Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Time Flows Like Water (4)
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Shedding and preparing the pheasant caught in the mountains, he steamed it inside a steamer. It wouldn't take long to steam. Using Three Flames Ignition to light the fire, he placed it in the steamer he'd made himself and waited.
The finished steamed dish was served with a secret soy sauce blend. On top went the roasted pheasant and boiled eggs pickled in soy sauce.
The table was neatly set with the pheasant, steamer, rice, and side dishes—a perfect meal. It showed his growth as the family's(?) top housewife.
"How is it?"
"As expected of my dad. It's the best."
With such bold praise from his daughter, Mujin could conquer Baekgyeong. And it wasn't a joke—he'd actually done it once.
"As I always say, there's no one like our Mijoo."
"Of course! I'm Mijoo, the invincible dad's daughter!"
Now eight years old, Mijoo had grown in size but retained her childhood cuteness. She was well-developed for her age, possessing all the qualities to become a beauty in the future.
"Our daughter could get married soon."
"I'm going to live with Dad forever!"
What father couldn't grant his daughter's wish if it was sincere?
"Still, that's not right."
"I don't want anyone but Dad!"
Her affection, treating Dad as the best, brought a natural smile to his face. As a father, he had to strive to preserve this happiness forever.
-If she still thinks that way when she's of age, I'll acknowledge it.
'Kids are all like that. What's wrong with loving Dad?'
-Around forty, she'll regret today's choice. Saying 'Dad's the best' at that age would feel weird!
'Like I'd let it drag on that long! I said I'd accept him as a son-in-law if he endures just ten of my forms!'
-You'll live alone forever. Lone Eagle Peak won't be someone else's story!
Enduring ten forms of the War King's strikes—not even one, but ten. And not now, but the War King years later. Even now, few could properly withstand ten forms. Meanwhile, the son-in-law would only age.
*Pout*
Finally sensing his son's gaze, Mujin turned.
"Why are you staring like that, son?"
"It's nothing."
"A man should speak his mind instead of sulking alone. Go on, say it."
"I've decided to enter the Little Dragon Tournament."
"I've known that for a while. Dad's got everything prepared."
"Really?"
"Of course."
He didn't mention learning it today from Elder Kang. Seeing his son's face light up after so long made it hard to say more. And preparations? What was there to prepare, really?
In truth, the preparations were as good as done long ago. Just as there were no coincidences in the world, Taejin's progress surpassing his peers wasn't luck either.
-It's thanks to me.
'Give credit where it's due.'
He performed the father's essential duty for Taejin: combing the hair. It only required three cycles of energy and precise qi control. But to boost martial arts achievement, proper instruction was needed—and the Demon King excelled there.
Using the Demon King's Soul-Piercing Demonic Eye, he'd imprinted the knowledge. Taejin thought he was dreaming nightly, but it was training. Still, progress didn't come from sleep alone; arduous effort and practice were essential.
"Want to show Dad your skills until Mom gets back?"
"Yeah, sure."
Taejin shot out to the front yard like a flying squirrel. His movements were far beyond his peers—nimble, with solid footwork and balance.
"You're a bit unsteady."
"Where?"
"The wobble on landing comes from poor weight shifting. Put a bit more strength—about three-tenths—into your waist and knees."
"Got it."
He drew his wooden sword.
Now displaying the Pine Tiger Five Swords, it was no longer just honest swordplay. Once fast and strong aspects were perfected, it would evolve into the pinnacle of powerful swordsmanship. At completion, it would unleash ray-like strikes, deceptive changes that fooled the eye, and soul-shattering essence.
"Dad!"
"Come on."
But Mujin didn't stand.
He flicked his fingers through the air! Each time, Taejin's wooden sword clashed with an invisible force, producing sharp whooshes. The sounds were extraordinary, but soundproofing was perfect. With a qi barrier around the inner quarters, training wouldn't disturb anyone.
"Your waist is stiff."
"That's cheating."
"Weak points exist to be exploited, son."
"I'm your son!"
"Grumbling after defeat is the loser's excuse."
"Dad... that's too much!"
Mujin didn't stand on ceremony with his son. Being a friendly dad like a buddy was enough. Taejin still knew manners, though. His wife treated him overly deferentially, and if the kids' respect went overboard, it got scary.
'Yujin that intimidating? First time I've seen it!'
His wife was far stricter on child-rearing. He felt guilty for it—not wanting to be the bad dad who only gave treats.
The Pine Tiger Five Swords unfolded in sequence: First Heaven, Gale, Soaring Mountain, Descent, All Under Heaven.
Swift yet domineering sword intent loaded in.
Bam! Bam!
Even with a wooden sword, considerable power was invested. Taejin naturally channeled internal energy without showing it—a marvel at his age, reinforcing his weapon with qi.
'He has reason to brag.'
-Figured it out now? The Demon King's greatness transcends eras.
'But I still won.'
-Tactical retreat, that's all.
'What's the excuse?'
-You bastard!
Observing his son's moves, Mujin had to admit the Demon King's teachings were solid. Untaught by anyone else, Taejin's talent shone. Perhaps because of it, the Demon King's domineering style infused the sword.
Completely shedding habits was impossible, and since Mujin pursued dominance too, his son's sword was fiercely powerful. It chased the essence of strength, unlike the leisurely mountain tiger-inspired pinnacle of Pine Tiger Five Swords.
"No need for flexibility yet."
"Instructor said softness is needed too."
"Once Wudang's Taiji became swordplay's mainstream, harmonizing yin and yang led to mistaking ultimate subtlety for the sword's essence. But the world isn't like that. As they say, all rivers return to the sea—sword intent must near the essence. Shoving in other things without grasping it won't make you stronger."
"Should I tell the instructor that?"
"I've said it before, but keep it to yourself. This is Dad's insight, taught because you're my son. Not for just anyone."
-Repeating my words verbatim.
Taejin accepted his dad's words without resistance. Others in the sect might not know, but Dad was uniquely strong. Look now—even finger flicks made a real opponent. Even sect elders couldn't do that.
"When will I be like Dad?"
"Hmm, maybe in about twenty years."
"That's too far."
"That's how strong Dad is. Umhahhahhaha!"
Taejin shook his head. Most would humbly deflect, but not Dad. He didn't flaunt his strength, yet didn't deny it either. His blunt honesty sometimes dented his young son's pride.
"Mom's coming. Hurry up and sit."
"Okay."
Mujin seated his son and daughter on either side, waiting for his wife. He'd sensed her turning toward the inner quarters. No obstacles could block his wife's path—meticulous checks were essential.
"My love, good work. Tough day?"
"Tough? Not at all. Seeing you and the kids gives me strength."
"Kids, what are you doing? Don't thank your hardworking mom?"
"Thanks, Mom!"
"I love you, Mom!"
They might seem like an unrealistically perfect family out of place in this era, but it was their everyday normal.
Chatting amiably over the meal brought joy. Five years on, bloody past memories lingered. He'd vowed never to live like that again.
"Delicious."
"Try this dumpling."
"I'll get it."
"No, let me."
Even in front of the kids, Mujin hid no affection. No more stoic husband—he'd resolved to be a shamelessly tender one, skin crawling or not.
-Sickening sight.
'Jealous? Just say so.'
-Leave the door open at night. Let me peek.
'Earn the skill first.'
-Cheater.
'That's voyeurism and perversion.'
-Shouldn't have told you.
'Good things are meant to share.'
For his wife's longevity and century together, Mujin coaxed the Demon King into the Yin-Yang Divine Art. Originally the Yin-Yang Divine Demon's art, classified as neutral or demonic but rooted in Taoist longevity techniques.
The Yin-Yang Divine Demon had a unique dual-gender physique, misunderstood due to the art, sparking a bloodbath.
Mujin taught his wife the yin aspect, cultivating yang himself for yin-yang union. Supreme for nightly affairs, it excelled at growing internal energy.
Using Extreme Body Battle Art nightly to tend her energy, her cultivation now neared one cycle.
'Solid foundation for long life.'
Stronger internal energy slowed aging. Considering the art's pinnacle—return to youth like an immortal—it was worth pursuing. Mujin's fight for his wife's lifespan. They had to age together; he couldn't bear watching her alone.
As the meal ended.
His hesitant wife glanced cautiously at Mujin, clearly debating whether to speak.
"Dear, Father sent word. He wants us to visit before the holidays."
"Let's go."
"You're really going?"
"When the father-in-law calls, the son-in-law must answer."
Her husband agreeing so readily nearly brought tears, which she barely held back. Long after marriage, she hadn't visited home. Strong opposition, told never to return. It had weighed on her heart since.
Yet asking her husband to come along was hard. Past rejection and scorn resurfaced.
"Thank you!"
"I'm the thankful one. Without my father-in-law, when would I have met a woman like you?"
Truth be told, he felt sorry toward his wife, but skipping the in-laws had been convenient. Forgotten were the rejection and scorn. Even those memories had become fond now.
'Sorry for not mentioning it sooner.'
Immersed in family time, he'd overlooked his in-laws. He felt bad for his wife; even as an out-married daughter, they were her blood kin.
'Gotta bring generous gifts.'
Five years weren't spent just chopping wood.
Forced seclusion honed his arts but left him short on rivers-and-lakes knowledge, though major events he knew. Using that, he'd laid foundations for his family's safety.
Most invested in family, but some remained.
'Father-in-law doesn't complain for a reason.'
Preemptive bribes silenced him. Elders' grumblings? Blocked effectively. Give a declining household the best, and attitudes shift—even parents weren't immune.
'People are all like that.'
Few he'd met hated safe bribes.