Chapter 786 – Side Story – I’m Grateful

A spring breeze brushed through the garden, gently swaying the petals.

No one reacted.

Because Jeong Yeon-shin manipulated the energy sense of those present with his Mind Sword and dispersed it. Simultaneously, he drew in natural earth energy with his upper dantian’s brute force. A feeling like draping it over himself like clothing.

That alone made Jeong Yeon-shin invisible to those present. Because he imitated his master Wei Gun-hye’s Natural Sword with his entire body.

‘True Natural Sword is beyond my temperament, but…’

Nevertheless, the jianghu people at the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly couldn’t sense Jeong Yeon-shin. Just as he’d once belatedly perceived Wei Gun-hye’s blade.

Meanwhile, Jeong Hye was receiving praise from many with an indifferent face.

“That was an impressive strike. Was that perchance the Extreme Achievement of Brilliant River I’ve only heard about?”

“You want me to kill you?”

“Zhongnan’s Heavenly Dragon truly lives up to her reputation. They were the legitimate heirs of Ximen Family and Xuan Dao Sect… Before this year’s harvest begins, we of Hui Merchant Dai Quan Gang would like to send children under our care to Zhongnan’s lay disciples. Of course, the compensation will be generous…”

“Our sect is poor, so if you give a lot, the Sect Leader will be pleased.”

Nothing but great favor. The man standing beside Jeong Yeon-shin was the same. With his hands clasped behind his back, he bluntly muttered to Jeong Hye.

“Undeserving of Zhongnan.”

Several people flinched.

Temperament couldn’t be hidden by Disguise Art alone. Eventually he’d be called by epithets like Fierce Dragon again. Like other Dark Heaven Emperors after Dark Heaven Emperor Cho Yeol.

‘Why is he mixed in here?’

The great embarrassment was the grandson’s burden. So Jeong Yeon-shin first echoed Jeong Hye’s words.

“Zhongnan is poor…?”

The fact that Zhongnan Sect had been driven to the brink of annihilation by Tyrant Sword Sect was old news. Hadn’t the previous imperial dynasty given them great support to begin with?

But no one reacted to Jeong Yeon-shin’s words. Because his natural earth energy spread like an energy curtain. One’s energy sense had to be supremely elevated to penetrate it and hear.

Therefore, Jeong Yeon-shin turned his body to the side and raised both hands together.

“Maternal grandfather.”

The man didn’t react.

He only watched Jeong Hye conversing with the amiable young man Zhang Sun-il.

A face forcibly pulled into a smile. The man didn’t shed a single drop of sweat. As if he still didn’t perceive Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Grandfather.”

“……”

Even calling again was the same. A somewhat unfamiliar and surprising matter. Jeong Yeon-shin quietly asked against that smooth temple.

“Does maternal grandfather know? I don’t understand why Zhongnan Sect became poor. Hye-ah seems to have grown well.”

Step.

The man silently moved his feet.

Because Jeong Hye and her peers were beginning to enter the hall. While discussing favorite foods or drinks, the recent incident, and so on. The man added a word or two to their topics, but most responded evasively with awkward looks.

He hadn’t fit in well even after changing his identity. Enough that Hwangbo Geon-ryun, riding on Jeong Yeon-shin’s back, whispered gravely.

“That person’s skills at living in the world seem clumsy too. Though he must be a martial arts master.”

“Peerless masters are a crowd with nothing to learn except martial arts. I suffered from associating with them because I didn’t know this.”

Then Jeong Yeon-shin opened his mouth toward the man’s back.

“As your grandson, I showed propriety with the teachings of Li Ji’s inner rules, yet grandfather doesn’t fulfill the kinship duties that even appear in Three Character Classic children’s texts, so regarding the Four Books and Five Classics, I’m more knowledgeable…”

The words that flowed out in one breath were cut off by the man’s hollow laugh.

“Ha ha, how impudent.”

His steps stopped. Several of the youths walking ahead turned their heads.

“Smiling Heaven Killing Hero, is there a problem?”

“Go.”

“We shall.”

Those who distanced themselves without hesitation. Jeong Yeon-shin felt a yoke. Epithets generally originated from jianghu people’s perceptions. If the foundation didn’t change, the titles were much the same.

Someone in the distance murmured barely audibly.

“Annihilating Fierce Dragon…”

Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t react. Because the man had opened his mouth.

“How would I know why Zhongnan became poor? Compared to my only grandchild abandoning three years, it’s trivial.”

The steps of those entering the hall to avoid the man quickened. Jeong Yeon-shin stared blankly at his back then asked.

“Were you displeased?”

“It’s a finished matter.”

“Yes.”

“……”

“In any case, what brings you here? I thought Senior Yue never pretended to be young…”

“I’m in the midst of training martial arts to kill giants.”

“I did receive a report. But what does it have to do with what you’re doing now?”

“That bastard was tougher than expected. You created a monster.”

“Literary Star’s strength is natural.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered while recalling the Grand Administrator’s report. Literary Star who set his mind on passing the civil examination, and Ma Yeon-jeok who ultimately couldn’t break his seclusion.

A faint smile formed on his lips.

“Because he’s someone who tore down the Great Wall in his own heart. To me, he’s someone like Southern Emperor.”

The man shook his head.

“You, Yeon-shin, are the symbol of harmony. No one else can be. The upstart who became emperor through bloodless entry thanks to you, and that giant bastard who’s rotting the power he received from you by rashly predicting an age of peace… How can rest be permitted to debtors who should always be wary of the world?”

By the time those words concluded, the man had become Tyrant Hero Ma Yeon-jeok.

Pop, crack…

The lips that had been pulled to the acupoints returned, and the bridge of his nose rose sharply like a steel sword. His entire body’s muscles subtly swelled simultaneously.

‘He uses Jeong Family Dynamic Technique freely.’

Hwangbo Geon-ryun seemed to sense what Jeong Yeon-shin felt. Strength entered the child’s leaf-like hand gripping Jeong Yeon-shin’s back.

“Entrenched Power…”

It was when Jeong Yeon-shin pretended not to hear the child’s blank mutter. Ma Yeon-jeok’s gaze after turning around pierced into Hwangbo Geon-ryun.

“Are you that Hwangbo fellow’s child?”

“Y-Yes…!”

“Don’t even think of burying your bones at Desolate Fortress. Since you won’t be able to fill your father’s affection, you should only pacify the north.”

“But I have a father.”

That was when.

“Young Hero Yun? What happened to your appearance…?”

The surroundings became noisy. Because many people had seen Ma Yeon-jeok’s transformation. He seemed to have been receiving attention unknowingly.

“Escorts from each sect should come out and see!” “From his words and conduct, he seemed like an uneducated person, but it appears some wicked fellow has been pretending to be a hero!”

Some rising stars climbed onto the hall’s roof. Several began cautiously approaching as if to surround Ma Yeon-jeok. The servants carrying teacups or trays naturally scurried away.

But that encirclement wasn’t formed. Because those well-versed in all manner of rumors were together.

“Fierce God…!”

“Quiet! Please shut up! Don’t your sects have images of that person’s appearance?!”

“Then the one we’ve been eating and drinking with while building rapport…”

It was when the youth who mentioned Fierce God was blown away by his maternal grandfather’s palm wind. Jeong Yeon-shin kicked off the ground like smoke. Because he was extremely embarrassed.

Whoosh!

He left the estate grounds and reached a low hill just like that. As soon as Jeong Yeon-shin climbed to the summit, he felt through his back. Hwangbo Geon-ryun was rummaging through his Martial World Compendium.

Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly.

“Must you write it?”

“Of course.”

When the light aura of footwork that hazily colored the low mountain slopes faded…

Step.

Ma Yeon-jeok was etched on the ridge. A feeling that he’d caught up in one step. Jeong Yeon-shin asked his maternal grandfather who had his back to the sunlight.

“What did you do?”

“I struck the Autumn Pursuit Acupoints of a few fellows. As thanks for keeping an old man company.”

“No… This time I’ll ask as Fortress Lord. What’s the relationship between subduing Literary Star and what I just witnessed?”

The figure Ma Yeon-jeok mentioned was an unexpected person.

“That fellow who used to wag his tongue outside the path.”

“Do you mean Heaven Soaring Guest?”

“He dared to imitate this old man. So I tried following that bastard’s example.”

“Pardon?”

“Thanks to you, this old fellow’s body has surpassed its prime. Yet this old man’s explosive release can’t pin down a mere snake-eyed youngster and failed scholar trash.”

“That’s natural…”

“Because my spirit has declined. Though my body has become robust enough to reach the extreme of hardness, my heart has aged. My martial arts should rightfully have both mind and body robust… So I tried mixing with young sprouts.”

“…Was it effective?”

Ma Yeon-jeok shook his head. He concluded quietly. It was foolishness.

Rustle, rustle.

Jeong Yeon-shin no longer tried to sense what Hwangbo Geon-ryun was writing. He only worried about Desolate Fortress’ face and safety.

“This lesser grandson will try to resolve it.”

“What do you mean?”

“When using Harmonizing Flame Divine Method’s decisive move, don’t you have a primary intent? I mean the offensive move, not the defensive one.”

Ma Yeon-jeok nodded.

“Great fury. The mental image of tearing to kill.”

“Please recall it.”

There was no need to wait. For peerless masters, molding intent was like using chopsticks at the dinner table. Something possible reflexively.

Therefore, Jeong Yeon-shin’s strike was immediate.

Divine Secret Technique.

Fan Dragon Flower Treading Formula.

The power of the upper dantian that rose like a dragon struck down on Ma Yeon-jeok’s crown with a thud.

“……!”

All directions turned blue.

* * *

A feeling of passing through azure flames. As if he’d traveled back through long years. When he opened his eyes, it was a familiar scene.

Desolate Fortress’ characteristic desolate air, tall brick walls standing in rows, a massive gate, the inscription carved on the plaque was Desolate Horse Family…

It was Ma Yeon-jeok’s memory.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s body had become faint in presence like a ghost. Something already experienced through Dan Sung-eum. Jeong Yeon-shin paid no mind and looked down below the plaque.

Two people.

A fierce-looking youth was presenting flowers. The woman opposite tilted her head to the side while lightly accepting them.

The dust-covered black-robed youth said.

“Let’s marry.”

“Oh my, Lord Yong.”

The woman’s expression became displeased. A face as if she’d been insulted.

“Lord Yong doesn’t even like me. You want to become part of my father’s family, right?”

At that question, Yong Hui-myeong roughly deflected like someone whose intentions were caught.

“Only your old man’s bloodline and family martial arts can bear my seed. Other women die giving birth.”

“Is this person crazy?”

“Is that a refusal?”

Jeong Yeon-shin stared at the Ma Family gate slamming shut. The young Yong Hui-myeong was being ignored by the Ma Family gatekeepers. Regardless, Jeong Yeon-shin engraved his mother Ma Yeon-sang’s face in his mind.

Lips that suited a distorted shape, eye corners slightly raised like his own, a nose bridge and jawline sharp as a blade to the point of being vivid…

Then two people approached Yong Hui-myeong.

“How pitiful.”

“You might as well find a female imugi and propose.”

A man with his right arm wrapped in bandages and a distinguished-looking young nobleman. Though both wore blue martial robes, they casually put their arms around Yong Hui-myeong’s shoulders or patted his back.

Hyeong Wol and Yu Jeong-myeong.

Those who would later become Nether Stream Squad Leader and Burning Abyss Squad Leader.

Yong Hui-myeong tilted his head with a slightly bewildered face.

“What’s the problem? My strength, status, and appearance should all be flawless. My body’s years are even several years fewer than Miss Ma’s.”

“That beast-like conduct is the problem. Your speech and dress, everything. People are attracted to neat partners, you know?”

Yu Jeong-myeong pointed out with a giggle. The taciturn-looking Hyeong Wol also added a word.

“Try acting like a refined scholar.”

“That sounds interesting. Who knows? The Great Leader’s talent for absorbing any technique well might display its true value there too.”

“Already sprouted.”

The three turned into an alley where sunset light spread dimly.

Jeong Yeon-shin gazed at their backs for a long time. Even as Ma Yeon-jeok of this time spat curses beside him.

“That pitiful… just like Shin Family’s dried-up fellow. A bastard who can’t even catch ivory plans to grip the jianghu. My successor? Wake up!”

The Ma Family hall’s roof.

Ma Yeon-jeok kept looking down. Jeong Yeon-shin shook his head. Putting a jianghu person’s life on a single blade was easy, but having another’s palm rest on an extended hand was difficult. Interlocking fingers was even more so.

‘Southern Emperor too, Jeok Yu-ha too…’

It was what Jeong Yeon-shin had felt for three years.

Then.

Yu Jeong-myeong’s exclamation reached faintly from afar.

“Damn, he’s incredibly handsome.”

Someone seemed to have passed the three. There was also Ma Yeon-jeok’s mutter.

“He’s coming.” Leaving only a growling-like soliloquy, Ma Yeon-jeok entered the hall.

Rumble!

Suddenly the space shook.

It was rage toward this memory. In other words, Ma Yeon-jeok’s mental image. Jeong Yeon-shin paid no mind and flew down to that alley.

Rustle.

“Oh my…!”

A dazzling handsome youth flinched when blocked by Jeong Yeon-shin. An appearance with gaudy silk clothes draped like a nouveau riche.

He didn’t look greatly startled. Had he viewed Desolate Fortress as another world to begin with? Jeong Yeon-shin raised both hands together.

“I’m called Yeon-shin of the Ma Family. The elders sent me to greet you.”

The handsome youth exclaimed.

“Though we agreed I’d bring my wife-to-be, a greeting…? And why that outfit? Purple rank because there’s a great event ahead?”

“Something like that.”

“I see. Your appearance is also extraordinary… The family members must truly cherish you. Ah, excuse me.”

After examining Jeong Yeon-shin closely, the man returned a cupped fist salute.

“I’m Jeong Dae-myeong of Xinye. Friends also mock me as half a Pan Yue. Since I have no particular talent.”

“It’s a fitting epithet.”

“You think so? Thank you.”

Young Jeong Pan-yue smiled amiably.

That smile was also engraved in Jeong Yeon-shin’s head. The two began walking together, and Jeong Pan-yue’s words continued.

“Actually, I was prepared to be salted.”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly.

“Just salt?”

“Of course, I also left a will with my wet nurse. This year is a rare crop failure, so release the family’s granary to the village and leave…”

“Must you connect with my sister that much?”

Jeong Pan-yue didn’t answer. He just smiled broadly.

Somewhat leisurely but steadily continuing steps.

Jeong Yeon-shin walked five or six steps together then asked again.

“Do you originally spend generously on people’s hearts?”

“I’m from a major landowning family. If village sentiment is turbulent, that disaster reaches descendants. That I grew up safely is also because the villagers viewed me favorably. I should naturally repay them.”

“I see.”

“You understand? Unusually for a jianghu person.”

Jeong Pan-yue seemed quite pleased with Jeong Yeon-shin. The reason was unknown. He just acted like an elder brother before a hundred steps.

“About that hair, if you plan to establish a household, listen well.”

“Pardon?”

“Jianghu people’s hair is often cut, right? Grow it only to the shoulder blades. No more than that.”

“Why is that?”

“For faces like Confucius and me, that’s right. Too flowing and you look like a ghost.”

“I didn’t know.”

“Is there a woman in your heart?”

“There’s someone I must keep by my side for life and guide so she doesn’t go astray. Otherwise I’d have to kill her… but I don’t want to do that.”

“Brutal. As expected of jianghu people.”

“I’m a hero.”

“How could you not be. But what’s the problem?”

“I let three years flow by. Now she looks at the sky often instead of me.”

“Crazy bastard.”

“Pardon?”

“That was an exclamation. So what’s your true heart? What do you want to do?”

“Well, how to establish a household…”

It was when Jeong Yeon-shin trailed off. Suddenly Jeong Pan-yue’s steps stopped. They were already under the Ma Family plaque.

Jeong Pan-yue who looked up at it said.

“Try writing a will.”

Jeong Pan-yue’s face as he lowered his head again bore an easygoing smile. A smile absent from Jeong Yeon-shin’s memory.

Jeong Pan-yue concluded.

“There’s nothing you can’t do.”

“…That’s something I’m good at.”

At those words, Jeong Pan-yue shook his head back and forth saying ‘as expected of jianghu people.’ Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips rose like a mirror, and the two found each other’s laughter amusing.

“Then I’ll be going. I’m grateful.”

Jeong Pan-ak walking through the now wide-open gate. Pure white sunlight was pouring. Other things were hazy. Only Ma Yeon-sang over his shoulder was vivid.

She smiled brightly.

Jeong Yeon-shin bowed. Simultaneously, the real Ma Yeon-jeok’s intent echoed.

“I lost one move.”