Chapter 258
Chapter 258
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 258
Chapter Title: Shall We Try It? (1)
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Na and Yong-myeong didn't need to bid farewell to Father.
It was because Father was coming back with us, as the road to the academy could be dangerous.
After the other fathers finished their goodbyes, the three late disciples came over to our side.
Gong Son-mu-gyeol opened his mouth toward Father.
"Please take care on your way back."
"There might be follow-up attacks from the Demonic Cult, and even if not, there are piles of tasks scattered everywhere... I feel bad leaving you to handle it all alone."
"Don't say that. The sprouts of the Orthodox Murim... Hmm. Calling them sprouts might not fit anymore."
"You're talking about the kids?"
"Yes. They're sturdy enough now. Better to call them the young pillars. In any case, protecting the children is the most important task. Isn't that why you receive the Murim Alliance Leader's stipend?"
After exchanging greetings with Father, Gong Son-mu-gyeol turned to me and said,
"If this matter wraps up without further Demonic Cult disturbances, I'll make time to stop by the academy. See you then."
"Yes. Take care."
"Alright. Everyone did great. Head back safely. On the way, please pass my regards to the Shanxi Golden Peng."
"Yes, sir."
Soon, as Gong Son-mu-gyeol pushed his back,
Paeng So-jin approached with an awkward expression and offered his greetings.
"Take care, both uncles. And you, Pig—put some vegetables with your meals."
"Why?"
"Why? Because bandits call the blanket they cover you with 'why'."
"Did you catch it from Father...?"
"Ahem. Elder Medicine King said eating only meat like you do isn't good. And Eon Yong-un."
"Me?"
"Yeah. Honestly, I'd want you to strengthen slowly for the sake of those chasing after you. But with the world as it is, those chasers need to step up. Your big sis will give her all too. Let's get stronger together."
"We have to."
"Everyone, take care!"
With the farewells done, we turned our backs on Huseong and set off on the return journey.
"Let's move out."
"Yes!"
At first, our group was fairly large.
The grassland warriors were traveling the same route with us.
We parted ways with them at Jagungbo Fortress.
"It's a shame the chief is away for the tribal council."
"Yeah. I was hoping to visit there too, but couldn't host a farewell feast."
They prided themselves on generous hospitality for guests.
But clearing the malicious rumors about Jagungbo scattered across the grasslands was urgent, and that work was just beginning.
"There'll be another chance."
"Right. Next time, we'll drink hearty. Stay healthy. Chagan songhol! Ah, you said it was 'eong-yong' now? Eong-yong, you stay healthy too!"
Gulp gulp!!
Leaving Jagungbo behind, we continued south.
After crossing the grasslands and the Great Wall, the smooth official roads sped us up even more.
Finally arriving in Taiyuan, Shanxi lands, Yun Young-uncle was waiting for us, as we'd sent word ahead.
"Eon! Yong-un! Yong-myeong! Everyone's safe! Hurry, Grandfather's waiting."
Following Yun Young-uncle into Taiyuan city, called Pengseong, Master approached on horseback.
- Lots of people, same as last time, but the atmosphere is worlds apart.
'It was total chaos back then.'
Pengseong upon first arrival had been shrouded in eerie energy, overrun with monks, Taoists, and vagrants from all over, like a complete mess.
After clashing with Guo Sa-hong, it had become a hellscape beyond words.
But now, people's faces brimmed with vitality, and the whole city buzzed with energy.
"Come here! It's dosak noodles with plenty of vinegar! Leaving Taiyuan without trying this? You'd be missing out big time!"
"Bracelets for sale! These are made with precious salt jewels—scholars who wear them pass the imperial exams, warriors ace the Righteous Martial Academy entrance!"
Watching the scenes, Yun Young-uncle grinned and said,
"Yong-un, you came young, then again when your father had his incident, so this lively Taiyuan is new to you, really."
"Yes. It's full of life."
"This is the city's true face. The scenery your mother loved."
"I see."
"Right. And just as Taiyuan's vigor returned, your grandfather's spirits lifted too. Oh? There he is."
At uncle's words, I looked toward the Yi manor.
Sure enough, Grandfather stood at the gate.
We hurried to the Yi manor front.
Arriving, Father bowed politely.
"Father-in-law."
Grandfather lightly accepted the greeting, then cupped his fists respectfully toward Uncle Jae-hyeok.
"Professor Paeng. Thank you for your hard journey."
"Oh dear. You're too kind. No need for such formal address. Brother Jeong-ung and I are like blood brothers—formal speech like that would scandalize the family register."
Then, Yun Young-uncle subtly signaled me and Yong-myeong.
I stepped forward and spoke.
"Grandfather."
"Yes."
Grandfather and I sized each other up with our eyes rather than words.
I checked his health; he examined my changed aura.
"......"
"......"
After a silent moment.
I spoke first to Grandfather.
"I'm glad to see you've recovered much."
"I'm glad too. You've both grown even more stalwart, Yong-un, Yong-myeong."
No need for false modesty.
I smiled and nodded.
Then, casually shifting,
"These are my friends. You met some when we first came to Taiyuan—the one here is Yin Xia Lian, daughter of the Southern Jiang Merchant King. Known as Thousand Gold Smile in merchant circles, lately as Little Wu Hou."
As I pointed her out,
Yin Xia Lian smiled modestly and spoke.
"Yin Xia Lian here. Born to merchant stock, I've always admired the Taiyuan Merchant Group's spirit. Meeting the Shanxi Golden Peng in person leaves me at a loss."
"Southern Jiang and Shanxi differ in goods and climate, yet you admired our Taiyuan group?"
"Goods and climate differ, but from days when merchants were scorned for cheating scales, you built vast wealth through honesty and ended hunger in Taiyuan lands—that spirit all merchants must emulate."
"Hahaha. They say the Southern Jiang Merchant King birthed a phoenix... no exaggeration. I hear you're chief of the Qingzhu general affairs. Please keep helping our Yong-un."
"Him, you say."
I then pointed to Yin Ha-seong.
"Her younger brother."
At my words, Yin Ha-seong shot me a rare sharp glare.
'Brother Yong-un!'
Questioning why her intro differed so much from his.
I replied with a look.
'Can you say it like Little Lian?'
Yin Ha-seong quickly nodded and cupped fists to Grandfather.
"Yin Ha-seong."
"I heard you've been helping Yong-un like a limb in public affairs with Wu So-hyeop."
"Yes, that's me."
"Hahaha. Good work."
Next was Tang Ok-gi.
"This is Lady Tang Ok-gi, daughter of the Poison Sage."
Seeing Yin Xia Lian's fluent speech, she felt compelled to match it, but stumbled awkwardly.
"Tang Ok-gi here. Our Tang Clan is martial, but your fame reaches even Sichuan. I see where Eon... Gongzi Eon's heroism comes from—meeting you confirms it."
Laughter escaped me.
"Kuh."
Her ears turned red as she sent a transmission.
[...Die.]
"The Tang Clan's forbidden treasure. Helping with Qingzhu medical affairs? Keep it up."
"...Yes."
Last was Nangong Yun.
"And that young master is Nangong Yun, eldest grandson of the Nangong family. Known as Flying Dragon Sword too."
But before Nangong Yun could speak, Grandfather did.
"Oh ho. The Flying Dragon Sword, famed as the world's top late disciple."
At Grandfather's tone, Master spoke.
- ...Your grandfather just deliberately brought up the 'world's top late disciple' title, didn't he?
'...Seems like it.'
He knew Ha-seong and So-neung toiling in public affairs, Tang Ok-gi handling Qingzhu medicals as part of Hyangran Hall.
No way he'd miss the title shifting to me.
- Why?
'Thinks he's my rival, so a light check?'
- ...Now I see where your personality comes from.
'...?'
- ?
But Nangong Yun took it straight.
"'World's top late disciple' was too much for me. The day Eon Yong-un beat Shaolin disciples, it found its true owner. Embarrassing to say at length—Nangong Yun here. Honored to meet you, Elder."
Satisfied, perhaps?
Grandfather's face softened into a smile, accepting the greeting.
"Good. How's your grandfather?"
"Well. He leaves family matters to Father but is healthy."
With intros of my younger Pearl Eon siblings to Grandfather done,
Yun Young-uncle pointed to the Yi manor.
"Better to catch up inside, Father."
"Right, right. Everyone, come in."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Following Yun Young-uncle into the Yi manor,
The household staff welcomed us joyfully, with a lavish banquet prepared.
No need for formalities, we soon ate comfortably.
Cheon Jang-ho gripped chicken legs in both hands, stuffing his mouth, eyes tearing up.
"This is a feast! This trip was all suffering and no food luck, but it ends with a bang!"
I said, dumbfounded,
"...You, who ate Ice Soul Pills, saying that?"
"Brother Yong-un. Those aren't food. Binggung's maid scandal halted the banquet. Haven't eaten carefree in ages."
"...True. Eat up."
I chuckled dryly, pushing dishes to Cheon Jang-ho.
That's when Grandfather questioned me.
"Heard about the North Sea incident on the inspection team's way up. But timelines don't match? Something else happened midway?"
Master clicked his tongue.
- Your grandfather's no ordinary man.
Nothing top secret, anyway.
Alliance Leader still in Huseong, but it'd spread in Luoyang soon, and they'd seek Taiyuan Merchant Group aid before then.
'That's what "pass regards" meant.'
I nodded, briefly recounting the Huseong attack.
"Yes. On return, found a Demonic Cult stronghold fortress. Formed coalition with inspection elders, took it down."
"Hm. Was prepping aid for North Sea Ice Palace. Need to scale up."
Then Yun Young-uncle spoke.
"Too brief. Tell more details."
"Alliance Leader will contact properly. Numbers might differ, so..."
"Not that. What happened. Know how worried your grandfather and I were? Hero tales, spill."
Yin Ha-seong stood.
"Leave heroics to me."
Launching into gestures, flair, exaggerating our journey.
"That mad demon yelled Heavenly Demon Reincarnation—boom! But Brother Yong-un blocked it perfectly with Eon family necromancy!"
"And?"
"Then! Great Master Gongryang said!"
"Said?"
"'This fool monk lives by the young master's grace! No need for Shaolin baldies! Eon Yong-un saved Gongryang and the world!'"
...Left alone, he'd write a novel.
I stopped Ha-seong moderately.
"...Ha-seong. Too exaggerated?"
"Just a tad."
"Tad? Gongryang just said he lived thanks to me. Baldies unnecessary is his true feeling. Still sore from Righteous Progress Tournament beatings."
Jegal Seol-ja smirked.
"Still, Yong-un saving the world is true. If Gongryang got badly hurt, Alliance Leader's position..."
"Good grief."
Grandfather, chuckling feebly, suddenly scolded Father.
"But Eon, what did you do?!"
"...Pardon?"
"Yong-un nearly in danger!"
Father, smirking similarly, blinked at the sudden scolding.
"Even in revival, Yong-un saved your face, I hear? Last time, took wine from me promising effort?"
Grandfather's tirade continued, but everyone knew it wasn't real anger—no mood broken.
Rather, Father's promise to do better brought laughter.
"More drinks for the little heroes. Quick!"
The feast ended merrily.
After enjoying the rare lavish welcome, we retired to soft beds.
'Cheon Jang-ho said carefree meals rare, but same for comfy beds.'
Maybe why,
Odd feeling.
'Hard to sleep right away.'
Awkward on plush bedding—better move a bit, then sleep.
Grabbing Regret, I went to the front courtyard.
Creeak—
"Jeong-hyeon? Wu So-neung?"
"Eon Gongzi?"
"Brother Eon?"
"Not asleep?"
"Ah, couldn't sleep, thought to stretch. You too, Eon Gongzi... Great minds? They call it heart-to-heart."
Creeak—
Creeeak—
Soon after.
Not just them—others emerged, insomnia-struck, as if scheduled.
But all startled seeing me.
'They came to exercise, why surprised at me?'
- ...They planned light stretches before bed, not tumbling with you.
I grinned, loosening neck and shoulders.
"Nice. Moonlit gymnastics?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After a night at Yi manor, we breakfasted with Grandfather next morning, then departed.
Grandfather and uncle regretted the short visit but saw us off smiling, knowing classes ongoing.
Leaving Taiyuan, crossed Yellow River to Henan,
Then south to Dan-gang-gu, home of Righteous Martial Academy.
"We're back!"
"Good work, everyone."
Kyung Hye Sa-tae and academy ops committee, plus Qingzhu cadets, greeted us.
Kyung Hye Sa-tae urged rest, knowing our long perilous path.
"Stories to share, reports due, but cadets rest first. Ha-beok Kwon-ung, Professor Paeng—to my office."
As professors headed to main building,
Public Affairs Chief Ye Hae-su approached with brush and notepad.
"Junior!"
I palmed to block her, speaking first.
"Time to check hours away from academy. Qingzhu Hall. To training ground front, line up. Last ten from back—what happens? Curious? Linger!"
Ye Hae-su blinked blankly.
"...Said to rest?"
Yin Xia Lian grabbed her wrist, running.
"Senior doesn't know Eon Gongzi yet! What are you doing?!"
Blue-uniformed cadets dashed to Qingzhu,
Save one: Kyung-ryong hyung.
"Hyung? Curious about last ten penalty?"
"No, something else. Midterms delayed 'cause you were in North Sea. After midterms, student council president election, right?"
"Ah."
"Running?"
"Yes."
"Knew it. With you, I'd back Qingzhu..."
"No. Not Qingzhu—thinking of running for total student council president."