Chapter 86
“My apologies, Master. My youngest brother was rude. He’s still young and doesn’t know better, so I ask for your forgiveness.”
Namgung Gyeong bowed again, pressing Namgung Woon’s head down with him.
At first glance, he appeared to be a responsible older brother correcting his sibling’s mistake.
“What’s the point of apologizing after scratching up our insides like that?”
To Eun Sowol, Namgung Gyeong—who had remained silent until now—seemed more pretentious than Namgung Woon.
Namgung Gyeong raised his head slightly and looked down at her.
“Hm… Do you think an apology alone isn’t enough?”
“An apology’s the least he could do. Before he even opened his mouth, you should’ve shut him up. Deep down, you probably agreed with what he said, right?”
If someone from another sect had dared to scold or discipline such a young member, it could’ve turned into a political mess.
‘That’s why I stepped up!’
When it comes to kids, only another kid is the right match.
Behind the triumphant Eun Sowol, Yang Huicheon and Hyeonje twitched the corners of their mouths to suppress laughter.
Namgung Woon, whose shoulders had slumped after being scolded by his brother, stared at Eun Sowol in silence as she firmly argued back.
A strange glint flickered in his eyes.
“That’s not true. But if it seemed that way, then I must reflect on it. By the way… are you a disciple of Hae-nam?”
Her small shoulders twitched.
If she said she wasn’t a disciple of Hae-nam here, she’d lose all justification for interfering.
Just as she was fretting over what to say, she spotted Yang Huicheon grinning nearby.
“I’m not from Hae-nam, but I’m a disciple of the Fire King!”
Though she hadn’t officially declared herself a disciple yet!
At her bombshell declaration, Yang Huicheon’s eyes sparkled with delight, while Dokgo Ryong, who stood among Hae-nam’s disciples, shot a sharp glare.
Meanwhile, Namgung Gyeong’s lips stiffened.
Only then did he notice Yang Huicheon smirking and gave a respectful martial greeting.
“I greet a great senior of the martial world.”
“It’s fine. How’s Mu-won doing?”
He was referring to the current head of the Namgung family.
There weren’t even five people in the world who could call the Namgung patriarch by name like a neighborhood kid.
“…My father is in good health. Congratulations on accepting a new disciple. The legacy of Hwayangmun will finally continue.”
“What would I do with your congratulations? So, you said you’re here by the order of the Alliance Leader? Who is it this time?”
“It’s Namgung Muhyeok, the Azure Sky Sword King.”
Hyeonje whispered beside him.
“What? Mu-won’s younger brother? Wait, when did the Namgung family take over the Murim Alliance too? My goodness, y’all have been expanding while I wasn’t looking.”
The Namgung family was already one of the strongest powers in Murim. Taking over the Alliance tipped the balance of power dangerously.
“Go tell Muhyeok: don’t make enemies out of greed. And teach your little brother some manners from the start. Confidence is good, but he should size up his opponent first. One day, that mouth will bring disaster.”
Namgung Woon, who had been bowing low, turned red in the ears. As Yang Huicheon picked up Eun Sowol to take her inside, Namgung Gyeong spoke quickly.
“M-My apologies, but we can’t leave just yet. We have our own circumstances to—hup!”
Suddenly, everyone in the Changryong Unit—including Namgung Gyeong and Namgung Woon—felt an overwhelming pressure.
They couldn’t breathe. Their backs bent involuntarily. Their legs buckled.
When Namgung Gyeong managed to raise his head, he met the blazing eyes of Yang Huicheon, glowing like magma before a volcanic eruption.
“…And why should this old man care about your circumstances?”
“I-It’s not like that… Please, just hear us out…”
Without lifting a finger, the Fire King suppressed them with terrifying power.
Even among the Ten Kings, he was considered the strongest.
There was no way they could withstand such immense inner strength.
Namgung Woon even fell to both knees, barely holding himself up with both hands.
Just as Eun Sowol was about to stop Yang Huicheon, sensing things were going too far—
“That’s enough, Brother Yang.”
Hyeonje stepped forward. Yang Huicheon looked at him sharply, then finally withdrew his energy.
Only then could the Changryong members lift their heads and gasp for breath.
Namgung Woon’s pale face turned a shade of blue, drenched in cold sweat.
“To be honest, after what happened yesterday, I wasn’t too thrilled to see you all. And the way you acted as if our help was a given was unpleasant.”
This time, Namgung Gyeong remained silent.
“But… it seems you’re desperate. Come in. I can spare time for tea, at least.”
“…Thank you for your generosity, Master.”
As Hyeonje turned around, Hae-nam’s disciples instantly parted like a wave.
Namgung Gyeong and his group followed him.
“Tsk tsk. Letting them in? I should’ve just kicked them out,” Yang Huicheon muttered.
A trailing Changryong member flinched at his words and hurried to catch up.
‘He probably accepted them because Grandpa scared them so bad.’
They must’ve looked so pitiful, crushed by the Fire King’s aura.
“Sowol, you did great. Your words were so refreshing! Who did you take after to be so smart?”
Yang Huicheon’s demeanor changed instantly as he lifted Eun Sowol high into the air.
“Because they were being rude to Grandpa Master! He gave us good food, warm baths, and comfy beds!”
Eun Sowol’s eyes sparkled innocently.
Baekwoon chirped happily above her head.
“That’s right! Sowol repays kindness with loyalty, huh?”
“Of course! If someone does good to you, you should repay them!”
“Who taught you that?”
“My mom!”
“Didn’t your mom also tell you not to meddle in things you shouldn’t?”
A chilling voice came from behind.
Eun Sowol’s back stiffened instantly.
“Heh… hehehe…”
She tried to smile awkwardly, but Dokgo Ryong’s cold stare was sharper than ever.
“Come here.”
Eun Sowol pouted as she climbed down from Yang Huicheon’s arms and stood in front of Dokgo Ryong.
Flick!
His sudden flick to her forehead made her eyes go wide.
“Ow… Uncle, that hurts…!”
“That was the point. How many times have I told you? Don’t approach strangers and don’t meddle in unnecessary things. And yet, you broke both rules today, didn’t you?”
“But… but….”
If I hadn’t stepped in, things could’ve gone really badly.
“No buts. You’re really getting scolded today.”
“Ahh! I’m sorry! I won’t do it again!”
Dokgo Ryong hoisted Eun Sowol over his shoulder and carried her off.
“Bad uncle! Grandpa! Help meee!”
Eun Sowol screamed, flailing her legs.
She stretched her arms desperately toward Dang Jinak and Yang Huicheon, but they disappeared without a word.
Dang Jinak glanced at Yang Huicheon.
“I thought you’d stop him, Elder.”
“Well… He’s her guardian for now, isn’t he? When raising a child, the guardian’s discipline comes first. Besides, he’s not wrong.”
He had praised her earlier, but only because she had strong support behind her.
It was extremely dangerous for a child to interfere in such matters.
‘Even if I don’t like him, he does fulfill his role as a guardian.’
Yang Huicheon looked up at the sky and smiled faintly.
“They need some time alone. Let’s take our time getting back.”
“Yes, Elder.”
The two walked slowly and peacefully.
Break
“Sowol, did you get scolded badly?”
About half a sikgyeong (roughly 7 minutes) later.
Yang Huicheon arrived at the residence and approached Eun Sowol, who sat sulking at the edge of the wooden floor.
Her pouty face made her chubby cheeks droop even more, forming a walnut-sized bump under her lips.
Her usually bright eyes were now dimmed with sorrow and injustice.
As she shot a glance at Yang Huicheon, she sharply turned her head away.
Baekwoon, oblivious to her mood, twitched his whiskers and stared at the tray they had brought.
“We brought glutinous rice cakes. Want one to feel better?”
Eun Sowol didn’t budge.
She was more upset than they expected.
“Sowol, your uncle only scolded you because he cares.”
This time, Dang Jinak approached her directly.
Her tiny eyebrows furrowed with frustration, and she turned her head again.
“…I saw everything.”
“Saw what?”
“I saw Uncle and Grandpa throw me away.”
At her sulky pout, the two men barely held back their laughter.
