Chapter: 291
I wanted to make her human.
What on earth do the words that Wi Seol-ah uttered mean?
The reason why the Sword Venerable took Shinui and Wi Seol-ah to Jangga.
The implication that it’s to make Wi Seol-ah human.
‘Are you saying that Wi Seol-ah wasn’t human in the first place?’
It’s a puzzling tale.
Look here and gaze there.
Because Wi Seol-ah was indeed human.
Wi Seol-ah mentioned it was to seal the great vessel and power that she possessed.
After hearing this, I could somewhat grasp what was being said about that.
‘Presence.’
The presence that had never been felt from Wi Seol-ah.
Now, it’s become distinctly noticeable.
This must be the difference.
The Wi Seol-ah I encountered after my return.
She lacked any presence or hint of movement.
Until she appeared before my eyes.
Or until her voice was heard.
It became questionable whether she even stood next to me.
‘Is that also connected to what we just discussed?’
Sometimes.
There are humans born with an inherently weak presence.
This too is considered talent.
Most assassins referred to as shadow agents possess such talent.
Among them, the Shadow King was born with a murderous aura.
He’s a figure whose ability as a shadow agent has reached its peak.
Namgung Bi-ah also carries such traits, yet because her appearance draws attention, it was as if she didn’t exist.
In that light, perhaps it’s fair to say about Wi Seol-ah.
‘It was excessive.’
Not just that her presence was faint.
I recall it nearly didn’t exist.
Moreover.
The otherworldly strength that appeared in a body considered ordinary.
There were plenty of situations where she couldn’t be viewed as an ordinary person.
From my perspective.
‘Well, it is a future divine sword, so it’s not impossible, right?’
I accepted it without much thought.
‘If Wi Seol-ah wasn’t human from the get-go….’
No…
If she isn’t human, then what is she?
If Wi Seol-ah isn’t human, how are we to classify her?
I couldn’t figure it out.
Besides.
Even if we put that discussion behind us.
It doesn’t justify why the Sword Venerable headed to seek marriage.
To close the vessel that every living being possesses.
Putting aside how that’s even possible.
If Wi Seol-ah isn’t human.
Closing it wouldn’t turn her human.
If, as Wi Seol-ah claimed, the Immortal Healer accomplished this,
‘Why did there need to be a marriage?’
That wouldn’t be a reason to abandon family and ao for marriage.
The Immortal Healer was in Gu Village, after all.
What pressing need led them to a distant wedding?
That held true in both past and present lives.
I couldn’t grasp it though.
After hearing what Wi Seol-ah subsequently said, I could determine why Geomjon had to travel to Jangga.
-… There was a massive blue rock in the room.
A huge rock with a bluish hue.
There wasn’t much of an explanation, but upon hearing Wi Seol-ah’s words, something dawned on me.
‘Bongma Stone…?’
A thing I was well aware of from my previous life.
This magical item was utilized by Jegal Hyuk, the Immortal Healer’s grandson and the brain of the Demonic Cult.
Its effect resembled that of formations or barriers.
It was a peculiar artifact that sealed bet and magic within a specified area.
Only Cheonma could exert power there, as far as I could tell.
I heard that it was set in place to protect Jegal Hyuk, who was an ordinary person.
‘Was that originally owned by Jangga?’
Moreover, I thought its effect was simply to prevent the use of one’s energy.
I had no idea it could seal energy as well.
‘If it was the Immortal Healer’s doing, then is that part of divine medicine?’
Who knows?
If Geomjon genuinely knew that Jangga possessed the Seal of Magic Stone.
And headed there for it.
Then dragging the Immortal Healer along would imply they needed to utilize the stone and separately wield the Immortal Healer’s powers.
Ultimately.
It suggests that they narrowed Wi Seol-ah’s vessel and restored her presence and aura.
‘What connection does this have with becoming human?’
There are circumstances when one is unaware of another’s existence.
One is as I explained.
When talent tilts towards that direction.
As I experience when gazing at the Sword Venerable.
There are times the level difference is so vast you can’t sense it.
One, this might merely be blurry.
It wasn’t that there was no presence at all.
A fitting example would be.
‘Cheonma experienced this.’
The number one figure in the Demonic Cult.
A being that raged and dragged the Central Plains towards death.
Whenever Cheonma moved even a step, the surroundings bowed down in silence.
That was when Cheonma exuded their presence.
The ordinary Cheonma was different from that.
So.
If the Sword Venerable wishes to make Wi Seol-ah human.
It suggests she isn’t human herself.
‘The bond with the Sword Venerable may not even be blood-related.’
On top of that.
The questions I constantly harbored in my heart.
Concerning the relationship between Cheonma and Wi Seol-ah.
There could be alternative reasons.
‘…If there’s a connection, does it mean that Cheonma isn’t human either?’
Although it was a force that seemed unhuman, I never genuinely perceived them as non-human.
‘Then what on earth are they?’
Who is Wi Seol-ah, and what kind of being is Cheonma?
If they are not human.
Does that not set them apart from the beings referred to as aliens, like the naked race?
‘This is absurd.’
I don’t believe there are only humans in this world.
In the Demon Gate, creatures emerge.
Moreover, I understand it’s not solely ‘creatures’ that appear.
And in reality, there’s me.
As such, it gets muddled to call me human.
‘So, the reason Geomjon traveled to Jangga was ultimately for the Bongma Stone?’
A precious item thought to have been discovered by Cheonma and handed over to Jegal Hyuk.
Could it be that it was actually retrieved from Jangga?
Or was there another Bongma Stone?
‘The larger question lies elsewhere.’
The most significant question here.
If in past and present lives.
Wi Seol-ah’s life remains unchanged.
In my previous life, the divine sword also meant that energy and the vessel were sealed.
Maybe not, but the reason I ponder like this is simple.
‘Because now is closer to my past life.’
The presence and aura from Wi Seol-ah that I felt instantly.
It resembled the sensations I experienced when I saw Wi Seol-ah during my past life.
Reducing and diminishing original energy.
A state where one regains their sense of presence.
Then, what of Wi Seol-ah?
Did she indeed oppose Cheonma while sealed?
In that state, it is still Wi Seol-ah holding the sword and reaching her peak after years.
‘Then, if she hadn’t been sealed….’
What if she had wielded the sword without sealing her vessel?
What might have transpired?
If there’s a way to break the seal placed on Wi Seol-ah.
Wouldn’t it become easier to thwart the calamity Cheonma would wreak?
Suddenly, such thoughts skittered through my mind.
slap!
I shocked myself back to reality, cheek stinging from the self-inflicted reprimand.
The most effective method would be to have Wi Seol-ah wield the sword sooner.
I knew I simply needed to make her stronger than her past self.
Yet, I realized it wasn’t something I had to enforce.
Now that we’ve arrived at this point, there’s a significantly clearer method available.
Now isn’t the time to suppress my heart.
I didn’t want to bite my tongue and call it a day.
Wi Seol-ah had to live her own life.
Not as a hero or a divine swordsman.
‘What did the Sword Venerable think when he abruptly intervened?’
It couldn’t solely be because his granddaughter’s potential and talent were too remarkable.
There must be another reason behind it.
In another instance.
Even if I were curious, under normal circumstances I wouldn’t have probed because it seemed dangerous.
‘…Should I seek out the Sword Venerable?’
If it relates to that.
I needed to know something. Honestly, I feel a bit scared and don’t want to meet him.
Now isn’t the time for cowardice.
Perhaps.
It could also be intertwined with Cheonma.
As I stood there, lost in thought, someone approached me and spoke.
“…What are you doing?”
“…Just lost in thought.”
“You’re bleeding.”
“Huh?”
Upon hearing that, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
A little blood was smeared on it.
Seems I really slapped myself too hard.
And the one who pointed that out was none other than Peng Ah-hee.
“What’s up? Did you fight?”
“…I just tripped.”
“That’s the loser’s excuse after a fight. Who did you lose to?”
“Why immediately start a quarrel upon seeing me?”
“Not a quarrel, just joking? Your face looked sour.”
“….”
Peng Ah-hee chuckled, bursting into laughter.
It was a face I hadn’t witnessed in nearly a year.
“Are you joining the ranking as well?”
In response to my inquiry, Peng Ah-hee shrugged and replied.
“As you can see. If I don’t, there will be chaos at home.”
Well, that holds true.
The Four Great Families tended to be particularly sensitive regarding the Heavenly Dragon Academy.
Considering that the previous Heavenly Dragon was Peng Wujin, it was only natural Peng Ah-hee wouldn’t be absent.
“Even if I go, there’s not much I can actually do.”
Among the blood relatives of the Four Great Families,
She remains the only one who hasn’t yet reached the Six Dragons and Three Peaks and currently lacks a proper nickname.
That’s why she remarks so matter-of-factly.
I was aware of the nickname she would eventually attain when reaching the Blood Calamity.
Even if it’s not at the level of a Sword Emperor like my brother.
“Put forth effort, you’ll surely succeed.”
With those words I tossed out casually, Peng Ah-hee instantly wore a quirky expression.
What’s with that face? It’s slightly irritating.
“What? Why are you staring at me like that?”
“That sounds awfully weird, are you trying to woo me?”
“I nearly cursed at you to your face just now. Watch your words.”
“Sorry, but I’m not into guys with tons of women. Plus, we’re already over.”
“…You’re crazy, I didn’t even try to seduce you.”
My head was already swarming with thoughts, and she just had to stir in more chaos.
“We’re just friends; I’ll take your feelings correctly.”
“I’d like to end that friendship now. Is that okay?”
Upon my words, finally, Peng Ah-hee burst into laughter.
I’ve known she’d been joking all along.
What on earth is driving her antics?
“Aren’t you in Group 1?”
“Yeah, I’m in Group 1.”
“Then, would you all kindly dissipate?”
Did they forget why we divided ourselves into units?
Why do they come here to vex me?
“It’s fine since we haven’t started yet.”
“Instructor! There’s a lunatic here…!”
“Oh! I’m coming! I’m heading there now!”
As I tried to summon the instructor without hesitation, Peng Ah-hee blocks my way in a hurry.
Why is she panicking so much?
“No… It’s nothing serious; I just had something on my mind I wanted to share.”
“What’s that?”
“…Don’t think too outlandishly; it’s merely a feeling.”
Peng Ah-hee approached, her expression a touch somber.
As I nearly pushed her away, thinking she was too close.
“That person named Shinui… there seems to be something off about him.”
I had to halt my conversation with Peng Ah-hee.
“…I hear they have quite the good character. But something feels wrong. The way he looks at me feels a bit odd.”
“…”
Now that was unexpected.
I didn’t know Peng Ah-hee had such an astute sense.
Moreover, she came to alert me about it?
While she voiced that, Peng Ah-hee swiftly added an anxious follow-up.
“Just take it casually; it’s simply my hunch.”
Since Jang Seon-yeon seems to present a very polished exterior.
Even though saying such a thing may come across as odd.
Peng Ah-hee was caring enough to warn me.
Her and I.
Considering that we started as foes, our relationship seems to have ended quite harmoniously.
“…I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”
Saying that, I instinctively reached out my hand.
To ruffle her hair like I did with Wi Seol-ah and Dang So-yeol.
Since our body types were similar, I did this unconsciously.
Peng Ah-hee deftly grabbed my hand.
“Oh ho, you shouldn’t do that to a girl you have no feelings for.”
“…Ah, sorry, it was just a habit.”
“If that’s the habit, you should amend it. If a different girl gets involved, your pretty sister will pull out her knives, you know?”
“….”
“That’s right; looking at you, I didn’t think you’d attract any women. And therein lies the problem with you.”
“I’ll be careful.”
At my remark, Peng Ah-hee let go of my hand and chuckled.
As she said, I had to be cautious.
The real issue was my acclimation to it.
“Oh, and.”
“Hmm?”
“Did something occur between you and Brother Hyuk?”
“…Who on earth is that?”
“Sleeping Dragon.”
“Hmm?”
A name that seems oddly misaligned with Peng Ah-hee popped up.
Why did his name come into the picture?
“You… are you friends with that brat… eh, with the Sleeping Dragon Sohyeop?”
“I’m not super tight, but Hyuk and my brother know each other somewhat.”
So, the Sleeping Dragon and Peng Wujin have ties?
This is something I’m unaware of.
‘I’ve never heard of the Sleeping Dragon mentioning anything about backstabbing.’
He may have skipped mentioning it to me.
Were they acquaintances all along?
“So?”
“No, I was asking about you.”
“About me? The Sleeping Dragon?”
“Yeah. So, what happened?”
Did the Sleeping Dragon go and inquire about me through Peng Ah-hee?
Though it makes me ponder if there’s more.
“Oh, something must have happened.”
“What kind of situation?”
“It’s nothing major.”
I remember the time I arrived in Hanam.
“I got annoyed when you were clashing on the street last time, so I knocked you down.”
“…That seems notably significant.”
Peng Ah-hee displayed a dismayed expression at my casually spoken words.
No… the issue lies with the crazies clashing on the streets.
Am I the problem here? That’s ridiculous.
“Would that be the cause?”
“No, not solely that… Regardless, ask when you meet next time.”
“Is it about a store?”
Once she finished speaking, Peng Ah-hee walked away without hesitation.
Seemed like she just aimed to deliver that news.
“I should take my leave. If anyone learns that we’ve been around each other too long, my life could be at stake.”
“What nonsense is this?”
“Such things exist, you idiot.”
Peng Ah-hee playfully stuck out her tongue at me.
Then, with a gentle step, she departed towards the gathering of Group 1 members.
I sighed, watching her retreating form.
‘Thanks to that, I feel a tad less suffocated.’
It seems my tangled thoughts have slightly unraveled.
Though I doubt that was Peng Ah-hee’s intention when she approached.
I genuinely appreciated it.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
‘Now, let’s focus on the matter at hand.’
After all, I had forcibly utilized my secret weapon just the day before yesterday.
Using my energy wasn’t running smoothly right now.
‘I still feel pain in my lower abdomen.’
I’ve tried to rest and practice deep meditation.
Yet, I haven’t recovered properly.
Oh, naturally, given the circumstance.
‘Is there really a need to exert force in a place where children are playing?’
Truthfully, I figured it might simply be acceptable to let it slide.
However, I had overlooked one fact.
Among this throng of little ones.
Lurking in their midst was indeed a real monster aside from me.
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