Chapter 170: A Gift for Oppa (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 170: A Gift for Oppa (1)
The winner of the Yongbong Gathering had been decided.
It was Geum Hee of the Divine Sword Geum Family.
Like a signal flare announcing the brilliant resurrection of the Geum family, a massive roar shook the heavens. It was as if every soul in Henan had gathered to cheer.
Chun-bong sniffled, wiping away her tears. At the sound of her name being called, she trudged forward to stand before the Abbot.
“Splendid. Thanks to you, the revival of the Geum family shall arrive swiftly.”
Abbot Deok-seong smiled as he took Chun-bong’s hand and raised it high into the air.
“The winner of the Yongbong Gathering has been decided here today! Let all comrades of the Murim celebrate this together!”
Deciding on a title for Geum Hee, the successor of the Divine Sword Geum Family, took a considerable amount of time.
There were simply too many options.
Since the symbol of the Divine Sword Geum Family was the Yellow Dragon, titles ranging from Hwang-ryong-un-bong (Yellow Dragon Cloud Phoenix) to Geum-ryong-chun-bong (Golden Dragon Spring Phoenix) were suggested. Others, like Kwae-geom-bong (Fast Sword Phoenix) or So-geom-bong (Small Sword Phoenix), also gained support, inspired by her swift and light movements.
In truth, since titles like Geom-ryong (Sword Dragon) or Geom-bong (Sword Phoenix) were generally considered the most prestigious among the Dragon and Phoenix ranks, the consensus had leaned heavily toward So-geom-bong.
Abbot Deok-seong, however, had a different thought.
He was certain that no one who witnessed today’s duel would object.
Skipping the flowery language, he got straight to the point.
“Hoe-ryong-bong (懷龍鳳), Geum Hee.”
The Phoenix Embracing the Dragon.
Deok-seong gave Chun-bong a warm smile as he handed her a small wooden box.
“Congratulations. Please, always walk the path of righteousness and move toward the light.”
* * *
The eight Dragons and Phoenixes who had reached the quarterfinals were summoned.
Deok-seong called them forward one by one, bestowing their titles and prizes.
Dan-roe-bong (端雷鳳), Namgung Su-ah.
So-seon-ryong (小仙龍), Jegal Hwi.
Jak-yo-ryong (灼燿龍), Yang So-hong.
Ban-ryong (磐龍), Hye-un.
Geom-ryong (劍龍), Un-baek.
Mu-ui-bong (武毅鳳), Hwangbo Hye-ji.
Yeom-ui-ryong (廉意龍), Tae-byeok.
Since the purpose of the Yongbong Gathering was to encourage rising stars, they didn't bother ranking the remaining participants.
Distinguishing third from fourth place offered nothing but extra entertainment for the audience—and risked upsetting the delicate political balance between the Sixteen Major Sects and Clans.
As the eight Dragons and Phoenixes received their new titles amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd, the long yet short Yongbong Gathering finally came to an end.
This meant the elders of the Sixteen Major Sects and Clans would soon return to their respective factions, though one final meeting would be held before their departure.
Anticipating the impending wave of annoyance, Seo-jun scratched his head and walked over to Chun-bong and Namgung Su-ah.
Chun-bong, clutching a small wooden box tightly to her chest, came running toward him with a giggle.
“Did you see?! Huh? You saw it, right?!”
Her face flushed, Chun-bong hopped up and down on the spot. Seo-jun grinned and gave her a thumbs-up.
“You did great, Geum Chun-bong. No, wait. Hoe-ryong-bong.”
“Ehehe.”
Chun-bong glanced around for a moment, cleared her throat with a loud ahem, and then hesitantly approached Seo-jun. She thrust the wooden box toward him.
“And this is… a-a gift!”
“Huh?”
“What! I said it’s a gift!”
Chun-bong shoved the box into Seo-jun’s arms.
He was a bit flustered. Inside was undoubtedly the Great Restoration Pill.
“Wait, why are you giving this to me? Our Chun-bu-i needs to eat this so she can grow big and strong.”
“Forget it. I’ve eaten plenty already.”
“Hey now, your Oppa is happy enough just with the thought.”
He meant it. To think his little Chun-bong had grown up so much that she was giving him a gift like this…
Was this how it felt when a daughter bought her father a gift with her very first paycheck? And a gift she had spent her entire "salary" on, at that.
As Seo-jun looked at Chun-bong with a swelling heart, she suddenly barked at him.
“…I said just take it! I’ve… I’ve only ever been on the receiving end until now… and considering everything you’ve done for me… Yeah. Anyway! I’m giving it to you because I’m g-grateful!”
Having successfully forced the Great Restoration Pill onto Seo-jun, Chun-bong turned and bolted.
She looked so proud, giggling as she ran off, that Seo-jun didn't even think to stop her. He just stood there, watching her go.
As Seo-jun stood there with a satisfied smile, Namgung Su-ah lightly tugged on his sleeve.
“I was a step too late. I was going to give you mine, too.”
Namgung Su-ah had received a Small Restoration Pill. While not as potent as the Great Restoration Pill, it was still an extraordinary spirit medicine.
“No, Noona, you should really eat that yourself. I already received the Azure Heaven Pellet before; my conscience would hurt if I took that too…”
“What are you talking about? Do you know how much the Namgung Clan owes you? Strictly speaking, even a Small Restoration Pill isn't enough.”
I’ve done a lot for them?
‘Hmm.’
Thinking back on it, he actually had.
“Ayy, still, it’s fine. This actually works out. If you eat that and then learn the Life and Death Breakthrough Art, you’ll reach the Super Peak Realm with ease.”
“Mmm… But still…”
Sensing he might end up being forced to take the Small Restoration Pill as well, Seo-jun quickly changed the subject.
“By the way, Dan-roe-bong… The Phoenix that commands lightning with an upright posture. It’s a cool title.”
“I wonder if it’s a bit too grand,” Namgung Su-ah chuckled.
Seo-jun finally breathed a sigh of relief and draped an arm over her shoulders.
“Anyway, congratulations. You worked hard.”
“…Yeah.”
Namgung Su-ah leaned her head slightly against Seo-jun’s chest. Though she seemed a bit disappointed about losing in the finals, she didn't appear to be dwelling on it too much, which put his mind at ease.
As he walked with her, Seo-jun used his Qi Sensing to check on Hwangbo Hye-ji’s situation.
—Look, Mother.
But how should he describe what he was seeing…?
Something… something was definitely happening.
* * *
After being bestowed the title of Mu-ui-bong, Hwangbo Hye-ji headed straight for her mother.
Her stride was firm, perfectly matching her title, which signified one who displays resolute martial arts.
“Mother.”
“Yes, Hye-ah. Did you achieve results?”
In the past, she would have been disappointed by her mother asking about results the moment they met. But not anymore.
Without a word, Hwangbo Hye-ji unleashed the Thunderbolt Fist of Mount Tai.
BOOOOOM—!!!
The air exploded with the sound of thunder, and Hwangbo Hye-ji’s fist generated a strange gravitational pull.
Hwangbo Seo-rin’s eyes widened slightly at the force of that pull.
Mount Tai Standing Tall (太山卓立). It was a secret technique of the Thunderbolt Fist of Mount Tai. It was a feat that the old Hwangbo Hye-ji would never have been able to perform.
“Yes, Mother. I have achieved results.”
“…I see.”
Hwangbo Seo-rin’s gaze wavered. Her mind was in turmoil.
‘I… was wrong…?’
She didn't know what methods Jin Gi-jae-cheon had used, but it was an undeniable fact that Hwangbo Hye-ji had made incredible progress in a short amount of time.
However, though Hwangbo Seo-rin was shaken, her core philosophy remained unchanged.
She held a firm belief: one must be raised harshly to become a strong martial artist.
To be satisfied with current achievements was to invite stagnation. That was why she didn't offer praise—it was to prevent vanity.
Instead, she offered advice so her daughter would set her sights on a higher goal.
“Let us return to the clan now. I have asked your maternal uncle to oversee your martial arts. Do not be satisfied with this; you must devote yourself further and—”
“Mother.”
She was cut off. Hwangbo Seo-rin’s eyes twitched at this unprecedented interruption.
“You… just what kind of manners did you pick up there…?”
“I have realized my own will. I can see the path now.”
Hwangbo Hye-ji spread her arms wide. She could see it clearly in her mind’s eye—the image of the Hwangbo Clan, completely transformed by her will.
“Look, Mother.”
Hwangbo Seo-rin didn't understand what she was supposed to be looking at. Hwangbo Hye-ji didn't care. Instead, she reached out and firmly grasped her mother’s hands.
“I will do it. I will fulfill your dream, Mother.”
“Yes, and to do that, you must work harder—”
“I will become the Family Head and flip the Hwangbo Clan upside down. No, even before that, I will begin breaking down this stagnant system piece by piece.”
“What…?”
“You just need to follow me, Mother. From now on, I will be the one paving the way.”
“Wait, Hye-ah. What are you talking about…?”
“It’s alright. Trust me, Mother.”
Hwangbo Hye-ji’s eyes burned with ironclad determination. In contrast, Hwangbo Seo-rin’s eyes shook, lost and confused.
Hwangbo Hye-ji gave a refreshing smile.
‘I’ll do as my heart desires.’
She couldn't fully trust herself yet, but she had gained the faith that she could move forward on her own path.
“First, let’s start by having you resume the martial arts you abandoned.”
Grip.
Her hands tightened with a fervor matching her resolve. Hwangbo Seo-rin flinched and tried to step back, but Hwangbo Hye-ji did not let go.
“I will teach you. I have learned much.”
Hwangbo Seo-rin’s lips trembled.
* * *
Seo-jun, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation between Hwangbo Hye-ji and Hwangbo Seo-rin, returned to the villa, chuckling to himself.
And… that was when it started.
Chun-bong, who had returned earlier, followed Seo-jun with a persistent, piercing gaze.
“What is it…?”
“Did you eat it?”
“No, not yet.”
“Eat it quickly.”
“Okay.”
Five minutes later, Chun-bong poked her head out again.
“Did you eat it?”
“No…?”
“I told you to eat it quickly.”
“Yeah, yeah…”
Another five minutes later, Chun-bong appeared again...
“Agh…! Geum Chun-bong! What is it you want to say?!”
As Seo-jun jumped up, Chun-bong puffed out her petite chest confidently.
“Wh-what…!”
“You have something to say, don't you?”
“…I do. I said eat the Great Restoration Pill quickly.”
“There’s something else.”
As the world’s leading expert in Geum Chun-bong Psychology, he was absolutely certain. When Seo-jun put his hands on his hips and looked down at her, she let out a huff of breath.
“The Great Restoration Pill.”
“Yeah.”
“It’s a precious thing, isn't it…?”
“It is.”
Did she suddenly start regretting giving it away?
When Seo-jun held out the wooden box containing the pill, Chun-bong scrambled backward.
“I’m not asking for it back!”
Chun-bong growled, only peeking her head out from behind a pillar.
“I’m saying it’s one of the most precious spirit herbs in the Central Plains!”
“Right. Your Oppa is living every day with a heart full of gratitude for Geum Chun-bong’s grace.”
“Hmph, as you should.”
Chun-bong cleared her throat.
“So, well, you know… isn't there supposed to be a little something in return?”
“What? Was there something you wanted? You should have just said so.”
Surprisingly, Chun-bong rarely made it obvious when she wanted something (except for Tanghulu).
If there was something she wanted, Seo-jun could buy it with money, find it somewhere, or "negotiate" for it with a blade—he could get her anything.
“No, well. It’s nothing major…”
Chun-bong twirled her hair as she continued.
“The conditions for rebuilding the Geum family are mostly met now… and my realm is high enough that I won't get beaten up anywhere…”
“Right?”
“But you know, a family… needs certain essential elements, right…?”
Chun-bong’s cheeks turned beet red.
“So, well…”
“Well?”
“You know, that.”
“What?”
“Ugh… for fuck’s sake…!”
Suddenly swearing, Chun-bong shouted.
“Close your eyes!”