Chapter 213
Chapter 213
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 213
Chapter Title: The Returned Scoundrel (8)
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In the martial world, the term Grand Master refers to the founding patriarch who created a martial art and established the foundation of a sect.
'Representatives include Shaolin's Great Master Dharma or Wudang's Three Peaks Immortal.'
In other words, the Jinpyeong Branch Leader was comparing my aptitude to those figures, saying I was worthy of founding a sect whose name would endure through the ages.
Given his steadfast nature and resolute expression, it seemed like genuine praise, not flattery.
I could understand why the Jinpyeong Branch Leader saw it that way.
'...From his perspective, it must look like I absorbed the Cloud Climbing Technique like cotton and produced an entirely different martial art without anyone's help.'
However, the reason I could refine the Cloud Climbing Technique into the Heaven-Splitting Fist Method was thanks to my master's guidance.
I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.
- I thought that Jinpyeong Branch Leader was just honest and upright, but he has a bit of an eye for talent after all.
But my master seemed quite pleased.
I spoke to him.
'...You've been enjoying teasing your disciple lately. That's enough. I'm starting to feel genuinely embarrassed.'
- Are you saying I'm deliberately gilding your face right now? I'm not.
'......? You're the one who refined the Heaven-Splitting Fist Method for me, so I thought you were definitely teasing, but you're saying no?'
- Polishing it was my merit, sure. But the talent to properly accept what's spoon-fed is also aptitude.
'......'
- Dharma spent years facing the wall, Jang Sam-bong was called the Purple Aura General for a time. Even I had days getting flicked on the forehead by my master, the Manbak Mendicant Monk. Setting aside the first two, considering my days gripping a sword, your wits are no less than mine...
'......'
- Be wary of arrogance, though. But seeing your own aptitude clearly... Hm? It's amusing to see you embarrassed for once, unlike yourself.
Our conversation didn't last long.
My father, who had been watching the exchange between me and the Jinpyeong Branch Leader, spoke up with a firm expression.
"Jinpyeong Branch Leader, keep this matter confidential."
At my father's words, the Jinpyeong Branch Leader tilted his head and replied.
"I shall obey your command. But may I ask the reason? The Young Master's martial prowess is a blessing to the Eon Family, and though the clan assembly ended well enough... One can never know the hidden intentions of people, can they?"
"You seem to have more to say. Go on."
"There might still be those harboring other thoughts. In this situation, publicizing the Young Master's exceptional talent would prevent anyone else from entertaining such notions."
The Jinpyeong Branch Leader's words made some sense.
Through the verification assembly at the clan gathering, I had proven my skills to a degree, and Father had displayed his authority.
However, it was debatable whether the Pearl Eon Family had truly united as one through that event.
'As the Jinpyeong Branch Leader says, it's hard to read people's hearts.'
Some might have repented.
But others might have wounded pride, or perhaps some still hadn't abandoned their greed.
The Jinpyeong Branch Leader wanted to publicize my aptitude to make the latter group give up on their own, along the lines of, 'You need this level to qualify as heir.'
But Father shook his head.
"What did you tell me straight during the clan assembly, Jinpyeong Branch Leader? That these are turbulent times, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"In these turbulent times, Yong-un is already drawing too much attention. There's a saying in the martial world: hide three-tenths of your true skill."
"Ah."
"There are already plenty doubting our achievements so far. No need to flaunt Yong-un's talent like showing off a prize calf."
"Understood. I was so astonished by the Young Master's aptitude that I didn't think that far."
"Above all, I don't want to use Yong-un as a tool to draw out loyalty from the branch families. Do you understand my feelings?"
"Of course. I'm grateful you even heard out my impertinent words."
"No. I appreciate the candid advice. Then let's keep Yong-un's aptitude confidential."
"Yes."
Finishing his talk with Father, the Jinpyeong Branch Leader dusted off his clothes and offered a fist salute.
"Then I'll return to Jinpyeong Manor."
"Hm? Already? Rest a bit and join us for dinner."
"No, thank you. I want to refine the insights I gained sparring with the Young Master."
"I see."
Declining Father's invitation, Jinpyeong Branch Leader Eon Jeong-gyun politely saluted me.
"I started this wanting to teach you the Cloud Climbing Technique, but now I'm the one who learned something."
"Not at all. I learned too."
"You'll soon return to the Righteous Martial Academy, so this might be our last farewell until we meet again. Stay well."
"Yes. I wish you health as well, Jinpyeong Branch Leader. And..."
"And?"
"...Please continue to support Father well."
"I will. I pray for your success."
With that, the Jinpyeong Branch Leader departed for his manor, and I returned to my younger siblings to complete the afternoon training schedule.
After sweating profusely, evening had arrived before I knew it.
"Young Master, it's time for dinner."
I followed the maid to the family head's residence.
Upon arrival, I saw Father sitting alone, grinning broadly before hastily schooling his expression.
"Ahem. Heh-hehm. Grand Mas... Ahem. Kh-hm."
Mother, beside him, asked me about Father's behavior.
"Ever since the Jinpyeong Branch Leader came, saw your fist technique, and left, he's been giggling like this all day. Yong-un, what on earth happened there?"
"...When did I giggle all day?"
"Am I making things up, my lord?"
"...Ahem."
I chuckled at Mother and replied.
"The Jinpyeong Branch Leader praised me in front of him, it seems."
"...Goodness. Does it make you that happy?"
"Kh-hm!"
Toward the end of the meal, I brought up the conversation between the Jinpyeong Branch Leader and Father again.
"Father?"
"What? Not enough food?"
"No, about what you discussed with the Jinpyeong Branch Leader earlier, regarding the branch families' loyalty."
"Speak."
"Excluding the Jinpyeong Branch Leader since we just saw him. How about I visit the other elders' manors?"
Mother furrowed her brow at my words.
"What for?"
Father tilted his head.
"The elders' manors?"
"As the Alliance Leader said, I have good instincts. Even if we can't read hearts, if I—the one who bedridden them—visit personally under the pretext of a sick call, their true faces might show. If you permit, I'll check them out."
I had planned to inspect the elders' manors before leaving Jinju anyway.
Father readily accepted my suggestion.
"Do so. If they show their true colors as you say, I'll take appropriate measures. Even if not, just your visit will save face for the main family. A fine idea."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Having received Father's permission, as I stepped out, some of the siblings at the table spoke up.
"Brother Yong-un is fire one moment and ice the next. No matter what happens to me, just thinking of sick visits is impressive. The elders, excluding Jinpyeong Branch Leader, were all distasteful."
"But Cheon Jang-ho, didn't you eat three bowls of rice?"
"...Brother So-cheon, it's a metaphor. Anyway, it's surprising he thought beyond just crushing them."
"That's our Eon hero. I learned a lesson today too."
Master chimed in.
- Jeong-hyeon claims he learned a lesson... I'm agreeing with the beggar brat. Those bastards deserve to be ground to dust.
'I feel the same as you, Master.'
If left to my temper, I'd beat every last blood relative without mercy.
'But running a family isn't done that way. It would breed resentment and make them all scatter.'
That would weaken the Pearl Eon Family's actual forces.
It would also lose the trust of the martial world.
'The people and my blood kin would whisper that we've turned our backs on our own.'
In these times when the Demonic Cult eyes every gap, that couldn't happen.
Even without the Demonic Cult, places like the Moyong Clan or the unorthodox sects lurked.
- Complicated, so complicated.
'No need to overthink. Father will handle it anyway. I just need to peek in and see if the house needs soothing or watching.'
Anyway, with Father's approval, the next morning I set out.
For company in visiting the five manors, I chose Eon Yong-myeong and Woo So-rung.
"The other three are too obvious."
No other reason.
Not full disguise, but plain clothes for a surprise inspection.
'...Jeong-hyeon is too stiff for that.'
So-cheon was too big.
Cheon Jang-ho too beggar-like.
I took only Eon Yong-myeong and Woo So-rung on the road.
The first destination was the nearest: Jinkang Manor.
Even close, it was a good hour's brisk walk, a different region with different sentiments.
I found a nearby inn to quench my thirst and gauge the mood.
"Welcome!"
To the waiter wiping tables with a smile, I said.
"Something to wet the throat."
"What'll you have?"
"No food. How's the mood around Jinkang Manor lately?"
The waiter hesitated and deflected.
"What would a guy like me know?"
"Just what you've seen and heard."
As I placed a silver coin on the table, he pocketed it smoothly and spoke cautiously.
"...I don't know what trick the Pearl Eon Family's scoundrel young master pulled. But they say after going to the main house, the grandson side got beaten by the young master, the grandfather by the family head. It's been quiet since."
"How quiet specifically?"
"People who swarmed the gates stopped coming, guests packed up and left. The physician who visited said the grandfather's illness is deep in the mind."
Then.
The inn door burst open, and a gang of unkempt underworld ruffians poured in.
Bam!
The frontmost one smirked.
"Eon Yong-un, long time no see?"
"...Was I that obvious?"
As I muttered, the waiter glanced between us, swallowing hard.
"Eon Yong-un? S-sir, you're the Eon Family's scoundrel... no, the eldest young master?"
Woo So-rung reached for his sword at his waist, looking at me.
"Eon hyung?"
Yong-myeong clenched his fists.
"Judging by the swallow emblem on their clothes, South Swallow Gang underworld. Loan sharks. But why? Father paid off your debts, brother."
I signaled the two not to step forward.
To check why these flies buzzed around.
"What's the matter?"
"What else? Come to collect the debt you owe."
"Father paid it."
"That was calculated assuming you left Jinju, factoring in Haibei Fist Hero's face. Things change now you're back. Letting you be would make us look ridiculous."
Master scoffed.
- A pup that doesn't fear tigers, hasn't gauged the opponent's level and is begging to die.
'Even a sharp one like Eon Yong-muk tried it. These idiots see nothing, naturally.'
The waiter's unwitting tale too.
These underworld fools too.
To Haibei folk, the old Yong-un lingered.
'But they won't spill who fed them this with words.'
I nodded the waiter to the kitchen.
Then pulled five more silver taels from my pouch onto the table.
Consideration for the owner needing new furnishings.
Cracking my knuckles, I said.
"Let's throw some punches first."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Thwack! Crack!!
Smaaack!!!
The flies at the inn were third-rate with shoddy skills.
The lead one barely first-rate, the rest second or third.
They charged because they saw no threat.
Beating them was easy.
"...Cough. Someone said they saw Eon Yong-un—no, Young Master—in the area, so we came. The Haibei Fist Hero's payment was just principal anyway."
The problem: beating them easy meant no real intel.
"I'll check Jinkang Manor shortly, so stay put with hands up. Anyone missing gets buried. So-rung, watch them."
"Yes, Eon hyung."
But Jinkang first.
I postponed the South Swallow Gang's fate and visited with Yong-myeong as planned.
Jinkang Manor was eerily empty.
[Yong-myeong. Those underworld earlier don't seem backed by Jinkang, right?]
[Seems not.]
Assets seized from main family gifts, guards limited.
Plus, manor lord Eon Gil-hoe truly bedridden with qi deviation.
'Eon Jeong-jin. Failing his father Eon Gil-hoe's expectations, Eon Yong-muk handled young lord duties practically.'
The substitute young lord Eon Jeong-jin who greeted me was weak-willed from the start.
"Yong-muk lives here. And..."
"Anything else?"
"...Please put in a good word with the Family Head. Jinkang Manor won't defy the main house again."
Yet Eon Yong-muk needed special attention.
'In this altered path from original Eon Yong-un, he's most likely to continue it.'
With that thought, I sharpened my killing intent and entered Yong-muk's chamber.
The groaning wretch on the bed recoiled like seeing a ghost.
"Eek!"
I sat in the vacated bed space, lightly kneading his shoulder.
"Yong-muk."
"Y-yes!"
"Met some trash at the inn on the way. Light tussle."
"Wha?!"
"Related to this?"
"No! I really don't know! Honest!"
"Good. Work hard."
With that, I gripped his shoulder hard.
"Learned this time? I don't care about family elders or whatever."
At my words, goosebumps rose; sweat beaded on his neck.
"Calling me scoundrel, I tolerate."
"......"
"I like it. True."
"N-no, not scoundrel."
"But one thing I won't tolerate... calling me scoundrel."
"Huh? What..."
Here, I smacked his occiput hard.
He clutched it, choking silently.
"Yong-muk, point isn't what I said."
"......"
"Don't think nonsense. Obey. Quiet coexistence good for both."
"......"
"Pup, answer."
"Y-yes! I will."
"Good. Mess up, you die."
I kneaded his shoulder more.
Trembling like aspen leaves—no worry of mischief.
This peaceful handling felt immensely satisfying.