Eat The World Tree

Chapter 149: Three Peaches (9)

Cheonma was the most catastrophic human disaster to have marked the era.

His martial prowess exceeded all limits, reaching the pinnacle by himself. Even the World Tree, revered as a deity, could not restrain him.

Disaster.

This was how the followers of the Tree Church described the old man. He did not believe in the World Tree and once demolished a church simply because it irritated him.

Humanitys foe.

The views of the Association and those of the Church towards Cheonma were not much different. To them, the old man was nothing but a menace, a useless piece to be exploited. If anything, he was an obstacle to their plans.

Businessmen shared this sentiment.

After Cheonma destroyed several influential figures in the underworld, they swore vengeance. Driven by their own interests, they planned to strike at Cheonma, whose life was nearing its end, and to destroy Dowon as well.

It doesnt seem to be the right time yet.

In a certain location, important figures gathered around a round table for a meeting.

The opponent is Cheonma. No matter how much he has declined, what else can we expect but defeat? We should wait for a more opportune moment, said a guild leader, adjusting his stylish glasses to express his opinion. He was among those who had suffered at the hands of Cheonma.

Ideally, they would have liked to take down the old man immediately, but was it feasible? Capturing a monster required the utmost caution, a fact known to everyone present.

The Church. The Hunter Association, among other groups.

All were deeply engaged in this matter. Just the fact of dealing with the World Trees concerns promised them spoils, treasures, and honor. Even if some anti-humanitarian deeds were committed in the process, they would be justified in the name of the deity. This person fought for the deity. Perhaps they would even make their name in history.

Of course, they couldnt afford to be blinded by the prospect of sweet profits and make a careless plan.

Still, we should wait.

Wait for the right time?

Then, at the words of a guild leader, one person raised their voice.

Are you joking now? It is the World Trees wish to kill Cheonma as soon as possible.

The deputy of the Churchs Pope.

The commander of the Golden Knights, Lemon. A light golden lion emblem was drawn on her shoulder.

I just cant understand. Whats so difficult about taking down one old man that it has to be dragged out like this? Are you scared?

Scared? I lost my father to Cheonma.

Then all the more reason to go out and fight, why sit around?

Lemon, with her arrogance yet also exuding a sense of nobility, narrowed her eyebrows and glared fiercely at the guild leader, who kept his expression emotionless, swallowing his resentment internally.

Then, someone else intervened to stop her.

If were not careful, everyone here could end up dead, Commander Lemon.

Although he used an honorific out of courtesy, his words carried a warning. The vice-president of the Hunter Associations advice was met with an annoyed look from Lemon.

The others inwardly criticized Lemons attitude.

Does she think Cheonma is some street thug? Calling her insane without having seen him.

Why would the Church send such a parachute? Just to add their name to the list of those who overcame the disaster?

Ignoring the vice-president, Lemon turned her gaze to the chairman of the Hunter Association. She believed herself to be in a position similar to his.

What do you think? You live in a country close to Cheonma, dont you?

Korea and China. Countries closest to Cheonmas sanctuary. An elderly man with white long hair tied up in a topknot, his face full of scars, looked at Lemon.

Even she had to swallow her arrogance in front of his overwhelming presence.

Eventually, he spoke.

He is dangerous.

The chairman of the Total Hunter Association.

The only man who has lived through wars and eras akin to Cheonma.

The Sword God, Jin Kwang.

He was also known as Mugoong.

The history of the Hunter Association. Himself.

I have fought him before. The reason I, who have lived a lifetime without a scar, ended up like this, is precisely because of him.

He stands as the pinnacle of all association hunters, a swordsman who once contended with Cheonma.

Mugoong gazed at Lemon with piercing eyes.

Do you understand what that means, child?

.

With a soft voice, Lemon tensed her shoulders and remained silent. A bead of sweat trickled down her pale collarbone.

Still, we must hurry. Who would have thought that he was raising a disciple.

Yes, youre right.

As Mugoong spoke affirmatively, Lemon finally relaxed her expression. Just making eye contact with him had her legs trembling.

Mugoong turned to the vice-president and asked,

The Young Demon has its existence been confirmed?

Weve confirmed it. Though were not sure about the skill level.

No problem. If its his disciple, its bound to be a monster.

Mugoong, touching his dry lips, glanced around. A young man raised his hand. The head of the Cornus family, San Hyukwon, who had recently taken over in a hurry.

His words carried the weight of a noble to the core, coming from a lineage even the Woodman Sect would not lightly cross.

The preparations to bring down Dowon are almost complete. In fact if we just bring down Cheonma, the rest should be easy. However-

Even though Dowon has elders and a sect leader, this place was overflowing with people of similar martial prowess.

The problem was Cheonma. The powerful evil of this era, whose strength was said to reach the heavens.

Only Mugoong here could properly confront Cheonma, and even he couldnt guarantee victory.

Still, the danger remains unchanged.

Perhaps, as the vice-president suggested, everyone here could end up dead. The atmosphere grew tense, and even the previously arrogant Lemon remained silent.

Are you the one aiming for the heart of Cheonma?

Yes.

San Hyukwon nodded in response to Mugoongs question. Interlocking his fingers, he introduced a theory.

The unknown force is the Young Demon. Just one. Thats why we must act quickly.

This conclusion had been reached in previous discussions. They hadnt subdued Cheonma in Dowon yet because his lifespan was nearing its end. However, with the emergence of his disciple, the urgency for subjugation intensified.

A matured Young Demon could initiate another great war at any moment.

The war instigated by the Spirit King was a catastrophe for the Woodman Sect, resulting in the deaths of dozens of gods. The Popes authority was severely undermined, causing extensive damage.

San Hyukwons remarks suggested that a similarly devastating event could occur once more.

The term great war used by San Hyukwon was sufficient to alarm everyone.

So, Ive been contemplating. What about this idea?

He surveyed the room and lifted his finger.

Given that Cheonmas time is limited, we should focus on eliminating the Young Demon.

Cheonmas demise was imminent. Thus, shouldnt their attention be on his disciple?

By eliminating the Young Demon, they could avoid confronting Cheonma directly. They could gradually assume control of Dowon following Cheonmas death.

An excellent chance to avert war and secure advantages!

If this plan succeeded, it would be as though they had resolved the crisis effortlessly. They could be hailed as heroes who averted a calamity.

Interesting. Do you have a detailed plan? You must have thought of something.

Indeed.

As San Hyukwon confidently affirmed, everyones attention was piqued.

It was an unexpected development.

So, they are targeting me.

As I revisited the story of Cheonma, I found myself pondering it once more.

The conspiracy of the worlds leaders was shocking in itself, yet Cheonmas prediction that I would be the next target seemed all too plausible.

Well, Cheonma doesnt have much longer to live. It makes sense that they would prioritize killing me.

Severing the line of succession was a common tactic in politics. Wasnt history replete with instances where a countrys crown prince was taken hostage and manipulated?

To them, I, the successor, posed a greater problem than Cheonma, who was nearing death.

Then, if I hadnt been here at this moment would Cheondo have been the target?

No matter how well one concealed themselves, a long tail would eventually be caught. However, my presence completely obscured that tail.

Probably, aside from the three peach sisters, myself, and the old man, no one in the world knew that Cheondo was a disciple of Cheonma.

If I were to die now, it would be as if Cheonmas disciple had never existed. Cheondo could safely assume the role of Cheonmas successor.

Brother?

Just then, Cheondo, who was sitting right next to me, inquired.

Huh?

Is the meat okay?

Ah, right.

Snapping out of my reverie, I quickly turned the pork ribs over. A moments distraction from the person wielding the tongs can indeed lead to a disaster. Fortunately, they were nicely browned this time.

Its fine. Pork ribs are actually better when not flipped too often.

Is that so?

Truth be told, flipping them a few times doesnt really make a significant difference. However, the person grilling often had their own convictions, like flipping the meat exactly twice. If you grilled meat frequently at restaurants, youd develop your own method.

Of course, I almost caused a disaster just now because I genuinely forgot.

Cheondo and Hwangdo seemed to overlook it, but Baekdo, ever observant, was giving me meaningful glances.

Please, cook it properly

Still a fierce kid, sharp eyes flashed between strands of white hair.

Really, Baekdo! Are you going to do that? After Brother went through all the trouble because you wanted to go outside.

Hwangdo, whose side are you on?

Brothers side?

Ugh.

Baekdo gave Hwangdo a look, but what could she do? Hwangdo had already been bribed by me with this months salary.

Hidden in a corner of Hwangdos room was the April issue: The Grafting Someone Elses Tree edition! Today, Hwangdo was practically on my side.

Baekdo, guessing why Hwangdo turned out this way, gritted her teeth in frustration.

Enough, Baekdo.

Of course, Cheondo too. She had high expectations for this rare meeting. This morning, she was giggling and asking me to choose her clothes.

Okay sorry.

Baekdo, seemingly deflated by Cheondos scolding, hung her head.

Cheondo has her completely wrapped around her finger, huh? Well, the reason Baekdo came here was because of Cheondo. It wasnt because she wanted to see me, nor was it because the outside was so enticing that she couldnt resist.

Baekdo came almost exclusively to see Cheondo.

And knowing she was in the wrong, she picked at the side dishes and tentatively started a conversation with me.

But you did well today, really.Follow the latest novels 𝒐𝒏 n𝒐velbin(.)com

It sounded like praise. Was it just my imagination?

Baekdo, with a conflicted look, lightly tensed her hand holding the chopsticks.

Thank you.

It was hard for her to say. Cheondo and Hwangdo finally smiled broadly.

Baekdo is good~ Good Baekdos tea~ can~ Baekdo!

Hwangdo, stop it when I say something nice, okay?

Watching Hwangdo and Baekdo bicker, a smile naturally formed on my face.

Baekdo seemed to have a change of heart upon seeing how well Cheondo and I were getting along. It had been a really long time since the three of us were together. She must have felt some gratitude towards me for arranging this meeting.

All done.

Just as the meat was fully cooked, I energetically began to cut and arrange it with the tongs and scissors.

Slicing and dicing, I laid out the meat on the plate, its juicy goodness flowing enticingly. The eyes of the three little ones naturally fixed on the sight.

The expensive pork ribs prepared for today would be a lavish meal for these children, who usually ate a vegetable-based diet.

Brother, it seems all cooked.

Can we eat now, Brother?

.

Their eyes looked at me like chirping chicks, shining brightly on their joyful faces.

Of course~ Go ahead.

With a nod and a smile from me, they began to eagerly use their chopsticks.

Wow, its deliciously cooked, Brother!

Its tasty.

Even Baekdo, who was initially indifferent, widened her eyes after tasting it. Hwangdo, reaching his turn, almost squealed with delight, just stopping short of causing a disturbance.

Could there be a happier moment for the one who grilled the meat? They ate so deliciously that two servings vanished before I even put down the scissors.

Despite the effort of grilling vanishing so quickly, I wasnt disheartened at all. It was okay. Seeing the three sisters smiling made my heart melt.

I truly lived for these three.

Brother Dowon.

While I was contentedly watching the three sisters eat, Cheondo, sitting beside me, reached out with her chopsticks.

Huh?

You havent eaten a single piece.

On her chopsticks, she held not just one but three generously sized pieces of rib.

Without refusing, I put the meat in my mouth.

Chewing and then swallowing it down.

Its delicious.

A sincere comment. Cheondo lifted her flushed cheeks in pride, her lips curling into a smile.

Because Brother grilled it.

Her cheeks werent flushed with shyness but glowed with joy, behind that smiling Cheondo.

Gasp.

!

Hwangdo, wearing a mischievously gleeful look, and Baekdo, appearing as if shed been hit on the back of the head with a hammer, were both staring at Cheondo in shock.