Chapter 770
Chapter 770
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 770
Chapter Title: Radiant Ascension Path
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“...Sorry, Sung Yu-jin. I got too carried away.”
“Ah, I understand. I forgive you. Big Sis. We're going to be family, after all. It wouldn't be good for either of us if you started blushing around me already.”
Sung Yu-jin reached out and fiddled with Nangong Seol's shoulder and side. Nangong Rin clenched her fists tight.
“By the way, Big Sis. Don't you have one more thing to apologize for?”
“...I didn't do anything else wrong.”
“Didn't you break your promise? The one where we were supposed to meet this morning.”
Nangong Rin recalled last night. It hadn't been a promise—it was Sung Yu-jin's one-sided order. Of course, she hadn't forgotten. She hadn't gone looking for him in the morning out of pride. She didn't want to come running at his beck and call, just as he'd said.
“I had something to discuss with you, Big Sis... But since you didn't show, I just met with Seol instead and had a nice chat this morning. Right, Seol?”
“Yeah. Bro. We're eating lunch together too, right?”
“Of course. I'll come by at lunchtime.”
Nangong Rin saw right through it. This was blackmail. Ignore him again, and he'd toy with Nangong Seol. She ground her teeth. Rage boiled up, but there was nothing she could do.
“Big Sis. Let's go outside and finish our talk from yesterday. How about it?”
“......Fine.”
“No apology?”
“I'm sorry for breaking the promise.”
Sung Yu-jin headed out. Nangong Rin started to follow, but stopped at Nangong Seol's call.
“Sis.”
“...Yeah, Seol.”
“Don't hit Bro Sung. Even if it's you, I won't forgive it.”
“......Sorry. That won't happen again.”
Nangong Rin followed Sung Yu-jin. It was the annex where he was staying. The annex was huge. As Nangong Seol's fiancé, he was receiving special treatment among the guests.
“Alright, time to apologize properly.”
Sung Yu-jin grinned. Nangong Rin tensed at his sudden shift in demeanor.
“...I already did, just now.”
“That was only because Seol was there. You slapped me in the face—think a verbal 'sorry' cuts it? Do I look like a pushover to you? Huh?”
Sung Yu-jin pointed at his face. The bleeding from his lip had stopped, but blood still trickled from his nose.
“Sorry. I got too excited. ...I apologized, so we're good, right?”
“Tch. That's how you apologize? What the hell did your old man teach you?”
“Don't badmouth my father...!”
“Then apologize properly.”
Nangong Rin glared at Sung Yu-jin for a moment before lowering her head.
“I'm sorry. I was wrong. Forgive me.”
“No sincerity at all.”
“...What the hell do you want from me?”
“Prostrate yourself.”
“What?”
“Don't wanna? Fine.”
Sung Yu-jin smirked. Prostration meant pressing knees, elbows, and forehead to the ground—the ultimate show of respect.
“...What if I don't apologize...?”
“Then your little sister will do it instead.”
Nangong Rin imagined Nangong Seol prostrating before Sung Yu-jin. Her sweet sister wouldn't defy him, and this scum would force her to do it.
...I can't let Seol suffer because of me. This is my mess. I have to clean it up.
Nangong Rin's knees slowly bent. They touched the floor. This was inside the annex, not outside, yet the chill from her knees felt colder than ice.
Her elbows hit the ground. Her chest tightened.
When her forehead touched down, she felt like a criminal locked in a cell. Humiliation surged. She'd never even prostrated before her father or the family elders.
“You just gonna keep your mouth shut?”
“...I'm sorry.”
“Get up and do it twice more.”
Nangong Rin rose and prostrated again. Unlike the first time, her body felt lighter. Easier.
“I'm sorry. I'm sorry.”
“Good. You're forgiven. Get up.”
Nangong Rin stood. Her face looked far more weary.
“Now, shall we pick up where we left off yesterday? Hands behind your head, squat and stand—100 reps.”
“......”
Seeing Sung Yu-jin's giggling face reignited her fury. But she had no choice but to obey. Like yesterday, she silently glared at him while repeating the squats.
“Hey. Spread your legs more. That'll make it harder, right?”
Sung Yu-jin's gaze drifted to her crotch. She knew exactly what he meant.
“...You pervert bastard.”
She spread her legs. She was clothed anyway—no big deal. She consoled herself like that.
Bam!
Nangong Rin slammed the door as she stormed out. I caught her eyes glistening with tears just before she left my room. The prostration had broken her spirit somewhat.
Still not enough. She needs more time.
I stepped out of the annex and went looking for Shin Jong-woo, who was staying in another one.
“Come in. I heard you got engaged to Nangong Seol, daughter of the Nangong family head.”
“Already?”
“The Nangong household's been buzzing about nothing else. They don't know the details, but... is it forced?”
“It was sudden, but not forced. By the way, I don't see that elder around.”
“He left the Nangong family early this morning. Said he was gathering intel.”
Dun Mok-jeong was a former Muyoung Assassin. He knew the value of information. He was probably digging into the Nangong family and me.
No big deal. He'll only find surface-level stuff anyway.
I put on a serious face and asked Shin Jong-woo,
“That book you mentioned yesterday—the one that brought you to this world. Do you have it now?”
Shin Jong-woo's face hardened. The manual of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art. In the original story, he'd never show it to anyone. It was his hope, his start, his source of power.
“...I'll tell you this, and only you. I have it.”
“Show it to me. I'm a reincarnator who died on Earth and was reborn here. Maybe something special happens when I see it.”
“Sorry. I can't show you.”
“I get why you're sensitive. But to get back home, that book needs investigating first. You know that's the right order. You won't even show the sorcerer?”
A brief silence. He sighed.
“...Fine. I'll show you briefly. But no touching.”
“Okay.”
Shin Jong-woo pulled a black-bandaged book from his bosom and placed it on the table. He carefully unwrapped it. An old book. Heavenly Demon Divine Art (Heavenly Demon Divine Art) was written on the cover.
...I can see it?
Normally, no one but Shin Jong-woo could see the title or contents.
If I can see the title, I can read the contents. Why me? Reincarnator excuse is lame... Heavenly Star Constellation system? Or because I know the Heavenly Demon Divine Art?
Either way, I was intrigued by his copy. I'd steal it if possible.
...Kill him.
No reason to keep him alive. Kill and take the book.
“Mr. Sung Yu-jin. Can you read what's written on it?”
“You mocking me? Nothing's written. It's just a bundle of paper, not even a book.”
“...I see.”
Shin Jong-woo looked disappointed yet relieved.
“Mind if I touch it once?”
“......Sure. Go ahead.”
I touched it carefully. No reaction. He rewrapped it in black bandages and tucked it away.
“How long you staying in An Hwi-seong?”
“Originally planned to meet famous sorcerers here and nearby, then leave. But now... about a month.”
“Because of kimchi jjigae?”
“...Yeah. The kimchi jjigae at Hwaryeol House is amazing.”
Shin Jong-woo chuckled.
“Not the only reason, right? Because of Nangong Rin? What do you think of her?”
“......What's the intent behind that question?”
“As someone about to join the Nangong family, your relationship with her seems... delicate. Just curious.”
“No feelings for Nangong Rin. We just traveled together briefly. Even if I did... I have to return to my original world. No lingering attachments here.”
“What if she wants to go with you?”
“......I wouldn't stop her. I'd respect her choice.”
Shin Jong-woo already had feelings for her. He played it cool, but not to my eyes.
“...Got it. Tell me if you need help. I'll do what I can.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“Gotta go—promised my fiancée.”
Three days had passed since Nangong Rin returned to the Nangong family. Every morning, she sneaked to Sung Yu-jin's annex, avoiding prying eyes. She hated going. His name alone soured her mood. But for her sister Nangong Seol, she had no choice but to obey.
She arrived at the annex. Sung Yu-jin lounged arrogantly on the bed, waiting.
“You're here? A bit late today. Any longer, and I'd have gone to see Seol.”
“......What do I do today?”
“Same as always.”
Nangong Rin put her hands behind her head. Squat and stand—100 times. Every morning, noon, and evening, in front of him. At first, it was humiliating and shameful. Now, it was just morning exercise.
But today's Sung Yu-jin was different. He didn't just watch—he approached from behind and stroked her stomach.
“T-take your hand off!!”
“Just touching your stomach. Don't overreact.”
Nangong Rin clenched her fist unconsciously. It trembled but didn't swing. She knew: lashing out would only hurt Seol.
“Don't wanna? Fine, I'll make Seol do it instead. Unlike you, she'd do it happily.”
Just stroking over her clothes. No reason to crack now. She unclenched her fist.
“...Remove your hand. I need to squat.”
“Oh. Right.”
His hand withdrew. She relaxed when he complied so easily. Yet she oddly felt empty. His touch had warmed her stomach strangely.
Warmth and emptiness? Just my imagination.
Nangong Rin finished 100 reps in five minutes. Reflexively, she bowed her head slightly, expecting his pat—like praising a good girl. But today, he stroked her stomach instead of her head.
“W-why are you doing this? It's not like usual.”
“Usual? Oh.”
Sung Yu-jin stroked her head with his left hand too. No intention of stopping at her stomach.
...Endure. He'll stop soon enough.
But his stroking lasted longer than expected. Nangong Rin felt her mood shifting strangely. Her body heated up, senses floating. Her face flushed.
...Ah!
She snapped out of the daze, grasping for clarity.
No. He's up to something. Stay sharp.
With her mind focused, she noticed the changes. Her body was heating with excitement. The problem? It didn't feel bad—it felt good. So good she almost wished he'd continue.
“Stop! That's enough!”
“Got too into it. That's it for this morning. Don't forget lunch. Or... you know.”
Nangong Rin backed away. Steel new hatred as she forced her legs to move out of the annex. But the heat he'd forcibly planted inside her wouldn't fade easily.