Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 137

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 137
Their flight did not pause.
They continued their journey toward the Shin Chang Yang Family, changing carriages several times along the way.
Perhaps because of their haste.
Despite the considerable distance to Nanzhou in Gansu, they arrived at the Shin Chang Yang Family compound far sooner than expected.
Whoa!
The martial artist from the Shin Chang Yang Family, perched on the driver’s bench, seized the horse’s reins.
“Patriarch, we’ve arrived.”
Yang Jo Gang opened the carriage door.
He stepped out.
“Patriarch!”
“Have you brought the young lady?”
Commotion erupted outside.
By the time dozens of voices rang out—not merely one or two—her ears were ringing.
“I’ll step down first. Great Hero.”
Yang Se Ryeong descended with measured grace.
In that instant, the tumult redoubled.
“Young lady!”
“Are you well?”
“You’re not hurt, are you?”
Cheon Hui glanced out through the carriage door.
Whether it was because they were bound by blood as a great clan, or because Yang Se Ryeong was beloved by them.
They clustered entirely around Yang Se Ryeong, leaving the patriarch himself standing alone.
“Come now, to treat the patriarch with such disregard.”
“Is the patriarch more important right now?”
“Of course not! After all our young lady has suffered…….”
“……Well, I was only speaking idly anyway. I was worried about Se Ryeong too, which is why I went.”
Yang Jo Gang grumbled under his breath at the rebuke.
‘This is quite the amusing place.’
It was truly a peculiar sight.
Ordinarily, a patriarch of a great family commanded such dignity as a leader that most of the household servants naturally held him in awe.
Yet look at how they were treating him now.
He was being treated like yesterday’s rice.
While the servants crowded around Yang Se Ryeong with concern.
“Se Ryeong.”
A woman’s voice called out.
And in that same moment, those clustered around Yang Se Ryeong parted swiftly.
“Se Ryeong!”
A woman of middle years, strikingly beautiful, emerged from between them.
With features that suggested what Yang Se Ryeong would become in age, she rushed forward and pulled Yang Se Ryeong into her arms.
Sniffle—
Eyes glistening with tears, she held Yang Se Ryeong close, slowly wiping her face against her daughter’s.
“Are you hurt?”
As Yang Se Ryeong watched tears stream down her mother’s cheeks, her own throat tightened.
But she held it back and spoke.
“……I’m……fine.”
“Thank goodness. Thank the heavens. Truly…….”
Their restraint lasted only a moment.
Whimper—
The moment Yang Se Ryeong’s composure cracked, both of them broke into sobs, holding each other fiercely.
At the same time, the servants of the Shin Chang Yang Family scattered throughout the courtyard began to shed tears as well.
A sea of tears unfolded.
‘It’s not the right time to leave.’
Cheon Hui, who had begun to rise, settled back into his seat.
His instinct told him that stepping out now would only invite awkwardness.
‘They’ll call for me when they’ve calmed down.’
He reclined against the backrest and rested for a moment.
“Great Hero.”
As he’d expected, Yang Se Ryeong called out to him.
“Yes? It seems we’re finished now.”
After shedding tears, Yang Se Ryeong nodded, her eyes swollen from crying.
She turned her head to gaze out of the carriage.
The Later Period Experts had already descended and were greeting people here and there.
“Let’s go.”
The moment she rose to step down from the carriage.
“You must be the one who saved our daughter…….”
A middle-aged beauty approached directly.
Her voice emerged slightly hoarse from weeping, but her approach was gentle.
She then grasped Cheon Hui’s hand firmly.
“Thank you for saving my daughter.”
Cheon Hui regarded the hand of the middle-aged beauty who held his own, then met her eyes.
‘She reminds me of Hyeon Ryeo.’
Watching her gestures and expression, which bore a faint resemblance to Hyeon Ryeo’s manner and bearing.
“Ah, I haven’t introduced myself.”
The middle-aged beauty released the hand she had been holding.
Then she performed a respectful salute and smiled.
“I’m Gong Sun Yeon.”
‘Gong Sun? Then she’s from the Gong Sun Clan.’
Cheon Hui fixed his gaze upon the woman.
Though not among the current Eight Great Clans, the Gong Sun Clan had once been one of the Five Great Clans.
‘I’d thought the Gong Sun Clan had fallen since it’s absent from the Eight Great Clans, but it seems their line persists after all.’
It was then that Yang Se Ryeong approached.
“She’s my mother.”
Though Yang Se Ryeong offered the explanation, Cheon Hui remained composed, as though he already knew.
He had sensed it well enough.
Judging from the reactions of the others, it had seemed obvious from the start.
The moment she appeared, the retainers had parted ways, opening a path without being asked.
It was then that Gong Sun Yeon smiled with her eyes.
“If you don’t mind, might I learn the name of this young hero?”
“It’s difficult to disclose.”
At Cheon Hui’s indifferent reply, several figures from the Shin Chang Yang Family flinched momentarily.
“I see.”
Yet she, the one directly addressed, let it pass with grace.
Afterward, she studied him from head to toe, then opened her mouth with a satisfied expression.
“Everyone has secrets they cannot reveal, so I shan’t press further.”
“You’re refreshingly straightforward, unlike anyone else.”
“Am I?”
As she laughed, covering her mouth.
“Could it be you’re referring to me?”
Yang Jo Gang suddenly made his appearance.
Having heard their exchange, his expression full of displeasure, he watched Cheon Hui’s lips, waiting for them to open.
With eyes that seemed to demand ‘Just try and answer!’, he continued to stare; after a moment, his wish was granted as the sealed lips parted.
“You know well.”
Yang Jo Gang’s eyebrows twitched.
His lips had opened, but the words that emerged were not the answer he had hoped for.
But that was not the end.
“You were remarkably persistent, which caused me trouble.”
Cheon Hui immediately opened his mouth again, driving the point home deeply.
“Persistent!”
Yang Jo Gang’s face contorted.
“As the patriarch, it was only natural to ask. One must know one’s identity to set the family’s mind at ease and allow visitors to——”
“That’s exactly what persistence is.”
“But then not knowing the identity——”
Cheon Hui gazed curiously at him, who continued to ramble without pause.
He was truly a peculiar man.
His general understanding of a sect leader was that they should be solemn and dignified, yet this Yang Jo Gang was not.
‘What sort of patriarch talks this much?’
A merchant hawking wares in the marketplace wouldn’t chatter as much.
“I must at least know the name——”
As he continued to murmur, Gong Sun Yeon grasped his forearm.
“Father. Shouldn’t we welcome our guest rather than keep him standing here?”
Though her words were gentle, Yang Jo Gang froze in place.
Unlike the soft curve of her eyes, her gaze itself had turned glacial—cutting as ice.
“Ahem, ahem.”
Yang Jo Gang coughed repeatedly.
“Yes, that was my intention, madam.”
He answered as if he’d been planning exactly that all along, then turned his body.
In that instant, his presence transformed.
‘So public and private are truly different things.’
Cheon Hui’s eyes narrowed slightly.
A moment ago, Yang Jo Gang had been indistinguishable from any merchant haggling in the marketplace—but now the weight of his bearing had shifted into something grave and commanding.
Yang Jo Gang cast a low voice toward the household staff, who were milling about in confusion.
“Receive our guest with proper courtesy.”
The commotion ceased at once.
In the same breath, the staff members who had been ignoring him until moments before bowed their heads in perfect unison.
“Yes, Father.”
As Cheon Hui watched the household move with such disciplined precision at a single command, Yang Se Ryeong lifted her head and met his gaze.
“Allow me to show the great master to his quarters.”
“Se Ryeong.”
Gong Sun Yeon took her daughter’s hand.
“Mother?”
“Come with me for a moment.”
“But I should show the great master—”
“That is not your task.”
Gong Sun Yeon’s words cut sharp and final. She glanced subtly behind her and turned her lips in a slight smile.
“Seo Yun.”
At her summons, a young woman stepped forward.
The girl in pale blue robes had a gentle air about her, and she hurried over with quick, practiced steps.
“You called, madam?”
“Can you show our honored guest to the Separate Residence?”
“Of course.”
The woman called Seo Yun nodded and was about to approach Cheon Hui when—
“But I should… Mother?”
Yang Se Ryeong persisted, though—
“Seo Yun will handle it.”
Gong Sun Yeon drew her daughter’s hand and pulled her past the main gate.
As Cheon Hui watched the two disappear inside, Seo Yun approached him, her eyes bright.
“I shall be your guide.”
Following her, Cheon Hui arrived at a sprawling Separate Residence situated in the rear courtyard of the Shin Chang Yang Family estate.
There were three substantial pavilions, far larger than he’d expected, and the grounds included a well-maintained lake and an ornamental garden—all of which, she explained, were opened only when the family received distinguished guests.
“I can see why.”
Cheon Hui nodded at her words.
Despite being a separate residence, everything was immaculately maintained; the lake water gleamed, and the flowers and plants in the garden bloomed in perfect arrangement.
When Cheon Hui had settled into the largest of the pavilions and was sipping tea while gazing out at the view—
Bang!
The door swung open and Yang Se Ryeong stepped inside.
“Great Master.”
In that moment, Seo Yun, who had been pouring tea beside him, looked startled as she stared at Yang Se Ryeong.
“My. Miss.”
Yang Se Ryeong’s appearance was entirely different from usual.
Instead of the Martial Robe she wore every day, she was dressed in ornate silk robes, and her face bore delicate makeup—the first time Cheon Hui had ever seen her with cosmetics.
Seo Yun’s lips curved into a knowing smile.
“Well then, since the young miss has arrived, I shall take my leave.”
Speaking softly, she backed away past Yang Se Ryeong, whispering quietly as she passed.
“Do enjoy your time together, miss.”
“…Enjoy our time?”
Yang Se Ryeong tilted her head in confusion at the remark, then, belatedly grasping the implication, her face flushed crimson.
“Seo… Seo Yun…!”
Yang Se Ryeong’s eyes widened in indignation.
“It’s not like that.”
She spoke with firm conviction, but Seo Yun simply grinned.
“Yes, yes. I understand completely.”
“You, right now——”
Yang Se Ryeong trembled as she spoke.
“I shall take my leave now.”
Seo Yun fled in a panic.
Yang Se Ryeong watched her go with a sideways glance, then sighed deeply.
For a moment, she studied Cheon Hui.
‘……Not a single reaction.’
Most men his age couldn’t tear their eyes away from her.
Though she wouldn’t say it aloud, she could be called beautiful.
And that wasn’t all.
She ordinarily wore no cosmetics, but today was different.
Her mother had suddenly done her makeup and dressed her in fine clothes.
When she’d first glimpsed her reflection, she’d been so startled she hardly recognized herself.
Yet he paid her no mind.
Or rather, he pretended not to notice.
And oddly enough, that very indifference had drawn her interest and made it easier to approach him.
‘Different from those with dark intentions.’
She drew closer to Cheon Hui.
“Great hero. I’ve come to keep our promise.”
“Promise?”
“You said you’d show me the Mountain and Sea Delicacies if you visited the Yang family.”
“Ah!”
Cheon Hui rose from his seat.
“Where is it?”
“Follow me.”
Together with Yang Se Ryeong, he left the Separate Residence.
They walked across the Garden of the Shin Chang Yang Family, and as they passed, the servants caught sight of them, their eyes sparkling as they called out.
“Miss! You look so beautiful today!”
“What a sight to see!”
“A perfect match made in heaven!”
Under the continuous praise from men and women alike, and their subtle insinuations, Yang Se Ryeong’s face flushed with embarrassment.
“Shouldn’t you all be working?”
She spoke sharply, but the servants seemed to relish her reaction and laughed warmly.
“Goodness! It seems my mind goes with age.”
“Ha, we’ll get back to work at once.”
“Hey! What are you all standing about for? The young lady has given an order!”
At their teasing manner and behavior, Yang Se Ryeong pressed her palm to her forehead in mild exasperation.
‘……This must be Seo Yun’s doing.’
Thinking of Seo Yun, who could never resist a good romance, she sighed inwardly and glanced sideways at Cheon Hui.
‘Fortunately, the great hero pays no attention.’
He showed no reaction whatsoever.
While she appreciated his lack of base desires, the fact that he continued to show absolutely no response left her slightly disappointed.
‘……Am I truly so unattractive? No, wait! What am I thinking?’
She shook her head vigorously.
‘I didn’t even do my makeup to impress anyone.’
To shake off the thoughts that dominated her mind, she walked with quicker strides.
Shortly after, Yang Se Ryeong arrived before a door and opened it.
Creak—
Everyone’s eyes focused on them.
Inside, Later Period Experts, Yang Jo Gang, and Gong Sun Yeon were already seated throughout the space.
Upon seeing Yang Se Ryeong, they widened their eyes.
What did she usually look like?
A Martial Robe and bare face were her daily attire.
Yet despite that, her beauty had been remarkable; now, dressed in silk and wearing makeup, she was transformed.
All eyes converged on her radiant beauty.
Yang Jo Gang, who knew that Yang Se Ryeong disliked cosmetics, was particularly astonished.
“Se… Se Ryeong?”
While Yang Jo Gang gaped, Gong Sun Yeon beside him appeared quite satisfied.
“The makeup suits you remarkably well, doesn’t it?”
“The lady did it herself?”
“That’s right.”
“It does suit her, I’ll grant you that…….”
Yang Se Ryeong was beautiful.
It reminded him of the first time he’d seen Gong Sun Yeon, all those years ago.
But there was one thing.
One thing that troubled him.
‘Why of all people, must she stand with him…….’
Yang Jo Gang’s eyes fixed upon Cheon Hui.
His expression hardened in an instant.
Though he disliked it, standing beside Yang Se Ryeong, they made quite a picture.
The other Later Period Experts seemed to think so as well, their admiration evident.
“They make a fine pair indeed.”
“……quite suited to each other.”
“Like a painting, truly.”
“Wow! They look wonderful together!”
Yang Se Ryeong was startled by the sudden convergence of eyes upon her, but soon a smile bloomed across her face.
‘So I’m not presenting myself poorly after all.’
Her confidence, which had momentarily shriveled under Cheon Hui’s indifference, lifted its head once more.
Meanwhile, Cheon Hui heard none of it.
What claimed his senses entirely was singular.
The table before him, laden with Mountain and Sea Delicacies.
‘Finer than most way stations.’
Pork dishes held pride of place, around which so many dishes crowded that the table seemed ready to buckle beneath their weight.
Cheon Hui caught the rich, savory aroma rising from the table and settled into an empty seat.
It faced Yang Jo Gang directly—ordinarily an uncomfortable position—but Cheon Hui claimed it without a moment’s hesitation.
Yang Se Ryeong was flustered by his boldness, but after glancing about, she quietly took the seat beside his.
Lightning flickered across Yang Jo Gang’s eyes.
“Se Ryeong, wouldn’t you prefer this seat instead?”
He gestured to the place beside him.
“Father.”
Gong Sun Yeon offered a subtle warning glance.
Yang Jo Gang was displeased, but the look in her eyes sealed his mouth.
‘A proper meal, for once.’
Cheon Hui, indifferent to their silent drama, picked up his chopsticks and began selecting dishes.
Fried fare, pork, noodles, broths.
With elegant precision, he sampled each dish in turn.
Yang Jo Gang, bewildered by his utter disregard for the stares of all present, shook his head.
“Perhaps we should resume what we were discussing earlier.”
He turned to Peng Cheol Wi with a question.
“Will you be remaining with us then?”
“I intend to devote myself to treatment.”
Peng Cheol Wi spoke, his eyes passing over the Later Period Experts.
The repeated onslaught of the Celestial Net Entrapment had left their bodies in poor condition.
Peng Cheol Wi’s wound in particular—there had been no time to tend it, and it had torn open wide from the constant blocking.
“And after that…….”
He began to ask the question with a grave expression.
Clatter—
Cheon Hui suddenly set down his chopsticks.
“A shame, though.”
His abrupt gesture silenced the conversation, and all eyes converged upon him.
Yang Jo Gang’s brow furrowed.
“A shame? What do you mean?”
“You still don’t understand?”
Cheon Hui narrowed his eyes and, for the first time, wore a serious expression as he posed the question back. Not just Yang Jo Gang but all those present held their breath.
After studying the table in silence for some time, Cheon Hui met Yang Jo Gang’s gaze and spoke.
“Where is the wine?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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