Chapter 119

In the heavens, a rat flies.


The so-called “Heavenly Rat” refers to a bat, a flying rat.


Thus, the nickname “Righteous Evil Heavenly Rat” implies a bat that flits between the righteous and evil factions.


A truly dishonorable title.


For a renowned top martial artist to bear such a nickname is due to not firmly supporting either side.


It also mocks the Mo Yong family’s behavior of exerting influence on both factions.


The current family head, Mo Yongbok, cares not for personal reputation, earning the nickname “bat brat” for his free-spirited, troublemaking ways.


With flawless skin and short black hair, Mo Yongbok appears, exuding arrogance and charm.


Accompanied by a cute girl(?), his flamboyant presence stirs the crowd.


“Yo~ Long time no see in Dongying’s language! Fun pronunciation, huh?”


His tall, handsome figure, adorned with golden earrings and a purple silk robe embroidered with yellow flowers, draws attention.


The martial artists at the banquet react with shock and anger.


“That lunatic! Does he know where he is!?”


“Should we kill him, Elder?”


“Hold back. He’s not someone you can handle.”


An elderly man, pale with fear, shouts, “Grandson! Hide our precious grandson! Don’t let that barbarian see him!”


Amid the chaos, I frown at the commotion.


Sososo, well-informed as a noble scion, explains with a serious face, “Be careful, Sima Gongzi. Mo Yongbok is a strange man who favors effeminate boys.”


“…What?”


“His preference is for feminine boys… You should be safe, but stay close to me.”


“Uh… okay?”


“I’ll protect you, even if I have to use my grandfather’s name.”


One of the top ten martial artists in the Central Plains is gay?


My head spins at Sososo’s explanation.


“Wait, Namgung Hyung. Are you saying…?”


I turn stiffly to see Mo Yongbok walking with a shy boy, not a girl.


Yuseol, from the Huashan Sect, mutters in disbelief at her disciple’s transformed appearance.


“Disciple… what is this…?”


“Master, I’m sorry… but I like him.”


Yuseol’s rationality snaps as she draws her sword, charging at Mo Yongbok with a fierce technique.


“Mo Yongbok!!”


Her Plum Blossom Sword Technique aims for his head, but Mo Yongbok doesn’t dodge.


He smirks cruelly, his strength undeniable.


“Martial arts respect the strong.”


Mo Yongbok’s survival isn’t due to being the Mo Yong family head but his sheer strength.


Dou Zhuan Xing Yi – Shifting the Stars.


Like the Big Dipper rotating around the North Star, the force’s direction changes.


A bizarre phenomenon occurs instantly.


Without moving a finger, the attacker falls, bleeding.


“Ugh!?”


Yuseol’s technique reverses, cutting her instead.


I stare in shock, my mind swirling with questions.


‘What just happened?’


Even seeing it, I can’t comprehend.


It’s not like Taijiquan’s redirection.


It’s a different, bizarre martial art that harms the attacker with their own technique.


“That’s… the Mo Yong family’s dirty trick!”


“Cowardly! That’s not martial arts!”


The martial artists mutter in fear and disdain, trying to belittle the feat.


But even I, a novice, understand the hidden meaning.


Calling another’s technique a “dirty trick” is a backhanded compliment, akin to saying, “Your martial arts have reached the pinnacle of deception!”


Flower Transplanting – grafting a blooming tree onto another.


A metaphor for cunning, inexplicable methods.


Yet, no matter how strong, one must protect their own.


That’s the righteous faction.


“Our side acted first, but let’s stop here.”


“An elder shouldn’t overstep. No more violence.”


“Mo Yongbok, enough. The outcome is clear.”


As the Huashan elders step in, Mo Yongbok laughs, raising his hands.


“Just a light reflection. She’ll recover soon.”


He embraces his lover, showing affection while advising Yuseol.


“Martial arts are cruel. Only the truly strong can claim what they desire.”


“If you’re angry, get stronger.”


Like bats flocking to a leader, followers gather around Mo Yongbok.


“The Mo Yong family’s techniques are unparalleled!”


“Did you enjoy your trip to Dongying?”


Strength and wealth naturally attract followers.


“Barbarian brat… why return to the Central Plains?”


Of course, haters remain.


“After centuries, still calling us barbarians? Are there any non-barbarians in the Central Plains?”


Mo Yongbok shrugs off the insults, then glances towards Sima Mantian.


“Qinghua, I’ll be back. I have something to attend to.”


“Mo Yongbok…?”


He kisses his lover’s head and walks off with a playful smile.


Wolhwa trembles like a seal spotting a killer whale.


“Big trouble! He’s definitely after Sosso… Oppa!”


Officially, Sosso is the Namgung family’s young master, a male.


With his beautiful, feminine appearance, he fits Mo Yongbok’s preferences.


The situation is simple.


I stand before he arrives.


“Mantian…!” “Oppa!” “Sima Gongzi!”


Ignoring the worried voices of Guhae, Yeonghwa, and Sosso, I make the first move.


“Junior greets the senior. Sima Mantian.”


Mo Yongbok smiles brightly, ignoring Sosso.


“Of course, I know. I came to see you. Nice to meet you, Mantian-chan.”


“…Huh?”


“In Dongying, close friends add ‘chan.’ Cute, right? We’re not close yet, but let’s aim to be.”


I stiffen at the absurd greeting.


“You can call me Mo Yongbok-chan too. I permit it.”


Looks like I’m really in trouble now.