Chapter 5
"……."
"……."
No one could answer. It was inevitable.
"Come to think of it, I've never heard of such a thing."
"But isn't it the Cheonmyeong Geumhon Dan?"
It was something no one had ever heard of before. Opinions were divided.
Grandfather wore an expression that said I told you so, while Father's face had darkened. Clearly, both of them had pondered it as well.
The fame of the Cheonmyeong Geumhon Dan, its extraordinary reputation—it wasn't unfounded.
But saving someone on the brink of death is one thing. Restoring a shattered dantian is another entirely.
Without a dantian, I could never cultivate martial arts in my lifetime. Did that mean I was suffering from a fatal illness right now? No.
If they thought a little deeper, everyone could harbor doubts. But the pill's prestige bewitched them.
And……
Ah, hope. Isn't it that thing where, even knowing better, you can't let go if there's the tiniest chance?
"I know medicines must be used according to their effects. I don't need it."
In the past, Father had eventually persuaded Grandfather to obtain the Cheonmyeong Geumhon Dan. And naturally, he'd fed it to me.
But contrary to Father's expectations, my dantian hadn't recovered.
Of course, the pill wasn't without effect.
It had healed all the internal injuries from my qi deviation. My chronic illnesses vanished completely.
Only the most crucial part—the shattered dantian—remained unchanged.
From a murim perspective, it just turned a sickly piece of trash into a healthy one.
Who wouldn't covet it? If it were possible, I'd want it most of all.
But I had no need to consume such a precious medicine and earn resentment when I knew it was futile.
Besides, in this novel, that pill was something the protagonist desperately needed later on.
Since I didn't take it this time, that's one less reason for them to hate me.
I turned to Father and said, "Father, I'm truly fine. Just being here with you like this is more than enough for me."
"……."
Father's eyes wavered.
The elders and retainers were visibly moved, nodding in agreement. The oppressive pressure bearing down on me vanished in an instant, as if washed away.
Grandfather slowly stroked his beard, lost in thought for a moment.
Phew…… Is it finally over?
Relief nearly made me cough, but I stifled it to avoid ruining the mood.
Soon, having finished deliberating, Grandfather spoke to Father. "Ui-gang, Yeon-i says so herself. What are your thoughts?"
Father, whose eyes had been trembling, squeezed them shut and then opened them again. He looked at the hand I'd clasped in his and smiled at me faintly.
It seemed almost apologetic.
No way?
A chill ran through me.
Father spoke calmly. "My opinion remains unchanged. As a father, how could I give up even on the faintest hope?"
Ah, Father!
This stubborn fool! I wanted to leap up from my spot.
I instinctively flinched, bracing for Grandfather's incoming roar.
But…… it was quiet.
Glancing cautiously, I peeked at Grandfather. He looked utterly exasperated.
Yet he didn't seem angry.
"Thick-headed as a wall, a window, and a tiger."
He clicked his tongue, as if to say, Well, that's just how you are.
"Both of you, rise."
"……."
Father looked like he had no intention of standing—as if he'd kneel until Grandfather agreed to hand over the Cheonmyeong Geumhon Dan.
But our eyes met, and with a resigned air, he stood. He then gently helped me to my feet.
Was it because we'd knelt so long?
"Huh?"
As I rose, my vision suddenly spun. I reflexively grabbed Father's robe tight.
"Yeon-i?"
Father's voice sounded distant, muffled as if through a veil.
I tried to say I was fine, but only ragged breaths escaped—no words.
And my face itched unbearably. I scratched roughly and lowered my hand, then froze in horror.
……Blood?
My trembling hand was stained crimson.
Seeing the blood made the dizziness surge. Someone shot to their feet, but I no longer had the strength to lift my head.
In my blurred vision, droplets splattered onto the carpet.
Astounded, I collapsed limply.
"Yeon-i!"
* * *
"Is your name Yeon? Just the single character Yeon?"
The man in peach-colored robes with a jade-decorated sword at his waist. The only ornament was that jade on the sword, but his bearing screamed wealth and nobility.
Even as a street urchin scavenging trash, I knew. This man wasn't someone you'd see in a lowly market like this, and he had no reason to care about me.
"……Who are you?"
Terrified, I backed away slowly, scanning my surroundings.
The man crouched down before me. He reached out toward me, my face tense as if holding back something.
"I've come to take you. To your…… father."
His large hand, callused and rough. When I took it, I was scared at first, then fearful it was a dream, and finally, I couldn't hide my excitement.
Crossing that grand, ornate gate, my spirits soared to the heavens. A family, a home—at last, my days in the sun had come.
Brimming with anticipation as I passed through the gate, I was greeted by yellowed wallpaper stained with nicotine and a shabby sofa flickering with multicolored lights.
A massive TV that didn't suit the rundown house. Laughter from a variety show poured out.
Thud. My heart plummeted.
Why am I here? Why me?
Smack! A burning sting, and my head snapped to the side.
"You think you can run? Where do you dare go!"
The man grabbing my collar shook me violently. Acrid booze stench assaulted my nose. Green bottles rolled across the floor.
I tumbled among them, thrown like trash.
"After all I've done raising you! Huh?!"
I realized instantly where I was, who he was.
"Ah, Father. Why, why— I mean, I'm sorry, I did everything wrong."
Terrified, I scrambled back, panting. I stepped on a rolling bottle and sprawled flat.
"Ungrateful wretch, trying to abandon your own father……!"
He's hitting me! I curled up defensively, arms shielding my head.
As the unavoidable shadow loomed……
"Gasp!"
I sucked in a deep breath and snapped my eyes open.
My stomach churned, my head throbbed like it would split. My whole body was clammy with cold sweat.
What the hell, total nightmare.
I hadn't thought of it once since my throat was slit in that past life. Why now?
Staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, I pieced together my memories.
Right, after treatment, Father wasn't there, so I went to the central hall, Grandfather was…… Ah.
Last I remembered, nosebleed in the central hall. I'd passed out.
So where am I now?
A basin with a damp cloth sat by the bed—someone had been tending me until recently.
But the room itself was unfamiliar. Nothing like the vivid house from my dream of that past life.
Nice room.
My own quarters were nice enough, befitting the Baek Ri Clan. But this one screamed refined taste from a high-status owner—simple yet luxurious.
Then, muffled voices drifted from behind the door.
"When will…… fortunately…… Physician Seok…… says."
"Clan Head…… report…… Fourth Young Master…… you……."
I couldn't make out the words. But they were Father and Grandfather's retainers.
I tried to sit up, but my arms trembled weakly.
That's when someone yanked the door open roughly.
"Yeon-i!"
Father dashed to the bed and propped up my back in one breath.
"Father, where……?"
"Don't move! How's your body?"
"I'm fine. Uh…… my head just throbs a bit."
I reflexively said I was okay, then added the headache so he wouldn't dismiss it.
But no reply came.
"……."
In the long silence, I stole a glance at Father.
"What in the world—what were you thinking?!"
Father bellowed.
"Pushing yourself this far?!"
"F-Father?"
"I told you to be careful—I begged you……!"
Father had never raised his voice like this. Shocked, fear gripped me.
My vision blurred, breath caught, mind went blank.
No thoughts came. Reflexively, I blurted,
"I-I'm sorry, I did wrong."
Then—
"What did you do wrong?"
Another voice cut in. I turned instinctively and stiffened.
Grandfather!
It was like cold water dumped on my head—my senses sharpened.
His piercing gaze dissected me.