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Chapter 14
After cleaning the pheasant caught from the mountain, he placed it into dumpling wrappers and steamed it. It didn’t take long to cook. He lit the fire using refined inner flame and waited while the dumplings steamed in a custom-made steamer.
Once done, he served the dumplings with his secret soy-based sauce. On top, he placed grilled pheasant and soy-marinated boiled eggs.
He arranged the pheasant, dumplings, rice, and side dishes neatly on the table, presenting a picture-perfect meal that showcased his growth as the household’s primary homemaker (or shall we say, the househusband?).
“What do you think?”
“Of course you’re my dad— it’s absolutely delicious!”
With his daughter’s bold compliment, Mujin felt like he could even take down a white bear. And no, that wasn’t a joke, he really had taken one down before.
“There’s no one like our Mi-joo.”
“Obviously! I’m Mi-joo, the daughter of my invincible daddy!”
Now eight years old, Mi-joo had grown in size, but still retained all the cuteness of her younger days. Compared to others her age, she was quite well-developed. One could safely say she had the qualities of a future beauty.
“At this rate, my little girl will be ready to marry soon.”
“I’m going to live with Daddy forever!”
And if his daughter wished it, what wouldn’t a father do? If she meant it sincerely, he was ready to make it happen.
“Still, that’s not exactly how life works…”
“I don’t want anyone but Daddy!”
Her affectionate outburst made Mujin smile instinctively. As a father, he felt he had to do everything in his power to preserve the happiness of this moment.
— If she still feels that way even when she’s grown…
‘Kids are like that. What’s so wrong about loving your dad?’
— But when she’s forty and still calling you the best, that’s going to feel a bit off, no?
‘Come on! I’m not gonna keep her locked up until then. I’ll accept any man who can withstand ten of my attacks!’
— Then she’s destined to live alone. The whole “growing old alone” thing? Not just a figure of speech in this case.
Expecting someone to withstand ten full strikes from the War King wasn’t just unreasonable, it was borderline cruelty. And not just now, but in the distant future, when the War King would be even stronger. Even now, hardly anyone could handle that level of intensity. And as time passed, the potential son-in-law would only grow older and weaker.
Hmph!
Only then did Mujin notice his son’s gaze and turned to look.
“Why are you looking at me like that, son?”
“It’s nothing, Dad.”
“A man should speak his mind. Don’t just sulk silently. Come on, out with it.”
“I’ve decided to enter the Young Dragon Tournament.”
“I already knew that. I’ve made all the preparations — your father’s got you covered.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
He didn’t mention that he’d just learned about it today from Elder Kang. Seeing his son genuinely pleased after so long made it hard to say otherwise. And truth be told, there wasn’t much to prepare anyway.
Everything had, in essence, already been taken care of. Just as there’s no such thing as coincidence, Tae-jin’s advanced progress for his age wasn’t accidental.
— You can thank me for that.
‘Fishing for credit again, are we?’
As a father, one of Mujin’s essential skills was an energy-enhancing technique, a technique that transferred refined internal energy.
With just the power of 60-year cycles and precise Qi manipulation, he could bolster his son’s growth. But true progress in martial arts required more than energy transfer, it required guidance. And in that regard, the Demonic King was a level above.
Using Eye of Demonic Insight, the Demonic King had engraved training sequences into Tae-jin’s subconscious. Tae-jin thought he was just dreaming at night, but in reality, he was training. Still, growth wasn’t automatic, it took dedication and perseverance.
“Until Mom gets home, why don’t we test your skills a bit?”
“Okay!”
Tae-jin shot out into the front yard like a flying squirrel. His movements were clearly on another level compared to his peers, swift and well-balanced.
“You’re wobbling a little.”
“Where?”
“That shakiness on landing comes from poor weight transfer. Focus on just a bit more force in your waist and knees.”
“Got it!”
He picked up his wooden sword.
He now wielded the once-honest Songho Five-Form Sword. But the sword style had evolved, now, once Quickness and Power were perfected, it would transform into a supreme Force Sword technique. Once complete, it would produce blade strikes like flashes of light, mesmerizing variations, and a destructive mastery that could tear through souls.
“Dad!”
“Go ahead.”
Still, Mujin didn’t rise to his feet.
With a flick of his fingers, he sliced the air. Each time, Tae-jin’s wooden sword clashed with an invisible force, ringing out loud pops. The sound was impressive, but the soundproofing was flawless. He’d sealed off the inner building with Qi Veils, so training wouldn’t disturb anyone.
“You’re leaving your waist open.”
“That’s cheap!”
“Weak points exist to be exploited, son.”
“But I’m your son!”
“Excuses after a loss are just the loser’s whining.”
“Dad… you’re so mean!”
Mujin didn’t draw lines with his son. Being a comfortable, friendly dad was enough. That said, Tae-jin was far from rude. He treated even his mother, Yu-jin, with deep reverence. If his children’s manners ever went too far, it was honestly a little terrifying.
‘I’ve never seen Yu-jin that scary before!’
When it came to raising children, his wife was far stricter than he was. In fact, he sometimes felt guilty, wondering if he was just handing out carrots to avoid becoming the “bad dad.”
Tae-jin continued performing the Songho Five-Form Sword in its proper sequence: First Thousand, Gale, Uplifting Mountain, Descent, and All-Heaven.
Swift yet aggressive sword intent filled each form.
Thwack! Thwack!
Even though it was just a wooden sword, each swing carried impressive force. Though it wasn’t immediately obvious, Tae-jin was naturally channeling internal Qi. At his age, the ability to enhance a weapon with Qi was nothing short of astonishing.
‘I guess he’s got a right to show off.’
— Only now realizing this? The greatness of the Demonic King transcends generations.
‘Still, I beat you.’
— That was merely a tactical retreat.
‘And an excuse is…?’
— Son of a…!
As Mujin observed his son’s movement, he had to admit—the Demonic King had taught him well. He had never taught anyone else before, which spoke volumes about Tae-jin’s innate nature. No wonder the Demonic King’s ruthless intent could be felt in the blade.
It was hard to completely discard ingrained habits, especially since Mujin himself leaned toward Tyrant’s Path as well. Naturally, his son’s swordplay was fierce and forceful. He was chasing the very essence of power. It differed slightly from the original spirit of Songho Five-Form Sword, which was modeled after a tiger strolling through the mountains with elegance and ease.
“You don’t need to be fluid just yet.”
“But Instructor said I need to be smooth too.”
“That idea started when Wudang’s Taiji philosophy became the mainstream of swordsmanship. People began thinking that achieving harmony between yin and yang was the essence of the sword. But reality’s not that simple. As the saying goes, all rivers return to the sea— a sword’s intent should be close to its core. If you haven’t grasped the fundamentals, adding extra layers won’t make you stronger.”
“Should I say that to the Instructor?”
“Like I’ve told you before, keep it to yourself. This is your father’s insight— I’m only sharing it because you’re my son. Not just anyone gets to learn this.”
— Says the guy quoting my exact words.
Tae-jin didn’t object. He accepted his father’s teaching without resistance. Maybe others in the sect didn’t notice, but his father was unbelievably strong. Just look at him now, using nothing but hand gestures to become a real sparring opponent. Even the elders couldn’t do that.
“When will I be like you, Dad?”
“Hm… maybe in about twenty years?”
“That’s way too long!”
“That’s how strong your dad is. Ohohohoho!”
Tae-jin shook his head. Most people answered humbly in such moments, but not his dad. He didn’t go out of his way to flaunt his strength, but neither did he hide it. At times, his brutal honesty chipped away at his son’s young heart.
“Mom’s coming! Let’s go inside!”
“Alright.”
Mujin sat with his children on either side, waiting for his wife. He had sensed her changing direction toward the main building even before she appeared. Nothing should obstruct his wife’s path. Every step was carefully checked.
“Honey, you’ve worked hard. Was today tough?”
“Tough? Not at all. Seeing you and the kids actually gives me energy.”
“Kids, what are you doing? Say thank you to your mom who works so hard for us!”
“Thanks, Mom!”
“Love you, Mom!”
They might seem like an unrealistic family from another time, but for them, this was everyday life.
These peaceful meals, gathered around the table, were precious. Even after five years, memories of that blood-soaked past still lingered. Mujin had carved a vow into his soul to never live like that again.
“This is delicious.”
“Try this dumpling too.”
“I’ll have it.”
“Ahh, say ahh—”
Even in front of the kids, Mujin didn’t hold back his affections. He was done being a cold husband. He had decided to become a shameless romantic who didn’t hesitate to engage in even the cheesiest acts of affection.
— Disgusting to watch.
‘Just admit you’re jealous.’
— At least leave the door open when you sleep. Give me something to look at.
‘Get stronger and maybe I will.’
— You’re such a petty jerk.
‘That’s voyeurism. Also? Pervert.’
— Regret teaching you anything…
‘You’ve gotta share the good stuff in life.’
To ensure his wife’s long life and their hundred-year marriage, Mujin had coaxed the Demonic King into teaching him the Yin-Yang Divine Art. It was originally the martial art of the Yin-Yang God-Demon—often classified as either a divine or demonic technique. But in truth, it was based on Daoist Life Cultivation— methods aimed at health, longevity, and spiritual balance.
What made the Yin-Yang God-Demon especially unique was their rare constitution, being born with both male and female traits. But rather than understanding it, people accused them of practicing perverse martial arts, which led to a bloody storm of persecution.
Mujin had taught his wife the Yin techniques and cultivated the Yang techniques himself, achieving Yin-Yang Union between them. Not only was this the ultimate method for intimacy, but it also happened to be absurdly effective for internal energy cultivation.
Each night, he used Dual-Body Energy Circulation to nurture and strengthen his wife’s internal power. As a result, her current cultivation level alone was comparable to one full 60-year cycle.
‘A strong foundation in Qi is the key to long life.’
The sturdier one’s internal energy, the slower the aging process. Considering that the final stage of the Yin-Yang Divine Art was said to lead to the state of Immortality through Rebirth—a transformation akin to a Daoist sage—this was a pursuit worth chasing. For Mujin, it was a battle to extend his wife’s life. They were supposed to grow old together. The thought of only she aging while he stayed youthful was unbearable.
As the meal was nearing its end…
His wife, clearly conflicted, looked hesitantly at Mujin. It was obvious she was struggling, debating whether to speak or stay silent.
“Honey... I heard from my father. He wants us to visit before the holidays.”
“Let’s go.”
“You mean it? You’ll really go?”
“Of course. If my father-in-law is calling, it’s only right that I go as his son-in-law.”
His prompt reply nearly brought Yu-jin to tears. Ever since their marriage, she hadn’t returned to her family home. Her father had strongly opposed their union and even told her never to come back. Since then, it had become a deep burden in her heart.
Despite that, she couldn’t bring herself to ask her husband to go with her. The memory of being rejected and scorned at the door was still raw.
“Thank you...!”
“No, thank you. If it weren’t for your father, when would I have ever met a woman like you?”
In truth, though he felt sorry for his wife, Mujin had been somewhat relieved not to visit her family. He barely remembered the rejection or scorn anymore; those memories had long since faded into something almost nostalgic.
‘Sorry I didn’t bring it up first.’
So wrapped up in family time, he hadn’t even thought about his in-laws. But for Yu-jin, blood was still blood, no matter how far removed. She may have married and moved away, but they were still her parents.
‘I’ll have to bring some generous gifts.’
The past five years hadn’t been spent just chopping wood.
Though his knowledge of the martial world was limited, thanks to being forced into seclusion in the mountains, he was aware of the major events. And he’d used that knowledge to quietly build a foundation ensuring his family’s safety.
Most of it had already been invested into the family, but a few cards still remained.
‘There’s a reason her father’s not protesting anymore.’
He’d preemptively “fed” quite a lot of bribes to silence potential complaints. Every time the elders tried to speak up, his father-in-law had skillfully deflected them. It’s true, if you offer the best to a man whose power is waning, even a father’s attitude changes. That much was universal.
‘That’s just how people are.’
He’d yet to meet anyone who actually disliked a safe, profitable bribe.
---The End Of The Chapter---
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