Ep519 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

Everyone shared the same sentiment. They wanted to be the place to which he could return. After bringing peace to the world, he would be given a choice. Would he return to his original world, or continue to live in this one? On the matter, Baek Woo-jin had spoken. -"I will live here." Compared to his original world, this one was exceedingly primitive and underdeveloped. Yet, Baek Woo-jin chose this place. For one simple reason. -"Because you all are here." Because they were the inhabitants of this world. For a woman, it was the greatest confession, a proposal from a man. What man in the world would leave his own world behind for the woman he loves? From that moment on, they resolved. To make sure he would never regret his choice. To be his place of rest. Seon Yeong, in the presence of everyone gathered, struck her palm down decisively and declared firmly. "This first act will be the start." A home carries multiple meanings. A unique haven in the world. A personal universe where one can live solely for oneself without regard for others. And no matter where or when one journeys, it is the place they must inevitably return to. For the times when he departs suddenly, so he can decide on a destination without hesitation. "Now, let's discuss what we can do." Her words sparked an enthusiastic debate. And to build a more perfect home, they sought assistance from their clans. "What? Seon Yeong wants to build a house? Gather all the artisans of our clan at once!" The artisans of the Sacheondang family, known for crafting hidden weapons, halted their work and set out for the clan. "A house for the Martial God... it seems our clan's moment to contribute has finally come." Every member of the Jegalse clan, proficient in geomancy, machinery, and formation techniques, packed up their belongings. "Oh... building a house for my son-in-law? It's quite a commendable idea." Masters from the Heuksan family, known for their strength, flexed their muscles and set forth. "Hey, Chief Officer." "Yes, Section Leader." "Remember the materials we purchased for the expansion of the trading company?" "Indeed." "Send them all." "Pardon...?" "Oh, our daughter and son-in-law are building a house! For the marriage to proceed, the house must be built as soon as possible! When else will we gather new materials to send? Just send them now, and we'll replace them later!" "Understood." The finest building materials, purchased for the expansion of the Golden Trading Company, began moving in procession. "Our son-in-law and Seol Ran's house is being built..." Receiving the belated news due to her distance, Yong Seon-ah contemplated the implications. If a house was being built, a marriage would follow, and then they would need descendants. "It seems our daughter couldn't collect on that moment after all..." She spoke in a tone of regret as she lovingly caressed her own protruding belly. After a night shared with Baek Woo-jin, she was with child. "Hehe... I'm eager to see what kind of expression our young husband will make." Caught up in her thoughts, she suddenly regained her senses and instructed the warriors of the Ice Palace. "We must brew some wine." For no other aid could so effectively set the mood between a man and a woman as alcohol. Especially if the drink boasted legendary properties for enhancing a man's vigor, words were not necessary. "Explain to the White Scales King and request his aid." "Understood!" That day. The snakes hibernating near the snowy mountains next to the White Scales King's domain found themselves utterly depleted. --- Building the House of the Martial God! News as simple as one sentence reverberated throughout the central plains, turning the world abuzz with excitement. The home of one who achieved feats in a history spanning hundreds of years, a feat no one else had accomplished. Representatives from various clans gathered to meticulously plan. "First, we must choose a location." "Indeed, it's paramount." It was the first hurdle. Where would they build the Baek family manor? However, the answer came from Do Kyung. She remembered clearly an offhand remark Baek Woo-jin had made once. "Near Dongting Lake seems ideal." "Dongting Lake...?" "Yes, he once said it would be wonderful to build a house and live around there." "Oh, if the Martial God himself said so..." "Then it must be built there." The members of the Jegalse family inspected the vicinity of Dongting Lake. Checking if there was land suitable for building a grand estate. Additionally, they assessed if it was the most geomantically optimal location to build and live in a home. Having considered all these factors, the site for the Baek family estate was chosen to be Wuchang in Hubei. Initially, they had planned to position the estate closer to Dongting Lake. However, those adept in geomancy from the Jegalse family insisted that only by establishing there would prosperity and honor be guaranteed for generations. Thus, the decision was finalized. Once the site for the house was decided, another heated discussion ensued. "This layout makes it hard to defend against an enemy attack." "That's a ridiculous concern. Who would dare assault the Martial God’s manor?" "There's always that one in a million chance!" "Even in that one in a million chance, our Martial God would handle them all, so what's the worry?" The layout of the manor was designed to efficiently respond to various scenarios. Every structure was part of a grand strategic formation. In the worst-case scenario, the entire estate would fall under the protection of this formation. With the perfect blueprint ready, the construction began. "Careful there! Even a single scratch on the materials will cost you more than your monthly salary!" "...Are these materials really that expensive?" "Of course!" The masters from the Heuksan family were in charge of the construction efforts. Typically, it would be a grave insult for martial artists to be relegated to such mundane tasks, but these were no ordinary tasks. They were building the Martial God's manor—each person here had volunteered, eager to be part of this historical moment. Every exquisite structure was erected with the most expensive materials. Topping these off were the exquisite decorations crafted by the artisans from the Dang family. "Coat the decorations with poison! If any thief dares even think about stealing, let them perish!" "Isn't that a bit extreme...?" Six months passed this way, and finally, the manor was complete. As the women surveyed the almost complete estate, they couldn't help but exclaim with bewilderment. "We might have gone a bit overboard." "We didn’t plan to build such an extravagant estate..." "The lord will surely be surprised." "This is truly opulence." They had momentarily forgotten. The weight of the Martial God’s name in the current martial world. Their own prestigious family backgrounds. And the unimaginable power they wielded collectively. "Well, at least we won’t have to worry about space, no matter how many children we have!" "...That’s true!" They decided to take it positively. With such a splendid home, they had to celebrate. Not just to rejoice the completion of their new, long-lasting abode, but also to thank all those who had helped. Furthermore, it was important to give generously to their future neighbors, blending into the community. "The issue is his absence." "Indeed." It is natural for the host, the master of the manor, to be present at a celebration. Though the manor proudly bore the name of Baek’s estate, the master himself had yet to return. "It's been nearly a year." "I wish we knew where he was or what he was doing..." After much deliberation, they resolved to hold the feast. Although the host’s absence was unfortunate, with all eyes on them, not hosting a feast would surely invite criticism. Given the situation, they decided to hold it grandly, uprooting one of the pillars of the house if necessary. Was it because they had an abundance of money? No. "If we host it so grandly that news reaches the opposite end of the realm, perhaps even he will come." They hoped for his return. To inform him that his home was complete, wherever he might be. Promising that those who came would be met with plentiful food and drink, they spread the word across the martial realm. And the response was astounding. "I hear the Martial God is hosting a feast?" "It’s to celebrate the completion of the manor. They say it will be a grand affair." "There will be abundant food and drink; all are welcome..." "Let’s go!" The Martial God. The owner of a title never before seen in martial history, now hosting a feast. Curiosity drove throngs towards Wuchang. Merchants in Wuchang cried tears of joy day after day. "All rooms are booked!" "There are no seats available; you’ll have to wait for an hour!" "We're completely out of stock!" With the incoming crowds, the local economy was booming. Thus time passed agreeably for all, and the day of the feast finally dawned. From early morning, the gates of the manor opened to eager guests, quickly filling the yard. Thankfully, there was no shortage of food and drink. The Golden Trading Company had already hoarded all available ingredients from the vicinity. As the sun ascended, guests enjoyed the lively atmosphere with food and drink, until curious murmurs began circulating. "So when exactly is the Martial God going to appear?" "Indeed. He should be showing up any moment now..." The anticipated moment arrived. As Seon Yeong was about to step onto the platform set up for explaining his absence on behalf of her group, it happened. "A belated greeting to the martial world gathered here for the feast." A familiar voice resonated throughout the vast manor. Guests at the feast turned their heads this way and that, searching for the source of the sound. Then someone, eyes widened in surprise, pointed to the sky and shouted. "Tha-there...!" At the end of his pointing finger stood Baek Woo-jin. He had been hovering so naturally in the sky and was now descending slowly onto the stage. Facing the awe-struck attendees, Baek Woo-jin clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Baek Woo-jin, the master of the Baek family estate." His voice was gentle yet exuded an undeniable power. It was a truly fitting and dramatic entrance for someone bearing the title of Martial God. --- **Author's Note** Yesterday was my regular day off, so I took a break before resuming serialization. I hadn’t planned to rest since I’ve been taking breaks more frequently lately. However, after coughing through a cold for a few days, it seems I passed it to my mother, who caught a throat cold. So I was busy attending to her, placing warm towels on her neck, and was unable to focus, which led to an unavoidable break. With the conclusion drawing near, I will do my best to race towards the end. I’ll see you in the next chapter. Thank you for reading, as always. Have a pleasant night. (_ _)