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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“…May I ask what you mean by that?”
“I like your physique! Excellent bone structure! You’re the perfect fit for the Peng Clan!”
…Should I have avoided the Peng Clan?
I froze, stunned by the Clan Leader’s unexpected reaction. He approached me, his eyes practically radiating enthusiasm, and grabbed my shoulders.
“The ideal physique for wielding a greatsword! Strong muscles! Imposing stature! The perfect body the Peng Clan desires! That’s you!”
“I don’t understand the connection to your previous question.”
“Haha, if your bloodline were to mix with the Peng Clan’s, we could produce children with the ideal physique! What do you say? Become my son-in-law!”
“I refuse.”
I wasn’t about to fall into that trap.
I shuddered at the thought of the disastrous consequences and firmly rejected his offer. I had no desire to become part of this clan.
I wasn’t desperate enough to become someone’s live-in son-in-law.
“Ah…too bad! But the offer still stands. Let me know if you change your mind.”
Fortunately, the Clan Leader backed down.
He knew it was an unreasonable request.
If this were a Demonic Cult sect, my refusal wouldn’t have mattered…I watched him return to his seat, feeling uneasy about the sudden proposal.
“Ahem! I apologize for my rudeness. Now, tell me! What brings you here?”
“I gave your guard a letter of introduction. Did you not read it?”
“Ha! If you have something to say, say it with words!”
He was just too lazy to read it, wasn’t he?
I sighed, feeling a headache coming on.
“I’ve come to request your endorsement for a succession duel!”
“Hmm! You want to duel the Alliance Leader?!”
“Indeed.”
“I’ll endorse you!”
“Excuse me?”
“Why wouldn’t I approve of such an interesting event! When is the duel scheduled?”
I wasn’t sure whether to be pleased or alarmed by his immediate and enthusiastic approval.
“I haven’t secured all the endorsements yet, so the date hasn’t been set.”
“Hmm! Very well! Send a message to the Peng Clan when the date is set! I’ll be there to watch!”
“Thank you. Then…”
“I can’t let a guest leave empty-handed! Stay at the Peng Clan residence tonight!”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it! No respectable clan would neglect its guests! Someone! Peng Ga-ryeo! Escort our guest to the guest quarters!”
“Yes, Clan Leader. I’ll attend to our guest.”
Wait, Peng Ga-ryeo?
I turned towards the opening door.
Standing there, her head bowed respectfully, was Peng Ga-ryeo, the Clan Leader’s daughter and one of the most renowned beauties in the Murim.
“Now, off you go!”
He had definitely called her on purpose.
“Hero Wi, please follow me.”
…Whatever.
I was only staying for a day.
I followed Peng Ga-ryeo, who was quite tall for a woman, to the guest quarters.
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“Did everything go well?”
“Better than expected.”
They were known for their straightforward nature in the original story, but I hadn’t expected them to be this…direct.
However, the Clan Leader’s boisterous demeanor seemed to conceal a certain shrewdness, befitting the head of one of the Five Great Clans.
I thought of Peng Ga-ryeo, who had quietly escorted me to my room.
She had appeared briefly in the original story.
A childhood friend of Namgung So-so, she had acted as a bridge between the protagonist and Namgung So-so.
Since the Peng Clan itself wasn’t a major player, Peng Ga-ryeo’s role had been minimal.
“…You seem tired, despite everything going well.”
“The Clan Leader was…an interesting character.”
I couldn’t speak ill of the Clan Leader while I was in his residence. Mokgyeong nodded at my evasive answer and resumed polishing his sword.
“I’ve already washed up. You can use the bathhouse now, Benefactor.”
His hair was slightly damp.
I looked away from Mokgyeong, whose androgynous features were distracting, and turned to Hye-ryeong, who had buried her face in my sleeve.
“Mister, you smell like a woman.”
“Don’t say things like that. It’s unsettling.”
Why did I feel like she was about to stab me?
I gently caressed Hye-ryeong’s cheek, trying to calm her down.
She finally relaxed under my touch, leaning into my hand like a puppy.
“Do I look like the type to cheat?”
“Hehe…”
“Oh…”
Mokgyeong, why are you reacting like that?
I scratched my head, feeling the atmosphere grow awkward. My words had been a bit…too much. Still, it was good that Hye-ryeong had calmed down.
“Everything went well, so we’ll rest tonight and return to the Martial Alliance tomorrow. Get some rest while you can.”
“Then, give me a lap pillow!”
“Me?”
“Yes!”
Resting her head on muscular thighs didn’t sound appealing. But I couldn’t refuse her request. I nodded and sat down.
Hye-ryeong quickly settled down, resting her head on my lap and looking up at me.
“It feels strange looking up at you like this, Mister.”
“You look up at me all the time.”
“Hmm, this is different!”
“How?”
“It just is!”
If she said so.
I met Mokgyeong’s gaze. He was looking at us, and when our eyes met, he quickly looked away, like a thief caught red-handed.
What was his problem?
“I’m getting sleepy…”
“You should lie down.”
“Okay…”
Was she a child or an adult?
I scooped up a half-asleep Hye-ryeong and carried her to her room.
She clung to my clothes, reluctant to let go, but after a few strokes of her hair, she relaxed and fell asleep.
She must have been exhausted after using Qinggong for days.
I covered her with a blanket and returned to my room.
“…She seems very tired.”
“It was a long journey.”
“I’m also getting sleepy.”
“Let’s go to bed.”
Mokgyeong and I laid out our bedding. I wanted to collapse onto the bed, but I couldn’t sleep in my current attire. I removed my leather armor and outer robe.
“That’s better.”
“Y-yes…”
“Are you sure you’re alright? It’s quite warm in here.”
The room was heated, so he would be too warm in his thick clothing.
“I-I’m fine.”
He was a martial artist, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
I lay down in my lighter clothing and stared at the ceiling. The only light came from the moon through the window and the small flame of the oil lamp.
I closed my eyes, trying to fall asleep.
And…
“…Mokgyeong.”
“Y-yes?”
“Is there something you want to say?”
Why was he staring at me?
If he had something to say, he should just say it.
Mokgyeong hesitated, then spoke cautiously.
“Benefactor…do you…have romantic feelings for Hye-ryeong?”
“That’s a bit out of the blue.”
“…I apologize. Forget I asked.”
“I’m not sure.”
I had never been in love.
If asked whether I liked her or loved her, I would say I liked her.
She felt more like a younger sister I needed to protect.
“…It’s more like…family.”
“I see.”
“But why are you asking?”
“…I was just curious…”
“I see. I’m going to sleep now. You should too.”
“…Yes.”
I drifted off to sleep.
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“The Five Great Clans are definitely different!”
“The food was delicious.”
“I never expected such hospitality, especially after arriving unannounced.”
“They’re one of the Five Great Clans.”
Neglecting their guests would damage their reputation, so it was only natural. I felt refreshed and looked away from Hye-ryeong, who was practicing Qinggong beside me.
A well-maintained road.
Things had concluded at the Peng Clan residence much faster than anticipated, so despite a slight detour, our journey back was uneventful.
“Once we return, I’ll train for a few days, then head to Hechang…”
Wait, did I need to return to the Martial Alliance?
Wouldn’t it be more efficient to stay in Hechang and deal with the Hao Clan matter? That would save time.
As soon as that thought occurred to me, I slowed down. Hye-ryeong and Mokgyeong, who had been running beside me, also slowed down and looked at me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Let’s take it easy. Our destination is closer than I thought.”
“Our destination is closer?”
“We’re going to Hechang.”
“Suddenly?”
“I have some business to attend to there. We’ll be staying for a while…you can return to the Martial Alliance if you want.”
“I’m going with you, Mister, even if it’s to the Demonic Cult’s headquarters.”
“I will follow you to the ends of the earth.”
Were they competing?
I sighed, caught between their dramatic declarations.
“Suit yourselves.”
All I had to do was make the right choices.
And so, our next destination was set, Hechang.
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[Your Text Here]
Things are getting spicy~