Living Dangerously with a 999-Year-Old Gumiho – Chapter 124

As the traditional Korean house grew closer, Tori picked up the pace.

His little legs moved even faster, and it felt like he was almost flying toward home.

Yoonhwa increased her speed slightly to catch up with Tori.

Tori’s small legs were moving quickly, but his breath was getting rougher.

His passion and excitement drove him forward, but his tiny body clearly had its limits.

“Pant, pant… I’m almost there!” Tori breathed out heavily.

There were clear signs of effort on his little body, and fatigue was evident on his small face.

Meanwhile, Yoonhwa followed behind him, moving lightly and quickly through the forest.

Her movements looked effortless, and her lovely tail still swayed gracefully in sync with her motion.

She understood Tori’s enthusiasm but was also concerned about his stamina.

At that moment, unknowingly, a figure appeared behind them.

Grandfather, their guardian deity, had quietly caught up and was standing behind them.

He looked at the two with a knowing gaze, stroking his beard with one hand and smiling.

“Did you wash up well, kids?” Grandfather asked in a warm and friendly voice.

The moment Tori saw Grandfather, pure joy spread across his face.

He rushed toward Grandfather, almost like he was meeting a long-lost friend, hopping with excitement.

“Guardian! I’m back!”

His voice was filled with enthusiasm, and his little body seemed full of energy.

Grandfather lightly patted Tori’s head in response to his joy.

On the other hand, Yoonhwa was startled by Grandfather’s sudden appearance.

Her eyes widened, and she asked in a flustered voice, “Grandfather, when did you come behind us??”

Her tone was mixed with genuine surprise.

Grandfather burst into a gentle laugh at Yoonhwa’s astonished reaction and Tori’s enthusiastic welcome.

“Your reactions are a bit slow, aren’t they?”

“How about having a little competition with me tomorrow, what do you say?”

Yoonhwa looked slightly taken aback by Grandfather’s suggestion.

She took his words seriously and cautiously replied, “Grandfather, I… I’m not great at controlling my strength…”

“I’m worried I might hurt you while competing…”

Tori felt a little frustrated with Yoonhwa’s hesitation and concern.

He lightly nudged her foot with a slightly annoyed gesture and shouted at her, “Our guardian will definitely win, you know?!”

“You wouldn’t stand a chance against someone like her!”

Grandfather laughed heartily at Tori’s reaction and Yoonhwa’s worries.

His laughter was warm and soft, lightening the mood of the moment.

“Haha, don’t worry about it, fox.”

“I may not be as young as I used to be, but I’m still reasonably strong.”

Caught up in Grandfather’s and Tori’s laughter, Yoonhwa felt a smile breaking out on her face without her realizing it.

“Got it, Grandfather.”

“Then I’ll really do my best tomorrow!”

Yoonhwa said playfully, with a challenging glint in her eyes.

Grandfather smiled satisfactorily at Yoonhwa’s newfound attitude.

“Alright, alright. Just do your best.”

Then, Grandfather looked at Yoonhwa and Tori and continued in a more serious tone.

“From tomorrow, the training will get tougher, so make sure to rest well today.”

“I’ve spread out blankets in your room, so sleep comfortably.”

His voice carried affection and concern, reflecting the deep love he had for the two children.

Yoonhwa nodded at Grandfather’s words, expressing her gratitude.

“Thank you! Have a good night.”

She politely bid farewell to Grandfather and headed to her room.

Tori also bowed deeply to Grandfather as he exited.

“Thank you, Guardian!”

“See you tomorrow!!”

His voice was still filled with excitement, but it also seemed to take Grandfather’s advice to heart.

He then dashed into his room, disappearing through a little hole he used as a squirrel.

Grandfather stood quietly under the moonlight after the two returned to their respective rooms.

His gaze was fixed on the bright moon in the sky, and peace filled his heart.

Soon, Grandfather slowly made his way to the garden.

His steps were slow and steady, akin to the anticipation of meeting an old friend.

Upon arriving in the garden, Grandfather paused to admire the flowers.

Even under the moonlight, the flowers radiated their beauty, as if welcoming him.

Although Grandfather could magically water them, he preferred a more hands-on approach.

He decided to water the flowers himself with utmost care.

This task took more time, but he preferred to connect with the flowers and meticulously check their condition throughout the process.

Grandfather made sure the flowers received enough hydration.

Wherever his gaze lingered, the flowers seemed to regain their vitality.

This small garden brought Grandfather immense joy and tranquility, and he cherished the act of tending to the flowers.

After finishing his task, Grandfather stood briefly in the center of the garden, taking in his surroundings.

The flowers now appeared even more vibrant, thanks to his care, and the entire garden seemed full of life.

Grandfather strolled slowly among the flowers, speaking to them in a soft voice.

His words seemed like a communion with the flowers.

“This night is truly beautiful.”

“The moonlight makes you shine even more.”

He spoke to a single flower, gently brushing its petals.

His touch conveyed affection and respect.

“Are you all growing well?”

“Do you like the water enough?”

As he watered another flower, he paused, as if waiting for a response.

His gaze was filled with deep affection, showing his concern for the flowers.

Grandfather continued to converse softly with another flower.

“A new season will come soon.”

“Are you all prepared?”

“I hope you can withstand the changes of the seasons.”

His voice was gentle and warm, offering encouragement to the flowers.

As he wandered slowly among the flowers, he offered each one tender words.

His conversations stemmed from a wish for their health and prosperity.

Grandfather’s murmurs filled the surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere across the garden.

“Grow well…”

After bidding the flowers a final farewell, Grandfather walked slowly out of the garden.

His heart was full from the connection with the flowers, and that tranquility reflected in his steps.

He picked up his cherished cane.

To him, the cane was not just a walking aid but a precious companion he had shared many moments with over the years.

Grandfather began to carefully clean the cane.

His hands moved gently along the wood grain, familiar patterns giving him a sense of comfort.

With the now-clean cane in hand, Grandfather walked across the spacious wooden floor of the traditional house.

The quiet of the night enveloped the entire house, and moonlight softly illuminated the floor.

Grandfather settled himself on the floor, using the cane as a pillow.

He lay back, gazing up at the sky.

The starlit night sky was a true spectacle.

Though the wooden floor of the house felt cool against his skin, Grandfather accepted the chill as part of his heart’s training.

His heart was calm, and he felt a sense of relief as if he were becoming one with nature.

“The cold is just training this body…”

Grandfather muttered to himself as he took a deep breath of the cold night air.

His breath mixed with the night air, releasing a visible puff of white.

In that moment, Grandfather believed that even the cold he felt was part of life, enriching his inner self through every experience.

His heart was filled with the peace of becoming part of nature.

Under the moonlight, he quietly meditated, lost in his thoughts.

His inner self was abundant with deep reflection and communion with nature.

Gradually, Grandfather’s eyelids grew heavy, and the sounds of the night, the moonlit house, and the garden’s tranquility led him into a shallow slumber.

The cold wrapped around his body, but the peace within kept him warm. Grandfather fell into a deep, serene sleep.

That night, Grandfather slept perfectly in harmony with nature.

*

As time passed, the night deepened.

The TV in the living room showed the final scenes of a cartoon.

Nomi yawned and got up from the sofa, her eyes half-closed and drowsy.

“I’m so sleepy… I – wanna sleep…”

Nomi’s voice carried a hint of weariness.

Hyun nodded at Nomi, “Yeah, yeah. Let’s wash up and sleep!”

Hyun took Nomi’s hand and headed to the bathroom together.

Nomi followed Hyun quietly, fully wrapped in her fatigue.

Turning on the light in the bathroom, Hyun handed Nomi a toothbrush while gently patting her shoulder.

“Let’s brush our teeth and wash our faces, Nomi.”

His voice was filled with warm consideration.

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Nomi squeezed toothpaste onto her brush and began brushing her teeth alongside Hyun.

They shared brief smiles, exchanging glances.

After brushing, Nomi had her face washed clean with Hyun’s help.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Sohee sat in front of the TV, watching the last bit of the cartoon.

Her eyes were focused on the screen, but her hands were busy.

Sohee was organizing the talismans she had brought along, laying them out in front of her.

She checked the condition of each talisman, sorting them by need.

“This talisman is torn…”

Sohee mumbled to herself, putting careful thought into each talisman.

She took her task seriously, ensuring that all talismans were kept in top condition.

After leaving the bathroom, Nomi was already in her pajamas, and Hyun guided her to the bedroom.

Hyun paused for a moment, then suggested to Sohee, “Sohee, since there’s only one room, how about you and Nomi share the bed?”

Sohee paused from organizing the talismans, looking up at Hyun.

She considered his suggestion with thoughtful consideration.

Looking at him, she replied carefully, “I actually prefer sleeping on the floor?”

“If it’s too soft, I can’t sleep well.”

Hyun was momentarily taken aback by Sohee’s words.

Scratching his head, he decided to honor Sohee’s preference.

“Really? Alright then…”

“Then I’ll sleep with Nomi in the room—”

“You can sleep on the sofa in the living room.”

Hyun assured Sohee that he would tuck Nomi in and went into the bedroom to lay her down.

Nomi was already drifting off to sleep, and with each stroke of the blanket from Hyun, she fell deeper into peaceful slumber.

“Sleep well, Nomi. May you have sweet dreams.”

Nomi smiled faintly as she slipped into sleep.

Her breathing was even and calm.

“Goodnight, big brother…”

Nomi’s small voice murmured in her sleep, warming Hyun’s heart.

After making sure Nomi was soundly asleep, Hyun exited the room and headed to the living room.

In the living room, Sohee was still watching the cartoon and sorting through the talismans.

“Nomi fell asleep the moment she lay down. Haha—”

“Sohee, aren’t you tired?” Hyun asked her.

Sohee paused her talisman organizing and shifted her gaze toward Hyun.

Her expression showed she was still fully focused.

“Not really? I don’t seem too tired?”

She briefly smiled at Hyun before turning back to the talismans.

Hyun observed Sohee, feeling anew the strength and responsibility she carried.

After a moment of silence, Hyun cautiously spoke up.

“Um, Sohee, you were really impressive dealing with the Jangsanbeom today.”

“I owe you big time…”

His voice was filled with genuine admiration.

Sohee’s encounter with the Jangsanbeom left a deep impression on Hyun.

She paused momentarily, setting down the talismans to look at Hyun.

Confidence radiated from her face.

“Those pesky creatures are total pushovers!”

Hyun carefully took a seat next to Sohee.

His gaze remained fixed on the talismans she was sorting.

With curious eyes, Hyun asked Sohee, “Sohee, how can you use magic when you’re a human?”

His voice held a mix of curiosity and slight awe.

“Can I learn that too?”

Sohee hesitated at Hyun’s question.

Her gaze drifted off thoughtfully before returning to Hyun.

Seeing Hyun’s serious expression, she smiled slightly.

She moved the talismans aside and turned her body to face him.

“What I use isn’t magic.”

“It’s something I learned diligently from Grandfather.”

“It’s more like the skill of using talismans, I guess?”

She continued playfully, looking at him.

“And you, should start building up your strength, right?”

Sohee’s voice held a hint of playfulness.

She struggled to hold back laughter at Hyun’s disappointed expression.

Hyun felt a bit disappointed by Sohee’s answer, but his determination rekindled as he looked at her again.

“You’re right.”

“If I’m going to live with Yoonhwa, I have to be able to protect myself…”

Hyun’s voice no longer faltered, and his resolve was evident.

Sohee looked at Hyun’s earnest expression for a moment before digging into her bag and pulling out a talisman.