TGHD Ch 29

The Day I Left Jeju Island

Cheon Ryubeom found himself unexpectedly visiting the sea. Early in the morning, as he was busily packing, Saerok abruptly dragged him outside.

“If you’ve come to Jeju Island, you have to see the sea!”

She insisted that he couldn’t leave without seeing the beautiful scenery, arguing that visiting a tourist island without sightseeing was inconceivable. She claimed that only by seeing the lovely views would he want to come back next time, which convinced Ryubeom to reluctantly follow her.

In fact, Ryubeom had not done any sightseeing in Jeju. He came with the purpose of searching Sagwido, so it was only natural.

After the battle, he was in a terrible state, but Yeohwi had partially healed him, and when he opened his eyes, his wounds had largely healed. A day passed, and as he became able to move, he planned to leave immediately. He never thought of looking around Jeju Island, not even in the last moments. He had come to do a task and, having completed the mission, he only thought of returning.

Moreover, he believed he had seen enough of the sea from Ilok’s house and the mountains.

But honestly, just a little, he had been hesitant about seeing the sea up close.

“The sea is really beautiful, isn’t it?”

“This isn’t a famous tourist spot, but word has spread that it’s pretty! What do you think?”

Ryubeom couldn’t answer Ilok and Saerok, who were asking him questions, and just stared blankly at the sea.

Playing at the beach with his parents when he was young was his first and last memory of the sea. Because of this, even just seeing the sea from afar made his heart flutter, so he avoided seeing it up close for fear of feeling more turmoil.

But now, Ryubeom couldn’t take his eyes off the sea. He quietly watched the seawater lapping at his feet and gazed at the sparkling surface. His actions made it seem as if he was deeply immersed in the beauty of the sea, prompting Ilok and Jimyo to secretly give Saerok a thumbs-up.

Ilok was very surprised when Ryubeom said he would leave this morning. Despite the suggestion to rest more after the huge battle the day before, he said he was fine and packed his things. Just when Ilok thought, “Is this how tiger Suin behave?” Saerok led Ryubeom to the seaside. In moments like these, his stubborn younger brother was quite useful.

“It really is beautiful…”

Cheon Ryubeom murmured after a while, his lips barely moving. It was an exclamation that slipped out without his knowing. Although slightly embarrassed, he did not bother to retract his words. Instead, Ryubeom focused on the scenery before him.

The emerald sea shimmering was incredibly beautiful. The sunlight sparkling brilliantly on the surface, and the waves glistening as they rolled onto the fine white sand—everything was beautiful.

He had always avoided anything that might remind him of his parents. Although he deeply missed them, reminiscing about them made him feel lonely and uncomfortable. He felt his shortcomings whenever he realized their absence.

But now, looking at the sea, all he felt was its beauty.

“Right? If it weren’t for BomBom, I might have never seen the sea again…”

Everyone around looked at Ryubeom with kind eyes. He wasn’t used to it, but he had received such gazes several times already. In Hyojo, along the Han River, and now here in Jeju Island…

Eyes looking up to the “Tiger.”

Suddenly, a memory from the past surfaced in Ryubeom’s mind. The warmth of being hugged tightly at the seaside and the soft voice of his mother as she gazed at the sea.

“Mom loves watching the sea flow.”

“Isn’t the sea supposed to be still?”

“Haha, no. The sea is always flowing. It moves with the wind, circulates, and the moon also…”

Young Ryubeom couldn’t understand his mother’s explanation. Concepts like tides caused by the moon’s gravity were too difficult for a child to grasp. His mother held him tightly as he staggered, feeling dizzy, and burst into laughter.

“The important thing is that, although it appears calm on the surface, it must always flow. That’s how it maintains its beauty…”

“…”

“If it stagnates, it will eventually rot.”

The child didn’t understand and just blinked. He thought his mother’s face, although smiling, seemed a little sad. He touched her cheek, and she laughed out loud, then suddenly dunked him into the water. The child splashed water back in retaliation.

Soon after, they spotted his father, who had come to call them for dinner. Sharing a meaningful glance, they dragged him into the water to play together.

“…”

Ryubeom slowly blinked, struck by the sudden memory. Somehow, it wasn’t purely bitter. He was actually glad and his heart pounded at the long-forgotten memory. He gently pressed his chest, feeling the pleasant thrum.

He knew what had brought about this change.

“You’re all here.”

A gentle voice carried by the wind came from behind. Everyone turned to welcome him.

“Ah, Yeohwi! I was just about to contact you!”

“Where have you been?!”

Yeohwi had come. He had said he was going for a walk last night, but hadn’t been seen since. Though Ilok’s family and Jimyo had been worried, Ryubeom waited calmly. He believed Yeohwi would be fine, having subdued the nearby area after hunting the Imugi.

And he always felt Yeohwi would return to his side.

Cheon Ryubeom found it fascinating how naturally Yeohwi had taken a place in his heart and slowly turned to look at him. Their eyes met naturally.

Yeohwi seemed slightly surprised to see Ryubeom standing by the sea but soon smiled and asked,

“Do you like today’s sea?”

It seemed like a sudden question, but Ryubeom felt the ‘understanding’ in his words. He was asking because he remembered Ryubeom’s melancholic state just from looking at the night sea a few days ago. Always in that gentle voice, with a slightly playful smile.

“…Yeah. I like it.”

So Cheon Ryubeom unknowingly smiled and answered.

The sea breeze blew coolly.

A few hours later.

Cheon Ryubeom was walking in a completely unexpected place. He had planned to report to his family after dealing with Sagwido. While he was looking up flights to leave Jeju Island and how to get to the mansion afterwards, surprisingly, the family contacted him first.

Though the Imugi hunt in Jeju had taken place in a small village, it was a case involving the police. So before Ryubeom could report, the family had already grasped the situation and reached out to him.

Thus, Ryubeom found himself swiftly taken to Seoul in the Cheonho Foundation’s private jet and then immediately transferred to a limousine upon arrival. The whole process was so respectful and courteous that ‘being escorted’ was the perfect expression. Ryubeom changed into a suit and was groomed by the foundation’s staff.

“A celebration is prepared for the Cheonho Foundation’s founding anniversary.”

They kindly explained the situation as they went. Ryubeom found it more bewildering the more he heard. He knew today was the Cheonho Foundation’s founding anniversary. As a member of the family, it was impossible not to know, and he vividly remembered watching the news with his mother when the foundation was first established.

But Ryubeom had never attended the celebration.

Not just the celebration, he had never attended any events related to the Cheonho Foundation as a ‘family member’. He had stood guard outside the buildings, but never set foot inside. The family considered it a shame to present him as a family member due to his inadequacies.

“The head of the family has expressed that he would very much like Cheon Ryubeom to attend.”

So, the words he heard now were very surprising and somewhat burdensome. But Ryubeom, who couldn’t refuse the head of the family, followed the foundation staff across the long hotel corridor towards the central dining hall. His steps were heavy, as if heading to a place where he didn’t belong.

Awkwardly, Ryubeom fiddled with the necklace string inside his collar. It was a necklace Yeohwi had given him just a few hours ago, right before leaving Jeju.

‘This is a token of thanks for giving me the Imugi bead. It’s very modest, but…’

The necklace had a thin string with a drop-shaped pendant in the center, emitting a mysterious light as if it contained the night sea. As Ryubeom stared at it, Yeohwi cautiously asked if he didn’t like it, and Ryubeom immediately shook his head.

He was just surprised by the unexpected gift, not displeased with receiving it from Yeohwi. Moreover, he liked the color of the gem as it resembled Yeohwi.

‘If it’s okay, may I put it on you now?’

‘…You, personally?’

‘Yes. It’s customary to put a necklace gift on directly.’

Yeohwi smiled and put the necklace on Ryubeom. Ryubeom couldn’t push away the advancing Yeohwi and just held his breath.

‘This necklace will protect you.’

Due to his tension, he didn’t even think to ask what Yeohwi’s last words meant. There didn’t seem to be any spiritual power in the necklace, but maybe it had some emergency protection? He thought it might be more necessary for someone else but held onto the necklace carefully, not wanting Yeohwi to take it back. Since Yeohwi had put it on, he wanted to cherish it.

And now, remembering that moment, Ryubeom felt a bit calmer. He wondered if this was what ‘protection’ meant, as he reached the banquet hall.

With a creak, the sliding doors opened on both sides. The first thing that came into view was the head of the family sitting in the center, and Ryubeom immediately bowed his head. Seeing the head of the family always made him nervous.

But before he could swallow dryly, he heard laughter.

“Ha ha, our Ryubeom is here!”

In a voice that was even kind, Ryubeom looked up in surprise. The head of the family beckoned him with a pleased expression.

“Come here and sit down.”

Cheon Ryubeom was bewildered. For a moment, he wondered if he had come to the wrong place and glanced back. The staff who guided him were bowing deeply to the Tiger Clan, indicating that this was indeed the right place.

Seeing not only the head of the clan but also other elders in the venue confirmed that this was the celebration venue…

Not wanting to show his confusion outwardly, he managed his expression as best as he could and walked in. The head of the clan looked very pleased.

Ryubeom was further confused to see that the only vacant seat left was next to the head of the clan. He wondered if he was supposed to stand guard by the wall but, since the head had just told him to come here…

Hesitantly, Ryubeom sat next to the head of the clan. This was the first time in his life.

The head of the clan, Cheon Gun, patted Ryubeom on the shoulder as if to tell him to relax. Ryubeom, even more surprised, sat up straight with both hands on his knees.

“I heard you did a great job in Jeju. Rescuing all the villagers under the Imugi’s hypnosis and hunting down the Imugi that had been preying on people for years. Very well done.”

High praise poured in. Compared to his usual brevity, it was clear that the head of the clan was very pleased with the current situation. Cheon Gun prioritized the honor and prestige of the clan above all else.

“The police department sent a thank you message.”

When he resolved the Han River mermaid incident, he was praised within the Suin community, but this time, he was also commended by humans. Ryubeom was bewildered but also found it interesting that the police department had reached out. Apparently, the chief himself expressed a desire to meet and thank him personally.

It must be because the Tiger Clan resolved the issue, garnering more attention. If this incident could forge even a slight connection with the Cheon family, it would be an excellent opportunity.

Ryubeom bowed his head to the head of the clan and said,

“It was all possible thanks to the teachings of the clan.”

His tone was calm, without a hint of excitement or arrogance, as if he had merely done his duty. He also conveyed gratitude to the head of the clan for providing him with the opportunity to learn, which brought a gentle smile to the head’s face.

The face that had always seemed so intimidating now looked different.

“I always believed you would show your talent someday. You are, after all, Eunhwa’s son.”

Ryubeom paused. The head’s youngest daughter and successor, Cheon Eunhwa. This was the third time Ryubeom had heard the head mention his mother. The last time he heard her name, he was on the verge of being expelled from the clan, but now, several months later, the situation had reversed.

Ryubeom looked up in surprise. He had been taught it was rude to look directly at the head, but he couldn’t help it. The head of the clan met his gaze, nodded deeply once, and patted Ryubeom’s shoulder, a gesture of approval.

“Yes. Eunhwa was truly… filled with pride as a member of the Tiger Clan. That’s why she named you ‘Beom’ (Tiger).”

Ryubeom’s lips quivered. He tried to react calmly in his mind, but hearing a positive story about his mother for the first time from the clan was so heartwarming. And because those words matched what his mother had always whispered to him, his face twisted as if he were about to cry. Ryubeom quickly bowed his head to compose himself.

His heart pounded wildly. Finally, in the place his mother had so missed and loved, he felt a small but significant sense of recognition flooding his heart.

When Ryubeom looked up again, he noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere of the banquet hall. The elders and clan members present were looking at him with uncomfortable gazes.

Among them were Cheon Eunhwa’s siblings. Those who had competed with Cheon Eunhwa when Cheon Gun’s next successor was being decided. After Eunhwa left the family, they hoped the successor would be redecided, but the opportunity never came.

This showed Cheon Gun’s resolute nature in not overturning his decisions and also indicated how much he valued Cheon Eunhwa. He valued her so much that he was furious when she ran away from the family and married a human without permission…

So, Cheon Gun mentioning the name that had become a taboo in the family conveyed several messages. And seating Eunhwa’s child next to him did too.

The next successor had yet to be decided.

Ryubeom felt the piercing gazes of his cousins. Especially Cheon Yeongdo, whose eyes were red and barely holding back his breath. Even Cheon Yeongdo, the most skilled among the grandchildren, had never sat next to the head of the family.

Yeongdo’s clenched fists trembled, and his parents held his arms to calm him. Making a scene in front of the head could mean never participating in such events again.

The banquet continued with many hidden tensions beneath the table.

As the event celebrating the Cheonho Foundation’s anniversary went on, guests from various places joined in. The seat of the Tiger Clan was at the highest position in the hall, where all the humans looked up to them. This seat symbolized the ‘core members of the family.’ It indicated that the Tiger Clan here were the owners and the ones to whom they should bow.

Ryubeom suddenly realized how significant it was to sit next to the head of the family. All the humans’ eyes were on him. Though they didn’t openly stare, they glanced curiously, recognizing a new presence. Everyone noticed that, though it was his first appearance at such a grand event, his seat was beside the head.

During the uncomfortable meal, Ryubeom overheard unexpected information.

“They say they can’t find the Imugi’s head while cleaning up the body?”

“There’s evidence it rolled off somewhere…”

The Imugi in Mansagul had left its body intact in the mountains, and a large workforce had been mobilized to clean up the enormous corpse. However, the severed head was missing and was still being searched for.

‘…Did it really roll that far?’

As Ryubeom blinked slowly, recalling the situation, the head of the family left the room. Seizing the opportunity, the elders began talking to Ryubeom.

“Ryubeom, are you planning to go to Yuseom Mountain next?”

“…Yes, that’s correct.”

“Aren’t you moving too fast? We’re worried you might be overwhelmed.”

Ryubeom tilted his head, unexpecting such a response. He never imagined the elders would express concern for him. The fact that they spoke to him without any mockery or scolding was surprising.

Despite the flood of concerns, Ryubeom remained silent and soon faced their true intentions. The elder with the long white beard slowly stroked it and spoke.

“There’s a rumor that the Tiger Clan is leading the resolution of Sagwido, but shouldn’t we properly finish it? We’ll take over the Yuseom Mountain matter.”

“…Pardon?”

“You’ve done enough by handling things alone until now. How about taking a rest?”

“Yes, we’ll handle the final part…”

For a moment, Ryubeom couldn’t comprehend their words and had to rethink them several times. Suddenly, at the last stage, the elders wanted to take over the matter. This wasn’t out of consideration for the family’s prestige or for Ryubeom’s sake.

They aimed to prevent Cheon Ryubeom’s position in the family from growing any further. And if the elders solved the final problem in the current situation with all eyes on them, they could garner the spotlight.

It wasn’t surprising that Yeongdo’s father was among those suggesting Ryubeom take a break. When Ryubeom was given the task of resolving Sagwido, he had sneered, thinking Ryubeom didn’t realize it was a death sentence…

Ryubeom bit his lower lip. It was surprising that the family was wary of him expanding his position, but he wasn’t pleased. He had no interest in the position of the next head, so why were they being so cautious?

Ryubeom felt anxious about not being able to resolve the final Sagwido himself. Objectively, it should have been welcome news that the elders, who possessed immense spiritual power and sorcery skills, would handle it. If those far superior to him took over, the last Sagwido would be dealt with swiftly.

But Ryubeom couldn’t welcome the suggestion. It was a strange reason indeed.

‘…I wouldn’t be able to meet Yeohwi.’

Having searched for Sagwido with Yeohwi all this time, Ryubeom had thought they might continue together next time as well. In hindsight, it was a ridiculous expectation. Previously, he had tried to prevent Yeohwi from joining due to the danger, but now he was anxious at the thought of not being able to be with Yeohwi.

Ryubeom’s lips parted. The regret he felt was purely emotional, and logically, he knew accepting the elders’ proposal was the right thing to do, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

Then, the sharp sound of a teacup being set down pierced the space.

It was Cheon Hoyeon, seated to the left of the head of the clan, who had set her teacup down deliberately loudly. She looked quietly at the elders who had directed their gaze at her.

“Wasn’t this task given to Cheon Ryubeom as a mission? Why do the elders wish to intervene?”

“Ahem, from what we’ve heard so far, hasn’t Ryubeom suffered enough on his own?”

“Yes, that’s right. We’re offering to help him in the final stage.”

“He’s handled the first three well, so shouldn’t we now accept him as a member of the family?”

Not only the elders but also other clan members subtly added their opinions. Cheon Hoyeon tilted her head, as if finding it strange, and asked,

“Are you saying that by solving it yourselves, you’ll grant Cheon Ryubeom the honorable qualification of a trial?”

“That, that’s…”

“When Cheon Ryubeom resolves all the Sagwido, wasn’t it decided that he would be granted the right to the heir’s trial and find his father? This was decided together at Daehogwan…”

Cheon Hoyeon looked at the elders with eyes that asked why they were suddenly saying something so unexpected when it was a decision discussed in a sacred place and finally agreed upon by the head of the family.

“Helping him with the final stage of the trial is strange. If other clans see such kindness from the elders, wouldn’t they think Cheon Ryubeom is being designated as the next head?”

“The next head, nonsense…!”

The elder with the long beard banged the table and stood up, then quickly sat back down, clearing his throat. The promise of such a reward to Cheon Ryubeom was only to push him into a desperate situation, thinking he would not solve the Sagwido anyway. It was also a form of mockery, suggesting he would have to risk his life for such a reward.

During the conversation, Cheon Ryubeom managed his expression with difficulty. He barely held back a laugh. He thought he had passed the trial when the elders suddenly wanted to solve the final incident, but their aim was to end it inconclusively.

Their intention was to take away his achievements and even deny him the reward.

Simply being recognized as a member of the family held no meaning for Ryubeom. He needed to find his father’s vengeful spirit and enter Daehogwan.

Cheon Hoyeon turned to Ryubeom and asked,

“Cheon Ryubeom, are you tired?”

“No, I am not. Since you’ve given me this opportunity, I want to make every effort I can.”

Ryubeom answered quickly. Though the question was brief, its meaning was clear. Cheon Hoyeon’s eyes narrowed at his determined voice. Her cold golden eyes swept over him before she shifted her gaze to the side and chuckled.

“If it’s concerning that the Cheon family has been involved, then if Cheon Ryubeom’s challenge fails, the elders can step in. Despite his remarkable efforts outside, he still has the final hurdle. Isn’t it too early to view him so favorably?”

Her voice carried a mocking tone. Ryubeom understood that she was pointing out the unnecessary caution towards an unlikely candidate, indirectly accusing the elders of overestimating him. Though it wasn’t a kind remark, Ryubeom thought it was true and felt only gratitude. Thanks to her, he could take on the final Sagwido himself.

If the elders had officially stepped in, Ryubeom would have had no way to oppose it. How could he dare to block the opinions of such high elders? Ryubeom sighed with relief internally.

Fortunately, no more discussions about Sagwido came up until the banquet ended.

After the meal, Ryubeom slipped out to the garden. Sitting in the banquet hall had become overwhelmingly burdensome. The cautious glances from the clan members and the curious looks from humans were all uncomfortable.

Some even approached him on his way out, introducing themselves as representatives of various companies.

“Nice to meet you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you like this, haha!”

“This event is remarkably grand, perhaps because it’s meant to showcase you, young master!”

They greeted him warmly, but Ryubeom had already seen them while guarding the fence. Just by sitting next to the head of the family once, the situation had changed rapidly. The outpouring of goodwill was both awkward and burdensome for Ryubeom.

Ryubeom responded to their greetings appropriately and finally managed to slip out to a quiet garden, where he sighed deeply. He realized he had been more tense than he thought and even felt he might get indigestion.

“Amazing…”

Until now, he had only focused on resolving Sagwido and investigating matters concerning the family. He hadn’t considered what it meant to be recognized as a member of the family.

The family’s status was immense.

Although he had learned this many times, he hadn’t realized so many influential people would bow to the Tiger Clan. The people who had greeted Ryubeom earlier were from well-known companies and some were even public officials that Ryubeom knew of.

‘Is this why my mother took such pride in the family…?’

Even though she left the family, his mother always missed and loved it. It seemed more challenging not to have pride when everyone looked up to and revered them this way.

As Ryubeom walked through the garden’s corridors, he unconsciously fiddled with his necklace. He couldn’t tell if it was because he wasn’t used to wearing a necklace or if he kept noticing it because it was a gift from Yeohwi.

He took out the black gem from under his collar and admired its beauty again. It still resembled Yeohwi’s color. Just as the tension released, and he began to smile.

“Cheon Ryubeom!”

He sensed an angry presence approaching from behind. Ryubeom quickly tucked the necklace back under his clothes and turned around. Leading the group of four or five cousins was Cheon Yeongdo, and their demeanor was far from friendly.

As Ryubeom quietly watched them, Yeongdo twisted his lips into a smile.

“Ha! You’ve become quite arrogant, haven’t you? Not even greeting me.”

“…I saw you at the banquet, so I didn’t know I had to greet you again.”

“Now you’re talking back?”

“You! Just because the head of the family gave you some attention, do you think you can ignore us? A few months ago, you were bowing your head to us!”

Another cousin, who had been flattering Yeongdo, shouted from behind. As the next head would be chosen from among the grandchildren, they had already been lining up to support Yeongdo. He pointed at Ryubeom and yelled.

“You must have used some trick. How could someone like you close Sagwido?”

“How could someone who failed the family’s regular tests over and over again…?”

Cheon Joomyeong, who had come along, also looked at Ryubeom incredulously. His sharp eyes were full of suspicion.

“I thought the first two times were luck. But solving it three times, it doesn’t make sense. Either Sagwido wasn’t a big deal, or you used some improper method.”

“You must be hiding something.”

Yeongdo approached Ryubeom aggressively. His threatening demeanor made Ryubeom’s eyes flicker. He felt a bit guilty because he did have a secret.

Yeohwi. He mustn’t reveal that he was working with someone from the fox clan. Though he had ultimately exorcised the evil spirits and hunted the yokai himself, he had received considerable help from Yeohwi. He couldn’t claim he had resolved it alone with confidence.

Ryubeom, feeling troubled, spoke. He understood why his cousins were so hostile towards him, so he decided to get straight to the point.

“…I have no interest in the position of the next head.”

But his words only angered Yeongdo further. His face twisted in fury.

Having enjoyed all the luxury by sitting next to the head of the family, now claiming he wasn’t interested in the position of the next head? Cheon Ryubeom’s attitude, as if he had no interest despite drawing so much attention at the banquet, was infuriating.

In the end, Yeongdo swung his fist at Ryubeom.

“Are you mocking me?!”

It was a deadly punch, infused with spiritual power. The air around them crackled.

But Ryubeom easily dodged the attack.

“…?”

Moreover, he tilted his head back and looked at Cheon Yeongdo with a puzzled expression. Rather than being surprised by the sudden punch, his eyes questioned, ‘Why is it so slow?’ Thinking that Yeongdo might have been going easy on him, Ryubeom calmly spoke.

“I had no intention of deceiving you…”

Thud! Another punch flew towards him, and Ryubeom smoothly turned his head to the side to avoid it. Once again, Yeongdo’s punch hit nothing but air.

Yeongdo’s face turned red with anger, and Ryubeom looked at him with a bewildered expression. He could hear the sharp sound of the wind, indicating that Yeongdo had punched with all his might. His punch wasn’t something that could be easily followed with the eyes.

But it wasn’t too difficult either.

His body reacted instinctively, dodging the punch faster than he could perceive it. Perhaps it was thanks to facing malevolent spirits so many times.

And then…

Whoosh! He blocked the next punch with his palm. As he reflexively caught the incoming punch, Ryubeom looked at it with a surprised expression. He had never dodged Yeongdo’s punches before, let alone imagined he could block them.

He felt he had become proficient in enhancing his body with spiritual power. With Yeohwi’s advice on harmonizing spiritual and divine powers within his body, his sorcery skills had significantly improved. Daily training with Yeohwi and actual combat with the Imugi had contributed to his growth.

He had thought his skills had improved, but confronting Yeongdo directly made it evident.

“You, you…!”

Yeongdo couldn’t believe his punch had been caught by Ryubeom. Shocked and pale, he tried to pull his hand away, but it didn’t go as he wanted.

With a sudden jerk, Yeongdo used his whole arm to free himself, glaring at Ryubeom with trembling anger. The cousins who had followed Yeongdo were looking back and forth between them in astonishment. Just a few months ago, Cheon Ryubeom was someone who would bow his head after being punched by Yeongdo.

“How dare you…!”

Yeongdo finally resorted to an attack spell. As a fierce golden aura gathered around his hand, the air vibrated with tension. Ryubeom, flustered, raised his hands.

“We shouldn’t cause a disturbance here. The head of the family is present, how can we…?”

“How dare someone like you try to lecture me!”

Whoosh! Yeongdo extended his hand towards Ryubeom, and the golden aura around his hand transformed into the shape of a tiger’s paw.

If that hit, bones would definitely break.

Ryubeom flinched and leaped backward. This was an attack he couldn’t dodge by just moving his head.

Yeongdo, expecting Ryubeom to retreat, immediately pursued him, launching more attacks. Feeling the increasing lethality in Yeongdo’s attacks, Ryubeom bit his lip.

Yeongdo’s full-blown assault made it difficult to dodge. He indeed had the qualities of a candidate for the next head. Three strings of incantations whirled around his hand, showcasing his excellent sorcery skills. It was unfortunate that such formidable skills were being directed at him…

Seeing Cheon Ryubeom frantically evading, a cousin sneered.

“Haha, of course! That half-blood could never stand up to Yeongdo!”

“…No, that’s not it…”

But Cheon Joomyeong bit his nails. At first glance, it looked like Cheon Ryubeom was constantly retreating and Yeongdo was attacking him, but… none of the attacks were hitting. Cheon Ryubeom was narrowly avoiding all the attacks.

Yeongdo was known in the family as ‘Biho (Flying Tiger)’. His attacks were fearless, mighty, and fast, embodying the power of a tiger, earning him the nickname. The elders praised him, saying the future of the Cheon family was bright.

Yet, Cheon Ryubeom was dodging all of Yeongdo’s attacks.

It wasn’t that he was leisurely evading them. However, Cheon Ryubeom subtly adjusted Yeongdo’s attack direction. Concerned that the corridor might collapse, he quietly moved outside to the garden.

His movements were as smooth as water.

“How can this be…?”

As Cheon Joomyeong sighed, Yeongdo screamed in frustration. Not hitting Cheon Ryubeom made him increasingly impatient. On top of that, Cheon Ryubeom hadn’t fought back once!

“Are you being complacent in this situation? How dare you…!”

“No, I am only trying not to cause a big commotion here. With so many humans around, if we fight among ourselves, it could cause unnecessary rumors…”

“Cut the crap!”

Yeongdo growled, his action making him even more furious.

“Stand firm, Cheon Ryubeom.”

The breath of a beast exhaled a chilling heat into the space. After taking a deep breath, Yeongdo gathered spiritual power into his hands. From the beginning, he hadn’t planned on causing a big scene.

Just once, exchanging blows once would be enough.

‘I always thought you would show your talent someday.’

There was no way Cheon Ryubeom had any talent. That half-breed, always deemed lacking by the family, couldn’t possibly have become stronger now. And in just a few months? He was surely using some sly tricks outside. There was no way he could have become stronger than him.

Yeongdo, having completed his attack spell, charged at Ryubeom. As Ryubeom took a step back, Yeongdo, predicting his retreat, twisted his lips into a smile. His hand shot towards Ryubeom with fierce momentum.

“I’ll show you your place…”

Bang!

Suddenly, Yeongdo’s vision flipped. He had clearly extended a hand to grab Cheon Ryubeom’s neck, but instead, his hand was in the air, and he found himself on the ground, with Ryubeom grabbing his collar. Ryubeom had dodged the attack by lowering his upper body and used Yeongdo’s speed against him to throw him to the ground.

“…I’m sorry. I had no other way to stop you.”

The midday sun shone brightly, lingering around Ryubeom’s eyes. His golden eyes glittered brilliantly. Yeongdo, staring up at him in a daze, soon grimaced.

“This is… damn it, this doesn’t make sense. He must be using dark arts! How could someone feared by even Changgui become this strong?”

“….”

“The head of the family is being deceived by you. I’ll make sure to expose you…”

Yeongdo, getting up, tried to attack Ryubeom again. Thinking he had unconsciously held back because they were blood relatives, he prepared another attack spell when, thud! Yeongdo’s knees hit the ground.

It felt as if a gigantic hand was pressing down on Yeongdo’s entire body. As he panted under the overwhelming pressure, a gentle voice came from behind.

“Yeongdo.”

Cheon Hoyeon was approaching. The sharp sound of her heels on the marble floor of the corridor pierced the air, and the tension instantly cooled. The cousins watching the scene shrank back, freezing in place.

Cheon Hoyeon was the only one who continued walking across the stopped corridor.

“Do you not know where you are?”

Yeongdo trembled. Ryubeom, equally startled, bowed his head deeply, showing respect. Cheon Hoyeon glanced at him briefly before looking back down at Yeongdo on the floor.

Barely managing to turn his head, Yeongdo stammered,

“E-Elder, this is… I thought Cheon Ryubeom was using dark arts and wanted to uncover it…”

“Ah… Cheon Ryubeom resolved Sagwido with dark arts?”

Cheon Hoyeon sighed softly as she asked, and Yeongdo nodded vehemently. He hastily explained that he knew Cheon Ryubeom’s skills well from taking regular tests together and wanted to confirm because he couldn’t believe Ryubeom’s achievements outside.

Everyone knew that Cheon Ryubeom had never passed the family’s tests properly. Naturally, Yeongdo expected Cheon Hoyeon to share his doubts.

But Cheon Hoyeon narrowed her eyes and said,

“Then are you saying that the head of the family, who seated Cheon Ryubeom beside him, failed to notice his dark arts?”

“What?! No, that’s not what I meant!”

Yeongdo hastily denied it. Terrified that this might reach the head’s ears, his face turned pale instantly. Watching his ashen face, Cheon Hoyeon slowly stroked her chin with her index finger. The white suit jacket draped over her shoulders swayed gently in the breeze.

“Yes, I know that Cheon Ryubeom’s achievements outside are very different from what he showed within the family. So, I’ve been thinking in various ways. Maybe the family life didn’t suit him, or… perhaps there were some interferences during the tests that prevented him from getting proper results until now.”

Cheon Hoyeon’s words made not only Yeongdo but also the other cousins shrink back.

A few months ago, during the last regular test, Cheon Ryubeom had failed. That was because, as soon as the test started, Yeongdo persistently attacked Ryubeom’s hands. Consequently, Ryubeom couldn’t take any of the tests properly afterward.

Such tricks had happened in past tests as well. After all, everyone disliked Cheon Ryubeom. He was born from the union with a human, which the family did not approve of, and also… because he was ‘Cheon Eunhwa’s son.’

The family had once competed against Eunhwa, and they were wary that her child might inherit talent. With their implicit approval, their children further tormented Cheon Ryubeom. Though he seemed to have little potential when developing sorcery, they had to crush any chance of his growth.

For these reasons, Cheon Ryubeom had been bullied by the family until now.

“I can’t say for sure since I haven’t witnessed the tests…”

At Cheon Hoyeon’s slow continuation, the cousins straightened up. The mere gaze of her cool golden eyes made them break out in a cold sweat. Cheon Joomyeong barely managed to speak.

“How could we do such a thing among our own family…”

“Yes…! Aren’t we all part of the Cheon family…!”

Another cousin quickly added, laughing awkwardly. Their trembling laughter revealed how tense they were.

Cheon Hoyeon was relatively young among the elders. An elder in the Tiger Clan wasn’t decided by age but by skill. She was the only one among Cheon Eunhwa’s siblings who had risen to the rank of elder.

Though she wasn’t seen often in the mansion, everyone knew the head of the family kept her closest. That’s why even the other elders couldn’t easily deal with her…

Falling out of Cheon Hoyeon’s favor meant falling out of the head’s favor too, essentially distancing oneself from the position of successor.

The cousins desperately straightened their postures and checked their attire for any faults. Cheon Hoyeon quietly examined them before raising her gaze. Her golden eyes, capturing the clear blue sky without a cloud, somehow seemed shadowed.

“Family…”

Cheon Hoyeon slowly murmured the word, then shook her head.

“I wasn’t intending to accuse you. I just want to advise you not to cause a commotion like today’s. I won’t report this to the head, so straighten your behavior from now on.”

Her tone wasn’t kind or warm, but the nuance of her words, indicating she would let this go, made everyone sigh in relief. The tension in their shoulders eased, and they exchanged glances.

Yeongdo, too, freed from the golden aura, quickly stood up and bowed.

“Thank you!”

“I will never forget your advice!”

After shouting vigorously, they hurriedly left. Ryubeom also tried to leave, but Cheon Hoyeon called his name, making him bow and wait.

The other cousins glanced at Ryubeom as they passed by. Yeongdo deliberately bumped his shoulder as he went by, casting a threatening gaze that made Ryubeom uneasy.

In truth, he wasn’t afraid of Yeongdo hating and bullying him. He had always endured that. What worried him was… that Yeongdo might actually suspect him of using dark arts and discover Yeohwi while tracking him down.

That Yeohwi might get hurt.

That was his biggest concern. Yeongdo had too much pride to let today’s incident go easily… He even regretted not just taking a punch earlier to avoid this.

“Is it true that you’re afraid of Changgui?”

At Cheon Hoyeon’s words, his mind went blank. All his previous concerns vanished without a trace, leaving only the echo of her voice. Ryubeom barely suppressed a sigh.

Being caught by an elder of the family for fearing Changgui was humiliating. He had just thought he had made a good impression on the head, but now…

As Ryubeom stood speechless, Cheon Hoyeon approached.

“Why are you afraid of Changgui?”

“…It’s because…”

“Give me any reason. If there is none, it’s strange that you fear Changgui, which can’t go against tigers, but face other evil spirits of Sagwido.”

Facing Cheon Hoyeon’s golden eyes felt like having his innermost thoughts laid bare. And he couldn’t help but worry. If he didn’t answer properly now, she might indeed become suspicious.

Cheon Hoyeon pressed the silently moving-lipped Ryubeom.

“Have you been afraid of Changgui since you first encountered it?”

“…Yes. I was startled because it appeared so suddenly…”

“They are persistent and would have tried to chase a weak tiger.”

“At that time… my mother got rid of the Changgui.”

At Ryubeom’s hesitant answer, Cheon Hoyeon’s eyes narrowed.

“You received your first training wrong.”

“It, it was because I was being spoiled! My mother just indulged me…”

Ryubeom hastily explained, feeling as though his mother was being blamed. He said that it was only because he had been so terrified as a child that his mother had no choice but to help. But his explanation only made Cheon Hoyeon scoff.

“That was the mistake.”

“…”

“Children can’t be coddled forever. Eventually, you ended up being scared of Changgui and gave your siblings something to criticize you for.”

She coldly pointed out that showing weakness to the family members was a significant problem.

“When the honorable trial begins, your weakness will be a major hindrance.”

Lowering his gaze slowly, Ryubeom spoke.

“…I have no intention of competing with my siblings.”

“Oh. So you’re saying you only want to find your father’s spirit? Who would believe that? In a family that doesn’t acknowledge your mother or father, who do you think will understand that feeling?”

“…”

“You speak naively as if you were raised delicately. Don’t try to coddle me. I am not your mother.”

Cheon Hoyeon’s icy words made Ryubeom bow his head further. Looking as if he was gazing despondently at the ground, he soon responded in a calm voice.

“I understand that you disapprove of me.”

“So, does that make you feel bad?”

“No, it doesn’t. I just… I think it’s inevitable that the family dislikes me. My mother was the successor but left the family, and my father is human. With those facts, it’s natural that my cousins would feel threatened when I receive the head’s praise.”

Ryubeom had realized during his earlier confrontation with Yeongdo that no one would believe he had no interest in the position of the next head. The most likely candidate had been angered by his statement. None of the cousins following Yeongdo, nor the elders supporting him, would believe it.

“But truly, I have only one wish. I must endure misunderstandings and obstacles along the way to fulfill it. I never thought entering Daehogwan would be easy.”

“…”

“Being afraid of Changgui is my fault for not yet finding a solution. Since you’ve pointed it out, I will take greater care to find a way.”

Ryubeom spoke with utmost composure. His goal was to uncover the truth of the incident and have his parents accepted as legitimate members of the family. Despite claiming it as a right earned by solving Sagwido, given the attitudes of the family members he saw at the banquet, it seemed the investigation wouldn’t go smoothly.

Even before solving all the Sagwido, he faced so much opposition. He imagined the various conflicts that could arise once he returned to the family after completing his task. It was clear, as no one in the family supported Ryubeom.

However, Ryubeom decided not to let that dishearten him or make him wary. He was too busy focusing on what he needed to do to worry about anything else. He wouldn’t let himself be troubled by emotions he couldn’t control within the family.

‘Why do you keep scolding yourself when you’re trying so hard? You should be encouraging yourself instead.’

Yeohwi had told him not everything was his fault. Ryubeom repeated those words in his mind as he bowed to Cheon Hoyeon.

“I didn’t expect closing Sagwido to have such an impact… but I am grateful for the opportunity for this final task.”

It was a heartfelt expression of gratitude. Although every conversation with Cheon Hoyeon felt like a scolding, her criticisms were always valid and far better than the unnecessary mockery from other family members. Ryubeom found himself more alert due to her critiques.

And as Ryubeom raised his head again, he met her steady golden gaze.

“…You’ve gained confidence. Is it because only the final Sagwido remains, or because you received praise from the head?”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to sound arrogant…”

“Your eyes, they resemble Eunhwa’s.”

Ryubeom paused at the low, unexpected comment. It was the first time he had heard he resembled his mother since joining the family. When he was younger, he occasionally heard it from passing adults…