Chapter 231: Hwangbo Clan Leader (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 231: Hwangbo Clan Leader (3)
Silence fell over the room.
The Hwangbo Clan Leader stared at Seo-jun as if he were looking at a madman. Beside him, Pae Jin-gwang gave a quiet, solemn nod.
"Don't bother doubting it. He is, in fact, a madman."
"Hey now, that’s a bit hurtful."
Seo-jun clicked his tongue and waved a hand. A natural breeze stirred, sweeping away the debris hanging from the ceiling.
As Seo-jun used Void Object Grasping to pull a chair over and sit down, the Hwangbo Clan Leader’s eyes narrowed.
"I don’t recall inviting any guests."
"This is the Namgung Clan estate, isn't it? Technically, you’re the guest here. Talk about a lack of common sense."
"...You run wild with no fear of the heavens."
"Geez, are you that scared of the sky? How do you even leave your house if you’re that terrified of what’s above you?"
To ask a member of the Namgung—the family of the 'Heavenly'—if they feared the heavens? It was utter nonsense.
As Seo-jun stared back with a blunt expression, Pae Jin-gwang stepped in.
"This is the Fighting King, Hwangbo Ryung."
"Ah, Mister Ryung?"
"You crazy bastard."
Pae Jin-gwang turned his gaze to Hwangbo Ryung this time. Hwangbo Ryung merely clicked his tongue.
"I take it this boy is the Evil-Annihilating Heavenly Lord."
"Evil-Annihilating Heavenly Lord? Did I get a new title while I wasn't looking?"
Pae Jin-gwang shrugged and pulled up a chair for himself.
In the midst of this sudden three-way confrontation, Seo-jun leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with his elbows propped on his knees.
"So, you know why I’m here, right?"
"Is this about Hye-ji’s wedding?"
"Since you know, why don’t you just back off quietly?"
Seo-jun couldn't understand why an old man who should be focusing on his secluded training was interfering in the marriage of a descendant several generations down the line.
"I see no reason to become so deeply entangled with the Namgung Clan in a situation like this," Hwangbo Ryung said.
"The kids can handle their own problems."
Pae Jin-gwang scratched his chin.
"You’re a kid too."
"Hey, old man. I’m trying to have a serious conversation here."
Pae Jin-gwang shut his mouth.
Hwangbo Ryung watched Seo-jun with a peculiar gaze. Then, without warning, he lunged with a fist.
Whoosh!
It was a disjointed movement, as if he had flickered through space. The fist arrived in an instant, stopping mere inches from Seo-jun’s nose.
Boom!
Seo-jun’s Demonic Sword had already positioned itself in mid-air, blocking the strike. It was Sword Control Art.
"What, you want to go a round?"
Since the punch carried no lethal intent, Seo-jun didn't overreact.
"You have the basics down."
"Aha."
So you’re testing me? Seo-jun smirked.
"Let’s see…"
If he recalled correctly, the technique was the Thunderbolt Fist of Mount Tai, right?
Rumble! Seo-jun’s Demonic Sword, now shrouded in lightning, swung out like a heavy fist.
K-BOOOOOM!!
Hwangbo Ryung blocked the strike, but his frame was pushed back two steps. His eyes trembled slightly.
"This is…"
"What? Want me to release this to the public like the Three Talents Sword Art?"
Pae Jin-gwang demurely covered his mouth with his hand.
"...You absolute madman."
"Come on, old man. We’re on the same side, remember?"
"Leave me out of this."
"As if that’s possible."
"What a mess."
Hwangbo Ryung watched the tongue-clicking Pae Jin-gwang with an incredulous look.
"How exactly am I supposed to interpret this situation?"
"How should I know? Ask him."
Pae Jin-gwang pointed at Seo-jun. Seo-jun chuckled and stood up. He walked right up to Hwangbo Ryung’s face, causing the older man to frown.
"What is it?"
"The marriage."
"...Do as you wish. At this rate, the Namgung Clan won't be falling apart anytime soon."
"That’s pretty cool of you."
"However, let’s make one thing clear."
Hwangbo Ryung tried to push Seo-jun’s face away, but Seo-jun stepped back before the hand could touch him, maintaining a steady gaze.
"There are rumors that you use Demonic Qi."
"And?"
"Is it true?"
"At least make your rumors believable."
Of course I use it.
"True. I don't sense any Demonic Qi from you."
Just then—
Clatter! The door burst open, likely due to the commotion.
"Clan Leader!"
It was Hwangbo Jun. Seeing the familiar face after a long time, Seo-jun waved.
"Don't you have anything better to do? You’re always wandering around."
"Ah."
Hwangbo Jun, quickly assessing the situation, gave a short nod.
"Carry on with your business."
Click. The door closed. Hwangbo Ryung clicked his tongue.
"What a socially awkward fellow."
"I don't think that’s the problem."
Seo-jun let out a hollow laugh and tilted his head back. Faint moonlight filtered through the hole in the ceiling.
"The view is killer."
With a snicker, he kicked off the floor and leaped up. Crouching on the roof, Seo-jun looked down at Hwangbo Ryung.
"Anyway, I’ll take it as settled and head out, yeah?"
"Do whatever you want."
Hwangbo Ryung clicked his tongue again. Pae Jin-gwang hurriedly leaped up to stand beside Seo-jun.
"I’m coming with you. It’ll be awkward if I’m the only one left here."
"Why? Why not take this chance to spar for the title of Fist King?"
"Don't talk nonsense."
"Suit yourself."
Seo-jun smirked.
"See you next time then. Thanks for coming."
* * *
The next day, Seo-jun went to see Namgung Myeong. Naturally, Hwangbo Hye-ji was by his side.
"Myeong."
"Brother, what on earth happened last night...?"
"I took care of everything. When do you two want to hold the wedding?"
"Pardon...? Oh, no... well... we were thinking of waiting a little while first."
"Is that so?"
Seo-jun glanced at Hwangbo Hye-ji, whose cheeks were flushed crimson. He grinned.
"You can call me 'Brother' too."
"I-I couldn't possibly..."
"Take your time."
Seo-jun picked up a document neatly organized on Namgung Myeong’s desk.
"By the way, has anything been happening lately?"
"I wouldn't say nothing is happening, but it’s not something we need to burden you with, Brother."
While Seo-jun was busy carrying out his very visible revenge against the Black Lotus Union, the Namgung Clan had also been busy, fueled by rage over Namgung Jin-cheon’s death.
Even excluding those in the Transcendent Realm, the Namgung Clan’s military might was among the very best of the Sixteen Major Sects and Clans. They didn't necessarily need Seo-jun’s help.
Furthermore, Namgung Myeong didn't want to place an unnecessary burden on the seemingly busy Seo-jun.
Seo-jun, however, didn't mind. His eyes scanned the document.
"A Monster Wave near Mount Hwang... Should I handle this?"
A Monster Wave. It had been quite a while.
He remembered his father-in-law coming to pick him up after he had resolved a Monster Wave in the past.
"Pardon?"
"Never mind. I’ll go."
"But... aren't you busy?"
"Things have settled down, so I’m pretty free these days."
He tucked the document into his robes. He figured he should stop by the Chief Steward’s office before leaving.
"Ah, thank you..."
"Don't mention it."
Seo-jun turned to leave, but before exiting the room, he gave a mischievous grin and waved.
"Have a good time, you two."
"A-Ah...! T-Thank you, Senior Jin Gi-jae-cheon!"
Hwangbo Hye-ji bowed repeatedly. It made him feel good.
* * *
Before heading to Mount Hwang, Seo-jun stopped by to see Namgung Su-ah. Sitting her on his lap and boldly massaging her chest, he felt like he was in paradise.
"Ddyuttya..."
Namgung Su-ah giggled.
"Do you like them that much? They’re just lumps of fat."
"There is a profound logic contained within that fat. Similar to Chun-bong’s cheeks."
Namgung Su-ah leaned against Seo-jun’s chest and shifted her body slightly. She looked up at him through her lashes.
"Is this enough? I can do other things for you too."
"It’s a bit early to be thinking about children..."
Namgung Su-ah’s eyes curved into crescents. She whispered into Seo-jun’s ear.
"Did you know that most major sects have martial arts for contraception?"
"...What?"
That actually exists? That was genuinely surprising.
"Even if we don't go that far, I’ve studied quite a lot of things."
Namgung Su-ah’s red tongue flicked over her lips. Every movement was strangely provocative. Seo-jun’s eyes darted around the room.
"Ummm..."
At this rate, would it really matter if we just did it before the engagement? Seo-jun considered it seriously.
And right then, sensing a dire threat to her brother’s chastity, Chun-bong came rushing in.
"Sister...!"
Kicking the door open, Chun-bong stomped her feet and glared at Namgung Su-ah. Su-ah just giggled.
She straightened her disheveled clothes and stood up from Seo-jun’s lap. Then, she leaned down and whispered in his ear.
"I’ll be waiting for you tonight."
Chun-bong jumped in place.
"Wait for what?!"
"Hmm, I wonder if it’s right for Geum Mae to go first?"
"I-I mean, that’s..."
Her face turning beet-red, Chun-bong stammered.
"Still, it’s... it feels a bit too early..."
"At Geum Mae’s age, it wouldn't be strange to have a child already."
At Namgung Su-ah’s age, it wouldn't be strange to have five.
Of course, Seo-jun had the sense to keep his mouth shut. Instead, he beckoned to Chun-bong.
"Chun-bu-i, come here."
"Hmph."
Without even a moment’s hesitation, Chun-bong scurried over and dove into Seo-jun’s arms.
Seo-jun squeezed her cheeks and met her eyes.
"When did you grow up so much?"
"Are you making fun of me?!"
Geum Chun-bong, who hadn't grown physically at all, arched her eyebrows.
"No, I mean it."
He wasn't talking about physical growth. He was talking about how he perceived her.
Compared to their days in the back alleys, she had grown physically, but until recently, Seo-jun had always seen her as a child.
The image of her as a little brat was still vivid in his mind... and now she was all grown up and just waiting for the day she’d get married.
"I might just gobble you up."
Nom! He playfully nipped her cheek with his lips, causing Chun-bong to freak out.
"Gyaaaah!"
Flailing, Chun-bong grabbed Seo-jun’s face. She pushed his head back, and their eyes met.
"D-Do whatever you want!"
And then—mwah—Chun-bong quickly leaned in and kissed him. Almost simultaneously, she leaped from his arms. Her retreating figure vanished from Seo-jun’s sight in an instant.
Impressive footwork. She truly was a Super Peak Realm master.
Seo-jun quirked an eyebrow and looked at Namgung Su-ah. Their eyes met, and Su-ah burst into laughter. Seo-jun also found it funny and started laughing.
"Honestly..."
After laughing for a while, Seo-jun finally stood up. He gently kissed Namgung Su-ah’s forehead, and she looked up at him with a bright smile.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yeah, I’ll be back soon."
Seo-jun stared at Namgung Su-ah’s face for a moment. She tilted her head curiously. Seo-jun smirked.
"Once your father’s funeral is over, it’ll be Myeong’s inauguration ceremony, right?"
"Yes, I think they’ll happen almost at the same time."
"Then the engagement ceremony will be soon too... Hmm."
Actually, why bother with an engagement ceremony?
After a moment of thought, Seo-jun asked.
"Should we just have the wedding?"
"Huh?"
Namgung Su-ah’s mouth parted slightly.
"Weren't we doing the engagement first because of what others might think? There’s no need for that anymore."
"I... I’d like that..."
Namgung Su-ah’s cheeks turned a ripe red. Seo-jun gave her a wide grin.
"Then I guess how we address each other will change too?"
Namgung Su-ah hesitated before speaking.
"If it’s a different title... Husband...?"
"If you call me 'Husband,' it feels like I should start using formal speech."
"Then... Darling...?"
Seo-jun scratched his cheek. He felt itchy all over for some reason.
"Well, we can decide on the title when the time comes."
"...Okay. I’ll be thinking hard about it."
"Whoa."
Seo-jun chuckled as he walked away.
"Anyway, I’m off."
* * *
"The sudden occurrence of a Monster Wave might somehow be linked to the Demonic Cult."
At Chief Steward Jin Ga-wi’s words, Seo-jun let out a low hum.
"The Demonic Cult..."
"Yes. It feels a bit too abrupt to be a coincidence."