Chapter 174: It Is Fate (3)
Inside the vast forest, where the end was invisible, a thick purple mist hung heavily.
It was so dense that I couldn’t tell whether it was day or night at all.
All I could sense was the gentle scent of the mountains and the sound of crickets, which made me vaguely suspect it might be night.
Crunch-crunch-
A harsh sound echoed through the trees.
It was the sound of something being broken and ripped out.
Flutter-
As the noise rang out, the birds that had been hiding in the forest suddenly took flight.
—Hah.
After finishing a grueling battle, I let out a long sigh.
I tossed the neck of the defeated demon far away; it belonged to a green creature that resembled a wolf.
Thud!
The demon’s head landed on the ground, and in front of it stood someone.
The moment I recognized who it was, my expression crumpled.
It was someone I desperately didn’t want to see.
—What.
Even my voice came out curt and blunt.
—Are you that tired after just catching one green demon?
—Why are you picking a fight as soon as you see me? Want to die?
The woman speaking to me in that mocking tone was none other than Moyong Hi-ah, the Snow Phoenix.
She looked like she had rolled around in dirt and leaves wherever she had come from.
In response to my words, Moyong Hi-ah let out an exasperated snort.
—Must be nice, being so unbothered.
—Unbothered? Do I look unbothered to you?
I had fought tooth and nail just to stay alive, yet she casually claimed I was taking it easy.
This was exactly why I couldn’t stand that damn woman.
She seemed to think the world revolved around her.
Trying to cut off the conversation, I spat on the ground, but Moyong Hi-ah wasn’t done.
—You’re just messing around with some demon, completely clueless about the situation, so it makes sense that you look unbothered.
At her words, I raised my gaze to look at Moyong Hi-ah.
—What are you saying? Speak clearly.
Moyong Hi-ah rolled her eyes.
—I thought I finally found someone, but it just had to be you. What rotten luck.
—You damn bitch.
Why was she the one drawing fire when she was the one who approached me?
I was already exhausted from fighting for my life.
Even as I growled and flared up my anger, Moyong Hi-ah’s expression remained deeply discontent.
—…How long has it been since you saw the others?
—What?
I questioned her unexpected inquiry, but she just hurried me along, completely unfazed.
—How long has it been? Don’t beat around the bush and hurry up, it’s urgent.
—About three days, I think.
—Three days? Didn’t you find it strange at all after three days?
—What are you talking about? Speak clearly.
After hearing what I said, Moyong Hi-ah ran a hand through her hair.
She looked genuinely flustered.
—…Everyone has disappeared.
I frowned at that statement.
It had been a whole year since we had become trapped in this damned world.
The number of survivors who had fallen into the Abyss together with me had decreased from the start, but there were still many left.
Thanks to efforts from that Water Dragon and Wi Seol-Ah, we had held on.
But everyone had vanished?
—What are you saying? How could they all disappear when this place isn’t that big?
This was the northern forest I had come to scout.
It was thick with fog, but I had brought others, hoping to find food or a way out.
But all of them had disappeared?
At the very least, there should have been around twenty people who came in with me.
Moyong Hi-ah also seemed confused by my question.
—That’s exactly what I’m saying. If they had gone missing, shouldn’t you have been searching for them? What are you doing here?
—Can’t you see? I’m trying to survive!
As previously shown, I was barely holding on by grappling with demons in this cursed forest.
To be honest, it was a pretty dangerous situation.
—Even if they were just green-rank demons, I haven’t slept for three days!
I barely made it through earlier just because I could not afford to collapse.
Moyong Hi-ah laughed apathetically at my response.
—Then you should have gone looking for others instead. What a pathetic sight you are, just sitting here by yourself.
—I figured they just left me behind.
—What?
Moyong Hi-ah seemed stunned by my casual comment.
She definitely heard what I said, so why was she asking again?
—It’s not that strange of a situation, is it?
—…
Perhaps because I said it too casually, for a moment, Moyong Hi-ah appeared at a loss for words.
Did that sound that odd to her?
To me, it was completely normal to assume I’d be left behind.
The same held true for Moyong Hi-ah, standing right in front of me.
There’s no way that crazy woman believed that I had any reason for them to stick around.
I was sure she would throw me to the wolves the moment danger approached.
With a sigh that seemed to convey understanding, Moyong Hi-ah continued.
—Anyway… You haven’t even tried to leave the forest yet, have you?
—Not yet?
To be honest, I had never even thought about leaving the forest.
—We can’t.
Moyong Hi-ah stated resolutely just as that thought crossed my mind.
—What do you mean we can’t?
—I kept heading back towards the entrance I came in from, but all I did was end up looping and circling around the same area. I never managed to get out of the forest.
—Are you just bad at finding the entrance?
—Do you think I’m as clueless as you? Of course, I marked where I went.
—…
I was so mad I could scream. Should I just charge at her?
The urge to retaliate burned within me, but I repressed it.
It wouldn’t end well for me if I acted recklessly in my current state.
—Whatever… So we can’t leave the forest?
—If you don’t believe me, then go see for yourself.
So, I decided to check for myself.
Thankfully, the markings that Moyong Hi-ah said she left behind hadn’t vanished, and if I simply followed them, I should be able to find the entrance.
But…
—…Why am I back here again?
I found myself back in the very forest where I first encountered Moyong Hi-ah.
Even with my usually carefree way of living, I knew that the path I took with her had been a straight line.
There was definitely no way that path was supposed to bring me back here.
—I told you.
Moyong Hi-ah, who had been quietly following behind me, stated confidently as if she was announcing her victory.
—We can’t leave.
I surveyed the area with tired eyes.
The fog still filled the forest and sky, and the crickets chirped noisily as if nothing was wrong. But considering this was the Abyss, I had to wonder if those crickets were ever truly insects at all.
I stared silently at Moyong Hi-ah before finally speaking up.
—So you’re saying everyone else has disappeared, and it’s just you and me stuck in this forest?
Her expression twisted into a frown, but she didn’t argue against me.
That was probably because I was spot-on.
To put it simply, everyone who had entered this scouting trip had vanished, leaving only that crazy woman and me. To top it off, we couldn’t even leave?
As that thought settled in, I rubbed my face and whispered softly.
—I’m screwed.
She didn’t respond to that either.
I really wished she would say I was wrong for once.
But reality remained unforgiving.
Looking back later, I would realize that was the beginning of a long, twisted fate.
The stairs leading to the Shaolin Temple weren’t particularly steep compared to those at Mount Hua.
It made sense, considering that it drew a lot more visitors than Mount Hua did.
Of course, you had to give them a heads-up before visiting.
But that was just a simple matter.
Before hatching an escape plan from Muyeon, I had already sent a notice to contact Shaolin Temple.
I had planned to return to the clan shortly after the tournament, so it was only wise to prepare ahead of time.
—But what’s up with her?
Why was Moyong Hi-ah here?
Moyong Hi-ah, casually standing in front of the temple, looked out of place with the serene environment.
When I looked at her, my expression was a mix of shock and confusion, but she only smiled and adjusted her clothing.
“Such a coincidence, Young Master Gu.”
It was definitely not a coincidence. My instincts were screaming.
If that sly woman said it was a coincidence, I had no choice but to disbelieve her.
—Why are you here?
—Why? I have business at Shaolin Temple too.
—Business? What kind of business?
At my question, Moyong Hi-ah pointed somewhere.
Even her smallest movements were infused with elegance, but it was downright discomforting.
—I’ve just arrived. It’s about that business.
—…
I felt a sudden headache coming on.
It was clear Moyong Hi-ah had no intention of clearly explaining her reasons.
—I swear I refused your earlier request.
—Is it not okay since we’ve met by chance?
—Didn’t you just admit it’s not by chance?
—It is by chance. Although I have business with Young Master Gu, how could I have known you would arrive at this specific time?
That was precisely what I wanted to know.
—How did you know? You crazy woman.
—I don’t think she stole the letter I sent in advance.
It wasn’t impossible, but I assumed even Moyong Hi-ah wouldn’t resort to such underhanded tactics.
So the best course of action was just to ask directly.
—I’m curious, how did you know I would come to Shaolin Temple today?
As I asked, Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes sparkled like crescent moons. Her smile was so enchanting that it felt like my heart could burst at any moment.
—It was just a feeling.
—What?
—I felt that Young Master Gu would leave today.
I almost laughed at her absurdity, but recalling her track record from my past life, I resisted.
Moyong Hi-ah was extremely logical and calculated in her actions,
But sometimes her hunches were right on the money, often leading to very unfortunate situations.
So, in retrospect, many came to trust her instincts far more than her rational strategies.
When I didn’t respond and continued to stare at her, Moyong Hi-ah continued.
—Young Master Gu is quite the unique one, huh.
—What do you mean by that?
—Most people wouldn’t make that face if told it was just intuition.
—I’m just in shock. This is the first time I’ve heard such nonsense.
—I see.
Her smirk revealed her disbelief in what I was saying.
At this point, my curiosity got the better of me.
—Why are you doing this?
I even considered her earlier request.
I thought Moyong Hi-ah was after that Pissing Dragon bastard.
But was that not the case?
It couldn’t be.
—Young Master Gu.
—Yes.
—Since it’s fate that we met here, would you like to visit Shaolin Temple together?
—First of all, it’s definitely not fate, plus you can’t enter with me.
—Why not?
—While I had sent a letter ahead of time to Shaolin, you just showed up out of nowhere.
At the very least, she should have informed them a day in advance.
Shaolin was certainly more open than other clans, but certain protocols still had to be followed.
After hearing my words, Moyong Hi-ah replied with a light chuckle.
—You don’t need to worry about that.
—Huh?
As confusion set in, someone came down the stairs and greeted us with clasped hands.
It was a young monk who looked even younger than me.
—I am Heeyoung. I have been assigned to guide the two of you, and I apologize if I am lacking.
While considering the young monk’s introduction, the strange phrasing caught my attention.
—Heeyoung… monk?
—Yes, that is correct. Ah, are you Gu Yangcheon?
—I’m Gu Yangcheon.
—We received your message. The Abbott asked me to convey his congratulations if I happened to see you.
—Oh, yes. Thank you.
The sudden mention of the Shaolin Abbott caught me off guard, but that wasn’t what I needed to focus on right now.
—Monk, did you just say “two people”?
Heeyoung tilted his head in confusion.
—Yes, I mentioned the two of you standing before me.
After hearing him speak without a hint of doubt, I shot a shocked glance toward Moyong Hi-ah, who still wore a smile.
Her smile was so captivating that even Heeyoung, who had likely spent his entire life as a monk, started to blush slightly.
—You heard me say you didn’t need to worry.
Moyong Hi-ah tucked her hair behind her ear. The gentle breeze brought a waft of her fragrance to me.
—I don’t act without a plan.
I almost remarked that was her biggest issue, but I held my tongue just in time.
Whether Moyong Hi-ah knew my thoughts or not—though she probably did and was just pretending not to—she said,
—Shall we go?
With that confident smile, I was left utterly speechless.
Originally, the Shaolin Temple was Elder Shin’s intended destination, but things had changed, and I found myself heading there without him.
Following monk Heeyoung up the stairs, I took in the timeless elegance that Shaolin exuded.
The buildings here seemed about twice the size of those at Mount Hua.
That wasn’t to say Mount Hua was small; rather, Shaolin Temple was massive in comparison.
I could only imagine the abundant donations and backing that this place received from Hanam.
—What was that old man trying to discover here?
I thought of the aged swordsman who had become a ghost in this land after a life of heroics.
The Divine Sword of Mount Hua, Shincheol, who was likely deep in slumber at the moment.
—This is where most tourists gather.
I followed Heeyoung’s gesture to a large lake situated in Shaolin.
The water was so clear that I could see straight to the bottom, and a pure white fish was swimming around.
Feeling puzzled by the sight of just one fish, I continued watching until Heeyoung began to explain.
—That is the prized treasure of Shaolin Temple, the White Fish of Purity.
—That fish is a treasure?
—Indeed. In ancient times, the great hero, the Light of Might, left it in this lake after stopping the Blood Demon’s blood disaster.
That meant the fish must have lived for hundreds of years.
Wasn’t it basically a demon at that point?
I couldn’t bring myself to question whether the treasure of Shaolin was a demon, so I simply nodded in acceptance.
—Was there something like this in my past life?
Back then, I hadn’t cared much about Shaolin and certainly hadn’t heard anything about this fish.
It was just fascinating to me how a living creature could be deemed a treasure.
—By the way, is it really okay to just let that fish swim freely?
What would happen if someone showed up and made off with it?
As I gazed at the fish while lost in thought, Heeyoung sensed my concerns and added,
—To prevent anyone with ill intentions from approaching, the Abbott has set up a barrier around it. So we can easily notice if someone tries to get close.
Hearing that reminded me of the barrier at Mount Hua.
I enhanced my vision with Qi and saw that there was indeed a faint barrier encompassing the lake.
—I have one question, monk Heeyoung.
—Yes, I am focused.
—Is there a reason why the monks give tours like this?
—Oh.
It was purely out of curiosity.
Although Shaolin was filled with monks, I couldn’t imagine that they had the capacity to give individualized tours to every single visitor.
Heeyoung hesitated for a moment before responding with a nervous tone.
—That’s not the case, but the Chief Abbott specifically ordered me to do so.
—The Heavenly Eye himself, huh.
—Yes. He mentioned that a precious guest would arrive soon, and so I should treat them well.
—A precious guest, huh?
It was a strange notion, especially considering it came from the Abbott of Shaolin, a man capable of reading the movements of celestial energy.
—Does that old man know I traveled through time?
I highly doubted it.
If he had been aware, he surely would have shown himself much sooner.
I felt I had unintentionally revealed more than I should have, which made my stomach churn uneasily.
This was why I should have throttled it back when I faced him that time.
With a slight sigh, I turned my gaze forward.
I dared not look back, as the intense scrutiny felt ominous.
The feeling of being watched was suffocating.
Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze bore into me, intensely focused.
—Why did she ask me to come along only to remain silent?
Even after entering the Shaolin Temple, Moyong Hi-ah hadn’t uttered a word.
Instead, she fixed her impassioned stare on me as if trying to uncover something hidden.
I followed Heeyoung in silence along the lakeside path.
Moyong Hi-ah continued her silence, making it difficult for me to endure her piercing gaze for an extended time.
—I can’t take this anymore.
At last, I turned around and shot a look at Moyong Hi-ah.
—Lady Moyong, why are you doing this to me…
I faltered in my question.
It was because Moyong Hi-ah had come to a complete stop.
Not just her steps, but every aspect of her seemed frozen in time.
The foot she had lifted to walk was suspended in mid-air,
along with her hands and the sharp gaze observing me.
Even the leaves rustling in the wind came to a standstill.
—…What is happening?
The entire world had stopped moving.
Everything was frozen… except for me.
In this bizarre moment, my instincts kicked in, and I charged my Qi.
This situation was far too strange.
—Is this an ambush?
Did that imply a being existed that could wield such bizarre power?
Then, suddenly…
[cheol.]
A voice echoed from somewhere.
[Shincheol]
The voice belonged to an elderly man, gentle yet commanding.
I pivoted towards the sound immediately.
And there…
Was the very White Fish of Purity that had previously been swimming in the lake, now fixating its gaze on me.
[Shincheol, you arrogant, stubborn, bastard!]
It delivered its greeting with quite an assertive flare.
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