Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: A Wife Depends on Her Husband (3)
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She had come out after vowing to hold him strictly accountable for severing ties with her sister for ten years.
That's what she thought.
That's what she should have done.
But she couldn't control her expression. Her body heating up was proof enough.
Haaa!
She finally let out the admiration she'd been holding back.
"Are you really giving this to me?"
"Of course. I'm sorry I can't give you an even better sword, little sister-in-law. Oh, you should find a craftsman to custom-make the hilt. Everyone's hands are different shapes, after all. Ignoring the little things or acting like masters don't care about their weapons is a surefire way to get yourself killed."
Masters don't fuss over weapons. Sure, that could be true. But there's a huge difference between having a weapon suited to you and not. That tiny gap decides life and death more often than not. And to reach a level where you truly don't care about your weapon? You'd need to be one of the top ten masters in the world, at least.
"Thank you, brother-in-law."
"It's nothing."
Her resentment and hatred toward the wicked brother-in-law who stole her sister had run deep. After that, her parents had even told her not to seek her sister out, cutting off all contact.
And the root of it all was this man standing before her, her brother-in-law. When she heard her sister had come back, she'd rushed home to unleash her pent-up emotions on him.
But she couldn't do it now.
-White Qilin Sword.
-White Dragon Sword.
The twin swords known as the Dragon-Qilin Twin Swords, ranked among the hundred famed blades from two hundred years ago. They had belonged to the sisters Yonghwa Sword Immortal and Baekrin Sword Immortal, renowned swordswomen of their era.
Shing!
Grasping the hilt and drawing it revealed a blade of pristine clarity. It was hard to believe two centuries had passed; its sharpness rivaled modern forging techniques and still deserved the title of famed sword. The sword's keen edge and the soul of its swordswoman wielder awakened the warrior spirit within her.
Baek Yuhwa and Baek Yugyeong were secular disciples of the Wudang Sect, recognized for their talent and trained in swordsmanship at the main headquarters before returning. They helped out with the merchant group's affairs bit by bit. But escaping the limitations of a secular disciple was no easy feat. They hadn't been granted the Taeging Sword, symbol of the Wudang Sect.
To them, a famed sword was more precious than any treasure.
"These are the swords of Yonghwa Sword Immortal and Baekrin Sword Immortal."
"Ah!"
Yuhwa and Yugyeong, handed not just the swords but also the Yongrin Sword Manuals containing the Yonghwa Swordsmanship and Baekrin Swordsmanship, were utterly dazed. They didn't know where to begin believing it. Was this a dream or reality? It took time to even process it. Fortunes were pouring down on them all at once, leaving them at a loss.
'Don't they know the value of these sword manuals?'
'No greed for treasures?'
She had to admit her negative prejudices about her brother-in-law were all misconceptions. Any warrior would covet such treasures. While the sword manuals didn't compare to the legendary Three Great Sword Manuals revered in myth, they held immense value.
'Maybe they're fakes?'
'Could be.'
Based on the rumors about her brother-in-law, it wouldn't be surprising. But the swords were real. The moment she gripped the hilt, a clear mine surged through her! It wasn't full sword resonance, but harmony with the blade.
"Doesn't practicing Wudang martial arts mean you can't learn other swords?"
"...No!"
"We're secular disciples, so it's fine!"
They hadn't expected him to take the gifts back. Yuhwa and Yugyeong's hands grew frantic. They hadn't even opened the sword manuals yet. She needed to reflect on her wicked heart for doubting his sincerity outright.
"By the way, the sword manuals focus on sword forms, so there won't be any qi clashes. You two know that already—why make me say it? I'm just a bit overcautious."
"...No, it's not."
"Thank you for caring, brother-in-law!"
The resentment toward the brother-in-law who stole her sister had melted away like snow long ago. Far from her earlier vows, she now clutched the sword and manuals tightly, vowing never to let go. Ignoring the good intentions of the brother-in-law who'd made a difficult visit would be shameful for a sister-in-law, pricking her conscience.
Reflecting on the days she'd cursed this selfless man, she felt deep respect.
She inwardly proclaimed it had nothing to do with the swords and manuals.
"Brother-in-law, let's get along from now on!"
"Yeah, brother-in-law!"
The two sisters-in-law flanked Mujin, shooting him reproachful glares as if to say why did you take so long? They naturally tugged at his arms.
At that moment.
"That's enough."
"Sis!"
"He's my man. Go touch your own."
"No fair!"
Yujin wouldn't even let her little sisters touch him. Hearing her boldly declare he's my man filled him with pride. As expected from his flawless woman.
-What a shame.
I'm a married man!
-I'm single.
Can you even say that with your own mouth!
-Half and half makes for the perfect concubine.
You wanna die?!
-If you're swayed by mere Dragon-Qilin Twin Swords, you'd be done for against the Blood King Divine Sword. Just imagining it makes me pleased.
Don't ruin the mood and shut up. Don't you dare speak of my sisters-in-law with that filthy mouth.
-Not War King, but Fool King. Handing everything to your in-laws.
This is a one-time thing.
-That's what they all say at first.
Mujin didn't deny it. If his wife was beautiful, he'd buy her family an imperial palace. The emperor living there would politely vacate if Mujin explained the situation. Refuse, and his face might lose a bit of shine—Mujin would earnestly advise him otherwise. Plugging one's ears to politics doesn't lead to a long life.
This should rack up plenty of points.
It might seem excessive, but it wasn't. To others, swords or manuals might be worth more than life, but to Mujin, they were disposable. He didn't need other martial arts or weapon-based ones. These were just baggage gathering dust, so clearing out his bottled-up emotions with them was a net gain. He understood the in-laws' feelings, sending off their precious daughter to a wastrel.
But he drew a clear line.
He'd given them this due to past sins, but greed beyond that would be trouble. Excess beyond moderation was something even his wife wouldn't want.
"Brother-in-law, do you know?"
"What?"
"How much we loved Sis. Then one day, she up and leaves saying she likes you more. Do you know how many days we cried in anger and frustration? We missed her every day."
"I'll visit often now."
"You have to."
"Even for holidays."
Once the conversation flowed, their chatter was endless. At first meeting, their curt replies had him wondering if their tongues were half-cut. How had they endured it?
"You really got it from a cave?"
"Went logging, found a cave hidden in the woods. Who knew it was a treasure trove?"
"Wow, a real stroke of fortune. We always hoped for one like that."
"Relying on fortune won't make you a master. You have to hone what you have effectively."
"Oh right, you learned martial arts too, brother-in-law? What kind?"
"As the eldest son of the family, naturally the Pine Tiger Sect's sword arts. I can't practice the Dragon-Qilin Sword Manuals."
Martial arts can be gender-specific. Like how the same art takes on different natures by gender. The Dragon-Qilin Sword Manuals contained the full enlightenment and essence of two women swordswomen. Naturally, they were tailored to their traits.
"Is the thing you gave Mom really a Night-Luminescent Pearl?"
"It is."
"Then can I bite it to check?"
"...Go ahead."
His sisters-in-law, inheriting his wife's beauty, were pretty. Of course, his wife was far prettier, wiser, and more virtuous. Still, they could draw plenty of suitors. But when they opened their mouths, their mischief shone through. From the mother-in-law's expression, it seemed par for the course.
Anyway, it wasn't gold—what harm could a bite do?
He'd never heard of verifying Night-Luminescent Pearls by biting, so he couldn't say for sure.
"So you're the successor to the Pine Tiger Sect, brother-in-law."
"No, my little brother's the successor. I got pushed out."
"Ah, that makes sense. Sibling rivalry for succession is ugly anyway. Doesn't matter who does it."
"Only my sisters-in-law truly understand me."
"Everyone has their role, so no need to feel down about it, brother-in-law."
If they'd had this talk before entering the room, would it have turned this pleasantly? The question crossed his mind, but Mujin ignored it. People's hearts can change anytime. Consistency isn't always right.
"Dad, can we go play outside now? I wanna explore."
"Mijoo, wanna go with your aunts?"
As Mijoo whined, the sisters-in-law stepped in to relieve Mujin's awkwardness. With them along, he felt at ease. Just in case, he included Taejin.
"You go too."
"Me too?"
"You gonna send your sister alone?"
"I wanna stay here... Got it."
Taejin thought he'd escape with the aunts stepping up, only to get hit by Dad. He endured most things, but Dad never let slights against his sister slide. For his future, he needed to stay on Dad's good side.
"Don't mope. You know who's got your back, right?"
"Of course."
"I can stomach medical bills, but not my son coming home beaten."
"Is that something you say to your son?"
"Better than getting beat."
Taejin wasn't one to pick fights. Unless it was a fair duel, he didn't start trouble. But if he came home beat? Big problem. That day, Dad heard he'd held back and flipped out.
His philosophy: if you're in the right, why endure? Perfect training for dying screaming from a blade somewhere. Sometimes, Dad's bold, reckless ways made him proud.
"Brother-in-law, you're so cool!"
"A man charges straight ahead."
"No wonder Sis fell for you."
"That's part of it, but there's more I can't show you. Shame."
Yujin flushed and yelled, "Honey!"
Mujin shut his mouth. His wife forgave no blabbing of bedroom matters. He respected that intimacy.
"The most beautiful spot in the Baemun Merchant Group is the garden. Mijoo will love it at first sight. Let's go."
"Okay, Aunties."
"My, just like her mom."
"Nah, like her dad."
Who she takes after matters? As long as she's ours.
Taejin followed his sister and aunts out of the room.
'Finally, the one I've been waiting for arrives.'
He didn't know the full details of his wife's hidden ordeal, but he could guess. And the treatment she'd received. But blood was blood. He'd give one last chance.