The Ignored Granddaughter of a Murim Family - Chapter 261

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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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Chapter 261
The gambling den descended into chaos even more rapidly than the arena itself.
“Hahahaha!”
“Wait! This can’t be right! It’s impossible!”
“Damn it. How much did you lose?”
Mad laughter and anguished cries filled the air. Those who had lost money were in turmoil, and those who had won were equally frenzied.
Wi Gu-jung’s death was merely one incident among many for them.
Only a few people whispered cautiously to one another.
“I mean, even though we don’t question what happens in the tournament… that was brutal.”
“Did he really need to kill him?”
“Surely it wasn’t intentional? More importantly, how does this Jeok-ya plan to weather the backlash?”
“Who knows. A stray blade in the dead of night—there’s nothing you can do about that, unless he has backing. Honestly, it’s madness.”
I heard the excited crowd and the murmurs of the martial artists.
It was as Yalyu, having secured his victory, began to descend from the tournament arena.
“You bastard!”
The roar was like thunder itself, making eardrums ring. A few of the faint-hearted collapsed where they stood, their legs giving way.
Wi Ji-baek’s face was consumed with rage. The dignified facade he had maintained was cast aside.
His most cherished disciple had been reduced to this—he could not possibly remain composed.
Moreover, a master of Wi Ji-baek’s caliber would know that Yalyu could have subdued Wi Gu-jung without killing him. Of course, he could never say such a thing aloud.
“Reveal your true identity.”
Wi Ji-baek rose slowly from the spectators’ section.
A tidal wave of pressure bore down upon Yalyu, rendering him immobile. It was utterly overwhelming.
I could feel the strength of someone so powerful that they could commit acts as despicable as those of Madu and still walk about with shameless pride.
Who here could possibly stop Wi Ji-baek?
That was when it happened.
“That will be enough.”
It was Taego Jinperson.
“Alliance Leader, I understand the sorrow of losing a cherished disciple, but this is the stage where we determine the greatest under heaven. A match is a match.”
Wi Ji-baek glared at Taego Jinperson.
“Have you forgotten that nothing that occurs on the martial arena incurs any liability, Alliance Leader?”
…
“Respect the victor.”
…
Taego Jinperson spoke to Yalyu.
“Most impressive. I shall be watching your future.”
Taego Jinperson gestured for Yalyu to withdraw.
“Alliance Leader, what are you doing? Will you continue like this?”
Unable to resist Taego Jinperson’s urging, Wi Ji-baek sat back down.
Yalyu glanced once at the Alliance Leader before descending from the arena.
Wi Gu-jung was carried out after him, and attendants hurried up to prepare the arena.
* * *
The sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the chamber.
A brush rest carved from towering pine tumbled across the floor.
Wi Ji-baek’s unrestrained momentum was almost violent in its intensity.
“Jeok-ya of the Chudo Sect. You assured me there would be no problems, did you not? What in the world is the meaning of this?”
The trembling man was Wang Jo-hak, Wi Ji-baek’s brother-in-law.
“I… I myself do not understand how this came to pass… He showed nothing remarkable in the preliminaries… I sincerely apologize.”
He had been entrusted with arranging the tournament bracket.
“I placed my trust in you and gave you this responsibility, yet you have made a grave error.”
“I am deeply sorry.”
“Empty words serve no purpose. Tell me your thoughts. What do you believe should be done now?”
“I… if you would issue orders…”
The sound of his fist striking the table was like a slap across the face.
Wang Jo-hak, startled, wracked his mind for an answer.
“A martial artist of such caliber could not have appeared without any backing whatsoever.”
It was the correct answer—Wi Ji-baek’s expression softened slightly.
“He must surely be connected to the Demonic Cult.”
Wi Ji-baek’s stern face bore the countenance of an unwavering martial master.
“If we allow such a dangerous element to roam freely, there is no telling what chaos might befall the Murim Alliance Headquarters.”
Wi Ji-baek’s words were an order to capture Jeok-ya of the Chudo Sect by any means necessary. Once apprehended and imprisoned, he would be branded a puppet of the Demonic Cult.
“Yes. I shall see it done.”
“Go now.”
Wang Jo-hak, having received his orders, carefully withdrew from the chamber.
At the doorway, he was startled to see a figure waiting.
“The Great Lady.”
Wi Ji-baek’s first wife. Though she was now of an age to have grandchildren, her face still retained traces of the violet beauty of her youth.
Wang Jo-hak belatedly collected himself and offered his respects.
“Have you come to see the Alliance Leader?”
The Great Lady nodded.
“The Alliance Leader’s mood seems troubled…”
“I have already heard everything. Do not concern yourself.”
With those words, the Great Lady entered Wi Ji-baek’s chamber.
Wi Ji-baek was already aware of her arrival.
He was adjusting his sword belt.
The Great Lady showed little surprise at the disorder of the room.
After more than twenty years of marriage, one cannot help but know another’s true nature.
Wi Ji-baek spoke without looking at her.
“What brings you here? If it is not urgent, might we not discuss it later?”
The Great Lady settled into a round chair and spoke.
The Great Lady sat in the round chair and spoke.
“I’ve come regarding Gu-jung’s funeral. What should be done?”
Wi Ji-baek’s grip tightened around the sword hilt.
“Have you come to mock me? Since when did you care for Gu-jung to concern yourself with such matters?”
The Great Lady did not answer, merely regarding Wi Ji-baek with her gaze.
Wi Ji-baek spoke curtly.
“Prepare it yourself. I haven’t the mind to concern myself with such details.”
Despite the death of a cherished disciple, there was no trace of sorrow or regret in his demeanor.
“I provided him with such support. The fool. I told him to train diligently, yet he grew arrogant and…!”
Rather, he regarded the death with contempt.
“If your business is concluded, you may take your leave.”
“There is one more matter.”
Wi Ji-baek’s expression grew slightly irritated.
“It is simple. My brother has been absent for far too long.”
“Why do you seek the Hyeonmu Unit Master?”
“Must a sister require reason to inquire after her brother’s welfare? I also had a request for him. Yet no one seems to know where the Hyeonmu Unit Master is.”
“….”
The Great Lady gazed at him steadily before speaking.
“As the captain of the Alliance Leader’s guard, surely you would know where your brother is.”
“…He will arrive soon.”
“When might that be?”
“When he arrives, I shall inform you. Do not concern yourself further.”
The Great Lady, who had been watching Wi Ji-baek, sighed and rose to her feet.
“Please tell him to find me when he returns.”
After she departed from the chamber, a moment passed.
Wi Ji-baek emerged from the pavilion with a rigid expression.
His hurried footsteps halted as he encountered those blocking his path ahead.
They were members of the Elder Council.
Wi Ji-baek’s eyes narrowed.
His gaze swept across those standing before the pavilion.
It appeared nearly every sect of the Elder Council had assembled. He had received no word until they had all gathered like this.
The commotion had drawn numerous warriors from the Alliance Leader’s Residence, who now blocked the path of the Elder Council members.
Wi Ji-baek spoke in a frigid voice.
“What brings you all to the Alliance Leader’s Residence without notice?”
“Wei Alliance Leader, where has the Hyeonmu Unit Master gone? Is he not your guard?”
“He departed on urgent business.”
A scoffing sound was heard from someone.
A Buddhist Monk with a bitter expression spoke.
“Amitabha. Wei Alliance Leader, an accusation has been brought against you.”
“An accusation?”
“Please come with us. It would be best not to discuss such matters here.”
The Buddhist Monk surveyed the guards of the Alliance Leader’s Residence.
The Alliance Leader’s guards glared with displeasure at the Elder Council members who had suddenly burst in.
Yet at the mention of an accusation, surprise flickered across their faces as they turned their gaze toward Wi Ji-baek, seeking an explanation.
Moreover, other Alliance members who sensed the commotion were gathering one after another.
Wi Ji-baek clenched his fists so tightly they seemed ready to shatter.
The Gongsun Bang Chief Strategist stepped forward.
“Wi Alliance Leader, we are making one final attempt to preserve your honor. If you refuse, there is nothing we can do.”
* * *
Everyone passed the first round of the main tournament without difficulty.
Even Namgung Ryu-cheong, whose physical condition was poor, encountered no problems.
In fact, irritated by his poor condition, Namgung Ryu-cheong ended his match swiftly with a single strike, and the spectators were busy chanting his name.
After everyone completed their matches, I tried to meet with Yalyu, but it proved impossible.
A curfew had been imposed.
Guests and tournament participants alike were forbidden from leaving their lodgings.
Though people protested this unreasonable measure, the Murim Alliance remained resolute.
The tournament schedule itself came to a complete halt.
Everyone rushed to understand what unusual event had occurred, but we could discern it was due to Wi Ji-baek’s affair.
The next day, Namgung Wan returned first with the Hyeonmu Unit members.
And four days later, Father arrived at the Main Headquarters accompanied by roughly ten ladies.
A week after the tournament was suspended.
The Martial Arts Tournament was held once more.

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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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