Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 330

Under the softly shining moonlight,

Pang Ga-yeon and Ho Jun-seong sat by a small pond.

Although the night sky was dark, the pond shimmered with an unusual brightness.

This was due to the carp within, which emitted their own light.

They were Hwan-su fish [mythical creatures known for their bioluminescence], radiating a beautiful glow even in minimal light.

Pang Ga-yeon tossed food to them, and the only sounds in the still night air were the gentle lapping of water and the movements of the Hwan-su fish.

“Why did you do that?” Ho Jun-seong asked.

“What are you talking about?” Pang Ga-yeon replied, turning to face him.

“Don’t play coy. Why did you bring up something that didn’t need to be said?”

“Oh my. What exactly did I say?”

After a moment of feigned innocence, Pang Ga-yeon’s lips curved into a subtle smile.

“Are you referring to the Sa family’s history?”

“Cheon Su-seon didn’t seem to be aware of it.”

“That’s correct.”

“There was no real reason to inform him.”

“That’s also true, isn’t it?”

“But why did you tell him?”

Ho Jun-seong’s tone remained calm, but Pang Ga-yeon sensed his underlying anger.

“Is that something to get angry about?”

“I’m simply asking about your intentions.”

*You’re* angry, she thought to herself. Scoffing inwardly, she dumped the remaining fish food into the pond.

The sudden influx of food caused a frenzy among the Hwan-su fish. They darted and swirled, creating ripples and splashes, with some even leaping out of the pond in their eagerness.

“Oh my, how unfortunate,” Pang Ga-yeon remarked, making no move to return the stranded fish to the water. She simply watched.

Ho Jun-seong understood her intentions through her actions, and his brow furrowed.

She desired chaos, or at least, to stir things up.

“He’s someone who could potentially become a valuable ally. Su-seon hasn’t reached his full potential yet.”

“If he’s truly intelligent, he’ll abandon the Sa family and seek connections elsewhere.”

Such a family on the brink of collapse… why would anyone remain loyal?

“But the Sa family’s past is unique. An ordinary person would flee, while a gambler would exploit it. He’s proven to be anything but ordinary.”

A family that sacrificed for the Water Realm only to be met with betrayal.

And from that family emerged an exceptional Su-seon.

What if such a person were to become Cheonmu-seon [a high-ranking official in the Water Realm]?

What if he were to attain a high public office?

If his family’s dark history were used against him, what then?

Families with lingering guilt might be spurred to action.

He would become a focal point, potentially revealing the hidden truths of his family’s past.

“He might even unite other families to achieve something significant.”

Success would benefit everyone, and even failure wouldn’t harm the Pang family.

She had merely cast a line, with no certainty of what it would catch.

But Ho Jun-seong disapproved.

“The Five Great Families won’t stand idly by.”

No matter how exceptional he is, he can’t escape the influence of the Five Great Families, who have held power for millennia.

They will inevitably target him, fabricating accusations as they have done before.

They will brand him a traitor, drive him to madness, and strip him of his wealth and honor.

“He’s destined for greater heights.”

If he were ordinary, she wouldn’t interfere.

But he is not.

Such individuals transform crises into opportunities, using them as stepping stones to rise higher.

Having ascended from the Lower Realm, he will undoubtedly seek even greater power.

It is the fate of an extraordinary person.

But here, it is a dangerous path.

“He’s only been in the Water Realm for thirty years. Don’t place unrealistic expectations on him.”

“Oh my, have you formed such a deep bond in such a short time?”

Pang Ga-yeon subtly averted her gaze from Ho Jun-seong’s piercing stare.

Her eyes landed on the Hwan-su fish struggling on the ground.

“Isn’t it fascinating? It shone so brightly in the water, but now it’s covered in dirt, its light diminished.”

She clicked her tongue, feigning pity.

Ho Jun-seong knew that her words were directed at him.

A warning to remain moderate, lest he be cast out of the family.

A warning met with a warning.

Pang Ga-yeon responded in kind.

His eyes turned cold.

“Even an exceptional Gaseon [a high-ranking official] is nothing without their family. Where would a bird without a nest go?”

No.

“Or perhaps you’re not a bird at all?”

She chuckled and turned away, disappearing into the night.

Ho Jun-seong stood there for a moment, staring at the dirt-covered Hwan-su fish.

The scales of the stained creature no longer shimmered.

He felt a pang of pity, but he, too, refrained from returning it to the pond.

Restoring something that has faded only invites resentment.

It will only be attacked.

Death is inevitable.

But the choice is his alone.

Ho Jun-seong decided to observe the Hwan-su fish’s decision.

The Hwan-su fish fluttered weakly, then stilled.

Its strength had waned.

Ho Jun-seong watched the dying creature with a detached calm.

His expression suggested he had anticipated this outcome.

‘Either way, I won’t be welcomed back. Perhaps this is for the best.’

Just as he was about to turn away,

Swoosh!

An unexpected event occurred.

“Huh.”

Suddenly, a cat appeared and snatched the Hwan-su fish.

It happened in the blink of an eye.

Logically, the cat would devour the fish.

But one cannot jump to conclusions about unseen events.

Ho Jun-seong laughed softly.

“That’s why the world is full of surprises.”

It was a welcome anomaly.

* * *

“Cough.”

Beom, engrossed in scriptures in his room, coughed.

“What’s wrong?” Hwa-ran asked.

“Suddenly my throat feels scratchy.”

“Shall I get you some tea?”

“Yes, pour me a drink.”

Hwa-ran paused, blinking.

“You mean tea?”

“Yes, alcohol.”

Hwa-ran stopped again, frowning.

“This old man….”

“Tea is too bland.”

“You’d rather drink alcohol?”

“If I’m going to drink, alcohol is preferable.”

Hwa-ran’s eyes narrowed.

As he ages, he seems to crave only the worst things.

“You used to say it was bitter and refuse to drink it.”

“Now I enjoy it because it’s not bitter.”

Oh, really.

“Is it less bitter than life itself?”

“Well, I can’t say for sure, but bring me some alcohol.”

“Do you see me as a tavern owner? Ask politely.”

“…Please give me some alcohol, madam.”

“Oh, my.”

Hwa-ran rose, feigning shock, and knelt before him.

Then, she puckered her lips.

“What is it?”

“You asked for alcohol. Here it is.”

She pouted playfully.

“I believe there’s no alcohol sweeter than a woman’s lips. Hehe, you should feel blessed, San-gun [a respectful title]. You’re the only one who gets to taste the lips of a woman like me.”

But Cheon-beom’s expression was one of dissatisfaction.

“What nonsense are you spouting when I asked for alcohol?”

“…Actually, I’ve secretly developed a new magic technique without San-gun’s knowledge. It’s an advanced technique that creates alcohol in your mouth based on the reaction when you kiss.”

“Stop talking nonsense and bring me alcohol.”

“Tsk.”

Hwa-ran grumbled about his heartlessness and went to retrieve the alcohol.

“I’m not the only one aging. He’s getting older and acting strangely, what….”

Beom chuckled, covered the scriptures, and retrieved a letter and a spirit tablet.

These were the identification badge and related instructions given to all participants in the Martial Arts Competition.

The letter contained a map of the Water Palace, where the competition would be held, and a list of restricted areas.

“Nothing out of the ordinary.”

He had no intention of wandering around the Water Palace anyway.

His plan was to compete, return to Sangseo [a region in the Water Realm], and, if he won and became Cheonmu-seon, tour the palace after being reassigned a schedule.

‘When that time comes….’

He would be far from Saha and Sangseo.

His family would still be the Sa family, so he would visit, but he wouldn’t stay as long as before.

‘Saha is also the head of the family, so it will be difficult to see her face except on special occasions.’

Saha was also participating in the competition, but as the head of the family, she couldn’t receive a public office, even with high results.

Having decided to become Cheonmu-seon, he had no choice but to separate from Saha.

But he resolved not to dwell on it.

‘It’s good for the family if I succeed.’

Sangseo would gradually prosper.

The Yeon technique of Geukyangsangsan had been revived, and one of Sangseo’s specialties was magical artifacts crafted with the energy of Geukyang.

Over time, wealth would accumulate, and if Beom, as Cheonmu-seon, performed well, his reputation would naturally rise.

So.

‘There’s nothing bad about it.’

Thud.

He closed the book and pondered, recalling the Pang family’s daughter.

Based on Saha’s account,

The Pang family was indeed descended from Jeokroe Juryang [a legendary figure].

‘I heard the custom of choosing an owner has disappeared.’

It used to be that way, but over time, the custom faded.

They were now red wolves who did not choose an owner, the complete masters of Jeokroe.

That was the Pang family.

They might share an ancestor with Hongyeon, but it didn’t seem related to her whereabouts.

He was disappointed, but he hadn’t had high expectations anyway.

In the first place, Beom found her unsettling. She was a woman of striking beauty and undeniable dignity, but she possessed a strange aura that he disliked.

Like a wolf that openly licked its lips while staring at him, yet never dared to approach.

In short, she was a woman he preferred to avoid.

‘Ho Jun-seong wasn’t bad.’

It was thanks to him that the Sa family could remain in Hagong [a region in the Water Realm].

“But did Ran go to get alcohol or to groom herself?”

It had been a while, but she hadn’t returned.

Wondering what she was doing, he closed his eyes and subtly extended his divine sense.

To avoid causing unnecessary alarm, he kept it as discreet as possible.

Soon, everything felt vividly close, as if within his grasp.

And after a moment.

“I was wondering what she was doing….”

Beom’s face twisted in anger.

* * *

“It’s been a long time since I drank all the alcohol that the alcohol-loving old man had. So, I came here because he was screaming for me to bring alcohol.”

“Oh dear… are you still with him despite being treated like that?”

“Affection is a scary thing. Besides, what else can this old man do but die without me? So, I’m still sticking around.”

Standing before Hwa-ran, who spoke shamelessly, was a woman.

Pang Ga-yeon, the daughter of the Pang family, had inquired about the situation when a woman she didn’t recognize requested alcohol in a place her family had reserved.

It was a minor curiosity, but after hearing the story, she felt compelled to help as a fellow woman.

“Then, shall I assist you?”

“No, that’s okay, just give me alcohol. If the old man doesn’t get it soon, he’ll start groping me.”

She uttered such embarrassing things without a change in expression, like a doll.

Pang Ga-yeon wondered how much abuse she had endured over the years.

Pang Ga-yeon told her to wait and summoned someone.

A large man, appearing to be a merchant.

He had distinct features and an air of confidence.

“Su-seon, there’s someone here in a difficult situation. Can you help her?”

The man nodded immediately, captivated by Hwa-ran’s beauty.

“It’s no trouble to help. Especially such a beautiful woman.”

He raised the corners of his lips, resembling a bandit leader.

Hwa-ran strongly objected, sensing something amiss.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I need alcohol, not a man.”

“Wouldn’t it be nice to have both alcohol and a man? This person is a descendant of the Ji family, and befriending him could benefit Seonja [a respectful title]. If you play your cards right, you might become his concubine and change your fate.”
Pang Ga-yeon whispered, smiling kindly.

“A concubine?”

“Yes, he has five wives, but as a concubine, you’d have nothing to worry about and live a much more comfortable life.”

Pang Ga-yeon was already seeking a woman to entertain this man.

She had worried about his tendency to make unwanted advances, but a suitable woman had appeared.

It was a win-win situation, as it would alleviate her oppression and benefit him.

‘Surely she can’t be Cheon Su-seon’s woman, so it doesn’t matter.’

He was not an old man, nor did he seem like someone who would yell at a woman and make her run errands for alcohol.

“Then, miss. Let’s go together.”

The merchant grabbed Ran’s wrist.

Ran tried to break free, but he was surprisingly strong.

“Let go of me.”

“No need to be shy. I’m a man who knows how to treat a woman like a precious instrument, so you’ll surely fall for me too.”

Ran’s expression soured.

His greasy expression and tone, combined with his bandit-like face, made her shudder with disgust.

“I said let go of me!”

“Oh? You’re quite strong. But when it comes to strength, I, who inherited the blood of the dragon, am no slouch either. Hahaha!”

Ran, struggling to break free, lost her balance in the man’s grip.

The man smiled, attempting to pull her into his arms.

But then,

Thud.

“Huh?”

Crash, bang!

With a palm strike, the unknown merchant of the Ji family was sent crashing through the door.

“I told you to bring alcohol. What were you doing here, Ran?”