Chapter 50: Back from the Brink of Death (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 50: Back from the Brink of Death (3)
“By the way, I’m worried about the Sword Palace Squad that went to the Ilguk Sect. If there are Blood Luo Living Jiangshi there as well, they must be having just as hard a time.”
As I spoke to the Twin Heroes of Guiyang, Do Yeon chimed in.
“Still, the Ilguk Sect is said to possess martial prowess comparable to the Seong Estate, so they won’t fall easily.”
“You never know how a fight will go until it’s over. Who would have thought the Seong Estate would be hit by such powerful foes? Seong Du-kwon, the Moon Shadow Slashing Blade, has been living in seclusion, but if he had any ambition for fame, he’d be a prominent figure in the Murim by now.”
Do Yeon let out a small chuckle at my remark.
I had the Demon Subjugation Group take a short rest at the Seong Estate.
While it was partly due to Seong Du-kwon’s hospitality, the members of the Demon Subjugation Group were also exhausted, their physical strength and internal energy depleted from the battle, making it difficult to move.
It seemed they would need a full day of rest and Energy Guiding Technique to recover their vitality.
Ham Bi-hye came to our quarters looking for me.
“Can we talk for a moment?”
I turned to Do Yeon.
“Tell everyone to focus on their Energy Guiding Technique to recover. We don’t know what might happen next.”
“You should focus on your own recovery as well, Captain. Where are you going?”
I was momentarily flustered when Do Yeon suddenly addressed me as "Captain." Until now, she had always called me "Young Hero Eo."
I wasn't so dense that I didn't realize she was doing this to emphasize our closeness.
“It seems there’s been some word from the Nine Demons Chamber side, so I’m going to go consult with them.”
Watching me, Ham Bi-hye gave a playful smirk.
“Ho ho ho, your Vice Captain seems quite jealous.”
“Eh? Jealous? Don’t be ridiculous. This is the Ice Jade Ice Sword we’re talking about.”
“You’d be surprised how quickly ice melts once it starts.”
Ignoring Ham Bi-hye’s teasing, I asked, “So, what is it?”
I had a rough idea, but I wanted to hear it from her own mouth.
Ten to one, it was about the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet.
“I told you how to use it; did the bracelet react at all?”
If I told her I had succeeded where she had failed, there was no telling how her bruised pride would make her react.
So, I gave a vague excuse.
“I don’t even have half a jiazi of internal energy, and even when I tried to inject what little I have, there was no reaction at all.”
“Still, if the artifact chose you as its master, there must be something to it.”
Ham Bi-hye looked at me with suspicious eyes.
“Who knows? I can’t tell what’s so great about it. Since we’re on the subject, should I give it back to you now?”
I raised my wrist.
The golden bracelet glittered as it caught the sunlight.
“I still haven’t figured out how to take it off. Even the blacksmith said the only way is to cut it.”
“Do you really still not know its purpose?”
“Purpose? To me, it just looks like an expensive accessory. Made of gold.”
Ham Bi-hye stared at me with a meaningful gaze.
Hmph. No matter what you do, it’s no use. I have to play dumb. If the true utility of this artifact becomes known, I’ll probably become a target for every assassin in the Murim.
That was exactly what I was worried about.
How many people would try to kill me just to get their hands on this treasure?
The thought alone was horrifying.
“If you want it, I can give it to you right now. But since I have no choice, I’ll have to cut the bracelet with a blade to hand it over. I won’t be held responsible if it gets damaged, though.”
When I spoke with such brazenness, Ham Bi-hye seemed slightly taken aback.
She probably didn't expect me to take such a hard line.
“A-Ah, no. I don’t need it right this second.”
I pushed a bit harder.
“It’s actually quite cumbersome when I’m fighting. I’ll just cut it off later, keep it safe, and then give it to you.”
Ham Bi-hye practically jumped.
“What? You can’t do that! I told you before, this is a rare artifact.”
“Even an artifact is useless if you don’t know how to use it.”
Despite my words, Ham Bi-hye still wouldn't tell me the bracelet's true purpose.
As I thought, it really stung her that she’d lost it to me. She was forced to leave it with me, but she couldn't stand the thought of actually giving it up.
I smirked inwardly.
“Anyway, just give it to me when it naturally comes off later. Don’t go damaging it by trying to force it.”
Having achieved my goal, I cheered internally.
Since she thinks I don't know how to use it, she won't be able to keep pestering me about how I "owe" her.
If she knew I could actually use it, there was no telling what she might demand from me using that as leverage.
I wasn't a fool; I could read Ham Bi-hye’s intentions.
Ham Bi-hye, who had come to lead me by the nose only to fail, now wore a sullen expression.
I’m not naive enough to be swayed by a woman. Usually, a woman would start throwing a tantrum at this point. Just like Mok Seon-hwa. But you’re not an ordinary woman, so you won't do that.
Ham Bi-hye took a deep breath and stepped back.
“Fine, but since it’s an artifact, you still owe me. Do you understand? So, if I ask you for a favor later, you have to do it.”
Oh, for heaven's sake.
Why the sudden change in attitude?
Dealing with Mok Seon-hwa’s mood swings is more than enough for me.
“I told you, I hate being in debt. So just take it now. Don’t force it on me and then insist it’s a debt.”
As I made a motion as if to tear the bracelet off my wrist, Ham Bi-hye grabbed my hand.
“What are you doing? Do you have any idea what kind of item this is? Just leave it alone. And regardless, just know that you absolutely owe me.”
“Hahaha!”
The scariest thing in the world was a woman throwing a stubborn tantrum like this.
I couldn't just let myself be pushed around, so I snapped back at her.
Some might ask why I was being so harsh with a woman, but any man who has been manipulated by one would agree that this was the best way.
“How can you be so unreasonable? If you just gave it to me, I’d at least say thank you. But to force a debt on me just because it’s made of gold and worth something? How much is it? I’ll pay you in cash. Trying to bind me over a few ounces of gold... you really are quite wicked.”
A stubborn woman is best dealt with by making her cry; only then does she usually come to her senses.
“What? I’m wicked?”
Ham Bi-hye snapped back, her voice sharp.
“Who is it? Who dares to make my granddaughter’s blood boil?”
The Mad Demon approached us, accompanied by the Chief.
Blast! The enemy’s reinforcements had arrived, but I had none.
“Greetings, Elder,” I said with a smile.
The Mad Demon arched an eyebrow.
“Did you make my precious granddaughter cry?”
“Pardon? Cry?”
Ham Bi-hye looked distressed, but she wasn't actually crying.
“I have never seen my granddaughter make such a face before. This is essentially the same as crying.”
Great, a stubborn granddaughter and a stubborn grandfather.
I felt the dire importance of a proper upbringing.
First Mok Seon-hwa, and now Ham Bi-hye.
“Since you made my granddaughter cry, don’t you forget that you owe us.”
I let out a quiet sigh.
Why is this family so obsessed with debts? Was their family business moneylending before they became martial artists?
“Elder, with all due respect, I owe nothing to you or Lady Ham. Furthermore, I am not at an age where I should be addressed so disrespectfully as 'you brat' or 'that fellow.' I believe your words are uncalled for.”
“Oh? This brat is talking back now? Do you think I’m a joke just because you killed three measly Blood Luo Living Jiangshi?”
He wasn't just stubborn; he was completely unreasonable.
As the situation turned sour, the Chief stepped in.
“Elder, please calm yourself. Others are watching.”
Before I knew it, people were staring at us. Since our voices had been raised, passersby were beginning to gather.
“Hmph! Hmph! A mere youngster, daring to talk back. I thought you had potential, but it seems you have no manners at all.”
“Elder, I suppose when I grow old, I’ll end up just like you, won’t I?”
At that, Ham Bi-hye, who had been looking miserable, burst into laughter.
Even the Chief gave a small smile.
The Mad Demon, feeling awkward because everyone else was laughing at something he didn't find funny, turned to the Chief.
“You, what did that brat just say?”
The Chief replied slyly.
“Please don’t be angry with me even if I tell you.”
“Just say it.”
The Chief slowly increased the distance between them before speaking.
“Young Hero Eo said that since he has no manners, he will end up just like you when he’s old.”
“And I’m asking what that means!”
The Chief looked at Ham Bi-hye with a troubled expression.
Ham Bi-hye spoke up in his stead.
“He’s saying that since you had no manners when you were his age, that’s why you still have no manners now that you’re old.”
“What? That... that impudent little brat is mocking me!”
As the Mad Demon was about to explode with rage, a martial artist from the Blood Wind Squad flew in using Lightness Skill and whispered something to the Chief.
“Is that so?”
The Chief fell silent, likely sending a Sound Transmission to Ham Bi-hye and the Mad Demon.
“Really? Is that true? Understood.”
The Mad Demon looked at me and said, “I’ll fix those manners of yours next time. Let’s go.”
It seemed there was something urgent, as the Mad Demon immediately departed with the Chief.
Ham Bi-hye looked at me with a bright smile.
I knew women could be fickle, but I had never seen anyone change as rapidly as Ham Bi-hye.
“Don’t take what my grandfather says to heart. He may look rough, but he’s a man of great affection. And forget what I said about the debt. You can give me that bracelet whenever you feel like it.”
Regardless of everything, these were the people who had come to help when I was at death's door. They were the ones who had helped the Seong Estate out of a sense of righteousness when others had abandoned it.
I wanted to leave things on a good note.
“Not at all. I’m worried that I spoke too harshly earlier. And how could I hold a grudge against Elder Mad Demon? I know better than anyone that he is a man of great integrity.”
Ham Bi-hye nodded.
“I’ll pass those words along to him. Also, the Nine Demons Chamber’s Demon Subjugation Group and yours were supposed to cooperate, but something urgent has come up, so we can no longer move together. I hope you understand.”
Actually, I’m grateful for that. If I had to stay with that crazy old man, my stomach would burst from frustration.
And I didn't expect them, who were chasing the secret manual, to keep pace with us anyway.
I replied with a nonchalant face.
“Don’t worry about it. If there are circumstances, it can’t be helped.”
When I remained calm, Ham Bi-hye looked a bit piqued. But she soon turned serious.
“I can’t talk much now because we’re in a hurry, but I hope we can have a more productive conversation next time we meet. Until then.”
Yes, go quickly. My eyes are getting dizzy just watching your pretty face flit around. Just go.
Ham Bi-hye also utilized her Lightness Skill to follow after the Mad Demon.
Once they were gone, I felt as if a typhoon had just passed through; my mind was a mess.
At least I managed to keep the bracelet. That’s a relief.
I had been nervous that Ham Bi-hye might demand I cut the thing off right then and there.
When I returned to where the Demon Subjugation Group was gathered, Do Yeon spoke coldly.
“Hmph! So what if she’s the daughter of Ham Jeok from the Nine Demons Chamber? Why does she think she can just summon Young Hero Eo whenever she pleases?”
I responded with a joke.
“She might have told me to come, but she never told me to go.”
Do Yeon let out a deflated chuckle at my remark.
It was the first time I had seen Do Yeon act so... feminine.
Worried that strange rumors might start, I gave a brief explanation.
“We were just discussing a few things regarding the Blood Lama incident.”
“What kind of things?” Do Yeon asked.
“It seems they’re looking for something. Likely the object that caused the Blood Lamas to stir in the first place. Seeing how the Blood Wind Squad and the Mad Demon left in such a hurry, they must have found a lead on the secret manual.”
“I suppose that’s why the Nine Demons Chamber sent the Blood Wind Squad and the Mad Demon. With them, they wouldn't need to fear the Blood Lamas.”
I stood up and said, “That’s their business. We need to rest. I need to get some more sleep myself.”
“You’re going to sleep?”
“Why? I barely got any rest.”
Ah, right. Do Yeon wouldn't understand a "small fry" like me. The fact that a third-rate martial artist recovers strength through sleep rather than Energy Circulation Practice.
I’d heard that masters could overcome the need for sleep through meditation, but wasn't that just too inhuman?
I quickly changed the subject.
“I mainly practice the Reclining Art.”
“Ah, the Reclining Art.”
Leaving behind Do Yeon, who now looked like she understood, I hurried into the room and took the posture for the Reclining Art.
And soon, I fell into that special Energy Circulation Practice of the weak: sleep.