Chapter 11

Eyes widened even more than before. For the first time since serving Yeon Cheon-baek, Chun Ho-seong dared to question him. “Why do you look so surprised? Is it really that shocking for me to have a grandson?” “Are you saying that person is truly your grandson?” “That’s right. And not just any grandson—he is as precious to me as my own life. So, you must protect him.” For Yeon Cheon-baek, known as the Iron Blood, to treasure someone as much as his own life...@@@@ That meant it was absolutely true. As Chun Ho-seong stood there dumbfounded, Yeon Woo-jin approached him. “I’ll be counting on you from now on.” Only then did Chun Ho-seong snap out of it and quickly bow his waist. “I—I will be counting on you as well, Young Master.” “Young Master?” “Since you are the grandson of my lord, you are naturally my young master. It is only fitting to address you that way.” Hearing Chun Ho-seong’s words, Yeon Woo-jin shook his head. “‘Young Master’ sounds too stiff. Just call me the same way Jeok Seong does—Young Lord.” Chun Ho-seong immediately corrected himself at Yeon Woo-jin’s request. “Understood, Young Lord.” He truly was a man brimming with loyalty and sincerity. After exchanging greetings with Chun Ho-seong, Yeon Woo-jin turned to Yeon Cheon-baek. “Then, does that mean I have to part ways with Jeok Seong? I don’t want that.” Yeon Woo-jin spoke with a sullen expression, and Jeok Seong was deeply touched. “How could I ever leave you, Young Lord? I will always be by your side.” “Of course. Jeok Seong will stay by your side.” “Then both of you are staying with me?” “That’s right. I’ve assigned someone quite strong to you... but even so, I can’t feel at ease.” “You’re being too overprotective, Grandpa.” “Hahaha! Then hurry up and grow stronger so you can ease your old grandpa’s worries.” “Yes! I’ll definitely get stronger so you won’t have to worry.” “Hahaha! How can you speak so sweetly?” Yeon Cheon-baek’s eyes practically overflowed with affection as he gazed at Yeon Woo-jin. Witnessing this unfamiliar sight, Chun Ho-seong could only remain astonished. One thing was certain— Yeon Cheon-baek cherished Yeon Woo-jin more than anything in the world. “For now, could you step outside for a moment? I have something important to discuss with this one.” “Yes!” After Yeon Woo-jin cheerfully answered and left with Jeok Seong, Yeon Cheon-baek turned to Chun Ho-seong. “Were you surprised?” “N-no, not at all!” “No? Your expression says otherwise.” “I apologize.” “It’s fine. You must have had your suspicions. After all, the Heavenly Martial Corps has been tasked with protecting something for a while now.” “Yes, sir.” “That ‘something’ is that child. He is more precious to me than anything else in this world.” For such words to come from Yeon Cheon-baek’s mouth... Chun Ho-seong listened silently as Yeon Cheon-baek continued. “I hereby command you, leader of the Heavenly Martial Corps.” Chun Ho-seong knelt immediately. “From this moment on, the mission of the Heavenly Martial Corps is to protect my grandson, Yeon Woo-jin.” “Yes, sir!” “Especially you—you will guard Woo-jin alongside Jeok Seong. Never leave his side, not even for a moment. Also, pass along my orders to secure the Boundless Library. Not even a single rat is to approach that place without permission.” “Yes, sir!” “Remember this well. If anything happens to that child... I may very well become the demon that destroys this world. Do you understand?” “I will protect him with my life!” “I trust you.” “Yes, sir!” Overcome with emotion after being trusted so deeply, Chun Ho-seong shouted his response with conviction, his earlier surprise completely overshadowed by his determination. ***** Boundless Library Its name comes from the idea that it holds an uncountable number of books. The library is divided into three main sections. The First Hall contains lower-grade and beginner-level books. First Hall is accessible to all members of Mushincheon.Second Hall is restricted to commanders and above.Third Hall is only available to lords. If anyone needed help, he stepped in without hesitation. "I’ll handle that over there!" Yeon Woo-jin moved around the library, assisting the librarians wherever he could. The librarians were human too. Naturally, they began to like Yeon Woo-jin. Then, one day— Yeon Woo-jin invited the heads of each hall to join him for tea. The hall masters had been in charge of the Boundless Library for a long time, and every one of them was elderly. "Now that I think about it, we don’t even know each other’s names. Ho-seong, is it okay if we introduce ourselves?" "Whatever you wish, Young Lord." Chun Ho-seong replied with a gentle expression, but the librarians still couldn’t get used to it. Chun Ho-seong was one of the most feared figures in Mushincheon. People only saw him when they had committed a crime or offended the Heavenly Lord. He was a man who cared for nothing else. His only concerns revolved around the Heavenly Lord. So the librarians could only guess that the boy in front of them was somehow connected to the Heavenly Lord. That guess was confirmed the moment they heard his name. "My name is Yeon Woo-jin." He shared the same family name as the Heavenly Lord—Yeon. It was immediately clear that they were related. The librarians stared at Yeon Woo-jin in shock, but Chun Ho-seong spoke calmly. "The Young Lord is waiting. Introduce yourselves." At his words, the librarians quickly bowed and introduced themselves. "I—I am Baek Ga-hu, head of the First Hall." "I am Im Yeon-seok, head of the Second Hall." "I am Yeom Ho-rang, head of the Third Hall." "So you’re Grandpa Baek, Grandpa Im, and Grandpa Yeom." Yeon Woo-jin smiled brightly. "But isn’t there a head for the Heavenly Hall?" Yeon Woo-jin’s question prompted Chun Ho-seong to answer. "The Heavenly Hall belongs to the Heavenly Lord. Only someone with his Divine Badge can enter." "Oh! I see. Now that you mention it, I haven’t been there yet." "You may go whenever you wish." "I’ll start by reading the books here first." Yeon Woo-jin’s response brought a faint smile to Chun Ho-seong’s face. The hall masters, however, still couldn’t get used to his demeanor. What unsettled them even more was how casually Yeon Woo-jin spoke about entering the Heavenly Hall—and how naturally Chun Ho-seong accepted it. Their curiosity grew until one of them finally couldn’t hold back any longer. "Uh... Young Lord. May I ask you something?" Baek Ga-hu cautiously asked. Yeon Woo-jin nodded. "Yes, feel free to ask." Receiving permission, Baek Ga-hu glanced nervously at Chun Ho-seong before asking carefully: "What is your relationship with the Heavenly Lord?" "He’s my grandfather." "Huh?!" "Wha—?!" "Excuse me?!" The three hall masters were stunned. They had assumed Yeon Woo-jin was a distant relative since he shared the same surname, but his answer confirmed he was a direct descendant. It all made sense now—why Chun Ho-seong guarded him, why the Heavenly Martial Corps protected the Boundless Library so fiercely, and why someone who wasn’t even part of Mushincheon could enter this sacred place. If this information spread through Mushincheon, it would create chaos. But a new question arose. Currently, Mushincheon was in turmoil over selecting the next Heavenly Lord. If Yeon Woo-jin was the Heavenly Lord’s grandson, why wasn’t he being prepared for the position? Why wasn’t he being named as the heir? The answer became clear when they considered Yeon Cheon-baek’s personality. Even if Yeon Woo-jin was his grandson, Yeon Cheon-baek wouldn’t place him in the position without proving his worth. He likely wanted his grandson to rise to the top by defeating the competition. That sounded exactly like something Yeon Cheon-baek would do. Still, he had assigned Chun Ho-seong as a bodyguard and allowed Yeon Woo-jin to study in the Boundless Library. Even the Iron-Blooded Martial God seemed to treasure his family. The reason for assigning guards also became apparent. Yeon Woo-jin looked fragile. While the librarians weren’t particularly skilled in martial arts, even they thought he seemed weaker than themselves.