The Little Baby Snake of the Vermilion Bird Family - Chapter 68

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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 68
The Black Tortoise Family’s terrible tradition.
Only one child who survives can become the heir to the Black Tortoise Family.
Girls were excluded because they needed to carry on the family line.
But boys without exception had to follow this tradition.
They devoured one another, and were devoured in turn.
The Black Tortoise Family could absorb others’ Supernatural Abilities and strengthen their own.
Thus only the final survivor earned the rightful claim to inherit the Black Tortoise Family.
Of course, not everyone necessarily died in the process.
Previous Family Heads of the Black Tortoise Family had absorbed only their brothers’ Abilities, leaving their lives intact.
But this generation was different.
Hyun Cheonwoo—the current Family Head’s son and the most promising heir.
He did not spare the other heirs. If even innocent children showed even slightly strong Abilities, he absorbed them whole, bone and all.
The cruelty that marked him from childhood grew more severe with age.
Of course, children born without strong enough Abilities to absorb had survived.
But those who possessed Abilities strong enough to match Cheonwoo’s had all been absorbed and killed by him.
Even within the family, voices were rising that this was too cruel and vicious, tradition or not.
In the midst of such talk, Siyeom took comfort in having already spirited Doeui away to Namto beforehand.
When Doeui was first born, ten thousand wraiths wept in Bukto.
For the Black Tortoise Family, which dealt with wraiths, it was the most auspicious omen.
At the same time, it was a dangerous thing.
When Doeui was born, Cheonwoo was already eight years old and had absorbed two other children.
So if he learned that a newborn Doeui had been born with such an auspicious omen, he would never let it pass.
That was why Siyeom pretended Doeui was dead and entrusted him to Ju Jeokseo in this distant Namto.
She asked him to raise the boy without revealing his Black Tortoise blood, and that no one else must ever know.
“Please, Divine Lord. Please hide my son. If you will conceal and raise my son, I will do anything.”
But Doeui had to know that he carried Black Tortoise blood.
“I have placed another Incantation Spell on this child. As he grows, he will naturally come to understand that he is an heir of the Black Tortoise Family. So please, just keep him hidden. If his identity can be concealed, you can even raise him as a servant.”
That way, as he grew stronger, he could protect himself from Cheonwoo.
But what mother in the world would want to watch her own son die, tradition or not?
Nearly ten years had passed in this concealment. In that time, Cheonwoo had grown into a tyrant none could stop.
There was frequent talk that if such a Cheonwoo inherited the Black Tortoise Family, it would be a catastrophe for Bukto.
In such circumstances, for Doeui to survive…….
‘His current Ability isn’t nearly enough.’
Cheonwoo had devoured only ten children.
That meant he had absorbed ten Abilities from the direct line—each one immensely strong.
To overcome such a Cheonwoo, Doeui had to become stronger.
‘The problem is time…….’
How long could he stay hidden?
The stronger Doeui became, the more intensely the wraiths of Namto would respond, and it would not be long before Cheonwoo discovered him.
And then, unable to hide any longer, he would have to return to Bukto and inherit the ‘tradition.’
‘A mother’s heart, unheeded…….’
Soft laughter escaped her.
Yet Siyeom’s mind was as clouded as cigarette smoke curling thick and heavy, unable to see even an inch ahead.
***
“You’re departing soon to meet Jangwangshin?”
“Yes. You’ll need to act as Family Head in my absence.”
At Ju Jeokseo’s words, Hwanya crumpled his face in reply.
“I refuse.”
“Refuse—! When did you start objecting to your father’s word?”
“The place where Jangwangshin dwells is originally within my patrol range anyway, and I was going to patrol there again in a month’s time regardless. Wouldn’t it be better if I took Baeksa and went in your stead?”
“Now that I think about it, you’re right…….”
Convinced by Hwanya’s reasoning, Hwaryeong nodded.
“Besides, your wounds aren’t even fully healed. What are you thinking, taking a child somewhere?”
“If that’s what I’ve decided, then that’s what will happen. Son, don’t argue.”
“Stubborn.”
“That’s right.”
He replied without hesitation.
No matter how much Hwanya protested, he had no intention of changing this decision.
In any case, Siyeom would remain at the main house besides Hwanya. Then even if the Ghost Dragon caused trouble once more, they could endure it.
But if he sent only Hwanya and Baeksa and they encountered the Ghost Dragon again there?
Perhaps because Hwanya had been dealt such a shock by his encounter with the Ghost Dragon last time, he didn’t protest further.
Yet he still stood with a disgruntled expression, clearly unhappy.
“Have you located where Jangwangshin is? It must be difficult, with the turtles constantly shifting position.”
“Siyeom provided me with a Sacred Artifact. She said with this, I’ll be able to know Jangwangshin’s location.”
“You’ll need to receive the Divine Beast’s blessing before you go, so we should prepare that quickly.”
“I’ve already instructed the priests to ready it. Don’t worry.”
“What about the Ha Clan girl?”
“Siyeom said she’ll look into it. She’ll handle the matter concerning the Ghost Dragon Fragment.”
“Then what about Hwaryeong…….”
“You’re staying here——”
“Chirp-chirp-chirp!” (No way!)
In an instant, Hwaryeong had transformed into a small bird and fluttered onto Ju Jeokseo’s shoulder, pecking sharply at his father’s ear.
Hwaryeong flapped his wings rapidly.
“Chirp-chirp, chirp! Chirp-chirp-chirp!” (I’m going! Nobody’s leaving without me!)
“……You’ll take him with you?”
“Or would you prefer I tie him up?”
“If you say you’ll tie him down, I’ll allow it.”
At Hwanya’s words, Hwaryeong trembled and burrowed between Ju Jeokseo’s shoulders.
He scurried inside his shirt to settle himself, then poked his head out and fixed Hwanya with his gaze.
It was as if he were declaring he would absolutely not stay behind with Hwanya.
Seeing this, Hwanya let out a small laugh.
“You’ll have to take him.”
“I’ve foreseen it as well. It will be better for Baeksa if Hwaryeong comes too. She seems to depend on him greatly.”
“Chirp-chirp-chirp-chirp!” (Of course! I’ll take very good care of Baeksa!)
Hwaryeong cried out triumphantly, his voice bright with excitement.
Hwanya and Ju Jeokseo exchanged helpless looks and shook their heads at the sight of him.
***
Receiving the Divine Beast’s blessing was not an elaborate affair.
A priest would kindle the Flame of the Vermilion Bird in a great brazier, and whoever wished to receive blessing would approach and offer a prayer to the Divine Beast.
An aged priest lit the great brazier and bowed his head to Baeksa.
“All is ready.”
Baeksa nodded, her face trembling slightly.
And she recalled what Ju Jeokseo had told her before coming here.
‘Since you are the one going to meet Jangwangshin, you must make your request to the Divine Beast directly.’
‘How?’
‘Simply say: “I wish to meet Jangwangshin. Please watch over me so that I may do so.” That’s all.’
Baeksa slapped her own small cheek lightly—pat!
‘Don’t be afraid!’
There’s nothing to fear.
The Divine Beast gave me a name, after all. So it’s fine.
And even if no answer comes back, that too would be the Divine Beast’s will, and there was nothing to worry about.
“Do well.”
Baeksa received her uncle’s parting words and slowly approached the great brazier.
And as she carefully knelt, she felt the enormous flames lapping up before her face.
But perhaps because it was the Flame of the Vermilion Bird, which does not burn the innocent, the fire did not scorch her no matter how close it drew.
A white bird perched on Baeksa’s shoulder danced with joy at the sight of the flames, fluttering about playfully.
Baeksa steadied her breathing and carefully pressed her hands together.
‘Just wish with all your heart, they said.’
Then the Divine Beast will answer.
Following what Ju Jeokseo had told her, Baeksa cautiously made her prayer to the Divine Beast.
‘Divine Beast, I have something important I must do—I need to meet the turtle Jangwangshin. Can you help me?’
Her two clasped hands trembled softly.
‘I really must meet him. It’s very important. Please, just this once—help me.’
And in the next moment.
Whoosh—the flames roared to life!
The fire in the brazier began to burn brightly and intensely.
And soon it took on the form of a great Vermilion Bird, spreading wings of flame above Baeksa’s head.
“Ah, the Divine Beast has answered!”
It was the response of the Vermilion Bird Divine Beast.

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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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