for a moment.
Had they gone swimming in the dead of winter?
But what were those iron chains?
As he pondered the mystery, Namgung Hyeok approached with his hands clasped behind his back, shuffling along.
"Ah, you're here?"
Namgung Ryong turned and nodded.
"Let's go eat."
Namgung Hyeok turned on his heel. Geum Cheomsang hurriedly stuck close by his side.
After a brief glance at the Thunder Dragon Squad, Namgung Ryong hurried after Namgung Hyeok.
*Heavenly Pavilion.*
He had no interest in taverns, but even he had heard of Heavenly Pavilion.
It was the most famous drinking establishment in Anhui Province, a frequent topic among the junior disciples who loved their liquor.
*Hm.*
Namgung Ryong gazed at the streets of Hefei for a moment before silently following as Namgung Hyeok took the lead.
Walking through the city, Namgung Ryong was a bit surprised.
The people of Hefei greeted Namgung Hyeok warmly with every step he took.
Some even approached and bowed respectfully toward him.
"Goodness, Young Master! Come on in!"
"Hahaha! You look even more radiant today!"
"Thanks to you stepping in last time, everything worked out perfectly. I don't know how to repay such a favor!"
"Young Master! When will you grace our inn? We're waiting with bated breath—please stop by!"
"Ah, thanks to you, Young Master, those thugs are gone, and life feels worth living again!"
Namgung Ryong's lips curved upward slightly as praise and admiration poured in, enough to ring in one's ears.
Just a short while ago, rumors had swirled darkly about Namgung Hyeok, bedridden and wasting away.
People had even placed bets on when he might die.
After that, he had rarely ventured out into the Hefei markets unless absolutely necessary.
He hadn't gone out at all except for special occasions.
Like when the second young master went missing and he searched for him, or when he went out to buy the second young master's favorite sweets or Bingdangho pancakes, or when the second young master...
*More than I thought.*
Namgung Ryong nodded to himself and opened his hearing.
He heard no mocking or disparaging remarks about Namgung Hyeok.
Namgung Ryong's mood lifted.
It felt like one layer of bitter memories had faded away.
It was then, as they reached the heart of Hefei and arrived at Heavenly Pavilion.
The gate guards spotted Namgung Hyeok.
"Second Young Master! Welcome!"
"Come in! The Pavilion Master is waiting!"
"Welcome back! Thank you for gracing us again!"
Namgung Ryong's pupils dilated slightly at the guards' enthusiastic response.
*...Is this place always like this?*
It didn't match what he'd heard.
The Pavilion Master was waiting?
And "again"?
Namgung Ryong's gaze slowly traveled up the towering structure of Heavenly Pavilion.
*...With what money?*
As Namgung Ryong eyed it dubiously, his gaze met Geum Cheomsang's.
Flick.
Geum Cheomsang quickly looked away, and Namgung Ryong's suspicions deepened.
In that brief moment, he read the plea in her eyes: *Please don't ask.*
*What the hell...*
They ascended to the top floor of Heavenly Pavilion, where the Pavilion Master greeted them with a plump smile and a cupped-fist salute.
"Young Master! What an honor! Hahaha! No, isn't this the Eldest Young Master? First time here, right?"
Nod.
"Hahaha, what a sight—brothers so close..."
Namgung Hyeok raised a hand, cutting off the Pavilion Master.
"Enough. Any troubles?"
"Hahaha! Thanks to you, Young Master, business is booming even more. Word that you've visited draws people here on purpose, you know?"
"Skip the gold-plating. Prepare the meal."
"We'll serve you the best! The tea is my personal selection—savor it slowly. It's the kind even offered to the Emperor. Haha!"
The Pavilion Master bowed deeply and exited.
Namgung Hyeok plopped down at the head seat like it was his own home.
Namgung Ryong stared at him in bewilderment.
Everyone they met in Hefei showered Namgung Hyeok with praise and acclaim.
It was astounding, miraculous.
Seeing his second brother accept it as natural confirmed some massive change had occurred without his knowledge.
*What the hell happened in the meantime?*
"......"
He glanced at Geum Cheomsang, who quickly replied.
"It just sort of happened."
"......"
"It's a long story. And you won't like knowing. Just... the Second Young Master made a bit of money... ahem."
"......"
"W-Why my clothes? These are old!"
Geum Cheomsang startled and hurriedly sidled up to Namgung Hyeok.
Her garments were plastered with gold leaf, gleaming brilliantly.
Namgung Hyeok let out a hollow chuckle.
"Why are you the only one panicking?"
"It's because the Eldest Young Master suspects me..."
"So why panic alone?"
It was like talking to a ghost.
*Is there some real secret signal?*
Did Namgung Ryong have an interpreter technique?
No, how come only I don't know?
The Family Head knew, Geum Cheomsang guessed it right.
This was ridiculous—everyone knew but me, making me feel like an idiot.
*Over this? Tsk.*
Namgung Hyeok shook his head and sipped the tea.
A rich, deep aroma spread, and satisfaction lit his face.
Then his eyes met Namgung Ryong's burdened stare.
"......What."
"......"
"Interpret what he's saying."
Geum Cheomsang sipped her tea without looking.
"He's just looking."
"......Ah, okay."
I thought he said something.
A silence—not quite silence—settled as the food arrived.
The lavish spread made Namgung Ryong's eyes flicker.
Having chewed roots during the clan's austerity from financial woes, such oily, luxurious fare was a rarity.
Namgung Ryong ate wordlessly.
Now he understood why Heavenly Pavilion was one of Anhui's three great pleasure houses and why his father had tried to poach their head chef.
"......Good."
"Ah, yeah?"
"Not to your taste?"
"Eat it too often, and it gets old. The chef's not trying anymore. No effort. Belly full, same crap every day."
"Ah."
Namgung Hyeok's face soured, then he suddenly pulled a small jade case from his bosom and held it out.
Namgung Ryong eyed him curiously.
"This is..."
Namgung Hyeok scratched his cheek.
"Take it."
Namgung Ryong quietly opened the case.
Whoosh!
A clear, sweet fragrance burst forth, enveloping the room.
Inside gleamed a lustrous pearl.
"......Spirit Pill?"
The Spirit Pill was Namgung Hyeok's lifeline.
The only means to halt the worsening of his Nine Yin Severed Meridians, rarer than stars in the sky.
Waves rippled in his chest.
To share his lifeline meant he truly cared.
But the ripples washed away quickly, replaced by cold reason.
A guy who needed to cure his Nine Yin Severed Meridians—why give this up?
He shouldn't accept; Namgung Hyeok needed it.
Namgung Ryong closed the case.
"Thanks, but just the thought..."
"Eat it. You look depleted lately."
"......I'll take it."
"Yeah, take it."
"No..."
He's slow to speak...
"I don't need Spirit Pills anymore. They're useless now—just fancy tonic at best."
His body had outgrown ordinary Spirit Pills.
"Eat. Hurry."
"......"
"You, with your weak sword aura—eat one. Yeah? Don't make me yank it out! I can't rest easy otherwise!"
Rest easy?
"Eat! Hurry! Circulate your qi! So I can relax!"
Namgung Hyeok lunged, pried open Namgung Ryong's mouth, and stuffed the Spirit Pill in.
In a flash, it slid into his mouth.
Sizzle.
"......Huh?"
"Circulate!"
"Ah!"
The energy erupting from the Spirit Pill forced Namgung Ryong into a cross-legged seat to circulate his qi.
Namgung Hyeok exhaled heavily.
"Whew, just eat when I say. All done now?"
Geum Cheomsang shook her head.
*Now he's handing out Spirit Pills like candy.*
She truly felt Namgung Hyeok's newfound wealth.
Then, Namgung Hyeok turned and met Geum Cheomsang's eyes.
"Ah, you're next."
"......Pardon?"
"Think it over."
Ah, this felt ominous.
With the Harmony Banquet looming, it spelled big trouble...
Namgung Hyeok shook out his hands and stood.
"Tired. Going to rest. Man, been too busy lately."
Grumbling, Namgung Hyeok vanished in a whoosh.
* * *
The Namgung Family.
A famed sword clan renowned across the land, hegemons of Anhui Province for centuries.
A procession stretched toward the grand gates of this mighty house.
The wide avenue, broad enough for three eight-horse carriages abreast, was packed end to end.
Namgung warriors stood vigilant before the main gate, shaped like a coiled dragon.
"Clear!"
At the gate captain's call, a cart entered.
"Heavenly Valley Manor!"
A booming voice from behind prompted the warriors to check the list and signal.
"Clear!"
"The Spectral Sword Sect Leader has arrived!"
"Escort inside!"
The gate guards bustled, verifying names on invitations.
As busy as it was outside, the interior buzzed equally.
In a space over a thousand pyeong, Namgung servants and maids rushed to set up.
They laid red mats on the floors, fetched tables and chairs.
They carried in liquor and food to fill the space; others brought decorations to adorn the banquet hall.
Namgung elite warriors stood guard outside with sharp eyes, while outer courtyard guards patrolled everywhere.
"Move that over there, and you—find the stable master and pick up the ordered goods."
Chief Steward Geum Gwang-mo issued rapid commands in the banquet hall.
Servants darted about at his gestures.
"Steward, no empty stalls in the stables—what now?"
Geum Gwang-mo directed instantly.
"Use the empty warehouses, and explain properly to the guests! Fodder sufficient? Check that too."
Geum Gwang-mo moved without respite.
An annual event demanded perfection—no room for flaws.
The Harmony Banquet showcased the Namgung Family's prestige.
Food, drink, lodging—all had to be impeccable.
It was one of the busiest days for the steward's office, demanding utmost care.
Even ten bodies wouldn't suffice; his mind was a whirlwind.
Watching Geum Gwang-mo bustle, Namgung Baek glanced back.
Namgung Jeong approached quietly.
"How'd it go?"
"Sent the pigeon. Handled as instructed."
"Good work."
"Shall I swap the banquet guards with our people?"
"The Family Head's sharp. Don't arouse suspicion. Act as natural as possible."
"Understood. I'll be careful."
Namgung Jeong hesitated, then called softly.
"Father."
"Speak."
"No need to tell the young master?"
"What would I tell a boy who can't hide his face? It'd ruin the grand plan."
Namgung Baek furrowed his brow slightly.
"Tell him not to set foot in the banquet hall."
"......"
"Don't worry. I'll handle that myself."
"Yes."
Namgung Baek nodded and turned back to the banquet hall.
Guests trickled in, filling the seats.
Namgung Baek eyed the head seats briefly.
Twelve grand chairs for the elders loomed imposingly.
He stared silently at them before turning away.
"Go prepare."
"Yes, Father."
Ambition flickered in Namgung Baek's eyes, then faded quietly.
He slipped out of the banquet hall without a sound.
* * *
Gwi Yeong examined the map spread on the floor, hands behind his back.
An exquisite map detailing every corner of Hefei.
The Namgung estate was rendered so vividly it felt real.
His lips twisted as he pictured the manor soon to be dyed red.
"You must depart now to arrive for the Harmony Banquet."
At his subordinate's voice, Gwi Yeong turned.
He strode out, and countless carts and men stood arrayed.
Gwi Yeong donned the long robe handed to him and walked at the group's head.
The lined-up warriors straightened rigidly.
Gwi Yeong said lowly.
"We depart."