Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 146

The young man called Dong Gyeong was an unremarkable figure whom no one had ever heard of. However, Han Li showed no particular reaction.

Whether someone possessed spiritual roots had nothing to do with their appearance, whether they were graceful and beautiful or intellectually gifted.

That was why, before the establishment of cultivation sects, even cultivation families had struggled to find new disciples. Still, finding another person with spiritual roots among such a small group was surprising.

Han Li and the grandfather and granddaughter in the corner knew this, but the others could not possibly understand.

People began to murmur again, and some even doubted whether Master Oh was truly a cultivator.

As a result, the atmosphere in the main hall became a bit chilly, and Prince Hyung was not in a pleasant mood. However, since most of those gathered in the hall were his old friends, he simply turned his head and looked at Master Oh.

“Master Oh, since everyone here is a mortal and has never seen any magic, would you perhaps show us a demonstration to broaden our horizons?”

At Prince Hyung’s words, everyone waited for the Taoist’s reply. After a moment of thought, the white-haired Taoist very cheerfully agreed to the proposal and stepped outside the main hall.

So, those gathered in the main hall also followed him out, and Han Li was inevitably caught in the crowd. However, the grandfather and granddaughter he had seen earlier remained still, seemingly still troubled by what had happened with Han Li.

Outside the guest room, over a hundred people surrounded Master Oh, eager to see his magic.

Master Oh began to form hand seals and mutter something, creating a rather mysterious atmosphere.

Everyone present was closely observing his every move.

Finally, having finished his incantation, Master Oh’s hands came together at his chest and then separated to the sides, and a blazing fireball formed in the middle. At the same time, the surrounding temperature rose, filling the air with heat.

It was the Fireball Technique, something any cultivator with fire-attribute spiritual roots could do. And what followed surprised not only the mortals but also Han Li.

As he formed another hand seal with both hands, the fireball began to change shape, slowly forming wings and a beak. When claws and feathers were added, it became an elaborate firebird.

‘Could it be the Firebird Technique?’

Han Li was surprised by the sight and doubted his own eyes. The Firebird Technique was an intermediate-level spell that even Han Li could not use freely.

Yet, an Qi Refining [a low-level stage of cultivation] cultivator was surprisingly creating a similar form, which was impossible. However, this surprise did not last long.

Although the firebird he created was similar in shape to the one created when using the Firebird Technique, the size was vastly different.

The firebird of the Firebird Technique was almost a ‘zhang’ [about 10 feet] when its two wings were spread, but this one was only the size of a fist. However, what convinced Han Li that this spell was not the Firebird Technique was the difference in the spiritual energy it contained.

The firebird created by the Firebird Technique contained so much magical power that even a Foundation Establishment [a higher stage of cultivation] cultivator could not easily deal with it.

However, the sparrow-sized bird had the same spiritual energy fluctuations as the fireball of the Fireball Technique. It was just a change in shape; it was still the Fireball Technique.

Having grasped all these facts, he felt a sense of curiosity mixed with laughter. How embarrassing it was to be so tense, fooled by such a trivial trick!

Still, the skill of changing the flames like that was impressive. Even he could not change the flames so delicately, and it was amazing that an Qi Refining cultivator could do it.

However, the following performance-like magic made Han Li speechless again. The sparrow-sized flame suddenly fell to the ground and turned into a puppy, running around everywhere.

Moreover, the puppy turned into a snake, and then the snake turned into a person and walked around… The mortals, who had never seen magic before, were simply speechless at this incredible sight.

Finally, at Master Oh’s gesture, the flame, which had turned into a horse, rushed towards a small cherry tree. It was only natural that the tree turned to ashes as soon as it touched the flame.

With this, Master Oh’s magic show came to an end. Only then did the people, as if waking from a dream, come to their senses and send praises to Master Oh. All the doubts and questions they had just had vanished.

Prince Hyung also became triumphant at such a reaction. It was said that in ancient times, cultivators frequently appeared before the wealthy and those of high status.

However, at some point, they suddenly disappeared, avoiding contact with mortals, so even a member of the imperial family like him was meeting a cultivator for the first time in his life.

With Master Oh’s magic overwhelming the crowd, Prince Hyung could be said to have saved face properly.

Prince Hyung did not know that the time when cultivators frequently visited the mortal world was before the Immortal Ascension Assembly was held.

At that time, those who had no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment or the low-level cultivators of prominent families gave up on further cultivation and went into the mortal world to enjoy wealth and glory.

However, when the opportunity for a life-changing event like the Immortal Ascension Assembly arose, most cultivators devoted themselves to training for the assembly and had no time to care about the mortal world.

Of course, there were exceptions like Im Ja-dong, who lost their will for the path of cultivation and lived in the mortal world, but their numbers were few.

Moreover, even if they helped a truly high-ranking family or a wealthy merchant, they hid their identities and were reluctant to expose information to outsiders.

After all, it was not a proud thing for a cultivator to live in a mortal’s house.

As a result, there were few cultivators involved in the mortal world, and since they hid their identities, most people could not know of their existence.

Since most of the guests gathered at the banquet had never encountered a cultivator, they could not help but be captivated by such beautiful flame tricks.

As respectful gazes gathered again, Master Oh returned to the main hall with a satisfied look. And the young people who had not yet been tested for their aptitude rushed to him, shouting, ‘Master!’

The white-haired Master Oh looked at the remaining people. Unfortunately, all the remaining ones were unqualified. At this news, the remaining young people quietly left Master Oh’s side.

This made the fat young man named Dong Gyeong seem even more remarkable. Everyone looked at the father and son with envious eyes, and they were smiling so wide that their mouths seemed to be tearing, unable to contain their joy.

“I don’t understand. That idiot has aptitude, but I’m a hundred times better than him.”

“That’s enough. Who can you blame for not being born with luck? Sit down.”

At those words, Jin-eon’s face hardened, and he calmly admonished his granddaughter. Even with Jin-eon’s words, the girl, known for her temper, could not contain her anger.

At this time, Elder Hwa also returned with his grandson and granddaughter and sat down silently. When the two made eye contact, they gave each other a wry smile.

“Brother Jin, that Dong Fatty kid is about to make a name for himself.”

Elder Hwa opened his mouth first, as if joking.

“Indeed, it seems that some people have a good son, and their family will only prosper from now on.”

Jin-eon also sighed, looking helpless. Thus, the conversation between Elder Hwa and Jin-eon began. Even as they talked, they did not forget to observe Master Oh and Prince Hyung’s actions.

Prince Hyung, having confirmed that all the children of the distinguished guests had been tested, called a maid and gave her some instructions. He watched the maid leave the room and smiled at the distinguished guests.

“Then, since we have multiple reasons to celebrate, let’s begin the banquet.”

After speaking, he clapped his hands twice, and servants and maids entered from outside the main gate, carrying black trays and placing wine and side dishes.

Soon, the fragrant aroma of wine and delicious food filled the main hall.

“Now! I, the Prince, will offer a toast to the distinguished guests!”

Prince Hyung emptied his glass first and laughed happily.

“To the Prince!”

As good wine and side dishes were served, the atmosphere among those gathered in the main hall began to liven up. Many people were toasting each other.

Prince Hyung also occupied a seat with his beloved concubine, Cheong-ah, and was having a good time, joking with his close friends. It seemed that the public’s opinion of him was not wrong.

“Myeong-ah, come here and greet your uncles.”

Prince Hyung looked at the young man and called him over happily. Since the Prince was sitting at the table where Jin-eon and others were gathered, the young man also walked over to them.

“Greetings to both uncles.”

“Young Prince, you are too kind.”

Jin-eon and Elder Hwa quickly bowed their heads as the young man bowed.

“You two are this child’s seniors, so it is only natural for him to greet you. Why are you so uncomfortable?”

Prince Hyung seemed a bit displeased with their attitude. However, Jin-eon and Elder Hwa looked at each other with troubled expressions. What Prince Hyung said was not wrong, but in front of them was a member of the imperial family.

How could they dare to treat him like a child of their own family! Having lived long enough and being quick-witted, the two immediately changed the subject and introduced their children to the Prince.

Of course, Han Li was one of the children of the family that Jin-eon introduced. When Han Li was introduced, Prince Hyung’s eyes sparkled as he scanned him, clearly having heard rumors about him.

Then, the troubled expression that had just disappeared reappeared on Jin-eon’s face.

“Myeong-ah, come here and greet Han Se-hyung.”

Prince Hyung, with a playful smile, called his son, for some reason.

The young prince obeyed the order and greeted Han Li, his tone and actions being extremely gentle.

The young ladies gathered around were so captivated by his graceful demeanor that their hearts fluttered.

However, Han Li outwardly greeted him with courtesy, but inwardly, he was losing his composure.

The dangerous aura he had felt when he saw the chief manager was emanating from this young prince.

Although it was weaker than what he had felt from the chief manager, the ominous feeling remained.

‘What’s going on?’

Surprised, Han Li had to find the cause.

The young prince could not have read Han Li’s mind. After finishing his elegant greeting, he turned his gaze to the young masters and ladies of the Jin family, whom he had met before, and exchanged a few words of greeting. Two young girls blushed at his attitude.

There was definitely something wrong with that young prince. Even if those girls were devoured by him, bones and all, it wouldn’t be surprising.

After a while, Prince Hyung bid farewell to Jin-eon and Elder Hwa and moved to another table with the young prince, and the young people of the Jin family looked very disappointed.

And Han Li, making sure the young prince didn’t notice, carefully observed him again after he turned his back.

…

Several hours passed, and the banquet finally came to an end. The distinguished guests, having eaten and drunk to their hearts’ content, paid their respects to Prince Hyung and his son and began to leave.

Jin-eon was also about to leave the Prince’s residence with his children. As he was about to get into his carriage, he stopped at Han Li’s question.

“Uncle Jin, who are those two people? Could you tell me?”

Although his tone was polite, it could not be ignored. Jin-eon quickly turned his head and looked in the direction Han Li was looking.

“Who are the two people Han nephew is talking about? Ah, you mean that old man So. He runs the famous Hanwoon Tavern in Dong Gyeong and is rather introverted, so I don’t have much of a relationship with him. I don’t know the young boy next to him, but he seems to be his grandson.”

Jin-eon was puzzled, seeing that Han Li’s gaze was directed at the old man and the boy.

“I see. Then, Uncle, please go ahead. I’ll return to the residence a little later.”

Han Li nodded and, after speaking, walked down a small path without waiting for Jin-eon’s reply. Jin-eon looked back and forth between Han Li’s retreating figure and old man So, lost in thought.

However, he soon started the carriage, and several carriages of the Jin family began to drive towards the Dongseong district.

The other young masters and ladies of the Jin family, unaware that Han Li had disappeared, were all talking about the events of the day.
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