Chapter 20. Unexpected News (2)
"Does the new sword suit your taste?"
Tang Sowol, now dressed in a more comfortable outfit after changing out of her elaborate going-out attire, spoke in a slightly thorny tone.
"Just curious—did you perhaps get a bit sulky because I went to fetch the sword alone?"
"How old do you think I am? I wouldn't sulk over something like that. Though, since you said you wanted to act like a proper fiancé today, it would've been nice if you'd finished things in a more 'fiancé-like' manner."
"Well, you are five years older than me, so I doubt something like this would upset you too much."
At my comment, Tang Sowol's lips began to pout more and more, as if she'd just been struck by something.
Seeing her obviously sulking expression, I chuckled softly and added,
"I like mature women."
"...Could you be more specific?"
"Alright. Specifically, I like women who look good in green clothes, who like to boast about being older but still act childishly, who go out of their way to guide their suddenly acquired fiancé around, and who take him out, wanting to show him the things they like."
"Hmph. Fine, I'll let it slide this time, seeing how sincere you've been today."
Tang Sowol nodded with a mock-haughty air, but did she realize that her cheeks were already turning red?
I didn't bother pointing it out. Watching her fanning herself for no reason or awkwardly gazing off into the distance was too amusing to interrupt.
As we neared the agreed meeting place, Tang Sowol spoke in a low voice.
"Brother Cheon, you're planning to follow my father when he goes after those who tried to kill me, aren't you?"
"I am."
Instead of answering, Tang Sowol remained silent, her expression resolute, as if she had made up her mind about something.
***
Before long, we arrived at the reception hall. I lightly announced our presence before opening the door, and a familiar scene greeted us.
The table was filled with food—not too excessive, but not lacking either—and Tang Jincheon waited for us at the head seat.
The difference from last time was that Tang Cheong and a middle-aged man I didn't recognize were also present, creating a strangely heavy atmosphere.
Although Tang Jincheon often found time to have dinner with Tang Sowol despite his busy schedule, it didn't seem like he had called us here today just for a casual meal.
No, that was certainly not the case. Tang Cheong's presence was understandable, but there was no way an unfamiliar face would be here without reason.
Tang Sowol, sensing the unusual mood, spoke cautiously with a slightly tense expression.
"Uncle, you're here too."
"As you might've guessed, we have something rather important to discuss today."
The middle-aged man shrugged. He didn't have an imposing or overbearing demeanor, yet something about his presence was subtly intimidating.
Still, his lighthearted speech and mannerisms made him seem peculiar in many ways. Judging by Tang Sowol's address, it was clear who he was.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Cheon Hwi, and I've recently become engaged to Tang Sowol."
"I'm Tang Yujin. I usually serve as the Patriarch's personal bodyguard, so you probably won't see me around much. But it's nice to meet you. I trust you found the gift I sent useful?"
"Yes. It was exactly what I needed, and I've made great use of it."
"That's good to hear. Staying in good health is essential."
I didn't catch his muttered remark, so I tilted my head slightly in confusion, but before I could dwell on it, Tang Jincheon cleared his throat and spoke.
"Ahem. Now that introductions are done, take your seats."
"Yes."
I took a seat next to Tang Sowol, causing Tang Jincheon's eyebrow to twitch slightly. However, he quickly regained his composure, as if he was already used to this sort of thing.
"Well then, as Yujin mentioned, there's something we need to discuss. It's not exactly a pleasant topic, though."
Naturally. I was already on edge, and hearing the full details would probably make it hard to keep eating.
After taking a bite of braised pork belly and nodding in satisfaction, Tang Jincheon finally began speaking.
"By the way, Sowol, I heard you went out to the marketplace with Brother Cheon today..."
He started with casual small talk—asking about our outing, whether the new sword suited me, and how life in the Tang Clan had been treating me.
As the meal progressed, the lighthearted atmosphere gradually gave way to something more serious. When we were nearly finished eating, Tang Jincheon's demeanor shifted.
"Now, let's get to the main topic."
He didn't exude any aura or release his energy, but his presence became distinctly more pronounced.
For a martial artist at the Flowering Stage, merely being their true self was enough to create pressure and establish authority.
"We've identified the mastermind behind the attempt on Sowol's life. They're agents of the Demonic Cult."
"I've heard as much from Brother. But I have a question."
"Go ahead."
"Where did this information come from? It's been a while, and we hadn't heard anything until now."
"That's true. We initially hired the Beggar's Sect to investigate, but all they found were people who had unknowingly aided the attackers by lending them money or providing carriages. None of them knew the real mastermind. At that point, we were about ready to give up…"
So far, everything was in line with what I had heard before my regression.
"Then, out of nowhere, we received word from the Hao Sect. They claimed that the ones responsible were Demonic Cult members hiding in Guangdong Province, who had incited some unorthodox martial artists with a grudge against the Tang Clan. They also insisted they had no direct involvement."
"That's rather sudden. Why the Hao Sect?"
"I thought so too. That's why I forwarded the information to the Beggar's Sect for cross-verification, and they confirmed it was entirely accurate."
I see. Now it made sense.
Unlike in the previous timeline, the culprits had missed their window to escape and had been detected by the Hao Sect. Fearing the Tang Clan's wrath, the Hao Sect must have promptly handed over the information to avoid being implicated.
After all, Guangdong Province, where the culprits were hiding, was home to the Hao Sect's main branch. They wouldn't want to be suspected.
As I nodded internally, Tang Jincheon continued in a calm voice, as if stating something obvious.
"Tomorrow, I will personally reduce those bastards to nothing but a handful of poison dust."
"Please allow me to join you."
"Hm?"
"They didn't just try to kill Tang Sowol—they also tried to kill me. Whether it's gratitude or vengeance, returning what you've received is the way of the martial world, isn't it?"
"That's true, but… are you certain you're up for it?"
"I was taught that revenge isn't something to be entrusted to others."
Hearing that, Tang Jincheon's tone softened slightly as he shook his head.
"It's a bit sad to hear you say 'others.' Soon, you'll officially be part of the Tang Clan."
"Then let's follow the Tang Clan's motto: repay kindness twice over, and repay grudges tenfold. I have yet to repay this grudge tenfold."
"Hah…"
"Well, if you insist that much, I suppose it's fine. We'll leave before noon tomorrow, so be ready."
It was an easy acceptance, as expected.
At this point, the Demonic Cult was severely underestimated, and rightfully so.
In truth, they were weak. The only reason they had ever become a serious threat was because of the Heavenly Demon, not because the cult itself was strong.
Even during their full-scale invasion of Zhongyuan, there hadn't been another master at the Flowering Stage among their ranks besides the Heavenly Demon. That said it all.
Against minor agents of the Demonic Cult, there was no real need for someone as powerful as Tang Jincheon to act personally.
This was merely a demonstration of the Tang Clan's strength—a way to set an example by utterly crushing those who had dared to target the daughter of the Tang Clan.
Their philosophy was to repay both kindness and enmity to an excessive degree. This was how the Tang Clan handled the complex web of favors and grudges that bound the martial world.
Since they had overwhelming force on their side, my participation wouldn't change the outcome. That's likely why they accepted my request without hesitation.
Tang Sowol, who had heard this story before, listened with a calm expression. After a moment's thought, she spoke up.
"Father."
"Yes?"
"May I join you as well?"
"You too?"
"Yes. As Brother Cheon said, we are the ones seeking revenge. No matter how capable you are, Father, we can't simply entrust this to others. Besides…"
"Besides?"
When Tang Jincheon prompted her, Tang Sowol hesitated briefly before speaking, her face slightly flushed.
"I can't just stay home and wait while Brother Cheon goes. After all… we're no longer strangers."
Tang Jincheon's expression grew complicated, and Tang Sowol hurriedly added,
"Besides, you'll be with us, Father. There's nothing for me to be afraid of."
"Hm."
It was a transparent attempt at flattery, but even knowing that, it seemed to have worked.
Tang Jincheon's lips twitched slightly, as if he was struggling to suppress a smile. After maintaining a solemn expression with some difficulty, he finally nodded.
"Very well. On one condition—you must tell me how much of the Purple Flower Poison Enhancing Grass you've absorbed."
"It's almost completely absorbed. Even now, I can use my poison arts to a decent extent, and in three days, it should be fully absorbed, allowing me to exert my full strength."
"Perfect. It'll take at least three days to reach Guangdong Province, so focus on resting and absorbing the poison during the journey."
"Yes!"
Tang Sowol beamed brightly, like someone who had just received a gift, and Tang Jincheon couldn't help but smile contentedly.
It was then that Tang Cheong, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
"Father, as for me—"
"Cheong, you'll stay here and guard the household. The Poison Blood Division and the elders will remain, but we can't leave the estate entirely unguarded."
"No, I understand. I was just going to ask you to bring back a souvenir on your way back."
"What?"
"I heard that Guangdong's Hundred Flowers Wine is quite famous. Supposedly, it's brewed by monkeys. Doesn't that make you curious about how it tastes?"
Tang Cheong shrugged nonchalantly, wearing a brazen expression as Tang Jincheon stared at him in disbelief.
"I just thought it would be perfect as celebratory wine."
"Well… I suppose it is a cause for celebration."
Tang Jincheon reluctantly agreed.
Wait, do they have a tradition of celebrating every time they settle a grudge or repay a favor?
I tilted my head in confusion, but before I could think too much about it, Tang Jincheon let out a deep sigh and spoke.
"Sowol. Cheon."
"Yes?"
"What is it?"
"Once this matter is resolved, we'll hold your engagement ceremony."
With a reluctant tone, Tang Jincheon continued.
"After the engagement ceremony, you may call me father-in-law. And I'll stop calling you 'Cheon' and start calling you 'son-in-law.'"
"Understood, father-in-law."
"Not now! After we return and finish the engagement ceremony!"
"Of course, father-in-law."
"Urgh…!"
Tang Jincheon clutched the back of his neck.
I wished he wouldn't look at me as if he were trying to kill me.