Chapter 43 Manor Master (2)

Mok Yu-cheon approached with quick strides, as if he had something to say.

However, upon reaching Mok Gyeong-un, he seemed unable to speak his mind directly, perhaps due to the presence of the two Inner Hall guards who had come to escort them.

In response, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and spoke first.

“It’s been four days.”

“Don’t make idle talk. You……”

“You?”

Mok Yu-cheon stammered, unable to complete his sentence.

What could be the reason for his behavior?

As Mok Gyeong-un wondered, Mok Yu-cheon gestured with his head, indicating that they should head to the Main Hall for now.

Thus, they walked towards the Main Hall.

When the Inner Hall guards took the lead, walking ahead with a sense of discretion, Mok Yu-cheon spoke in a quiet voice.

“You……. Have you tried that thing?”

“That thing?”

“Keep your voice down.”

Mok Yu-cheon admonished softly.

Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and replied in a low voice.

“What are you talking about?”

“Are you really asking because you don’t know?”

“Ah! Perhaps the Ignited Wood……”

“Shh.”

Mok Yu-cheon cut off Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

Glancing at the Inner Hall guards walking ahead of them, Mok Yu-cheon whispered even more quietly.

“Don’t mention it directly. Just answer my question.”

What Mok Yu-cheon was inquiring about was none other than the Manor Master’s exclusive secret manual, the Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method.

In fact, upon noticing that Mok Yu-cheon’s complexion had turned significantly darker compared to four days ago, Mok Gyeong-un immediately understood what he was referring to.

However, he feigned ignorance.

-It’s impressive that you haven’t succumbed to delusion yet. Hoo.

Cheong-ryeong, who was beside them, remarked while puffing on her pipe.

She, too, was aware that Mok Yu-cheon had learned the wrong cultivation method.

Since Mok Gyeong-un had not provided the complete method and had arbitrarily changed some characters in the oral formula, side effects were inevitable.

“Is there a problem?”

Although it was intentional, Mok Gyeong-un spoke as if he knew nothing.

Mok Yu-cheon’s brow furrowed fiercely.

“You’re saying that even after looking at my face……”

His voice rose, but as he glanced ahead, Mok Yu-cheon cut off his words.

He seemed to be suppressing his anger.

After managing to compose himself, Mok Yu-cheon spoke quietly.

“Did you try it or not? Just tell me that.”

In response to that question, Mok Gyeong-un answered nonchalantly.

“If it were you, wouldn’t you have tried it?”

At those words, Mok Yu-cheon narrowed his eyes and stared intently at Mok Gyeong-un.

‘……. Right. There’s no way you wouldn’t have tried it.’

Even if he had claimed not to covet the position of Manor Master, it was a secret manual of the Supreme Martial Arts.

Any martial artist would have been curious.

‘But why are you unaffected?’

For the past four days, Mok Yu-cheon had practiced the breathing technique of the Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method with overflowing enthusiasm.

However, the more he practiced, the more he felt the internal energy within his body transforming and becoming strangely different.

On the first day, he had dismissed it as a possible effect of the Supreme Martial Arts cultivation method, but after four days, his skin had turned dark red, and something felt amiss.

‘……. Did he deceive me?’

Due to the changes occurring in his body, his suspicions wouldn’t easily subside.

It was difficult to confront Mok Gyeong-un, as he had readily recited the oral formula nine times upon request, making it ambiguous to accuse him of providing a fake one.

‘If that fellow taught me the genuine method, then it means I’m the problem.’

That, in itself, was hard for him to accept.

Even he, who had reached the Peak of the Transcendent Realm, was struggling to master the cultivation method, yet this fellow showed no signs of the same side effects as him.

If that were the case, it would imply that he might have misunderstood or incorrectly practiced the oral formula of the cultivation method.

-Clench!

Mok Yu-cheon’s fist tightened.

No, that couldn’t be.

How could this fellow, who was merely third-rate due to his lacking talent, surpass him, the one hailed as a genius, in his understanding of the Supreme Martial Arts?

He didn’t know what the problem was, but he was determined to overcome it.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said to Mok Yu-cheon,

“I’m not sure what the issue is, but now that the Manor Master has awakened, won’t the situation change?”

This time, the corners of Mok Yu-cheon’s mouth curled up slightly.

Indeed, the Manor Master’s awakening was a stroke of fortune for him.

He had begun learning the Manor Master’s exclusive martial arts through a deal, but many of the clan’s vassals still viewed him, the son of a concubine, with distrust.

Thus, he had felt a great sense of unease.

However, now that the Manor Master, who cherished him, had awakened, the succession structure had once again turned in his favor.

‘The heavens are on my side.’

Perhaps the Manor Master summoning his children immediately after waking up was related to this matter as well.

To clearly designate his successor.

Seeing Mok Yu-cheon’s expectant demeanor, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and turned his gaze away, as if disinterested.

-Hoho.

At that moment, Cheong-ryeong looked somewhere with intrigue.

Mok Gyeong-un glanced at her questioningly.

She then spoke.

-It seems they have entered.

‘Entered?’

-They have quite the guts. To set foot inside my Ghostly Domain without fear, even after seeing it.

‘Ah.’

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un nodded in understanding.

It seemed that what he had been waiting for had arrived.

Mok Gyeong-un had anticipated that diviner Sak’s associates would undoubtedly come before long.

-I shall greet them first.

-Swish!

With those words, Cheong-ryeong, whose red eyes gleamed, vanished beyond the wall beside the path.

***

In front of the Main Hall.

Another bloodline of the Mok family had already arrived.

It was Mok Yeong-ho, the eldest young master.

Although he had circulated his internal energy to alleviate his hangover to some extent, he still reeked of alcohol, causing Lady Seok’s expression to sour.

His debauchery was nothing new, so despite her frustration, she had grown somewhat accustomed to it.

However, today was different.

‘Why now, of all times?’

She was already plagued with worries due to the variable named Mok Gyeong-un.

But this variable could be resolved by either eliminating Mok Gyeong-un or seizing the Manor Master’s exclusive secret manual from him, so she was contemplating alternative solutions.

Yet, the Manor Master, whom she had assumed would surely breathe his last, had awakened.

Rather than joy at her husband’s awakening, she was gripped by unease.

‘…….. Could it be?’

Why had he summoned his children first thing after waking up?

No matter how much she pondered, only one thought crossed her mind.

‘Successor.’

Perhaps the Manor Master, having barely regained consciousness after a long coma, intended to designate his successor in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.

If her speculation were correct, it would be disastrous.

It was a well-known fact that the Manor Master had favored the youngest, Mok Yu-cheon.

If Yeong-ho were to enter in such a state at this juncture…

-Grit!

Even though he was her own child, at times like this, he was truly a nuisance.

Just two years ago, he had been sensible enough to be called clever, if not a genius, but at some point, he had become immersed in wine and women.

All of this was because of that Mok Yu-cheon.

However, now was not the time to loathe or resent him.

“Yeong-ho.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Refrain from making unnecessary remarks in front of the Manor Master. This mother will handle everything, so you just stay quiet.”

Opening his mouth while reeking of alcohol would do no good.

Although this meeting was only for the children, she believed they wouldn’t prevent her, as the wife, from entering.

If the Manor Master intended to confirm the succession immediately, she had to find a way to stop it.

As she pondered, she noticed Lady Jang and the second son of the Mok family, Mok Eun-pyeong, approaching from the entrance of the left pavilion.

‘Hmph.’

They were also detestable.

Lady Jang, who hailed from the Huinan family, acted subserviently in front of her, addressing her as “sister-in-law,” but behind her back, she resorted to all sorts of schemes to elevate her own son to the position of Manor Master, such as winning over the clan’s vassals.

‘Despicable creature.’

That Mok Eun-pyeong was no different.

Like mother, like son, he was a thief coveting the position of the eldest son, Mok Yeong-ho.

Although she wasn’t certain what the Manor Master would say today, their desires would not come to fruition.

She would make sure of it.

As she ruminated, the last of the Mok family’s young masters arrived at the entrance of the southern pavilion.

It was the third son, Mok Gyeong-un, and the youngest, Mok Yu-cheon.

Seeing this, the Inner Manor Master, Jang Myeong-in, ascended the wooden floor and announced through the door screen,

“All the young masters have gathered.”

***

The four half-brothers of the Mok family stood side by side.

From left to right, there was the eldest young master Mok Yeong-ho, the second son Mok Eun-pyeong, the third son Mok Gyeong-un, and the youngest Mok Yu-cheon.

Only these four had entered the Manor Master’s room.

Lady Seok, the first wife, and Lady Jang, the second wife, had insisted on entering as well, but they were unable to do so due to the Manor Master’s adamance.

They were waiting outside, fidgeting anxiously.

‘Hmm?’

Mok Gyeong-un was inwardly perplexed.

The reason was the reactions of the Mok family brothers.

He had expected them to show joy and warmth, welcoming the Manor Master who had narrowly escaped death’s doorstep, as he was their father. However, surprisingly, they appeared utterly tense.

Even Mok Yu-cheon, who was said to be so cherished, was no exception.

As a result, the atmosphere was quite heavy.

‘……. So that’s why.’

Now he understood.

He realized why they had been so concerned about the Manor Master’s life and death while he was bedridden.

It turned out they were gauging the Manor Master’s mood.

How strict must he be for them to display such nervousness?

Mok Gyeong-un surreptitiously glanced at the face of the Manor Master, who was half-sitting on the bed.

Despite being unconscious for a long time due to the killing (sal) curse (殺), his eyes were so sharp that they felt alive.

‘Wasn’t it said that he’s the strongest in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor?’

That was indeed written in the information note left by the real Mok Gyeong-un.

Manor Master Mok In-dan.

He was said to be the strongest swordsman in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor and one of the top ten swordsmen in the entire Anhui Province.

Out of curiosity, he had asked the deceased Guard Gam about this.

[What level does being in the top ten of a province equate to?]

[Do you think it’s an easy feat to become one of the top ten swordsmen in an entire province, you fool?]

The Guard Gam had said that Manor Master Mok In-dan was a martial artist who had reached the Peak of the Transcendent Realm.

At the time, he hadn’t fully grasped the magnificence of that level.

However, after experiencing the strength of the youngest Mok Yu-cheon, who had reached the early stage of the Transcendent Realm, he could now somewhat fathom how powerful a master of that caliber would be.

But that also raised a question.

‘How did he fall victim to the killing curse?’

A supreme master at the Peak of the Transcendent Realm is said to manipulate energy as naturally as breathing.

It was incomprehensible how someone so formidable had succumbed to the kill, a type of curse.

As he was studying magical techniques, it puzzled him even more.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes met those of Manor Master Mok In-dan.

Unlike the other brothers, Mok Gyeong-un did not avert his gaze.

He saw no reason to do so, no matter how strict the father-son relationship was.

“………”

This behavior caught the attention of Manor Master Mok In-dan.

The reason was simple.

This child, who had never properly made eye contact with him since his mother’s passing, did not avoid his gaze.

However, his bewilderment ended there.

Mok In-dan spoke.

“Do you know why I summoned you all?”

“……….”

Everyone remained silent in response to this question.

Of course, they all had one thing in mind.

‘Successor.’

However, they couldn’t openly voice it.

They had to avoid appearing presumptuous here.

But someone broke the silence and spoke up.

“Could it be that you summoned us all immediately after waking from your long illness to discuss the matter of your successor?”

Everyone looked at the speaker with slightly startled eyes.

It was Mok Gyeong-un.

‘You?’

‘He’s being straightforward?’

After glancing at Mok Gyeong-un, they cautiously gauged Manor Master Mok In-dan’s reaction.

They wanted to check if his mood had turned unpleasant.

Surprisingly, Manor Master Mok In-dan showed no sign of discomfort.

Rather,

“Yes. It is to designate my successor.”

He readily admitted it.

At this, everyone’s expressions grew tense.

Until he had awakened from his sickbed, the Manor Master had never personally mentioned the matter of his successor.

Yet, he was bringing it up for the first time.

‘Is he going to decide right here and now?’

‘Could it be that he gathered us all to pass the successor position to that Mok Yu-cheon?’

‘Is Father giving me a chance?’

Each of them became lost in thought.

Of course, Mok Gyeong-un had no attachment to the Manor Master’s position, so he planned to simply go along with the atmosphere.

Perhaps because of this, he appeared the most relaxed among them.

However, this demeanor came as a surprise to the Manor Master.

‘Does he have no expectations? Or has he changed?’

The reaction, which was quite different from the other children, piqued his interest.

Coincidentally, the Manor Master had already heard about recent events from the Inner Manor Master.

[That child, Mok Gyeong-un, saved me?]

[Yes. Initially, even this subordinate found it hard to believe, but the Third Young Master prevented the Fang Assassin who was possessed by an evil spirit and tried to harm the Lord.]

It was quite unexpected.

He would have believed it if it had been the youngest, Mok Yu-cheon.

But of all people, it was this child, whom he had considered the most timid and lacking in talent, with no prospects, who had saved him.

[But that is merely the Third Young Master’s opinion, and the exact truth……]

[That’s enough. That much is sufficient.]

[Pardon?]

[Summon all the children.]

[You mean the young masters?]

[That’s right.]

The Manor Master had gathered all the young masters less than half a shichen after waking up.

For the first time, he thought that the time given to him might not be long.

Lying on his sickbed for an extended period, he had expended a significant amount of his true energy, and this incident had nearly caused him to close his eyes forever.

If that had happened, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor would have been plunged into chaos and war among his children.

Even without experiencing it, that future was clear to him.

Thus, he made a decision.

“I will determine who is qualified to be my successor through a test.”

‘!!!!!’

As he spoke those words, the Manor Master subtly glanced at Mok Gyeong-un.

‘I shall grant even you a modicum of opportunity.’