Chapter: 696
“How was it?”
Some time has passed since I returned to my accommodation.
The time had turned into a proper night.
I was facing the two people who had just returned from the gate.
“Nothing happened?”
“Yes.”
Wi Seol-ah nodded at my question.
It seemed like she was slightly smiling, which was amusing in its own way.
I didn’t ask if they passed.
I naturally thought they would pass. And that was indeed the case.
“You.”
I turned my head to look beside me.
Seongyul stood next to Wi Seol-ah, wearing a rather tired expression.
“… Yes. Me too… .”
“No. Judging by the rotten look on your face, I think there was something.”
“…”
It seems that was the correct answer.
“What happened?”
“… Nothing happened.”
Even though it was obvious on his face, Seongyul seemed to be attempting to pretend otherwise.
Seeing this, I nodded and said.
“Well then.”
If he didn’t want to talk, then so be it.
“…”
After I had shown a bit of consideration by losing interest, Seongyul’s expression subtly crumpled.
Kid, you didn’t want to talk, and here I am trying to respect that, yet look at your distorted expression.
“What’s wrong, buddy? You said you didn’t want to talk about it.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to talk… Nothing really happened.”
“Yeah. I told you, nothing happened, right?”
“…”
What could possibly be bothering you? It was frustratingly unclear.
After finishing my stretches post-training, Seongyul asked me with a puzzled tone.
“But… how did you come out?”
“Huh?”
How did I come out?
“Of course, I came out because I finished it.”
“No… Did you perhaps run away?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Who would run away?
As he kept spouting nonsense, I frowned, and Seongyul hastily added something.
“But once the checkpoint is over, everyone is supposed to wait and return together… When exactly did you arrive?”
“Huh?”
I was left dumbfounded by his words.
“What do you mean?”
We all have to gather and leave together?
“… No?”
I had to look embarrassed due to Seongyul’s statements.
When I asked Bimapa, didn’t she say I could go home? I distinctly asked if it was okay to leave, and she confirmed it.
I returned after hearing that, so what was this all about?
“Is that true?”
Even though it seemed unbelievable, both Seongyul and Wi Seol-ah next to him nodded their heads.
‘What.’
If that’s true, why did Bimapa just let me go?
I had never heard any such stipulations.
‘I don’t know.’
I truly don’t know.
I questioned if there could be some other intentions.
‘But it probably doesn’t matter.’
Since everyone would have seen that Bimapa allowed it, they could easily provide excuses if pressed.
Then it shouldn’t matter. In fact, it’s a good thing.
“That’s enough about that. Have you eaten?”
“I’m about to eat now.”
“Well, I must have packed something separately, so go eat it. You really didn’t have any trouble, did you?”
I asked once more.
At my question, Seongyul’s eyes briefly wavered, but this time, his response was exactly the same as before.
“… Yes. Nothing happened.”
“Okay.”
Now I genuinely wouldn’t ask anymore.
“You said you could rest for the next two days. So take a good rest.”
Since the preliminaries lasted only three days, there would indeed be two days to rest.
‘Well, then the remaining time is….’
I recalled something while going through the gate today, so I thought I should discuss it with Cheol Ji-seon separately.
It seemed I would need to make some adjustments to the plan.
After sending off Seongyul and Wi Seol-ah, I promptly sought out Cheol Ji-seon.
When we met again, he was waiting in my room, sifting through a pile of letters he had collected from who knows where.
I looked at him and asked.
“What is that?”
“A report.”
“… All of it?”
“Um… About three-tenths…?”
Is a third of what he’s talking about just the report?
But as I was about to chuckle at the ridiculous amount of letters, he continued.
“The remaining seventy percent will likely be reviewed by the bookkeeper.”
“…”
His following statement made me cough lightly.
That meant that an even larger amount of information was being handled by Jegal Hyuk.
“Why is there so much?”
“Honestly, I wonder. Why is there so much?”
While saying this, Cheol Ji-seon stared at me.
His eyes were filled with a kind of wrongful grievance.
“Isn’t it because someone is always blowing things up that they have so much to handle?”
“… Cough.”
“Just last month, it doubled. What on earth have you been doing?”
This year has seen an uptick in tasks to handle.
The number of mineral workers increased, and starting from the Shenlong Martial Arts Festival, there were tons of changes to sort out.
“There have been a few issues…”
“Phuh…”
Despite sighing in a tired manner, Cheol Ji-seon continued to delve into the letters.
Even if it’s a considerable volume and complexity, he didn’t seem inclined to quit.
‘Guess that’s just how it is.’
He must be desperately dedicated to it, in his own brutal way.
We both had goals to achieve, thriving on what we could accomplish together.
It couldn’t be anything less than an ideal partnership.
With that in mind, Cheol Ji-seon participated willingly in this endeavor.
“So….”
The guy who was reading the letters looked up and asked me.
“When do you plan on making a move for Lady Bong-soon?”
“That title has been on my mind for quite a while, but it really doesn’t suit her.”
Lady Bong-soon? The term feels quite peculiar.
Upon hearing that, Cheol Ji-seon made a bewildered expression while replying.
“That’s the name you gave her.”
“It seems like the title ‘Lady’ is the real issue, not the name itself.”
“That doesn’t seem like the problem at all.”
A trivial exchange ensued.
Afterward, Cheol Ji-seon let out a drawn-out sigh.
“Quit the chit-chat… What are you actually planning to do?”
“What’s there to plan? Everything goes as per the original plan.”
Essentially, there wouldn’t be much change from the initial course.
Yet, I noticed Cheol Ji-seon looked a little skeptical about my response.
“Will that really work?”
I softly chuckled at his doubtful words.
“Why? Do you think it won’t work?”
“It’s already in the past. No matter how much Maeng messed up, would it even cause lasting damage?”
That perspective was no doubt reasonable.
Since it was such an old issue, even if it was brought up, it would likely be met with skepticism.
It wasn’t just Cheol Ji-seon who expressed this sentiment; Jegal Hyuk had previously echoed a similar thought.
“Past issues typically don’t shake anyone too hard.”
“Of course not….”
While listening, I couldn’t deny Cheol Ji-seon had a valid point.
Unfortunately, they overlooked one crucial aspect.
“But there are still many who get caught up in the past. You’re one of them too, aren’t you?”
“…”
Seongyul silenced himself tight-lipped in response to my remark.
Cheol Ji-seon had aspirations to revive the Jegal family.
Seeking to clear the misconceptions placed upon them by the Meng clan and return to the ranks of the prestigious families was his goal.
That’s why he held onto my hand, participating in these plans.
And he was likely caught in the past as well.
‘Just like me.’
No one can truly escape their past.
After all, the past shapes the present. How could one extricate themselves from that?
This same concept applies to the clan.
As long as they remember the clan’s transgressions, they will struggle to shake off that burden.
‘You can never truly escape.’
Even if the clan forgets their past.
Those who have learned the truth won’t forget it. Trust will gradually erode from the ground up.
Especially since solid evidence still exists; it’s bound to crumble even further.
“So don’t stress over this part and just stick to what you’ve been doing.”
“… Okay.”
“What’s the situation in Hubei?”
“I’ve set things up as you instructed. Once you give the command, my Lady Bong-soon will probably move right away. However… .”
Cheol Ji-seon spoke with an expression that showed signs of worry.
“It seems the Meng faction has picked up on it sooner than expected. I heard Ilryongdaeju himself took action.”
If it’s Ilryongdaeju…
‘An assassin from the secret faction.’
He was the leader of the assassination corps operated by the Meng faction.
Although somewhat overshadowed by the Dark King, he was indeed a commendable assassin.
“That doesn’t matter in the slightest.”
“It doesn’t matter?”
“Yes.”
Yes, it truly didn’t matter.
“I anticipated this, hence the arrangements I made.”
“…”
I had been fully aware that a cabal would likely intervene with my plans.
In particular, it was only logical that Ilryongdaeju would be the right candidate for the job.
“… You.”
Seeing my reaction, Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes widened.
“… So you intended to send my Lady Bong-soon away for such a reason?”
At those words, I burst into laughter.
“That’s a secret. Think of it whatever way you want.”
Cheol Ji-seon’s face shifted slightly, revealing a hint of seriousness.
“… That’s chilling. Really.”
His expression seemed genuinely frightened, which made me click my tongue, then add on.
“This aside, the vital issue concerns the situation of the Taoist King. I’m planning to change that part of the plan.”
“Why? Is the Taoist King’s strength unexpectedly strong?”
“Are you crazy?”
Where would a mere insect fit in?
“But you seemed pleased that he rolled in so conveniently.”
“That’s true. His participation in the Taoist King’s martial arts competition was indeed a significant advantage.”
Since the heads of the four great families began personally attending, the benefits were plenty.
Yet.
“Other aspects aren’t problematic. I just thought of a superior method. If there’s something useful, I should optimize its application.”
“What…?”
“It’s for this purpose: Three scenarios. Listen carefully and commit them to memory.”
I presented Cheol Ji-seon with a request dressed as an order.
The first dealt with how to respond should the Taoist King confront me during the martial arts competition.
The second pertained to the response when the Taoist King does not confront me.
Lastly,
“If the Taoist King should die prior to appearing at the martial arts competition.”
“…!”
Upon hearing this, Cheol Ji-seon’s expression immediately froze.
I took note of that and continued with an explanation.
“Not that I wish for such an outcome. It’s merely a precaution.” The situation demands absolute certainty.
In this moment, no room for error could be allowed.
To prepare for any of these three situations, I needed to give prior notifications.
And,
“Of those, relay the responses for the second and third scenarios to Hwangbo Gaju as well.”
“To Hwangbo Gaju?”
“Right. There’s information he needs to know in advance.”
That old guy had his share of responsibilities.
“I need to lay the groundwork starting now.”
By doing so, it would ease things in the future.
“I’ll write up the remaining specifics and send them to Hyuk. Just manage this part for me.”
“Isn’t that an awfully large amount for just this portion…?”
“Then do you want to handle everything else?”
“I’ll just stick to this work for now.”
It appeared he was well aware that his share of the workload was underwhelming in comparison.
‘Definitely, Hyuk’s a monster, though this guy isn’t lacking either.’
He could handle it, given his capability.
It was just that Cheol Ji-seon was less driven than Jegal Hyuk when it came to work ethic.
Having conveyed all I needed, I decided to rise gradually.
As I scanned the letters strewn cast about the floor, I informed Cheol Ji-seon.
“I’ll arrange a room for you shortly. You can’t remain here indefinitely.”
At the mention of splitting accommodations, Cheol Ji-seon appeared flustered.
“… Huh, so you want me to be alone?”
“If I leave you on your own, someone might come to finish you off, hence an escort is necessary.”
“Uh, yeah.”
At my grim assertion, Cheol Ji-seon’s complexion turned a ghastly white.
But it really was the case.
Just how perilous must this area be?
Should something go wrong, it could spell disaster.
“The escort is… um.”
Who to assign? After a moment of pondering, I casually suggested.
“It’ll be safe until the martial arts tournament, so let’s use someone from the Hwangbo clan to start… Afterward, I’ll assign Bong-soon…”
“Wait, do you mean Lady Bong-soon?”
At the mention of Bong-soon, Cheol Ji-seon flinched and responded.
His face displayed clear disbelief.
I understand that feeling. I can’t believe it either.
But what am I supposed to do?
“What about the others?”
“Everyone is too busy.”
“There’s a capable person right next to you! He looks strong enough…?”
“Bong-soon is stronger than him.”
Not yet, that is.
“That’s not the point!”
“What’s more critical than having a capable escort? Anyway, that’s how it’s going to be.”
“No–!”
Cheol Ji-seon attempted to interject, but I had already shut the door behind me and left.
In haste, I jumped ahead, too wary of him following me with attachments.
In that state, I flew straight towards my next destination.
And just like that, I departed from my place and soared with the moon above for a while.
Before long, I had slightly escaped Hanam and entered a forest.
This was the destination I had hoped to reach. Realizing this, I gradually lowered my altitude and landed in the woods.
Thud—!
Landing, I found myself in an area where even the moonlight didn’t shine.
It was dark. I had visited this place before, but it oddly felt even darker.
Phew.
I took a breath and surveyed my surroundings.
Perhaps because summer was winding down, the breeze felt rather cool.
The sounds of insects chirping accompanied me, and I paced forward slowly, using the sounds as my guide.
Chirp chirp.
The chorus of bugs and the scent of grass swirling in the wind were soothing my insides.
In contrast, every step only tangled and intertwined my thoughts.
Tsk…
The reason for this was not hard to discern.
Right now, I was headed to meet Gu Hee-bi.
Technically speaking, it wasn’t just about Gu Hee-bi…
Heavenly Demon.
I was on my way to check on the celestial horse she keeps.
Even if Gu Hee-bi had her intentions, ultimately, the celestial horse held far greater significance.
So I should have visited earlier.
But that hadn’t happened.
Even now.
Despite the fact I could walk faster, my feet found it difficult to move forward.
I gritted my teeth and forced myself to take a step.
I didn’t want to go.
I didn’t want to see her.
But it was unavoidable.
This wretched contradiction echoed in my mind.
At the same time, memories from our last encounter flashed in my head.
The celestial horse looked very different from what I had known, even down to its sorrowful gaze and voice.
The thought of it made my stomach churn.
Honestly, I didn’t want to go.
I still hadn’t sorted through my feelings.
One.
‘But I have to go anyway.’
There was no other option.
If I explored every avenue yet found no solution, what remained was a direct confrontation.
‘My energy…’
The energy I had exerted to break through the gate lingered beyond half.
Now, the majority was restored.
I prepared my body for a possible combat situation.
What would be the first question to ask upon meeting?
Most likely, I should begin by questioning Gu Hee-bi about my grandfather.
Additionally,
‘I need to inquire about my father too.’
My father hadn’t returned before the day of the martial arts competition.
Mrs. Mi told me not to fret, but still, my mind wouldn’t ease.
Would Gu Hee-bi happen to know the reason behind his absence?
That was what I intended to ask first.
Next,
‘I have to ask the celestial horse something.’
About the Black Night Princess who took her away.
Finding out the whereabouts of the taezgul would be vital.
If she didn’t share that information, I was certain some issues would emerge.
But that was something to evaluate when I got there.
With that,
Tap tap.
As I walked, contemplating my inquiries, I took a short path that felt rather lengthy.
“…”
Whoosh—!
Due to an odd sensation, I suddenly halted my stride.
‘What is this?’
Why?
‘Why can’t I hear anything?’
In the pitch-black night, the pallid moonlight was my only source of visibility.
Thus, it shouldn’t be strange for the area to be quiet, but this wasn’t just simple silence.
All sounds around me had gone dead.
The buzzing of insects that had been pronounced just a moment ago. The rustle of the wind through leaves.
Everything was void.
Complete silence.
I took a tentative step forward.
“…”
My foot met the ground, yet no sounds reached my ears.
The strange, creepy sensation prompted me to immediately conjure energy.
Vroom—!
The ring of the Gu Flame Wheel Technique began to turn, heating my body.
Woosh woosh–!!
Blue flames encircled my entire being.
Simultaneously, I gathered my senses, extending them outward.
In the blink of an eye, I enveloped the entire forest, yet still felt nothing at all.
“Damn it.”
What kind of nightmare is this?
The tension in the absurd scenario pervaded my body.
“Nice flames.”
“…!”
A voice resounded.
“Colors may differ in meaning, but in themselves, they are resplendent. You have cultivated them well.”
A murky, dark voice.
No need to turn my gaze.
The voice emanated directly from in front of me.
“Quality’s remarkable. I quite enjoy it.”
Whoosh.
The spark ignited.
Fire, in a human-like form, approached me.
Shuffle.
When everything froze in place and fell silent,
A flame, resembling a human figure, moved towards me.
Swallow.
I gulped down nervously. Cold sweat trickled down my face.
Kiiiiiing—!!!
My heart raced as I brimmed with energy.
It was a resonance. My flames were harmonizing with this one.
Then it clicked.
Does this flame signify the Gu Flame Wheel Technique?
“So I find myself all the more curious now.”
Despite my wish to speak, my lips remained sealed tight.
“Your qualifications are undeniable. Abundant even, complete and more than enough.”
The flames extended towards my face.
“Why haven’t you continued your karma yet?”
A chill ran down my spine at that remark.
“Additionally. Alongside this… .”
The flame caressed my cheek.
“Why, oh why, have you turned into such an ugly outcast, my precious bloodline?”
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