Chapter 15

“So-Bong, you think I’m easy because I’ve been quiet lately? Want me to make some noise?”

“No, no! How could I ever underestimate you, sir?!”

So-Bong felt like crying. This was worse than a bolt from the blue. If he had done something to upset Jiegal Yang, he could understand, but he hadn’t done anything! This was just unfair.

“Then why are you messing with me while I’m playing Go?”

What kind of lunatic would dare disturb this crazy old man while he’s playing Go?! If he makes it out of here alive, he won’t let this slide.

“…Who, who dared to upset you, sir? Tell me, and I’ll make sure they—”

“Forget it. Just don’t mess with Mantian and Guhae from now on.”

…Mantian? He’s heard of him. Bi-Young mentioned him as his younger brother’s friend. He has no interest in him and hasn’t bothered him. But who’s Guhae?

“Sir… who is Guhae?”

“She’s an annoying girl. Whenever Mantian and I are enjoying a game of Go, she shows up out of nowhere and ruins it.”

“???”

Seeing the confusion on So-Bong’s face, Jiegal Yang clicked his tongue and added, “Tch. You fool. I’m talking about your niece, the daughter of your late sister So-Wol.”

Ah, the strange child born to his deceased sister. Her blue eyes weren’t that unusual—they were common in the outer martial world. But the sharp teeth hidden in her small mouth were definitely not human.

The last time he saw her, she just stared at him with those endless blue eyes, neither crying nor smiling. She was a creepy child.

He didn’t want anything to do with her, so he ordered the servants to give her some food and cut off all contact. Just like Mantian, he had no interest in her and never bothered her.

“Sir, I don’t know what happened, but… I really don’t know anything about this.”

*BANG!*

Jiegal Yang stomped on the floor right next to So-Bong’s head. The high-quality wooden floor cracked and splintered, dust covering So-Bong’s face.

“Is it something to be proud of that the acting family head doesn’t even know what his own family is up to?”

“No, no! I’m sorry!”

So-Bong wasn’t a fool. He realized what Jiegal Yang was getting at.

Jiegal Yang was too lazy to deal with this himself, so he was using force to make So-Bong handle it.

“I saw her recently. She’s starting to look more and more like So-Wol.”

“Huh? Are you talking about Guhae?”

“Those lowlifes are predictable. They’re probably afraid the family head will change his mind and split the inheritance. Pathetic.”

If he said the wrong thing here, he might end up being lumped in with those “pathetic” people, so So-Bong quietly swallowed the dust and stayed silent.

“Fine. I’m leaving now. You get up too.”

He had said enough. So-Bong would handle the rest. Ending it here was for the best. Maybe I’ve mellowed with age. I’ve become much kinder.

…Finally, he’s leaving. I thought I was going to die.

What a damn old man. Other family elders mellow out and become kinder at his age, but how does this old man stay so consistently crazy? No wonder they call him the “Jiegal Mad Dragon.”

As he watched Jiegal Yang walk toward the gate, a cool breeze blowing through, So-Bong cursed him in his mind. Suddenly, Jiegal Yang stopped.

‘What, what is it? Did he learn mind-reading or something? Am I… going to die?’

So-Bong, halfway standing, froze in an awkward position, swallowing his saliva as all sorts of wild thoughts raced through his mind.

“I forgot to mention this. Mantian is my Go partner. Treat him as if he’s of the same rank as me.”

“Ah… yes… I’ll keep that in mind.”

This Go-obsessed old man. What a pain. I hope he ascends to immortality soon.

So-Bong cursed him again in his mind, but regardless, Jiegal Yang strode off to play more Go.

Once Jiegal Yang was completely out of sight, So-Bong brushed off the dust and stood up, clenching his teeth as he addressed the approaching servants.

“Gather everyone, direct and collateral branches alike, under me.”

So-Bong was currently the acting family head. In other words, everyone except the family head himself was to assemble. This was a full-on rage-induced summoning.

***

“Old man, your tea’s already cold.”

“Shut up. I prefer cold tea over hot tea.”

Originally, it was snack time, and he was about to head back to his room, but he felt bad for the old man who had gone out of his way to help him, so he decided to play one more game of Go before leaving.

*Tap.*

“I’ve noticed something. You’re quite skilled at hiding your energy. You must have a good master. Who is it?”

“Huh? What… what are you talking about?”

As I tried to dodge the question, Jiegal Yang grabbed my wrist and checked my pulse.

“You’ve learned Taoist internal energy techniques. Are you a disciple of Wudang? No, it’s more primal Taoist energy.”

Jiegal Yang picked up a Go stone, infused it with energy, and flicked it at me. The stone, now a projectile, flew straight toward my forehead.

If it hit, I’d at least get a concussion. Since there was no more need to hide, I used the Empty Clarity Fist to deflect the stone and redirect it elsewhere.

*Thud!*

The stone embedded itself into a pillar. If it had hit me, I might have died.

“Seventy-two Forms of the Empty Clarity Fist. So you’re a disciple of the Jeonjin Sect. No wonder you couldn’t reveal your master.”

I was about to explode with anger, but if I played my cards right, this could work in my favor, so I kept my mouth shut.

“The Taoist sects fell apart due to internal conflicts over wealth. You’re too embarrassed to admit you’re from the Jeonjin Sect.”

…Good. Let him think that.

Neither my master nor I are from the Jeonjin Sect. I just learned their techniques because they were useful. But if I said I wasn’t from the Jeonjin Sect, I’d be interrogated about who taught me. It’s better to let him think I’m from the Jeonjin Sect.

“Since your master’s identity is exposed, and your sect is already gone, there’s no need to worry. You, become my disciple.”

“…Me? You mean me?”

“Yes, you.”

Becoming a disciple means learning everything from the master. In other words, he’s offering to teach me the Jiegal Family’s secret martial arts. Is that it?

This was an incredibly bold offer, and I was about to nod and seal the deal when the distrustful part of me, represented by Mantian, whispered in my ear.

‘Get a grip! Something this good doesn’t just happen! He must have some ulterior motive!’

Then, the good part of me, also represented by Mantian, chimed in.

‘Right! That old man is trash! A complete sociopath!’

Thanks, friends. I almost lost my judgment in the face of such a tempting offer. No matter what, I need to be careful before making any commitments.

“Old man, does that mean you’re taking me as your disciple and will teach me the Jiegal Family’s secret martial arts? Right?”

I was hoping he’d say, “Yes! That’s exactly what I mean!” but instead, Jiegal Yang raised an eyebrow and pointed at my right leg.

“What martial arts can a cripple like you learn? I don’t know what nonsense your master filled your head with, but forget it all.”

The harsh words made me grimace, but Jiegal Yang ignored me and continued.

“You’re better suited for Go than martial arts. Let’s aim to become the greatest Go players in the world.”

“…Old man, are you out of your mind?”

“Of course not. I’m perfectly sane. Your Go skills have a certain charm and fun to them. Your technique is a bit lacking, but you can learn that from me.”

Jiegal Yang’s eyes gleamed with a strange, greedy light, like Cao Cao coveting Guan Yu. This was definitely not normal.

…Well, no one who’s crazy admits they’re crazy.

I don’t hate Go, but it’s just a hobby. I might consider making a living playing Yut, but definitely not Go. I need to find a way out of this situation.

If I agree here, I’ll be stuck playing Go with these old men for the rest of my life.

“Mantian~ Let’s have snacks~! Let’s play~!”

Just in time, Guhae came to fetch me. Nice assist. All that feeding and teaching paid off.

“Actually, I promised to teach Guhae how to fold paper today, so I should get going. Today was fun, let’s play Go again sometime.”

“What?! Are you saying that playing with a snot-nosed brat is more important than our game?!”

“Yes.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I nodded. Jiegal Yang froze in shock, and with no need to hide anymore, I grabbed Guhae’s hand and used my lightness skill to escape.

***

Time passed, and the festival day arrived. It wasn’t a grand festival, just a celebration marking the transition from winter and spring to full summer.

Simply put, it was a day to eat, drink, and motivate ourselves for the future. But for Guhae, who was experiencing her first festival, today was the most dazzling festival in the world.

Guhae fidgeted nervously with her unfamiliar silk clothes and hair ornaments.

“…Do I look weird?”

“Not at all. I think you’re the cutest in the world.”

“…Don’t tease me.”

It wasn’t a lie. Seeing the wild child act like a proper young lady was adorable. Every little action was cute.