Chapter 85: Daoist Yin-Yang Manual (36)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 85: Daoist Yin-Yang Manual (36)
Guided by a servant, we made our way to the Family Head’s grand hall. With every step down the corridor, the majesty and tradition of the Mo-yong Clan were palpable. The ornately decorated walls caught the eye with their antique folding screens and exquisitely carved woodwork. As we walked, Seol-hee spoke in a small, admiring voice.
"This is incredible… I wonder what it would feel like to live in such a beautiful place."
Jang Seo-young nodded and added, "The dignity of this place must come from a tradition built over many long years. The responsibility that comes with it must be just as heavy."
Jin So-hee remained silent, her eyes scanning our surroundings as if lost in deep thought. Her gaze lingered on an old mural that seemed to vividly depict the history of the Mo-yong Clan.
The Mo-yong Clan had always been portrayed with an air of dignity in the novel, but seeing it in person was even more overwhelming.
At the end of the corridor, a large, magnificent door appeared. The servant bowed before it and said, "The Family Head is waiting for you. Please, go inside."
At the servant's guidance, Seo Ryeo-hwa took the lead and approached the door. Her confident stride naturally prompted the servant to clear a path.
When the doors opened, the majestic sight of the grand hall was revealed. The high ceiling and expansive floor seemed to be a direct reflection of the Mo-yong Clan's status. In the center of the hall sat a grand chair carved from wood, and upon it, a man looked down at us.
"Welcome. You must be weary from your long journey."
The man who greeted us with a deep, dignified voice was the head of the Mo-yong Clan, Mo-yong Cheon. His gaze was sharp yet refined, and it held the authority of a man in charge of his family.
Seo Ryeo-hwa stepped forward and bowed her head respectfully.
"It has been a long time, Lord Mo-yong."
He rose from his seat to greet her.
"For the Sword Empress herself to visit, I cannot express what an honor this is."
At his words, a murmur went through the people in the hall. I could immediately sense that the name "Sword Empress" was still held in high esteem here.
Jin Myeong-woo, the Jang mother and daughter, and I stood quietly behind them, observing their exchange. The atmosphere grew more solemn, signaling that the real conversation was about to begin.
After exchanging greetings with the Sword Empress, Lord Mo-yong Cheon’s gaze shifted to me. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. As a martial artist approaching the Transformation Realm, he recognized my level at once.
"Hmm, are you Jin Myeong-woo?"
Mo-yong Cheon's voice was a low rumble. He continued to watch me, his aura probing as if trying to see right through me.
Seo Ryeo-hwa, who was beside me, stepped forward and answered calmly.
"No, my lord. This is Young Master Jin Seo-yun of the Jin Family. He is the clan's Eldest Young Master and is accompanying us on this journey."
Mo-yong Cheon's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at me again. His gaze deepened, as if trying to pierce through my very being.
"Jin Seo-yun… So a dragon has emerged from the Jin Family."
His voice filled the surroundings with astonishment. Even Mo-yong Yeon-ah, standing behind her father, couldn't hide her surprise at his assessment.
I offered a relaxed smile and bowed my head slightly.
"I offer my greetings to the Family Head. Though my skills are meager, it is an undeserved honor to be recognized by you."
When I replied with humility, a subtle hint of admiration touched Mo-yong Cheon's lips. At the same time, a look of puzzlement was visible on his face.
"The Eldest Young Master of the Jin Family… You are quite different from the rumors I've heard. As I recall, the Jin Family's firstborn was infamous for being a scoundrel."
I maintained my leisurely smile as I answered.
"It is true that I was lacking when those rumors were spreading. But as time passed, I realized my shortcomings, and thanks to that, I was able to change a little."
Mo-yong Cheon's gaze grew a bit more serious. He looked me over once more and said, "Indeed. There is always a catalyst for a person to change. To think the Jin Family was hiding someone like you… It seems I relied too much on rumors."
"More importantly, Lord Mo-yong, why did you ignore the Jin Family's request?"
As I spoke, a strange tension filled the room. My companions all looked shocked, as if they hadn't expected me to ask so directly.
Mo-yong Cheon's expression subtly hardened. A hint of caution and discomfort flashed in his eyes.
I waited quietly for his answer.
After a moment of silence, Mo-yong Cheon let out a low sigh and said, "It was not a simple matter of ignoring it. At the time, the Mo-yong Clan was also facing some difficult circumstances, both internal and external."
"Are you saying those difficulties were more important than the annihilation of our family and the Jangbaek Gate, your allies?"
At my words, Mo-yong Cheon's brow twitched.
My reason for pressuring the Mo-yong Clan like this was simple: to get what I needed from them. And the only reason I could pressure Mo-yong Cheon in this situation was that Seo Ryeo-hwa was by my side.
I glanced at her. She was still listening to me with a calm expression.
"Lord Mo-yong, the only reason I speak this way is for the recovery and reconstruction of the Jin Family."
I continued in a serious tone.
Mo-yong Cheon narrowed his eyes, listening to me intently. His expression remained stiff, but my words had clearly struck a nerve.
"You must already be aware of the Jin Family's situation. If you, my lord, lend your strength for the greater good of Murim in this matter, the Jin Family will not forget your grace."
Beside me, Seo Ryeo-hwa gave a quiet nod and said, "Lord Mo-yong, Young Master Jin's words are not wrong. The reconstruction of the Jin Family is also the path to peace in the Central Plains."
Her single sentence made my words even more powerful. Mo-yong Cheon nodded and spoke with a heavy voice.
"Very well. Since even the Sword Empress has spoken, I will lend my strength for the special purpose of the Jin Family's reconstruction."
As he finished speaking, the tension in the room finally eased. I smiled leisurely and expressed my gratitude.
"I am truly grateful for your decision, Lord Mo-yong. I will not forget this kindness."
Mo-yong Cheon raised a hand lightly, accepting my words.
"Then, tell me specifically what it is you desire."
I bowed my head slightly in a show of respect and spoke slowly.
"With the Jin Family's strength greatly weakened, we need elixirs that will be of practical help in navigating Murim, rather than martial arts manuals. I ask for some support so that the warriors of the Jin Family can find the strength to rebuild."
Mo-yong Cheon fell silent for a moment after hearing my request. His gaze deepened, and the others in the room held their breath, waiting for his answer.
"Elixirs…"
He continued slowly.
"I will give you the Mo-yong Clan's Samcheongdan. The medicine has outstanding recovery and internal energy-enhancing effects. It will be of great help."
"Thank you, Lord Mo-yong."
I bowed my head once more. The Samcheongdan was a precious elixir that was not easily obtained.
Thank goodness Seo Ryeo-hwa was here. This was resolved easily.
Now, giving these elixirs to Jang Seo-young, Jin So-hee, and Seol-hee would be a great help to them.
Mo-yong Cheon asked calmly, a meaningful smile on his face.
"On another note, are you married?"
His question made the air in the room momentarily strange. It occurred to me that his easy offer of the Samcheongdan might have been a prelude to bringing this up.
"Not yet, Lord Mo-yong. I believe the reconstruction of the Jin Family takes precedence over marriage."
At my words, Mo-yong Cheon nodded lightly and looked at me.
"Yes, with the Jin Family in such peril, that is understandable. But to stand on its own again, wouldn't the Jin Family need a strong alliance?"
He shifted his gaze for a moment to his daughter, Mo-yong Yeon-ah. Realizing his intent, her expression subtly hardened, and she turned her head slightly.
"My daughter, Yeon-ah, has yet to find a partner. If the Jin Family and the Mo-yong Clan were to form a bond through marriage, I believe it would be of great help to both sides."
On top of that, judging by Mo-yong Cheon's meaningful smile, it seemed he had already seen through my lie about rebuilding the Jin Family.
Reaching the Peak Level at my age… he must covet my talent.
I glanced at Mo-yong Yeon-ah, who stood beside her father. She lowered her head, avoiding my gaze.
I shook my head inwardly. Mo-yong Yeon-ah was certainly a beauty.
If she just spread her pussy, I'd gladly eat it up, but marriage… I don't know.
Besides, I already knew from the original novel that Mo-yong Yeon-ah was in love with Jin Myeong-woo. Unfortunately for her, they never ended up together.
I looked back at Mo-yong Cheon and replied with a relaxed demeanor.
"Lord Mo-yong, your words are an honor I do not deserve, but right now, my clan's reconstruction is the highest priority. I do not have the luxury to discuss marriage."
I mixed in a moderate amount of humility to convey my refusal. Mo-yong Cheon didn't seem too disappointed as he nodded.
"In that case, think about it later. For now, it is right to focus on rebuilding the Jin Family."
As he finished, some of the tension in the room dissipated. However, a complex mix of emotions still lingered on Mo-yong Yeon-ah's face. She bit her lip slightly and glanced at me.
Jang Seo-young and Jin So-hee met my eyes, showing their relief.
It's a relief the talk of marriage ended so easily. But it's likely that proposals like this will keep coming in the future.
Mo-yong Cheon turned his gaze back to the Sword Empress and spoke.
"Sword Empress, what brings you all the way to Liaoning?"
Seo Ryeo-hwa answered calmly.
"I was traveling without a destination. Then, by a twist of fate, I met my disciple and have been traveling with the Jin Family's party."
As Mo-yong Cheon nodded and listened attentively, Seo Ryeo-hwa's voice grew more serious.
"On another matter, Lord Mo-yong. There is something I must discuss with you privately."
At the Sword Empress's calm words, Mo-yong Cheon's gaze sharpened. He was silent for a moment before nodding.
"I understand. Young Master Jin's party may rest in the guest hall for a while. Yeon-ah, please guide our guests."
Mo-yong Yeon-ah took the lead, and we followed her out of the grand hall.