TWR 73

Chapter 73 — I Didn’t Wish for This (2)

‘That’s not a realm just anyone can reach. The Realm of the Returning Demon is no playground for every dog and cow out there.’

A thought she couldn’t quite shake—though she didn’t doubt Tang Gunmyeong’s insight, she couldn’t help thinking he overestimated the man because of the Millennium Purple Ginseng.

Of course, Tang Harin was grateful that the man had obtained the rare treasure for her.
But that was the extent of it.

“First, I must apologize. I was originally planning to come alone, just as I said in the message I sent by messenger bird…”

Tang Gunmyeong wore an awkward expression.

Indeed, he had set out alone at first.
The problem was, as soon as he left the Tang family estate, companions began to attach themselves, and by the time they reached the Yellow River, Tang Gunsung had joined them as well.

In short, it was no longer something he could control—he had no choice but to come as a group.

“Anyway, let’s leave explanations there. I am Tang Gunsung.”
“An honor to meet you. My name is Seok Jin-ho.”
“First of all, thank you. Thanks to you, my eldest daughter’s life was spared.”

Tang Gunsung spoke while trying his best to hide his discomfort.
No matter how he felt about it, it was true—his daughter owed this man her life.
It wasn’t a trivial favor, either; it was a debt of life itself. And for that, Tang Gunsung offered sincere gratitude.

“Heaven smiled on me, that’s all. The Millennium Purple Ginseng isn’t something one can get through effort alone. But I didn’t expect the Tang Family Head to visit me personally.”
“…There was good reason.”

“This humble girl, Tang Harin, greets my benefactor, though late.”

As Tang Gunsung’s expression darkened, Tang Harin, who had quietly listened until now, rose and bowed deeply to Seok Jin-ho.

Her gesture made Seok Jin-ho blink in mild surprise.
He had guessed the two women looked like twins when they joined, but he hadn’t imagined they’d actually come here.

“Ah, yes. Nice to meet you. I’m Seok Jin-ho.”
“I look forward to serving you from now on.”
“…Pardon?”

“I received the grace of having my life saved. As a person, I must repay it. From this day forward, I will serve you for the rest of my life.”

“…!”

This time, Seok Jin-ho couldn’t keep his composure.
Those were words he had never even imagined hearing.

The others, however, didn’t look the least surprised.
They merely sighed, as if they’d already known this was coming.
Even Tang Gunsung—stern and stubborn as he appeared—though his face showed displeasure, said nothing.

“It is as you see. I wanted to come alone, but Harin insisted. She said she must repay her debt. And there’s no proper reason to stop someone determined to repay grace.”

Tang Gunmyeong shook his head.
No family was more rigid about debts of gratitude and resentment than the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Whether it was a grudge or a favor, they always repaid it beyond measure.
So when Tang Harin declared she would repay a life debt, no one could oppose her.

Thus, they had all come.

“Ahem!”

Of course, Tang Gunsung hated sending off his precious eldest daughter like this.
But the Tang Clan’s iron rule had to be upheld.
Besides, had it not been for Seok Jin-ho, she wouldn’t even be sitting here now.
So, though it pained him, he could only accept his daughter’s decision.

“This… isn’t quite what I wished for, however.”
“Do I displease you, Benefactor?”

Tang Harin’s bright smile melted into sadness.
She looked like a woman abandoned by her lover.
Her words made Tang Gunsung clear his throat even louder.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m just… a bit taken aback.”
“You needn’t worry about me. I even brought all my belongings.”
“So that’s why there were three carriages…”

Seok Jin-ho let out a small laugh.
No wonder there had been so many—she must have packed everything intending to stay here permanently.

“You may not know, but a woman’s baggage is no small matter. Hahaha.”
“Oh, I know. When our old nanny left the Seok estate, she brought half the household with her. But—there’s really no room for negotiation, is there?”

Seok Jin-ho looked from Tang Gunmyeong to Tang Gunsung.
The way they spoke, it sounded as though everything had already been decided—without even asking his opinion.

“If you’ll help her, both my brother and I will be grateful.”
“Hmm.”

Tang Gunsung’s face brightened—but only for a moment.
No one knew better than he how stubborn anyone with the Tang name could be.
It was ridiculous—he disliked the idea of his daughter serving this man, but the thought of her being rejected was just as unpleasant.
Even now, Seok Jin-ho’s lukewarm attitude rubbed him wrong.

Any ordinary man would have bowed in thanks, thrilled at such devotion.
But Seok Jin-ho just looked awkward, almost reluctant.

“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I intend to uphold my own household’s principles.”

“…Who could ever beat your stubbornness? Haaah.”

Her father sighed deeply, but Harin only smiled sweetly.
After all, he had been the one to preach the Tang Clan’s principles to her all her life.

And personally, she felt deeply indebted to Seok Jin-ho.
If he hadn’t retrieved the Millennium Purple Ginseng in time, she would already be lying in a coffin.

“Wait a moment. I know the Tang Clan’s reputation for being strict about debts and enmities. But I also have my own standpoint. Please, all three of you—hear me out.”
“Why exclude me?”
“You don’t seem very interested in this discussion.”

“Don’t seem—what?”
“Let’s just keep going.”

His casual tone made Tang Arin’s eyes flare dangerously.
But Seok Jin-ho ignored her glare completely, turning instead to the others as if she weren’t even there.

“Hey—!”
“Arin.”
“Ugh!”

Tang Arin bristled, but couldn’t rise—her sister held her back, and the combined stern looks from their father and uncle made her swallow her temper.

“Go ahead.”
“I believe neither the Clan Head nor the Great Elder truly wish for Lady Tang to stay here permanently.”
“Ahem! Quite right.”

Tang Gunsung replied before his younger brother could.
In truth, Seok Jin-ho had voiced what he couldn’t openly admit.
Moreover, the Tang Clan forbade women trained in clan martial arts from marrying out—lest secrets be leaked.
Only live-in sons-in-law were allowed.
So naturally, he preferred to bring Harin back home.

“Then, how about this?”
“You have a solution?”
“A compromise. We set a term. I propose five years. In that time, she may assist me, and in return, I hope to receive the Tang Clan’s aid in certain matters.”

“Five years…”

Tang Gunsung nodded slowly.
Considering his daughter was only seventeen, five years wasn’t long.
She’d be just of marriageable age by then—and far better than giving her away permanently.
And the ‘aid’ Seok Jin-ho mentioned could always be evaluated later.

“You’re all discussing this without me, I see.”
“I was just about to explain. What I said earlier was addressed to your father. Now allow me to speak directly to you.”

“Then I’ll listen.”

“First, let me express my respect. This can’t have been an easy decision.”

Seok Jin-ho bowed his head sincerely.
Devoting one’s life to repay a favor was not something anyone could easily do—especially a daughter of the noble Tang Clan.
There were countless other ways she could have repaid him, yet she chose this.

“It’s only natural. Had you not saved me, I would not be alive. So please, take back what you said to Father.”

“There’s still more to explain. I do appreciate your resolve, Lady Tang—but the truth is, I don’t wish for it. Since you likely won’t refuse outright, how about giving us both time? Let’s revisit the matter in five years. It’s a long and short time all at once—no one knows what may happen within it.”

“I agree.”
“Me too!”

Tang Gunsung and Tang Arin replied almost at once.
Indeed, it was a sound proposal—and now they understood why Seok Jin-ho had called it a compromise.

“Hmm.”

“If you make the same decision five years from now, then I’ll accept it. But for now, please go along with my decision.”

Seok Jin-ho’s firm tone left Tang Harin with no room to argue.
He knew having her around would be helpful—but it would also be a heavy burden.
Five years’ grace would give everyone space.

“If that is your wish, Benefactor, then I understand.”
“A wise choice.”
“But just so you know, things won’t go the way you imagine.”
“That too, I’ll respect.”

Seok Jin-ho didn’t reveal his true thoughts.
He knew well how fickle people could be.
There were those of pure heart, yes—but they were rare.

“So then, everything’s settled?”
“Yes.”

Tang Gunsung spoke again, his face more relaxed now.
Five years instead of a lifetime—he could live with that.
Pressing his lips together, he looked at Seok Jin-ho expectantly.
His daughter’s issue was concluded; now it was time for his own.

Noise stirred in the front courtyard.
The Head of the Tang Clan visiting was shocking enough—but hearing that Seok Jin-ho would spar with Tang Gunsung sent the martial officers into a flurry of excitement.

“To think I’d see one of the Twin Lords, Three Kings, and Five Masters in person before I die!”
“I knew the Ascension Pavilion was a big deal. No wonder the Peng Clan of Hebei showed interest.”
“That was just Dohwa’s interest! But now—it’s the Tang Clan Head himself! One of the Three Kings—the Dark King! (Myeongwang!)”
“And he’s going to spar with him? I’m jealous. They call it a spar, but really—it’s an honor to receive his instruction!”

All the martial officers around nodded eagerly.
Everyone knew this wasn’t a simple spar; it was a chance to witness a legend move.

“Know your place, you fools. Just watching Tang Dae-hyeop move is an honor in itself. Be grateful instead of greedy.”
“Aww, can’t we even talk about it? Besides, you never know—”
“As if Tang Dae-hyeop would humor you.”

Wi Seung-cheok clicked his tongue.
The more he listened, the more ridiculous it sounded.
Beside him, Mok Chun-gap also shook his head.

“Just getting to watch a public display like this is already a blessing.”
“Exactly.”
“But… how long do you think he can hold out?”
“The Pavilion Master?”
“Yeah. After defeating the Black Crow Bandit Chief, he hasn’t really shown himself. The Baekma Escort Agency job wasn’t really a fair measure.”

Wi Seung-cheok looked curious too.
No one doubted Seok Jin-ho’s skill—he had single-handedly defeated the Black Crow Bandit Chief, after all.
But just how strong he really was, no one knew.
Both Wi Seung-cheok and the officers around him wore expectant faces.

“We’ll find out soon enough.”
“Here they come!”

As Seok Jin-ho and the Tang Clan members appeared, all eyes turned toward them.
But the ones who drew the most attention were not the masters—but the twin sisters.
Plenty of the martial officers were sneaking glances at them.