Chapter 169
Chapter 169
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 169
Chapter Title: Frog in a Well (1)
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After completing the handover of the Shanxi Sub-branch beggars, my classmates and I returned to the Yi Manor and prepared to head back to the academy.
Unlike the initial journey where we had borrowed the name of the Namgon Escort Agency, we were returning under the protection of the Beggars' Sect and in the name of the Righteous Martial Academy.
Everyone had packed their belongings and clothes, finishing their personal preparations.
But in my case, there was more to take care of.
'The captured jiangshi.'
Guo Sa-hong and Elder Gyeong had deployed an enormous number of jiangshi during the Yi Manor incident.
Finding their origins was nearly impossible.
So, while holding the funeral at the Yi Manor, we cremated them in a simple rite.
However, I decided to take seven of the bare Vajra jiangshi back to the academy.
'Research on jiangshi is restricted under the banner of the Orthodox Murim, far behind the Demonic Cult.'
Thus, these bare Vajra jiangshi would serve as a warning of the technological gap with the Demonic Cult and as valuable academic materials.
'Plus, I can get that end-of-term exemption and bonus points, right?'
Anyway.
How long had I been checking the jiangshi's conditions and inspecting the cart that would transport them?
"Hm? Isn't that Uncle Yun Yeong?"
Uncle Yun Yeong entered the ice storage where the jiangshi were kept.
"Yes. Have you finished checking?"
"Yes. You've prepared everything perfectly. If we load them like this and replace the ice every time we pass a major city, it'll be fine."
"I've already arranged with the Tae Won Merchant Group's branches and affiliates to supply ice. I'll give you a map tomorrow— just stop at the marked locations."
"Perfect."
"Since you're donating them to the Righteous Martial Academy in your name, Eon Yong-un, your maternal grandfather strictly ordered no oversights."
"Thank you. But you didn't come just to tell me that, did you?"
"Sharp as ever. Last time, your father wanted to hold a ceremony praising you and your friends' merits, but it fell through due to Kwon Yeong's matter and Beggars' Sect business. Your grandfather has prepared a farewell banquet."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Since the Yi Manor funeral had just been held, the farewell banquet prepared by my maternal grandfather was modest.
There was no commotion, no musicians called in.
But those present—my maternal grandfather, Uncle Yun Yeong, Eon Jeong-ung, Paeng Mu-hyeok, Professor No Sam, and my classmates—made it comfortable.
The food was abundant.
And the prepared liquor was top-grade Fenjiu, enough to make my sword-bound master salivate at his belt.
- That pure aroma—isn't it Fenjiu? The way the clean scent spreads right after opening... it must be the finest grade!
'...Right.'
I wasn't sure if "salivating" fit a sword master, but his eyes did gleam momentarily.
- Of course, your maternal grandfather is the man called Shanxi Golden Carp, so naturally it's the finest Fenjiu! They say the finest grade has such a fine aroma you drink it through your nose, beautiful color through your eyes, and savor it on your tongue after passing your lips—called the Three Pleasures, fit only for royalty, sung by countless poets!
'...Calm down, Master!'
- Calm down? Pour your master a cup instead of talking!
'Jeez. How can I now? Just hold on. I'll set some bottles aside.'
As I soothed my master,
Professor No Sam was in the midst of recounting tales from the Shanxi Sub-branch on one side.
"There, the Eon kid hit me with the Anti-Dragon Palm—bam!—and said, 'People can get complacent in life, but shouldn't we know when to feel shame?' See? That's why the Eon kid is essential for the academy."
For some reason, every story concluded that I needed to return to the academy. Uncle Yun Yeong drained his cup.
"Kuh! Need a side dish with this? No? What do you say, Eon son-in-law? Right, Father?"
As Father's lips twitched smugly,
My maternal grandfather's voice turned to him.
"So, Eon son-in-law, what will you do about Yong-un's matter?"
At that,
Father straightened his expression and asked back.
"Are you referring to Yong-un's reinstatement?"
My grandfather's tone sharpened slightly.
"Would a capable kid like him leave anything else for us to discuss?"
"That's not a decision I can make alone; it requires reporting to the family elders and seniors. I'll know once we return to Jinju."
"Who doesn't know that? Just say you'll handle it, even if it's empty words... You're the type who pushes through once you've decided, aren't you?"
"But how can I give empty words to my father-in-law?"
"So stubborn."
However, Grandfather's sharp tone didn't persist.
At some point, he relaxed his furrowed brow.
"Come here and have a drink."
"Yes."
"Here."
He changed the question to one Father could answer with the liquor.
"Put in some effort."
"Yes. I'll do my best."
Watching that, Yong-myeong gaped.
"...Grandfather's attitude toward Father has gotten much warmer, hasn't it?"
That?
Three rebukes with one cup?
Yet Father seemed pleased,
so Yong-myeong was probably right.
Thus, a thought crossed my mind.
'How was he treated before?'
Cheon Jang-ho, nearby, took it further, whispering about why Eon Jeong-ung was treated coldly.
"Hey, Yong-myeong. Didn't you mention some anecdote about Shanxi Golden Carp being harsh to the Eon Family Head last time?"
"I called it a hidden tale, but it's not that impressive. It might even be similar to what just happened, so not that entertaining..."
At that, my classmates' ears perked up simultaneously.
"...Looks like everyone's curious anyway."
Yong-myeong glanced at me.
"Brother, is it okay to tell?"
I didn't know the story either,
but he'd said it wasn't grand,
and I was curious too, so I nodded with a managed expression.
Then Yong-myeong began awkwardly.
"Ahem. Where to start... Well, Mother reached marriageable age, but Grandfather kept her so close he never even called a matchmaker. One day, Mother went flower-viewing with friends and..."
"...Ran into trouble! Northern Hebei Fist Hero saved Yong-un and Yong-myeong's mother?!"
"Uh. Yes."
"Ah, Lady Zhuge. I was focused, and you broke the flow. Keep guesses to yourself."
"Cheon young hero is right. That's not the way."
"Exactly!"
"...Okay, got it."
Just the parents' story was the classic tale of a gallant hero saving a damsel in distress and falling in love.
'But now add a doting father and a stubborn man?'
Minus the doting father about to lose his daughter to a thief and the upright man's tale.
"...Eventually, Grandfather relented and said do as you please."
"Ah, so that's how they married? Heh. Then he's just calling him a daughter thief?"
"No."
"No?"
"...Father said 'do as you please' isn't permission; no marriage without the father-in-law's blessing. He held firm like that. He got the words he wanted, but in exchange, he got thoroughly disliked."
With that, Yong-myeong finished,
and the listeners sighed in unison.
"...Ah."
"...Huh."
"...Mm."
"...Uh."
Seizing the moment, I grabbed a few bottles of Fenjiu and left the banquet hall.
"You all eat. I'll step out for some air."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Exiting the inner chamber of the bustling main hall, I recalled following Uncle Yun Yeong on a manor tour and headed there.
Passing a few inner gates, I reached the pavilion built in the center of the artificial pond.
Whoosh!
I leaped onto the roof, settled in, and spoke to my master at my belt.
'How's this? Nice ambiance, right?'
- I thought you were dodging the pour just to mess with your master by dragging me here. This was your plan?
'...What do you take your disciple for?'
- You, obviously.
'...?'
- ?
'?'
- Ahem. Anyway, you had a plan! Fine liquor is best savored by the water under the moon!
Thus began Master's theory on why moonlit waterside drinking was best.
- A sip gazing at the moon in the sky, another at its reflection in the pond, another in your cup.
To my master, already drunk on atmosphere sans liquor,
I stifled a chuckle and uncorked one of the bottles I'd brought.
I drew Regret and poured for him, glug glug.
- Hey, slower, slower. Kuh. The aroma alone screams fine brew—what'll it taste like going down? Bottomless!
I poured and drank a cup too.
And offered an apology.
"Kuh. Sorry."
Instead, Master sounded sheepish.
- ...No need for apologies like that; it's not like you. Makes me uncomfortable. As you said, even a Sword Demon can become a Magic Sword.
But I wasn't apologizing for sealing him in the sword.
'That's not what I'm sorry about?'
- Feel a little bad!
'Anyway, what I'm sorry for is nearly dying this time.'
- ...Continue.
I recounted the battle with Elder Gyeong in thoughts to Master.
'Sure, I thought I wouldn't die back then. But reviewing it now over drinks with you, it was a close call.'
- Why apologize for that?
'I should. I swore to prove your sword, the Heaven-Splitting Sword, is the world's finest.'
At that, Master snorted.
- What nonsense. To forge a sword like this takes ten thousand strikes—I know risks come with forging the world's finest.
'Really?'
- Yes. So you're the one pierced through. Expect hundreds more brushes with death. Don't beg to be disowned or replaced.
'Never.'
I chuckled again, poured Master another, and drank mine.
Then asked,
'By the way, what'd you think of those claiming to be your successors?'
I'd never properly discussed it,
perhaps due to my prior apology?
Suddenly,
Master called my name solemnly.
- Yong-un.
'Yes?'
- I am your master, not a mold.
'...'
- You are not Wi Cheol-jin; you are Eon Yong-un. Wherever, whomever you face, wield your sword by your will.
His words weren't unpleasant, so I just poured him another drink.