Chapter 63 - Absolute Divine Art
“Ugh... the... sun... is setting... ugh...”
The twilight sunlight gradually faded, staining the vast estate. Lamps began to flicker to life throughout the Nangong family grounds, but the Family Head Residence alone remained eerily shrouded in darkness.
Clack—clack clack—clack
Yang Jin-ho, the Fifth Overseer bound to a pillar in the Family Head Residence, clenched his teeth with half-mad eyes.
“Ugh...”
As the sun vanished completely and yin energy rose from the earth, a crimson blood demon slithered out from Yang Jin-ho's nostrils.
- Heh heh heh heh.
A ghostly laugh echoed from the shadows. Yang Jin-ho's unfocused pupils darted wildly, unable to find purchase. Then.
“Hoo. Interesting.”
A deep, low voice sliced through the darkness. The blood demon floating in the air writhed like a living serpent before drifting toward the voice.
“Hmm...”
A hand opened wide. A palm thick with calluses. The hand of a swordsman.
“A strange affair.”
The blood demon slithered smoothly into the callused palm. The man clenched his fist. In that instant, a flash of bloody light gleamed in his eyes.
“Cough! Hack! Gah!”
As the man absorbed the blood demon, Yang Jin-ho erupted in violent coughs, as if vomiting poison from his gut.
“Are you coming to your senses, Fifth Overseer?”
“Wh... who...?”
Yang Jin-ho laboriously lifted his head. Amid the pitch-black darkness, a faint candle flame bloomed. His eyes widened.
“...!”
Beneath the candlelight sat a dignified middle-aged man. The dim glow traced his silhouette like threads of gold. His straight nose and firmly set mouth exuded both gentle compassion and unyielding dignity, while his deep eyes held a cool resolve unshaken by trifles. Like a light piercing the silent gloom, he stood alone in noble poise. It was none other than the current master of the Nangong family—Nangong Yeong.
“F-Family Head?”
“Indeed.”
The sinister aura from moments before vanished, replaced by Nangong Yeong's usual kindly smile. The ropes binding Yang Jin-ho snapped with a twang.
Thud!
“Whoa!”
Yang Jin-ho toppled to the floor, losing his balance. His body felt like a thousand tons. Still, he couldn't show such disgrace before his revered Family Head. He hastily knelt and bowed his head to Nangong Yeong.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes! Yes! Family Head! This lowly one is fine!”
“Good. I was worried—you seemed unwell.”
“For the Family Head to... concern himself with a wretch like me...”
Tears welled up in Yang Jin-ho's eyes. But the emotion was fleeting. Nightmares from the past few days flooded back, making his body shudder involuntarily. He couldn't very well say he'd been possessed by a ghost. In the end, he simply hung his head low.
“I'm sorry for causing you worry. The letter was safely delivered to the head of the Unbong Jin family.”
“Good. What did he say?”
“Well...”
Jin Muhon's chilling gaze flashed in Yang Jin-ho's mind. He'd said not “Understood,” but “Got it.”
'That mad bastard. Who does he plan to kill?'
Yang Jin-ho inwardly cursed Jin Muhon while bowing even more deferentially.
“He said he was honored by your invitation and expressed his gratitude. He will attend the Murim Conference.”
“Ha ha! A man who knows propriety. You've done well. You may go.”
“Yes, Family Head.”
Yang Jin-ho bowed deeply once more before staggering out of the Family Head Residence.
Click.
The door shut. The kindly light faded from Nangong Yeong's face, replaced by his original malevolent aura rising like a plague. Then.
“Your control over ghostly energy has grown quite natural, Illyeongsa.”
From the shadows behind him, a clear voice emerged as a man slowly revealed himself. Nangong Yeong didn't turn, merely gazing at the palm that had swallowed the blood demon.
“This... it's the technique used by that bastard Dan Ri-ye... Don't tell me he had an heir.”
Dan Ri-ye, one of the Four Emperors. Just recalling that horrific name made Nangong Yeong's fingertips tremble. The man behind him looked down with a pleased smile.
“Are you afraid?”
“No. I'm not the man I used to be. Even if it were Dan Ri-ye himself, perhaps—but fearing his heir? No reason for that.”
“Ha ha! Of course not.”
“...”
Nangong Yeong clenched his fist tightly. Yet it trembled faintly. The man tilted his head.
“But why did you summon me? Something to discuss?”
“Dan Ri-ye... he's definitely dead, right?”
Nangong Yeong's voice sank deeply. The mere question made the darkness quiver heavily. The man's smile deepened.
“Who knows. Whether you could call it 'dead'...”
“What! You said he was clearly—”
Nangong Yeong started to rise abruptly. The man pressed down on his shoulder firmly.
“...!”
“Calm yourself, Illyeongsa. Excitement is the enemy. You have much to do ahead.”
“...”
Under the pressure like a mountain crushing him, Nangong Yeong furrowed his brow and sat back down. He glanced at the hand on his shoulder. A smooth, pale hand without a single scar. If not for the voice, one might think it belonged to a peerless beauty.
“Don't worry about Dan Ri-ye's heir. Focus on your tasks.”
“...Understood.”
With that, the man melted back into the shadows. Nangong Yeong shivered at the presence lingering behind him. No matter how many times, he could never grow accustomed to it. A monster wearing human skin, far beyond mortal bounds. He must never turn without permission.
“Oh, right.”
As if remembering something, the man poked only his pale face from the darkness, looking down at Nangong Yeong.
“If you encounter someone suspected to be Dan Ri-ye's heir, don't clash needlessly. Retreat.”
Nangong Yeong ground his teeth.
“Do you think I'd yield to some heir?”
“Ha ha ha! Of course not. But even this old man found Dan Ri-ye a tricky opponent. It's only prudent to be cautious with his successor.”
“Hmph...”
The presence vanished. Yet Nangong Yeong remained rigidly in place for a long while. Then he abruptly turned.
“...”
Behind him, only flickering shadows cast by the candle. Nangong Yeong stared at them for a time before slowly extinguishing the flame. Comforting darkness swallowed the study once more.
It had been a fortnight since Yang Jin-ho's visit to Unbong County. With over three months still until the Murim Conference, Jin Muhon decided on a simple group for attendance—no need for a large entourage.
“Hayeon, do your best out there. But don't push too hard and get hurt.”
“Don't worry, unnie. Do I look like the type to show off? I'm not like Aunt Jeokhwa.”
“What? Ho ho ho!”
Yeon Jeokhwa, hauling luggage in the courtyard, whipped her head toward them.
“Hayeon, you! Insulting me again!”
“Oh my! Why would I ever insult Aunt? I like you so much.”
“...”
Jeokhwa's face twisted in dissatisfaction, but she said nothing more and focused on loading the bags. Jin Hayeon whispered quietly.
“It's not like she can't go to the conference because of me. Hmph!”
Was it their rocky first meeting? Jin Hayeon and Jeokhwa bickered whenever they crossed paths. Han Sowol smiled silently, watching Hayeon's grumbling. Her youthful, clear face was endearing, but this time Sowol sided more with Jeokhwa. She too wanted to follow Jin Muhon.
“Preparations done?”
Jin Muhon ambled into the courtyard. Two carriages stood ready. One for him heading to Anhui, where the conference would be held; the other for Han Sowol to Yichang.
“Hyungnim, can't I come too? I feel uneasy leaving you.”
Jin Baek, nearly back to his old bulk, loomed beside Jin Muhon with a wistful look. Jin Muhon lightly patted his shoulder.
“This is the home we'll return to. Someone has to stay and guard it. Who else can I trust but you?”
“Well... true, but...”
Jin Baek glanced at Sowol's carriage. Heading to Yichang: Sowol, guarded by Yeon Jeokhwa and Jin Jaryeong.
'Fair enough. Those two might cause trouble.'
He turned to the Anhui carriage. Oepari sat in the driver's seat; Muheo grinned and circled it aimlessly.
'Mad old coot.'
Baek No and Chukang would stay too, but if martial artists raided, the hard-won home could burn overnight.
“You're right, hyungnim. No one else but me.”
“Good. I'll leave it to you.”
“Be careful. Don't leave Hayeon alone.”
“Ha ha ha! Worry not.”
Jin Muhon's unwitting laugh at Jin Baek's genuine concern warmed him—his brother, once a killer through and through, now showed a human heart. Everyone preparing to depart stared in surprise. Jin Muhon scanned them, puzzled.
“What?”
“Uncle! That laugh just now—was that you?”
Jin Hayeon dashed over from beside Sowol and grabbed his arm.
“Huh? Me?”
“Yes! First time I've heard you laugh like that!”
“Hmm. I laugh plenty.”
“Eek?”
Hayeon stuck out her tongue in disbelief. Jeokhwa loading bags, Jaryeong checking weapons, and Jin Baek with arms crossed—all smiled faintly.
“Whoa? Even Bear Uncle laughs!”
Jin Baek ruffled Hayeon's small head with his pot-lid hand.
“Hayeon, unlike hyungnim, I laugh a lot. Plenty of women fell for my smile.”
“Pfft! Liar! If you were handsome like Little Uncle, maybe—but Bear Uncle? Probably not popular.”
“Huh? Jaryeong's handsome?”
Jin Baek whipped around in shock. Jin Jaryeong, polishing his blade atop the carriage, lifted his chin with an arrogant smirk. Jin Baek bristled and grabbed Hayeon's shoulders.
“Hayeon! Mind this in Anhui! The Murim Conference draws all the big shots! You're kind and pretty, so guys will swarm to knock you down! Don't fall for it—especially pretty boys like Jaryeong who look like gigolos! Got it?”
Hayeon tilted her head.
“Knock me down? What's that?”
“Knocking down means stripping your clothes first—”
Thwack!
“Gaaack!!”
Jin Baek flew like a deflated sack to the courtyard's edge. Jin Muhon dusted his hands with a scowl.
“No end to your nonsense.”
Jin Baek sprang up from afar, yelling.
“Hyungnim! Overprotective! At Hayeon's age, she needs to know!”
“...”
Jin Muhon flashed fierce eyes and reached for his sword. Jin Baek clamped his mouth shut and averted his gaze.
“Hmph. Better learned through experience than words. Yeah.”
The brief commotion drew chuckles from the Jin household. Hayeon clung to Jin Muhon's arm.
“Uncle! What is it? Do you know?”
“No idea.”
“Tell me! So I can be careful!”
“Stay by my side.”
“What if someone tries to knock me down?”
“...”
Jin Muhon frowned, seeking Jin Baek—who had vanished.
“Don't worry. I'll kill him.”
“...”
Hayeon flinched at the sudden killing intent and stepped back. Muheo swiftly blocked her path.
“Why scare the kid with your aura!”
“Hmph. My mistake.”
“Watch it!”
“...Fine.”
Jin Muhon, who bowed to no one, yielded a step at Hayeon's teary eyes. Muheo suddenly stared intently at his face.
“Say, Jin Family Head. Even if you've youthened, won't someone recognize you at the conference?”
“Probably.”
Jin Muhon nodded matter-of-factly. As Sword Demon, he'd never ventured deep into the Central Plains, but near the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains—in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan—he'd clashed with orthodox sects. The Tang clan's Poison King knew his face; experts from Kunlun, Kongtong, Qingcheng, and Ami likely did too.
“You sure? Appearing in the heart of the Murim Alliance... might endanger Hayeon, even if not us.”
“Don't worry. I have a plan.”
“Oh? What? A human-skin mask?”
Jin Muhon grinned and shifted his inner energy to his facial muscles. They rippled, subtly reshaping his features. His sharp eyes softened, angular jaw refined, cheeks plumped. The rugged, masculine face turned into a handsome, approachable one. A feat possible now with finer control over his shed skeleton.
“Waaah!”
“Ooh!”
“Gasp!!!”
All gaped in shock. Drool trickled from Jeokhwa's mouth.
“S-so handsome...”
Muheo was the most stunned. He leaped, grabbing Jin Muhon's sleeve.
“Elder! What technique is that? Take this old man as your disciple!”
“...”
He'd only meant a slight change. Too handsome, perhaps. Jin Muhon eyed Muheo's fanatic gleam and twisted his muscles further.
“Master!!!!”
Muheo's desperate cry echoed across Unbong Mountain.