Return of the War King Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Baek Yuhwa and Baek Yukyung had walked out with a firm vow: ‘I would hold her responsible for the ten years of estrangement between sisters.’

That was the resolve.

That was how it should have been… right?

But their expression wouldn’t stay in check. Their body burned hot, and that alone betrayed them.

Haaa!

At last, the exclamation they had been holding back burst out.

“Are you really giving this to me?”

“Of course. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you an even finer sword, sister-in-law. Ah, it would be best to commission a master craftsman to make a custom grip. Everyone’s hands are different. Ignore something like that or cling to the foolish saying that ‘a true master isn’t picky about weapons,’ and you’ll find yourself dead in no time.”

A true master isn’t picky about weapons. Certainly, that could be true. But the difference between wielding a weapon perfectly suited to you and one that isn’t can mean life or death.

Many a warrior had been felled by that small difference. To truly wield any weapon without discrimination, one would have to at least stand among the Ten Great Masters of the world.

“Thank you… brother-in-law.”

“This is nothing worth thanking for.”

They had hated and resented this brother-in-law who stole their sister away. Ever since then, their parents had urged them not to even seek her out, and so all contact had been cut off.

And the culprit behind it all now stood before him. When Baek Yuhwa and Baek Yukyung heard their sister had returned, they had rushed back, intent on unleashing all their bottled-up emotions on him.

But they couldn’t.

— White Scaled Sword.

—White Dragon Sword.

Together, they were known as the Twin Dragon Swords, ranked among the Hundred Great Swords two hundred years ago. Their owners, the sisters, Immortal Yonghwa and Immortal Baekrin, had been famed swordswomen of their time.

Srrrng!

The blade shone as he drew it. Its brilliance was untouched by the two centuries that had passed. It was no inferior to modern forging methods and still deserved to be called a legendary sword. The aura within, the spirit of the swordswoman who once wielded it, awakened the very soul of a martial artist.

Baek Yuhwa and Baek Yukyung, outer disciples of the Wudang Sect, had their talents acknowledged and trained at the main temple, later returning to help with their merchant clan’s affairs. But as outer disciples, their limits were clear—they had never been granted the sect’s symbol, the Taechung Sword.

To them, a famous sword was more precious than any treasure.

“This is the sword manual of Immortal Yonghwa and Immortal Baekrin.”

“Ah!”

Receiving both the Yonghwa Sword Technique and the Baekrin Sword Technique, Yuhwa and Yukyung were overwhelmed. They couldn’t tell where reality ended and the dream began. Such fortune all at once… it left them disoriented.

‘Do they not realize the worth of this sword manual?’

‘Or are they simply free of greed?’

They had to admit, their prejudices about their brother-in-law had been nothing but biased. Any martial artist would covet these treasures.

Even if the manuals weren’t one of the Three Great Heavenly Manuals sung of in legend, their value was undeniable.

‘Could they be fakes?’

‘Perhaps…’

Given the rumors about him, it wasn’t impossible. But the moment their hand closed around the hilt, they knew. This sword is theirs. Even if not yet a Sword Name bond, they had harmonized with it.

“If one learns Wudang swordsmanship, does that mean they cannot learn another?”

“……No!”

“We’re only outer disciples—it’s fine for us!”

Startled that he might try to take back what had been given, Yuhwa and Yukyung clutched the swords tighter. They hadn’t even opened the manuals yet. They silently reproached themselves for doubting his sincerity at all.

“For reference, the manuals focus on sword forms, so they won’t clash with your inner arts. You probably knew that already, but I said it anyway. I tend to be overly cautious.”

“……Not at all.”

“Thank you for thinking of us, brother-in-law!”

The resentment against the man who had stolen their sister had melted away long ago. Instead of clinging to old vows of hatred, the sisters now showed fierce determination not to let go of the blades and manuals. Rejecting his goodwill would have been unworthy of them as younger sisters.

They reflected on their past scorn and now regarded him with respect.

Of course—it wasn’t because they were swayed by the legendary swords and manuals. Not at all.

“Brother-in-law, let’s get along from now on!”

“Yes, brother-in-law!”

The two sisters stood at Mujin’s sides, sending him reproachful looks that asked, Why only come to us now? Naturally, they clung to his arms.

At that moment—

“Stop.”

“Unnie!”

“He’s my man. You two keep your hands on your own men.”

“So stingy!”

Yu-jin wouldn’t allow even her sisters to touch Mujin. The way she boldly declared, You are my man, filled him with pride.

‘As expected, my woman is flawless.’

—What a waste.

‘I told you, I’m a married man!’

—I’m still a bachelor.

‘Can you really say that with your own mouth?’

—All the better for me to take them as concubines.

‘Do you want to die?!’

—If they’re swayed by something as small as the Twin Dragon Swords, then the Blood King Divine Sword will seal the deal. The very thought pleases me.

‘Shut up and stop spoiling the mood. Don’t you dare sully my sisters-in-law with your filthy mouth.’

—So you’re not the War King, but the Foolish King. Going to hand out everything to your wife’s family, are you?

‘Just this once.’

—That’s what they all say the first time.

Mujin didn’t deny it. If a man’s wife was beautiful, he could buy an imperial palace for her family and call it worth it. Even the emperor himself, if told of his plight, would politely vacate the palace. To refuse would only mar his dignity. Politics ruled with closed ears never lasted long.

‘After this, I must’ve scored plenty of points.’

One could say it was a bit excessive, but for Mujin, it wasn’t. For others, a sword or a manual might be more precious than life itself, but to Mujin, they were neither here nor there.

He had no need for other martial arts, nor did he practice any that required weapons. To him, a weapon and its sword art would only become burdens. By handing them over, he had cleared away lingering resentments. In that sense, it was a profitable exchange. He could understand how his in-laws felt when they entrusted their cherished daughter to a so-called wastrel.

Still, there was a line he would not cross.

He gave them only because of the guilt he owed. If greed went too far, it would become a problem. Even his wife wouldn’t wish him to stray beyond moderation.

“Brother-in-law, do you know something?”

“What is it?”

“Do you know how much we adored our sister? Then suddenly, she chose you instead. Do you know how angry and resentful we were? How many days we cried? We wanted to see her every single day.”

“I’ll come visit more often from now on.”

“You must keep that promise.”

“I’ll come during the holidays too.”

Once the words began flowing, the flood didn’t stop. When they first met, he thought their tongues had been cut in half for how curt their replies were—how in the world had they kept all this in?

“Was it really from a cave?”

“I went to gather wood and found a cave hidden by the forest. Who would’ve thought it was a treasure vault?”

“Wow, what a true chance encounter. We always dreamed of stumbling upon such a fateful opportunity ourselves.”

“Depending on chance alone won’t make you a master. You need to sharpen the weapons you already possess to their fullest.”

“Oh right, brother-in-law, you’ve trained in martial arts too, haven’t you? What art do you practice?”

“As the eldest son of the clan, of course, it’s the Songho Sword Art. I can’t very well study these Sword Manuals.”

Martial arts often reflect gender. Even the same techniques would manifest differently depending on whether they were practiced by man or woman. These sword manuals carried the very insights and essence of two female sword immortals. Naturally, the manual had been formed to suit their characteristics.

“And the one you gave Mother—was that really a Night-Luminous Pearl?”

“It was real.”

“Then can I bite it to check?”

“…Do as you like.”

His sisters-in-law were beautiful, much like his wife. Of course, his wife was far more beautiful, wise, and virtuous. Still, they had the looks to attract men. But once they opened their mouths, their boundless chatter spilled forth. Judging by his mother-in-law’s unchanging expression, this wasn’t out of character.

At any rate, it wasn’t gold. Would biting it really leave a mark? Mujin had never heard of anyone confirming a Night-Luminous Pearl that way, so he couldn’t say for sure.

“Then that makes you the heir of the Songho Sect, doesn’t it, brother-in-law?”

“No, my younger brother is the heir. I was pushed aside.”

“Ah, well that happens. Honestly, fighting among brothers for succession is ugly. What does it matter who inherits?”

“See? Only my sisters-in-law truly understand me.”

“Everyone has their role. There’s no need for you to feel disheartened, brother-in-law.”

Had they spoken of this before entering the room, would the conversation have ended so pleasantly? Mujin wasn’t sure. But he didn’t care. Human hearts were fickle, ever-changing. Consistency wasn’t always right.

“Dad, can I go outside and play now? I want to look around.”

“Mi-joo, shall we go out together?”

When Mi-joo began to whine, Mujin’s sisters-in-law immediately stepped in, sparing him the trouble. With them around, he felt reassured.

Just to be safe, he added Tae-jin to the group.

“You go too.”

“Me?”

“Would you send your sister off alone?”

“I was going to stay here… Fine.”

Tae-jin, thinking his aunts would handle things, felt relieved he could sit this one out—but his father wasn’t having it. Of all things, Mujin could overlook much, but never negligence toward Tae-jin’s sister. For the sake of the future, Tae-jin knew he had to stay on his father’s good side.

“Don’t lose confidence. You know who stands behind you, right?”

“Of course.”

“I can endure paying medical bills, but I’ll never tolerate my son coming home beaten.”

“Is that really something a father should say to his son?”

“It’s better than telling you to keep getting thrashed.”

Tae-jin wasn’t the type who enjoyed fighting. He rarely picked quarrels unless it was an honorable duel. But if he ever came home beaten, his father would raise hell. Mujin’s philosophy was simple: if you’re in the right, why endure?

That attitude could be dangerous, the kind of thinking that led to getting stabbed in an alley—but sometimes, Taejin felt proud of his father’s fearless, uncompromising way.

“Brother-in-law, you really are bold!”

“A man moves straight forward.”

“No wonder Sister fell for you.”

“That’s part of it, but there’s much more. A shame I can’t show you.”

Yu-jin’s face turned red. “Dear!” she cried, her voice sharp.

Mujin shut his mouth. When it came to their private matters, his wife allowed no slip of the tongue. He respected that intimacy.

“The most beautiful spot in the Bomon Merchant Guild is the garden. Mi-joo will fall in love at first sight when she sees it. Let’s go.”

“Okay, Auntie!”

“Goodness, she looks exactly like her sister.”

“No, she takes after her father.”

Did it matter who she resembled more? As long as she was his child, that was enough.

With that, Tae-jin followed his aunts and Mi-joo out of the room.

‘Finally, the one I’ve been waiting for arrives.’

He didn’t know all the details of his wife’s hidden past, but he could guess. He could imagine what kind of treatment she had endured. Yet blood ties remained blood ties. He would give them one last chance.

---The End Of The Chapter---

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