Chapter 47
Chapter 47
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 47
Chapter Title: Chengdu: Sichuan Tang Clan Grand Hall
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I did exactly as I had told the Tang Clan Patriarch.
I spent the entire day rolling around on the bed in Tang Clarity Pavilion without stepping foot outside—as lazily and slothfully as possible.
Of course, Seolha and Yeonhwa stayed with me and did the same.
What would be the point of me rolling around alone? That would just be a waste of time.
There aren’t many things naked men and women can do while rolling around together.
Fiddling, teasing... and feeling good.
Fortunately, neither Seolha nor Yeonhwa had the slightest complaint.
In fact, they were enjoying it now. The more time these girls spent with me like this, the wilder they became.
Seolha was already perfect in theory. She just needed practice.
Yeonhwa was improving day by day as well. With Seolha as her excellent teacher, she learned by secretly peeking and steadily refined her skills.
It was leisurely time. The only problem was the hot, humid weather, but that was hardly an issue.
After another round of piling our bodies together and heaving hot breaths, we lay there relaxed when Yeonhwa stroked my body and spoke.
"Great Hero."
"Yeah?"
"Why do you only give to everyone around you like that, Great Hero?"
A question brimming with pure curiosity.
But it was something worth pondering. Why did I give without receiving anything in return?
"Well... I haven’t found a reason not to?"
As I twirled my finger around her cute nipple, Yeonhwa flinched from the tickle and asked again with a lewd smile.
"That sounds a bit strange."
"Does it? Honestly, there’s no particular reason. If you’re walking down the road and see a child who’s fallen and is crying, you go over, help them up, and comfort them, right? It might be compassion, benevolence, mercy, pity, or sympathy... but most people act that way instinctively without thinking that deeply. Isn’t that so?"
"Yes."
"That’s how it is for me too. To me, you all look like children who’ve fallen and are crying. So I just helped you up and comforted you. It’s not a difficult thing for me."
Having heard my words, Yeonhwa’s expression turned languid this time.
An expression that never got boring to watch. A face you wanted to embrace right then and there.
"You’re a kind and gentle person, Great Hero."
"Kind and gentle... that might not quite fit. I’m not some purely good guy. It’s just that I have some leeway. Leisure comes from a full storehouse, after all. I have plenty, so I simply do what I want within reasonable bounds."
"Isn’t that kindness?"
"It’s different. I’m not the type to just comfort people. If someone were bullying a child, I’d snap that bastard’s limbs. He wouldn’t feel any kindness from me, would he?"
"That’s his karma. There’s no reason to show kindness to people like that."
"Exactly why it’s not kindness. If I were kind, I’d admonish them to stop. True kindness might be making them realize their wrongs and correct themselves."
"I’m not sure. But to me, you’re kinder than anyone."
"Whatever. Think what you like. Just don’t judge people on your own terms and end up disappointed later when they fall short."
"That won’t happen. How could I ever be disappointed in you, Great Hero?"
"I hope it stays that way."
With that, I took her pretty nipple into my mouth and rolled it gently.
Yeonhwa savored the sensation, her face growing dazed as her body trembled faintly.
Lewd movements. A reaction that was always a delight, no matter when.
That was how it went. The day in Tang Clarity Pavilion passed just like that.
The next day.
In the morning, as I was changing clothes to head out, I sensed someone approaching.
This presence belonged to Dang Sohye.
The woman who had lived as Dang Myeongun until now. The woman who no longer needed to.
Actually... would she need to keep it up a bit longer?
Dang Myeongun had recovered, but his current appearance was still far too gaunt.
To switch naturally, it would take a little more time. Probably.
While I mulled that over, Dang Sohye reached the door of Tang Clarity Pavilion.
And soon, a voice came from outside.
"Grove Lord. It’s Dang Sohye."
But that voice was a complete woman’s voice.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Dang Sohye entered. But her appearance wasn’t Dang Myeongun’s.
Just like her voice, it was a complete woman’s form.
She wore the Tang Clan’s signature green robe that revealed her figure, with even light makeup.
Her hair was still short, but she had round buns on both sides of her head.
At a glance, it looked like she had neatly rolled and tied long hair.
No way could her hair have grown that much in just a day. And it hadn’t seemed like a wig before.
"How on earth did you do your hair?"
"It’s a hairpiece."
"Ah, fake hair? You’re wearing a fake hairpiece now?"
"To be precise, it was originally my hair. The hair I cut off long ago."
"Ah, I see. Amazing. It looks incredibly natural. And your Adam’s apple is gone? Your jawline’s sharper too. Does the Tang Clan know disguise arts or bone-shrinking techniques?"
"We know them to some degree because we deal heavily in medicine. Not to a masterful level."
"That’s impressive enough. You don’t look lacking at all. Wow. How did you endure living in such bitterness, hiding that beauty? The Young Patriarch will have to repay you handsomely later."
It was true. Fully restored to her feminine form, Dang Sohye was a beauty who put one in a good mood just looking at her.
Her breasts weren’t as large as Seolha’s or Yeonhwa’s, but her perky chest and slender waist embodied the essence of a slender beauty.
Slender figures were great too. No man could dislike that body.
Thinking about how she must have bound those breasts tightly with bandages until now made me wonder just how suffocating it had been.
"Anyway, what’s the matter?"
"The Patriarch requests your presence."
"Is that so? Let’s go then."
And so I followed Dang Sohye to the grand hall where the Tang Clan Patriarch awaited.
The Tang Clan felt much more vibrant than before, even though only a day had passed.
Everyone I encountered along the way had bright expressions and greeted me politely.
Greetings filled with sincere gratitude. Genuine, not ordered.
Arriving at the grand hall where the Patriarch was, a good number of people were gathered.
It looked like every key figure in the Tang Clan was there.
Surprisingly, Dang Myeongun was present too.
Still pale, but he looked far better than two days ago. As I entered, he rose with a beaming smile and bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Grove Lord. Please, sit here."
The Patriarch, who had been seated in the place of honor, stood and indicated the seat beside him.
The highest seat the Tang Clan could offer an outsider. That alone showed how they regarded me.
As I sat, Seolha and Yeonhwa took seats beside me as well. The Patriarch sat back down, a faint smile on his lips, and spoke.
"I’ve said it countless times, but I must say it once more. Thanks to your grace as weighty as Mount Tai, our Sichuan Tang Clan has finally shaken off our pent-up ambition, raised our banners high, and regained the strength to stride into the world. On behalf of all who bear the Tang name, I offer our thanks."
With that, he stood once more and gave me a formal clasped-hands bow.
And everyone in the hall rose, clasping their hands and bowing their heads in unison.
I liked it.
People who clearly remembered favors. Who openly acknowledged their shortcomings. Who spared no effort in remedying and improving them.
There are plenty of talented folks. But talent alone isn’t enough.
The ability to grow. To advance further. Knowing the present isn’t the pinnacle. Finding a good path and boldly pursuing it.
That’s what matters. That’s the mark of fine people. The attitude of those destined for success.
Thus, I too stood, shook out my sleeves, clasped my hands toward them, and spoke.
"I am even more grateful to forge ties with heroes such as you. I too offer my utmost respect."
It might seem a bit corny. But that’s not the right word for it.
We call this romance.
When aspirations align, and we gaze in the same direction while pooling our strength, it’s no cause for embarrassment or shame.
It’s simply a good thing.
Thanks to that, the mood was warm and harmonious.
Morning though it was, light drinks of low alcohol content were served, and we all lifted our spirits in a relaxed atmosphere.
For martial artists with internal energy, alcohol was little more than a beverage.
Failing to control your inebriation and stumbling around was foolish.
"Young Patriarch, isn’t alcohol a bit early for you still?"
"Of course. This is tea. Grove Lord, how could I be reckless with my hard-won health? Haha."
The Young Patriarch replied with a sly grin, eyeing me.
There was good reason they had strained to save him. That kid was destined for greatness.
His aptitude was outstanding, his talent ample.
Above all, that spirit of his was vital.
An unyielding heart. A temperament that never gave up.
Thus, the Sichuan Tang Clan’s future was bright. At least in my eyes.
"Tang Patriarch."
"Speak, Grove Lord."
"Now that things here are well in hand, I’m thinking of heading back. Does the Tang Clan need anything more?"
"Haha. After receiving so much already, asking for more would make us shameless. That’s for the Tang Clan to ask you. Do you need anything, Grove Lord?"
"Well, there was only one reason I came to the Tang Clan. That nameless poison. The Unknown Poison."
"We’ll inform you immediately upon learning anything about it. Now that the clan steps forth in earnest once more, we’ll gather far more intelligence from across the lands than before."
"Hm? Does the Tang Clan have an intelligence network? That’s news to me."
"Kekeke. Nothing grand. But not lacking either. Every apothecary across the Central Plains is connected to us. So if you need anything, Grove Lord, just head to any apothecary and ask. If a bag of angelica hangs prominently at the entrance, that place is tied to the Tang Clan."
Honestly, I was a bit surprised. I knew the Tang Clan wielded considerable influence in this realm, but not to this degree.
With this, there was no need to bother absorbing places like the Shadowless Gate.
"Ah! How about this? When you depart, Grove Lord, take our Sohye with you. That child can relay news from anywhere and serve as your eyes and ears."
Hearing that, I looked at Dang Sohye.
The girl who was now fully a woman.
Even after the Patriarch’s words, her expression remained impassive.
[Actually, Sohye asked first if she couldn’t follow you. She was deeply impressed, it seems. So I ask you, Grove Lord—please don’t refuse and take her in.]
The Patriarch sent me a sound transmission while pretending to take a sip of his drink.
Ha. This old fox. Pulling this stunt, huh?
He must really want to keep ties with me. That’s why he’s doing this.
But on second thought, I shouldn’t call the Patriarch old. That’d be spitting in my own face.
"Well, it’s no loss for me. If the lady herself agrees, then sure."
"If it’s the Patriarch’s order... I shall."
Dang Sohye spoke curtly, feigning reluctance. Seeing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Man, this world sure is fun. How does nothing but amusing things keep happening?