Chapter 149: Three Peaches (9)
Cheonma was the most catastrophic human disaster to have marked the era.
His martial prowess exceeded all limits, reaching the pinnacle by himself. Even the World Tree, revered as a deity, could not restrain him.
Disaster.
This was how the followers of the Tree Church described the old man. He did not believe in the World Tree and once demolished a church simply because it irritated him.
Humanitys foe.
The views of the Association and those of the Church towards Cheonma were not much different. To them, the old man was nothing but a menace, a useless piece to be exploited. If anything, he was an obstacle to their plans.
Businessmen shared this sentiment.
After Cheonma destroyed several influential figures in the underworld, they swore vengeance. Driven by their own interests, they planned to strike at Cheonma, whose life was nearing its end, and to destroy Dowon as well.
It doesnt seem to be the right time yet.
In a certain location, important figures gathered around a round table for a meeting.
The opponent is Cheonma. No matter how much he has declined, what else can we expect but defeat? We should wait for a more opportune moment, said a guild leader, adjusting his stylish glasses to express his opinion. He was among those who had suffered at the hands of Cheonma.
Ideally, they would have liked to take down the old man immediately, but was it feasible? Capturing a monster required the utmost caution, a fact known to everyone present.
The Church. The Hunter Association, among other groups.
All were deeply engaged in this matter. Just the fact of dealing with the World Trees concerns promised them spoils, treasures, and honor. Even if some anti-humanitarian deeds were committed in the process, they would be justified in the name of the deity. This person fought for the deity. Perhaps they would even make their name in history.
Of course, they couldnt afford to be blinded by the prospect of sweet profits and make a careless plan.
Still, we should wait.
Wait for the right time?
Then, at the words of a guild leader, one person raised their voice.
Are you joking now? It is the World Trees wish to kill Cheonma as soon as possible.
The deputy of the Churchs Pope.
The commander of the Golden Knights, Lemon. A light golden lion emblem was drawn on her shoulder.
I just cant understand. Whats so difficult about taking down one old man that it has to be dragged out like this? Are you scared?
Scared? I lost my father to Cheonma.
Then all the more reason to go out and fight, why sit around?
Lemon, with her arrogance yet also exuding a sense of nobility, narrowed her eyebrows and glared fiercely at the guild leader, who kept his expression emotionless, swallowing his resentment internally.
Then, someone else intervened to stop her.
If were not careful, everyone here could end up dead, Commander Lemon.
Although he used an honorific out of courtesy, his words carried a warning. The vice-president of the Hunter Associations advice was met with an annoyed look from Lemon.
The others inwardly criticized Lemons attitude.
Does she think Cheonma is some street thug? Calling her insane without having seen him.
Why would the Church send such a parachute? Just to add their name to the list of those who overcame the disaster?
Ignoring the vice-president, Lemon turned her gaze to the chairman of the Hunter Association. She believed herself to be in a position similar to his.
What do you think? You live in a country close to Cheonma, dont you?
Korea and China. Countries closest to Cheonmas sanctuary. An elderly man with white long hair tied up in a topknot, his face full of scars, looked at Lemon.
Even she had to swallow her arrogance in front of his overwhelming presence.
Eventually, he spoke.
He is dangerous.
The chairman of the Total Hunter Association.
The only man who has lived through wars and eras akin to Cheonma.
The Sword God, Jin Kwang.
He was also known as Mugoong.
The history of the Hunter Association. Himself.
I have fought him before. The reason I, who have lived a lifetime without a scar, ended up like this, is precisely because of him.
He stands as the pinnacle of all association hunters, a swordsman who once contended with Cheonma.
Mugoong gazed at Lemon with piercing eyes.Thi/s chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.co/m
Do you understand what that means, child?
.
With a soft voice, Lemon tensed her shoulders and remained silent. A bead of sweat trickled down her pale collarbone.
Still, we must hurry. Who would have thought that he was raising a disciple.
Yes, youre right.
As Mugoong spoke affirmatively, Lemon finally relaxed her expression. Just making eye contact with him had her legs trembling.
Mugoong turned to the vice-president and asked,
The Young Demon has its existence been confirmed?
Really, Baekdo! Are you going to do that? After Brother went through all the trouble because you wanted to go outside.
Hwangdo, whose side are you on?
Brothers side?
Ugh.
Baekdo gave Hwangdo a look, but what could she do? Hwangdo had already been bribed by me with this months salary.
Hidden in a corner of Hwangdos room was the April issue: The Grafting Someone Elses Tree edition! Today, Hwangdo was practically on my side.
Baekdo, guessing why Hwangdo turned out this way, gritted her teeth in frustration.
Enough, Baekdo.
Of course, Cheondo too. She had high expectations for this rare meeting. This morning, she was giggling and asking me to choose her clothes.
Okay sorry.
Baekdo, seemingly deflated by Cheondos scolding, hung her head.
Cheondo has her completely wrapped around her finger, huh? Well, the reason Baekdo came here was because of Cheondo. It wasnt because she wanted to see me, nor was it because the outside was so enticing that she couldnt resist.
Baekdo came almost exclusively to see Cheondo.
And knowing she was in the wrong, she picked at the side dishes and tentatively started a conversation with me.
But you did well today, really.
It sounded like praise. Was it just my imagination?
Baekdo, with a conflicted look, lightly tensed her hand holding the chopsticks.
Thank you.
It was hard for her to say. Cheondo and Hwangdo finally smiled broadly.
Baekdo is good~ Good Baekdos tea~ can~ Baekdo!
Hwangdo, stop it when I say something nice, okay?
Watching Hwangdo and Baekdo bicker, a smile naturally formed on my face.
Baekdo seemed to have a change of heart upon seeing how well Cheondo and I were getting along. It had been a really long time since the three of us were together. She must have felt some gratitude towards me for arranging this meeting.
All done.
Just as the meat was fully cooked, I energetically began to cut and arrange it with the tongs and scissors.
Slicing and dicing, I laid out the meat on the plate, its juicy goodness flowing enticingly. The eyes of the three little ones naturally fixed on the sight.
The expensive pork ribs prepared for today would be a lavish meal for these children, who usually ate a vegetable-based diet.
Brother, it seems all cooked.
Can we eat now, Brother?
.
Their eyes looked at me like chirping chicks, shining brightly on their joyful faces.
Of course~ Go ahead.
With a nod and a smile from me, they began to eagerly use their chopsticks.
Wow, its deliciously cooked, Brother!
Its tasty.
Even Baekdo, who was initially indifferent, widened her eyes after tasting it. Hwangdo, reaching his turn, almost squealed with delight, just stopping short of causing a disturbance.
Could there be a happier moment for the one who grilled the meat? They ate so deliciously that two servings vanished before I even put down the scissors.
Despite the effort of grilling vanishing so quickly, I wasnt disheartened at all. It was okay. Seeing the three sisters smiling made my heart melt.
I truly lived for these three.
Brother Dowon.
While I was contentedly watching the three sisters eat, Cheondo, sitting beside me, reached out with her chopsticks.
Huh?
You havent eaten a single piece.
On her chopsticks, she held not just one but three generously sized pieces of rib.
Without refusing, I put the meat in my mouth.
Chewing and then swallowing it down.
Its delicious.
A sincere comment. Cheondo lifted her flushed cheeks in pride, her lips curling into a smile.
Because Brother grilled it.
Her cheeks werent flushed with shyness but glowed with joy, behind that smiling Cheondo.
Gasp.
!
Hwangdo, wearing a mischievously gleeful look, and Baekdo, appearing as if shed been hit on the back of the head with a hammer, were both staring at Cheondo in shock.