Chapter: 660
A subtle air current flows through the still atmosphere.
Sharpened sword blades stretch out in all directions.
It may appear unstable and somewhat immature, but this is undoubtedly clear.
‘Sword of the Heart.’
The realm of the unification of divine and sword. It was part of the mind sword technique.
What was once invisible is now visible.
Had it been before, I might have wondered if such a thing existed, but now it has become astoundingly clear.
I’m talking about the blades that fill the guest house.
Hiss…
The fragrance of flowers wafts through the swaying wind.
As I inhale this fragrance and lift my head, I see a woman standing in front of me.
Her shining blonde hair cascades past her waist, and her eyes resemble his.
Even though she wore a somewhat mismatched red uniform, her splendid features make it easy to overlook the mismatch.
It was an appearance that overshadowed my previous thoughts of ‘Well, it’s not too shabby’ regarding Bihyeonhwa.
A dedication to beauty.
The face that I admired as incredibly pretty in childhood has now fully bloomed into adulthood with time.
‘A flower.’
A stunning beauty that seems forever caught in spring.
A flower that captures everyone’s gaze has blossomed here.
I roll my eyes and scan the surroundings.
The fleeting glimpses I had at the invisible flower long vanished.
The patrons in the guest house are preoccupied with gazing blankly.
Her cute eyes widen sharply, projecting an entirely unwelcoming vibe.
Even that appearance might seem trivial to me, but it likely isn’t to Bihyeonhwa beside me.
I gently pull away from the hold of the invisible flower.
As I do, the energy that had been swirling all around seems to mellow.
“Ugh… Ugh…!”
Only then can Bihyeonhwa catch her breath, panting heavily.
Seeing that, I retract my hand from where I almost grasped Bihyeonhwa’s neck.
‘That was close.’
Thank heavens. I nearly crossed the line and killed them out of irritation, yet I managed to hold back.
Truly revolting; it was unbearable.
I secretly waved my hand.
Whoosh—!
The energy flutters through the guest house, brushing past.
Others might not have noticed, but it’s such sharp energy that I figured I should dispose of it.
Right after I filtered it out and sent it flying out the window,
I turned to Bihyeonhwa, who was shivering.
“Looks like my guest has arrived. I guess I won’t be able to see you off. It was fun.”
With a sly smile, I speak, and Bihyeonhwa springs up as if she had been waiting for this moment, dashing out of the guest house.
The sight struck me as so amusing I couldn’t help but chuckle.
‘To think I’d see that girl in such a state in my lifetime.’
She had been one of those I regretted not being able to kill in my previous life, yet she was never someone I truly cared about.
Because, frankly, even if I hadn’t been around, someone else would have happily delivered her a miserable end.
‘What had happened exactly? I recall hearing she was captured by the Green King.’
Then again, there’s no need to speculate further.
Among the abnormal beings of the Demonic Cult, the Green Knights led by the Green King are a bunch of lunatics who relish in slaughtering everything—children, women, you name it.
A beautiful woman from the righteous faction caught there?
The conclusion is one I’d rather not envision.
Although the illusions had just faded, people were still fixated on this spot.
Oddly enough, it seemed they didn’t care that Bihyeonhwa had bolted. Seeing this, I let out a deep sigh.
It appears to have worsened in the meantime.
I took another look at the woman still observing me.
A blonde beauty—Wi Seol-ah.
‘… Seems like it’s been just over a year since I last saw you.’
It must have been around the time I left the village.
Surely, that little time had slipped by so quickly.
‘What could have happened so fast?’
In that brief period, Wi Seol-ah’s appearance had only grown more radiant.
Since I last saw her, she seemed to have matured both in face and form.
‘Did she grow a bit taller?’
It rather felt as if she was a tad taller than in my past life.
Maybe it was due to eating well? Ultimately, she appeared to have been doing fine.
“You… don’t you remember what I instructed when going outside?”
“…”
At my pointed question, Wi Seol-ah hesitated and averted her gaze.
Phew.
Suddenly, I sensed a presence.
A subtle energy that had slipped away began enveloping Wi Seol-ah’s form.
Consequently, her presence diminished significantly.
It appeared Wi Seol-ah had intentionally suppressed her own aura.
“Ack…?”
“Ah…!”
A strange, sorrowful whimper echoed from around us.
With a look of perplexity, one could also feel an innate longing to see more.
It’s merely her presence right here, yet it invokes such feelings—it’s not even a human poppy.
‘I had never sensed this before.’
It felt like the intensity of her aura had increased since I left.
‘Maybe her realm has grown significantly; could that be it?’
I don’t think I ever even considered such subtle revelations before.
“… First, have a seat.”
“…”
At my insistence, Wi Seol-ah, still suppressing her presence, cautiously took a seat across from me.
Her expression had that familiar hint of annoyance, yet there was a smirk lingering on her lips.
“Long time no see.”
“… Yes.”
There was a slight edge to her voice. Even that struck me as comical.
I raised my hand.
“Ah, uh… yes!”
At my call, Jeomsoi approached with a blank expression.
When Mo Yong-hee suggested opening an unusual guesthouse, she truly made it unique.
‘I never thought I’d see Jeomsoi wear silk clothes.’
She even appeared quite handsome for a being like Jeomsoi.
It could almost make one suspect they’ve brought in one of the male entertainers.
However, even amidst this, Jeomsoi couldn’t take their eyes off Wi Seol-ah, making me frown.
“Ack…!!”
Only then did Jeomsoi hastily drop their gaze.
“Three of the largest plum teas.”
“Three, three glasses? Are any other companions coming…?”
“No, she’ll drink them all. Oh, is three okay?”
“…”
Wi Seol-ah nodded.
She seemed to be in a bad mood. Normally, she would gulp down five glasses, yet she’s saying three is fine.
“… Huh?”
Jeomsoi looked confused but rushed to the kitchen as it was an order.
I swiftly removed the tea set that Bihyeonhwa had left in front of me.
The unpleasant aroma seemed to linger still.
After eliminating some of the energy, I turned my gaze back to Wi Seol-ah, who had remained silent.
“Long time no see. How have you been?”
“Yes….”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet….”
“Oh really? Then shall we go eat? There’s a street vendor outside selling chicken skewers.”
“Oh, eat…!”
Wi Seol-ah, seemingly intrigued, opened her mouth brightly, only to stutter and change her expression suddenly.
“… No… I don’t want to eat.”
Her voice dripped with disappointment.
Seeing that, I laughed heartily.
It was still the same. I smiled with relief.
Knock knock.
I tapped the seat beside me with my hand.
“Come here.”
“…”
“Quick.”
At my words, Wi Seol-ah reluctantly stood with a pout, slowly approaching, and plopped down beside me.
Then, I ruffled her hair gently.
Wi Seol-ah didn’t reject my touch.
“How did you come here?”
“… I walked.”
She responded bluntly, squeezing her lips together, which made me pinch her.
“That’s not what I was asking.”
“Ugh…!!”
“Do you know how shocked I was?”
The instant I first sensed that energy, my breath hitched sharply.
It was an aura that had no business being felt here.
At that moment, I thought about bolting outside.
Still, I had to force myself to endure the energy that crept nearer.
“How did you arrive here?”
“…”
Knock knock. Wi Seol-ah lightly prodded at my hand while still grasping my lips.
As I released it gently.
“… The lord said to come together, so I did.”
“Huh?”
My eyes widened from that response.
‘You came with your father?’
Is it true your father came to Hanam?
Hearing this surprised me.
‘… Why?’
I had no idea why things turned out this way.
Of course, it’s not entirely peculiar.
Just looking outside now, you can spot sega members and sect representatives who shouldn’t be wandering around Hanam.
It’s been a few years since they held a festival at the alliance.
Despite the recent chaos caused by the Red Monster, they managed to control the situation swiftly.
Now hosting a festival at the alliance speaks volumes.
‘It’s proof that the world managed by the alliance will face no issues ahead.’
Furthermore,
Given the significant flow tied with the establishment of the Shinryongdae and the subsequent martial arts story that isn’t just another festival,
This influx of prestigious figures means they’re celebrating the steps taken by the Murim Alliance.
‘It signifies taking a step aligned with the will of the Murim Alliance.’
This marks a solid declaration of support for the Murim Alliance.
While all sorts of people are gathering now.
‘… But why is my father here?’
Seeing my father here felt oddly unusual.
He hasn’t shown his face in Hanam unless it was something special in my past life.
I couldn’t tell if they had invited him or not.
Even if they did, this seemed like the kind of person who wouldn’t show up for any reason.
“….”
I felt a pinch of bewilderment.
If he’s just arrived now, that means he set out quite a while ago.
Which means…
‘… When I saw him at the North Sea, he was not at Shanxi?’
That implies my father was summoned while I was going.
The strange reaction now made more sense; perhaps that was the reason.
‘He even dragged Wi Seol-ah along?’
What business would he have here?
‘You’re not here to become bonded with the Murim Alliance, are you?’
The reasoning behind all this seemed hazy.
“Tea, tea is served.”
As my questions swirled, the plum tea arrived in quick succession.
I passed one glass to Wi Seol-ah and inquired,
“So, where is your father now?”
If he just arrived, he must have headed straight for the main hall.
That was my expectation as I asked.
“The lord hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Huh?”
“He said he’d be a few days late due to some matters. I arrived first.”
“Matters?”
Recalling something had come up on the way, Madame Mi had mentioned she’d be away for a few days.
I wondered if there’s a connection.
‘… I’m not overly concerned, considering he isn’t likely the kind who’d be stuck in trouble anywhere.’*
Still, it nagged at my mind.
‘Regardless.’
I cleared my mind, returning my focus to Wi Seol-ah.
I pinched her cheek gently while her attention was on her plum tea.
Even as she drank contentedly, she still had that slight frown. Seeing it brought a smile to my face.
“What’s troubling you?”
“… Nothing’s wrong.”
“Then why that face after such a long time?”
Pointing out playfully, Wi Seol-ah’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Exactly… It’s been a while…”
She quickly averted her gaze, perhaps unable to voice more.
‘Hmm.’
This feels like it could stretch for a bit.
Normally, Wi Seol-ah wouldn’t get too upset, but it seems different this time—much more intense.
I awkwardly scratched my cheek.
“Well, is there anywhere you’re hurt?”
“… Yes.”
“You seem to have lost weight. Are you eating properly?”
“Yes….”
“It’s clear you’ve gotten prettier.”
“…!”
“Looks like we should add a bit of weight to that.”
It’s true, she has become extraordinarily beautiful.
This could very well draw too much attention; something had to be done.
But.
“…”
“Hmm?”
Was it just my imagination, or did Wi Seol-ah’s ears appear slightly flushed?
What’s going on? Why?
‘Why does it seem like her displeasure has eased a bit?’
Nothing had occurred, yet it felt like something had shifted. Maybe it’s just the effect of the plum tea?
Maybe deliciousness is indeed the solution.
“Want me to order some more snacks?”
Believing that sounds right, I ask Wi Seol-ah.
Though this place is a guest house, they offer plenty of snacks rather than just beverages.
It was purposefully crafted by Mo Yong-hee to cater to the fact that female guests often spend more.
But.
“Oh, no. It’s alright. You don’t need to get anything.”
“… Huh…?”
Seeing Wi Seol-ah outright refuse the snacks took me by surprise.
Was she still upset? But the corners of her mouth were subtly lifting.
It was obvious. Wi Seol-ah was in a good mood now.
Yet I couldn’t grasp the reason.
“Oh… okay.”
Her gestures while sipping tea seemed lively. Even while drinking slowly, she carried a captivating aura.
As I quietly watched her enjoying the tea, I turned to Wi Seol-ah and asked,
“So, why aren’t you asking?”
“Yes?”
Wi Seol-ah widened her already big eyes and stared at me.
She seemed quite puzzled.
“That woman from earlier. Why aren’t you asking who she is?”
“Ah.”
Ah, what a moment.
She was just rage-filled moments ago and has now seemingly forgotten…
“I’m fine now.”
I tilted my head, puzzled by her saying it’s fine.
“You’re okay?”
“Yes. It’s okay now. She doesn’t seem like someone I’ll see again.”
“Huh…?”
Wi Seol-ah nodded.
She genuinely seemed uninterested now.
Just a moment before, it felt like she was ready to kill.
Shouldn’t one typically wonder about why they approached for an explanation?
It might have been tiresome to clarify, but the absence of inquiries left a subtle sense of disappointment.
Even amid all this.
‘… When did she finish drinking?’
I was sure she only had the first glass moments ago.
Before I even realized it, the three glasses of plum tea I had offered Wi Seol-ah were all empty.
Though we didn’t seem to exchange many words, she must have finished them all in no time.
It must have been scorching hot; how did she manage that?
Caught up in wonder, I absentmindedly stroked Wi Seol-ah’s hair softly.
As I cautiously brushed through it, a familiar object caught my eye.
My previous gift—a hair ornament.
I simply can’t fathom why Namgungbia and Wi Seol-ah would keep wearing such inexpensive trinkets.
‘I need to find one later.’
While pondering this, Wi Seol-ah, who had drained her tea, caught my gaze.
Meeting those sparkling eyes head-on.
“Oh, right. Your Highness.”
“Huh?”
Wi Seol-ah spoke as though she’d had a slight lapse.
“I’ve missed you.”
“…”
“I don’t think I’ve mentioned that yet.”
I flinched instinctively.
My body tensed up.
That only made it harder to respond.
“… Oh, me too.”
I barely managed to spit that out, struggling to find an adequate response.
In return, Wi Seol-ah beams brightly.
That makes me think.
‘Maybe I really need to look for something.’
Especially considering her smile carries an unspeakable beauty.
It feels like I might fall head over heels before anyone else does.
In a back alley of Hanam.
While countless individuals wandered through Hanam, the fastest route to the Murim Alliance remained eerily quiet even during the day.
There were circumstances from just over a month ago that led here.
Everything has been put in place to keep ordinary citizens out of here.
Being frequented by patrolling martial artists, it wasn’t a place for the average individual.
In one corner of that alley,
Creak…!
A woman paced quickly, incessantly chewing on her nails.
The combination of fear and anger twisted her pretty features.
‘… I’ll kill her. I’ll definitely kill her.’
The woman was none other than Bihyeonhwa.
Her wrath was palpable; even the vessels in her eyes were bulging with rage.
‘How dare you…!!’
Bihyeonhwa glared fiercely at the woman who appeared belatedly.
That wretched girl who not only captured all the eyes that were focused on Bihyeonhwa but also dared to intrude upon her without provocation.
And—
‘That face.’
Even the sight of that lovely face induced a feeling of defeat as soon as she spotted her.
The nameless woman had delivered despair to Bihyeonhwa, once esteemed as the brightest flower and the most beautiful in Hanam.
‘Even that worthless guy is the same…!’
A man who was entirely unfazed despite her seduction.
Thinking back, Bihyeonhwa wondered why he acted nonchalant.
‘Was it because of that sort of girl?’
Maybe she assumed that with such exquisite flowers present, her own beauty faded to the background.
Discontent brewed within.
After all, she thought maybe she’d extend her hand towards that seemingly capable martial artist, yet she only came away feeling dirtied.
Bihyeonhwa clenched her fists so tightly that they trembled.
‘I’ll kill you.’
Somehow, she was determined to do so.
Even if she had to sacrifice herself to the old masters of the investigation department to exact her revenge.
The image of herself fleeing in horror and disgrace haunted her thoughts.
It didn’t help, either, that she felt inferior upon witnessing the other woman’s charm.
Unbelievable.
So somehow.
‘At the very least, I must deal with her.’
The man was utterly irrelevant.
Honestly, she had no interest; there were men aplenty in the world. Surely, some would possess more substantial capability among them.
So Bihyeonhwa resolved to target the woman.
If I cannot kill her, at least I need to mar that face.
That face should not exist in this realm.
It signifies that there should never be a flower more beautiful than her own here.
‘I must crush it.’
Before that brilliance can spread, it must be trampled down.
That was the sole thought occupying her mind.
With her mind half-lost to fury,
Bihyeonhwa strode toward the Murim Alliance, her nails drenched in anger and inferiority complex.
Just as she was about to rush back, determined.
Tap.
A sound of water droplets falling rang out from nearby.
Thump-thump—!
Someone emerged behind Bihyeonhwa, swiftly stabbing her in the back.
“… Ugh?!”
Her body froze in an instant.
It was a marking with blood.
Surrounded by the patrol of martial artists, she knew that if she took just a few more steps, she would be standing right at the Murim Alliance’s door.
Yet, amid that gap, someone had managed to mark her.
As the shocked Bihyeonhwa’s frightened gaze shifted due to the sudden turn of events,
“Hmm.”
Someone appeared right in front of Bihyeonhwa from behind.
But not a sound of footsteps could be heard.
That only added to her terror.
“…!!”
Bihyeonhwa’s eyes widened upon seeing the figure standing before her.
The person who marked her was a woman with long, light blue hair that flowed down to her back.
She was small in stature and possessed adorably cute features; someone very familiar to Bihyeonhwa.
“Hello.”
“…!”
The green-haired woman, Dang So-yeol, greeted Bihyeonhwa.
Of course, she couldn’t respond, but Dang So-yeol seemed unconcerned.
“It’s been a while, sister.”
Swish.
The tips of Dang So-yeol’s fingers brushed against Bihyeonhwa’s neck.
Grrk.
As her fingernail grazed the skin, blood trickled shallowly, and a wave of horror gripped Bihyeonhwa’s heart.
Watching her, Dang So-yeol proposed—
“Shall we have a chat? I have some things to discuss with you.”
“…”
“If you understand, move your eyes up and down. If you don’t, you can also move them left and right.”
As if instinctively, Bihyeonhwa found herself moving her eyes horizontally.
“But.”
Dang So-yeol added,
“If I don’t like your answer, I’ll pluck out your eyes.”
“…!”
“You only get two chances. Since you have two eyes, I will pluck them out one at a time.”
“….”
Though she spoke sweetly, her words carried a deadly undertone.
Instantaneously, Bihyeonhwa’s eyes shifted vertically.
Dang So-yeol glanced at that.
“What a relief. I was worried about staining my clothes with blood…”
She chuckled while gently brushing Bihyeonhwa’s cheek with her hand.
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