Chapter 111
Chapter 111
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 111
Chapter Title: Chwiwol's Hospitality
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Chwiwol was a highly important figure in the Paeng Family. There was no way the Paeng Family would skimp on spending. They weren't the sort to be stingy toward someone remarkable enough to install formations across the entire household.
"I dislike anything flashy, so it's rather modest. I hope you'll understand."
Chwiwol seemed to read the group's thoughts. Even without anyone speaking, he pinpointed their feelings from the atmosphere alone and spoke up.
"When such fine people gather like this, it feels empty without some drinks, doesn't it?"
With those words, Chwiwol deftly maneuvered his wheelchair and set out alcohol and cups on the table.
Typically, one would serve tea to guests. Yet Chwiwol, true to his nickname, served liquor instead. The group couldn't help nodding at the peculiar harmony of it all.
"He's a likable fellow."
At the Sword King's words, Chwiwol lightly bowed his head.
"I'm honored that the Sword King sees me that way."
Soon, the table was filled with drinks and side dishes. Chwiwol handled everything himself. His movements were so skilled and swift that no one would guess he had any physical limitations.
"This in itself is impressive."
Even the Sword Demon let out an exclamation at Chwiwol's display. In any case, Chwiwol had won the group's favor this way.
Only after everyone had settled around the table did Chwiwol wheel himself to his seat.
He then gazed softly at the group. Though his eyes were gentle, a sharpness lurked within.
Someone of the Sword King or Sword Demon's caliber wouldn't miss that edge. They marveled once more at this man named Chwiwol.
Chwiwol's gaze lingered on Dan Hyeong-u. His eyes widened slightly. He simply couldn't comprehend it.
The very person the assembly had emphasized so much was right before him, yet he couldn't discern anything special. He didn't look at all like someone who had single-handedly massacred the Demon Shadow Corps and Sword Shadow Corps.
Fearing the others might notice, Chwiwol quickly turned his head and scanned the rest of the group.
"Well, since we've met like this by fate, how about we celebrate with a round of drinks?"
Chwiwol hurriedly raised his cup and spoke. Most of the group followed suit without much thought.
After a few rounds, a few faces began to flush. The liquor was quite strong, and the buzz hit quickly.
That was when the real conversation began. Chwiwol's knowledge was astonishingly vast.
He discussed martial arts with the Sword King, formations with Jegalrin. He expounded on poisons and hidden weapons with Tang Ho-gwan and Tang Mun-yeong, and shared thoughts on the world at large.
The entire group was deeply impressed by Chwiwol.
After leading the discussion for a while, Chwiwol suddenly turned to Dan Hyeong-u and asked,
"Why haven't you said a word, Dan Swordmaster?"
Up to that point, Dan Hyeong-u was the only one who hadn't spoken. Even Yeom Hye-mi had chatted quite a bit, but Dan Hyeong-u had kept his mouth firmly shut, simply listening to everyone.
"I prefer listening."
Dan Hyeong-u replied and fell silent again. Chwiwol was momentarily flustered but soon wore a gentle smile.
But inwardly, it was far from that. With no words to latch onto, he couldn't probe at all. He'd mostly gauged the others already.
People reveal gaps in conversation, even unwittingly, no matter how armored their words. A slight probe into those gaps reveals much about them. Of course, it required conversational skill, and Chwiwol excelled at it.
But not with Dan Hyeong-u. Without any words, there was no opening to exploit.
Putting aside his fluster, Chwiwol resumed chatting with the group. Of course, with his mind fixed on Dan Hyeong-u, the talk lacked substance. But the others couldn't tell. It took someone of Chwiwol's caliber to notice.
In any case, time passed that way.
Chwiwol was also greatly intrigued by Jegalrin, aside from Dan Hyeong-u. Her knowledge of formations seemed to surpass even his own. That was his judgment. It was truly remarkable.
Chwiwol had received formation training from the Blood Demon since childhood. Though not quite at the Heavenly Qi Master's level, the Blood Demon had reached heights unmatched by any living formation master.
With his genius talent and such a mentor, it was natural for Chwiwol's abilities to become unfathomably profound. He'd surpassed his master, the Blood Demon, quite some time ago.
Yet here was a girl outshining even him. No matter that she was from the Jegal family, this bordered on impossible.
"My, the day has grown late before I knew it. I hope I haven't taken too much of your time."
Only then did the group realize how late it was. Their conversation with Chwiwol had been so enjoyable that time had flown by.
"Haha, you've truly broadened my narrow perspective today."
The Sword King summed up the evening that way. The others nodded in agreement. They were all deeply impressed by Chwiwol. His disability may have amplified that feeling.
"Because of my condition, I can't venture far. Please forgive me."
Everyone waved it off at Chwiwol's words.
"No need for apologies. We'll take our leave then. Rest well."
Jo Seol-yeon spoke on behalf of the group and quietly withdrew. The others, now realizing how tired Chwiwol must be, hurriedly left the hall.
Chwiwol called softly to Jegalrin, who was leaving last.
"I'd love to have a deeper discussion with you later, Lady Jegal."
Jegalrin was briefly startled but soon smiled brightly. She too wanted to talk more deeply with him.
Conversing with Chwiwol felt like it would add a different depth to her Heavenly Island research. That held great significance for a formation master.
"I'll come early tomorrow."
Jegalrin replied and stepped out. Chwiwol watched her back with a faint smile. He shared her thoughts.
Jegalrin and Chwiwol viewed formations from entirely different angles. Likewise, Chwiwol could gain new depths from her.
Walking with the group, Dan Hyeong-u sank into deep contemplation. He too had gained much today. Topics he'd never considered emerged in conversation, and he'd simply listened to them all.
Now he began mulling them over slowly. And he nodded.
He'd gained some insight into the world's recent workings, and today's events solidified them further.
Dan Hyeong-u knew far less than the others. He might be the strongest in raw power, but not in knowledge. Yet that lack of knowledge sometimes proved an advantage.
Dan Hyeong-u had no preconceptions. He could accept facts as they were, naturally prepared for it.
"Interesting."
Still lost in thought, Dan Hyeong-u murmured and smiled. It was such a broad, bright smile that it startled the group around him.
Through today's talk, Dan Hyeong-u had gained the most.
The next morning—no, near dawn—Jegalrin left her quarters. She headed straight for Chwiwol's residence without hesitation.
She'd studied the Heavenly Island last night too. And gained far more than usual.
Yeom Hye-mi's diligent training had revealed more lines, which helped, but the real boon came from her talk with Chwiwol.
It felt like smashing through a blocking wall. The excitement kept her from sleeping properly. That's why she'd risen at dawn and hurried over, unable to compose herself.
Chwiwol's place retained its refined charm even at dawn. The care put into it was evident.
Only upon arriving did Jegalrin think he might still be asleep.
As she hesitated and turned to leave dejectedly, the hall's doors swung wide open.
"I didn't expect you'd come quite this early."
Jegalrin looked at Chwiwol in surprise. He seemed to have risen much earlier, properly dressed and seated in his wheeled chair.
"Ah... I came too early, didn't I?"
"Not at all. I had trouble sleeping last night too. Thanks to you, Lady Jegal, I feel like I've gained a fresh perspective on formations."
Jegalrin felt as if Chwiwol had voiced her exact thoughts. Hadn't she felt the same?
"The dawn dew is still chilly. Please, come inside."
Jegalrin smiled brightly at his words and stepped forward. Her smile now was more beautiful than any other's.
Chwiwol and Jegalrin debated passionately. And once again, they marveled at each other. Though just one night had passed, it was as if they'd shattered a wall—their levels had risen.
Higher levels bring sharper eyes. They better appreciated each other's brilliance.
"To reach such heights at your age, Lady Jegal—it's truly astonishing!"
Jegalrin bashfully shook her head at Chwiwol's sincere admiration.
"You're the impressive one, Lord Chwiwol. How do you possess such vast knowledge...?"
As they praised each other, someone knocked.
Bang! Bang!
"Lord Chwiwol! Is something wrong? Why no answer?"
Chwiwol and Jegalrin jumped. It was Paeng Mi-ryeong's voice.
"Oh dear, we were so absorbed in talk that I missed Lady Paeng calling."
Jegalrin hurriedly stood at his words.
"I'll get the door."
Before Chwiwol could respond, she rushed over and opened it, coming face-to-face with Paeng Mi-ryeong.
Paeng Mi-ryeong's eyes widened. It was still early. People didn't usually visit at such hours. Yet the atmosphere suggested they'd been together for quite a while.
Flames sparked in Paeng Mi-ryeong's eyes.
Jegalrin knew Paeng Mi-ryeong well enough. They'd met several times at the Martial Alliance. Though Jegalrin spent more time at the Jegal family than the Alliance, so they weren't close.
"What are you doing here?"
Thorns laced Paeng Mi-ryeong's voice. She couldn't control her emotions.
Jegalrin, by contrast, was utterly composed. She had nothing to feel guilty about, after all.
"Having a talk with Lord Chwiwol. Is there a problem with that?"
Jegalrin could sense Paeng Mi-ryeong's unusual mood. But with her strong pride—known as the White Phoenix and revered her whole life—she wouldn't yield easily.
Paeng Mi-ryeong's hands trembled. Her response sounded lame. Of course there was a problem. Flirting with the man she fancied—what else could it be? But she couldn't say that.
"Move."
Paeng Mi-ryeong shoved past Jegalrin and entered. Jegalrin had no intention of blocking her and stepped aside.
Paeng Mi-ryeong strode toward Chwiwol.
"Lady Paeng has arrived."
"I just... wanted to see you."
Paeng Mi-ryeong blurted it out unthinkingly. Seeing Jegalrin had stirred urgency within her. Normally, she never would have said it like that.
But Chwiwol showed no consideration. No, he couldn't right now. His mind was entirely on formations.
"Lady Paeng, forgive me, but if it's not urgent, could you come back later? I have business with Lady Jegal today."
Paeng Mi-ryeong felt as if hammered on the back of her head.
"L-Lord Chwiwol..."
"I'm sorry. Time is short, so please understand, Lady Paeng."
His words were polite but a clear dismissal. Paeng Mi-ryeong bit her lip, glaring at him, then turned and headed for the door.
She shot Jegalrin a venomous look before deploying lightness skill and speeding away from the hall.
Jegalrin watched her go and sighed softly.
"Haah. It won't do us any good if she misunderstands."
Chwiwol smiled faintly.
"It doesn't matter at all. Shall we continue?"
Jegalrin sat back down with a helpless expression at his attitude. She knew full well their time was limited.
They couldn't stay at the Paeng Family forever. They were on a journey with purpose. And Jegalrin had no intention of missing out.