The Black Cat entered the cave, engraving the unknown elder’s back as they disappeared between the gaps of the Array Formation.
Glancing at Tang So-yeol lounging outside the estate on the platform, the Black Cat raised an eyebrow. It was unusual for Tang So-yeol, who usually woke up the latest, to be awake so early.
As the Black Cat approached, wanting to say a word or two, they noticed Tang So-yeol’s hands were damp and their sleeves soaked.
Seeing this, a sudden intuition flashed through the Black Cat’s mind.
“…Did you perhaps know?”
Did you know the true identity of the unknown elder?
The question lacked a subject, yet Tang So-yeol responded nonchalantly.
“Yes.”
“When did you find out?”
“Since the first day I met the elder.”
The Black Cat was taken aback by Tang So-yeol’s calm answer. Tang So-yeol smirked at the stunned Black Cat.
“That’s why I said it was the most entertaining sight in the world.”
Tang So-yeol recalled the moment when the Qi Person had suddenly appeared; it was only natural to be cautious. Thus, Tang So-yeol tried to glean whatever they could about the unknown elder.
However, Tang So-yeol’s insight barely penetrated the unknown elder.
When seeing the unknown elder, Tang So-yeol felt as if they were trying to see objects in a thick fog, unable to see even a step ahead.
Though Tang So-yeol couldn’t learn anything about the person known as the unknown elder, there were more than enough clues to realize it was Ho Cheon-an.
No matter how thick the fog, it was impossible not to feel the presence of that massive figure. That figure recalled the day when Ho Cheon-an raised his voice facing Jeong Cheol in the Tang Clan.
The Black Cat frowned at Tang So-yeol’s cryptic words, and Tang So-yeol chuckled at the Black Cat’s frown.
“Truly amusing.”
While Tang So-yeol thought Ho Cheon-an would become a great figure due to his immense talent, the outcome surpassed imagination. Who would have thought he would return from the future to change his past?
“Did you perhaps hear anything from the elder?”
The Black Cat shook their head.
“Good. That’s a relief.”
“Is that a relief? Knowing the adversities we’ll face is not necessarily bad, is it?”
“Is there anything as dull as knowing the plot just for the conclusion? I was worried about accidentally hearing about the future, so it’s a great relief.”
Is this person really living life solely for entertainment? The Black Cat pondered as concern crept in over the separation from the unknown elder, wanting to say something but holding back.
“Ah.”
Tang So-yeol also understood that his connection with the unknown elder was precious to him.
The evidence lay in Tang So-yeol’s hands and sleeves, still damp.
“It’s over.”
Suddenly, the estate disappeared. Like ashes swept away by the wind, the remains left behind drew attention as those sleeping within the estate were thrown to the ground and woke up abruptly.
As everyone looked around with bewildered expressions, they finally grasped the situation and sighed.
“Master…”
“You didn’t even let us bid farewell on the last journey.”
“He has gone.”
Everyone expressed their regrets in their own way. Ho Cheon-an, too, stared blankly at the spot where the estate had vanished before taking the sword laid on the ground and strapping it to his back.
“Now, let’s have some food.”
With a clap, Tang So-yeol gathered everyone’s attention.
“Food?”
What could he mean by that out of the blue? Receiving puzzled glances, Tang So-yeol pointed.
“Ah….”
There lay an altar.
And on that altar was a lavish spread.
“Eat before it gets cold. Come on, everyone!”
The Black Cat pushed the group towards the altar. It was a meal prepared with the little time left by the unknown elder. It was also a meal prepared with Tang So-yeol’s help to assist the unknown elder.
“Wow, the elder really put in some effort for the last time!”
The Black Cat sighed, rolling up the damp sleeve, looking at Tang So-yeol, who seemed nonchalant. The person who always overslept had gotten up just before dawn to cook with the unknown elder.
It puzzled the Black Cat why Tang So-yeol acted like there was nothing to hide regarding his connection with the unknown elder.
Having suffered from being a late bloomer, the Black Cat tried hard to understand Tang So-yeol’s actions. Yes, with his background, he likely had his own hardships that led him to act this way.
But that was one thing; this was another.
The Black Cat pinched Tang So-yeol’s hand, which was reaching for food without any thought.
“Ugh!”
“This is the last gift from the elder! Everyone, sit down! We need to express our gratitude for the hard work of the Unknown Elder before we eat!”
Eventually, Ho Cheon-an, who had never tasted the food made by the unknown elder, rushed in, freezing in place as he was about to grab a pair of chopsticks.
The Black Cat quietly set down the chopsticks, sighing as she looked at Ho Cheon-an’s serious expression. How many decades would it take for that senior to possess the gravitas of the unknown elder?
“Thank you, Elder.”
“Sniff, Master.”
“I’ll eat well and gather strength.”
After completing a sort of ritual, the group started devouring the abundant meal laid out on the altar.
“It’s delicious!”
Ho Cheon-an exclaimed, quickly inhaling the food.
Having lived on cold rice and rations in the Array Formation, he shed tears of frustration. The flavors were heavenly, showcasing extraordinary culinary skills!
“I can’t believe I couldn’t eat something this delicious alone! Aaaagh!!!”
The group chuckled, watching Ho Cheon-an attack his plate like a warrior, as if to unleash three years of pent-up grievances right here.
Eventually, beyond the portions for Hyeok Gi-rin and the fried rice bags for the Black Cat, Ho Cheon-an devoured everything else and collapsed backward, cradling his bulging belly.
The Black Cat, witnessing Ho Cheon-an gasping for breath like a balloon, thought of the unknown elder.
With eyes stained by regret and self-blame, the face of the unknown elder, who simply couldn’t shoulder the overwhelming guilt from a single remark, came to mind.
A person who might have said such a farewell could be smiling with relief after expressing gratitude.
The Black Cat contemplated.
While a gravitas-laden elder was not a terrible thing, truly, that innocent demeanor suited the elder best.
Thus, it was essential to keep a close eye on him to prevent him from straying down the wrong path.
Ultimately, wasn’t it the case that his attempts to take on the ordeal of the Yongji Maeng alone led to this calamity?
‘Indeed, the elder needs companions. I wonder if he realizes that.’
Annoyed, the Black Cat poked Ho Cheon-an’s swollen belly, asking, “Did you enjoy it, Senior?”
“Yes.”
Ho Cheon-an nodded as he gazed at the cave ceiling. Anyway… shouldn’t we at least say goodbye at the end?
Grumbling about the unknown elder, Ho Cheon-an recalled that no matter how long they had lived clashing with one another, what made him think he could run away at the final moment and keep it a secret forever?
No way.
Ho Cheon-an muttered to himself.
“I finished two portions for homework.”
Ho Cheon-an closed the cave’s door within the Array Formation.
Vvvrrrooom!!
The blue light of the stone gate, evidence that the Array Formation was operational, could not be checked from outside, but the vibrations hinted that it was functioning correctly.
“It’s over.”
Ho Cheon-an muttered. The core stone had been used, and the outcome could no longer be reversed.
Had he truly been manifested within the Array Formation that day?
It was uncertain.
Even if he acquired one more core stone, the Array Formation modified to send his clone back to that day had reached its limit.
At present, the Array Formation was still running, but given the modifications, it would soon cease to function.
If successful, his clone would already be there, thus it wouldn’t matter.
Ho Cheon-an surveyed the area with hollow eyes. This place, cultivated over decades, now served no purpose.
Habitually, he checked the estate and all the items within it, well aware that inspecting supplies here was pointless since the Array was operational. Yet, he did so reflexively, knowing that failing to carry out even the most meaningless actions would leave him caught in the past.
While repeating that seemingly pointless task, Ho Cheon-an pondered.
Could his past self change?
The thought produced a dry sneer. The notion that a person who kept repeating irreversible mistakes had burned decades on the hope of altering his past was laughable.
At last, all preparations were completed. Confirming that there were no issues with the supplies and facilities arranged in alignment with decades of planning, Ho Cheon-an halted in place.
With nothing left behind, Ho Cheon-an no longer felt a need to move.
He only continued to reflect on his mistakes and regrets.
The clash with Jeong Cheol was long and fierce.
Jeong Cheol did everything to keep Ho Cheon-an from having time to grow, and Ho Cheon-an had to push through Jeong Cheol’s incessant interference to grow stronger.
Even with all conditions met, catching up to Jeong Cheol in a short time was no easy feat.
Then, on top of that, every manner of obstruction was piled on, and he had to continually devise ways to shake them off, making substantial growth nearly impossible.
It took a long time for Ho Cheon-an to surpass Jeong Cheol.
Yet, even through those long years, Ho Cheon-an failed to truly awaken to his arrogance and kept repeating his mistakes.
He fell into Jeong Cheol’s traps, was chased after being hunted by other martial artists post-boon, and the attempt to provide enlightenment resulted in a backlash.
With each occurrence of such mistakes, the number of companions dwindled.
Through the sacrifices of those companions, Ho Cheon-an realized his arrogance, finished all his vengeance, but what he longed to protect had all vanished.
The world became a chaotic wreck.
Hoping the chains of resentment would not emerge from the collisions of Sacheon and Yunnan.
Sacheon and Yunnan repeated large-scale clashes, building bonds of resentment that no one could halt, continuing to wash blood with blood in battle.
The Sacheon Outcasts, wishing to pursue moderation and continue their training, withered away in that process.
Disorder was not limited to the Martial World.
Yoo Gyeong, losing Yuya, was enraged and attempted to wipe out the Outcast Faction. No, they sought to eliminate the entire Martial World.
As a result, those connected with the Sadoryeon left not a single keystone behind, yet…
Yoo Gyeong, now stripped of reason, set forth waves of problems.
The sacrifices and chaos from eradicating the Sadoryeon shook the order of the Huang Nation and the Martial World.
The government intervened in the Martial World, and martial artists inserted themselves into government affairs.
Soldiers indiscriminately captured those with weapons, while martial artists heard the call and gathered to declare themselves the kings of new territories, raising the banner of rebellion.
In that process, the outskirts suffered losses or turned on the Huang Nation and Martial World.
Righteous Faction, Outcast Faction, Huang Nation, outskirts.
The world became a battleground where countless individuals fought for their own reasons. After witnessing such chaos, Ho Cheon-an simply wished to let everything go.
The one thing that held onto Ho Cheon-an’s life was Hyeok Gi-rin’s dying wish.
“Please take care of my older brother.” Those words became the driving force for Ho Cheon-an to continue living, providing order amidst the chaos of the Huang Nation.
Then, by chance, he encountered a core stone, thinking he found an opportunity to rectify his regrets.
With all efforts directed to blooming that opportunity, he clung to it for decades.
Finally, today, he reached a breaking point with that clinging.
Thus, Ho Cheon-an stood in a daze. Having lost everything, he had even collected the regrets and attachments left in his heart and burned them away, he truly did not know what to do anymore.
It was then.
“What are you doing?”
A familiar yet strange voice came from behind. Ho Cheon-an turned slowly, unable to believe what he heard.
There stood a middle-aged Ho Cheon-an.
“Ah, I knew it. I thought you’d be staring blankly at the bad ending.”
“Uh…”
The original version of the unknown elder, Ho Cheon-an, let out a dry laugh. A bad ending… yes, that was the perfect term for it. Everyone was dead, the Sacheon Outcasts faced a tragic conclusion, and the Martial World was in ruins.
The older Ho Cheon-an felt his heart race. Though he had no idea how everything had perfectly aligned, he still realized…
This Ho Cheon-an was indeed a manifestation created by the Array Formation.
Was the same estate rebuilt right there? Although the mansion remained, the arrangement and quantity of jars outside had diminished.
Most importantly, the appearance of an unfamiliar platform in front of the estate was definitive evidence.
“Thanks for the envoy you sent; I’ve greatly indebted myself to the Unknown Elder. You took care of me so diligently only to vanish.”
Did he succeed? Did he truly intervene at that moment in the Array Formation?
Feeling an overwhelming sense of emotion, the older Ho Cheon-an found himself choked up. He had thought everything was charred to ashes, but now, his heart thumped with life.
“Truly…”
Had the past changed, saving the Black Cat?
Had he recognized his arrogance and avoided pitfalls?
And could he have saved Yu Il-ye, Hyeok Gi-rin, Tang Do-yeon, and Tang So-yeol, who had died in his stead?
What had become of Yunnan and Sacheon?
Had the Sacheon Outcasts drawn the life they desired?
Had the Huang Nation risen as anticipated?
And now, were you… happy?
Countless questions whirled in his mind, bubbling from his chest, yet the older Ho Cheon-an could not voice a single one.
Because the middle-aged Ho Cheon-an raised his hand to halt him.
“You do know there isn’t much time, right? The Array over there must be a mess. I really had to struggle just to use it a second time. Why did that homework cost double…”
The older Ho Cheon-an only half understood the middle-aged Ho Cheon-an’s complaints. He knew better than anyone the condition of the Array, but why did they have to use the Array twice?
“I have to go to my past self and give him a good talking-to… no, enlighten him.”
“Ah…!”
With the middle-aged Ho Cheon-an’s words clarifying the confusion, the older Ho Cheon-an felt an overwhelming surge of emotion.
The middle-aged Ho Cheon-an’s intention to inherit the actions of the older version of himself was as good as saying that his plans bore fruit. It meant that his arrangements had successfully come to fruition.
“And there’s a saying, ‘Seeing is believing.’ With good eyesight, do you really need to say anything? Time is precious, so cherish it.”
With a meaningful smile, the middle-aged Ho Cheon-an entered the estate.
Only then did the older Ho Cheon-an realize numerous presences within the mansion. His heart began to race intensely.
These were the people he had only dreamed of seeing again.
Just being able to meet them filled him with an overwhelming emotion, rendering him thoughtless. While his heart was full of a desire to capture their figures,
Ho Cheon-an could not take a single step forward. The chains of guilt bound his feet tightly.
Yet, he found himself moving.
He wanted to see them.
The singular thought consumed his mind.
“…Ah.”
As Ho Cheon-an witnessed the companions welcoming him in their own unique ways inside the estate, tears streamed down his face.
The future that had continued from that point onward.
It was merely a mental vision, but it had never managed to escape his mind without guilt, and yet here it was, unfurling right before him.
It was truly a dreamlike time.
The future of the companions contained both elements the older Ho Cheon-an anticipated and those that completely caught him off guard.
Through it all, Ho Cheon-an simply reveled in the stories of his companions.
“I wanted to introduce you to so many people, but… I didn’t know what had happened on your end, so I was worried bringing other people might just cause trouble. So, it’s just us.”
“Is that so…”
“It seems it’s time to go.”
The older Ho Cheon-an bit his lip, feeling the Array Formation’s flow breaking, dwelling in regret. He merely repeated what he wished to convey, without order.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you…”
“I have many precious memories with the unknown elder you sent. Truthfully, I wasn’t very…”
The middle-aged Ho Cheon-an’s grumbling and the companions who smiled behind him disappeared completely. The flat surface where they had been sitting chatting also vanished suddenly.
Ho Cheon-an landed lightly and let out a long sigh.
With the platform gone, jars he had stockpiled for many years to prepare for the worst reappeared.
The evidence that the Array had been deactivated.
The Unknown Elder once again checked the status of the Array. Acknowledging the Array was released, he understood it had run its course, but it was merely a formality to clear his mind.
Finally, inspecting the altar, Ho Cheon-an saw a letter placed atop it and chuckled lightly. Despite saying he had let go and was laughing, he hadn’t sensed a single thing while leaving this behind.
“It seems you’ve had quite a tough time in that life.”
The letter had two big characters written on it.
再起 (Rebirth).
Ho Cheon-an gazed at those two characters for quite a while. While the moon set and the sun rose, he merely stared fixedly at the two characters that wouldn’t move, then tucked the letter into his chest.
“You were right.”
Until now, Ho Cheon-an had listened to Hyeok Gi-rin’s last words, helping whenever there was a big issue in the Huang Nation.
Each time he witnessed the world in chaos, he turned a blind eye to it while helping solely with Huang Nation’s matters, continually burying himself in research.
“It’s time to act to redeem my mistakes.”
Today, the wheels of resentment stomping and setting fire to the world were far too colossal for even Ho Cheon-an to bear. Righteous Faction, Outcast Faction, Huang Nation, outskirts… countless factions were entangled, hunting each other, spilling blood.
With a heart rendered to ash and fully devoid of remnants, he hadn’t even considered stopping or thought he could stop that wheel.
Ho Cheon-an did not believe he could stop the wheel of resentment.
However, he was resolved to do what he could.
The Ho Cheon-an of the past told him to walk again.
To walk again, he needed to make every effort to embrace his heart.
He thought it only right to rise up in response to that action.
Ho Cheon-an thought this as he left the cave, stepping into the world.
Later, in a Martial World of some worldline,
There began the second saga of the Thunder Name Zhonja, a martial artist viewed as both the culprit of chaos and the bringer of peace due to his contradictory path; thus, becoming an eternal topic among enthusiasts.
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