CLS-Chapter 181

Chapter 181

To be honest, while Wei Yan-ho had caused quite a few incidents, it would be a stretch to say they had a major impact on the martial world.

Wei Yan-ho was the type to drag trouble around with him, but he was also someone with zero initiative. No matter what happened, he remained extremely passive—almost to an absurd degree.

For the martial world, this was a blessing.

Imagine if he actively went around causing trouble. That would be a disaster beyond words.

Hmm?

So, isn’t that a good thing?

Well… yes, it is. But if things had gone that smoothly, Wei Yan-ho wouldn’t have ended up with the excessively flashy and utterly ridiculous title of “Chronicles of the Lazy Sovereign.” At best, he’d have been called something like “The Lazy King of Guangdong.”

Whether it was misfortune or luck for Wei Yan-ho, the martial world at the time wasn’t exactly peaceful.

As you may have heard, the Demon Cult was already stirring in the shadows, slowly revealing itself.

In Sichuan, the Heavenly Justice League had grown strong enough to challenge the Supreme Heavenly Righteous Alliance. Meanwhile, in the east, the White Sword Star was extending its influence.

A powder keg ready to explode.

Yes, that’s the perfect way to put it.

There was too much power, and it was only a matter of time before everything blew up. Whether Wei Yan-ho existed or not, the martial world was destined to fall into chaos. The Bloody Incident at Namsan was just a precursor.

So, how could everyone have been so oblivious?

The answer is simple.

The Demon Cult had lost its leader, so it was assumed they’d take a long time to regroup. The Heavenly Justice League, despite its united front, was still no match for the Supreme Heavenly Righteous Alliance. As for the White Sword Star, it was dismissed as just another upstart faction.

Back then, no one knew.

No one knew how long the Demon Cult had been preparing, how much power the Heavenly Justice League had amassed, or who was truly behind the White Sword Star.

What?

Shouldn’t the Beggar’s Sect have gathered that intel in advance?

In… incompetent?

Do you… not want to hear the story?

“Can’t you hold your hands up properly?”

Pitifully, Wei Yan-ho was kneeling in a corner of the room, his hands raised above his head.

“What on earth did you do to make that paragon of virtue take to his bed with anger? What?”

Wei Jeong-han roared.

‘I feel like this happened before I left home…’

It felt eerily familiar. In fact, now that he thought about it, this wasn’t just something that happened before he left—it was a constant occurrence while he was at home.

Five years of hardship, and yet nothing had changed.

“By the way.”

Wei Yan-ho cautiously spoke up.

“What?”

“…So, you’re scolding me without even knowing what I did wrong?”

“……”

“Not that I’m complaining or anything… It’s just an observation. No hard feelings. Not like I’m trying to avoid punishment or anything. Just saying…”

Wei Jeong-han’s body trembled.

After five years apart, his son had become five times more insufferable. At least back then, there was some charm to it…

“Grrr…”

Wei Jeong-han rubbed his face. The spot where Jo Hyeon had punched him throbbed.

‘That dignified man…’

Normally, one would be angry at the person who hit them, but Jo Hyeon had always been fond of Wei Yan-ho. Seeing him so furious made Wei Jeong-han feel more regret than anger.

“Where’s Mother?”

“She went to freshen up after the journey.”

“…And my brother?”

“He went to pick up Su-ryeon!”

“Hmm. So, sadly, there’s no one in the world who can save me now.”

“No, it’s a blessing.”

“Eugh…”

Wei Yan-ho scratched his head.

“Can’t you hold your hands up straight?”

Wei Yan-ho raised his hands again and yawned.

‘Should I pretend to struggle?’

The punishment was the same as before, but the difference was that Wei Yan-ho now had a body that could hold his hands up for days without tiring.

Back then, even half a shijin would leave his arms shaking and his back aching. But now, his mind was too thick to feel any pain or remorse from such a punishment.

“By the way, why did you come here? Is it okay to leave the house empty like this?”

“To catch you! You!”

Wei Jeong-han’s eyes burned with fury.

After searching for his son for five years, their reunion wasn’t heartwarming—it was a chase. A father’s heart couldn’t take it.

“Grrr…”

Wei Jeong-han clutched his head as he watched Wei Yan-ho yawn repeatedly, hands still raised.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go…

When Wei Yan-ho went missing, Wei Jeong-han had sworn to himself that if his son ever returned, he’d shower him with love for a month without letting him leave his bed.

And yet, the first thing he did was scold and punish him.

“…Put your hands down.”

Wei Yan-ho immediately lowered his arms and grinned at Wei Jeong-han.

“Ugh.”

It’s hard to stay mad at a smiling face. In a way, that familiar cuteness was still there.

“What have you been doing all this time?”

“I’d rather tell everyone at once when they’re all here. It’s something everyone should hear.”

“Hmm…”

Wei Jeong-han nodded.

“Well, since you’ve already punished me…”

“Huh?”

“I’ll take a nap until everyone arrives. Wake me up for dinner.”

“Hahahaha.”

Wei Jeong-han laughed softly, and Wei Yan-ho laughed back.

It had been five years since the father and son had shared a laugh like this.

“Hands up again.”

“…Yes, sir.”

Come to think of it, Wei Yan-ho had never once had a good relationship with his father.

While it wouldn’t become public knowledge, the incident now dubbed “Wei Yan-ho’s Rebellion” in Jo Hyeon’s mind had finally come to an end—at least for now.

Jo Hyeon, barely recovered, had returned to his military duties.

“Phew.”

He sipped his tea, his expression twitching.

He wanted to believe it was all over, but an uneasy feeling kept rising in his chest.

‘Can he be controlled?’

For now, Wei Jeong-han might manage, but there was no guarantee he could keep Wei Yan-ho in check forever. First, no matter how much of a father he was, trailing after a grown son like that was no way to live. It’d be hard on both of them.

Besides, Wei Jeong-han, the “Righteous Hero Sword,” was at an age where he should be active in the martial world. Losing five years to his missing son was painful enough—he couldn’t afford to waste more time chasing Wei Yan-ho now.

Second, Jo Hyeon had realized Wei Yan-ho wasn’t the type to be controlled by anyone. For now, he might obey out of habit and respect for his father, but that wouldn’t last.

A son who surpasses his father usually makes breaking free his first goal.

“What should I do?”

His head ached.

Part of him wanted to banish Wei Yan-ho back to Guangdong immediately, but given his power, keeping him out of sight entirely would be the worst move.

“Military Advisor.”

A voice came from outside the door. Jo Hyeon turned.

“What is it?”

“The Alliance Leader requests your presence.”

Jo Hyeon stood immediately.

“Ah, show him in at once!”

He shouted the words even as his body moved toward the door. When it opened, the Supreme Heavenly Righteous Alliance’s leader, “Fist Supreme” Sima Cheon-se, entered. Jo Hyeon bowed deeply.

“If you had business, you could have summoned me. There was no need to trouble yourself with a visit.”

Sima Cheon-se smiled warmly.

“Hahaha, the whole world knows my Military Advisor is busier than I am. How could a leisurely man like me order around someone so occupied?”

“Please, take a seat.”

Jo Hyeon offered the best seat and poured tea.

Sima Cheon-se took a sip and set the cup down.

“So, have you recovered?”

“It wasn’t anything serious…”

“I came as soon as I heard you were better. The Alliance still needs you, Military Advisor. Your health isn’t just your own—take care of it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good. Now then.”

Sima Cheon-se grinned.

“Shall we discuss why my Military Advisor fell ill with anger?”

Jo Hyeon sighed, realizing Sima Cheon-se already knew everything.

“That boy?”

“Indeed.”

“Strange. By Wei Jeong-han and Wei San-ho’s standards, the Wei Family is known for its seriousness. Wei Jeong-han might be a bit carefree, but for two sons from the same womb to be so different is unusual.”

“It’s not unheard of, but…”

“And the Guangdong Wei Family is a renowned martial household. Even if Wei Jeong-han was lax, family traditions should have prevented such laziness.”

You can’t judge that kid by common sense.

Jo Hyeon sighed again. That was the mistake he’d made when he first met Wei Yan-ho—and he’d paid for it dearly.

“Interesting. So, Wei Jeong-han is here at the Alliance now?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Sima Cheon-se’s eyes sparkled like a child’s.

Jo Hyeon forced a smile. That look meant trouble. Despite his lofty title, Sima Cheon-se had never lost his playful side.

Or perhaps it was precisely because of that playfulness that he’d become the unrivaled fist of the martial world.

“Find me an excuse. I’d like to meet him.”

“You don’t need an excuse to meet Wei Jeong-han.”

“Wei Jeong-han is someone I can see anytime.”

“Then…?”

“I think it’ll be fun. I want to meet Wei Yan-ho. That should give me some answers.”

“…Would you reconsider?”

“Have you ever seen me change my mind?”

“No.”

Jo Hyeon closed his eyes.

‘Well, maybe this is for the best. Who else could control him but the Alliance Leader?’

Even as he thought this might lead them deeper into trouble, Jo Hyeon clung to one last hope.