Chapter 250: Return (3)
The cloudless sky was exceptionally clear, yet the day was heating up vividly as if to proclaim the arrival of summer.
This year’s heat was far more intense than last year’s, as if last year’s discomfort had been merely a joke.
It was to the point that one could crack an egg on a sword, and it would fry instantly.
“I really got in trouble for trying that in the Abyss.”
I believe it was the Water Dragon’s sword.
It happened to be a scorching day, and having obtained a demon’s egg, I thought about suggesting we fry it up.
But naturally, we were caught, and I got into serious trouble.
-You idiot, that’s why I told you not to do it!
-…I never thought I’d get caught. Next time, I have to make sure it doesn’t happen.-It’s not about how to avoid getting caught; just don’t do it at all!
-Why are you making a fuss when you enjoyed the egg too?
That was the conversation we had.
I think it was either Moyong Hi-ah or Wi Seol-Ah.
One of them lectured me for nearly an hour, screaming like a madman about using their sword to cook an egg.
I didn’t actually do it, so I couldn’t understand why I was in trouble too.
It was likely because I didn’t stop him.
But how was I supposed to stop that crazy idiot?
“…It’s hot…”
Hearing the whine next to me, I turned my head and found Namgung Bi-ah sprawled out, drenched in sweat and looking thoroughly exhausted.
“Are you okay? …Maybe not.”
I almost asked if she was fine, but anyone could see she wasn’t, so I just kept my mouth shut.
Even reaching the peak of martial arts, which allows one to somewhat ignore the weather, the heat still seemed unbearable for her.
Though it doesn’t bother me.
Martial artists from Gu Clan, who have heat inherently stored in their bodies, tend to be indifferent to both hot and cold.
It’s hard to feel hot when the heat within you is already overwhelming.
Seeing Namgung Bi-ah struggle, I gestured with my hand.
“If it’s that hot, why not move over to Moyong’s Clan’s carriage?”
“I don’t want to.”
I suggested this because it would be cooler near Moyong Hi-ah, but she refused with determination.
They really seemed like they couldn’t get along at all.
She’d only feel heat being beside me, after all.
Is it because they’re similar that they dislike each other?
Putting aside their personalities, Namgung Bi-ah and Moyong Hi-ah definitely shared a similar atmosphere.
Maybe their resemblance made them resent one another.
That could very well be true.
I also tend to get oddly irritated meeting someone just like myself.
Ah, perhaps that’s just my inherently bad temper?
Clunk!
“I think we’ll arrive in about half a quarter.”
Those words came from Gu Jeolyub, who was leading the horse.
“You can even predict the time now. You’ve become quite experienced with this.”
“Haha!”
Gu Jeolyub laughed joyfully at my comment.
…What’s got him so happy?
He made a strange face when I complimented his sword skills last time, yet now he’s elated about being good at navigating a carriage; it didn’t make sense.
Before long, we entered Shanxi, precisely within the Gu Clan’s territory, just as Gu Jeolyub had said, and I saw the clan members waved to us once they recognized it was their blood relatives’ carriage.
I waved back gently.
Why are they waving at me?
I waved back, though I had no clue as to why they were doing that.
In my previous life, these people had cursed my name, yet now they were behaving as if nothing had happened.
Though I certainly deserved all that cursing back then.
I held no ill will towards those who resented me.
After all, I must have seemed no different from demons in their eyes.
After a brief wave, I pulled the blinds back down.
The thought of those bitter memories was draining me.
…I should catch some sleep when I get home.
It’s likely due to a lack of sleep lately.
Not just recently, but since last year, I haven’t recalled sleeping longer than a couple of hours.
No matter how much Qi flows inside,
Fatigue was likely piling up from not resting at all.
Just eating well or practicing some light Qi meditation wouldn’t be enough to fix that.
Oh well.
As I was about to settle on needing a break,
iSsshh.
I instinctively flinched at the sudden touch of something cold.
“…What are you doing?”
Checking, I discovered it was Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.
With the scorching heat outside, her hand was remarkably cold.
In response to my question, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head slightly.
“…You looked tired…”
“I am, but why is your hand so cold?”
“My hand is cold.”
“I know, it’s freezing.”
“…Touching something cold feels good when you’re hot.”
Then, she started gently rubbing my cheek.
Though her hand quickly warmed up from contact with my body, Namgung Bi-ah showed no intention of stopping her affection.
“How long are you going to do this?”
“…I don’t know?”
Her expression turned puzzled at my question.
If she doesn’t know, then who would?
Fine, go ahead and touch as long as you like…
Namgung Bi-ah’s odd behavior wasn’t new. I’d long since resigned myself to accept it since my previous life.
So there I was, my cheek under her caress, staring blankly at the ceiling of the carriage,
Before long,
“We have arrived.”
The carriage had rolled to a stop at the Gu Clan.
As I stepped out of the carriage, trying to shake off the dizziness from the long journey, someone greeted me as if they were waiting.
“It seems you’ve grown a bit. Not bad.”
“…You also seem taller, for some reason.”
“Really? It seems I’ve been growing again since I’ve been eating well lately.”
“You must be joking?”
I would guess this man is well over seventy.
What does he mean he’s getting taller?
…Could he actually be?
Doubts ran through me, but looking at his physique made me wonder if it was possible.
“Anyway… should I call you the First Elder from now on?”
“Call me whatever you want, it’s not that important anyway.”
The old man, laughing heartily, was Gu Ryun, the former Second Elder of the Gu Clan, now the newly appointed First Elder.
He had moved up to the First Elder position due to the vacancy, but he himself stated he didn’t want to do any extra work at his age.
After all, he was old; what more did he need to do?
So is the Fourth Elder position vacant now?
I had heard that the current leader of the First Army was slated to take that position after retirement, but the leader had hinted he didn’t want any part of that, leaving the situation unclear.
“Hmm.”
The First Elder, previously chatting away, suddenly grew silent as he examined me from head to toe.
“…You’ve changed quite a bit once again since the last time.”
…He’s really sharp.
After all, I had eaten a ton of food along the way, so it makes sense.
If I compared myself to where I was a year ago, my possession of Qi had significantly increased, and my physical capacity had grown considerably, too.
Which means I’m no longer a weakling who gets tired just from taking a few breaths of fire.
Though I’m still not quite ready to breach the wall.
With just a single chance, I could fully scale it.
So, if possible, I should reach the Fusion Realm within the next two years at the latest.
If not, it’ll be too late.
I needed to build my confidence slowly yet swiftly.
This wretched world moved too fast for my liking anyway.
Lost in these frustrating thoughts, the First Elder approached and asked,
“How long are you planning to stick around before you run off again?”
“…Why do you always assume I’ll be leaving? This is my home too, you know.”
“You’re always off somewhere… so I thought you might be heading out again. Haha!”
I wondered how many of those outings were genuinely my decision.
Additionally, trouble had followed me wherever I went.
…And yet, I have to go out again this time.
Heading for the Namgung Clan, wouldn’t I be less likely to bump into any issues?
Just hope there aren’t any weird types.
Considering that the household had no sane members, that might be wishful thinking.
…I’ll stick to keeping a low profile until I come back.
I often made that vow to myself, but I was sincere every time.
I should refrain from causing chaos.
It was already at a point where I couldn’t control it.
“Whatever it is,”
As I mulled over this complex situation,
Tap.
The First Elder’s heavy hand clapped on my shoulder.
“Welcome back. Good work.”
“…Yeah, thanks.”
It felt unusually awkward hearing those words accompanied by his bright smile.
“What’s your plan now?”
“I don’t have anything in particular right now…”
Moyong Hi-ah had left the moment she arrived in Shanxi, saying she had some business to take care of.
I should assume it’s related to the project with Tang Clan.
Thanks to that, things have shifted around here.
As soon as I entered Shanxi, I sensed the streets were busier than before.
The Moyong Clan’s industrial presence had made the area livelier.
What was it they said? They were selling items that weren’t even available in places like Hanam and Liaoning.
Rich households had reportedly gone crazy over such rare goods, so it was like bringing a flood of cash into Shanxi.
Although none of that money belongs to me.
But anyhow, that seemed like a good development.
Perhaps it was an effect of the recovery process after her ailment; Moyong Hi-ah seemed more energetic than ever.
I even noticed it slightly on the frontlines.
Perhaps I was feeling it too little?
At that moment, she was already bustling around saying she had errands to take care of right after arriving.
In contrast, Namgung Bi-ah had gone to sleep, declaring herself tired.
“I think I’ll take a nap too.”
Upon hearing about Lady Mi Hyoran’s arrival, it seemed absurd that I had to wait roughly two hours since she was currently in a meeting with my father.
I could use that nap I was thinking about too.
Really, when was the last time I had one?
Since the regress, I had the impression that I hadn’t genuinely rested.
It looked like everyone scattered to tend to their own matters.
In the meantime, I aimed to snatch a few moments of rest.
“Rest isn’t a bad idea, after all. Rest is quite important for a warrior.”
“Didn’t you say, ‘A martial artist ought to cut down on sleep and focus on training’?!”
“…That was because at that time you were skipping practice to run off.”
Well, it made sense…
It was reasonable for him to say such things at the time.
Meanwhile, the First Elder seemed to hold something back as he studied me closely.
“Is there something you wish to tell me?”
“Hmm, no, it’s nothing. But since you want to rest now, I’ll just say it later.”
“Huh…?”
What was with that unsettling remark?
Every time the First Elder spoke like that, he always left me with a problem or two, making me quite uneasy.
“Just let me know now.”
“Just rest, and I’ll come to you later. Take it easy.”
“…No, just tell me now… Where are you going?! Hey!”
He left without saying anything further, quickly leaping away into thin air.
Why is a man with no tasks darting off like he’s busy!
“…Damn it…!”
At last, the First Elder vanished, leaving nothing but anxiety in his wake, with no choice left but to stomp back home, agitated.
It had been a while since we saw each other, but that old man was just as he always was.
…Whatever. I’ll just sleep for now.
I instructed my servant to wake me up in about two hours.
It was challenging to fall into a deep sleep, so I would awaken soon, but this was more precautionary.
I shut my eyes and slowly began cycling my Qi.
It was intended to help me drift off faster.
Thanks to that, I could let my body relax into slumber.
I didn’t have any dreams during my sleep.
Actually, that was a relief.
I’d only end up having nightmares anyway.
For that reason alone, I didn’t want to encounter any dreams.
Then—
-Ah, hold on…! I’ll wake him up right away!
-Leave him, he looks exhausted, no need to wake him.
-But…!
Who was that?
Oh, maybe it’s my servant?
I literally felt like I just closed my eyes.
Had half an hour already passed?
-I’ll communicate with him directly later, just don’t sweat it.
The voice teasing my ear finally prompted me to sit up.
When I finally rose, the source of the voice seemed surprised to see me up.
“Oh no, I seem to have woken you.”
“…Is it time already?”
“Yes, unfortunately, it’s time.”
“Well, I should get ready before I… Huh?”
That voice didn’t sound familiar.
It definitely didn’t belong to Honghua… so was it Gu Huibi?
I instinctively lifted my head to see who it was,
“…Huh?”
Standing before me was someone I never expected at all.
“I wonder how long it’s been… I believe it’s been around five years.”
Dressed remarkably, her hair was tied back, showcasing her features.
Though a slight trace of time had touched her face, she still radiated grace and elegance.
Her unique appearance, reminiscent of Gu Huibi and Gu Yeonseo, lent her an air of both majesty and resilience.
I knew who she was, yet I recognized that she shouldn’t really be in my room.
“…Lady Mi?”
She was the legitimate wife of the Lord, the present Lady of Gu Clan.
The Lady of White Flowers, Mi Hyoran.
It was indeed her.
“It has been a long time.”
Even after muttering my words, it still felt surreal.
With my drowsy eyes, I squinted at her, finding nothing changed, and eventually nodded in agreement.
“So it’s just a dream.”
Dreams had always been nightmares for me, so it seemed likely this would be the same.
“I’m having such a wild dream due to the lack of sleep.”
After uttering my thoughts, I slumped back down to sleep. However, when I finally sensed something unusual and roused, roughly fifteen minutes had passed.
Step.
A man with a sculpted appearance walked leisurely down a spacious corridor.
The sword hanging by his waist stood upright as if it were alive, and every step he took radiated the elegance of a young noble.
As the young man proceeded, a nearby servant flashed a bright smile, greeting him enthusiastically.
“Good day, Young Master…!”
“Hello, thank you for your hard work. Have you eaten yet?”
“Yes…!”
“You need to take care of yourself, or our clan will collapse alongside you.”
“A-Ah…! Thank you…!”
With that, the young man continued on his way,
-How can he speak so charmingly? He seems perfect.
-I know right? That’s why they call him the miracle of the Taeryung Clan…!
The servants whispered animatedly, but the bright smile that had adorned the young man’s face vanished, replaced by a stark, rigid expression.
So bothersome.
It was tiring to be forced to be nice to such commoners.
The young man, Jang Seonyeon, quietly touched his lips, hastening his pace.
He could only find solace in witnessing a sight that brought him joy when he felt such frustration.
That was the only solution for him.
To see what he desired.
Or to do what he wanted.
With swift strides, Jang Seonyeon closed the distance to a vast building.
The entrance before him loomed towering high, almost twice his height.
Without hesitation, he reached for the doorknob,
Creeeak.
And with all his might, he opened the door.
Whoosh!
As the door cracked, a gust of wind rushed outward.
He could feel dense Qi swirling in the breeze.
…She’s grown stronger.
The aura she radiated now was undeniably greater than the last time he felt it.
She’d be different today, and even different tomorrow.
She was undergoing remarkable growth.
She could be genuinely regarded as a monster.
In just one year.
Despite not having trained with a sword for a full year, she achieved far too much.
Even if she’s the Sword Venerable’s disciple, this is excessive.
BANG!
Suddenly, as the door swung wide open,
Jang Seonyeon took his first steps inside, only to halt abruptly.
He could not advance further after just a couple of steps.
A razor-sharp wave shot towards his feet.
The ground sparkled with traces of her sword energy left behind, and Jang Seonyeon maintained an awkward expression as he gazed ahead.
“Isn’t your greeting a bit too extreme?”
While he hadn’t spoken softly, there was still no reply from her. She acted as though she did not hear him at all.
“I came to hear your voice… yet you still seem unchanged.”
Further away, just slightly farther away.
He spotted the girl tying her hair back as she put down her sword.
The instant Jang Seonyeon’s eyes met hers, he unconsciously swallowed hard.
So beautiful.
Despite being drenched in sweat from her rigorous training, she was more radiant than anyone else.
She seemed entirely transformed compared to how she looked the first time he met her.
As Jang Seonyeon cautiously drew closer, the woman said,
“…Stay right there.”
Hearing this, Jang Seonyeon began speaking with joy.
“Will you only speak if I come this close?”
“I don’t wish to see your face for long, so please keep your words brief.”
Her tone was icy and sharp.
Although her voice appeared soft and warm, the sentiment within was as frigid as ice.
“I still don’t comprehend.”
He couldn’t grasp why this girl despised him so much.
“I can’t understand why you hate me so deeply. Please tell me.”
Again, there was silence.
Clearly indicating that she wished for no further conversation.
With a final, heavy sigh, Jang Seonyeon retrieved a letter from his pocket and presented it to the girl.
“This is a letter meant for you. Of course, I received one too.”
Imbuing it with Qi, he sent the letter gliding towards her.
Thud.
The girl caught it with one hand and unfolded it to read its contents.
“…”
Her eyes widened in surprise at what she found in the letter.
Was there something unexpected written there?
Observing her reaction, Jang Seonyeon slowly continued his explanation.
“No matter how much you detest me, it can’t be helped. The entrance is in winter. This matter was even approved by the Sword Venerable, so I’d advise against running away.”
“…”
“Oh, you probably won’t attempt to escape.”
She frowned disapprovingly at his words.
Even that scowl was beautiful to him.
“‘He’ will come as well, so how could you not…?”
Crash!
Before he could finish, a golden sword wave swept past him with blinding speed.
It occurred in an instant.
“Don’t—”
Her voice began laced with an aura of menace.
Jang Seonyeon felt goosebumps rise on his back as her killing intent intensified.
“Please, don’t say another word.”
Smiling, he raised his hands in surrender.
An expression akin to saying he wouldn’t go further.
“Since that is all, I will take my leave now. It was nice seeing your face again.”
As soon as he finished, he turned around to depart.
Even as he walked away, the smile lingered on his face.
It feels good to see her strengthened.
He knew not why she hated him so fiercely, yet his interest lay elsewhere.
It may not be so bad that way.
People commonly desired what was hard to attain, and Jang Seonyeon found himself favoring that notion.
“…”
Once Jang Seonyeon had left, the girl remained still, gazing at the letter clutched in her hand.
The contents written therein were concise, not much would change even upon subsequent readings, yet her thoughts presently were filled with other matters.
-‘He’ will come as well.
The words Jang Seonyeon uttered echoed in her ears, stirring her conflicted thoughts.
Faces and voices invaded her mind, prompting her to mutter softly, almost involuntarily.
“…Young Master.”
As she spoke, the girl wore a face that carried a profound sense of longing.
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