Chapter: 393
“Old… Great Swordsman?”
“Yes?”
I had to respond with a voice tinged with bewilderment at Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s words. Gu Daehyeop? Did he recognize me?
‘How?’
Even if he did notice, the title was a bit strange.
A great swordsman…? Even my senior, White Lotus Sword, wasn’t a title I could use casually.
As I quietly observed Mo Yong-bi Yeon with a somewhat strange feeling, she began to exhibit unusual symptoms herself.
“No… No? The Great Swordsman is a bit more…”
A little more?
“He was handsome…?”
“…What?”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s words, uttered almost in a daze, made me lose my cool without even realizing it.
‘Oops.’
I immediately regretted my sudden outburst of anger.
This was because, contrary to the impression I had formed while observing Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s personality from the side, I could tell that she had a rather aggressive temperament.
But, contrary to my worries, Mo Yong-bi Yeon merely looked at my face, filled with doubt.
Could she be mistaking me for someone else?
‘If you mistake me for someone else…’
After all, if there was someone who could possibly be confused with Mr. Gu, there was really only one person.
‘Is it my father?’
I asked the perplexed Mo Yong-bi Yeon.
“By any chance, do you know our master?”
“Your master?”
At my words, Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s eyes brightened. She quickly began to alternate her gaze between Gu Yeon-seo and me.
“What if….”
She asked me with noticeably surprised eyes.
“You… are a… Inflammatory…?”
What the hell.
I had to squeeze my eyes shut at Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s words.
No matter how many times I heard that damn nickname, I couldn’t get used to it. I vowed once again to find out who the real jerk was who came up with it.
Hearing it from someone else’s mouth only made my anger boil.
“It is called the Guyangcheon of Guga.”
But since I couldn’t afford to show my irritation, I simply squeezed my eyes shut and endured it.
“Oh…?”
Seeing my reaction, Mo Yong-bi Yeon suddenly approached and held my cheek.
I was startled and tried to back away, but she blocked my escape.
What’s wrong with this lady?
“You’re saying… you’re the son of the Old Daehyeop?”
“No, just a moment… Senior, your hand….”
“Now that I think about it, you do resemble him. The eyes, the eyes… the eyes.”
“Senior…?”
“Oh my, why did you hurt your eye again? This is a precious eye…”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon, seemingly unable to hear me, started to rub at my face with a crazed look in her eyes.
Gu Yeon-seo was standing there with wide eyes, likely trying to make sense of the situation. I was in the same boat.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, I swatted away Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s hand.
“Why are you doing this?”
With a slightly irritated tone, I spoke, but for some reason, Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s expression was filled with amusement.
“Your personality really is just like your father’s. That’s nice. Just like this.”
Instead of getting angry, she looked at me as if she were reminiscing, which only made me feel even more frustrated.
Wiping my cheeks, I asked Mo Yong-bi Yeon the same question again.
“Do you know our master?”
“I knew him before, but now I don’t. I wonder if he remembers me.”
Judging by her vague way of speaking, it seemed like they knew each other at some point.
I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of relationship they had that made her act like this.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon just continued to gaze at me with an ambiguous expression.
That gaze felt uncomfortably heavy. I could clearly sense that she was looking at my father through me.
While I subtly tried to avoid eye contact, Mo Yong-bi Yeon spoke.
“I’ve heard rumors, but seeing it in person… you’re definitely something else. Blood is thicker than water, huh?”
At that moment, I felt it. Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s aura sweeping over me.
Crazy, is she really checking me out this blatantly? What nonsense!
If you test someone like that, it wouldn’t be surprising if it led to a knife fight.
Yet, Mo Yong-bi Yeon was evaluating me with a nonchalant expression. I didn’t appreciate her conduct, but given she had helped save Gu Yeon-seo, I remained passive for the time being.
Is the inspection over? Surprise flitted across Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s face.
“How impressive…? I thought it was a misunderstanding. But really…”
Although she didn’t finish her thought, I could tell she was trying to mention Hwagyeong while looking at me.
‘So that’s why she spoke to me honorifically.’
Since she was an unmanned martial artist who had reached Hwagyeong, I hadn’t anticipated her to be a latecomer; hence, her behavior was fitting.
“This part isn’t just similar… it seems to have exceeded expectations.”
“…I appreciate the compliment, but this seems too close for comfort.”
It felt like a compliment, but the proximity was a bit too much.
If she could inch away a bit, no, if she could step back a lot, that would be ideal.
Upon hearing my words, Mo Yong-bi Yeon seemed to finally realize her closeness and took a few steps back.
Then she said:
“Sorry, I think I got a little carried away because I was so happy to see you.”
“…Sister?”
The way Mo Yong-bi Yeon said that casually was irritating.
Why sister? As far as I know, Mo Yong-bi Yeon…
‘Isn’t she around my father’s age?’
She might look young, but both she and Mo Yong-bi Yeon were warriors who lived during the same era as my father.
So at least….
‘It wouldn’t make sense to call her sister.’
That was an utterly inconsiderate term.
Of course, I didn’t express this out loud.
‘If I point that out, it feels like she’ll kill me.’
I could feel from the madness in her eyes that bringing this up would not end well for me.
“…”
Faced with the unexplainable aura, I sealed my lips tight. Mo Yong-bi Yeon nodded as if pleased and spoke to me and Gu Yeon-seo.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Yangcheon… and you’re Yeon-seo, right?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a shame. I didn’t bring any money with me today, so I don’t have anything for you…”
“Oh, no…! How could I dare refuse something from Senior White Lotus Sword… Huh?”
When Gu Yeon-seo urgently tried to decline, I jabbed her in the ribs to shut her up.
She looked at me in disbelief as if asking why I poked her, but I had my reasons.
‘Why are you turning down an offer? We should accept it all.’
This was an offering from my father’s connections, after all.
There wouldn’t be any repercussions for accepting something like this.
The only time I decline something is when it could cause trouble later. Seeing my actions, Mo Yong-bi Yeon burst out laughing.
“Haha! This part is different!”
As she said this, Mo Yong-bi Yeon took something out of her robe and handed it to Gu Yeon-seo.
Carefully receiving the item, I pondered.
What is this?
It looked like jade, but its purpose was a complete mystery.
“What is this?”
“It’s nothing special. Just a nice jewel that could be used for decoration.”
It’s really nothing special. Instantly, disappointment washed over me.
Upon seeing my reaction, Mo Yong-bi Yeon laughed even harder than before.
“This kid is hilarious! How can you be so easily disappointed?”
“I wasn’t disappointed. Thank you…”
“Isn’t that just how it is? It’s fun. This is probably the most fun I’ve had in a while.”
I hope you find it amusing.
Ignoring Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s reaction, I tossed the jade somewhere in my robe.
What am I supposed to do with jade? Decorative items my foot.
Unlike me, Gu Yeon-seo seemed touched—actually receiving something from the White Lotus Sword, one of the idols of female swordsmen.
Leaving Gu Yeon-seo to her own devices, I scrutinized Mo Yong-bi Yeon.
First, I considered why she was here, but after a moment of reflection, it didn’t seem particularly strange.
After all, the master of the Mo Yong family was here.
I just hadn’t expected to meet her like this.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon merely continued to watch me quietly before finally asking:
“Listen.”
“Yes?”
“If you’re really Soyeom-ra, I heard you’re getting along well with my nephew.”
“…Ah… yes.”
I felt a slight jolt of surprise at the sudden question.
Nephew of the White Lotus Sword.
She, known as the Mo Yong clan’s elder sister, would naturally have to be Mo Yong Xi’er. It appeared she was aware of my ties to Mo Yong Xi’er.
After hearing my response, Mo Yong-bi Yeon smiled gently and continued.
“Please forgive him if he seems a little cold towards you. Although he looks chilly, he’s quite warm-hearted inside.”
I nodded at Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s words.
Is it basic concern for your nephew? I nodded at her words, but suddenly the words slipped out of my mouth.
“He’s not particularly cold.”
“Hmm?”
It seemed necessary to correct what I said.
“Seol Bong isn’t exactly a cold person. Whether inside or out.”
“…”
“So I don’t need to understand.”
Although my past relationship with Seol Bong wasn’t perfect, I knew she wasn’t merely cold and harsh.
She always acted rationally, proposing only the most optimized route for the situations at hand.
She also shouldered the responsibilities that followed.
Her choices often came at the cost of someone else.
Ironically, I realized it was her choice, all to save more people than herself.
And.
‘I know she cried every night.’
I was aware that on nights devoid of witnesses, Seol Bong would cry in silence, suffocated by the sound of the wind.
I wondered if what I said affected him. Mo Yong-bi Yeon merely smiled.
“…That’s fine. It’s okay.”
Whatever we deem “okay,” Mo Yong-bi Yeon then took a small step back and spoke to me.
“I have plans today, so I think I’ll have to head out first. Too bad. Let’s meet again next time?”
It seemed she found nothing else to say, for Mo Yong-bi Yeon began to move as if she would be the first to leave.
Consider this, though. “Let’s meet again next time?”
“Yes.”
She seemed annoyed at the very least.
Even so, I provided a response contrary to my feelings. After all, speaking is something I can do.
Still, it seemed Mo Yong-bi Yeon interpreted my answer differently.
“You make such an annoyed face. Are you really having fun?”
“…You misunderstand.”
I had to flinch at her words as if they were conjured from thin air.
How on earth does she know?
I thought I was doing a solid job maintaining my expression.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon found my appearance so amusing that she broke into peals of laughter.
After laughing for a while, she wiped away tears that gathered at the corners of her eyes and said,
“It was fun. Oh, and.”
What else could she possibly want to say? I’ve only exchanged a few words, but I somehow felt drained.
It’s been ages since I’ve encountered someone like this. They embody the type of individual you don’t want to talk to for too long.
“Um….”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon seemed to hesitate, as if about to say something, but then shook her head and spoke.
“No, it’s fine.”
“I understand.”
“…Aren’t you the slightest bit curious?”
“If it’s something you don’t wish to share, wouldn’t asking be rude?”
“Wow.”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon looked at me in utter disbelief and then chuckled.
Well, to be fair, it was mainly me avoiding the question because I thought it’d be a hassle.
It felt as though Mo Yong-bi also sensed that.
“Well, anyway. Let’s meet again. Should I go, sister?”
“Yes, Senior.”
“…That part is a bit boring.”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon frowned as if displeased. I think I partially understood what she found unappealing.
Despite whatever, I really didn’t want to call someone my father’s age ‘sister.’
After making that remark, Mo Yong-bi Yeon let out a slight sigh, gathered her strength, and leaped away, vanishing into the distance in an instant.
Did she really leave?
It wasn’t until I sensed no more presence that I began to reel in my aura that I had let out.
It genuinely felt as if a typhoon had blown through.
“I feel like all my energy got zapped.”
Exhaling a deep breath I had been holding, I turned to see Gu Yeon-seo still agape.
“Let’s go now, us too.”
“Ah, yeah…”
It seemed Gu Yeon-seo had finally regained her senses at the sound of my voice.
I took a step toward the guesthouse.
“…Thank you.”
“Hmm?”
I turned around after hearing something whispered from behind.
I thought Gu Yeon-seo had said something, but I couldn’t catch it clearly.
With a questioning look on my face, I noticed she was silent, her mouth sealed tight as she walked beside me.
“What did you say?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Gu Yeon-seo avoided making eye contact, as if refusing to say any more.
What’s the matter?
Yicheon Guesthouse, one of the branches managed by Mo Yong-se.
It is one of the finest guesthouses in Hanam, run by the Mo Yong clan.
Here, while sipping tea alone, Mo Yong Xi’er was startled to see someone burst into her space.
“Hello, my dear nephew!”
“…Aunt?”
“It’s been a long time! Look how much you’ve blossomed!”
The woman who suddenly barged in and greeted her brightly was none other than Murong Xi’er’s aunt, whom she hadn’t seen in years.
“Oh, how did you get here…?”
“I heard that my nephew had some trouble? Well then, this aunt should come to the rescue!”
“…Oh?”
Mo Yong Xi’er’s aunt, Baekryeon Sword Mo Yong-bi Yeon, approached and playfully pinched her cheek.
She then exclaimed in surprise,
“Oh my! Look at that beautiful skin! This is why being young is a blessing!”
“Aunt, please.”
“When I was young, I looked just like you! As you grow older, it seems you’re taking after your aunt more than your parents. Would you prefer to be my daughter instead?”
Mo Yong Xi’er was completely flustered, unable to respond to the unending barrage of words from Mo Yong-bi Yeon.
Even when she was young, Mo Yong Xi’er had found dealing with her aunt challenging.
Within the family of the Mo Yong clan, where many shared her personality traits, Mo Yong-bi Yeon stood especially out.
As Mo Yong Xi’er faced unexpected embarrassment, Baekcheon Sword Master made his way down from upstairs just in time.
“…What on earth are you doing?”
He stared at his sister, who had suddenly appeared, clearly bewildered.
“Oh, hello, Lord.”
“…Sister.”
Waving enthusiastically, Mo Yong-bi Yeon caught him off guard. As soon as Baekcheon Sword Master laid eyes on her, his head started to pound.
“It’s been a long time?”
“What brings you here without a word?”
“Shouldn’t I visit my family? Do I need to send a message for that?”
As Mo Yong-bi Yeon spoke with a note of offense, Baekcheon Sword Master responded firmly.
“If you vanish for years without word, shouldn’t you at least check in?”
After all, she was the sister who had left one day to roam the Central Plains.
From the beginning, she was bursting with such a livewire personality. He had known she would pursue whatever path she wished.
That’s why he hadn’t stopped her. Yet, seeing her simply pop back into their lives like this, it was not what he had expected.
He rubbed his throbbing forehead as Baekcheon Sword Master turned to Mo Yong-bi Yeon.
“Finished traveling?”
“Sort of? Oh, wait! Lord.”
That title sounds as if it’s completely messed up, but Baekcheon Sword Master didn’t point it out.
He was acutely aware that it would merely add to his own headache.
“Speak.”
“Have you met that shameless fellow Penggomi? He hasn’t changed at all! Shouldn’t a kid grow up and mature? Why is he still like that?”
“…You ran into the Peng clan?”
“Just by coincidence.”
“Are you doing alright?”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon chuckled inwardly as she noticed the worry etched in Baekcheon Sword Master’s features. After all, blood is thicker than water.
“Then, it must be fine for me….”
“No, I meant to ask about Pen Gaju! Is he okay?”
“…What did you say?”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon had to mask her incredulity at Baekcheon Sword Master’s question—
Yet she noticed the shared look of disbelief mirrored in his eyes.
“Of course. We just exchanged a few heated words.”
“Thank goodness for that!”
“Unbelievable, really.”
Mo Yong-bi Yeon let out a snort and slid the chair back with a scrape! before plopping down.
“When he was little, he was adorable. Now he’s just weird.”
“You’re practically the same as you were back then, sister.”
“Really? Thanks for the compliment.”
“That was an insult.”
When will she ever grow up?
Before telling Peng Gaju to shape up, it would be good if she would do so herself. Even after years apart, she hadn’t changed one bit.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon shot an annoyed look at Baekcheon Sword Master for a moment before sipping the tea Murong Xi’er had set out for her, enjoying it.
“Oh, and my nephew.”
“Yes, aunt?”
“That boy is doing just fine.”
“Excuse me?”
When Murong Xi’er was caught off guard by her aunt’s sudden change in conversation, she repeated herself.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon grinned and added,
“That boy my nephew keeps chasing after—what’s his name? Soyeom-ra?”
“…!”
“He’s quite amusing, actually.”
“…Aunt, wait. Have you met Prince Gu?”
Suddenly, Mo Yong Xi’er’s eyes went wide at her aunt’s revelation that she had met Gu Yangcheon.
It was completely unexpected.
“Uh…how on earth did you meet him?”
“Hmm? It just kind of happened?”
After seeing Murong Xi’er’s expression, Mo Yong-bi Yeon unexpectedly began to chuckle.
‘Oh dear.’
That expression felt eerily familiar.
It felt almost like looking at a version of her younger self. When she was deeply infatuated with someone, her expression mirrored Murong Xi’er’s now.
‘What do I call this?’
And of all things, both families were eerily similar too.
If this also counts as fate, should we really label it as fate?
As she reminisced about the young man she met moments prior, Mo Yong-bi Yeon found herself drifting off into her memories.
‘He looks so much like him.’
The boy reminded her so much of the man she had loved deeply, almost as if she could give him everything.
I suppose it makes sense since he’s her son.
Sadly, the appearance didn’t match completely, but the traits were strikingly alike.
Especially, the unique glimmer in the eyes which ran in the family.
‘I can’t comment on his looks, but it seems his talent surpasses his father’s.’
Moreover, it seemed as though his talent had surpassed that of his father, who had been dubbed a once-in-a-lifetime genius.
‘…Was he in a state of Hwagyeong?’
The uncertainty stemmed from the fact that while he appeared far beyond a matured climax, calling him a Hwagyeong felt a tad off.
Yet, the aura emanating from Gu Yangcheon was of a quality not even close enough to count as a later stage power.
‘I assumed it was just inflated rumors, but no, it turns out the rumors themselves aren’t even close.’
That boy left Mo Yong-bi Yeon with a plethora of thoughts.
Her nephew, not to mention, chasing after a boy who was oddly reminiscent of the man she desperately pursued.
“I wonder if it’s better than it was back then?”
At the very least, he shouldn’t have it as rough as the man did before. Judging by his looks, he didn’t have to worry about being swept off his feet by women.
While Mo Yong-bi Yeon was contemplating,
“…That damned guy… no, are you saying you met a member of the Gu family?”
Upon hearing Mo Yong-bi Yeon, Baek Cheon-geom-ju couldn’t help but interject.
This wasn’t something you could brush aside lightly.
Seeing the look on Baek Cheon-geom-ju’s face made Mo Yong-bi Yeon burst into laughter.
“Seems like you haven’t shaken off that temper after all.”
She recalled a time when her younger brother would pick fights with her for chasing after some bloke who was simply out of reach.
The result was…
‘He ended up in quite a humiliating state.’
She remembered the young Baek Cheon-geom-ju who lay flat on the ground without even managing to brush his clothes off.
The difference in skill was drastic.
Would he really stand by if he knew that his daughter had gotten herself tangled in such a situation?
A thought flitted through her mind that perhaps he hadn’t remained entirely frozen as she was.
“Clan Master.”
“Speak.”
“Surely, you’re not here threatening to scold me again, are you?”
“…”
“Of course not. Surely, at this age, Gaju wouldn’t do that?”
Despite Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s words, Baek Cheon-geom-ju remained tight-lipped.
She noticed his silence and expressed her disappointment.
“Your antics…”
“Quit with the nonsense and just tell me why you’ve come by.”
Baek Cheon-geom-ju attempted to steer the conversation, yet Mo Yong-bi Yeon had already twisted her face in disdain.
Whether it was that rascal Peng or her own brother, she couldn’t fathom why people named Gaju were all the same irritated mess.
“As I mentioned earlier, I simply came to visit my nephew.”
“As if! I’m sure that’s not all!”
“This jerk…”
Despite her old personality emerging, Mo Yong-bi Yeon refrained from venting further, reminding herself of her niece standing nearby.
She couldn’t possibly curse their father in front of his child.
With her frustrations carefully constrained, Mo Yong-bi Yeon took a deep breath and pulled out something from her robe.
Baek Cheon-geom-ju was right; Mo Yong-bi Yeon hadn’t just stopped by for a cordial visit.
There were matters to attend to, what one might call a side affair.
“Here.”
“What’s this?”
As Baek Cheon-geom-ju accepted what Mo Yong-bi Yeon handed over, he discovered it was a letter.
At the very moment Baek Cheon-geom-ju was about to open the abruptly handed letter from his sister,
-This is a letter from the Ice Emperor.
Baek Cheon-geom-ju froze up at the declaration, awe-stricken by Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s communication.
That “Ice Emperor” she mentioned was,
The ruler of the frozen northern realm, the master of the Ice Palace.
He was Murong Xi’er’s mother and also the other half of Baekcheon Sword Master.
Got it. He stared at Mo Yong-bi Yeon, his eyes wide with shock.
-How could you possibly…
-Keep it low-key and be cautious. Our nephew is quick on the uptake; he’s just like me.
While her words were serious, Mo Yong-bi Yeon’s demeanor radiated warmth.
After downing the last of her tea, she got to her feet.
As Murong Xi’er watched with wide eyes, Mo Yong-bi Yeon prepared to depart.
“I already got my face covered, so I’m popping out. I’ll be right back.”
“What? You’re leaving right after arriving?”
“I’m just going out briefly. I’ll return quickly.”
Murong Xi’er’s expression turned a bit disappointed. Mo Yong-bi Yeon found her reaction cute and wanted to linger.
“Prior obligations have come up.”
Sadly, she held onto her decision.
Mo Yong-bi Yeon needed to leave.
The purpose of her visit was to deliver the letter, yes, but
Ultimately, it was to meet ‘that person’ which was not something Mo Yong-bi Yeon would delay.
With decisive strides, she headed toward her destination: where the people of the Gu clan gathered.
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