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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: The Unfolding Plan
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‘That… cunning brat…!’
For a moment, Namgung Jangyang's expression twisted into a menacing scowl, unable to hide his emotions.
Just then.
"Red Dragon Commander. Control your expression."
"!"
The chilling telepathic message came from Yeon Soran.
"Unless you want to scream to the world that you're the one who caused this situation, you'd better manage your expression carefully."
Namgung Jangyang glanced subtly toward Yeon Soran, who was smiling and doting on the child as if she knew nothing.
Her sharp gaze flickered past Namgung Jangyang for a brief moment.
"This matter will be handled by the Outer Hall leaders."
"!"
"Haven't the leaders gone too far with their actions recently? A long tail is bound to get stepped on. This incident occurred because of their pathetic incompetence, so it's a fitting outcome."
"But, Madam Yeon. Will they really sacrifice themselves? What if our names are somehow revealed..."
"You don't need to worry about that. They all have families, don't they?"
"!"
It was good news that he could safely avoid responsibility for the current situation, but Namgung Jangyang couldn't simply rejoice.
Namgung Jangyang also had a family. And Yeon Soran had been sending a certain amount of grain to his family every month.
He realized that what he had thought was Yeon Soran's kindness was, in fact, a shackle binding his feet.
"You don't need to worry too much. Just act naturally."
"I... understand."
‘Yes. Even if I'm destined to be discarded someday, it won't be now. At least, not now...’
Namgung Mucheon's heavy gaze fell upon the five Outer Hall leaders.
The promotion examinations had been conducted under their leadership, so they wouldn't be able to escape punishment.
Their faces were already deathly pale.
If he had his way, he would stop the Cheonmuje immediately, arrest all those involved, and thoroughly uncover the truth of the matter.
However, he couldn't do so, entirely because of his granddaughter, Seolhwa.
‘Haha. The young lady has set up quite an interesting game.’
The Head Steward said this while the martial arts competition was still ongoing.
Seop Mugwang, who heard the remark beside him, asked,
‘What do you mean by that?’
‘Look there.’
At Namgung Mun's chin gesture, Namgung Mucheon and Seop Mugwang turned their gazes. At the end of their sight, Namgung Seolhwa was visible.
‘Her eyes are moving busily, and her throat is also moving very busily, isn't it?’
It was exactly as Head Steward Namgung Mun said.
‘It means she's orchestrating this whole situation.’
The young child, whom no one paid attention to, was the busiest one throughout the martial arts competition.
‘It seems the young lady has something she wants to say through this Cheonmuje.’
From the Outer Hall martial artists to the Inner Hall martial artists.
What the child wanted to convey became clearer and clearer as the competition continued.
‘It seems the young lady intends to shake the very roots of Namgung.’
‘Hmm.’
The Head Steward, realizing her intent, sighed, and Seop Mugwang also grunted, speechless with surprise.
Namgung Mucheon paid close attention to the child.
‘How long has it been since Seolhwa returned to Namgung?’
The root of a martial arts family lies in its martial force.
Despite the short time, the child was truly shaking the foundations of Namgung.
Not only was she exposing the corruption and irregularities within the martial force, which he had been blind to, but she was also warning everyone.
All through the abnormal structure where Inner Hall martial artists were defeated by Outer Hall martial artists.
‘The picture Seolhwa has drawn can't be all there is.’
At this point, Namgung Mucheon began to feel a sense of anticipation.
The final stage of the Cheonmuje. What would the child truly showcase during the direct lineage's martial arts demonstration? What kind of picture would she ultimately complete?
‘It won't be Pahegeom.’
His assumption that she would naturally display Pahegeom had been shattered long ago.
However, he had no idea what she would show instead.
That made him even more excited. The story the child would finally complete.
‘Therefore, now is not the time to stop.’
The necessary investigations wouldn't be too late even after the entire Cheonmuje concluded.
"Black Dragon Commander."
Namgung Mucheon commanded the Black Dragon Commander.
"Conclude the competition."
"Yes, Family Head."
Black Dragon Commander Namgung Hyeok brought the competition to an end.
Those who had naturally expected the Cheonmuje to be halted cast surprised glances at the Family Head, but Namgung Mucheon had no intention of stopping.
* * *
The martial arts competition for the Inner and Outer Halls concluded, and by then, the sun was already setting.
Having competed without rest since lunch, they were surely tired and hungry.
Namgung Mucheon commended the martial artists of both halls for their hard work, then sent them to the grand banquet hall prepared in the Outer Hall.
Only the representatives of the five core factions of Namgung remained within the competition grounds.
The direct lineage's martial arts demonstrations were held only in front of those who could enter Cheonhojeon.
The atmosphere became much more relaxed, as it was less about receiving evaluations, like the Outer Hall's promotion trials or the Inner Hall's duels, and more about casually showcasing their skills.
"The direct lineage's martial arts demonstration will begin at Sulsi (7-9 PM). Bring in the food."
At Namgung Mucheon's command, maids who had been waiting brought in the table settings one after another.
A small banquet, along with a meal, had begun before the direct lineage's martial arts demonstration.
"Eat a lot, Seolhwa."
As Namgung Cheongun served food to Seolhwa, she was already munching on a mouthful.
"Dad, you eat a lot too. It's delicious."
"Haha, alright. I will."
Thanks to the meal continuing with light conversation, the tense atmosphere from the competition naturally eased.
No one brought up the previous duels, and the overall mood was harmonious.
"Alright. Who will demonstrate their martial arts first?"
Namgung Mucheon, who had been eating and conversing with the hall masters, asked his children.
Namgung Cheongsan shot up and shouted,
"Of course, it will be me first! I, Namgung Cheongsan, will properly showcase the Namgung family's fist arts that I have cultivated!"
His boisterous voice made everyone in the competition grounds burst into laughter.
Namgung Mucheon's expression was not displeased.
"Yes. Do so."
"May I go next?"
The next to step forward was the second son, Namgung Cheonghae.
"I have prepared something for this very day. Forgive me, Elder Brother, but if I delay any longer, I might just burst from impatience. If you permit, may I demonstrate first?"
Cheonghae was more cautious than Cheongsan.
He showed courtesy by asking for his elder brother Cheongun's permission, and unlike Cheongsan, he kept 'what' he would show a secret, building anticipation.
Cheongun smiled and nodded.
"That's for Father to decide."
With Cheongun's words, the decision-making power shifted to Namgung Mucheon. Namgung Mucheon readily nodded.
"Do so. Then, Cheongun will be last."
Namgung Mucheon's gaze lingered on Seolhwa for a moment.
As it happened, Seolhwa's turn ended up being the very last.
First would be the third son Cheongsan and his child Hwarin, then the second son Cheonghae and his children Soryong and Ung. And finally, the first son Cheongun and Seolhwa.
The gazes of the family members towards Seolhwa had not changed in the slightest from before.
No, as the time approached for her to demonstrate her martial arts, their gazes grew sharper.
‘What could a child who lived in a tavern possibly show?’
‘At best, it would just be the basic sword movements she learned in a few days.’
‘If she was bold enough to lie about creating Pahegeom, she'd better have something to show.’
In the short period since her return to Namgung, countless events had revolved around Seolhwa.
Dozens of people looked at Seolhwa with entirely different thoughts and intentions.
Amidst those many gazes, Seolhwa tore off a piece of well-cooked duck meat, stuffed her mouth full, and chewed.
‘Delicious.’
Before the direct lineage's martial arts demonstration began, Seolhwa went to the latrine.
As she returned to the competition grounds, shaking the water from her hands, a shadow blocked her path.
"Are you on your way back from the latrine?"
It was Yeon Soran, Namgung Cheonghae's wife.
Seolhwa smiled brightly and nodded her head.
"Hello, Aunt."
What could have made her so impatient that she came out to meet her like this?
Yeon Soran's relaxed demeanor seemed nothing but anxious in Seolhwa's eyes.
"So. Did you prepare well for the Cheonmuje?"
Yeon Soran reached out to stroke Seolhwa's head.
But Seolhwa stepped back, evading her hand.
"Yes."
A small crack appeared in Yeon Soran's smile.
"...I'm looking forward to it. To what martial arts you'll showcase."
"Thank you."
"Be careful not to get hurt."
Leaving the insincere greetings behind, Seolhwa bowed politely, then walked past her.
"Sometimes, people make a fuss even over a rolling stone."
Seolhwa only turned her head to look at her.
Yeon Soran's smile deepened.
"Adults sometimes have moments like that. Don't they say even a hedgehog finds its own child cute?"
Seolhwa turned her body and stood facing Yeon Soran again.
"If everyone's making a fuss, then it's probably not an ordinary stone, is it?"
"...What?"
"Rather, isn't there a problem with the discernment of those who fail to recognize it and dismiss it as a mere fuss?"
Yeon Soran's smile vanished.
"Are you talking to me?"
"That depends on where your words are aimed, Aunt."
Just then, Cheongun's voice, calling out after spotting Seolhwa from inside the competition grounds, could be heard.
"I should go now. I hear Father calling."
Seolhwa turned and walked away without hesitation.
"Oh."
Just before entering the competition grounds, Seolhwa looked back at her. A naive smile had spread across the child's lips.
"Hedgehog babies are cute to begin with, you know."
Watching the child skip lightly towards Cheongun, Yeon Soran clenched her fist.
As she finally entered the competition grounds, having suppressed her anger for a long time in the darkness, the drumbeats signaling the final event of the Cheonmuje resounded.
