Chapter 208
Chapter 208
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 208
Chapter Title: The Returned Scoundrel (3)
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Though I brought up the Elder Council to pressure them, neither Father nor I budged an inch, so Un Gil-hoe spat out a single line in frustration.
"You won't regret this?"
Father issued the order to leave without another word to the man.
"As you can see, we have many guests visiting the house, so we won't be going far."
It was a dismissal.
A declaration that he no longer saw Un Gil-hoe as an elder, but merely as one of the many branch families of the Pearl Eon Family.
Mother, catching on to this, smiled faintly and spoke to Un Gil-hoe.
"Uncle, you said you came because you smelled something cooking earlier. What shall we do? The children eat so well that there's nothing fried or stir-fried left. We do have some cold rice, though. Shall I pack some for you?"
Un Gil-hoe's face flushed red at that, and he bellowed at the two elders standing beside him.
"We're leaving!"
With that, he flicked his sleeves irritably and departed from the Pearl Eon Family estate.
Watching this, Master chuckled from my waist.
"Heh heh heh. Telling him to eat cold rice and scram, but putting it so elegantly. He can't even curse when you're offering to pack it for him. So that's where you get your talent for devouring people whole, Yong-un. It runs in the family." My younger siblings, who had been watching from a distance, came running over to me, each tossing in a comment.
Cheon Jang-ho was the first, opening his mouth as if drunk on the spectacle.
"Grrraah! As expected of Yong-un hyung! This big bro here has no brakes up top or down below—total fearlessness!"
"...I was on pins and needles, thinking you'd throw a punch too, Eon hyung. But is it really okay to talk like that to someone who's practically your granduncle? Instructor Jeong-hyeon?"
"Young Master Eon isn't the type to worry about such things, is he, Woo? If he thinks it's wrong, he'll stand in anyone's way. If he believes it's right, he'll even bear the infamy and leave the family if need be."
"I know that. I'm asking if that's okay."
"On the surface, it might seem like a breach of respect for elders, but to my eyes, it was like slicing through a tangled knot with a single stroke. Doesn't the Family Head look relieved? I've learned there's a path like that too."
Then, the innocent-faced So-cheon hyung spoke without thinking.
"But isn't Jeong-hyeon and the Wudang Sect kinda similar? Then just use the lesson you learned today."
I was about to say something when...
"So-cheon hyung."
Paeng So-jin clutched his forehead and cut in first.
"Pig, think before you speak. Similar? How? Eon is a family clan, Wudang is a sect. Aside from saying the elders aren't acting their age, it's totally different."
"Ah."
"'Ah' what? You don't even get it? Anyway, Jeong-hyeon... Sorry about the pig. He doesn't think much. I'll apologize on his behalf."
"No need. I know Young Master Paeng spoke purely without malice."
"Yeah, he's a bit slow, but he's got a good heart. By the way, is it okay to send off the True Steel Branch Leader like that? I remember the Pearl Eon Family has complicated ties with the Elder Council and the Clan Assembly."
Just then, Eon Jeong-ung called out to Paeng So-jin.
"So-jin."
"Yes?"
"Would you look after the young masters who came with you? As you can see, some family matters have come up."
"I'll do that, Uncle."
"Yong-un, Yong-myeong, follow me. Let's head to the Family Head's quarters. Madam, you too."
"Yes, my lord."
"Would Alliance Leader care to join us? We should discuss what just happened, and there are unfinished matters as well."
"Yes. That would be best."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Having moved to the Family Head's quarters, I spoke to Mother.
"...Mother? It seems I've unintentionally added to your worries again."
"No. Honestly, it was refreshing."
At my words, Mother shook her head calmly before gazing at Father.
"By the way, my lord?"
"Speak, Madam."
"To put down Uncle like that. It's so unlike you, my lord. I'm a bit stunned."
"...Ahem. With the world in chaos, I've long thought we couldn't just let Uncle and the elders disrupt the family's unity."
"Yes. You've only thought it until now. What changed your heart to draw your sword? Were you concerned because Yong-un was treated that way right in front of you?"
"...Hmph. Concerned? Don't say such nonsense, Madam."
"Pfft. Then for dinner, we should serve your favorite lamb stew loaded with mutton."
"...Ahem. Ahem."
The atmosphere between Mother and Father seemed somehow lighter.
Father, embarrassed to show such a side in front of his son, cleared his throat a few times.
Then, he turned to Gong Son Mu-gyeol seated before him and changed the subject.
"My apologies. In these times when our family should unite to support the Alliance, we've shown you an unsightly display. Alliance Leader, it might seem like you've taken my side— is that alright?"
"Taken your side? Who are the ones stirring up trouble? I came here for the stability of Hebei and Liaodong from the start."
"Does that relate to what you did today?"
At Father's question, Gong Son Mu-gyeol nodded with arms crossed.
"Did you know the True Steel Branch Leader has been in contact with the Moyong family?"
"Since those who clash with me often turn to the True Steel Branch, I figured as much."
"The contact I mean isn't mere fellowship. Military intelligence analysis points to a concrete alliance with repeated material exchanges."
"...Hmm."
"It was confirmed in the recent price surge of goods from the Ice Palace. The Moyong family has little interest in the world's stability. What do you think their alliance with the True Steel Branch implies?"
Hearing this, a thought slipped out of my mouth unbidden.
"...At smallest, control over the Pearl Eon Family."
Gong Son Mu-gyeol nodded and replied.
"'At smallest.' May I ask why you call the Pearl Eon Family small?"
"An alliance takes two, but control over the Pearl Eon Family is what the True Steel Branch Leader wants."
"Ho. Then shall I add what comes next?"
At Gong Son Mu-gyeol's words, I calmly stated my thoughts.
"What the Moyong family wants must come into play. Likely the isolation—no, the downfall—of the Hebei Paeng family. Their interests align here. Once the Hebei Paeng tiger falls, the Moyong can expand into northern Hebei under the pretext of being the blade masters..."
"The Pearl Eon Family might cede some northern land to the Moyong, but without the Paeng tiger, they could rename to the Hebei Eon Family and wield that much power."
Gong Son Mu-gyeol listened through, then cut in at the end and laughed heartily at Father.
"Hahaha. By the way, the Grand Marshal keeps singing your praises, saying he'd love to have you. Spot on. Word for word what he told me, but from this kid Yong-un. Truly pillars to uphold the world."
"Haha, what do you mean..."
Father's lips twitched at the praise for me—it pleased him.
But as Family Head, he knew now wasn't the time and quickly composed himself.
"...Ahem. How could the profits from the Paeng family's fall benefit our house? The commoners and martial artists caught up would number in the tens of thousands."
"They're not the type to care about that."
"...Hmm."
"Thus, my reason for coming to Hebei ties into the conflict between you and the True Steel Branch Leader. However, Family Head."
"Speak."
"The 'verification' the True Steel Branch Leader mentioned last is ultimately to prove Yong-un's qualifications to return to the family. Isn't restoring the Corpse Soldier lineage enough?"
The discussion inevitably turned to me.
"It's similar to the White Bone Association. If those with voting rights there band together to play blind man's buff, even great merits become nothing in an instant."
"...True. Then?"
"I think they'll demand proof of the Eon Family Fist. The elders all know Yong-un here had no intention of following the fist master's path as a child."
In the end, Father asked me.
"Do you remember the Eon Family Fist?"
Ah, the Eon Family Fist.
That...
I don't know it at all?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Storming back to the True Steel Branch, Un Gil-hoe sent word to the other branch elders qualified for the council and convened a meeting.
"That scoundrel has returned to Jinju, has he?"
"So it seems. For a guy not even reinstated, what nerve to show his face in Jinju."
"Sorry to interrupt, but shouldn't we stop calling him a scoundrel now? They say he did it on purpose to hunt the Demonic Cult. And he's restored the Corpse Soldier lineage, one of our family's long-standing wishes."
"Hmph! Jeong-gyun, you're as outspoken as ever. What about the damage from him tarnishing the whole family's name without a word? And a 'wish'? Manipulating corpses—what good reputation does that bring?"
Un Gil-hoe looked at the gathered elders and thought.
'Perfect.'
The Elder Council had long been in Un Gil-hoe's pocket.
But it wasn't an organization that moved like his limbs.
'If I lay out what happened to me today, they'll move as I wish.'
It was personal humiliation, but good for the True Steel Branch's grand ambitions.
Hiding a sly smile, Un Gil-hoe spoke.
"The reason I gathered you esteemed elders today is because I went to console that Yong-un brat who was chased out of the family, only to suffer a great humiliation."
He skipped his own rowdy behavior at the main house and listed only his grievances.
"...That's what happened. The Paeng treat me with respect as an elder brother, yet my own little uncle treats me this way. Have I lived too long?"
Then, Jin Pyeong Branch Leader Un Jeong-gyun, often seen as rebellious for his frank words, stroked his chin.
"Did the Family Head really act like that?"
"These two were with this old man—ask them. Is there any falsehood in my words?"
The other elders were even more incensed.
"Tch, from the moment I heard that Yong-un was back, I knew that scoundrel would cause trouble."
"Will you stand idly by? Giving such shame to an elder and wielding Family Head authority to undermine the Elder Council— we must strike down Yong-un again!"
"Convene the Clan Assembly for a verification meeting. And let the elders participate directly! That beast needs a thorough beating just to maybe come to his senses!"
"Right. It'll serve as a lesson to the Family Head and Plum Blossom Madam too."
As the meeting heated up, Un Gil-hoe's grandson Un Yong-muk politely cupped his fists toward the room and spoke.
"If you'll allow it, I'd like to step forward there too."
Many elders brightened at Un Yong-muk's words.
"Ho. You too, Yong-muk?"
"The one called Fierce Dragon. Aren't you scared?"
"I don't mind that. I just want to show my spirit."
"What a man! A true man!"
With the meeting concluded.
In the True Steel Branch's guest quarters after the guests left, Un Gil-hoe spoke to Un Yong-muk.
"You stepping up made the meeting end on a harmonious note, but there was no need. He didn't earn the Fierce Dragon title gambling. You risk humiliation."
"True. But those who bestowed the name were Mount Musa Sect Taoists, weren't they?"
"Continue."
"Restoring the Corpse Soldier lineage is fact. But his martial prowess? Grandfather knows well. Yong-un hyung... no, Eon Yong-un, that bastard got beaten by me and started dodging from some point. It wasn't acting."
This was an error.
Born from the gap between the astonishing rumors and the utterly pathetic Eon Yong-un he'd personally seen and fought.
"But this old man saw for himself— the brat's aura has completely changed. Rumors say he's reached peak mastery."
Of course, Un Yong-muk was as cunning as his grandfather.
"So Grandfather can rig the stage in my favor. Have the other branches' fist masters and elders go first, and I go last."
"Drain that wild horse's strength upfront, then you mount it?"
"Yes. If he forfeits first, just entering my name shows spirit."
"Kekekeke. What a sly one!"
The two chattered on, plotting to corner Eon Yong-un.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Father said holding a verification meeting in the Elder Council required two procedures.
First, they had to gather their own consensus.
Then convene the Clan Assembly separately.
'Even at fastest, it'll take a week.'
In the meantime, I decided to recall the Eon Family Fist.
'Recall? More like learning it for the first time.'
While the adults continued talking, I returned to Un Yun-gak and faced Yong-myeong.
The kid stood there with a deadpan expression, not assuming the horse-riding stance as told.
"...Sorry, hyungnim. It seems I've caused you trouble by insisting we come to the main house."
"It's fine. It was bound to happen someday."
With the Moyong family's schemes exposed, it was actually good.
I could crush the True Steel Branch fools who'd grab at my ankles eventually, and shatter the Moyong plot to boot—one stone, two birds.
'Father's family operations will ease up too... one stone, three birds?'
"You don't need to worry about me. It's because of me..."
"Hey, drop it. Let's train."
"Yes. Then I'll show you the forms one by one. Seeing them will jog your memory."
"No, don't do that. Just use them on me."
"Pardon?"
"That verification isn't politely checking if you remember the forms, right? It's a fight."
"Correct."
"So use them."
At my words, Yong-myeong nodded firmly.
Politely assuming the horse-riding stance.
"Here I come."
But the fists he unleashed afterward were anything but polite.
Ssaeak! Ssaeak! Ssaeak! Sssaeeeeaak!!
Fists pouring in densely.
Speed like the wind, weight like boulders.
Bung-!!
Each thrust from Yong-myeong tore the air with explosive sounds.
The power was immense, even without taking a hit.
Taking it blankly would spin my jaw and churn my guts.
'...Still, doable?'
This was my first time facing the Eon Family Fist, but dodging and getting the feel, it seemed feasible.
I had the Shadowless Heaven-Splitting Step.
And from learning Anti-Dragon Palm, insight into close-range fist fights.
Whisk! Whisk! Whisk! Whisk! Whisk!
In slowed time, I narrowly evaded Yong-myeong's fists, then slipped a single strike into the gap I found.
Bang!!!
Yong-myeong startled and retreated.
"That move just now... Fist at Full Force...?"
What the heck is that.
"The earlier ones seemed based on Anti-Dragon Palm, but that last one was perfect! You said you forgot everything in front of Father, so I thought you'd completely lost it, but you remember?"
His reaction showed I'd perfectly executed one Eon Family Fist technique.
"...Have you been secretly practicing the Eon Family Fist?"
"No, just sparring barehanded with you sparked the knack."
"Knack?"
"Yeah, the knack of not getting hit and beating the crap out of them."
"......"
"—I wondered what 'knack' you'd spout, but it's elegantly profound."