Chapter: 406
As a storm swept through and evening arrived, after finishing our meal.
I had my hand on Moyong Hi-ah’s back in the empty carriage.
I had to send her warmth after quite a long time.
Swish…
Could it be that it’s been a while since I felt this warm?
“…Ugh.”
Moyong Hi-ah’s back twitched slightly.
I had heard before that it felt strange.
Only after sending out a good amount of warmth did I retract my hand.
Once the treatment was completed, Moyong Hi-ah finally released the breath she had been holding.
“Haah…”
Listening to her sigh, I spoke up.
“How many more times will this take?”
“…That sounds about right.”
The coldness radiating from within Moyong Hi-ah had significantly lessened compared to before.
If this pace continues, it seems I’ll be able to finish all treatments within the next six months.
‘If that happens…’
Moyong Hi-ah should be able to start her training again too.
If we’re counting by years, it’s already been two years.
That’s the duration without training as a martial artist for Moyong Hi-ah.
Two years is quite a long time for someone who’s supposed to be training.
Even if she occasionally exercises, it seems like she’s only been doing basic physical training.
If we delay any longer, various issues will arise.
‘However, it seems like Moyong Hi-ah doesn’t really care about this…’
From the get-go, she didn’t seem very interested in martial arts; however, when you consider that the Moyong family is, in fact, proficient in martial arts, it’s about time Moyong Hi-ah starts training again.
Especially since there’s a bloody catastrophe approaching in the future.
Seeing Moyong Hi-ah like this, I decided to ask something else first.
“By the way… what’s going on with your aunt?”
“Ah.”
When I asked about the White Lotus Sword, Moyong Hi-ah’s expression slightly twisted.
“My escort?”
How shocked I was when I heard she had suddenly come to be my escort.
I was told that permission was granted for this.
But no matter how I looked at it, this was something hard to grasp.
As I expressed my confusion, Moyong Hi-ah spoke fatigued.
“I don’t really know either… My aunt was always a bit strange… no, she’s a peculiar person. Even the head of the family can’t do anything about her.”
“…”
So, what Moyong Hi-ah meant was that.
The White Lotus Sword is someone who was given up on even by her own family. That’s what it sounded like.
Oh my goodness…
‘And she got permission, huh?’
When asked from whom she received such authorization, the White Lotus Sword referred to Madam Mi.
I had to be astonished yet again.
‘Why did Madam Mi suddenly pop up?’
It was surprising that the White Lotus Sword and Madam Mi had a connection.
No matter how I looked at it, the situation of the person granting me permission to have her as my escort, being Madam Mi, was quite bizarre.
Reflecting on it made me let out a sigh.
‘Escort my rear…’
At this point, there wasn’t really a need for an escort.
What kind of escort is required for someone who’s reached Hwagyeong?
If there was a title like clan leader or patriarch, then maybe it would make sense.
Usually, even at the peak level, people don’t walk around with escorts.
And yet, here I am with an escort while in Hwagyeong, and on top of that, it’s the White Lotus Sword?
Considering that there’s an obvious member of the Moyong clan already present, I fail to understand what sense it makes for a high-level Moyong fighter to act as my escort.
Did she catch a glimpse of my perplexed expression, as if I were in trouble?
Moyong Hi-ah shyly spoke up.
“I’m sorry…”
That apology broke into a light chuckle from me.
“Why are you apologizing? You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Still…”
Seeing Moyong Hi-ah’s truly apologetic face was somewhat cute… no, it felt a bit trivial.
“…It’s a bit annoying, but it’s okay.”
In truth, everything is far from okay, but I believe something will work out somehow.
I don’t exactly know what kind of conversation led to this situation between Madam Mi and her, but I figured it could only be a good thing that a high-ranking fighter is volunteering to be my escort.
‘No, it doesn’t look good at all.’
I was halfway trying to view it positively.
That’s just it.
‘This is not the moment to get caught up worrying about such things.’
Right now, I had other priorities to handle first, so I didn’t have the luxury to contemplate the White Lotus Sword for long.
I glanced at the moon peeking through the carriage window. Sure enough, it was almost time.
Confirming that, just as expected, a voice echoed in my ears as if it had been waiting.
– It’s time. Come.
“…”
Upon hearing that deep voice, I got up. It was the Dark King’s call.
Moyong Hi-ah looked at me in confusion at my sudden movement.
“Confucius?”
“It’s time to practice, so I’ll go first.”
“Ah… Can’t you stay a little longer?”
“Sorry, but I’m in a bit of a rush.”
Having left behind the regretful gaze of Moyong Hi-ah, I exited the carriage and hastily made my way.
My destination was the same forest where I had encountered the Dark King last night.
“…Tsk.”
As soon as I stepped into the forest, I was struck by the same sensation I’d felt yesterday.
My vision blurred and my senses felt muddled in an instant. It was still an irritating sensation.
While it surely stemmed from the backlash of reaching a state of complete focus, clearly, this was a result of the Dark King’s martial arts.
It blurs vision and dulls the senses. Is it a martial art similar to the Jinbeop?
‘Looking at that, it feels somewhat like Jeokcheon.’
It gave off a vibe reminiscent of the secret techniques I use.
It felt strangely similar to how Jeokcheon commands a specific area with warmth.
The difference lies in the fact that Jeokcheon aids me, whereas this martial art seems to restrain my opponent.
“…Hah.”
Upon arriving at my destination, I let out a deep exhale.
Should I give up before I even get there?
I endlessly debated whether I should simply flee or confront it, but ultimately, I chose to face it.
‘I must face it, even if it means inciting anger.’
I needed to listen, even if it was frustrating.
What’s even the point of this kind of training that deprives someone of sleep?
Even though I doubt the Venerable would subject me to such a thing without reason, it was hard to suppress my annoyance.
‘If I were any ordinary person, I wouldn’t last a day.’
How many vivid deaths have I been forced to endure? If I were anyone else, I might have broken down long before the day was over.
Choosing this bizarre training method left me a bit perplexed.
If someone asked why I endure it without protesting, even knowing the potential consequences…
‘Because I have no other option.’
For now, I had to put my trust in the hope that even a slight possibility exists.
I had to do all that I could.
If I did, then perhaps there stood a chance for a glimmer of hope.
After arriving at this conclusion, I stood still and straightened my stance.
Following that, I pulled my energy as high as I could.
I opened my eyes and said.
“I look forward to it.”
Though the Dark King’s response was silent, it marked the end of my words.
The second night of the Dead’s Night had begun.
As time passed like that.
When I finally opened my eyes, night had faded, and morning had come.
Has it really become that time already?
Just like the day before, I felt mesmerized by the strange passage of time.
“Haah…”
As I lay on the ground gazing at the sky, I slowly noticed the sun rising.
It seemed I’d been unconscious.
How long was I out?
“…Ugh.”
Well, I don’t know about that.
At the very least, I remembered one thing.
Fifteen times.
That’s the number of times I died to the Dark King last night.
Recalling yesterday’s nine deaths, the count had risen.
‘What’s wrong here?’
Is the Dark King angry at me?
Somehow it felt far more intense than the day before…
‘…And yet I didn’t even graze past him.’
What’s important here is that during those fifteen deaths, I didn’t even catch sight of the Dark King, let alone get close to him.
Looking at this situation, I had to rethink my approach.
‘There’s no chance of winning here.’
I realized that this isn’t something that can be resolved overnight.
I’m not sure if the problem lies in the illusory martial arts that darken everything around me.
Even aside from that, the gap with the Dark King is too vast.
It would only be a bigger problem since the Dark King likely hasn’t undergone any similar transformation as the Venerable One.
‘How am I even supposed to deal with this? Damn old man.’
Unintentionally, frustration towards the Venerable bubbled up. I have no idea what I’m meant to gain from this.
Even if I were to fulfill the Venerable’s intentions.
Would I ever be able to reach the Dark King?
“Sigh.”
I shot up in surprise.
I then had to open and close my fist repeatedly, realizing a strange feeling coursing through me.
‘I feel… refreshed.’
Having experienced death fifteen times during the night, my body felt as if I had a restful sleep.
Perhaps I’m just delirious from dying so excessively?
So, maybe that’s why my body feels light.
“…That can’t be it.”
Having contemplated that thought, I immediately dismissed it.
Because I knew. That this sort of ordeal wouldn’t shatter my spirit.
No matter the circumstances, I won’t lose my grip on reality.
It must’ve been that way since my last encounter in the Demon Realm during my previous life.
I scanned the surroundings.
The Dark King, who should have been lurking somewhere, was nowhere to be found.
Just like the day before, he likely vanished the moment dawn broke.
The first thought that popped into my mind upon realizing this was.
“Should I eat first?”
The plan was to fill my stomach to start with.
Now, it’s been three days since I embarked on my journey to Sacheon.
They mentioned that from the valley where we stayed, we’d be departing in the afternoon.
The waiting period felt considerably lengthy. There must be some complications regarding transport.
Should I consider that thorough enough?
Even if accompanying the transport unit, none other than sect members are allowed to approach.
It’s possible to guard the vicinity, but it was stated that I can’t get too close.
‘It certainly feels quite tense.’
In what seems like an ordinary transport, these people in the Tang Family exude a sharp and intense atmosphere.
Are they perhaps concentrating more due to a request from Maeung?
Of course, I had no desire to pry about this matter. There was no need, and given the situation was within the Tang family’s domain, it would be odd for an outsider like me to intrude.
As I glanced at the martial artists nearby, I shifted my footsteps.
‘Where are the kids?’
I was currently searching for the other group.
It’s perfectly fine to dine alone, but I simply prefer to eat together.
Is it because due to these increasingly hectic days, I can only catch a glimpse of faces during mealtime?
‘Could such a trivial reason be valid?’
I don’t quite understand why I’m searching for them.
No other reason seems to come to mind.
I just refuse to admit it.
I just can’t bring myself to accept the simple reason of ‘I’m looking for you because I miss you.’
Tsk.
As I inwardly clicked my tongue, I continued to scan my surroundings.
Usually, at this hour, Wi Seol-ah would pop up from somewhere and greet me.
However, neither Wi Seol-ah nor Dang So-yeol were anywhere in sight.
‘What’s going on?’
Namgung Bi-ah might be sleeping in my carriage or out for a stroll somewhere.
Still, the absence of those two sneaking around without a trace led me to furrow my eyebrows slightly.
I began to worry that something might be amiss.
That wasn’t all.
‘Somehow…’
The number of people encamped seemed relatively sparse.
Not just the figures of the fallen warriors, but even the familiar faces of the rain that were typically visible were now missing.
It felt as though everyone might have gathered somewhere else.
At this point, I sensed it was time to reach out with my awareness.
‘Ah… this is annoying.’
Just having faced a rough situation not long ago, I wanted to keep things light if I could.
With a hint of irritation, I extended my senses broadly.
Immediately, I sensed a flurry of activity from a group of people positioned somewhat further away.
But something about it felt off.
“…This is…”
Not merely the presence felt herein but also an intense fighting aura swept through my senses.
As soon as I registered this, I leaped toward the source.
Had a skirmish broken out?
If only it had merely hinted at uncertainty, then it might not have mattered.
A faint hint of energy passed by. This was definitely Namgung Bi-ah’s energy.
Thump thump thump.
I heard sounds from my body.
Instinctively, my form shifted into a combat stance.
As I rapidly closed in on the gathering distance, I began spotting the crowd ahead.
I propelled myself directly towards them.
Bang!
I descended upon the ground without attempting any fancy landing, hitting it straight down.
Thud thud thud! Dust erupted in all directions, veiling the view as I swirled the winds to clear it away.
Gazing towards the tumult of fighting energy, I took stock of the situation.
“…What is happening?”
Gathered around a crowd of onlookers.
Clang!
With the sounds of blades clashing,
a series of flashes rained down in unison.
Within that chaos, various energies appeared to clash as if vying for dominance.
Namgung Bi-ah’s electrical energy did just that.
So did Wi Seol-ah’s sword energy.
Meanwhile, amidst it all, I caught a trace of the subtle poison emanating from Dang So-yeol.
Initially, I had no clue what the three were engaged in.
Were they undergoing a sparring session?
While sparring isn’t uncommon, I found it puzzling.
These three energies weren’t targeting each other but were inclined towards something else entirely.
At that moment.
Wi Seol-ah launched her sword, directing it at someone.
The golden aura shimmering from the sword’s tip felt exceptionally vivid.
In the midst of all this, did Wi Seol-ah grow stronger?
The sword, following an elegant curve as it struck, seemed remarkably refined.
But.
Clang!
“…!”
As someone swung their sword, the attack faltered, sending Wi Seol-ah reeling backward.
Just as she was about to tumble to the ground, Namgung Bi-ah appeared to assist Wi Seol-ah’s recovery.
“What is that…?”
I couldn’t help but gaze with disbelief.
It was astonishing enough that Wi Seol-ah, Namgung Bi-ah, and Dang So-yeol were working together.
What really surprised me, though, was that I observed a figure moving leisurely as they received the joint assault.
The woman smiled brightly under Namgung Bi-ah’s curious gaze.
“Wow, you pretty girls aren’t doing too shabby! I’m actually a bit happy.”
The identity of the one encountering their combined attack was none other than.
The White Lotus Sword, Moyong Bi-yeon.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.