novelraw Chapter 149 : Chapter 149
Chapter 149 : Chapter 149
Chapter 149 - Watch the Dance I Dance
“We have been waiting. If you would wait just a moment, we will bring the servants who will attend to you.”
“Ho?”
Although Biyoung had visited the Yi Family Manor several times, this was the first time he had received such a grand reception.
Before, it was just following a young servant who led the way.
But today, servants who had been prepared in advance were assigned one by one to assist Biyoung’s party.
“That grim Family Head is acting strange. As they say, when a person does something they don’t usually do, their day of death is not far… Mmph mmph!”
“Control that damn mouth of yours for once…!”
Eung Gajin was startled and covered Biyoung’s mouth.
Within the Yi Family Manor, this guy was probably the only one in the entire Jianghu Murim who would blabber on about the Family Head dying.
“What’s the big deal. This Awl Selection Period event is all about thinking about what comes after Yi Gwon-su anyway. So what, do you think Yi Gwon-su will live for a thousand years?”
“I guess not. But if you keep running that mouth of yours, your lifespan will definitely be until today.”
“To a mere merchant family?”
Biyoung gave a wicked smile.
At his arrogant appearance, Eung Gajin frowned, but in fact, he had no grounds to refute it.
From what he had heard from Absolute Protector, Biyoung had virtually single-handedly annihilated the Hojubang and returned.
That troublesome group that even the government couldn’t easily handle.
Not even the Diancang Sect martial artists could guess the extent of Biyoung’s limits.
So, the idea of capturing Biyoung with the escorts of the Yi Family Clan was something even a passing dog would laugh at.
“Your shit is thick.”
“Of course, it’s great. But is it as great as Senior Brother Eung Gajin’s eung-ga (poop)?”
“…………”
Could it be that this bastard’s way with words was stronger than his martial arts?
Eung Gajin entertained such a thought with a completely distorted face.
Perhaps feeling sorry for the helpless Eung Gajin, Jeong-i changed the subject.
“The Family Head must be in a very good mood. To treat us as guests of honor like this, and to even invite the Sect Leader.”
“Holholhol. Thanks to you all, I’ll be able to get a proper drink.”
The servants attending by their side doubted their ears.
Because it was too worldly a thing for the Sect Leader of a Taoist sect to say.
To smile so broadly at the thought of getting a drink.
This was, how should I put it… an action befitting a Guardian of the Beggars’ Union, isn’t it?
‘What an incomprehensible sect.’
The Sect Leader’s words were surprising, but the sight of the martial artists chuckling at his words also felt quite bizarre.
“Of course, it’s something to be thankful for. But the one who first suggested inviting the Sect Leader was Sedong, not the Family Head.”
“Holholhol. Young Master Yi, you say?”
“Yes. I was a bit surprised too… I wonder if it’s because we’ve been indebted to your sect a lot.”
Inviting the Sect Leader of the Diancang Sect, Jeokseo, was a bit of a surprise for Biyoung as well.
Inviting the Sect Leader of a sect is quite a burden for the inviting party as well.
Of course, Jeokseo might be sufficiently satisfied with a good drink.
But no matter how large the Yi Family Clan was, it was just a merchant family.
Regardless of the size of the sect, an important matter must accompany the invitation of a Sect Leader.
It meant that it was not a level to be invited to an event to appoint a Young Family Head.
The intelligent Sedong would surely not be unaware of that.
“Who knows. Maybe he’s prepared the Heavenly Treasure Wine that is only distributed in the Imperial Court?”
“Ooh! If it’s that, I’d have to come down every day, even if it means grinding my knee cartilage!”
While Biyoung and Jeokseo were exchanging silly jokes, the main building of the Yi Family Manor finally came into view.
“Wow…”
A crowd, rarely seen in recent times, filled the front of the main building.
Should one call it as expected of the Yi Family Clan?
The main building, much larger than an ordinary mansion, was so packed that there was no room to set foot.
“Heot…”
Eung Gajin, at the forefront, let out a short exclamation.
Because not only merchants, but also those who appeared to be martial artists of the orthodox sect caught his eye.
“It seems the True Dragon Sect and the Mount Heng Sect have also sent people.”
Eung Gajin’s expression turned quite grim.
Seeing the martial artists belonging to the Nine Sects One Union, his hostility seemed to boil up anew.
Not only Eung Gajin, but the eyes of the other martial artists who had come with him were also blazing.
“Holholhol. Today is a festive occasion, so do not act rashly.”
At Jeokseo’s request, Biyoung readily nodded his head.
“Of course, Sect Leader.”
“The one I’m most worried about gives the best answer.”
“Hey. No way.”
It was crowded due to the large crowd, but the servants, as if they had expected it, guided the Diancang Sect party to the side.
It was a special passage that only those related to the Yi Family Manor could use.
“You will be located in the very front row through this passage. Of course, we have also reserved seats.”
“Heh. To this extent?”
The young disciples who had been on edge seeing the other martial artists relaxed their expressions as if nothing had happened.
How long had it been since they had received such treatment while wearing the martial uniform of the Diancang Sect?
No, had there ever been such a time?
In particular, the fact that they were receiving special treatment over the True Dragon Sect and the Mount Heng Sect felt very pleasant.
“The guests from the Diancang Sect have arrived!”
Because there were many sounds coming and going, the servants’ voices naturally became louder.
At the words ‘Diancang Sect,’ the gazes of the people focused on Biyoung’s party all at once.
“The Diancang Sect…!”
“They are…?!’
“The rumors were true!”
“Heo…!”
The first thing that caught their eye was the appearance of the Diancang Sect members.
The jade-faced man with a playful expression made the onlookers exclaim in admiration, and the young man standing next to him looked as if he had been drawn from the heroic features described in old books.
And what about the two women who followed behind them?
The girl with her hair in two braids was white and beautiful as if born from a flower bud, and the woman standing next to the girl was….
“Truly a beauty that could topple a nation.”
A beauty that could endanger a nation.
Such a title did not seem lacking for Jeong-i at all.
“It seems they’ve gathered only the good men and good women. Does the Diancang Sect check one’s appearance first when accepting disciples?”
“My good man. You shouldn’t see it that way. Look at that man.”
“That man, you say…”
The gaze of the man who had been letting out exclamations of admiration turned to the tip of the finger.
Then, he flinched without realizing it.
“Heok…!!”
“Kikil. You’ll have to change your mind, won’t you?”
“You’re right. How can a person be so grotesquely born?”
The man who had been praising the Diancang Sect shook his head, clicking his tongue.
There was someone who exuded a presence as strong as the outstanding appearances around them.
A large, long face with eyebrows gathered in the middle.
The ends of his torn, sparrow-like eyes were fiercely raised, and his sharp nose looked extremely sinister.
The people who had been feeling warm as if looking at a painting had to tremble at the sight of Uma.
“In many ways… they are not ordinary people.”
Just as the people were forming their first impression of the Diancang Sect, a welcoming voice was heard.
“Biyoung!”
From a distance, Sedong was running towards them with quick steps.
“Hoooo?”
The eyes of the Diancang Sect martial artists flashed.
Because Sedong’s attire was very luxurious and splendid.
Sedong, in a splendid blue robe embroidered with red gold thread, was unmistakably the son of a powerful family.
‘He always had the air of a young master.’
Seeing the well-dressed Sedong, Biyoung gave a bitter smile.
Seeing him appear like that, it finally sank in.
Just how great a family Sedong was the son of.
“The second son of the Yi Family Manor greets the Sect Leader.”
Sedong bowed to Jeokseo with an extremely polite attitude.
That appearance left a quite deep impression on the people.
‘I wondered why he was so old, and it turns out the Sect Leader came himself.’
‘For the young master of the Yi Family Clan to be so polite…’
“Holholhol. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Considering the grace you have bestowed upon our Yi Family Manor, it is only natural. I will escort you this way.”
After saying that, Sedong guided the Diancang Sect martial artists to the head table.
Since they already knew each other, Sedong and the young disciples exchanged meaningful glances and greeted each other.
While doing so, Sedong’s eyes widened.
“Miss Hong. Did the Young Hero Absolute Protector not come?”
“No. That stubborn… oops. Senior Brother Absolute protector said he would not come down.”
After glancing at Eung Gajin once, Hyeokri Hong answered with her lips pouting.
As if disappointed, Sedong licked his lips.
“He was one of the people who contributed greatly to this business trip. Was there an urgent matter at the main mountain?”
“No? Senior Brother said that coming here was not his job.”
“Not… his job?”
The Diancang Sect martial artists each gave a faint smile.
The Absolute Protector was a man who had no interest in anything other than protecting the Diancang Sect.
Normally, he wouldn’t have even accompanied them on the business trip,
But he had been swayed by Biyoung’s sweet talk and had gone out for a short while.
As always, he was silently protecting the main mountain and dedicating himself to practicing his martial arts.
It might be unfamiliar to Sedong, but that was Absolute Protector’s way.
“Don’t worry about him. Actually, I tried to persuade him this time too.”
“Persuade?”
“Yeah. I told him it was a matter of protecting the honor of the Diancang Sect, but he said he wouldn’t be fooled by my silver tongue anymore.”
After saying that, Biyoung stuck out his tongue.
It was a pity for Biyoung that Absolute Protector, who had achieved a great feat together, did not participate.
But on the other hand, the fact that Absolute Protector was at the main mountain felt extremely reassuring.
Sloppy mountain bandits or second-rate masters would not be able to harm a single hair on Absolute Protector’s head.
“I see. I will have to go and greet the Young Hero Absolute Protector separately.”
“Do as you like. But you, is it alright for you to keep staying here?”
“Ah. Right.”
As if he had just remembered, Sedong quickly looked around.
“As you said, I should get going. The main ceremony will begin soon.”
“Alright. Good luck.”
To win the Awl Selection Period and become the Young Family Head of the Yi Family Clan.
To lose the competition and enter the Diancang Sect.
Which would be a better ending?
While Biyoung was entertaining such thoughts, Sedong whispered softly in his ear.
“Watch the dance I dance.”
“?”
***
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the many merchants and righteous heroes of Jianghu who have participated in our family’s event.”
The Family Head of the Yi Family Clan.
Yi Gwon-su’s speech ended shorter than expected.
The quick-witted man knew well.
That what people were really interested in was not his pleasantries.
“Our family has held the Awl Selection Period for a year, and now we will announce the results. There is only one evaluation criterion. The total sum of the profits contributed to the family for one year. Not only the profits accumulated during the period, but also the future value was judged comprehensively.”
‘It’s over.’
Although the result was not out yet, Biyoung thought he knew the winner of the Awl Selection Period.
The ‘future value’ that Yi Gwon-su had specifically mentioned.
It must refer to the exclusive trade rights with Lijiang City.
Biyoung’s gaze turned to Yi Hae-dong, who was standing in the center.
Seeing his miserably distorted face, he seemed to be thinking the same thing as him.
“The qualification for the Young Family Head of this Yi Family Manor is…”
Gulp.
A heated silence passed through the gathered crowd.
“I bestow it upon Young Master Sedong.”
With Yi Gwon-su’s announcement, cheers erupted from here and there.
“Woooooaaaaaaah!”
“Young Master!”
“To turn it around like this!”
“Young Master! Congratulations!”
At the decision, the members of the Diancang Sect also raised their hands.
“He did it!”
“Sedong did it!”
A ruthless contest where the winner takes all, and the loser gets nothing.
Sedong, the winner of the Awl Selection Period, calmly smiled and went up on the stage.
On the other hand, Yi Hae-dong, whose defeat was confirmed, trembled all over like a person with malaria.
As the eldest son of the Yi Family Clan, he knew better than anyone.
That a child who lost the Awl Selection Period was treated worse than a dog in the family.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Family Head.”
Yi Gwon-su draped the blue robe he was wearing over Sedong’s shoulders.
Because Sedong’s physique was small, the robe was quite large, but the meaning of his action was all too clear.
In the future, all the power of the Yi Family Clan would be transferred to Sedong.
“Waaaaaaah!”
As Sedong stepped forward on the stage, the cheers grew louder.
At this point, he could have looked around at this person and that with an intoxicated face.
But Sedong’s gaze was fixed on one place.
The person who met Sedong’s eyes.
Biyoung was repeating the same question in his head.
What on earth.
What dance was he going to dance?