Chapter 122 : A Battle of Wits. -01

Chapter 122: A Battle of Wits. -01

It seemed that bringing this up had embarrassed him, as Seonwu Cheong repeatedly cleared his throat.

At the same time, he carefully studied Seonwu Bang’s expression.

Since he could not predict what kind of reaction would come, Seonwu Cheong quickly scanned his son’s face.

“The eldest daughter—you mean Young Lady Peng Suyeong?”

“That’s right.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“What do you think it means? Exactly what you think.”

For a brief instant, Seonwu Bang froze solid.

He had been that shocked.

Though it had not been spelled out in detail, the intent behind the question was unmistakable.

And so, in that moment, Seonwu Bang found himself at a loss for words.

“For your information, it’s not just the Hebei Peng Family. Quite a few places have seriously brought up marriage proposals.”

“…And among them, you think the Hebei Peng Family is the best option.”

“That’s right. To be honest, I never expected this. You drew attention today, yes, but speaking objectively, you’ve only just begun to make a name for yourself.”

“It’s surprising. Young Lady Peng, of all people.”

With a dazed expression, Seonwu Bang let out an awkward laugh.

It was such an unexpected proposal that his mind felt completely blank.

At the same time, he recalled Peng Suyeong’s strange glances toward him over the past few days.

“I was just as surprised as you. When the Hebei Peng Family Head—when the Blade King of the world—brought up marriage to me, I couldn’t tell whether I was dreaming or awake.”

“I can imagine.”

“You were probably more surprised than you are now. But at the same time, I felt pleased. The Blade King of the world acknowledged my son.”

“Hmm!”

Seonwu Cheong straightened his shoulders and let out a satisfied cough.

However, Seonwu Bang’s feelings were complicated.

Whether good or bad, he was simply flustered.

He had known that one day he would have to marry—but he had not expected it to be now. His thoughts tangled into a mess.

“I’m not saying you must do it. I’m just asking what you think.”

“If I say no, will you refuse?”

“Hm. I would have to think about it. As you know, the Hebei Peng Family is more than a good match—it’s not a bad one by any means.”

Seonwu Cheong spoke honestly.

For the Seonwu Family as it currently stood, a marriage alliance with the Hebei Peng Family was too valuable to let slip away.

“Young Lady Peng…”

“So it doesn’t seem like you dislike the idea.”

“I wouldn’t say I like it either.”

“Then is there someone else you have in mind?”

At the sudden question, Seonwu Bang blinked.

Several women did come to mind, but none stirred feelings beyond mild interest.

“Or are you confident you can climb even higher?”

“That part is true. I will continue to grow stronger.”

“Hm.”

This time, Seonwu Cheong’s expression grew complicated.

He, too, agreed with his son to some extent.

Since meeting Ban Hojin, Seonwu Bang’s growth had been explosive, as though he had sprouted wings.

Of course, now that he had reached a higher level, it would be difficult to achieve the same dramatic leaps—but the important thing was that he would not stagnate.

‘Still, it’s a shame.’

Even so, there was only one reason Seonwu Cheong hesitated.

It felt wasteful to let this opportunity slip away.

Seonwu Bang would surely continue to grow and improve—but there was no guarantee that would lead to an even better marriage match.

‘If he could surpass Young Master Ban, perhaps… but…’

As a man himself, Seonwu Cheong understood his son’s heart.

With confidence came ambition.

Had he never seen them, it would be one thing—but he had seen the Three Phoenixes up close. He had even exchanged words with Murong Heesu and Tang Seorin. Compared to them, Peng Suyeong might not fully satisfy him.

If he worked a little harder—if he could not surpass Ban Hojin but at least reach a similar level—he might even think it possible to take one of the Three Phoenixes as his companion.

“I’m not saying I’m hoping for Young Lady Tang or Young Lady Murong. No matter how talented I am, that’s not realistic. If it were Hojin, perhaps—but not me, at least not now. It’s just that… I don’t think this is the time to focus on women. I want to concentrate properly while I have this momentum.”

“Hm. Is that so?”

“I understand. As a marriage match, the Hebei Peng Family might be the best option.”

“That’s right. Realistically, it would be difficult to go higher. The balance of power could completely shift. It’s best if we’re evenly matched—able to stand on similar footing.”

Even as he spoke, Seonwu Cheong felt slightly embarrassed.

No matter how much he favored his own clan, the Seonwu Family was not truly on equal footing with the Hebei Peng Family.

Moreover, the Hebei Peng Family had the Blade King, one of the Murim Ten Kings of the current generation.

“Even so, I will follow your decision, Father. I am the Young Lord. If it benefits the Seonwu Family in any way, I am prepared to accept it.”

“Thank you. I will discuss this matter further.”

Seonwu Cheong smiled faintly.

He understood exactly what kind of resolve lay behind his son’s words.

He himself had felt the same way when he had been Young Lord.

‘Things truly have changed. To think I would sit face to face with the Blade King of the world…’

In the past, such a situation would have been unthinkable.

But once Seonwu Bang gained the epithet Sword Dragon, many things had changed.

First and foremost, the range of choices available to them.

Seonwu Cheong resolved to make the most of it.

Just like Seonwu Bang, Murong Cheok also found himself in constant conversation due to the sparring match earlier that day.

In particular, Murong Gung gazed at Murong Cheok—who had earned the epithet Flying Dragon, symbolizing a dragon rising once more—with eyes full of affection.

“Well done.”

“It’s nothing. I still have a long way to go.”

Despite Murong Gung’s praise, Murong Cheok responded in an indifferent tone.

Though he had gained the epithet Flying Dragon, it meant little to him.

He knew all too well that not all who bore the title of Dragon stood at the same level.

Ban Hojin was proof enough of that.

“Still, it’s a good start. I always believed in you.”

“There’s still a long road ahead. Flying Dragon only means I stand out a little among the Later-Generation Experts.”

“There are many who could not even earn that.”

“That’s the price they pay for lacking talent and failing to put in effort. Nothing is achieved by merely wishing for it. And being called a Dragon does not place us all on the same level.”

“That’s true.”

Murong Gung nodded.

Even in his own thoughts, Ban Hojin immediately came to mind.

Ban Hojin stood out so distinctly that he did not belong in the same category.

“A true man should look to the world. If one sets his heart on martial arts, should he not naturally aim for the title of Greatest Under Heaven?”

“That’s right. A man must have ambition. A man without ambition cannot truly be called a man.”

At the sight of his eldest son boldly revealing his ambition, Moyong Palace smiled in satisfaction.

This was exactly the sight he had hoped to see.

Overflowing with talent, brimming with confidence.

Not simply because he was his son—Moyong Cheok had more than enough qualification to be this way.

“Wouldn’t becoming the Greatest Under Heaven be difficult?”

“I know that even if you don’t rain on my parade. But you never know what might happen in the future. At the very least, won’t I live longer than Elder Brother?”

“If you put it that way, then you might achieve your dream.”

Moyong Heesu let out a soft laugh.

It meant that he would be satisfied even if he became the Greatest Under Heaven for just a single day.

And that wasn’t exactly wrong.

As Ban Hojin was human, he would one day return to dust as well. If Moyong Cheok were still alive by then, achieving his goal would not be entirely impossible.

“As always, what’s needed is a shift in perspective. A method no one has thought of might occur to you.”

“On that note, shouldn’t you start thinking about marriage as well?”

“……Why is the conversation going in that direction?”

Moyong Cheok openly frowned as he shot back at his father, who had subtly steered the topic toward marriage.

Though he had turned twenty after gaining another year, he was still young to be thinking about marriage.

Even Namgung Gwang, who was to hold his wedding tomorrow, was only twenty-one.

‘Come to think of it, he’s the same age as Elder Brother?’

As Moyong Cheok recalled Namgung Gwang’s age, he blinked.

In other words, he had just realized that he was of an age where marrying immediately would not be strange.

“What do you mean it’s far off? If you set your mind to it, it’ll happen in no time. They say it took less than half a year from deciding on Namgung Gwang and Zhuge Hyejeong’s marriage to setting the date.”

“That may be the case sometimes, but usually it takes time with all sorts of adjustments, doesn’t it?”

“That’s if you follow the orthodox procedure. But everything changes depending on circumstances.”

“Judging by that, it seems a marriage proposal has come from a place you favor.”

Just as Moyong Palace knew Moyong Cheok well, Moyong Cheok knew him equally well.

Knowing that he would not bring this up without reason, Moyong Cheok narrowed his brows and asked.

“At times like this, you’re remarkably perceptive.”

“From where?”

“The Hwangbo Family.”

“Hmm.”

“Judging by your expression, you don’t seem pleased.”

Despite Moyong Cheok’s lukewarm expression, Moyong Palace nodded.

He could guess why that expression had appeared.

“She seems lacking as my partner.”

“That’s because Heesu has raised your standards.”

“Even if not Sam-bong, there are many beauties in this world comparable to her.”

“A woman’s worth is not determined solely by her beauty.”

“Even so, the standard for passing the preliminary round is appearance.”

Moyong Cheok spoke firmly.

The Hwangbo Family was not a bad marriage prospect.

However, the problem was that the women there did not suit Moyong Cheok’s taste at all.

“It’s not bad.”

“That alone isn’t enough.”

“Ugh!”

Moyong Palace groaned.

Though he had subtly tried to defend the matter, he knew as well.

The woman at the center of this proposal was far from Moyong Cheok’s preferences.

Even if marriage was a union between families, it was still better if some affection passed between them.

“I have clearly stated that I refuse.”

“You are the heir of the Moyong Family.”

“There’s still time, so let’s look a little more.”

Not only Moyong Palace, but even Moyong Heesu, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, wore a flabbergasted expression.

He was far too bold.

But since he wasn’t exactly wrong, it was awkward to point anything out.

“Then at least help your younger sister.”

“Life is originally every man for himself.”

“Good grief!”

“Still, the only reason she isn’t turned away at the gate is because of me.”

Once again, Moyong Cheok spoke confidently.

The only reason Moyong Heesu could come and go freely at Ban Hojin’s residence was entirely because of him.

If not for Moyong Cheok, it would have been impossible for Moyong Heesu to visit without minding the gazes of others.

“That alone is not enough.”

“Are you serious?”

“Is there a better match than Young Master Ban?”

“……There isn’t.”

After a brief moment of thought, Moyong Cheok shook his head.

Seo Jo-woon and Jeong I-ryung possessed overwhelming talent and skill compared to their peers, but they lost their shine before Ban Hojin.

Including himself.

Thus, there was no way another would catch Moyong Palace’s eye.

“That’s why I’m asking you to help. If Heesu and Young Master Ban are united, wouldn’t he truly become family?”

“Ho.”

Moyong Cheok’s expression brightened with interest.

He had not considered this part at all, and his eyes widened.

Though they were close like family, it could not compare to being true family.

But if Moyong Heesu and Ban Hojin were united, they could become one family.

“So make an effort. Remove the competitors as well.”

“Understood.”

Moyong Cheok answered in a tone noticeably more cooperative than before.

The power carried by those two words—family—was that great.

‘He’s going to bore holes through me at this rate.’

Watching Namgung Gwang and Zhuge Hyejeong’s wedding ceremony, which had begun in the morning, Ban Hojin let out a long yawn.

From time to time, Namgung Ho’s piercing glare shot toward him, but Ban Hojin paid it no mind.

He had merely insisted on seeing it with his own eyes—there was nothing to criticize about that.

And at present, that was all Namgung Ho could do.

“Did you not sleep well?”