Chapter 199
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 199
Chapter Title: Peaceful Days (1)
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“Mijoo, can we talk for a bit?”
“Sure, sis. But is it okay here?”
“I want somewhere quiet to chat.”
“Let’s go to my room. Tang’s there too.”
Mijoo took Hwangbo Se-ryeong’s hand without hesitation and led her to her own room. They looked just like close sisters. It struck him anew, but it wasn’t easy for a sister-in-law and new sister-in-law to get along well. Taejin had to play mediator in between, and even that was tough.
It was something he could relate to as a man living in this household. Whether you handled it well or poorly decided the family’s peace.
“You’ve got something to say to Mijoo?”
“No need to hold back in front of me.”
“Tch, you caught on, huh.”
“It’d be weirder if I hadn’t.”
Even after seeing through the ruse, Mijoo didn’t panic. Whether she knew or not, it didn’t matter. If the other saw her favorably, great; if not, she’d adjust accordingly.
“I’m your sister-in-law.”
“So you’re gonna make my life hell?”
“Depends on how you act.”
“I’ll be good. That’s why I’m asking—show me.”
“Show you what?”
“Your evaluations of people. You know, the ones you have.”
Mijoo had sensed right away that her new sister-in-law was no pushover. And sure enough, she was even sharper than expected. How had her clueless brother snagged such a clever woman? Father’s backing must have played a role, she was sure.
Rustle!
She handed over the treasured notebook hidden among her other books.
Mijoo’s People (Roster of Names).
Her personal assessments of everyone she’d encountered in the household so far.
“The descriptions and personalities are spot-on. And the martial arts evaluations are pretty accurate too.”
“Not bad, right, sis?”
“Not bad? This is incredible. Mijoo, you aiming to be a strategist someday?”
“Nah, I wanna be a great hero.”
“That’s a headache. Exhausting too.”
“Still, someone’s gotta do it.”
“I’ll help however I can.”
Mijoo and Hwangbo Se-ryeong clasped hands, pledging their future alliance. It seemed like childish play, but if people knew what these two girls would stir up down the line, they’d sigh in dismay.
It was unclear if they were fated to meet or better off never crossing paths. The events they’d unleash blurred the lines between good and evil.
Creak!
Cheol-ho entered, carrying a tray with honey-sweetened tea. He’d been asked to bring it before Mijoo arrived. Ask was putting it mildly—if he didn’t, unfair treatment awaited.
“Mijoo likes it sweet with honey.”
“I like sweet things like Mijoo too.”
“We get along great, sis! Hohohoho!”
“First time I’ve clicked with someone like this. Hohohoho!”
Hohohohoho!
Gave him chills!
Knowing their personalities, Cheol-ho snorted derisively. He wished they’d spare him. Remembering the headaches they’d cause ahead, he wanted to stay as far away as possible.
“I could trust Cheol-ho oppa with anything.”
“Yeah, he holds his own even against Jin.”
Cheol-ho suddenly felt anxious, realizing he might never escape this family.
“What’s going on?”
“Word from Blood Palace. A new variable that could disrupt North Sea operations.”
“Reliable intel?”
“Rumors are circulating.”
It wasn’t time for Blood Palace to step into the light yet. The plan was to seize North Sea first, then Blood Palace. But failing North Sea would tangle everything.
“He can handle it, right?”
“He’s loyal to the cult. Being in a remote area, rumors won’t leak easily.”
“About time he showed his worth.”
“Indeed.”
“Let him do as he pleases.”
“Yes, Heavenly Army.”
Not a bad chance to gauge his abilities. He was a key talent in the cult, his skills acknowledged.
But if he failed, that was his limit. Other options existed, so no worries.
Pine Tiger Sect bustled with crowds.
Becoming Cheongyang’s top sect brought visitors aplenty. Though compared to prestigious clans or major sects, it was different. Still, people seeking trade flocked to what was once a quiet sect. Lacking manpower, the inside buzzed with activity.
The label “Cheongyang’s First Sect” steeled the disciples’ resolve. A new vigor emerged, unlike before. Life as a minor sect’s disciple had transformed.
Pride in the sect and confidence in their arts surged. Especially their exploits against Gushan Hall had become legend among disciples.
Cheongyang’s First Sword.
Divine Sword and Demon Hero.
Even in Anhui Province beyond Cheongyang, his aliases and name echoed. Not on par with Anhui’s famed Ten Masters, though.
Just being mentioned was remarkable. Ordinary folk barely knew names beyond their county. Not that he looked down on nameless commoners. Everyone had their way of life and views.
The newcomers adapted quickly.
Guo the veteran, Yong Mugil, Hwang U-cheol, and even Hwangbo Se-ryeong had settled into vital roles, seamlessly leading the sect.
As outsiders blended in naturally, Mujin oddly felt like an outsider himself.
Everyone bustled about, but Mujin had nothing to do.
He’d occasionally spar with Namgung Yeonhwa up the mountain at her request, beating her soundly. Otherwise, free time aplenty. Even his boredom-buster Namgung Yeonhwa had returned home for family matters.
He’d warned her to move carefully—hidden forces might target her. Best way to pressure the Sword Emperor was taking Namgung Yeonhwa hostage. Knowing her value meant caution in every step.
She’d been safe with Mujin beside her, but alone? Different story. He couldn’t guard her forever, so she had to grow strong and vigilant.
Thus the message:
“If you become their hostage and hinder my goals, I’ll abandon you. The Sword Emperor might see it differently, but I won’t.”
“Even if we’re family?”
“I’d hesitate, maybe.”
“Good enough.”
It might seem callous, but necessary.
Namgung Yeonhwa took it calmly, steeling her warrior’s resolve. A good sign. A spoiled princess didn’t suit her name.
Her voice was loud at times, but strength would earn respect.
The martial world worked that way.
The strong convinced by mere existence. The weak’s pleas fell on deaf ears.
Mujin sat on the eaves, watching his son and Cheol-ho spar. Their auras fierce, resolve sharpened—a step up as warriors.
Something feels off.
That reluctant to go out together?
Venturing out meant real combat and chances for fortunes. A once-in-a-lifetime shot to absorb hidden opportunities and spirit herbs across the continent. Yet here they fought so fiercely—almost vexing.
Pa pa pat, clang!
Nearing half a shichen, no victor yet. Stubborn, power-packed fists met precise, controlled swordplay. Contrasting styles clashed in bloody exchanges. Clever feints and feigned accidents intertwined masterfully.
At their age, matching his martial prowess and battle sense was rare. Impossible without countless battles and fields of slaughter.
Taejin and Cheol-ho grew tear-jerkingly strong.
But did they want to go together?
Having crammed lifetimes of flashbacks, Cheol-ho and Taejin were proper warriors now.
Haa, haa!
Breathless, yet fists and sword hunted weaknesses relentlessly. Even exhausted, the fierce exchange continued.
Finally, victory tipped on a tiny lapse—Taejin didn’t miss it.
Swish, urk!
Cheol-ho’s fist veered, yielding the breath.
Taejin’s sword halted at his throat.
“...I lost.”
“Can’t let my guard down.”
“Next time, I won’t lose!”
“Same here, but we’ll see.”
Taejin won but showed no arrogance. Razor-thin margin. He’d once relied on inner power superiority, but now pure skill clashed. Cheol-ho, once rigid as an iron rod, now wielded subtle tricks flawlessly—tricky opponent.
If not for Battle Eyes, I’d have lost.
Battle Eyes weren’t reliable. Wouldn’t activate at will. Only triggered when pushed to limits. Uncontrollable, so no joy in victory reliant on it.
Still, a win.
Taejin savored it. He’d bought time until the next bout. No telling how Cheol-ho hyung would return, but he’d master Battle Eyes freely by then.
Fuuu!
Defeated Cheol-ho sighed deeply. But soon realized his mistake.
“Sulking like that might discomfort your sky-high master, no?”
“Master, I was just disappointed in myself.”
“Calm now?”
“I always respect and admire you, Master!”
“Doubtful, but I’ll believe you.”
“Thank you, Master!”
Cheol-ho knew one slip could define a lifetime. What if they’d never met that day? He’d pondered endlessly.
Is this my fate?
Without meeting Master at the inn, what then?
Reality was harsh. No meeting meant his sect’s arts wouldn’t reach this level.
Master was a monster, surroundings tough, but he trusted his talent. All benefits from meeting Master.
Still hate it!
The grace was real, but a damnable one. This unfair, one-sided favor—he’d repay it someday.
He might chase me to the ends of the earth!
Vanishing without repaying—what then?
Chills surged like a gale. Then he recalled his first master. Martial arts incomparable to the second, but character unmatched.
First master had humanity; second was inhuman. Luckily, Master seemed staying home awhile, idling like a bum.
Cheol-ho prayed fervently Master wouldn’t wander out.
“Face matters. Remember that.”
“I will.”
Mujin never let Cheol-ho’s face rest. Unless living facially forever, relentless effort until rebirth. In life, face trumped heart. Looks half-defined destiny—not hyperbole.
“Dad.”
“Whoa, Mijoo. Back from play?”
“Yeah, played with So. Now gonna play with Cheol-ho oppa.”
“Don’t bully the poor guy.”
“Got it.”
Cheol-ho, who’d tuned out before, bristled. He strained not to show rising ire. Father and daughter excelled at grating nerves.
Talk behind my back at least!
Exhausted, Cheol-ho got dragged off by Mijoo.