Chapter: 550
“Brother?”
Just as my ears started to feel slightly uncomfortable from the unfamiliar term. The other person seemed quite flustered, eyes wide as they stared at me.
Even at a glance, their big eyes looked round and bulging.
“Why are you here, oppa?”
I had to frown at Gu Ryunghwa’s question.
“That’s what I wanted to ask.” Why is he here?
“Why are you here?”
“You’re the one.”
We exchanged incredulous looks. Who would have thought we’d meet here? It had been quite a while since I’d seen Gureunghwa. Despite being blood relatives, we left for the Tang Clan Hall a long time ago. Due to the distance, we rarely saw each other unless there was a special circumstance.
‘How many years has it been?’
I think the last time I saw her was four or five years ago. Perhaps due to the passage of time, Gu Ryunghwa appeared considerably different from the last time I met her.
Where did the little girl with chubby cheeks go? She had transformed into a woman who emanated a sense of maturity.
‘hmm.’
What should I call this change? If Gu Hee-bi or Gu Yeon-seo exude the unique sharpness of the Gu family, Gu Ryunghwa possessed a gentleness that coexisted with her elegance.
It reminded me exactly…
‘She resembles our mother.’
Her appearance conjured memories of my mother. As I looked at Gu Ryunghwa’s face from various angles, she was doing the same to me, probably for the same reason.
No, it seemed her gaze wandered more towards my physique than my face.
“…Brother.”
“Hmm?”
“Why… why did you get so big?”
“…what?”
Gu Ryunghwa’s voice indicated her confusion.
Bigger? What exactly was she referring to?
When I looked into Gu Ryunghwa’s eyes, it dawned on me.
‘Ah.’
She must be talking about my height.
Although I had slimmed down a bit, I wasn’t small.
‘Maybe I didn’t slim down enough.’
After molting, my body had enlarged significantly, and it was said I was supposed to adjust it to fit my original size but, that was easier said than done.
‘Everyone around me is just huge.’
Given that the average height of people around me was significantly taller, it was hard to gauge by just looking.
Perhaps this was why Gu Ryunghwa appeared so shocked.
“I’ve grown a bit because I’ve been eating and sleeping well.”
“Not just a bit…? I-It’s grown a lot.”
For some reason, Gu Ryunghwa looked quite aggrieved.
She clearly wasn’t pleased with my height increase.
Indeed, the Gu Ryunghwa I just saw did seem a tad on the smaller side relative to her well-proportioned figure.
‘She seems similar to Dang So-yeol.’
There was nothing I could do.
Most of us from the Gu family are born on the smaller side.
In that gap, the elders and my father were the exceptions; historically, there haven’t been many tall individuals.
In my last life, I didn’t even reach close to six feet.
I was quite small for a martial artist.
Seeing that, it was inevitable for Gu Ryunghwa to be petite.
Therefore, I had no choice but to disregard her complaints.
“… So, why are you here?”
Gu Ryunghwa frowned at my question.
Just as she was about to say something,
“Teacher!”
A voice calling Gu Ryunghwa interrupted us.
This was the same presence I sensed earlier.
Upon hearing her name, Gu Ryunghwa tightly closed her mouth.
I shifted my gaze to the source of the voice calling her.
A young man was walking across the moonlit terrain.
It was clearly nighttime, yet it felt like light was concentrated only on that side.
Whiiing-
Moreover, the wind blowing from his direction carried a subtle floral scent.
Surely, this isn’t just my imagination.
“It’s been a while.”
The young man smiled at me.
With a tall stature, handsome features, and a deep smile, he still had that somewhat untrustworthy face.
I remarked as I looked at him.
“…Yeongpung, of the Xuanshan Sect.”
The young man before me was none other than the youngest Plum Blossom swordsman of the Hwasan Faction and the current Sword Dragon.
It was Yeongpung, the Volcanic Sword Dragon.
“Haha!”
At my call, Yeongpung walked over to me with a sheepish grin.
“I didn’t expect to see you here. How have you been?”
Yeongpung approached me with his characteristic warm smile.
“Yes, the dojo is….”
As I spoke, I briefly glanced at Yeongpung.
“It looks like you’ve been doing well. Quite well, in fact.”
“Haha…”
Even while I said that, I was internally quite surprised.
‘Look at this guy?’
Yeongpung’s martial prowess was extraordinary.
‘You’re facing the wall, right?’
Just a few years ago, he could barely reach his peak.
Now, surprisingly, he was standing on the cusp of enlightenment.
Moreover,
‘His aura has deepened significantly.’
The Hwasan Sect’s style had matured remarkably.
“… What have you been doing all this time?”
I hadn’t planned to ask, but my curiosity got the better of me.
What on earth could have caused such a change during his time in the Hwasan Sect?
Carrying these questions, I ventured to inquire.
Yeongpung, still looking a bit sheepish, replied, “I didn’t think you’d recognize me right away. As expected, you are Prince Gu.”
“I don’t think it’s something you can miss.”
It was ridiculous.
If Yeongpung had tried hiding his prowess, it might have worked. But now, he was actively showing it off.
‘How could you not notice something this huge?’
His presence was magnified.
An overwhelming energy emanated from Yeongpung.
‘So that’s why I noticed.’
The reason I sensed the figure approaching from a distance was because of Yeongpung.
With him emitting such energy, how could I possibly miss it?
“Ah.”
After hearing my words, Yeongpung seemed to have realized something.
“… I suppose I made a mistake.”
As he said that, his aura gradually started to diminish.
The wind around us calmed down, and the floral scent began to fade.
Once all of his energy had dissipated, I understood why he had been radiating so much energy.
“It seems you’ve only recently gained enlightenment.”
“Haha…”
Yeongpung chuckled awkwardly.
He must have had a sudden realization and rapidly grown.
That would explain his inability to control the energy and why he was letting it flow so freely.
Haa.
In light of this, Gu Ryunghwa, who had been standing next to me, let out a tired sigh.
Then, turning to Yeongpung, she said,
“… Please, I told you to conceal your energy.”
“Was I really that obvious?”
“Then it’s noticeable, isn’t it?!”
Gu Ryunghwa glared at Yeongpung with an exhausted expression.
“Do you even remember how many monsters were attracted by Yeongpung’s aura on the way here?”
The powerful presence of a martial artist had likely drawn the attention of any lurking beasts.
“I’m sorry. I tried to hide it, but… it’s not easy.”
When Yeongpung spoke apologetically, Gu Ryunghwa fell silent, perhaps realizing it wasn’t intentional.
“It’s fine… Now that I think about it, the demons were already dealt with by Saji.”
“No, your Highness should have made an effort as well…”
“I have a conscience, too, so you don’t need to say that.”
“… Yep.”
Gu Ryunghwa’s assertive words prompted Yeongpung to button his lips.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but interject.
“So, what are you two to each other?”
No matter how I looked at it, this was an unusual pair.
The third disciple, Yeongpung, and the second disciple, Gu Ryunghwa, together?
Aside from that, it was peculiar that these two, who should be in the Hwasan Faction, were hanging around in the far-off Honam region.
“What’s that about…?”
As Gu Ryunghwa began to respond to my inquiry,
“It was an order from the clan leader.”
Yeongpung interrupted, preventing her from answering.
“The clan leader?”
“Yes.”
If Yeongpung was referring to the clan leader, it must be about the Plum Blossom line of the Hwasan Sect.
“Did the Plum Blossom send you two all the way here?”
“Yes.”
Mixing a rather immature Gu Ryunghwa with the three great disciples who’ve always found it hard to venture beyond the sect?
It was an unreasonable arrangement.
Wanting to ask more, I refrained.
I understood what Yeongpung’s words implied.
‘The fact that he mentioned the clan leader means…’
It’s a crucial matter discussed within their sect, and they cannot speak of it without the clan leader’s permission.
That was the underlying meaning.
‘This means they’re blocking me from asking anything in advance.’
Wrapping my head around that led to my interest fading swiftly.
“Alright, then that’s fine.”
I gave a nonchalant reply, to which Yeongpung flashed me a faint smile.
“… Prince Gu, you haven’t changed at all.”
I couldn’t be the only one who had seen such a drastic change.
“Is that a compliment?”
“Yes, honestly, I believed the Prince wouldn’t have changed. Thank goodness.”
Although it didn’t sound like a thorough compliment, I opted not to nitpick.
“… So, why are you here, oppa?”
I turned to Gu Ryunghwa when I heard the next part.
“Shouldn’t you be in Shanxi, oppa?”
I hesitated for a moment, pondering how to respond.
Since nothing clearer came to mind, I resolved to answer freely.
“Well, you see, I ran away.”
“What…?”
As a self-proclaimed troublemaker, that was probably the simplest answer.
“I just wanted some fresh air. Hence, I ran away.”
Stating that bluntly caused Gu Ryunghwa’s expression to shift immediately.
It seemed a bit pathetic.
“Brother…”
“…I was about to go in anyway, I’m on my way home right now.”
To be honest, I was contemplating skipping home and heading straight to Hanam.
But of course, that didn’t really matter.
Gu Ryunghwa looked momentarily taken aback by my statement, then turned her gaze, scanning the surroundings.
It felt as though she was looking for something.
“What are you doing?”
“Then what about your sister?”
“Sister?”
When I asked for clarification, Gu Ryunghwa responded as if it was common knowledge.
“If you’re here, doesn’t that mean your sister is here too?”
“… No, I mean…”
I found myself stammering, stopping mid-sentence.
I barely managed to suppress the words that were primed to spill out.
‘Which sister are you even talking about?’
I knew that if I spoke carelessly, any affection I held for Gu Ryunghwa would dissolve completely.
As I stood there, muttering, Gu Ryunghwa, looking frustrated, asked me.
“I mean, Sister Bia.”
“Ah.”
Just like that, I was able to nod.
She was talking about Namgung Bi-ah.
“Isn’t your sister here?”
“She is…”
I ventured a bit too far with that.
I was just thinking about how to say this.
“I haven’t heard from her in years. I figured if you were here, she would be too…”
Huh?
I frowned at Gu Ryunghwa’s words.
“Contact? What do you mean?”
“Huh? Oh, I occasionally exchange letters with my sisters, you see. Unlike you, they respond quite frequently.”
“…”
I was struck dumb hearing Gu Ryunghwa’s explanation.
The ‘you’ she referred to was undoubtedly me!
I had never bothered to reply whenever Gu Ryunghwa sent me letters.
It was somewhat bothersome, and I found I had nothing to say.
But…
‘…Who are you in touch with?’
Aside from being stunned at the discovery that Namgung Bi-ah was in contact with Gu Ryunghwa, I found myself focusing on another detail.
Gu Ryunghwa clearly said ‘sisters,’ not ‘sister.’
“Sisters? …Who exactly are you in contact with?”
At my question, Gu Ryunghwa looked at me like, why would you ask that?
“With Sister Bia and Sister Seol-ah… Also sometimes with Sister So-yeol…”
She started naming them one by one.
As the names kept coming, I felt my head starting to ache.
“Oh, but the one I talk to the most is Sister Hee-ah!”
“…”
Seriously? Even Mo Yong-hee?
“Last time, she came over, and we even had a meal together.”
“What the heck? Who did you have a meal with?”
“With Sister Hee-ah!”
Mo Yong-hee actually had a meal with Gu Ryunghwa.
At least I’ve met Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah once, but the likes of Tang So-yeol and Mo Yong-hee must have never crossed paths before.
When on earth did they stay in touch with Gu Ryunghwa?
And also…
‘When did she go to Seongseo?’
When exactly did Mo Yong-hee drop by Shaanxi amidst her busy life?
How come I knew nothing about it?
As this shocking piece of news sank in, I found myself dizzy.
“Ah, brother.”
“Uh…?”
While I felt a little dazed, Gu Ryunghwa approached me and asked,
“Is it true that Sister Hee-ah and I are getting married next year…?”
“…What the hell are you talking about?”
“What about Sister Bia…?”
“What do you mean? Who said that?”
“Sister Hee-ah said… She would probably get married next year…”
“I’m going crazy, seriously.”
What kind of nonsense have you been spilling?
Who is getting married to who?
If Mo Yong-hee honestly told Gu Ryunghwa that, then…
‘I need to catch her and have a proper chat.’
I needed to confirm whether this was just gossip or a serious claim.
Of course…
‘…Not right now, though.’
Mo Yong-hee was currently engaged in business with Madam Wu.
Plus, with the task I assigned her, it’s been hard for me to catch a glimpse of her lately.
If anything, I’d be lucky to see her once a month.
So…
‘When I do get the chance, I’ll have to ask.’
I need to understand what’s been happening behind my back.
While I set my mind on confronting Mo Yong-hee about this later, Gu Ryunghwa’s expression tightened.
“…Did I say something I shouldn’t have…?”
“No, actually, that was very useful information.”
“I think I’ll get scolded by my sister later…”
In a state of anxiety, Gu Ryunghwa glanced at the figure behind me.
Seongyul had been observing from a distance.
“Is that person possibly your brother’s friend?”
“Huh?”
“That… the shaman sleeping dragon…”
I frowned at Gu Ryunghwa’s question.
“How do you know that?”
How on earth does Gu Ryunghwa know I’m friends with Jam Ryong?
At my inquiry, Gu Ryunghwa made a surprised expression and then chuckled vaguely.
“My sister…”
I figured the information came from that same source again.
What kind of sister is this?
Just thinking about it gave me a headache.
“He’s not that guy.”
“He’s not?”
“Do you think he’s a Taoist?”
Of course, even Woohyuk carried many issues that would make it hard to label him as a Taoist.
For now, I chose to feign ignorance for the sake of description.
I regarded Seongyul and offered my vague explanation to Gu Ryunghwa.
“He’s just an acquaintance. Nothing to be particularly concerned about…”
“The Holy Dojo?”
“…Huh?”
As I was explaining, Yeongpung, standing nearby, interjected about Seongyul.
Suddenly, Seongyul flinched and trembled at Yeongpung’s comment.
His expression was one of genuine surprise.
Noticing Seongyul’s reaction, I began to wonder if they knew each other.
‘What’s going on with him?’
He looked unbelievably anxious.
At that moment, I realized it seemed there was something unsavory about their relationship.
*
Saah!
The snow swirled in the frigid wind.
The fierce snowstorm made it impossible to see even an arm’s length ahead.
The cold was as sharp as a blade.
Regardless of how many layers you wore, it wouldn’t be long before you’d freeze.
Consequently, people commonly referred to this land as the ‘Land of Bitter Cold.’
It was a place where not a single day passed without snow falling, and the wind never ceased or brought about spring.
This was that kind of land.
Across this terrain…
Kwaaaaah!
A tremendous roar sliced through the howling wind.
Kururung!
The ground trembled with reverberating noise.
Boom! Boom boom!
Across the quaking earth, a figure clad in furs advanced.
Their destination lay at the very source of the thunderous sound.
Kururururung!
Kwaaaaah!
The incessant bursts of sound would evoke fear in anyone.
Yet, the figure continued walking at a leisurely pace.
As they traversed onward, an unfamiliar acrid scent wafted through the air.
Krrrrrr!
Kwaaaaaaaah!
Although the sounds grew more chaotic, they could discern from the smell and noise that the situation was nearing its end.
Feeling that realization, they quickened their pace.
As they walked a bit further…
Gurrrrrrung!
With the mightiest roar they had heard thus far,
Kuuuung!
Something fell, causing the ground to shake violently.
At that moment, the young man glimpsed something in the distance.
There, on the devastated earth, lay a gigantic, monkey-like beast with red fur, fallen and motionless.
The acrid scent was also emanating from the creature.
“Wow.”
The young man couldn’t help but exclaim in wonder.
“You certainly went all out. Did you unleash your fury?”
The young man spoke in a cheeky tone but received no reply.
Naturally, these words were not directed at the already deceased monster.
His gaze was focused not on the beast but rather on the woman standing atop it.
Dressed lightly, almost carelessly, her loose overcoat giving off an air of nonchalance,
Her white hair tied up simply, yet striking.
Her skin, reminiscent of snow, was impressive, but the coldness in her gaze was far frosty compared to the weather.
Looking at her, the young man remarked,
“Where’ve you been? I’ve been searching for you for so long. Are you just going to stand there?”
“…”
He continued speaking, yet the woman remained unresponsive.
Her demeanor suggesting that she couldn’t even hear him.
But he didn’t stop.
“I understand you’re miffed at the delayed departure. But what can I do? The Ice Palace Master still has tasks for us.”
“…”
“Even if there’s turbulence, I don’t understand why it’s always left to me to find my sister.”
“…”
“Are you lost again? Do you mind leaving breadcrumbs next time to make it easier for me to find you?”
“…”
Despite the continued neglect, the young man wouldn’t relent.
He sighed deeply.
“Sister-in-law, could you…?”
“…Why?”
“…”
Finally, it was only then that he received a response, causing him to bury his face in his hands.
“…Seriously.”
A familiar expletive, a phrase his dear friend often used in jest.
It felt oddly relatable.
With an exasperated sigh, the young man decided to approach the woman more seriously.
“…The princess is looking for you.”
“The princess…?”
The woman’s expression turned puzzling.
She couldn’t fathom why the princess would be looking for her.
“Well, word is…”
Woohyuk continued.
“…Yangcheon said he was curious about that friend…”
“…!”
“What if sister-in-law doesn’t want to go? I could just make an excuse… huh?”
Woohyuk faltered mid-sentence.
It was clear that the woman he’d been speaking to had vanished into thin air.
Just then…
“I’m going.”
At the voice that came from behind him, Woohyuk turned around swiftly.
In the glimpse, he saw the woman striding away, looking as if she was about to leave.
“…”
Woohyuk stared at her in disbelief as she continued her march.
“Uh, sister-in-law, that’s not the direction.”
“…”
At his insistence, the woman redirected her path.
But in Woohyuk’s opinion, that direction was also wrong.
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.