Beastly and Fearlessly - Chapter 26
Only Noblemtl
Episode 26
Beast Palace.
The place where the Beast King, the ruler of the South, resides.
The best military group in the Beast Palace is the Iron Bear Group, which consists of 100 great warriors.
Namcheon Damdong’s eldest son, Dammu-gun, passed the position of Dongju to his younger brother, Dammu-heun, and took over as Cheolungdanju.
However, no matter what anyone says, the greatest force supporting the Beast Palace is the eight families known as Paldong.
Only those from Paldong are qualified to ascend to the throne of the next Beast King.
All events related to Paldong are the main business of Cheonglimgak.
Cheonglimgakju Go Gyeomchu has been handling these tasks without any problems for decades.
The Mansu Ceremony, scheduled for three months later, was also well prepared.
It was a leisurely afternoon like any other.
If it weren’t for the priestess’s sudden request.
“No, why is the priestess suddenly wanting to bring forward the Mansu ceremony?”
Go Gyeom-chu frowned and muttered.
Such sudden schedule changes are always unwelcome.
But there’s nothing I can do.
The priestess’ request is the Beast King’s will.
The once quiet Cheonglim Pavilion suddenly became busy.
“Tell Paldong quickly. The Mansu Ceremony has been brought forward to next month. You’ll have to hurry because you’ll have to consider the time it takes each dong to get here.”
“Your Majesty, are you sending the message to all the eight districts? Including Namcheon Dam-dong?”
“Ah, Namcheon Damdong… … .”
Of course, Namcheon Damdong is included in other events of the Beast Palace.
But if it’s Mansu-sik, the story is a little different.
The only ritual that was reserved only for purebloods was the Mansu ritual.
So far, not a single non-pure-blood has ever received consciousness.
There was a lot of talk back then when we brought a woman from the Central Plains into the family.
About whether it is right to maintain the status of Paldong.
Moreover, the current Sodongju has blood from the Central Plains.
Of course, you are not qualified to attend the Mansu ceremony.
“What should we do?”
What should I do?
“… … Send it first!”
The decision is up to the priestess who will perform the Mansu ceremony.
There was no order to remove Namcheon Damdong, so just follow it.
And anyway, there is no way that the seal will be engraved on the Sodongju of Namcheon Damdong.
Because in the hundreds of years of history of the Beast Palace, there was no imprint given to anyone who was not of the direct line.
* * *
A guest house in Jangseong County, Yunnan Province.
“Hey, you’re giving me all of this?”
The kid is short but has big eyes.
It’s bigger now.
“Who said they would give it to you? Is this how people in the Central Plains steal from others?”
“Oh, no, of course you’re not giving it to me, you’re investing in it. But is it really okay to invest such a precious thing in someone like me?”
The wagons of the trash were filled with unblemished furs and dried tea leaves grown in Yunnan.
Six boxes of fur, three boxes of tea leaves.
All of them were top-quality products that were hard to find in the Central Plains.
If you find a good business partner, you can make a lot of money.
It’s up to the kid how to roll it.
“You’re investing in someone like me? Are you questioning my judgment or are you saying that I don’t have the ability to manage my money?”
Although he is undervalued because of his cute appearance, the little one is actually quick-witted and smart.
If given the chance, I’m sure he’ll be able to show his talents.
The foundation that Bangrimpyo-guk has in the Central Plains will also be of great help.
“No. If you just leave it to me, I will do it tenfold, no, twentyfold… … .”
It would be nice to use it as a source of financial resources for the family, but someday I will have to go to the Central Plains.
Everything requires money.
This is especially true when it comes to secret matters.
“Just try to call it well.”
“But how about profit distribution? You may think it’s a bit much, but in the central government, when you entrust the management of funds, you usually get one-third of the total profit… … .”
“Three halves?”
“Oh, that’s not set in stone, so if you want to adjust it… … .”
“Oh my!”
“Yes, yes? Oh, Hal?”
“Don’t you understand? Of course, my share is five percent. Of course, your share is five percent too.”
“… … .”
This little boy often looks like he’s about to cry.
After moving all the luggage, I said goodbye to the little one.
“You don’t forget what happened last night, do you?”
“How could I forget the secret promise we made last night? Human bonds are not easily broken. There must be a way.”
Deoksam opened his eyes wide and looked at us both in turns while listening to the conversation between me and the kid.
What is he imagining right now?
Of course, it’s a story about Noh Cheong-bong.
He said that perhaps the father of the person who owns the signboard is continuing his relationship with him.
I decided to find out as soon as I got to Bangrimpyo Station.
If things go well, you can make the old iron that’s sitting in the Namcheon Damdong warehouse into a wonderful sword.
“Then, little one, be careful on your way. Next time we meet, come back when you’ve grown a bit taller.”
I turned around and headed towards Namcheon Damdong.
Deoksam, who was carrying five bottles of Shaoxing wine in his bosom, was leading the way.
After a while, I looked back and saw the little boy smiling brightly and waving his hand.
We shook it together.
Now it’s time to go back to Namcheon Damdong.
“But why the Beast Palace all of a sudden?”
“Oh, that was originally scheduled for three months later. The priestess suddenly brought it forward. You should probably leave as soon as you arrive in the east.”
The only upcoming event I know of is the Sodonghoe next year.
And the priestess?
“Explain it to me in detail so I can understand. I am a person who lost my memory after eating a colorful mushroom.”
“No, you said you never ate mushrooms like that last time?”
“Shut up.”
As we crossed Mt. Porang, I heard the whole explanation from Deoksam.
The ceremony that was said to have been brought forward was the Mansu ceremony.
It’s a tradition of the Beast Palace that has continued for hundreds of years.
Young warriors with pure blood participate, and this year I am the one who will be selected.
Of course, only families belonging to Paldong are eligible.
It is said that through this ritual, you can confirm the talents you were born with and your future destiny.
I guess my father thought I wouldn’t be invited…
I have never heard any story related to Mansu Sik until now.
Of course you assumed I wouldn’t be able to attend.
Then, I was invited to a ceremony I had not expected to attend.
“How do you determine talent?”
“The imprint is engraved through a ritual performed by a priestess. It is said that depending on the shape of the imprint, you can get a glimpse of your abilities. Including your future fate. Well, that’s what I heard, of course.”
There is also a concept similar to sorcery in the Central Plains.
From fortune telling to looking into the past or future, I’ve heard that great sorcerers can even change fate.
Of course I didn’t believe it.
There is no such thing as a predetermined fate, and even if there were, could it be changed by the power of mere magic?
But I have already experienced death.
So there is nothing in this world that cannot be trusted.
“Imprint?”
“I heard that they are usually carved in the shape of wild beasts. Tigers, bears, eagles, and things like that. That’s why the ceremony is called the Mansushi ceremony. Did you see the carving on Dongju’s shoulder?”
How could I have seen my father’s shoulder?
“I have colorful mushrooms… … .”
“Ha. You don’t remember anything. There’s a huge black bear tattooed on your shoulder, Dongju. It’s very clear.”
It’s a bear.
It suits you.
Neither strength nor will… … .
People usually think that the strongest beast is a tiger, but that’s what people who don’t know much about beasts say.
A tiger bites a man to death, but a bear tears a man to pieces.
Shredded like paper.
“I think Dongju was worried that he wouldn’t invite Sodongju to this year’s Mansu Ceremony. Actually, the problem is going there.”
“why?”
“It’s possible that the imprint won’t be engraved. As you know, the Mansu ceremony is only for purebloods. Oh my, thinking about Sodongju showing himself like that in front of so many people would be such a disgrace… … . I’m already dizzy. It’s truly a disgrace to Namcheon Damdong.”
This is Deoksam’s strengths and weaknesses.
Honesty that leaves no consideration for the listener.
We are both lucky.
I’m glad I got unfiltered information from this guy.
Deoksam is lucky that he met a generous master like me and didn’t have his throat cut at a young age.
In any case, the explanation was that if you are not a pure descendant of the Beast Palace, no mark will be engraved even if you perform the ritual.
Pure red bloodline means the same thing as the bloodline of the eight arms.
No, that’s what I meant.
Until I was born.
“I don’t care about those little marks.”
“Of course, Lord Sodong should do that. It might not be engraved.”
This kid… … .
Should I ask for this uniform to be changed?
I’m talking about someone with some sense.
“Who is attending this year’s Mansu Ceremony?”
“Except for Sodongju, there are three places. Biungnok-dong (飛鷹綠洞), Gwisubang-dong (鬼獸方洞), and finally Changcheonjin-dong (蒼天陳洞). Of course, I heard that the observers from the other eight villages also gathered regardless of whether they participated in the Mansu ceremony.”
There are four places including Namcheon Damdong.
In other places, it probably means that the ceremony has already been held.
However, sending an observer probably means that they want to see what kind of abilities the other Dong So Dong Joos have.
“Not only Dongju, but also Sodongju’s uncle was a bear. They are the symbol of Namcheon Damdong. Strength, wildness, and fighting spirit. So even if you don’t say anything, you will probably be expecting the same imprint.”
It doesn’t get stronger through things like imprints.
It’s just a ritual that has been passed down in the Beast Palace for a long time.
But it would be a bit disappointing if I was the only one who didn’t get an impression while everyone was watching.
“Who are these guys participating in the ceremony with me?”
“You can gradually find out about other places. This time, everyone’s attention will probably be focused on Changcheonjindong. There is a lot of anticipation that a red dragon might be engraved there.”
“Red Dragon?”
“It’s a mark that has been engraved on all the Beast Kings of all time. A red dragon! Of course, having a red dragon engraved on you doesn’t mean you will inherit the position of Beast King.”
Red Dragon!
Red represents the south and fire, and the dragon represents protection.
A seal most suitable for the Beast King who protects the Nanman, located in the southern part of the Central Plains.
“But why do you only expect things from Sodongju of Changcheonjindong? No one knows who the Red Dragon will be carved into.”
“Ah… … . I’ll understand since you ate some strange mushrooms. The person who will be attending the Mansu ceremony this time is none other than Jin Cihong (陣慈洪), the Sodongju of Changcheonjindong. You’ve heard of the name, right? The Jin Cihong who was born with the Cheonmujiche.”
Of course you haven’t heard of it, you punk.
But now, he’s my age, and he’s being talked about as the next Beast King just because he’s so good?
“And now he is the grandson of the Beast King, Chen Zhongyue.”
ah……!
Well then, what can we expect?
* * *
Dongjujeon in Changcheonjin-dong.
“We have received a call from Cheonglim Pavilion. Prepare to leave for the Beast Palace.”
“Has the Mansu ceremony been brought forward?”
“Yes. I heard that the priestess was in a hurry.”
Jin Cheol-seung, the master of Changcheonjindongju, spoke in a low voice.
His voice was shaking, as if he was a little overwhelmed.
In front, Jin Ja-hong, the owner of Sodong, is sitting.
That expression was also mentioned above.
It’s a moment they’ve both been waiting for for a long time.
Unlike his father, who ascended to the absolute throne of the Beast King, he did not possess the same talents.
He was always compared to other descendants of Paldong.
Especially Namcheon Damdong.
The two brothers, Dammugun and Dammuheun, could never get over it.
Fortunately, Dammu-gun, who was called a genius, chose the path of a pure warrior, and Dammu-heun, who inherited Namcheon Damdong, took in a woman from the Central Plains.
“Have you had any separate contact with your grandfather?”
Jin Ja-hong asked.
“How could it be possible? On the day he ascended to the top of the Beast Palace, he severed all ties with the Heavenly Tremors.”
But Jin Cheol-seung was confident.
I’m sure my father is also looking forward to this Mansu Ceremony.
He completely ignored his only son, but this guy is different now.
He was born with such great talent and ability that he could be said to have been born with the ability to do anything.
The other eight arm wrestling players are incomparable.
“Jahong, who do you think is the highest-level master in the current Beast Palace? Of course, excluding your grandfather.”
“… … .”
“You can answer honestly. All warriors of the Beast Palace will think the same way.”
“This is Dammu-gun Danju, who leads the Iron Troops, and Dammu-heun, the leader of Namcheon Damdongju.”
“That’s right. Then who is the most respected warrior in Nanman?”
“Mujin Baek of Namcheon Damdong, who fought in the battlefield with my grandfather in the past, is respected by everyone.”
Jin Cheol-seung nodded in agreement.
“Then which of the eight arms has the strongest weapon?”
“… … I heard that the Iron Legion of Namcheon Damdong possesses incredible power. It is said to be comparable to any other swordsman in the Central Plains.”
All answers are correct.
It’s also an answer that makes me feel angry.
“Yes. You are all right. What do they have in common?”
“Everyone… … . Everyone is Namcheon Damdong.”
Namcheon Damdong.
Although the dirty blood mixed in and its momentum was somewhat dampened, no one doubts the power of Namcheon Damdong.
Even though they are from the Beast King’s family, they have always been compared to Namcheon Damdong and have never been surpassed.
“Namcheon Damdong has always been ahead of us. However, our Changcheon Jindong is the family of the Beast King. No other family should be ahead of us. That is why you must succeed your grandfather. This Mansu Ceremony will be an opportunity to announce the expected results. It will be the beginning of declaring that Changcheon Jindong is the best family.”
“All right.”
“What is the purpose of your cultivation so far?”
“It is to rise to the top of the Beast Palace and rule over the South. It is the destiny of the bloodline of Changcheonjindong.”
“Yes. Soon everyone will kneel before you. That day is not far away. When the meeting is held next year, everyone will know. Who is the master of Namman? This Mansu Ceremony will be the starting point.”
Jin Ja-hong clenched her fists without saying a word.
“In particular, Namcheon Damdong’s Sodongju… … Completely crush that half-assed guy named Dammyeong. If possible, in front of everyone. Then it’ll only be a matter of time before he’s dragged out of Paldong.”
Jin Ja-hong nodded quietly.
He also had the same thoughts as his father, the main character.
There aren’t many left that dare to go before the Beast King’s family.
And the name of Sodongju.
I’ve heard rumors that he’s a lazy bastard with dirty blood who doesn’t even practice.
Maybe you’ll make excuses for not attending.
Then it would be a disgrace in its own right.
The owner of Paldong-ui is not attending the Mansu ceremony.
If you happen to attend, I will embarrass you severely.
The day will soon come when no one will remember Namcheon Damdong.