Chapter 126
The figure appeared at Yul-i's laughter-filled birthday party with a hearty laugh.
Despite his shabby appearance, he was a middle-aged man with a unique atmosphere and exceptionally clear eyes.
A look of delight spread across Peng Mugang's face when he saw him.
Heavenly Seer, you!
The Heavenly Seer, Shim Ho-bang.
He was a man from the Beggars' Union, known for his severe wanderlust, making him difficult to find.
There was a reason he was called the Heavenly Seer despite being a beggar of the Beggars' Union.
He possessed a special talent: the ability to see fragments of the future.
No one knew how it was possible.
Nothing was known beyond the fact that it was a talent he was born with.
However, once the Heavenly Seer's ability became known, many sought him out and tried to use him.
Some, knowing of his special ability, even feared him.
Eventually, he began to wander the Murim alone.
So that no one could easily ask him about the future and he would not be used by anyone.
Of course, this was only possible with the permission of the Beggars' Union Chief.
Thus, he became one of the most difficult figures to meet in the Murim, mentioned in the same breath as the “Divine Doctor”.
This was even more so because, unlike his martial arts skills which were not particularly outstanding, his lightfoot skill was worthy of being called Peerless Under Heaven.
And yet, such a man had suddenly appeared at the Peng Family's.
Hahaha! Have you been well?
Of course! As you can see, I've been well! How have you been?
As you can see, I've been living like a beggar. By the way, I felt like coming here for some reason, and it seems I was blessed with good food, eh?
Haha! You rascal. Anyway, it's very good to see you!
Peng Mugang and Shim Ho-bang had formed a bond by chance in their youth and had remained close friends for a long time.
Anyone who learned the Heavenly Seer's identity always asked the same questions.
What does my future look like? Is there a way for me to gain greater martial arts and wealth?
But Peng Mugang was not like that.
Ah, so you're that famous Heavenly Seer? Well, you must have had a hard time.
That was all he had said.
When asked if he wasn't curious about the future, he snorted in response.
What's the point of knowing something like that? Whether it's a good future or a bad one, knowing it in advance takes all the fun out of it, don't you think?
It was a first.
Moreover, it didn't seem like he was hiding his true feelings; he seemed sincere.
His attitude and reaction were incredibly refreshing and pleasant to the Heavenly Seer.
And so, the two became quite close friends afterward.
It was true even if they couldn't see each other often.
Huh? Heavenly Seer, you!
It was Hwangbo Gyun.
He had returned, grumbling, with the cultivation manual that Peng Mugang had thrown somewhere far away, and his face lit up with pleasure upon seeing the Heavenly Seer.
Hey, why don't you ever visit our Hwangbo Clan? You've never once shown your face to us, yet I hear you visit here once every few years! Are you trying to hurt my feelings? Huh?
Haha. It's because the Hwangbo Clan is a difficult place to visit and leave quietly. It's not that I particularly dislike the Hwangbo Clan.
Hm? Why is it difficult to visit and leave quietly? Our Hwangbo Clan is so peaceful, you know?
That's because the most mischievous person in all of Murim is there.
Huh? Who are you talking about?
Well, it's you, isn't it? Don't pretend you don't know.
Unable to watch any longer, Peng Mugang stepped in.
At that, Hwangbo Gyun made a wronged face as if to ask what he was talking about.
Me? Mischievous? What nonsense is that? You say that because you've never met my grandfather! Compared to him, my mischief is on a very ordinary level!
It seemed unnecessary to bring up someone who had passed away long ago in a conversation like this.
Anyway, it's truly good to see you after so long, haha! Let's not stand around here. Let's go inside!
Soon, the Heavenly Seer and Hwangbo Gyun began their meal with Peng Mugang and Dan Hee-young.
They too had been busy looking after the birthday party and were starting to feel hungry.
Before long, Peng Seo-yeon and Yul-i entered the room together.
Peng Seo-jin followed behind them.
Uncle.
Having occasionally stopped by the Peng Family to stay for a few days, the Heavenly Seer was already well-acquainted with Peng Seo-yeon and Peng Seo-jin.
Since it had been an especially long time since they had last met, the Heavenly Seer wore an expression of utmost delight.
You've all grown so much.
The Peng Seo-yeon and Peng Seo-jin he had last seen were just shedding their childishness, their faces still youthful.
Now they had grown so much they were almost unrecognizable, which he found quite fascinating.
Soon, his gaze turned to the little child holding Peng Seo-yeon's hand, looking at him with bright, clear eyes.
Oho. So you're the star of today's party, are you?
So-yul, you should greet him.
Yul-i, who had been tilting her head while looking up at the newly appeared grandfather with her large eyes, soon put her hands together and bowed her head.
Hello.
Haha, yes. It's nice to meet you, Yul-i.
The Heavenly Seer, who had been chuckling at Yul-i's adorable appearance, soon wore an interested expression.
Hoho. Well, what do you know.
Why, what is it?
It's because your granddaughter is truly extraordinary. To think I would meet the future Blade Empress.
What do you mean by that? Blade Empress?
It's just as I said. Your granddaughter will become a truly outstanding martial artist.
He saw the image of a peerless beauty in his eyes, as if all the beauty in the world had been combined, looking down upon the world while holding a blade engraved with a dragon.
Moreover, a youthful man who resembled him stood next to her.
At the Heavenly Seer's words, Peng Mugang's eyes widened, and he soon burst into a pleased laugh.
Khahahaha! Of course, she will. I'm teaching her martial arts, after all. Haha! Blade Empress, a Blade Empress! By then, I wonder if my granddaughter will push aside that damned Blade Emperor and make a name for herself!
My, my. Look at this eccentric old man, entrusting his granddaughter with a difficult task he couldn't accomplish himself.
Hwangbo Gyun was also happy to hear that Yul-i would become a great martial artist.
But he couldn't stand the sight of the triumphant Peng Mugang, so Hwangbo Gyun casually picked a fight. At that, Peng Mugang seemed flustered for a moment and stammered.
Ahem, n-no, that's not what I meant. Besides, I just didn't have the chance. If we fought one more time, it would be different. When that time comes, the seat of the Twelve Venerables of the World and the name of the Blade Emperor will be mine.
Oh, I'm sure. I sincerely hope you redeem yourself from your last defeat, little brother.
You damned old geezer!
It was Hwangbo Gyun and Peng Mugang, bickering again.
Ever since the battle for Yul-i's affection began, their bickering has doubled.
Fortunately or unfortunately, Gu Wang-pyo still had things to do outside and couldn't join in.
Just then, Yeo Un-hwi, having finished his business outside, came in late.
Peng Seo-yeon smiled and introduced him to the Heavenly Seer.
This is my husband.
A pleasure to meet you. I am Yeo Un-hwi.
Hoh. So you're the one who stirred the winds in our young Seo-yeon's heart.
The Heavenly Seer, who had been gazing lovingly at Yul-i, slowly turned his head and looked at Yeo Un-hwi.
In that moment, the Heavenly Seer's eyes widened as if struck by lightning.
He saw a vision.
A vision of a massive golden dragon was looking down at him.
The sight completely overwhelmed the Heavenly Seer.
Y-you are...
The Heavenly Seer forgot what he was going to say and stared blankly at Yeo Un-hwi.
Yeo Un-hwi tilted his head.
Is something wrong?
Ah? Ah. No. My apologies. I must be tired from my long journey.
Yeo Un-hwi noticed from the Heavenly Seer's awkward attempt to brush it off.
He had seen something of his.
Soon, Yeo Un-hwi gave a strange smile.
It was a smile that contained far too many emotions.
Deep sorrow and anger and now a completely opposite emotion coexisted within it.
When the Heavenly Seer saw that smile, her heart ached.
What kind of life had this man lived?
Hm? What's wrong, you? What is it?
Sensing that the Heavenly Seer's reaction to Yeo Un-hwi was unusual, Peng Mugang interjected with a curious face.
Only then did the Heavenly Seer avert his gaze from Yeo Un-hwi and smile once more.
It's nothing. It's just that your son-in-law is so handsome.
Hmph. Handsome, my foot! What nonsense.
Peng Mugang snorted at the Heavenly Seer's words.
But unlike before, Peng Mugang no longer showed such a strong dislike for compliments about his son-in-law.
He just said it for the sake of saying it.
*Meanwhile, the Heavenly Seer, having barely calmed his unexpectedly shocked heart, was lost in thought.*
“That... I don't know what to call it. What's certain is that it was a golden dragon that burned away all the world's demons. Yes, that was it."
Moreover, that wasn't all he had seen.
Fragments of the future that would soon befall the Peng Family flashed through his mind.
*'Perhaps this is why I came here.'*
He visited this place today because he had felt an inexplicable pull.
And the Heavenly Seer realized what it was.
It seemed he had a job to do.
As the meal was nearly finished, the Heavenly Seer called Hwangbo Gyun aside separately.
What is it?
Hwangbo Gyun, who had stepped outside for a moment, asked the Heavenly Seer.
It's nothing much, but I have a favor to ask of you.
A favor?
Yes. And you must keep this as quiet as possible until that day comes.
The Heavenly Seer's eyes were incredibly serious.
Seeing those eyes, Hwangbo Gyun also wiped the smile from his face and nodded.
And a short while later.
Peng Mugang looked at the two returning men with a curious expression.
Where have you two been without me?
Haha. We had our reasons. Well then, I must be on my way now.
Having slyly changed the subject, the Heavenly Seer packed his things as soon as he returned to his seat.
Huh? You're leaving already? Why don't you stay for a few days? It's been a while since you came.
I was planning to. But I've unexpectedly found myself with many things to do.
Things to do? What are they?
I have my reasons. Please understand that I can't tell you right now. And I'll probably visit again soon, so let's catch up then.
Hm, well, alright.
Soon, the Heavenly Seer gave a good-natured smile and hurriedly left the Peng Family.
He had appeared like the wind and disappeared like the wind.
That friend of mine is the same as ever, whether he was young or is now.
Peng Mugang looked in the direction he had left with a regretful expression, then saw Yul-i with her bright eyes and lifted her up in a flash.
Kyaa!
Hahaha! To think my granddaughter's future is so bright! This grandfather is thrilled! Let's train hard again starting tomorrow, shall we?
Yes! Okay!
Hahaha! That's my girl, that's my girl!
The laughter of Yul-i and Peng Mugang filled the Peng residence.
Watching them, Yeo Un-hwi, Peng Seo-yeon, Dan Hee-young, and Peng Seo-jin wore warm smiles.
The sinister gazes of Hwangbo Gyun and Gu Wang-pyo, who were biding their time, looking for an opportunity to once again push the cultivation and blade art manuals they had created, were mixed in among the other gazes.
And so, Yul-i's birthday party ended happily.
It seemed it would take a few days to check all of Yul-i's gifts piled up in the room.
But for Yul-i's family, even that was just a part of their happiness.
By the way, what was the future that the Heavenly Seer had seen?