Wi Seoryeon and the Gamble!
Tang Do-yeon drives the Invincible Gambler!
Se-in, who was hoping for information about Geum Myeong-wol, was shocked by the behavior of Wi Seoryeon and Tang Do-yeon, who took the information hostage.
“The Heavenly Demon goes around smashing the foreheads of those who lose at gambling?”
“Indeed, a wicked mind…? Is it not?”
“What in the world is this Invincible Gambler that makes just riding it instill such fear in people?”
“I hear martial arts experts cry like children?”
The sinister acts of the Heavenly Demon Wi Seoryeon and Martial World Hero Tang Do-yeon, intertwined with the rumors of Geum Myeong-wol, indeed shook the world, increasing attention on the information they held.
Who could possibly pass the difficult challenge set by the two?
And what could the information regarding Geum Myeong-wol that would be obtained as a reward be?
Countless challengers faced off against Wi Seoryeon and the Invincible Gambler and lost.
However, Wi Seoryeon was not invincible, and the Invincible Gambler couldn’t endlessly shake off all the incoming passengers.
“The Gambler known as Doksa has defeated Wi Seoryeon!”
“A passenger has returned from the Invincible Gambler!”
Se-in flocked to hear about Geum Myeong-wol from the Gambler who won against Wi Seoryeon and the passenger of the Invincible Gambler.
And they spoke with subtle expressions as they shared the information.
“The reason My Lady has become close with Geum Myeong-wol is because of gambling. Geum Myeong-wol had a childlike side…”
“Do you know the entity called Seo Gong? It’s a rat that can fit snugly in one’s arms with a long tail. The Miss Geum Myeong-wol takes care of Seo Gong with quite a bit, no, a lot of sincerity.”
The information they obtained was not about Geum Myeong-wol’s martial arts or background, but merely snippets of their daily lives.
The crowd, filled with great expectations, felt disappointed but had to admit that perhaps their expectations were too high.
After all, why would Tang Do-yeon or Wi Seoryeon peddle information about someone they were close to?
They could only tease the masses into opening their mouths, so they had no choice but to set conditions and share trivial tales.
The crowd was disappointed, but they didn’t give up.
While it was true that the statements of Tang Do-yeon and Wi Seoryeon fell short of expectations, the tales they shared were real, unlike the nonsense that circulated in the world.
In any story, there’s always a human element.
So the discussions about daily life involving Geum Myeong-wol, surely had clues that could hint at where she is from!
Thus, the crowd thought, leaning in to listen to the Gambler and passengers who had won from Wi Seoryeon.
Geum Myeong-wol, furious, raises a comb at the filthy Seo Gong.
Pouting her cheeks, she complains about Seo Gong while nestled in the arms of her companions.
Geum Myeong-wol fights valiantly to protect her soft cheeks from the claws of Tang So-yeol.
And sometimes, she offers her cheeks to comfort someone.
Soon, the daily life of Geum Myeong-wol began to spread across the world.
And upon hearing about Geum Myeong-wol’s daily life, the people exclaimed,
“How can a person be so cute!”
“Ah, what a heartwarming tale!”
They began to fall deeply for Geum Myeong-wol’s charm.
—
In the royal office, Yoo Gyeong was reading a book with an unprecedented seriousness. If Yoo Gyeong had shown such a face during the Great War meeting, the Military and Civil Officials would hold their breath to avoid interrupting her concentration.
Rustle.
However, the book Yoo Gyeong was reading seemed unworthy of the Emperor’s dignity. Instead of being paper, it would be better described as crumpled wood. The handwriting on such cheap paper was even worse.
It was less like someone writing neatly and more like a person who couldn’t read, just scribbling along like drawing pictures—a mere ghostwriting job. For an Emperor, who usually reads well-crafted calligraphy and eloquent essays, it was nothing short of a disaster.
Still, Yoo Gyeong completed the entire book without a hint of displeasure. And as she closed the final page, she sighed softly.
“Is this book really that popular?”
The quietly standing Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi answered.
“Indeed. Currently, it seems they’re being sold out at bookstores in Nangyang. Its popularity is so high that a proper ghostwriter and paper cannot be obtained, and they are being churned out haphazardly.”
“Is that so? Truly… astonishing.”
Yoo Gyeong re-read the title of the book she had just seen.
[Geum Myeong-wol Daily Life Collection]
It was a book that collected the daily lives flowing from Wi Seoryeon and Tang Do-yeon.
“It’s just a book filled with a child’s daily life, but it sells like hotcakes.”
Yoo Gyeong reminded herself of that fact as she flipped through the pages. On the first page was an illustration of Hyeok Gi-rin hugging Seo Gong and smiling brightly.
While Yoo Gyeong’s gaze was drawn to the illustration, Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi continued his report.
He recalled the reports that had come in from various places.
The world revolved around Hyeok Gi-rin.
No, it had become a world of Geum Myeong-wol.
Women across the realm were delighted as they embroidered the stubby tail of Geum Myeong-wol, who was tied up like a puppy, alongside Seo Gong, and in front of bookstores all around the region, men sat huddled together reading [Geum Myeong-wol Daily Life Collection] with content smiles.
Was that all?
Among children, the Seo Gong doll was gaining a whirlwind of popularity.
“The princess is now enjoying unprecedented popularity.”
“Ha. Hahaha…”
As Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi reported, Yoo Gyeong clenched her fists.
She, who possessed the kindest and most lovable nature, had to bear the burden of all sorts despite simply sacrificing herself for her good-for-nothing brother, Yuya.
Yet such a child is getting so much love from everyone!
“Well, it ought to be this way! Yuya is no ordinary child! Her charm is truly the best under heaven, she ought to be treated as such! Hahaha!!”
Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi put on a wry smile at Yoo Gyeong’s exuberance.
Shouldn’t a princess, who ought to be an object of everyone’s respect and admiration, really be treated like just a girl next door?
Though this thought flickered through his mind, the subject of gossip, Hyeok Gi-rin, also seemed to be happy gathering the Seo Gong dolls produced all over the world, and Yoo Gyeong was pleased so it might not be a bad thing after all.
“I feel good. I really do. I feel like calling Ho Cheon-an for a drink!”
“Unfortunately, right now, the Brain Knife Outcast isn’t in Nangyang, so that’s unlikely.”
“Hahaha. Is that so? What a pity. So where is Ho Cheon-an now?”
“That is…”
As Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi’s words trailed off, Yoo Gyeong waved him off.
“No need! What’s important is where he is? Isn’t he tirelessly working for our Yuya right now? Why ask about it? Let’s just have a good drink once everything is done!”
“Yes, your Highness.”
Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi nodded in agreement.
And at that moment, Ho Cheon-an, who had the full trust of Yoo Gyeong, was meeting with Dokgo I-seol and the Sect Leader of the Dark Dragon Sect, Dokgo Yeongcheon, in Yunnan.
—
“You’ve achieved another accomplishment. Truly remarkable growth.”
It seemed my understanding had been immediately detected regarding the realization gained from the Mosan Great War alongside the Thunderous Sky. Although I thought I managed to contain my momentum well enough, it appeared I couldn’t fool a martial artist like Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi.
“It’s thanks to your concern.”
“What good would my concern do? You’ve realized it in your own way through the great events such as the Mosan Great War.”
Every time I faced Dokgo Yeongcheon, I realized he was indeed a very sincere person.
One might argue how an Outcast Faction leader with such a dark heart could be sincere, but as my status changes, so does the treatment received from him. Where could I find someone more straightforward than this?
Confirming that Dokgo Yeongcheon thought people’s value was like saying, ‘You know? The truth is, I’m always worried about you,’ I put on a socially appropriate smile.
“The reason I could gain something was probably because I experienced and met with various expert martial artists, right? Hahaha!”
“Hah. I appreciate you saying that.”
After a hearty laugh and an exchange of probing glances between me and Dokgo Yeongcheon, our pretense was cut off when Dokgo Yeongcheon opened his mouth.
“I hear the world is abuzz about the Miss Geum Myeong-wol lately. Because of that, you must be quite busy too, yes?”
Was he trying to draw out information from me, suggesting that this uproar about Geum Myeong-wol was somehow my doing?
“Indeed, your insight cannot be deceived. You hit the nail on the head.”
“…Hmm.”
He seemed surprised by my honest acknowledgment of the reality.
“To speak frankly, I have a request for you, Sect Leader.”
“Is that so? I assume this request is probably related to the Miss Geum Myeong-wol?”
As I nodded in affirmative, furrows formed on Dokgo Yeongcheon’s brow. It was not a good sign having him frown even before entering the main business when not even a full transaction had taken place.
“Father, it’s a request from ‘the son-in-law,’ and you’re scowling before even hearing it?”
Noticing that I might be in trouble, Dokgo I-seol chimed in, but rather than being soothed by her comment, Dokgo Yeongcheon frowned even more.
“The problem, you see, is that Ho Cheon-an is the ‘son-in-law.’”
Dokgo Yeongcheon looked displeased with Dokgo I-seol’s pout and sighed before turning to me.
“If I play a game with you, all I’ll get is tired from it, so let me be frank. I heard the rumor you’re in Ak-yang. Upon hearing that, I suspected that there must have been a commotion while preparing for your wedding with the one known as So Yeon-hwa. As I pondered over that, the recent rumors about Miss Geum Myeong-wol surfaced.”
“I suspect you are probably sorting out the issues that would not only consider the brides you’ll be marrying before saying ‘I do’ but also those that would help balance your powers… However, from the standpoint of the ‘father-in-law,’ I must say it’s rather dull business.”
While I had no thoughts of adjusting the powers among the group, from the surface level, it seemed quite reasonable for Dokgo Yeongcheon to derive such conclusions based on the situations.
According to Dokgo Yeongcheon’s reasoning, regarding the game I’m currently playing, Dokgo I-seol may have been the one on the losing side.
Regardless of whatever, background ultimately comes down to ability, and having the Dark Dragon Sect backing Dokgo I-seol is impressive. In contrast, Geum Myeong-wol is all alone without even her sect properly disclosed. From Dokgo Yeongcheon’s perspective, recognizing that I’m bolstering Geum Myeong-wol’s fame could easily equate to diminishing Dokgo I-seol’s competitive edge.
“Isn’t that correct, son-in-law?”
“Your insight is truly awe-inspiring, Father-in-law.”
In truth, Dokgo Yeongcheon’s deduction wasn’t entirely wrong.
Ultimately, if I don’t resolve the identity issue regarding Hyeok Gi-rin, our marriage would spiral into a labyrinth.
For such a reason, I absolutely needed Dokgo Yeongcheon’s assistance.
Currently, in the Central Plains, the popularity of Geum Myeong-wol was overwhelming. To be blunt, even if the Great Master of Dalma and the renowned Jang Jam-bong were to be reborn, they could never catch up to Geum Myeong-wol’s popularity.
People everywhere were grinning at the rumors surrounding Geum Myeong-wol.
But it was still not enough.
The name Geum Myeong-wol, dwelling in the hearts of the people, was far too flimsy to stack on top of the names of Princess Yuya and Hyeok Gi-rin.
Thus, it was essential for the masses to feel more about Geum Myeong-wol. Sometimes they should be surprised, some angered, and at times brought to tears, solidifying their favor for Geum Myeong-wol in their hearts.
What was necessary for that?
A narrative!
Setting the stage! Rising action! Development! Crisis and Climax! And the Ending!
And what would be needed to ramp up emotions to peak intensity within such narratives?
Precisely, a crisis.
And to artfully set up that crisis? Naturally, a worthy antagonist was required.
And Dokgo Yeongcheon was the best villain I could recruit.
Even if I incite discord among ‘the son-in-law’s’ companions, it wouldn’t elicit any suspicions as he already has a thoroughly vetted nature as an Outcast Faction leader!
Moreover, the connection with the Jeomchang Faction, where Hyeok Gi-rin led, would become an unfortunate fate!
Yet, if he ensured I’d gain solid enough benefits, I could fully trust and proceed with the plan!
Where else could I find such a formidable adversary?
Thus, I absolutely had to acquire Dokgo Yeongcheon.
“Indeed, as you guessed, I was the one who raised the popularity of Miss Geum Myeong-wol. And I have indeed come to make a request regarding Geum Myeong-wol.”
A spark shone in Dokgo Yeongcheon’s eyes.
Probably because he sniffed the sweet aroma of benefits in my answer.
“What I would like to request is that you spread some kind of rumor regarding the Miss Geum Myeong-wol.”
“Seeing that you’ve come, I suppose that rumor wouldn’t be particularly uplifting, right?”
I intentionally avoided answering, earning a nod of comprehension from Dokgo Yeongcheon.
“Indeed, the current popularity of Geum Myeong-wol must be burdensome, even for you. I understand your request well. So what will you give me in return for this request?”
To the question of what I would offer, I replied confidently.
“I will grant you the most reliable backing in the world.”
The price I proposed was the favor of the Imperial Family.
Of course,
Dokgo Yeongcheon would likely misunderstand that the price I offered was a connection with the Heavenly Demon Sect.
