Chapter 142 : Chapter 142
Chapter 142. Family Harmony Brings All Success (3)
“Can you…… help me?”
“…….”
I couldn’t answer right away to Mother Baek Yeo-hae’s carefully asked question.
It wasn't because I didn't know the answer, nor because the question was displeasing.
It would be correct to say that I just needed time to calm the emotions fluctuating without my knowledge.
“Khm.”
If I make a voice right now, it feels like I wouldn't be able to hide the trembling.
“If you are uncomfortable, we can pretend this didn't happen. I am sorry for making you feel disturbed for no reason.”
Perhaps considering my attitude as a refusal, Mother Baek Yeo-hae began to resolve the situation.
It will be a misunderstanding, so I should clear it up quickly.
Shouldn't it be that I cannot place the obstacle called misunderstanding again in a relationship that has just started to improve now?
“No.”
Replying so, I raised my head and looked at Mother Baek Yeo-hae.
She also looked at me with an upright gaze.
I had always thought that grace was something obtained through giving.
In my narrow world’s common sense, grace was not about making a request, but obtaining the feeling of grace through the process of granting a request.
But now, I know my common sense was wrong.
In the appearance of Mother Baek Yeo-hae asking me for help, I felt her immense grace.
That is probably a grace named courage.
“Naturally, I must do so. I will help.”
Perhaps thanks to buying a little time, my voice flowed out clearly.
“Thank you.”
A look of relief spread over Mother Baek Yeo-hae’s face, but my words were not finished.
“Instead, I also have a condition.”
“A condition?”
Mother Baek Yeo-hae flinched at the word condition.
It must be because she has been worrying for a long time due to those words recently.
In front of her, I took out what I had kept in my bosom and handed it over.
“What is this?”
“Please accept that. That is the condition.”
“……I see.”
Without asking any further questions, Mother Baek Yeo-hae put what I handed her into her bosom.
What I handed to Mother Baek Yeo-hae was an elixir called the Supreme Beauty Herb.
It is the last item among the three types of elixirs prepared at the Garden of Joy.
The Five-Leaf Immortal Orchid that Brother Chun-baek took to gift to his master, the Stabilizing Immortal Fruit used to save Ma Sok from Qi Deviation, and the last one is exactly this Supreme Beauty Herb.
As can be known from its name, it is an elixir effective for beauty, and it would be about a lower compatible version of the supreme elixir, Vermilion Fruit, which I took when I was achieving the Third Stage Body Reformation.
Since it has no special efficacy other than making the skin clear, it was an ambiguous elixir to call an elixir, or not to call one.
-Why did you choose that one?
-Just because this seemed like it would be expensive.
I remember reciting such a nonsensical excuse to Brother Chun-baek’s question.
It was something I took without realizing while sorting out the Garden of Joy, but seemingly I wanted to give this to Mother Baek Yeo-hae.
Since I only know my heart from back then clearly now, the human heart is this difficult.
“If you accept that, I will go and resolve it.”
“……Thank you.”
Now I could also become a slightly better son.
* * *
During my Myeong-gae days, I traveled all over the world and explored all sorts of regions.
Especially, it would be safe to say that I visited without exception the natural secret places known to have unparalleled elixirs discovered.
When I visited such places, I focused all my nerves and memorized the geography.
I analyzed the geography considering the flow of time and mastered the landmarks.
Naturally, it was for the arrangement after the regression.
Since such efforts of mine were not in vain, when I visited the natural secret places again with Dancheon Myeong’s body, I used to feel a familiar sense of déjà vu.
“This path has been a while too.”
But the déjà vu I feel now is a mechanism quite different from that.
If the déjà vu felt while chasing the path of arrangement was due to keen insight and concentration at the time, strictly speaking, the current déjà vu is achieved through countless repetitions and mastery.
This path is the path that Dancheon Myeong before the regression traversed countless times to see the face of his fiancée, Yang Su-rin, even just once.
-Is Sister Rin busy today too?
-I am sorry, Young Master Lee.
Dancheon Myeong, who fell for Yang Su-rin at first sight, frequently went back and forth between the Yang Clan and the Dancheon Clan.
Naturally, it was a heart wanting to see the face of the fiancée he fell in love with even just once more.
-I will come again next time.
-Um, Young Master.
-Hm?
-Young Lady Su-rin asked me to deliver this.
-Oh? Thank you.
In the letter delivered by the guard of the Yang Clan, a request was written asking him to wait as she would visit the Dancheon Clan.
And…….
The time she visited me again as per the content of the letter was after I lost in the competition for the successor.
“It is something that never happened now.”
I let flow the not-so-pleasant memories that have now disappeared into the crevices of time.
The reason I can easily let go of those unpleasant memories is not simply because I am a magnanimous person.
-You!
After the regression, Yang Su-rin who visited me anytime and anywhere.
-Try calling me Young Branch Lord.
Yang Su-rin who watched over me when I fell into a coma for a whole month when achieving the Fourth Stage Body Reformation.
-I heard the news that a big incident happened to the Dancheon Clan.
When a tribulation struck the Dancheon Clan, Yang Su-rin led martial artists and came running without delay, etc.
It should be correct to say it is because good memories with the person named Yang Su-rin have piled up layer by layer, enough to cover up the bad memories of the past life.
So if you ask how my feelings for Yang Su-rin are right now…….
“…….”
Honestly, I don't know well.
Originally, the Young Branch Lord of the Yang Clan, Yang Su-rin, was one of the arrangements for me to become the Murim Alliance Leader.
The reason I reconnected with Yang Su-rin, with whom the tie should have been cut after destroying the dark scheme plotted with Baek Yeo-hae, was simply due to such a reason.
Since the support of many factions is needed to become the Murim Alliance Leader, she was the first step of my journey towards becoming the Murim Alliance Leader.
However, if a plan proceeds exactly as it is, it should be called a prophecy, not a plan.
Originally, a plan is bound to face constant variables, and changing direction appropriately according to those variables is what makes a great plan.
Since I was a person who made great plans based on a keen brain, information power, and the arrangement of regression, it is correct to see that my plan frequently changed direction whenever it met a turning point.
The point where the importance of the person named Yang Su-rin disappeared from my plan should be seen as around the time I took the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Extreme Blood Treasure and reached the Fifth Stage Union of the Healing Sage’s Mind Cultivation Art.
It doesn't mean the power of the Yang Clan became unnecessary due to high achievement, but it became so because I changed the future of the outstanding martial artist called Emperor Breaker Yeom Gi-ha.
I must admit it honestly.
The moment I thought I didn't need to become the Murim Alliance Leader, I didn't pay attention to Yang Su-rin.
It might have been unconscious, or perhaps it might have been conscious.
Knowing the fact that I don't fully know my own emotions, I decided to give up on finding the answer.
And finally…….
“What brings you here?”
My steps reached Yang Su-rin.
“You called me.”
“Did I?”
Yang Su-rin was making a sullen expression, feigning ignorance.
* * *
The point in time I regressed was eighteen years old.
Since Yang Su-rin and I are two years apart, it means she was at the tender age of sixteen back then.
Considering the culture of the Jianghu Murim, it was the standard for daughters of influential families to marry before becoming twenty, so it was a time neither too early nor too late.
And now that my age has become twenty-four, Yang Su-rin must have become twenty-two.
Actually, twenty-two is not that old of an age either, but I know the fact that it is an age starting to receive pressure for marriage.
“It’s been a while.”
Since it is indeed true we met after a long time, I greeted her casually.
For reference, the last time Dancheon Myeong before the regression saw Yang Su-rin was at twenty, the time right before turning his back on the family.
At that time, Yang Su-rin was eighteen, boasting beauty worthy of the name Anhui’s Five Flowers.
But seeing her now, I know for sure.
The age suitable for marriage for a daughter of the Jianghu Murim might be before twenty, but the time her beauty truly blooms is the fact that it is after twenty.
Twenty-two-year-old Yang Su-rin.
For her, the word Anhui’s Five Flowers would not be suitable anymore.
If I had to find one, calling her Anhui’s Number One Beauty would be correct.
Recalling the fact that the Young Palace Mistress of the Ice Palace, Bukgung Seol-a, whom I saw previously, held the modifier of Three Great Beauties under Heaven, recalling that, Yang Su-rin might also not be lacking to attach the name ‘Under Heaven.’
“It must be because you have been negligent.”
People do not change easily, but I know the fact that it is also people who change in an instant.
From Yang Su-rin whom I saw after a long time, not the tomboy temperament that shouted ‘You!’ abruptly like before, but the temperament of a graceful lady was embedded.
Of course, I vaguely know the fact that that appearance is an act, but it would be right to pretend not to know.
“For what business did you call me?”
As I asked in a calm voice, Yang Su-rin’s expression quickly became sullen again.
“Do I see you only when there is business?”
“Ideally, yes.”
“Ha!”
I guess she wouldn't have much memory of seeing a man this calm in front of her beauty.
Actually, since her appearance is of that level, it wouldn't be conceit.
“You, what are you plotting?”
“Hm?”
“Is it related to the Demonic Path?”
“…….”
Originally I like direct speech, but at Yang Su-rin’s words coming in this suddenly, I couldn't help but be taken aback.
Whether she was pleased with me unable to open my mouth, a satisfied smile seeped onto her face.
“Annihilation of the Black Water Gate with Wanderer Lee Chun-baek, later identified as Demonic Path spies. Annihilation of the Blazing Flower Sect with Emperor Breaker Yeom Gi-ha, later identified as Demonic Path spies. Intrusion of spies led by a Demon Lord into the Dancheon Clan. Killing the Yin Blood Divine Demon with Lee Chun-baek and Chwipung-gae…….”
From her mouth, the footsteps I had passed flowed out.
“You, are you preparing for the Great War of Righteousness and Evil?”
“…….”
When the initiative is taken away like this, I know the fact that arguing yes or no eventually leads to being more entangled by the opponent.
As a capable informant, I quickly twisted the main point of the topic slightly.
Hiding the surprised emotion was also a natural thing.
“How did you obtain that information?”
As if knowing but playing along, Yang Su-rin chuckled.
“I told you. I organized secret channels.”
“Um.”
Only four years since Yang Su-rin became the Young Branch Lord.
The secret channels she cultivated were comparing capabilities with the leading intelligence organizations under heaven.
I truly understand how capable a talent Yang Su-rin is, having grasped financial power.
“Do not dig further than that. Because it is dangerous.”
It would be correct to call it concern rather than a warning.
Even if it is a family that ranks within three fingers in Anhui, for the Yang Clan based on commerce, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult is a name they cannot handle.
“I have no intention to dig either. It just happened as I chased after you.”
It would be better not to ask why she chased.
“Then it is fine. Since it wouldn't be right to step into the abyss.”
Just, I requested once again. It was because I knew how scary human curiosity is.
Yang Su-rin, having changed her expression, asked again.
“What will you do when it ends?”
“What do you mean?”
“The Great War of Righteousness and Evil. I’m asking what you will do when it ends.”
“…….”
I couldn't answer immediately.
Because I always only worried about the future of making the Great War of Righteousness and Evil as if it never happened, I rarely thought about after that.
If I make the Great War of Righteousness and Evil as if it never happened, a peaceful life would be given to me as well after that, but deep contemplation about it was lacking.
‘Ah.’
Fortunately, one thing came to mind.
“I will be the Head Escort of the Dancheon Clan.”
I will succeed Uncle Yeo Baek. There is no change in that heart.
“I am the Young Branch Lord of the Yang Clan.”
“I know.”
“In the future, I will become the Clan Head of the Yang Clan.”
“I suppose so.”
“The Clan Head has the right to decide solely on their own marriage.”
“……I see.”
Yang Su-rin reaching twenty-two and being single must be due to her own choice.
Yang Su-rin’s gaze headed towards me.
I thought that gaze was very clear and upright.
Looking at her eyes, I know the fact that Yang Su-rin who betrayed me at eighteen and that Yang Su-rin are completely different people.
“When you finish everything and return, my seat next to me will still be empty even then.”
I didn't know how to answer.
“Just, I mean please think about it once. I wanted to say those words.”
Saying so, Yang Su-rin raised her body.
“Because work is busy, I will get up now.”
“Understood.”
Only after she vacated the seat and a long time passed sitting, could I raise my body.
“…….”
Inside my head was complicated, but I know one fact.
Right now for me, perhaps one more reason to achieve the calling of eliminating the Great War of Righteousness and Evil has been created.
The feeling of thinking about after completing the calling was not so bad.