Chapter 886: Because You're the One Becoming My In-law

TL: FoodieMonster007

"Please give me your daughter's hand in marriage!" Geom Mugeuk cried.

He was met by a firm refusal. "No!"

Geom Mugeuk, as if expecting it, asked calmly, "Why do you refuse? Please tell me the reason."

"Because you will surely make my daughter suffer."

"I will never make her suffer."

"I can't believe you. You'll obviously be out playing with the Young Chairmen of the Murim Alliance and the Evil Alliance, or hanging out with the Demon Supremes all the time. You'll make my daughter lonely every day."

Geom Mugeuk grinned smugly. That was an easy problem to solve. "I'll always take her with me whenever I go out. You saw us travel together this time, didn't you? I enjoy going places with your daughter."

"I still refuse!"

"Why do you refuse now?"

"Because of your father."

Geom Mugeuk pouted. This time, the reason had nothing to do with him. "You refuse because of my father?"

"How difficult would it be to have the Heavenly Demon as a father-in-law? I don't want my daughter to walk such a difficult path."

"Father truly cherishes and likes your daughter. He approved our marriage at once! He didn't object like you! Besides, do you think having the Fist Demon as a father-in-law was any easier?"

"So? Are you complaining that I'm a picky father-in-law?"

Geom Mugeuk immediately waved his hands in denial. "N-No! That's not it."

"Are you wondering why I'm being so stubborn even though my daughter is adopted?"

"When did I ever say that?"

"I refuse! I'll never give my daughter to an insolent brat like you! Not until dirt fills my eyes."

Unable to hold back, Geom Mugeuk roared, "AHHHH! Let's have a manly fight with our fists! If I win, you'll give your permission. If not, I'll give up!"

"Tsk tsk, are you really going to do that? You fail, you brat!"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head. Geom Mugeuk's practice persuasion attempt had ended in grand failure.

Geom Mugeuk pouted. The first person he had sought out after meeting his father wasn't the Fist Demon, but the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. He was hoping to figure out how to earn the Fist Demon's permission before actually going to him. Lee Ahn had wanted to see her father first, so he had sent her ahead and gone there alone.

And so, he asked the Blood Heaven Blade Demon to play the part of the Fist Demon and oppose the marriage.

The result was his bitter defeat. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon's opposition had been incredibly realistic.

Why is this old man so good at getting under one's skin?

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head. "You have to endure no matter what he says, you damn brat."

"How can I endure it when he says he'll oppose it until he dies?"

"And if you don't endure?"

"I'll just elope with Lee Ahn in the middle of the night."

"That fist-thumping master of yours will chase you to the ends of hell."

Geom Mugeuk sighed deeply. "How can I get his permission?"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon sighed with him. "Are you stupid? How should I know? I don't have any children!"

"But you've read a lot of books."

"How can one know life well just by having a large library? Wisdom comes from living according to what you've read, even if it's just one book."

"You're the smartest person I know, Elder! Please give me an answer!"

Another voice spoke from nearby. "Young Cult Leader, I think it's important to first understand the Fist Demon's heart."

Geom Mugeuk turned toward the speaker. It was the Flower Sword Supreme, who was tending to the flowers and trees in the adjacent garden. She had been hanging out there with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon when Geom Mugeuk arrived.

Geom Mugeuk asked her, "Why do you think Master would be upset about this?"

The Flower Sword Supreme explained, "Isn't that obvious? Think about this from his perspective. It hasn't been long since he made her his daughter, and now some dark, brazen thief comes along saying he's going to steal her away. What would you do if you were him?"

Geom Mugeuk clenched his fists as if the mere thought horrified him. "If it were me, I'd have beaten the bastard half to death. No, I'd kill him for real!"

"The Fist Demon's feelings will be even stronger than yours, not less."

Geom Mugeuk thought of the Fist Demon. He knew how precious a person became once that man of steel gave them his heart, just from watching his own father. "Then what should I do? Master's fists have gotten stronger. If he hits me, I might actually die."

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon cut in slyly, "Send word to the Demonic Physician beforehand. Tell him to prepare for when you fall into a coma."

"This is no time for jokes!"

"Idiot, he wouldn't actually kill you. He'll probably beat you up a few times and then give his permission. What parent can win against their child?"

"Looks like for the first time in a long while, I'll have to use the Heavenly Demon Defense Art to its absolute limit to survive."

The Flower Sword Supreme asked gently, "But why did you decide to get married?"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon also eyed Geom Mugeuk curiously.

"First, because I love Lee Ahn," Geom Mugeuk answered honestly.

What could he not say to these two? Besides, he had another reason, one that made him want to try marriage itself.

"Also… because I want to be a father like my father."

The two Demon Supremes had watched the relationship between Geom Mugeuk and Geom Woojin change over the years, so they understood the meaning behind his words.

The Flower Sword Supreme imagined the child Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn would have. "Your child would probably be incredibly handsome or beautiful."

And that was not all. The paternal grandfather would be the Heavenly Demon and the maternal grandfather would be the Fist Demon. The mother was the world's number one beauty, the maternal family was the North Sea Ice Palace, and crucially, the father was Geom Mugeuk.

Above all, what awaited that child was…

"Oh no. Since there are no Demon Supremes with children, your child will grow up showered with the love of all the Demon Supremes."

Lee Ahn went to her father first and told him about Geom Mugeuk's proposal, but the Fist Demon was not particularly surprised by the news.

Did he expect this?

When she first became the Fist Demon's adopted daughter, Geom Mugeuk had teased her. He had said her marriage prospects were ruined because of her scary father-in-law. At the time, the Fist Demon had said something that stuck with her.

"Why don't you just marry him?"

That joke had now become a reality unfolding before her.

After hearing about the proposal, the first thing the Fist Demon asked was, "What are your thoughts?"

Lee Ahn hesitated before answering. It was not easy to deliver this news to her father, since she could not guess what he was feeling.

"I'm happy about it," she said plainly, revealing less than a quarter of her true joy. Perhaps that was why he asked his next question.

"There is only one thing I'm worried about." The Fist Demon paused briefly before continuing. "Are you agreeing to the proposal just because he's the Young Cult Leader? Because it's hard to refuse, even though you feel differently about it?"

Lee Ahn knew exactly what her father was worried about. She shook her head. "That's not it, Father. The truth is, I've also liked him for a long time."

"Then that's settled."

"Are you giving your permission?"

The Fist Demon nodded. "If you're happy, then I'm happy too."

He was having a new experience through Lee Ahn. Though she was not a daughter he had raised from childhood, he was getting to be a parent, and now he was also gaining a son-in-law. Thus, he expressed feelings he usually kept hidden.

"I know I'm a clumsy father. I don't know what I should say at a time like this. However, I can tell you one thing for certain." He regarded Lee Ahn. "No matter what anyone says, you are my daughter."

Even though she was not his biological daughter and he had not raised her from childhood, he considered Lee Ahn his own.

"If he makes you unhappy, I won't forgive him, even if he's the Young Cult Leader. So if you have any troubles, tell your father anytime. Don't forget that I'm always on your side."

Lee Ahn ran and threw herself into her father's arms. He was the Fist Demon, who would fight the entire murim alone for his daughter's sake.

She had held back when Geom Mugeuk proposed. She had held back when Geom Woojin gave his permission. But she could not hold back now.

Tears streamed down her face as she said, "Yes, I'll be sure to tell you, Father."

The Fist Demon patted his daughter's back with his large hand. "Daughter, never give up on your happiness, no matter the situation."

Geom Mugeuk visited the Eastern Fist Garrison.

Was it his imagination? The place was empty, yet it felt heavier and more somber than usual.

All the Iron Fists of the Eastern Fist Garrison were gathered in the training grounds, as if they had been waiting for him. Their stares, devoid of any greeting, were clearly hostile.

In their center stood the Fist Demon, arms crossed. His fearsome face was even more hardened today.

Lee Ahn stood a little distance away, her head bowed.

Geom Mugeuk could already predict what was about to happen. Something like, 'I can't just give you my daughter. If you can defeat me with your fists, I will permit the marriage.'

Could he really defeat his master with his fists? A thunderous clash unlike any ever heard before would erupt here today.

"I wish to marry your daughter," he declared loudly, his voice echoing across the grounds.

The Fist Demon's hardened expression brightened. "Has my son-in-law arrived?"

Geom Mugeuk was startled.

BOOM! BABOOM! BOOOOOM!

Fireworks exploded from behind the building.

The Iron Fists standing on all sides finally relaxed and shouted in unison. ""Congratulations, Young Cult Leader! Woaaaaaah!""

They rushed forward to congratulate him. Geom Mugeuk had once been their fellow disciple, so they were on friendly terms and knew each other by face and name.

"Congratulations."

"Congrats!"

Among them was his junior sister and the next Fist Demon, Cheon Sohwi.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother," she said.

"What's going on?" Geom Mugeuk asked, surprised.

Cheon Sohwi shrugged. She was just as surprised. "I should be the one asking that. What's going on, Senior Brother!"

Geom Mugeuk looked past the Iron Fists to the Fist Demon and Lee Ahn in the distance and replied with a grin. "This is all thanks to the late-night training sessions, isn't it?"

Cheon Sohwi smiled brightly in agreement. At the very least, those sessions were certainly why she had become the successor to the Fist Demon.

After receiving congratulations from the Iron Fists, Geom Mugeuk walked over to the Fist Demon. "Master."

The Fist Demon strode forward and clapped his shoulder. "You've made a big decision."

"Are you giving me your permission?"

"Yes, I permit it."

The Fist Demon was giving his permission so readily, even though Geom Mugeuk had even practiced for his opposition.

"Son-in-law, you've lived freely until now. Your path ahead looks tough."

Geom Mugeuk was stunned. 'Son-in-law'?! Those words don't suit the Fist Demon at all. Why is he acting like this? Is he planning a surprise attack? Is this a trap?

"Shouldn't you be opposing this, Master?" he asked hesitantly.

The Fist Demon tilted his head. "Why would I, when I'm becoming in-laws with the Cult Leader? What could be more glorious than this?"

Geom Mugeuk fell silent. The Fist Demon had a point, but still.

"Aren't you going to say something like you'll punish me if I ever wrong Lee Ahn?" he asked again.

The Fist Demon's eyes widened. "Why? Are you planning to betray her?"

"No, that's not it, but…"

"If you do something wrong, do you think the Cult Leader will just stand by? I won't even have a turn. Don't you know the Cult Leader's personality?" The Fist Demon began, when he realized something. "No, the Cult Leader might not even get a turn, either."

Geom Mugeuk tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

"That girl may look kind and gentle, but she doesn't have an easygoing personality. You know that, right?"

"No, I only know up to the kind and gentle part."

Geom Mugeuk and the Fist Demon both looked at Lee Ahn, who smiled and said, "I'm a soft and easygoing person."

Geom Mugeuk flinched at her words and looked back at the Fist Demon. "Don't tell me she has a side she only shows at home that I don't know about?"

Is there another transformation stage left, from Lee Ahn to Young Lady Lee, and then to Madam Lee?

"I don't know why you've willingly walked into this difficult path, but please take good care of my daughter."

"Hearing you say that makes me want to back out for some reason."

Only then did the Fist Demon raise his large fist in front of Geom Mugeuk's face. "It's already too late."

The two of them faced each other and laughed. Geom Mugeuk was truly grateful that the Fist Demon had given his permission so readily and cheerfully.

The Fist Demon did not tell him to do well. He did not ask him to promise to live for Lee Ahn for the rest of his life. After all, what good would a promise be? If he could not actually do it, it would be meaningless. A person who would truly do well would do so without making a promise, and a person who would not, would not do it even if threatened with death.

In the Fist Demon's eyes, Geom Mugeuk was someone who would do better than anyone else. If that was the case, then welcoming him warmly and showing his joy was the wisest choice for his daughter.

Lee Ahn turned to the Fist Demon. "I will do even better from now on."

"I'm fine, so be good to your husband." The Fist Demon looked at the two of them standing side by side. "I know that you two are much smarter and wiser than I am. Don't forget the feelings you have now, and live well."

Geom Mugeuk could tell. Even if the Fist Demon sent Lee Ahn off so readily on the outside, he must have been worried and felt a sense of loss. There must have been so many things he still wanted to do with his daughter.

"Please don't think of it as sending Lee Ahn away," he said. "Just as I have gained another father, now you, Master, have also gained a son."

A bright smile spread across the Fist Demon's face. His fearsome expression was filled with joy today. "My daughter has brought home the best son-in-law!"

The Iron Fists cheered thunderously at the Fist Demon's resounding shout, their voices so bright that they could be heard at the opposite ends of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

That evening, the Fist Demon visited Geom Woojin's residence.

Geom Woojin had prepared a table with drinks and was waiting for him, as if he had known he would come.

"Receive a cup of my drink first," Geom Woojin began, pouring a cup for the Fist Demon. "Please take good care of my wild son."

After receiving the drink, the Fist Demon filled Geom Woojin's cup in turn. "She is a lacking daughter, but I ask for your kind care."

The two men toasted and emptied their cups.

The Fist Demon, the epitome of loyalty to Geom Woojin, sighed. "I gave my permission because the children are in love, but I don't know if this is right. To think I would dare become in-laws with you, Cult Leader."

Geom Woojin looked at the Fist Demon and smiled brightly. "I'm happy that the man who will be my in-law is you."

The Fist Demon was moved, feeling that these were not empty words but a sincere sentiment. Therefore, he too conveyed his honest feelings. "I'm also very happy that it's you, Cult Leader. I apologize for saying this, but honestly, if the man who was to be my son-in-law wasn't Mugeuk, I might have opposed this marriage."

Geom Woojin could guess what he meant. The position of the Young Cult Leader's wife was not one filled only with good things. Lee Ahn could be swept up in the cult's politics and embroiled in all sorts of conspiracies and dangers. However, because of Geom Mugeuk's character, the Fist Demon could give his permission with a happy heart.

"Doesn't this bring back old memories?" the Fist Demon teased.

"……" Geom Woojin smiled wordlessly.

"Cult Leader, you went through such a war-like ordeal to have your wedding, yet you give your permission so easily?"

Geom Woojin laughed. "It would be fun to tease my son, but how could I upset your daughter?"

"Thank you for permitting this marriage."

"Of course, I had to. She's your daughter." Geom Woojin did not hide his affection and trust for the Fist Demon. "Here, In-law. Have another cup of wine."

"Thank you, Cult Leader."

"You should call me In-law too."

"Thank you… In-law."

The two men laughed out loud. It had been a long time since they had laughed so heartily together. It was a laugh that made them miss the old days when they freely cried, laughed, got angry, and rejoiced.

Geom Woojin drained his cup. "I plan to hold a grand wedding for this occasion."