Chapter 291: What If That Terrifying Man Becomes Father-in-Law?

TL: FoodieMonster007

"I said that if Lee Ahn wants, I'll become her father."

At the Fist Demon's bombshell declaration, everyone stared at Geom Mugeuk. They were curious to see his reaction.

Unexpectedly, Geom Mugeuk only blinked, showing no surprise.

"You're not surprised?" the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked.

Geom Mugeuk seemed to find his own reaction strange.

"I know, right? Why am I not surprised?"

He was teasing the Fist Demon, of course. Geom Mugeuk looked back and forth between the Fist Demon and Lee Ahn.

"A father and daughter who are such polar opposites? Maybe that's why I'm not surprised."

If anyone else had said that, they might have needed the Heaven Destroying Dao's shield, but the Fist Demon readily agreed with Geom Mugeuk's teasing. Even he thought they were polar opposites in appearance.

"Will no one believe it?"

"Would you believe it, Master?" the Blood Heaven Blade Demon chimed in, turning a serious question into a joke.

"They'd probably think she was kidnapped."

The Fist Demon nodded, acknowledging that statement as well.

Just then, Lee Ahn spoke abruptly.

"Father!"

Startled gazes focused on Lee Ahn. The Fist Demon was the most surprised of the three men. Lee Ahn stared at the Fist Demon and spoke again.

"If a daughter like me is acceptable, please take me as your daughter."

The Fist Demon's eyes widened. It was the first time he had looked so surprised since they met him.

"Would a father like me be alright?"

The Fist Demon's voice trembled in a way that truly didn't suit him. The voice of the man who wouldn't blink before ten thousand enemies was trembling.

"You are more than I deserve."

Tears welled in Lee Ahn's eyes. She felt so moved that such an incredible person would become her father. She was truly, tearfully grateful.

Lee Ahn looked at Geom Mugeuk, her eyes asking a question.

Is it… is it okay for me to do this?

It was an impulsive decision for her too. It might have been the most important decision of her life, yet she made it in an instant.

Is it really okay to do this?

Geom Mugeuk's bright smile answered for him.

"Congratulations, Lee Ahn."

After taking a deep breath, Lee Ahn asked the Fist Demon again.

"May I ask just one thing?"

"Anything."

"Why did you say you would take me as your daughter?"

The Fist Demon's answer was simple.

"Because I wish I had a daughter like you."

No other words could have pleased Lee Ahn more.

Lee Ahn rose from her seat and bowed deeply to the Fist Demon.

"I'll be in your care from now on… Father."

As she said the word 'Father', emotion overcame her.

"The word 'Father'… today is the first time I've ever said it in my life."

She had never once said 'Daddy' or 'Mommy'.

She had resented the parents who abandoned her. She tried to understand their reasons, missed them, hated them, and tried to forget them. She had resolved to never become a parent like them, or rather, to not become a parent at all. To just live alone and die quietly.

Pent-up emotions surged, and tears streamed down her face.

Geom Mugeuk, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, and the Fist Demon watched silently as her shoulders shook. They let her cry her heart out. The strongest men in the world stood there for a long while, watching over her.

When her sobs subsided, the Fist Demon helped her to her feet.

Seeing her tear-stained face, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon tossed out a joke.

"Now that you're ugly, you finally look a bit like a father and daughter."

Geom Mugeuk laughed out loud. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon wasn't one to meddle in others' affairs. However, he was quick with jokes and banter when it came to the Fist Demon. It meant he got along well with the Fist Demon and liked him. To think he'd complained about being ostracized at the Demon Supreme gatherings.

A powerful aura emanated from the Fist Demon as he looked at Lee Ahn.

"When I return to the Cult, I will officially announce that you've become my daughter. From now on, as long as I live, no one in the murim will dare to treat you carelessly."

At the Fist Demon's declaration, tears once again streamed from Lee Ahn's eyes.

"This is the last time I'll cry. I won't cry anymore."

She tried to force a smile, but the tears wouldn't stop.

The very existence of parents had always been her deepest wound. She had never wanted to talk about it with anyone but Geom Mugeuk. From now on, she would live her life bragging about her father. What does your father do? Father is the Fist Demon!

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon said with a surprised expression, "When you first brought it up, I thought you were joking."

Geom Mugeuk picked up where he left off.

"He's not the type to joke about something like this, is he?"

"That terrifying man as a father-in-law?"

"I know. I wonder what kind of son-in-law could possibly handle him."

At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Geom Mugeuk with an expression that screamed, I'm talking about you!

Whether he knew what the other man was thinking or not, Geom Mugeuk teased Lee Ahn.

"Lee Ahn, what are you going to do? Your chances of marriage are over."

Then, the Fist Demon interjected.

"Why can't she just marry you?"

At the Fist Demon's words, Lee Ahn waved her hands dismissively.

"Please don't say such things. Young Master, please don't pay it any mind."

The Fist Demon glared at Geom Mugeuk, waiting for an answer.

"But I like my food salty."

"From now on, you'll eat it bland!"

So that's how you're going to play?

Geom Mugeuk spoke to him with a meaningful smile.

"Can you handle having the Heavenly Demon as your in-law?"

The Fist Demon flinched. He had only thought about Lee Ahn, not that far ahead. The only person in the world who could make him freeze, as an in-law? The Cult Leader as an in-law?

"Hello! I'm right here! The bride with absolutely no intention of getting married is right here!"

Amidst this chaos, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon stroked his chin and imagined that day.

"If they really do get married, all hell will break loose."

That night, the Fist Demon trained his martial arts alone in the safehouse's backyard. He seemed to be soothing his complicated feelings with martial arts training.

With his shirt off, his muscles were as perfect as if painted by an artist.

"When will my body become like yours, Master?"

I also took off my shirt and stood beside him, practicing the Thunder Arhat Fist. We trained bare-chested when practicing fist techniques to observe every single muscle movement.

Training with him after so long felt refreshing.

The Fist Demon had me repeatedly practice the fifth fist, the Vajra Asura. It was a technique that could save one's life in a crisis by temporarily making the body as hard as steel. I hoped it could produce a temporary Diamond Body effect if used with the Heavenly Demon Defense Art.

"Why are you focusing on teaching me the Vajra Asura?"

"Looking at the current situation, it seems you need to protect your own body first."

Since the mastermind who targeted the Murim Alliance Chairman had appeared, he judged that I, the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, could not be complacent.

The Fist Demon repeatedly recited the secrets of the Vajra Asura. Some parts I had heard before, and some were new.

If I didn't understand something, I asked immediately, and the Fist Demon taught me with sincerity.

"Now, withstand this!"

"Surely you're not going to hit me with that fist, are you?"

"Why not?"

Before the words even finished, the Fist Demon's fist flew at me.

WHOOOOSH!

KWAANG!

I didn't even think to block before the attack pushed me back. The Heavenly Demon Defense Art and the Vajra Asura activated together, dissipating the impact.

When I walked back unharmed, the Fist Demon was greatly pleased.

"Well done. The Vajra Asura will save your life one day. Never neglect it."

"I will keep that in mind."

After that round of training ended, we sat side by side to catch our breath.

"May I ask the reason?"

Despite the abrupt question, the Fist Demon knew what I was asking.

"Didn't I tell you? I wished I had a daughter like Lee Ahn."

"I mean the real reason."

After a brief pause, the Fist Demon spoke.

"I also don't know my parents' faces. That's why I know better than anyone how that child feels."

It was the first time I had heard about his personal history.

"When I was young, I gritted my teeth and denied their existence. I tried not to even think about revenge. Having a desire for revenge would mean acknowledging them. I tried my best to completely erase them from my life."

"What about now? Don't you want to find your parents? Don't you want to tell them that you've lived this well even without them?"

The Fist Demon shook his head, revealing a sense of emptiness.

"I wish I had even that kind of petty desire for revenge left in my heart."

It sounded like he had become barren, devoid of even such emotions.

"To think that someone like me is trying to make someone family."

I was grateful to the Fist Demon for showing his human side. It meant he trusted me that much.

"No, you did the right thing."

"Do you really think so?"

"I want Lee Ahn to be happy, and I believe becoming your daughter will be the greatest happiness for Lee Ahn. It was the right choice for both Lee Ahn and for you, Master."

A smile formed on the Fist Demon's fearsome face.

I like this moment. A smile forming amidst the fearfulness. The Fist Demon looks quite cool at times like this.

"Thank you for saying so."

Who would have thought I'd end up having this kind of conversation with the Fist Demon? He was usually a man of few words, but he spoke better than anyone when he needed to.

"It might be difficult for you from now on."

"……"

"You've never been a father before, have you? What will you do if your daughter rebels?"

The Fist Demon raised his fist.

"Won't this work?"

"If that worked, would people say that raising a child is harder than becoming a Sword God?"

The Fist Demon lowered the fist he had playfully raised. That precious fist shouldn't be lowered so powerlessly.

"But it will work elsewhere."

"Where?"

"You're gaining a daughter who is the world's number one beauty. You'll have many occasions to use your fists."

Knowing what I meant, the Fist Demon clenched his large fist again.

"This should be interesting."

"It will be interesting for you, Master. I'll pray for your opponents in advance."

A person's life is so unpredictable. Who could have imagined that Lee Ahn would become the Fist Demon's daughter?

"Perhaps, Master, you might really be able to shatter the cliff."

At my words, the Fist Demon asked with a puzzled look.

"Isn't it the opposite?"

He must have been thinking, How can I shatter the cliff when I've become so soft and weak to affection?

"For one's martial arts to change, the person must change first."

The Fist Demon mulled over my words.

"I have to change to be able to break it?"

"Taking someone as an adopted daughter, is that something you ever imagined doing?"

The Fist Demon slowly shook his head.

"You have changed, Master. I believe that change will help you break through your limits."

The Fist Demon looked down at his fist and said abruptly, "Perhaps when the sound of thunder no longer comes from my fist, I might be able to shatter the cliff."

A Thunder Arhat Fist that makes no sound of thunder is unimaginable.

However, there was an even more terrifying thought than ear-splitting thunder.

A fist that flies without a sound and overturns the heavens and the earth!

The thought of it made it impossible for the Fist Demon and me to just sit still. We shot to our feet and threw our fists. Our training didn't stop until dawn.

The next day, I said goodbye to everyone.

"I will go to the Jiangxi Branch."

The original purpose of leaving the Cult this time was to visit the Hunan Branch and the Jiangxi Branch before returning.

Until a new clue related to Hwa Mugi appears, I have to live my own life. Steadfastly, without being swayed.

"You're going alone?"

"Yes. Escort the two of them back to the Cult. Oh, and on your way back, tell the bodyguards who are on standby to return as well."

"You're going to leave the bodyguards behind and go alone?"

"This time, it's an undercover inspection."

I went to the Hunan Branch openly with bodyguards, so this time I plan to visit secretly. I hope the Jiangxi Branch Chief is not a corrupt person like the Hunan Branch Chief.

"I'll be on my way. Don't think about working this old man to the bone anymore."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon said his piece and walked out the door. I shouted at his retreating back.

"Considering the results we got from working you to the bone, I think that'll be difficult."

Don't worry. If I ever need the Demon Supremes again, I'll call the other ones this time.

Next, I parted with the Fist Demon.

"Thank you for your teachings yesterday."

"Be careful."

The Fist Demon also walked towards the door. That broad back now had more to protect, but it seemed to be in a better mood as it filled the doorway on its way out.

After the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Fist Demon left, Lee Ahn finally spoke her mind.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For making such an important decision without discussing it with you first."

"You didn't decide it in advance either, did you?"

"I feel like I should have at least asked you via telepathy at the moment of decision."

That must have weighed on her mind all night, causing her to lose sleep.

Yes, it's because she's this kind that she deserves to be the Fist Demon's daughter.

"It's because it's such an important matter that you decide it that way. Following your instincts."

"What if it was the wrong choice?"

"You'll have to endure it. Suffer under a scary father."

She made a face as if imagining it, then pretended to clutch her head.

"He's not just a scary father! He's the scariest father in the world!"

"He's the second scariest, so don't worry. There's a poor child with the number one scariest father standing right in front of you."

Lee Ahn laughed at my joke.

"Trust your instincts. Your martial arts, and your heart. The stronger you become, the more correctly your instincts will function."

"I'll keep that in mind, Young Master."

"I'll see you back at our Cult later."

"Please be careful."

Lee Ahn, who was about to walk out, turned back at the door.

"To become the Fist Demon's daughter… It's all thanks to you, Young Master, that I've come this far. Thank you so much."

"Lee Ahn, our journey might not have even started yet."

A surprised Lee Ahn looked as if she couldn't even imagine what lay beyond.

"Just how far are you planning to go?"

"Even I don't know that."

"It doesn't sound like a joke anymore."

"Because it's not a joke."

My life's goal isn't just to kill Hwa Mugi. The goal is to live this life happily and well. To do so, I must kill Hwa Mugi. My life will continue even after I kill Hwa Mugi. Mine, and my people's.

"Young Master, you told me before, didn't you? To rest if things get hard."

"I did."

"You look very tired right now."

It probably wasn't just because of the training until dawn. My nerves have been on edge lately thinking about Hwa Mugi. No matter how much I hide it, Lee Ahn alone can sense and read my emotions.

I smiled at her and nodded.

"Alright, I'll take a rest."

And with that, she too left.

I stood for a moment in the safehouse's yard and looked up at the sky. I try to look whenever I have a spare moment. Every time I do, the sky seems to say this. Right, no matter how busy you are, live your life while looking at me once in a while.

I know better than anyone that once you start getting swept away by life, it's hard to even lift your head once. Just like my life before I regressed.

Back then, I didn't look at the sky, only the ground. I only looked for ingredients to fill my pockets. I only looked for ways to kill my enemies. The sky must have been just as blue back then…

Hoping that this trip to Jiangxi would be a somewhat comfortable and peaceful journey, I left the safehouse.

So, you villains, you all take a break too! Please