Chapter: 669
As the sun gradually set, I stood in the midst of a quiet forest, glaring at the figure in front of me.
The sharp eyes and long black hair characteristic of the Gu family were unmistakable.
And there were even those red eyes, radiating heat.
I had to brace myself at the sight so uncomfortably familiar.
The woman nodded and spoke to me.
“Little brother?”
I wrinkled my nose at the long-awaited title.
“…Sister.”
Spitting out those words, not only did my nose crinkle, but my entire expression soured.
The woman in front of me was none other than Gu Hee-bi.
Sword Phoenix Gu Hee-bi.
She was the eldest daughter of the Gu family, and my sister.
And.
There was a heavenly horse sticking its head out, clinging tightly to Gu Hee-bi’s back.
What on earth should I call this damned situation?
It was a mess.
The only word that came to mind was this one.
“Brother, long time no see?”
Gu Hee-bi smiled at me as if greeting an old friend.
I couldn’t muster a laugh.
Hwa-ruk.
The moment I laid eyes on Gu Hee-bi, I instinctively retracted the sacred spear I had been holding.
The energy naturally flowed back to my heart.
Tension still lingered in the air.
I spread my aura around like sharp awls and took a deep breath.
While surveying the situation with my senses on high alert, the Cheonma, who had been peeking out, pointed at me with a finger.
“Sister.”
“Hmm?”
“He followed me.”
Gu Hee-bi tilted her head at the cautious words spoken.
At the same time, I widened my eyes and stared at the Cheonma.
‘…What did you just say?’
What exactly did that Cheonma say to Gu Hee-bi?
Did it just call me sister?
‘What kind of insane talk is this?’
I had no clue about how this situation was unfolding.
But.
“No, Yeon-ah, that…”
“Hey.”
“…!”
Guguggguguk-!
I unleashed a surge of energy from my entire body.
As I fully opened my heart, the energy that had been brewing deep within awakened.
Gu Hee-bi widened her eyes and stiffened at the sudden outpouring of energy.
“Get out of there.”
“…”
As I spoke while radiating my aura, the Cheonma’s expression distorted.
“Come out.”
“No.”
“NO?”
Geeeeeeng-!
As my aura burst forth, a dangerous pressure filled the air.
The fear and anxiety that had clung to me until just then faded away.
I would kill it.
I would eliminate it, getting rid of it from the vicinity of Gu Hee-bi.
That singular thought consumed my mind.
“Then good luck with that.”
I had to deal with it by any means necessary.
If I was destined to deal with it someday, there was no time like the present.
The anxiety that I might not be able to win had long since vanished from my thoughts.
Kill.
With that resolution, I reached out my hand.
Geuggeuggeuk-!
Energy surged from my heart to my arm, tightly coiling around it.
With that, I extended my hand toward the Cheonma.
My fingertips were within reach.
If I made contact, I would grab its neck and tear it off.
With that thought in mind, I extended my wrist.
Kwaak.
Gu Hee-bi, without any hesitation, grasped my wrist.
“Little brother.”
I shifted my gaze toward her cool voice. Gu Hee-bi’s red eyes visibly glowed with intensity.
While her heated gaze shone brightly, the emotions contained within felt oddly cold.
“What are you trying to do now?”
“…”
Chiiiiiing.
I frowned at the heat radiating from my wrist.
Then I looked at Gu Hee-bi.
“…Sister.”
“Right.”
“Is it Hwagyeong?”
“…”
Surprise flickered across Gu Hee-bi’s face at my sudden words.
I felt the same way.
‘…How did you reach here?’
Gu Hee-bi had ascended to Hwa-gyeong.
I was convinced by the heat I just felt and the energy I sensed through contact.
It meant that a father’s daughter like me had made it to Hwa-gyeong.
But how did she manage to get there?
The life force I had sensed until just now had vanished like a dead mouse, replaced by questions.
‘Is this suddenly possible?’
Sword Phoenix Gu Hee-bi.
From her days as a late-stage practitioner, Gu Hee-bi had been dubbed the best of her cohort, flaunting her overwhelming talent.
While she resembled Lady Mi with her graceful exterior, she was equally infamous for her horrendous temperament.
She was dirty and dirty again.
Due to her prowess as a swordswoman, she had originally been given the pleasant moniker of Geombong, but later on, she’d also gained the nickname “Mad Crazy Star.”
Mad crazy light years. Does that imply she’s a madwoman?
‘How filthy must she be for the term “mad” to be mentioned twice?’
Gu Hee-bi’s temperament was particularly notorious even in the family.
‘Someone like me, the nice guy, could barely withstand it.’
Anyway.
Despite all the slanderous gossip surrounding Gu Hee-bi, ultimately, one undeniable fact remained.
‘…That talent could withstand such a temper.’
The sword dragon Youngpung, the most extraordinary warrior of the volcano.
After Woohyuk, Gu Hee-bi carried the title of the best gifted among practitioners.
A small clan in Shanxi that once was esteemed but has now lost its influence.
Many wondered how the child of a once-mighty warrior family came to possess such talent.
‘…What’s there to question? She was simply a fucking genius.’
Just sometimes, a dragon is born from a tiger. It’s not an unknown phenomenon in the world.
‘What’s more—a dog can be born from a tiger.’
Of course, I was the dog.
As I berated myself, a thought struck me.
‘No, was she a dragon born from a dragon?’
From the perspective of someone who had caught a glimpse of her father’s power, Gu Hee-bi’s talents didn’t seem that exceptional.
She simply resembled her father far too closely.
That explanation would suffice.
Yes, Gu Hee-bi fit that description perfectly.
A monstrous woman who bore her father’s uncanny talents.
Being in that position didn’t make it difficult for others to brand her as a genius.
‘Still, it’s strange that she would reach Hwa-gyeong.’
The present circumstances felt awfully bizarre.
‘Where on earth did this come from?’
It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in Gu Hee-bi’s talent.
It merely indicated that it was excessive for the moment.
‘…It’s true that many exceptional practitioners surround me.’
Not just Namgung Biana or Wi Seol-ah, but also Dang So-yeol and Woo Hyuk.
I was aware they were making rapid strides unlike in my previous life.
‘That’s because I made an intervention.’
While I believed only Dang So-yeol had been properly impacted, it’s undeniable that the flap of my wings had some effect.
But.
‘As for Gu Hee-bi, I hadn’t really prompted her much.’
Yet now, Gu Hee-bi had reached Hwa-gyeong. Maybe a talent capable of getting there someday, but the speed of her ascent felt suspiciously fast.
‘Is this also my doing?’
Or was it—
‘Is it because of that?’
I spotted the Cheonma glaring at me. Had it done something to Gu Hee-bi?
No, more importantly, why are they even together in the first place?
Doubts were stacking up.
Just as I was about to exert effort to solve the mystery—
“Brother. Stop it.”
Gu Hee-bi was blocking my intentions.
“Yeon, you too, stop.”
At her words, the Cheonma furrowed its brow. I could see a faint energy being enveloped around her hand as well.
The Cheonma had intended to confront me.
Nevertheless.
“Yeon-ah, my sister is speaking.”
“…”
“Stop.”
As Gu Hee-bi spoke with an assertive voice, the Cheonma’s expression scrunched up before it finally withdrew the energy it had been holding.
I found it hard to react to such a ludicrous situation.
The Cheonma seemed to be listening to someone. How disconcerting was that?
As I observed this with a bewildered gaze, Gu Hee-bi sighed deeply and began to speak.
“First, I believe we should relocate. This place…”
“Sister, do you know what that is and why you’re keeping it here?”
“…”
“Why—if you don’t even know what it is—!”
“Just follow me.”
Gu Hee-bi interrupted me.
“I will explain once we arrive. For now, just follow.”
She said this as she turned away, and the Cheonma glared at me before following Gu Hee-bi’s lead.
“…Huh.”
Watching the scene closely, I forcefully suppressed my emotions.
I continued to fixate on the backs of Cheonma and Gu Hee-bi.
While glaring at them, I bit my lip and eventually stepped forward to follow.
Even in the chaos, my eyes remained glued to the Cheonma’s back.
I chased after the two of them.
Although we didn’t walk for very long, as I kept moving, the sun eventually dipped below the horizon entirely.
I wondered how far we would walk, but we ultimately reached our destination.
In a forest far from the city.
On a hill free from human presence stood a small hut that seemed like it had been abandoned for ages.
Are they actually living here?
Barely considering that doubt, Gu Hee-bi walked right in.
“Come inside.”
“…”
As soon as the words left her mouth, the Cheonma hurriedly slipped into the hut.
That was an oddly familiar response.
In the pitch-black room, Gu Hee-bi waved her hands.
Hwaruk-!
Flames burst forth from the lantern that had remained unlit, revealing a rather disheveled room.
Upon seeing this, the Cheonma tilted its head.
“Sister, you’re supposed to clean today.”
“…Cough.”
Gu Hee-bi coughed awkwardly in reaction to the observation.
“…I forgot as I had some things to take care of today.”
“Yeah.”
“Really.”
“Yeah.”
The Cheonma nodded impassively at Gu Hee-bi’s excuse.
I watched this scene, choosing silence.
Just when I felt my patience nearing the breaking point.
“Yeon-ah, do you want to go out for a walk?”
Gu Hee-bi spoke to the Cheonma.
“Yeah.”
This time too, the Cheonma complied wordlessly, following her lead.
I turned to meet the Cheonma’s gaze.
Then, our shoulders brushed.
I felt my tension lock up.
Squeak.
Thud.
The door creaked shut, and the presence of the Cheonma faded away.
Only then did Gu Hee-bi finally sit down slowly on the floor.
“I don’t have any tea or anything. Do you need it?”
“What if I do?”
“I’ll just send someone for it. They seem to do well after I’ve sent them on a few errands.”
“…”
I could easily guess who she was referring to without needing to ask.
So, was she implying she would send the Cheonma on an errand?
“Forget it.”
I sighed as I declined her offer.
I didn’t need tea in the first place.
“First, explain.”
“It’s been ages since we last met, and you haven’t even offered a greeting? This older sister is feeling neglected.”
“I’m not in the mood for jokes.”
As I grimaced, Gu Hee-bi chuckled lightly.
I really didn’t like that smile.
“Explain what’s going on. Why do you have that thing with you?”
I had only half-believed what Mo Yong-hee had said.
I had thought there was no way that could happen.
But seeing this unfold made it clear that her words held truth.
Gu Hee-bi really was with the Cheonma. What on earth was happening?
At my inquiry, Gu Hee-bi’s smile turned sour.
“That…little brother, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to refer to a person like that?”
“Don’t deflect. It’s obvious you have no idea what that is….”
“I know.”
“What?”
Gu Hee-bi’s declaration made my brows furrow.
Are you saying you know the identity of the Cheonma? How could she possibly—
As deep unease and questions surfaced in my mind,
“We both saw each other at the Black Night Palace. How could I not recognize that sight?”
“…”
I found a cathartic relief, but not relief, from Gu Hee-bi’s words.
She was referring to the young form of the Cheonma she had seen in the Black Night Palace.
At least that meant she didn’t know all the details.
But.
Knowing that, you still keep it around? Are you out of your mind?
Just from that short backdrop, it was apparent that the Cheonma was not a normal entity.
At the very least, not a human one. I was sure of that.
“What are you going to do with something that dangerous so close to you?”
“How can my little brother gauge whether it’s dangerous or not?”
“…Huh?”
Gu Hee-bi’s tone turned sharper as if my words had grinded on her nerves.
“How can you be so sure whether that child is dangerous?”
If I don’t know, who will?
I alone grasp the truths the world doesn’t know.
The Cheonma is dangerous. It’s just that proving it is difficult.
It’s a secret known only to me.
“You could tell just by looking at it.”
“You can’t just tell by looking at it, little brother. Especially when it comes to ‘us’, you shouldn’t say such things. Are you unaware?”
“…”
Gu Hee-bi’s words left my tongue tied. I was not in a good position.
Not only was her determination imposing, but her stubbornness seemed unbreakable.
Of course.
“Sister, I made it clear not to change the subject.”
If she persisted like this, I wouldn’t back down.
“What I’m asking is why you are keeping that thing with you. If you don’t stop dancing around it, I’ll just walk away.”
I was holding back for now.
At this point, Gu Hee-bi’s opinions on the matter held no weight.
The aim was clearly in front of me.
I had resolved not to shy away anymore. There was only one thing left to do.
“Explain. Before I wake up.”
If I woke up, it would be over. I emphasized my point.
“…”
A deep sigh slipped from Gu Hee-bi’s lips.
“If I wake up…? Will I harm that child?”
There was no answer—my expression said enough.
I was simply waiting for her response.
“Hmm.”
In response to my demeanor, Gu Hee-bi collected herself, shifting to a calmer demeanor.
I stared at her, feeling an odd mix of surprise as she composed herself rather than simply losing her temper.
Since it had been years since I last saw Gu Hee-bi, her growth felt staggering, akin to profound martial advancement.
And if—
‘If the Cheonma had a hand in shaping this.’
That turn of events unsettled me further.
“Little brother.”
After finishing her thought quietly, Gu Hee-bi fixed her gaze on me.
“You can’t do that.”
The intensity in her gaze sharpened with her next words.
“Are you trying to insult me now?”
“No; I don’t know if that would apply to someone else, but I know you can’t do that. I’m serious.”
Gu Hee-bi smiled.
It was a bright smile reminiscent of Lady Mi.
It simply didn’t resonate with me.
“Sister, I’m not in a position to listen to frivolous talk at this moment.”
“The reason I’m carrying that child is that it’s a family matter.”
“…!”
At her following words, I hesitated.
I swallowed not only my words but even the energy I had built.
‘A family matter?’
Those words came from Gu Hee-bi herself.
A family matter.
This indicated that the reason Gu Hee-bi had taken the Cheonma with her was rooted in family affairs.
“Bullshit.”
I let out my feelings in a blunt manner.
It felt ridiculous.
“Bullshit? Have you got no qualms about talking back to your sister now?”
“If this isn’t absurdity, then what is it, Sister? Have you genuinely lost your senses?”
Gu Hee-bi wouldn’t be foolish enough to invoke family matters lightly.
That was something I had never uttered even during my rebellious phase.
To that extent, family matters weighed heavily when it comes to kin.
“How could you attach that to familial affairs?”
“Simply put, that’s what it means.”
“Sister.”
“If you knew who ‘sent’ that child my way, you’d realize what I said is true.”
I began to feel a hint of an emotion emerging from Gu Hee-bi’s words.
Who had sent the Cheonma to Gu Hee-bi?
‘Could it be that they’re a blood relative of the Gu family?’
So, is that why Gu Hee-bi insists on framing it as a family matter?
‘Who could it be?’
I racked my brain, yet no names came to mind.
Who among the family could be deemed a relative just for sending something?
‘None but my father, I guess?’
Even if there were elders and sword masters among them,
Ultimately, the head of the household had the final say on most matters.
Then it has to be my father?
‘No, that can’t be.’
I immediately dismissed the idea. My father wouldn’t possibly do something like that.
Even the notion of him sending something like that to Gu Hee-bi felt outlandish.
Then, could it be an elder?
For all their influence, perhaps Iljangro holds some weight.
‘But even for Iljangro, it wouldn’t have gone down like this.’
That left the other elders…
‘Those gentlemen are even more untrustworthy than being absent.’
The remaining individuals clung onto their titles because they held the Gu surname.
This means that they couldn’t possibly meddle in family matters.
‘No matter how I analyze it, there’s no possibility.’
As my query deepened without any solutions sticking, Gu Hee-bi returned my attention to her.
“Grandfather.”
“…Huh?”
What?
“It was Grandfather who sent that child to me.”
An utterly unforeseen figure popped up in my mind.
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