Absolute Dominion

Chapter 17

“Shuk shuk shuk shuk.”

Everyone’s attention was focused. Cha-Ryun and Jeong Lee-Chu, who were about to stand up, paused to watch.

Naeng Lee-Sang, who had been observing intently, asked with a look of curiosity.

“What are you etching?”

“It resembles a Go board.”

At Cheon Mu-Ak’s observation, Cha-Ryun and Jeong Lee-Chu nodded in agreement.

The sickle paused for a moment.

Yang Hwa-Young murmured softly.

“It’s a turtle.”

“…”

“…”

“Shuk shuk shuk shuk.”

Naeng Lee-Sang interrupted once more.

“If you add some rings, it will resemble a turtle more closely…”

“Pak pak pak pak–”

“…No.”

“Shuk shuk shuk shuk.”

Eventually, a simple drawing was completed. It depicted a turtle ascending a mountain peak. In contrast to Yang Hwa-Young’s contented smile, everyone else tilted their heads in confusion.

“What is this supposed to be?”

At Naeng Lee-Sang’s question, Yang Hwa-Young stood up, choosing to grab another rice ball instead of responding.

“Well, I’ve earned my meal, so let’s be on our way.”

Yang Hwa-Young quickly climbed onto the cart while Naeng Lee-Sang and Cheon Mu-Ak trailed behind.

“Please, elder, show a bit more kindness.”

From the moment the illustration began to take shape, Jeong Lee-Chu discerned that these three individuals were far from ordinary. He sensed that this was undoubtedly a lesson pertaining to the ascension of martial arts. He had to cling to them, even if it meant grabbing their pants.

Cha-Ryun, quick to catch on, knelt down immediately.

“This dull and foolish junior humbly seeks the wisdom of the esteemed senior.”

Yang Hwa-Young, seated on the cart, smiled and asked.

“Do you comprehend the significance of this drawing?”

The profound energy imbued within her kindness caused Jeong Lee-Chu to bow his head instinctively.

“I do not understand.”

“It is you right now.”

“Pardon?”

Both Cha-Ryun and Jeong Lee-Chu, who stood beside her, were taken aback. Naeng Lee-Sang and Cheon Mu-Ak, who were slower to grasp the situation, nodded in belated understanding. Yang Hwa-Young’s words held significant meaning.

“Elder!”

Despite Cha-Ryun’s earnest plea, the elders departed in the cart without a word.

As they moved away, Naeng Lee-Sang questioned with a serious tone.

“What kind of heavenly secret did you perceive within that child?”

Cheon Mu-Ak shared the same curiosity. Yang Hwa-Young might have sensed some kind of energy that they couldn’t perceive.

Yang Hwa-Young slowly shook her head in denial as if knowing what they were thinking.

“Then why did you offer guidance to that child?”

An unexpected response followed.

“Because she’s pretty.”

“Pardon?”

“She reminds me of my youth.”

“…!”

“…!”

Yang Hwa-Young’s eyes narrowed.

“Doesn’t she look just like me?”

Cheon Mu-Ak started to sweat under the subtle gaze that demanded agreement. Ah, he thought he could live the rest of his life without telling lies anymore.

“…She looks exactly like you.”

Yang Hwa-Young smiled contentedly.

In a weary tone, Naeng Lee-Sang asked.

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“Then why did you draw her a picture instead of simply telling her?”

“Because it looks more impressive that way. As you get older, you need to package things well and carry yourself with a certain weight. That’s all we old folks have to offer, right?”

Naeng Lee-Sang and Cheon Mu-Ak eventually burst into laughter.

At that moment, Yang Hwa-Young glanced back.

In the distance, Cha-Ryun and Jeong Lee-Chu stood there.

Yang Hwa-Young’s eyes sparkled. It was a very meaningful look, as if to prove that wrinkles aren’t the only things that increase with age.

Meanwhile, Cha-Ryun and Jeong Lee-Chu were examining the etching at that spot.

“Why am I depicted as a turtle? Is my footwork incorrect? Or…”

It would be nice if someone could explain it clearly at times like this, but Jeong Lee-Chu couldn’t grasp the meaning either.

“Just keep this drawing and her words in your heart. It might become an invaluable lesson someday.”

“Yes.”

The two resumed their journey. Encountering Yang Hwa-Young’s group had somewhat lifted their somber mood.

Eventually, they arrived at the entrance of the Palm Heart Clan.

When the guards at the entrance relayed a message inside, a middle-aged warrior soon emerged. His face was unfamiliar to them, perhaps newly recruited by the Palm Heart Clan.

“Follow me.”

His rigid tone left a poor first impression. Moreover, he didn’t even reveal his identity.

Cha-Ryun frowned disapprovingly from behind, and Jeong Lee-Chu stopped her with a glance. She was angry. After all, wasn’t he the head of the Righteous Sword Sect? A proper greeting was the least he could offer.

The man’s rudeness did not end there. After leading them to a secluded room in the annex, he departed without a word.

“What’s with that guy?”

Jeong Lee-Chu spoke gently.

“The nature of individuals in the martial world varies. We must respect that.”

“This is a matter of etiquette. It has nothing to do with personality.”

Jeong Lee-Chu was also upset. He had dedicated his entire life to the path of a warrior. Why choose to be a warrior? To draw your sword and stand tall in the face of injustice or inequality, isn’t that the essence of a warrior?

But he had to swallow his resentment. The moment that resentment burst out, reality wouldn’t be as splendid as his ideals. That’s why he had come this far today.

Even after they waited for a long time, there was no news.

“At the very least, they should offer us some tea; isn’t that basic courtesy?”

“We arrived unannounced, so it’s primarily our fault.”

It had been a long time since he had experienced such disregard. Moreover, such disgrace was experienced in front of his daughter.

“They must be busy.”

An hour elapsed in this manner. Still, no one appeared.

Cha-Ryun eventually rose to her feet and shouted.

“They are intentionally acting in such a manner! At the very least, someone sweeping the yard should come and provide an explanation!”

Jeong Lee-Chu closed his eyes and remained silent.

Cha-Ryun sighed and returned to her seat. She felt that if she acted out more, it would only weigh more heavily on her father’s heart.

After another hour, the man from earlier reappeared.

Without a word of apology, he bluntly stated.

“Today is difficult.”

Cha-Ryun’s eyes turned fierce. She barely restrained herself from reaching for her sword hilt.

Suppressing his anger, Jeong Lee-Chu inquired calmly.

“Did you notify the head of the clan?”

“The head is absent.”

Cha-Ryun exclaimed.

“Why are you informing us of this only now?”

The man’s eyes grew icy. His square face clearly conveyed his inner thoughts, ‘How dare a young girl speak out.’

But Cha-Ryun was not one to retreat.

“Who are you? Are you the leader of the Palm Heart Clan? Or at least the leader’s brother? What gives you the right to treat my father in this manner? Do you think the head of the great Righteous Sword Sect is a joke?”

A blatant sneer formed on the man’s lips. It was a mockery, questioning if the Righteous Sword Sect could even justify the term ‘great’ being added to its name.

As Cha-Ryun was about to unleash her fury, Jeong Lee-Chu interjected in a soft tone.

“Hold your tongue.”

“Father!”

“Apologize immediately.”

Jeong Lee-Chu’s voice grew stern. Cha-Ryun clenched her fists tightly.

“…”

“Quickly!”

Cha-Ryun bowed her head reluctantly.

The man responded with a snort.

Jeong Lee-Chu addressed the warrior with a calm demeanor.

“Inform him that I stopped by.”

“Will do.”

With that, the two exited the room.

As they walked down the corridor, Jeong Lee-Chu remained silent. It was Cha-Ryun who broke the silence.

“I’m sorry.”

“I am not upset with you.”

“I couldn’t hold back.”

“Yes, when you can’t hold back, you shouldn’t force yourself to. But to live in the martial world, you must always be cautious.”

“…Yes.”

In this situation, lecturing his daughter felt so pathetic.

Jeong Lee-Chu felt a great sense of self-reproach for leading a life of restraint. He wanted his children to live boldly, and follow a different path.

As they departed the Palm Heart Clan with heavy hearts, a voice called out to Jeong Lee-Chu from behind.

“Isn’t that Master Jeong?”

Turning around, they saw Kwon Hyuk-Gi, renowned as the Eight Flying Palms, a guest at the Palm Heart Clan.

“Long time no see, Master Kwon.”

Jeong Lee-Chu greeted him warmly.

Kwon Hyuk-Gi was a master of palm techniques, renowned for his speed, which made his hands appear as if they were eight. He had established a formidable reputation in Shandong and was now a guest at the Palm Heart Clan.

The Palm Heart Clan had invited several masters, including Kwon Hyuk-Gi, to demonstrate their prowess. It was a costly endeavor, but the head of the Palm Heart Clan spared no expense when it came to showing off.

“This is the person known as the Eight Flying Palms, Master Kwon. Greet him.”

“I am Cha-Ryun.”

“Hehe, they say you are the most beautiful in Wuhan, and indeed, you have grown up to be very pretty.”

He subtly scanned Cha-Ryun from head to toe, a gaze that only she could sense as unpleasant. Cha-Ryun’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Unaware of this, Jeong Lee-Chu greeted him politely.

“I’ll treat you to a drink soon. Until then.”

As Jeong Lee-Chu turned to leave after the formal greeting, Kwon Hyuk-Gi made a suggestion.

“How about having that drink today instead of postponing it?”

Truthfully, Jeong Lee-Chu wasn’t in the mood to face Kwon Hyuk-Gi. But since Kwon Hyuk-Gi suggested it, he couldn’t give him an outright refusal.

He wondered if Kwon Hyuk-Gi had something specific to discuss. Given that he was a guest at the Palm Heart Clan, he might be able to assist with their current predicament.

“Haha, sure. It’s been a while since we shared a drink.”

“Indeed, Sect Leader Jeong is generous.”

“Cha-Ryun, you go ahead.”

But Kwon Hyuk-Gi shook his head.

“Why don’t you bring your daughter along?”

Jeong Lee-Chu wondered why Kwon Hyuk-Gi insisted on bringing Cha-Ryun. Perhaps he had some valuable advice for her regarding the current situation, so Jeong Lee-Chu readily agreed to the proposition.

“Alright, let’s do that.”

Thus, the three of them departed from the Palm Heart Clan.

Someone was observing them from the window of a three-story building.

It was Jang In-Gyeol.

The middle-aged man who had guided Cha-Ryun and Jeong Lee-Chu earlier stood behind him. Jeong Lee-Chu hadn’t recognized him, but he was newly recruited and had pledged loyalty to Jang In-Gyeol. He was one of the Four Secret Swords, Chung So, reputed to be on par with Kwon Hyuk-Gi in terms of martial arts skill.

“I’ve riled him up quite a bit.”

“That’s not enough.”

Chung So smiled slyly as he watched Cha-Ryun and her group walk away.

“I have given Senior Kwon detailed instructions, ensuring she will run into significant trouble.”

Jang In-Gyeol smiled sinisterly.

“Heh heh, that insolent girl. How dare she reject me.”

He had resolved to completely ruin Cha-Ryun, both physically and mentally.

At that moment, someone stepped into the room.

It was Jang Dae-San, the head of the Palm Heart Clan. He was a large, muscular man, but despite his bear-like appearance, he was known to possess a cunning nature.

Jang In-Hwa trailed behind him. As the two entered, Chung So bowed respectfully and exited the room.

Jang Dae-San slightly opened the door to ensure that Chung So had completely disappeared down the corridor before asking,

“What is your assessment of him?”

“He’s somewhat useful.”

“He is not someone to be deeply trusted.”

“I’ll use him appropriately and discard him.”

“Never forget, the surest path to success in the martial world is to trust no one.”

“I always keep that in mind.”

Jang Dae-San smiled contentedly and sat down.

“I heard there is an issue with the Righteous Sword Sect?”

Jang In-Gyeol felt a bit flustered. It seemed Jang In-Hwa had already mentioned the incident he had with Cha-Ryun.

Keeping the Righteous Sword Sect in check and eventually absorbing it into the Palm Heart Clan was Jang In-Gyeol’s first task he was assigned for the year. It was a test of his capabilities as the successor to the clan.

Jang In-Gyeol glared at Jang In-Hwa, but she smiled leisurely. She had always been the apple of Jang Dae-San’s eye. Jang In-Hwa was the only one Jang In-Gyeol couldn’t handle due to her bad temper.

Jang In-Hwa spoke with a disdainful look.

“Why do you want to attend the Young Dragon and Phoenix Tournament with that girl, Cha-Ryun? How much will that help with your task? Or is there another underlying motive?”

“You!”

Jang In-Gyeol was visibly flustered, as if she had hit the mark.

Jang Dae-San was well aware of his son’s fondness for women. However, he did not perceive it as a flaw. He had never regarded his own lust as a weakness.

“Since I’ve entrusted this matter to you, I’ll place my trust in you.”

“I can handle it well.”

Jang Dae-San issued a stern warning.

“The Righteous Sword Sect is a sect with a long-standing tradition. In other words, it possesses resilience. Although Jeong Lee-Chu is indecisive and kind-hearted, it also means he has a strong reputation. He has numerous connections in the martial world. Do not take him lightly.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“By the way, we’ve received a message from the Northern Sky Clan.”

“Have they accepted our terms?”

Jang In-Hwa asked, her face lighting up with anticipation, and Jang Dae-San nodded affirmatively.

“Yes, they’ve agreed to our conditions.”

“Oh, that’s something to celebrate.”

The Palm Heart Clan had invested all their efforts into arranging a union between Jang In-Hwa and Lim Yang-Gu, the second son of the Northern Sky Clan. They had expended a considerable sum of money, and finally, the Northern Sky Clan had accepted the arrangement.

“It’s a pity that he’s the second son.”

The eldest son, Lim Ha-Gi, had already promised to marry the daughter of the Sama Clan. Although the Palm Heart Clan was the most prominent faction in Wuhan, it couldn’t compare to the Sama Clan.

Jang In-Hwa smiled meaningfully.

“In life, sometimes the second son can ascend to the position of the eldest.”

Jang Dae-San, understanding his daughter’s intentions, laughed heartily.

“If that happens, it won’t be long before the Palm Heart Clan becomes the greatest faction in Hubei, or perhaps even the best in the world. Hahaha!”

Even though they were discussing matters that might cause others to frown, the three of them couldn’t hide their smiles.

At the same time, on the roof of the Palm Heart Clan.

Jeok Lee-Gun was lying down, looking up at the sky. Mu Young stood beside him with his arms crossed.

“They seem to be having fun.”

They could hear the conversation of the Jang family below, a feat beyond the capabilities of ordinary masters.

Jeok Lee-Gun sat up.

“We’ll take control of the Palm Heart Clan first.”

“Didn’t you mention we’d confront the Northern Sky Clan immediately after the tournament?”

“That’s right.”

“And didn’t you say before that the Palm Heart Clan wasn’t worth our attention?”

Jeok Lee-Gun nodded.

“What caused the change of heart?”

Mu Young posed the question, though he seemed to already have an idea.

Jeok Lee-Gun fixed his gaze on Mu Young.

“Mu Young, it’s a bad habit to ask questions you already know the answer to. You’re trying to probe, right?”

Mu Young smiled awkwardly.

Jeok Lee-Gun glanced in the direction where Jeong Lee-Chu’s group had disappeared.

“He might become my father-in-law, though the future is always uncertain.”

Mu Young chuckled silently at the mention of the future.

“I can’t let such a person be harmed by these villains. And what’s the point of just sitting around? Let’s go make some money. We’ll need a lot of it later.”

Jeok Lee-Gun rose to his feet.

“I’ll take care of that place first.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be ready.”

The faint laughter of the Jang family could be heard from below.

Jeok Lee-Gun looked at Mu Young and smiled wickedly.

“Let’s start by taking these bastards down.”